Knights appoint Ryan Craig as new NHL head coach after Tortorella's departure
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 1:40 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights have announced the promotion of Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate to head coach of the NHL team as of June 17, 2026. This decision follows the previous day’s announcement that John Tortorella would no longer continue in the coaching position. Craig has led the AHL team and now takes on the challenge of coaching at the NHL level. The Knights will look to Craig to steer the team in the upcoming season and address areas needing improvement.
- •Ryan Craig promoted from AHL to NHL head coach.
- •John Tortorella's departure led to the coaching vacancy.
- •Craig's experience includes leading the Knights' AHL affiliate.
- •The promotion was officially announced on June 17, 2026.
- 1:40 AMYahoo Sports — Former Lightning Forward Named New Head Coach of the Golden Knights
- 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Vegas Golden Knights hire Ryan Craig as next head coach
- 7:02 PMESPN — Knights promote Craig from AHL to be new coach
- 5:07 PMNHL News — Vegas Golden Knights Name Ryan Craig as Team's Head Coach - NHL.com
"Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Craig has been named the newest head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, replacing the first NHL head coach he ever played under, John Tortorella.
"The Golden Knights promoted Ryan Craig, who coached their AHL affiliate, to lead their NHL team on Wednesday after moving on from John Tortorella a day earlier.
"After falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games, the Vegas Golden Knights have hired former assistant Ryan Craig as their next head coach.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 1:40 AMFormer Lightning Forward Named New Head Coach of the Golden Knights
Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Craig has been named the newest head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, replacing the first NHL head coach he ever played under, John Tortorella.
- ESPNJun 17, 2026, 7:02 PMKnights promote Craig from AHL to be new coach
The Golden Knights promoted Ryan Craig, who coached their AHL affiliate, to lead their NHL team on Wednesday after moving on from John Tortorella a day earlier.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:07 PMVegas Golden Knights hire Ryan Craig as next head coach
After falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games, the Vegas Golden Knights have hired former assistant Ryan Craig as their next head coach.
- NHL NewsJun 17, 2026, 5:07 PMVegas Golden Knights Name Ryan Craig as Team's Head Coach - NHL.com
Craig becomes the fifth head coach in Vegas franchise history after spending the past three seasons leading AHL Henderson
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