Golden Knights Blocked Cassidy Coaching Interviews

The Las Vegas organization has prevented multiple NHL teams from speaking with their former coach.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a hockey coach silhouetted against bright arena floodlights, emphasizing the tension of professional team management. — The Vegas Golden Knights have blocked the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings from interviewing former coach Bruce Cassidy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should professional sports teams be allowed to block former coaches from accepting jobs with other teams?

The Vegas Golden Knights have blocked both the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings from interviewing former coach Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy remains under contract with the team through the current season despite being fired on March 30.

Why it matters

Because Cassidy remains under contract, the Golden Knights maintain the authority to prevent him from taking positions with other NHL clubs. This maneuver impacts his immediate ability to transition back into an NHL coaching role.

Bruce Cassidy holds a career NHL coaching record of 470-254-9-96 across 12 seasons. During his tenure in Las Vegas, he compiled a record of 178 wins, 99 losses, and 43 overtime losses.

The players

Bruce Cassidy

He is a 61-year-old professional hockey coach who led the Vegas Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup in 2023.

Vegas Golden Knights

This is a professional NHL franchise based in Las Vegas that holds Cassidy under contract.

Edmonton Oilers

This is a professional NHL team that was blocked from interviewing Cassidy for a coaching vacancy.

Los Angeles Kings

This is a professional NHL team that was blocked from interviewing Cassidy for a coaching vacancy.

Kori Cheverie

She serves as the head coach for the Canada women's national hockey team.

The details

Management in Las Vegas must grant formal permission for other teams to speak with the 61-year-old. While restricted from the NHL, Cassidy is currently serving as an advisor to the Canada women's national hockey team under head coach Kori Cheverie.

Bruce Cassidy coached the Washington Capitals from 2002 to 2004.
Cassidy led the Boston Bruins from 2016 to 2022.
Cassidy led the Vegas Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory in 2023.
The Golden Knights fired Bruce Cassidy on March 30.
The Canada women's team participates in the World Championship in November.

Season Trajectory

This move highlights the rigidity of NHL contractual obligations and how teams leverage them to influence the broader coaching market. It prevents rival franchises from securing experienced leadership while Cassidy remains technically employed by his former organization.

The restriction prevents the Oilers and Kings from potentially filling their head coaching vacancies with a proven Stanley Cup winner. It ensures Cassidy remains off the ice for NHL teams until his contract status changes or a settlement is reached.

The takeaway

While Cassidy currently assists the Canadian women's national program, his goal remains a return to an NHL bench. Readers should note that contractual holdovers can significantly stall career transitions even after a high-profile firing.