"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."
Craig, a center, turned pro in 2003 and played 198 NHL games during eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets from 2005-15. Craig had 63 points (32 goals, 31 assists) and 148 penalty minutes in his NHL career.
The Lightning selected Craig in the eighth round (No. 255) of the 2002 NHL Draft.
Craig spent the past two seasons as captain of Lake Erie/Cleveland of the American Hockey League. He helped the Monsters win the Calder Cup last season and had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 71 regular-season games this season.
