The Stanley Cup runners-up have promoted their new bench boss.
The Vegas Golden Knights named Ryan Craig as their new head coach Monday, replacing John Tortorella behind the bench.
Craig has spent the past three seasons coaching the Golden Knights' AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, where he led the team to a franchise-best regular season in 2025-26.
The 44-year-old becomes the fifth coach in Golden Knights franchise history.
He replaces Tortorella, who joined the team in March after former coach Bruce Cassidy was relieved of duties, and led the Golden Knights to their third Cup Final in nine years.
The Golden Knights announced Tuesday that Tortorella would not return as head coach.
"John (Tortorella) wanted to coach our team again, but we wanted to give this opportunity to Ryan Craig," Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said to reporters on Wednesday.
Prior to coaching, Craig played 198 NHL games between the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.
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