The NHL Coaches’ Association says it is closely monitoring the fallout around Bruce Cassidy after reports that the Vegas Golden Knights have denied multiple teams permission to speak with him about coaching roles. Cassidy was fired in late March but remains un
Denver — By the time Vegas prepares to open the West final against Colorado, Bruce Cassidy’s post-Golden Knights future has become a league-wide headache.
The NHL Coaches’ Association said Tuesday it is closely monitoring Cassidy’s situation after reports that the Vegas Golden Knights have denied multiple teams permission to speak with him about working for them. Cassidy was fired in late March and is still under contract through next season. which means any team seeking to interview him must get permission from Vegas. according to league rules.
In a statement. the Coaches’ Association said it believes coaches who remain under contract but are no longer working for their club should not be blocked from pursuing other employment opportunities. The association also warned that it would be unprecedented at the head-coaching level if multiple teams were denied permission to interview Cassidy.
Vegas has reportedly not allowed Pacific Division rivals Edmonton and Los Angeles to talk to Cassidy when asked since their seasons ended. The Oilers’ interest in Cassidy leaked last week before they fired Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit. It was not clear from the association’s update whether teams in the Eastern Conference or elsewhere in the West sought or received permission to interview Cassidy.
As the dispute hangs in the background, Vegas has tried to keep attention on the postseason. General manager Kelly McCrimmon told reporters ahead of Game 1 of the West final at the Avalanche on Wednesday night that the organization’s focus remains on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. McCrimmon said he has spoken with Cassidy and that Cassidy understands the emphasis on the current run.
Cassidy turns 61 on Wednesday. His coaching résumé with Vegas includes leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in 2023. Before that. he helped Boston reach the final in 2019 and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. He was also an assistant on Canada’s staff at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Vegas now sits in the West final against Colorado. with McCrimmon and coach John Tortorella set to speak to reporters in Denver later Tuesday ahead of Game 1 at the Avalanche on Wednesday night. Behind the scenes. the question for Cassidy is simple: whether permission will be granted for teams to speak with him. or whether the contract rules will keep other clubs waiting as the playoffs roll on.
Bruce Cassidy Vegas Golden Knights NHL Coaches’ Association Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings Kris Knoblauch Stanley Cup Playoffs West final Colorado Avalanche Kelly McCrimmon John Tortorella league rules