The Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy on March 29, and teams around the league have since requested to interview Cassidy for a coaching position. However, that requires the consent of the Knights since Cassidy is under contract with the team, and Vegas has yet to allow interviews.
Cassidy is under contract with the Knights until the end of the 2026-27 season.
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When asked about the matter, general manager Kelly McCrimmon said that the team is only focused on the playoffs. Cassidy spoke out against the Knights’ decision on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast with former NHL player Paul Bissonnette.
“In this case, there was two teams that asked,” Cassidy said. “That’s public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.”
McCrimmon went on to reiterate that he understands where Cassidy is coming from, but his responsibilities are to the Golden Knights and their current playoff run.
Vegas may be inclined to prevent Cassidy from coaching the Edmonton Oilers, given that they are a divisional rival, but the length of this blocking is relatively unheard of in the NHL.
The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly the other organization that requested to interview Cassidy. The Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch on May 14, while D.J. Smith is currently the interim head coach of the Kings.
