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The Bruce Cassidy coaching saga took another interesting turn Wednesday after Vegas Golden Knights insider Gary Lawless’ update. He revealed that general manager Kelly McCrimmon has already granted one NHL team permission to speak with the former Vegas bench boss.
“Kelly McCrimmon tells media at his season ending @GoldenKnights availability that he has already granted a team permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy and he will deal with it on a case by case basis going forward,” Lawless posted on X.
In a follow-up post, Lawless added, “On a follow up, Kelly says permission was granted to a team to speak with Bruce Cassidy midway through SCF.”
The comments immediately sparked speculation because the Edmonton Oilers remain the only NHL team without a head coach. However, McCrimmon’s remarks stopped short of confirming Edmonton had received access to Cassidy, and many observers believe the opposite may be true.
MORE: Bruce Cassidy ‘upset’ as Vegas blocks coaching interviews with Oilers, Kings
NHL analyst Jamie Nye noted, “The only team looking for a coach is the Oilers with Toronto hiring Hiller. McDavid was with him at 4-nations and Olympics. He HAS to be the guy, no?”
He later added, “McCrimmon full quote was they granted a team permission but ‘that didn’t come to fruition’. You’d assume that was Toronto. Vegas could still be refusing to give division rival Edmonton a shot at interviewing. McCrimmon also has notified all 31 teams Torts wants to coach.”
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) with teammates at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
It is not confirmed which team Vegas has given permission to, but it seems it’s clearly not the Oilers. If it were the Oilers, they would’ve likely not waited this long in the process, which reportedly was the middle of the Stanley Cup finals. After all, it was they who requested an interview even before firing Kris Knoblauch.
So, the reaction across hockey circles drew attention.
Veteran reporter Bruce Garrioch wrote, “I wonder if this team was the Toronto Maple Leafs,” since Toronto has already hired Jim Hiller as their head coach.
Analyst David Pagnotta offered a simple but telling response, writing, “Well, that’s fascinating,” on Vegas’ unusual approach to Cassidy.
Barstool Sports’ Liam Blutman wrote, “Good. More franchises should go about business this way.”
Meanwhile, Pete Blackburn delivered the comic relief, writing, “Permission granted to the Henderson Silver Knights.”
Considering the attention on the situation, it is significant. Vegas has maintained its right to control Cassidy’s contractual status despite firing him earlier this year. The Golden Knights have been unwilling to help a direct Pacific Division rival gain access to a proven Stanley Cup-winning coach.
For Edmonton, that leaves uncertainty. Cassidy was widely viewed as a strong fit for a roster built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His structured defensive approach and championship pedigree align with what the Oilers appear to be seeking.
MORE: Serious concern emerges for Oilers amid NHL’s Mike Babcock investigation
McCrimmon’s latest comments suggest Vegas may be willing to listen to requests. Yet until Edmonton receives formal permission, the door remains only partially open. For now, the Golden Knights still appear to hold the key.
Continue reading...
“Kelly McCrimmon tells media at his season ending @GoldenKnights availability that he has already granted a team permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy and he will deal with it on a case by case basis going forward,” Lawless posted on X.
In a follow-up post, Lawless added, “On a follow up, Kelly says permission was granted to a team to speak with Bruce Cassidy midway through SCF.”
The comments immediately sparked speculation because the Edmonton Oilers remain the only NHL team without a head coach. However, McCrimmon’s remarks stopped short of confirming Edmonton had received access to Cassidy, and many observers believe the opposite may be true.
MORE: Bruce Cassidy ‘upset’ as Vegas blocks coaching interviews with Oilers, Kings
NHL analyst Jamie Nye noted, “The only team looking for a coach is the Oilers with Toronto hiring Hiller. McDavid was with him at 4-nations and Olympics. He HAS to be the guy, no?”
He later added, “McCrimmon full quote was they granted a team permission but ‘that didn’t come to fruition’. You’d assume that was Toronto. Vegas could still be refusing to give division rival Edmonton a shot at interviewing. McCrimmon also has notified all 31 teams Torts wants to coach.”
The Edmonton Oilers still appear locked out
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Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) with teammates at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
It is not confirmed which team Vegas has given permission to, but it seems it’s clearly not the Oilers. If it were the Oilers, they would’ve likely not waited this long in the process, which reportedly was the middle of the Stanley Cup finals. After all, it was they who requested an interview even before firing Kris Knoblauch.
So, the reaction across hockey circles drew attention.
Veteran reporter Bruce Garrioch wrote, “I wonder if this team was the Toronto Maple Leafs,” since Toronto has already hired Jim Hiller as their head coach.
Analyst David Pagnotta offered a simple but telling response, writing, “Well, that’s fascinating,” on Vegas’ unusual approach to Cassidy.
Barstool Sports’ Liam Blutman wrote, “Good. More franchises should go about business this way.”
Meanwhile, Pete Blackburn delivered the comic relief, writing, “Permission granted to the Henderson Silver Knights.”
Considering the attention on the situation, it is significant. Vegas has maintained its right to control Cassidy’s contractual status despite firing him earlier this year. The Golden Knights have been unwilling to help a direct Pacific Division rival gain access to a proven Stanley Cup-winning coach.
For Edmonton, that leaves uncertainty. Cassidy was widely viewed as a strong fit for a roster built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His structured defensive approach and championship pedigree align with what the Oilers appear to be seeking.
MORE: Serious concern emerges for Oilers amid NHL’s Mike Babcock investigation
McCrimmon’s latest comments suggest Vegas may be willing to listen to requests. Yet until Edmonton receives formal permission, the door remains only partially open. For now, the Golden Knights still appear to hold the key.
Continue reading...
