The Vegas Golden Knights’ decision to block the Edmonton Oilers from interviewing Bruce Cassidy has become one of the NHL’s biggest offseason stories. What seemed like a routine coaching request has now snowballed into a controversy, with one insider questioning why Vegas is still refusing to let Cassidy speak with rival teams after firing him.
Golden Knights Criticized Over Bruce Cassidy Decision
The Edmonton Oilers appear to have made Bruce Cassidy their number one target to replace Kris Knoblauch, but the problem appears to be that the Golden Knights are in no mood to make things easier for their division rivals.
Even though Cassidy was fired in March, he is still under contract through the 2026-27 season at $4.5 million annually, which allows Vegas to retain control over his coaching rights.
On Monday, the Golden Knights met with the NHL regarding their appeal of sanctions tied to a media access policy violation. Around the league, many believed the Bruce Cassidy situation could also be addressed during those discussions.
However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that nothing had changed. “As for Bruce Cassidy, sources indicate that was not part of the conversation and his status is unchanged as of this morning. Vegas is not inclined to give permission to Edmonton or LA. We will see about Toronto,” Friedman reported.
That update sparked immediate backlash across the hockey world. NHL insider Jimmy Murphy openly criticized Vegas’s stance, saying: “Vegas needs to stop this childish behavior.”
Vegas needs to stop this childish behavior. https://t.co/eDPmIRofsQ
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) May 19, 2026
From Vegas’s perspective, though, the reasoning is simple business.
Cassidy is a Stanley Cup-winning coach and former Jack Adams Award winner. The last thing the Golden Knights want is to hand an elite coach directly to division rivals like Edmonton or the Los Angeles Kings and potentially face him in the playoffs next season.
While NHL teams often allow fired coaches to pursue new opportunities, especially since the hiring team usually assumes the remaining salary, Vegas appears more focused on weakening direct competition than saving money.
By delaying the process, however, the Golden Knights may have forced Edmonton to move on entirely.
With the Cassidy route blocked, Oilers GM Stan Bowman has reportedly shifted focus toward another major coaching option. Edmonton has now received permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to interview Craig Berube following Toronto’s disappointing finish.
League insiders believe Berube has quickly emerged as the leading candidate for the Oilers job. His demanding, defense-first coaching style is viewed as a strong fit for a team still trying to clean up its defensive inconsistencies.
ALSO READ: Oilers News and Rumors: 6’7” Right-Shot D-Man Named Among Free Agency Targets
As for Cassidy, his future remains unclear. Unless a team outside the Western Conference, potentially Toronto, makes a serious push that Vegas does not view as a direct threat, Cassidy may be left waiting while the Golden Knights continue pulling the strings.
