Bruce Cassidy publicly admitted he is frustrated with the Vegas Golden Knights after being blocked from interviewing with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings despite no longer coaching the team.
Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Cassidy explained that NHL contract rules still prevent him from joining another organization because Vegas continues paying the final year of his contract after firing him late in the 2025-26 season.
“It’s upsetting,” Cassidy said. “I’m going to be honest because once you’re fired, your contract’s basically terminated. But the one thing people don’t realize is all the deals that – they got the NHL bylaws, this and that, and I don’t know everyone, but you have non-compete clauses. So I can’t resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I still can’t work until Vegas gives me permission, until this contract’s up, which is at the end of next season.”
MORE: Golden Knights find relief amid Oilers, Kings’ pursuit of Bruce Cassidy
Cassidy added that even resigning would not solve the issue.
“So, you know, if you resign, all I do is not get paid,” he said.
Vegas has remained firm on its position. General manager Kelly McCrimmon said the organization is focused entirely on its playoff run and will not address coaching requests until the postseason ends. The NHL has also confirmed the Golden Knights are operating fully within league rules.
The situation has now become one of the biggest offseason storylines around the league because it directly affects two Pacific Division rivals searching for new leadership.
Oilers caught in difficult coaching limbo amid Bruce Cassidy situation
Edmonton’s situation has become especially messy. The Oilers entered the offseason under pressure after a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks despite another dominant offensive season from Connor McDavid.
The organization worsened the situation after reports surfaced that management had already contacted Vegas about Cassidy before officially firing Kris Knoblauch. The backlash forced general manager Stan Bowman into a quick coaching change, but Edmonton still cannot speak with its reported top candidate.
Cassidy makes sense for the Oilers. Edmonton badly needs defensive structure, accountability, and a system capable of protecting unstable goaltending. Cassidy built that identity in both Boston and Vegas, where his teams consistently limited high-danger chances and controlled playoff pace.
Now the Oilers risk losing valuable offseason time while other candidates move elsewhere. Craig Berube and Peter Laviolette remain possibilities, but league observers widely view Cassidy as the cleanest fit for Edmonton’s roster.
MORE: Connor McDavid waiting before making 100% commitment to Oilers future
The Kings face a similar problem while weighing whether to wait or pivot quickly.
“There were two teams that asked,” Cassidy 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.”
But for now, Vegas controls the timeline.