Golden Knights' 1st coach gets job in Kontinental Hockey League

Gerard Gallant, the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural coach, has been named head coach of the Shanghai Dragons in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, marking his return to coaching after being out since 2023.

The 61-year-old Canadian signed a two-year contract with the KHL's only Chinese-based franchise, bringing along longtime assistant Mike Kelly. Gallant faces the challenge of turning around a team that has missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons. His coaching resume includes leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their debut season, earning him the Jack Adams Award, and taking the New York Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final.

• Won 369 games across 11 coaching seasons with Columbus, Florida, Vegas, and New York
• Led Golden Knights to Stanley Cup Final and Eastern Conference Final with Rangers
• Shanghai Dragons haven't made playoffs in eight straight seasons
• Contract includes longtime assistant coach Mike Kelly joining the staff