Knights appoint Ryan Craig as new NHL head coach after Tortorella's departure
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 6:26 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 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.
- 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
"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- 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.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 6:17 PMHow Did Jordan Staal and the Canes Steal the Vegas Chip?
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 6:15 PMVegas opens coaching door for Bruce Cassidy amid Oilers’ vacancy
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 5:50 PMVegas’ Run Shows How Close the Mammoth are to Contention
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 2:34 PMLeafs hire Hiller as head coach ahead of NHL draft top pick
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 1:26 PMDevils Daily: Dispelled Rumor; Free-Agent Big Board; Shocking Dismissal
- NHL•Jun 17, 2026, 12:49 PMStanley Cup playoffs: NHL draws highest-ever postseason ratings, best Final since 2019
