The Vegas Golden Knights hire Ryan Craig as their next head coach after John Tortorella leaves the organization. Multiple reports say Craig is promoted from within the franchise, with Yahoo Sports noting he previously coached with the Golden Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson. The team’s decision follows Tortorella’s release after the Golden Knights’ playoff run, where they reach the Stanley Cup Final and lose to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
According to Yahoo Sports and Times of India, Craig is selected in part because of his connection to Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon. Times of India reports that NHL insiders view Craig as the front-runner due to that long-standing relationship. Yahoo Sports also frames Tortorella as a factor in the hiring decision, stating that the front office’s consideration of Tortorella is part of why Craig gets the role.
Craig, 44, is described as a former Tampa Bay Lightning forward and is named as the newest head coach of the Golden Knights, replacing Tortorella as the franchise looks ahead to the next season.
