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3d ago

Golden Knights Promote Ryan Craig to Full-Time Head Coach

The internal hire signals a preference for continuity inside the franchise and sets the stage for a busy offseason of roster and contract decisions.

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Apr 30, 2018; San Jose, CA, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant (center) and assistant coaches Mike Kelly (left) and Ryan Craig (right) watch the game against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of game three of the second round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • The Vegas Golden Knights elevated Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate to be head coach after nine years in the organization, saying his work with Henderson and familiarity with players made him the choice to lead the NHL club.
  • John Tortorella, who guided Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish and a run to the Stanley Cup Final after being hired as interim coach, was not retained and has said he is disappointed by the decision.
  • General manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed the club wanted to give Craig the opportunity and told other NHL teams that Tortorella is available for openings elsewhere.
  • Coverage and analysts note Craig faces the challenge of leading a veteran roster as a first-time NHL head coach even as many players already know him from past seasons and AHL development.
  • Observers link the coaching move to immediate offseason priorities, including possible trades for William Karlsson and contract work to keep emerging forward Pavel Dorofeyev under team control.