The Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching search has taken another intriguing turn after former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy revealed his stance on the team’s vacant head coaching position.
The development quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts across the NHL, especially with Toronto remaining one of the final teams still searching for a new bench boss.
There is one catch: Vegas still controls his rights. Despite firing Cassidy in March and replacing him with John Tortorella, the Golden Knights must grant permission for him to interview elsewhere because he has one year remaining on his contract.
Bruce Cassidy’s Maple Leafs Stance Divides Fan Opinion
Speaking to The Athletic, Cassidy said he is entirely “open” to speaking with the Maple Leafs, clarifying that he simply wants to “go back to work” and would be interested in analyzing whether the fit is right on both sides.
The situation is particularly noteworthy because Vegas has already blocked Cassidy from interviewing with division rivals such as the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers. With the Kings having since hired Peter Laviolette and the Oilers focused on Mike Babcock, Toronto remains the last major coaching vacancy available.
Because the Maple Leafs play in the Eastern Conference, there is some belief that Vegas could be more willing to open its heart and allow an interview than it was with Western Conference rivals.
News of Cassidy’s interest generated plenty of reactions online.
The Bleed Oil Blue channel summed up the feelings of many Edmonton fans with a simple response: “….. Oh come on.” The reaction reflected the frustration of Oilers supporters after their team was denied the opportunity to speak with Cassidy.
Former NHL player and analyst Jamie McLennan viewed the situation from Cassidy’s perspective. “I would suggest it’s a smart play… give yourself options.”
NHL writer Chris McCluskey also weighed in, suggesting Cassidy could become a serious option depending on the direction Toronto ultimately chooses. “I think they’re prioritizing program builders over mercenaries, but could see them going this route if they can’t find a younger coach who checks their boxes,” McCluskey said.
Meanwhile, analyst Clark Munroe was enthusiastic about the possibility of Cassidy landing in Toronto, especially if he could assemble an experienced staff around him. “I’d be VERY down to have Joe Pavelski come in if it’s ‘as part of the staff’ of Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy for me has been top of the list since he got let go. Let Pavelski be a part of the group and maybe we’d be cooking with gas here.”
It’s not hard to understand why Cassidy is drawing interest. He led Vegas to a Stanley Cup in 2023 and has consistently found success throughout his coaching career.
For the Maple Leafs, his availability adds another twist to an already busy offseason under general manager John Chayka. Since moving on from Craig Berube, Toronto has reportedly looked at more than 50 coaching candidates. They will now begin in-person interviews, with names like Jay Woodcroft and Patrick Roy still in the running.
With most coaching jobs around the league already filled, the Leafs remain one of the last teams searching for a head coach. Whether Cassidy becomes a real option now depends on one thing: if the Golden Knights decide to open the door.
