Talk about not wasting any time at all. Just a day after it was revealed that John Tortorella would not be returning as head coach, the Vegas Golden Knights have hired Ryan Craig as their new head coach. A busy day for the coaching world, indeed.
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COACH CRAIG ⚔️
Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has announced Ryan Craig will be the fifth Head Coach in franchise history.
Press release ➡️ https://t.co/VQ9qkUkKYC pic.twitter.com/sOa25R529Y
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 17, 2026
Golden Knights Hire Ryan Craig as Fifth Head Coach in Franchise History
Ryan Craig has been involved in the organization since its inception, serving as the assistant coach of the Golden Knights from 2017 to 2023, then becoming the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate, from 2024 to 2026. Under Craig, Henderson saw a steady improvement in their season records, with a strong last season with 39 victories and 90 points. He also led the Silver Knights to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs before their defeat against the Colorado Eagles.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon and Craig have some previous ties, as McCrimmon was interested in Craig as a coach even from his days as owner of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Even when Craig was still a player, McCrimmon already had his eye on him as the next coach of Brandon, once Craig retired from playing. However, after McCrimmon was brought on as part of the Golden Knights’ management, his vision shifted with Craig being an assistant coach with the team.
McCrimmon Comments on the Matter
In a press conference on Wednesday, McCrimmon addressed a variety of issues, including the fate of Bruce Cassidy, Tortorella’s departure, and Ryan Craig being brought on as coach. According to McCrimmon, Tortorella did want to coach the team again, but he wanted to give Craig the opportunity. As for the reason why Craig was not hired when Cassidy was fired, it was because McCrimmon said it would not be fair to put Craig in that position to start his NHL coaching career.
Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
McCrimmon says it wouldn't have been fair to Ryan Craig to make him start his NHL coaching career in the situation that arose when they fired Bruce Cassidy. That's why they went with Tortorella over Craig in late March.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 17, 2026
