“Vegas” is preparing a lineup of coaches for the upcoming season. Craig is the favorite to become the head coach. The rumors about John Toritorla leaving “Vegas” need to be confirmed. Bruce Cassidy remains the coach of the Knights, having won the Stanley Cup in 2023. However, there is indeed a need for changes in the NHL coaching staff. Ryan Craig’s name keeps coming up as a potential candidate for the position. Over three seasons as head coach of Henderson, he established a clear system for developing players, which fits well into the club’s philosophy. His long experience working with the team’s main squad, along with the trust given to him by General Manager Kelly Mackrimmon, make Craig a logical candidate for promotion.
Meanwhile, there are rumors linking Toritorla to Edmonton. The Oilers, known for making sudden changes in their coaching staff, might consider hiring this experienced coach. But this is still just speculation. For “Vegas,” continuity is important. The club doesn’t want to make drastic changes; instead, they prefer a gradual approach, using their established players as backups.
If Craig is indeed appointed, the Knights will have a coach who understands the club’s culture, who understands Mackrimmon’s requirements, and who has proven his ability to work with young players in the AHL. In today’s NHL, where coaching changes happen more frequently, such stability can be a crucial factor in competing for new titles.