NHL Won’t Overrule Vegas in Bruce Cassidy Coaching Saga, Sources Say

The Edmonton Oilers’ pursuit of Bruce Cassidy as their new head coach has hit a legal roadblock, with the NHL refusing to overrule the Vegas Golden Knights’ decision to block discussions. The Golden Knights are reportedly withholding permission until the end of their playoff run, and unless they change course, the Oilers may be forced to pursue a Plan B.

Cassidy, who was fired by Vegas in March, is under contract with the Knights, who continue to pay him $4.5 million for the 2026 season. According to Frank Seravalli on Frankly Hockey, the league office has made it clear: “if Vegas wants to go to the mat here and not grant permission for Bruce Cassidy to speak to a division rival, then that is their right to do so.”

This is the first time in NHL history a team has been allowed to outright block a former coach from interviewing for a job with a rival. While it defies tradition, it’s legal under current contract law.

The Oilers are in a tight window with a roster featuring Connor McDavid, who’s entering the final year of his contract. The team is under pressure to perform now, and losing McDavid to free agency or a trade would be a significant blow. With Cassidy off the table, the Oilers may turn to Craig Berube, who has already been granted permission for interviews.

Berube, currently an assistant with the Kings, has experience managing star players and could stabilize the locker room. The Oilers have also been linked to John Tortorella if the 68-year-old coach leaves Vegas after the playoffs. Torts has a strong reputation for building disciplined teams, but his age and coaching style could be a cultural fit issue.

The alternative coaching options are far from ideal. Kris Knoblauch, fired by the Kings in April, has struggled to gain player trust in the past. The Oilers’ players, led by McDavid, need a coach they respect, and that trust is hard to build with an interim hire or an unproven candidate.

With the Golden Knights still in playoff contention, the Oilers may have to wait until late May for a decision. If they don’t act quickly, they risk losing their window with McDavid and falling further behind in the race for the 2026 Stanley Cup.