
Golden Knights’ Quiet Offseason Raises Questions Ahead of 2026-27 Campaign
The Vegas Golden Knights' modest offseason activity has drawn criticism, while rival teams strengthen and a new coach steps in.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ryan Craig across Hockey, Football.

The Vegas Golden Knights' modest offseason activity has drawn criticism, while rival teams strengthen and a new coach steps in.
The 2024 fall season sees a wave of new head coaches across the South Shore and Brockton area, each stepping into programs with distinct histories and challenges.

The 2025‑26 season marks a milestone as 21 NHL clubs appoint former AHL head coaches to head‑coaching or senior assistant roles, underscoring the league’s deep talent pipeline.

Former NHL player Joel Ward is named head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, aiming to become the second Black head coach in NHL history while championing inclusivity through the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

Vegas will begin its tenth campaign earlier than ever before, facing Chicago in a matchup that highlights both historical dominance and a compressed schedule.

A look at how the Edmonton Oilers' odds have tumbled from +1200 to +900 in just two weeks, the impact of new signings, and how other contenders are positioning themselves for the upcoming season.

The league’s longest schedule sets the stage for the Anaheim Ducks’ home opener against the Florida Panthers, a contested offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, and early tests against the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, while emerging talent like Macklin Celebrini looms on the horizon.

John Tortorella, dismissed by the Vegas Golden Knights following a hard‑fought Stanley Cup Final, reflects on his career, praises the organization, and hints at a future behind the bench.

Jussi Ahokas, a Finnish coach with a decorated career in the OHL and Liiga, has been appointed head coach of the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. His appointment signals a strategic push to deepen the Avalanche's pipeline of young talent.

From Chicago’s struggling bench to Edmonton’s Cup‑or‑bust expectations, the league’s lowest‑ranked coaches are under intense scrutiny as the new season unfolds.

John Tortorella, the U.S.-born coach with a Stanley Cup pedigree, is open to coaching again, expressing particular interest in returning to the Vegas Golden Knights.

After a sudden dismissal by the Vegas Golden Knights, John Tortorella contemplates his future in coaching, the lessons from a near‑miss Stanley Cup run, and the possibilities that lie beyond the ice.

Recent front‑office moves see AHL coaches Manny Malhotra, Ryan Craig and others transition to NHL teams, promising fresh tactical direction and stability.

Several AHL coaches have been elevated to NHL head or staff positions this summer, bringing experience and a track record of success to new teams.

The Golden Knights stayed quiet on the first day of free agency, focusing on contract extensions, strategic trades, and preserving cap space for future upgrades.

The National Hockey League is witnessing a fundamental shift in how teams manage the most demanding position on the ice. With the regular season now stretched to 84 games, clubs are increasingly turning to shared goaltending arrangements, spreading the workload across multiple netminders to preserve performance and reduce injury risk.

Mark Letestu is set to join the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a blend of AHL success and NHL playing experience to the bench.

The Golden Knights have limited salary‑cap room and a crowded roster, forcing tough decisions on veteran contracts and young talent as the offseason unfolds.

Joel Ward, a veteran of 11 NHL seasons and longtime assistant with the Vegas Golden Knights, has been promoted to head coach of the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, joining an exclusive group of Black coaches in the league’s nine‑decade history.

Joel Ward’s journey through university hockey, a decade in the NHL, and his rise to head coach of the Henderson Silver Knights illustrates a rare blend of resilience and leadership.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are actively shaping their roster for next season, targeting veteran defensemen and forwards while preparing for the upcoming NHL Draft in Buffalo.

The NHL franchise announced Craig’s promotion, highlighting his playing history with the Penguins and AHL affiliate, and the team’s recent deep playoff run under Tortorella.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured Darren Raddysh on an eight‑year deal, while the NHL’s buyout window opens amid a flurry of player moves and the return of veteran coach Mike Babcock to Edmonton.

After years of service as an assistant and a Stanley Cup victory as a player, Ryan Craig is now the fifth head coach in Vegas Golden Knights history, tasked with steering the team forward while honoring its established culture.