League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Golden Knights begin season against Blackhawks with new coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 1:36 AM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Golden Knights begin season against Blackhawks with new coach

Summary

The Golden Knights start the 2026-27 NHL season on September 30 against the Chicago Blackhawks in Las Vegas. The Knights, fresh off their Stanley Cup Final appearance, retain key players like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner while introducing newly appointed head coach Ryan Craig. After developing in the AHL, Trevor Connelly is expected to play a significant role as he replaces Pavel Dorofeyev, who was traded. Carter Hart, who joined last season, will take the starting goaltending position. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are without rookie Connor Bedard, recovering from shoulder surgery, but welcome back Patrick Kane for the first time in three years.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Golden Knights open season against Blackhawks on September 30.
•Ryan Craig replaces John Tortorella as head coach.
•Trevor Connelly takes on larger role for Golden Knights.
•Carter Hart expected to start in goal for Vegas.
•Blackhawks' Connor Bedard misses opener due to injury.

Latest Updates

1:36 AMYahoo Sports — Golden Knights Open Season With New Coach, Familiar Expectations

What they're saying

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The Golden Knights open the 2026-27 season with a new coach, plenty of familiar stars and high expectations after reaching the Stanley Cup Final last season.
— Yahoo Sports

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