Oilers Eye Babcock as Golden Knights Hold Tight to Cassidy

Fans hoping the Vegas Golden Knights will reconsider their stance on Bruce Cassidy after the playoffs may want to temper their expectations. NHL insider Darren Dreger provided an update on Cassidy’s situation during a recent appearance on Edmonton Sports Talk’s The Nielson Show.

Dreger noted that while there’s a slight chance the Golden Knights could relent and allow the Oilers to speak with Cassidy, he remains skeptical. “It is possible that Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights relent, and they allow the Oilers to have permission and get to Cassidy. I highly, highly, highly doubt that,” Dreger stated. His insights were informed by discussions with sources close to the situation.

The Golden Knights have made it clear that they do not wish to see Cassidy coaching the Oilers. They are so committed to this decision that they are willing to pay him $4.5 million next season to stay away from Edmonton. Meanwhile, the Knights are not looking to rehire Cassidy but are reportedly eyeing Ryan Craig, the current head coach of their AHL affiliate in Henderson and a former assistant with the Golden Knights.

As the Oilers navigate this coaching landscape, they have shifted their focus toward Mike Babcock, identifying him as their primary target. With the NHL currently investigating Babcock’s conduct, the Oilers seem ready to wait for the outcome. Insiders suggest that Babcock is likely to be cleared, paving the way for his official hiring.

Looking ahead, if the Oilers give Babcock a year to establish himself, the conversation about Cassidy could very well resurface at the end of next season.

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