NHL Coaches’ Association says Bruce Cassidy shouldn’t be denied from talking to teams

In the midst of a strange standoff between division rivals over a fired head coach, the NHL Coaches’ Association (NHLCA) has weighed in.

On May 12th, it was reported that the Edmonton Oilers sought permission to interview former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, but that the Golden Knights had withheld permission from the Oilers to do so, as Cassidy is still technically under contract with Vegas. Cassidy was fired by the Golden Knights in late March and replaced by John Tortorella.

Vegas has since reportedly withheld permission from the Los Angeles Kings to interview Cassidy for their available head coach position.

The NHLCA has now released a statement expressing that Cassidy should not be denied the opportunity to seek other employment, even if he is under contract with Vegas.

“The NHLCA has been closely monitoring the situation involving Bruce Cassidy,” the statement reads. “While we respect the League’s rules and processes, it is our position that coaches who remain under contract, but are no longer working for their Club, should not be prevented from pursuing other employment opportunities. It would be unprecedented at the head coaching level should multiple teams be denied permission to speak with Coach Cassidy. The situation is still unfolding, but our priority is to protect the interests of our members in this type of circumstance.”