The Vegas Golden Knights hire former assistant Ryan Craig as their next head coach following the team’s decision to part ways with John Tortorella after the regular season. The organization promotes Craig from its American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, where he previously served as head coach. Multiple reports say the change comes after Tortorella was fired or not retained despite leading the franchise to the Stanley Cup Final. After Vegas fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games, the team announces that Tortorella will not return, prompting immediate speculation that Craig could be promoted from within.
One account also links the hiring decision to the general manager’s relationship with Craig: Yahoo Sports reports that GM Kelly McCrimmon and the front office consider Coach John Tortorella a factor in selecting Craig. Another outlet similarly describes Craig as a frontrunner due to his long-time connection with McCrimmon. Together, the reporting indicates the Golden Knights are keeping continuity by elevating a familiar organizational figure as they move on from Tortorella.
