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Golden Knights Name Ryan Craig Head Coach

6/18/2026

Summary

Craig Named Coach

GM Kelly McCrimmon announced on June 17, 2026 that Ryan Craig will be the Vegas Golden Knights’ head coach.
Craig, 44, becomes the franchise’s fifth head coach after posting a 39-21-12 record and 90 points with the Henderson Silver Knights in 2025-26.
He spent six seasons as a Golden Knights assistant (2017-2023), helped win the 2023 Stanley Cup, and will be introduced Thursday, saying he is ready to lead.

Summary

Tortorella Forfeits Pick

Knights forfeited a second-round pick after John Tortorella broke NHL media rules.
2026 Stanley Cup Final saw Karlsson need surgery, Hanifin play injured, McNabb wear a cage.
Mitch Marner said he focused on mental health for years, crediting teammates and family.
Kelly McCrimmon said Craig’s nine-year tenure was a factor in his promotion.
Henderson Silver Knights posted a 39-21-12 record, 90 points and made Calder Cup second round in 2025-26.

Summary

Leafs Hire Hiller

The Toronto Maple Leafs hired former Los Angeles Kings coach Jim Hiller on Wednesday.
GM Kelly McCrimmon says John Tortorella’s contract ends June 30 and he is available to other teams.
The Edmonton Oilers, the only NHL team with an open head-coach slot, interview Mike Babcock.
Bruce Cassidy, fired March 29, missed an interview after league permission fell through.
Craig led the Henderson Silver Knights to raise wins from 28 in 2023-24 to 39 in 2025-26.

Summary

Knights Free Agency

The Golden Knights will start the 2026-27 season with roughly $4.625 million in salary-cap space, per PuckPedia.
Core players Dorofeyev, Eichel, Hanifin, Hertl, Marner, McNabb, Stone and Theodore remain under contract, yet the team faces eight unrestricted-free-agent players—including Stone, Karlsson, Hart, Andersson, Sissons and Lauzon—when free agency opens on July 1.
Acquiring Rasmus Andersson in January required the Knights to give up Zach Whitecloud and a first-round draft pick.

History

Historical Context

After the owners locked out players on September 16, 2004 and cancelled the 2004-05 season on February 16, 2005, the new collective bargaining agreement imposed a hard salary cap tied to 54 % of league revenue, starting at $39 million. Commissioner Gary Bettman’s deal still governs roster construction, forcing teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights to balance star contracts with depth under the cap.

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Craig Named Coach

GM Kelly McCrimmon announced on June 17, 2026 that Ryan Craig will be the Vegas Golden Knights’ head coach.
Craig, 44, becomes the franchise’s fifth head coach after posting a 39-21-12 record and 90 points with the Henderson Silver Knights in 2025-26.
He spent six seasons as a Golden Knights assistant (2017-2023), helped win the 2023 Stanley Cup, and will be introduced Thursday, saying he is ready to lead.

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