The Golden Knights’ surprising Stanley Cup run has been built on a mix of leadership and late-season adjustments, with former players now shaping the team’s future. Gerard Gallant, who led Vegas to its first Cup Final, remains a key figure in the franchise’s history, while Bruce Cassidy—another former player—has since won a championship with the team. The hiring of head coach John Tortorella in the final stretch of last season marked a bold move, as he guided the club through a critical stretch of the playoffs. His impact on the roster’s chemistry and strategy could define the next chapter for a franchise still finding its identity.

Gerard Gallant took the inaugural Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup Final. Bruce Cassidy won a Cup with Vegas. John Tortorella was hired with eight games left in the regular season last spring and took ...