The NHL Coaches Association is criticizing the Vegas Golden Knights for blocking their former head coach Bruce Cassidy from pursuing interview opportunities with other teams.
Cassidy, who guided the Golden Knights to their 2023 Stanley Cup title, was dismissed on March 29 during his fourth campaign with the organization. The team brought in veteran head coach John Tortorella as his replacement.
According to ESPN’s Tuesday report, both the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have sought permission to interview Cassidy for their head coaching vacancies. Vegas has rejected these requests, citing that Cassidy remains under contract for another year with $4.5 million still owed to him.
“The NHLCA has been closely monitoring the situation involving Bruce Cassidy,” the association said in a statement. “While we respect the league’s rules and processes, it is our position that coaches who remain under contract, but are no longer working for their Club, should not be prevented from pursuing other employment opportunities.
“It would be unprecedented at the head coaching level should multiple teams be denied permission to speak with Coach Cassidy. The situation is still unfolding, but our priority is to protect the interests of our members in this type of circumstance.”
Vegas General Manager Kelly McCrimmon stated Tuesday that he has discussed the matter with Cassidy, who “understands” the circumstances. McCrimmon noted that the Golden Knights’ current playoff campaign — they begin Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Wednesday evening against Colorado — is another consideration in their decision-making process.
