Vegas Golden Knights Block Bruce Cassidy From Coaching, And It's An Upsetting Mess

Alright, Seattle, buckle up because the NHL drama just hit a new level of wild, and yeah, it involves those Golden Knights. Bruce Cassidy, the former coach who actually led Vegas to a Stanley Cup win in 2023, is reportedly "upset" because his old team is straight up blocking him from interviewing with other clubs! Seriously, can you believe this? Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have come calling, but Vegas management has just said "nope."

From Fired to Tied Down: Cassidy's Frustration Boils Over

Remember when Vegas decided to axe Cassidy? It was with only eight games left in the regular season, and the team was struggling to even hold onto a playoff spot. Talk about a swift boot! But here's the kicker: his replacement, John Tortorella, comes in, wins the Pacific Division, then rolls through the Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, and Colorado Avalanche right into the Stanley Cup Finals. Crazy turnaround, right? But while Vegas is gearing up for the biggest series of the year, Cassidy, the organization's longest-tenured coach, is stuck on the sidelines. He went on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast and didn't mince words: "There were two teams that asked," he said. "It's public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I'm a hockey coach." Turns out, his contract runs through next season and has a standard clause that needs Vegas's permission for him to interview elsewhere, even after being fired. His take on it? "Probably because they don't want a coach in the middle of the year to resign on Feb. 1 and go work up the street on Feb. 3 because they like a better situation."

McCrimmon's Take: Protecting the Shield, But At What Cost?

Of course, Vegas General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has his own spin on things. He mentioned understanding how Cassidy feels, but he's "obligated to do what's best for the Golden Knights." McCrimmon also tried to deflect a bit, saying, "It's only news because Edmonton leaked it." He followed up by saying, "So this isn't something that came out of our organization. We've been forced to respond to it, which we did prior to our series against the Avalanche." He even said he talked to Bruce as recently as Wednesday. McCrimmon acknowledged, "I know how he feels. I know he wants to coach. He's a hell of a coach. He's anxious to get going. I understand what he wants and why he wants it. But at the same time, I work for the Vegas Golden Knights. My responsibilities are first and foremost to the organization." It sounds like corporate speak, doesn't it? Prioritizing the "organization" over letting a coach, who brought them a Cup, move on with his career. It leaves you wondering, where's the loyalty?

So, as the Golden Knights prepare to kick off the Stanley Cup Final against either Carolina or Montreal on Tuesday or June 4, you've gotta wonder about the optics of all this. While they chase another trophy, a former coach is feeling "upset" and stuck. It's a tough look for Vegas, and frankly, for the league. We'll be watching to see how this plays out for Cassidy, and what it means for coaches around the NHL!

DFS Pick'em

🏆 Underdog Fantasy: Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries

Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.

👉 Claim your $50 bonus on Underdog Fantasy

Sponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.