Bruce Cassidy, a prominent coaching figure, is currently a free agent after being dismissed by the Vegas Golden Knights. While he has participated in NHL on TNT panel discussions during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Cassidy’s primary objective is to return to a head coaching role.
Significant social media attention was generated following a report by Frank Seravalli suggesting that the Edmonton Oilers sought permission to interview Cassidy, but the Golden Knights denied their request. However, as reported by NHLRumors.com, the Oilers are not the sole team expressing interest in Cassidy’s services.
The Los Angeles Kings have also indicated their interest in Cassidy. Although neither team has officially announced coaching changes, the Kings had only appointed DJ Smith on an interim basis, leaving a potential vacancy. According to Jon Rosen, the Kings are indeed interested and would consider Cassidy for an interview, having reportedly spoken with him last Friday.
However, according to Elliotte Friedman on the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast released Wednesday, neither the Edmonton Oilers nor the Los Angeles Kings have yet received permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to interview Bruce Cassidy.
“First of all, let me just give you the updated news as of late Tuesday night, when we recorded this pod, Kyle. I am under the impression that neither the Oilers nor the Kings have yet to be given permission to talk to Bruce Cassidy. So as I understand it, late Tuesday night, when we were doing this pod, it wasn’t just an Edmonton thing. I am under the impression that Kings have not yet been given permission to talk to him, either.
So, I do think there’s some semantics here. I think there’s some annoyance as it’s taken a bit longer than everyone thought. But from what I can tell, the answer is not a ‘No.’ It’s just, I don’t know, delayed, dragging their feet, whatever you want. It’s not yet. It’s not Yes, yet. Delayed dragging your feet, whatever it is. There’s no doubt in my mind that he is the number one candidate available.”
Friedman further elaborated on this matter during his regular appearance on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio’s Morning Skate with Gord Stellick and Scott Laughlin on Wednesday morning.
“As of last night, when we recorded the podcast, Vegas had not given either Edmonton or LA permission to talk to him, because one of the things I was curious about was that there were some reports yesterday, and I heard similar rumors that LA might have already interviewed Cassidy, and that would make it the whole thing even stranger.
But I was told last night that they don’t have permission to talk to him yet. That’s the best source I had told me that. So I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, and I have a feeling that eventually this will sort itself out. But as of yesterday, neither the Oilers nor the Kings had permission.”
While Jon Rosen previously stated that the Kings had already spoken with Cassidy, Friedman chose not to engage in a debate about the accuracy of the reports. He simply reiterated his understanding that neither team had been granted permission to speak with Cassidy.
Whether this situation involves strategic maneuvering or simply procedural delays, it is expected to be resolved eventually. Friedman did, however, speculate on a potential reason for Vegas’s hesitation, suggesting they might be seeking assurance that they will not be obligated to cover Cassidy’s salary moving forward.
“The other thing I’ll say, and someone actually made an interesting argument about this, it’s a theory. He doesn’t know if it’s true, but this is another executive. He said, What Vegas could be waiting to find out here is, will they be guaranteed to be on the hook for no money next year?
I believe Cassidy makes around $4.5 million. He’s got another year under contract. But his curiosity was, he wondered if Vegas wants a guarantee that if Edmonton hire or LA hires them, they have to pay all of it. Vegas won’t have to pay anything. That’s purely a guess, but that was an educated guess.”
As Friedman points out, the Golden Knights should have a compelling justification for withholding permission for these teams to speak with Cassidy.
“Ultimately, though, the league has indicated before that you better have a good reason for denying somebody permission, so unless Cassidy doesn’t want to coach the Oilers or the Kings sooner or later, unless there’s a good reason that we don’t know about, they’re going to have to grant permission.”
The unfolding situation involving Bruce Cassidy, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Los Angeles Kings is certainly one to watch.