Golden Knights defend decision to keep former head coach Bruce Cassidy from interviewing with teams: 'Our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup Playoffs'

Vegas Golden Knights are focused on the Western Conference Finals while handling off-ice issues. The club previously lost a 2026 second-round draft pick and faced financial consequences after a dispute with NHL media policies involving head coach John Tortorella, though an appeal largely resolved that matter. A second issue involves former bench boss Bruce Cassidy, who was fired in late March and replaced by Tortorella. Cassidy remains under contract for one more year, and Vegas continues to refuse permission for other teams to speak with him as he seeks a new head-coaching role. Several teams are expected to want interviews, but Vegas’s stance affects teams in the Pacific Division. The NHL Coaches' Association has criticized the restriction despite it being technically legal.

"Since then, the team has continued to refuse other teams permission to speak with Cassidy as he seeks his next job. While technically legal, as Cassidy is still under contract with the team for one more year, the practice doesn't have much precedent, despite how general manager Kelly McCrimmon recently framed it."

""We've been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the teams have respected that," McCrimmon said Tuesday. "I've spoken with Bruce; he understands this as well.""

"At least four teams are expected to want to at least interview Cassidy to fill their head-coaching vacancies: the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Edmonton Oilers. The problem for three of those teams is that they are all in the Pacific Division, which Vegas is also part of, likely giving the Golden Knights reason not to rush to let them talk to their former coach."

"The NHLCA has been closely monitoring the situation involving Bruce Cassidy. While we respect the league's rules and processes, it is our position that coac"

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