LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Ryan Craig will be the next head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Craig spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights. Before that, he was an assistant coach on the Golden Knights' staff from 2017 to 2023, starting his tenure during their inaugural season and hoisting the cup in his final season as assistant coach.
The Silver Knights recorded their best season yet in 2025-26, finishing with a record of 39-21-12 and 90 points and advancing to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights
Silver Knights' 2025-26 season was the most successful in franchise history
Craig, 44, will be the fifth head coach in Vegas' team history. He replaces John Tortorella, the late-season hire who led Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final but made some controversial moves along the way, including costing the team a second-round draft pick for violating the NHL's media policy.
Vegas Golden Knights
McCrimmon holding press conference after Tortorella ousted from coaching staff
Before his coaching career, Craig played eight years in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is expected to formally announce Craig's hiring at a press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at City National Arena.
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One-on-one with new Henderson Silver Knights head coach Joel Ward
Channel 13's Alex Eschelman sat down with Joel Ward, who was introduced Monday as the next head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE: Joel Ward named newest head coach for Henderson Silver Knights
The Ontario native has spent his entire coaching career with the Golden Knights organization, serving as an assistant coach for VGK from 2023-26 and with the Silver Knights from 2020-23.
Golden Knights GM, director of scouting hold post-draft press conference
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon and director of amateur scouting Raphael Pouliot hold a press conference after the 2026 NHL Draft.
