NHL Coaches’ Association Monitors Bruce Cassidy’s Situation with Vegas Golden Knights

The NHL Coaches’ Association is keeping a close eye on the ongoing situation surrounding Bruce Cassidy, as reports emerge that the Vegas Golden Knights have denied several teams permission to interview him for potential coaching positions. Cassidy, who was let go in late March, remains under contract with the Golden Knights through next season, meaning any team interested in speaking with him must first obtain permission from his current employers.

In a statement, the Coaches’ Association expressed their stance on the matter, emphasizing, “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.” They further noted that it would be unprecedented at the head coaching level if multiple teams were denied the chance to discuss opportunities with Cassidy. The situation is evolving, and the association’s primary goal is to safeguard the interests of its members.

Reports indicate that the Golden Knights have rebuffed requests from Pacific Division rivals Edmonton and Los Angeles to speak with Cassidy since their respective seasons concluded. The Oilers’ interest in Cassidy became public prior to their decision to part ways with Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit.

As of now, it remains unclear if any teams from the Eastern Conference or other Western Conference teams have sought or received permission to interview Cassidy. The seasoned coach, who will celebrate his 61st birthday on Wednesday, led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory in 2023 and previously guided the Boston Bruins to the finals in 2019. He was also honored with the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season and served as an assistant for Canada’s Olympic team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are currently in the Western Conference final against the Colorado Avalanche. General manager Kelly McCrimmon and coach John Tortorella are expected to address the media in Denver later today, ahead of Game 1 against the Avalanche on Wednesday night.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.