The NHL Coaches’ Association (NHLCA) has taken a stance on the situation surrounding Bruce Cassidy, the former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. Cassidy was fired in March and is still under contract with Vegas. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have sought permission to interview him, but Vegas has denied these requests, prompting the NHLCA to assert that such restrictions on coaches seeking new positions are unprecedented and unjustified. They advocate for Cassidy's right to explore job opportunities despite his contractual status.

By the Numbers
  • Bruce Cassidy was fired from the Golden Knights on March 21.
  • The Oilers and Kings have both requested permission to interview Cassidy for coaching positions.
Yes, But

The NHLCA's statement acknowledges the Golden Knights' contractual rights while arguing that restricting Cassidy from interviews is limiting his career opportunities, which has raised questions within the league.

State of Play
  • The Oilers and Kings are in contention for a new head coach and have targeted Cassidy.
  • Vegas appears to be reluctant to allow rival teams access to his coaching services.
What's Next

The situation could change if another team not in the Pacific Division, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, seeks to interview Cassidy, potentially leading to a resolution of the current standoff.

Bottom Line

The NHLCA’s push for Cassidy's right to interview highlights the tension between contractual obligations and the professional mobility of coaches, which could set a precedent for future coaching situations in the league.