Ryan Craig, a familiar face within the Golden Knights organization, was officially introduced as the team’s fifth head coach on Thursday at City National Arena. The 44-year-old, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2017, steps into a role that comes with high expectations after the Knights fell two wins short of a Stanley Cup championship.
“I believe I’m ready for this,” Craig said, his voice thick with emotion as he thanked his family — wife Jaydee, daughters Kylie and Camryn, and son Carson. “This doesn’t happen without them.”
Craig replaces John Tortorella, who took over as interim coach on March 29 and led the team to a 21-6-1 record and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost in six games. Tortorella had expressed interest in returning, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon opted to promote Craig, citing his deep roots in the organization.
“His time is now,” McCrimmon said.
Craig began his coaching career as an assistant under Gerard Gallant, then served under Pete DeBoer and Bruce Cassidy, including the 2023 championship season. He spent the last two seasons as head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, leading them to a Calder Cup playoff berth in 2025-26.
“I’ve been here nine years. I understand the standards and the culture of the organization. I’m proud to lead it and represent it.”
Craig acknowledged learning from each of his predecessors. “My job is to be Ryan Craig, but you also have to take pieces and things that you’ve learned along the way with all these guys that I’ve worked with, and then implement those if you believe in them, or you make a different decision.”
He does not anticipate major stylistic changes, noting the Silver Knights already employed similar systems. “There will be some tweaks, but I am excited to get with the group and put my stamp on it while continuing what’s been built here over the past few years.”
McCrimmon said no decisions have been made on Craig’s coaching staff. Assistants Dom Ducharme, John Stevens, and Joel Ward were praised by Tortorella for their work. Ward is considered a top candidate to replace Craig in Henderson.
Craig, an eighth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2002, debuted in the NHL under Tortorella in 2005. He now becomes the third-youngest head coach in the league, behind San Jose’s Ryan Warsofsky (38) and Pittsburgh’s Dan Muse (43).
