Ryan Craig was born January 6, 1982 in Abbotsford, B.C. The eighth round, 255th overall selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Craig is a graduate of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings.
An offensively gifted forward, Craig played five full seasons in Brandon registering 268 points (137-131-268) capturing numerous honours including; CHL Humanitarian of the Year (2003) and WHL East First All-Star Team. Following an impressive junior career, Craig made his professional debut during the 2003-04 season, splitting his time between the AHLs Hershey Bears and the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots.
In 2004-05, Craig joined the AHL's Springfield Falcons and went on to register 41 points on the strength of 27 goals before going on to make his NHL debut with Tampa Bay during the 2005-06 season.
On July 2, 2010, as an ubnrestricted free agent, Craig signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.