Bruce Cassidy sounds off at Vegas management as Edmonton Oilers continue to wait
Bruce Cassidy is eager to get back behind the bench for the 2026-27 season.
The 61-year-old is arguably the best head coach available and has at least a few teams interested in his services. As of now, however, his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights haven’t given him permission to speak with other teams.
One of those interested teams is the Edmonton Oilers, who are in search of a head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch earlier in the month. By most accounts, it seems as though Cassidy is their number-one target, though there’s little they can do until the Golden Knights change their stance.
The antics of the Golden Knights have resulted in plenty of criticism, though GM Kelly McCrimmon told reporters last week that Cassidy was understanding of the process. That, however, doesn’t appear to be the case.
Cassidy appeared on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast on Thursday and had no problem admitting that he’s quite frustrated with how the situation has unfolded.
“It’s upsetting, I’m going to be honest,” Cassidy said. “Because once you’re fired, your contract is basically terminated.
“There [were] two teams that asked, that’s public knowledge now. I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work, I’m a hockey coach … That’s where it’s landed right now. I don’t know if there will be clarity on it.”
The other team Cassidy is referring to is the LA Kings, who are also in search of a head coach after firing Jim Hiller in March.
As for the Oilers, they have been having other conversations, perhaps as a backup plan as they wait to see how the Cassidy situation plays out. They reportedly had a lengthy meeting with Craig Berube over the weekend and are also believed to have touched base with Peter Laviolette.