The situation involving Bruce Cassidy and the Vegas Golden Knights has become an unusual story in the NHL coaching market. Even though Cassidy is a top coach and other teams want to talk to him, Vegas is not allowing him to interview with other teams. 

This has frustrated teams like the Edmonton Oilers, who are looking for coaching changes. According to Frank Seravalli, the main issue is Bruce Cassidy’s contract situation with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Even though he is no longer coaching the team, Vegas still has to pay his remaining contract worth approx 4.5 million dollars. Because of this, the Knights still control his rights and can decide if he is allowed to speak with other teams. This gives Vegas more control than usual in coaching situations.

“The league is not going to overrule the Golden Knights here. Contract law and contract language are just that,” said Seravalli as reported by the Oilers Nation.

For the Edmonton Oilers, this creates a difficult situation. They see Bruce Cassidy as a top coaching option who could improve their defense and playoff performance right away.

But because the Vegas Golden Knights are not allowing him to even give an interview to other teams, the Oilers now have to look at other coaching options or wait for the situation to change.

The NHL follows a simple rule. If a team still has a valid contract and is paying the coach, the league respects that contract. Even if the situation looks strange or goes against normal practice, the NHL does not step in or force changes.

Because the Oilers do not have full control over the situation with Bruce Cassidy, they are also looking at other coaching options. They may consider coaches like Craig Berube. According to Elliotte Friedman, they are also expected to speak with Peter Laviolette.

Vegas Golden Knights Already Facing Punishment from NHL

The Vegas Golden Knights have already been punished by the NHL. They lost their 2026 second-round draft pick for not following media duties, and head coach John Tortorella was also fined $100,000.

Gary Bettman and the Vegas Golden Knights may meet this week. The Golden Knights can also challenge the decision, but reports say it is unlikely the NHL will overturn the decision.

According to Frank Seravalli, the situation where Vegas blocked Bruce Cassidy could also be discussed, but it is not expected to be on the main agenda.

Bruce Cassidy could also be considered for coaching roles by teams other than the Edmonton Oilers. But this will only be possible if the Vegas Golden Knights allow it. Everything depends on their decision. We will see what happens next.

Read more at NHL Fan Central

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi