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Bruce Cassidy calls out Golden Knights' 'upsetting' decision to block interviews: 'I want to go to work' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden Knights are on the brink of a second title, sweeping aside the Mammoth, the Ducks and, most recently, the Avalanche to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third time in their existence.
That seemed an unlikely proposition two months ago. Vegas sacked highly-touted boss Bruce Cassidy after an extended spell of losing brought the Golden Knights on the cusp of missing out on the playoffs altogether.
Vegas summarily hired John Tortorella, handing him the reins of a talented, if inconsistent bunch. Tortorella has worked a charm in Sin City, coaxing the best out of the likes of Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel to put the Golden Knights within history's reach.
As for their former taskmaster, Cassidy, he remains without a job — much to his chagrin.
Here's what you need to know about Cassidy's job pursuit, including comments he made regarding Vegas' influence on his inability to find work.
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Bruce Cassidy calls out Golden Knights for blocking interviews
Cassidy had his say on Vegas' unwillingness to allow him to field interviews for coaching vacancies while appearing on the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast. In an episode that was released on May 28, Cassidy decried the Golden Knights' front office for their behavior, labeling it as "upsetting."
"Once you're fired, your contract is basically terminated," Cassidy said. "I can't resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I can't work until Vegas gives me permission until this contract is up."
Cassidy explained that the NHL's bylaws prevent him from freely choosing his next side without the Golden Knights' blessing. Coaching contracts are adorned with various clauses. Non-compete provisions ensure that coaches like Cassidy are unable to take their talents to new pastures even if they have been fired.
Even if Cassidy had resigned, he would still be bound to his contract's non-compete clause. He would forgo the remaining payout from his Vegas contract but be unable to sign with a team until the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2026-27 season.
"There was two teams that asked, that's public knowledge now," Cassidy said. "I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work, I'm a hockey coach."
MORE: Why Golden Knights are reportedly withholding Bruce Cassidy from taking job interviews
Why are Golden Knights blocking Bruce Cassidy's interviews?
Cassidy remains under contract with the Golden Knights. As such, they are the deciding party on whether and when Cassidy can interview with rival organizations. To date, they have resisted the urge to allow their former coach to speak with opposition franchises.
Importantly, Vegas hasn't outright rejected other teams' interest in Cassidy's services. However, it looks to have slow-walked its response to the former Jack Adams Trophy Award winner, employing "gamesmanship" as sides like the Oilers and Kings have reached out for interviews, per Hockey247's Frank Seravalli.
Typically, the process of seeking permission is a mere formality -- front offices yearn for the opportunity to rid themselves of the financial obligations that come with paying a sacked coach.
As The Athletic's Mark Lazarus notes, three of the Golden Knights' divisional rivals — Edmonton, Los Angeles and the Vancouver Canucks — have coaching vacancies. There's a belief that Vegas is attempting to muddy their recruitment process by withholding permission for Cassidy to interview for open positions.
That hasn't proven a popular tactic thus far. Seravalli reports the Golden Knights' hesitance "has raised the ire of coaches around the NHL, who view the gamesmanship as one step too far."
Bruce Cassidy coaching rumors
Cassidy has been floated as the NHL's premier coaching candidate following his March ouster. The Oilers and Kings reportedly reached out to Vegas in the hopes of facilitating an interview with Cassidy in May, only to be turned away. The Maple Leafs and Canucks have also been linked with the 61-year-old in recent weeks.
Renowned for his work with postseason contenders, Cassidy is widely considered one of hockey's best coaches. He'll be snapped up sooner rather than later when the Knights give him permission to speak with their adversaries.
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Why did the Golden Knights fire Bruce Cassidy?
The Golden Knights sacked Cassidy in late March amid a putrid run that saw Vegas go 5-12 in 17 games. The extended losing spell threatened to keep the Golden Knights out of the playoffs altogether.
"With the stretch run of the 2025-26 regular season upon us, we believe that a change is necessary for us to return to the level of play that is expected of our club," Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement announcing the move.
Vegas was swiftly exonerated for its decision. The Golden Knights won seven of its final eight regular-season games under Tortorella, securing the Pacific Division Crown. They've since surged through the postseason, dispatching the heavily favored Avalanche in four games to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
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