Vegas Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach
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Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig to head coach
Golden Knights Announce New Head Coach
The Vegas Golden Knights have announced the promotion of Ryan Craig to the position of head coach. Craig, who previously coached the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, will now take the helm of the National Hockey League (NHL) club. This move follows the departure of John Tortorella, who served as head coach on an interim basis.
The decision to appoint Craig marks a significant step for the Golden Knights, as he becomes the fifth head coach in the franchise’s history. His promotion comes after a successful period with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he guided the team to its best regular season performance in the 2025-26 season. This background with the organization’s development system suggests a continuity in coaching philosophy.
Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager for the Golden Knights, confirmed the team’s direction. McCrimmon stated that while Tortorella had expressed interest in continuing, the organization opted to provide this opportunity to Craig. This indicates a planned transition, with the team looking to integrate coaching talent from within its system.
Transition from Interim Leadership
The coaching change comes after a period where John Tortorella stepped in to lead the Golden Knights during a crucial part of their season. Tortorella joined the team in March, taking over after former coach Bruce Cassidy was relieved of his duties. Under Tortorella’s leadership, the Golden Knights experienced a memorable run, reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in the franchise’s history.
Despite the team’s deep playoff run, the announcement on Tuesday confirmed that Tortorella would not be returning as head coach. His tenure was described by some as an interim arrangement from the outset. Reports suggest that the plan all along, following Cassidy’s departure, was to have Tortorella serve in a short-term capacity before transitioning to Ryan Craig from the Henderson Silver Knights.
This interim role for Tortorella meant he had to quickly adapt to the team’s needs, focusing on immediate results rather than implementing a long-term strategy. Unlike his previous coaching roles where he had more time to establish a power base, his time with the Golden Knights required him to jump in and get the team performing without an extended runway. This situation, according to some observers, made his non-return less of a surprise, even after the team’s strong performance in the playoffs.
Craig’s Coaching and Playing Background
Ryan Craig brings a wealth of experience to his new role, both as a coach and as a former player. Before transitioning to coaching, Craig had a professional playing career that included 198 NHL games. During his time in the league, he played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
His playing experience at the highest level of professional hockey provides him with a deep understanding of the game and the demands placed on players. This firsthand knowledge is often considered a valuable asset for a head coach, allowing for a more empathetic and informed approach to team management and player development. His three seasons coaching the Henderson Silver Knights further honed his skills in guiding a professional hockey team.
The Golden Knights, who were the runners-up in the recent Stanley Cup Final, are now looking to build on their success with Craig at the helm. The decision to promote from within the organization, specifically from their AHL affiliate, underscores a commitment to a cohesive system and a belief in the development pathway established by the franchise. The team’s general manager, Kelly McCrimmon, confirmed the organization’s decision to give this opportunity to Ryan Craig on Wednesday.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
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