The 2026 NHL Playoffs have delivered plenty of drama, and with the Conference Finals wrapping up, the fallout is already becoming a talking point. From rumors of unexpected coaching changes to major organizational shifts, here’s a rundown of the key storylines emerging so far.
John Tortorella took over the Golden Knights late in the season (March 29) and has been exactly the right fit. Already on their way to the playoffs, Vegas did what Vegas does, and flipped the script on what normal teams do, firing their coach with eight games left and going with the most polarizing option on the market. Since his arrival, they have looked like a completely different team — structured, physical, and mentally tough.
They just swept the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final to reach the Stanley Cup Final, and if they win the Stanley Cup, Tortorella will get a ton of credit for their success.
Yet, there’s an underlying sense that the Golden Knights might not re-sign him. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman isn’t sold Torts stays long-term and on his most 32 Thoughts podcast the NHL insider noted that Ryan Craig, who is the head coach for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League, was pegged as the favorite to take over behind the bench. He still might be.
What happens to Tortorella if he’s not re-signed to coach in Vegas next season?
What does that mean for Tortorella? “If Vegas isn’t extending him, we know Edmonton is waiting.” He added, “Maybe it’s not the Oilers, but somebody’s going to be looking at this and saying, ‘Hey, if Vegas doesn’t want him, we’ll gladly take him.”
On the other side of that sweep, the mood in Colorado is different. After dominating the regular season, the Avs were bounced 4-0 by Vegas in the WCF. Jared Bednar’s job security is unclear, with some arguing the disappointing loss means it’s time for a new voice despite his past success (including the 2022 Cup).
Ironically, it’s been Tortorella who has been the loudest voice telling the media not to jump all over Bednar.