Las Vegas Golden Knights Hire Ryan Craig as New Head Coach

The Las Vegas Golden Knights have promoted Ryan Craig as their new head coach, replacing John Tortorella. Craig, 44, takes over a team with high expectations after a deep playoff run and in an organization not known for its patience.

Craig was the Silver Knights' coach for the past three seasons and led the team to a 39-21-12 record this season, advancing to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs. He has been in the Golden Knights organization all nine seasons.

This marks the fifth coach in the Golden Knights' short history and third this calendar year. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said that Craig is 'ready to be an NHL head coach' and that 'He's ready to take over a team with high expectations.'

Craig's appointment comes after the Golden Knights announced that Tortorella wouldn't be returning as head coach. McCrimmon expressed his gratitude to Tortorella for turning the team around and leading them to the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite the new coach, the Golden Knights are expected to have a successful season ahead. They acquired Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade deal and he led all skaters in this year's playoffs with 29 points.

The team also has several injured players including center William Karlsson who is scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken wrist. Defenseman Noah Hanifin played through an upper-body injury that would have kept him out for up to two months.

Defenseman Brayden McNabb wore a cage to protect his face after taking a puck in Game 2 at Carolina.