Vegas Golden Knights Hire Ryan Craig as an Assistant Coach

Former NHL’er Ryan Craig joins the Vegas Golden Knights coaching staff.

Things are really starting to take shape for the Vegas Golden Knights. The front office is going to be very busy for General Manager George McPhee at least for the next month and a half or so. And Gerard Gallant has already started to put together his crew behind the bench.

Yesterday the team announced the hiring of Mike Kelly to the coaching staff. For those who don’t know Kelly, he and Gallant are long time friends and coached together back in juniors for the Saint John Sea Dogs. But today, the Golden Knights added another coach to their collection and it’s a surprising choice, to say the least.

The Vegas Golden Knights announced the hiring of Ryan Craig to the coaching staff. Gallant made an interesting selection, to put it mildly. Craig just played hockey this season for the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The announcement also means that he has retired from playing hockey at the age of 35 years old.

Craig always had an excellent leadership quality as a player, and it shows because he captained four professional hockey teams. One of those being the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, who ended up winning the Calder Cup in 2015-16. Craig also played 198 NHL games split between the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.

It’s unknown what Craig will be in charge of as roles will be discussed at a later date when the staff is full. Here’s a short clip on Craig talking about his transition to a coach and retirement:

The Vegas Golden Knights website noted that Craig and Assistant General Manger Kelly McCrimmon also have a working relationship that’s been running for more than 20 years. It ranges back when McCrimmon was the Owner of the Brandon Wheat Kings and when Craig played for the same club. This hire feels like it has McCrimmon’s hands all over it.

Next: Vegas Golden Knights Hire Their First Assistant Coach.

Looking at other NHL coaching staffs, it seems as if the Golden Knights will hire at least two to three more coaches to their workforce. Like Gallant said, assembling his team should get all done within two weeks, and he’s already ahead of the curve. Although I’m not certain, I would expect the hiring of a goalie coach next on Gallant’s list.