The offseason has been kind to Ryan Craig as he goes from captain to coach.
Craig was announced today as an assistant coach to the Vegas Golden Knights' coaching staff. He joins head coach Gerard Gallant and assistant coach Mike Kelly on the staff.
NEWS: The Golden Knights have hired Ryan Craig as an Assistant Coach.
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 9, 2017
Hear from him as he discusses his new role with our team. #BoldInGold pic.twitter.com/MbOUOtDyL9
He served as the captain of the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate for five seasons, spanning two organizations. Craig saw minimal NHL ice later in his career but was a catalyst in the Monsters' Calder Cup playoff run.
This past season with the Monsters, Craig played in 71 games, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for a total of 22 points. Those totals were his worst point per game output in the AHL since his rookie year in the league.
Craig played 711 games in the AHL and scored 172 goals and 188 assists for 360 points.
Gallant was more than open in his praise of Craig in a press release from the team.
"I am proud to add Ryan as an assistant coach," Gallant said. "He is well-respected in the hockey community and has been a tremendous leader throughout his playing career, both on and off the ice. I am confident that the leadership characteristics he exuded as a player will translate well behind the bench in his new role as an assistant coach."
The expansion draft is just under two weeks away, it appears now that the Blue Jackets will be losing two significant pieces of their organization.
