Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon was categorical in saying that the outsiders feeds into their so-called villainous reputation.

Sports broadcaster Taylor Rocha on her official X account shared a video in which the Golden Knights GM was talking about the hate for the franchise from the outside. It was in response to a question about a nationwide poll in the US, which made Vegas the most hated team among fans, as per a report from the NHL.

“It's jealousy, and people are uncomfortable admitting we've done a h***of a job,” McCrimmon said, as per the video post from Rocha on X.

Since the Golden Knights came into existence as an NHL expansion team in the 2017-18 season, they have been amongst the best-performing sides on the ice.

Vegas made the Stanley Cup Final in their first-ever season in 2018 under head coach Gerard Gallant. In 2023, they secured their first Cup title in history under Bruce Cassidy in their second final at the expense of the Florida Panthers in five games.

This past season ended with a defeat for them in six games in their third Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.

​“I think people have a hard time explaining why we win as much as we do,” McCrimmon remarked in the press conference about the success of Vegas in the NHL.

Moreover, in their first nine NHL seasons, the Golden Knights have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs eight times while winning the division title five times.

They have managed to win 76 games in the playoffs, amounting to 15 series, which led to three Western Conference titles and a Cup title.

Golden Knights Appointed Ryan Craig As Their New Head Coach

​Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon confirmed the appointment of Ryan Craig as their new head coach on Wednesday, June 17. Craig replaced John Tortorella in the role after the latter was let go despite showing interest in continuing with the Golden Knights.

While a decision from McCrimmon left Tortorella “disappointed,” he did push the case of the 67-year-old to find a head coach position in other NHL teams.

“I know he [John Tortorella] was disappointed because he did want to coach our team,” McCrimmon said, as per the report published in Heavy.com. He wanted people to know he wants to keep coaching. I’ve let all 31 NHL teams know that he’s interested in continuing to coach, and if he gets that opportunity, I’d be happy for him.”

McCrimmon was also questioned about not appointing Craig as the head coach instead of Tortorella after firing Bruce Cassidy in March this year.

“I don’t think it would have been fair to Ryan Craig to start his career as a coach that way,” Vegas GM said, per NHL.

Craig has been a part of the Golden Knights coaching staff as an assistant for six years, from 2017 to 2023, before managing their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.

Will the Vegas Golden Knights continue their good run in the NHL in the coming seasons and win their second Stanley Cup title? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi