The Edmonton Oilers may finally have reason for optimism in their search for a new head coach.
NHL reporter Karman Gill recently shared on X that broadcaster John Shannon believes the Oilers will eventually receive permission to interview former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy.
Speaking on Oilers Now on May 27, Shannon suggested Vegas is likely delaying any decision until its Stanley Cup Final run concludes rather than permanently blocking outside interest.
That represents the most encouraging update yet for Edmonton, which has been stuck in limbo since identifying Cassidy as a leading candidate for its coaching vacancy.
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Bruce Cassidy’s situation remains complicated
The situation remains unusual for Cassidy. Although the Golden Knights fired Cassidy late in the 2025-26 NHL season, he is still under contract through next year. Because Vegas continues to pay his salary, the organization retains his coaching rights and can deny interview requests from other teams.
Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon has maintained that the club’s focus remains entirely on its playoff run under John Tortorella. The NHL has also confirmed the Golden Knights are operating within league rules.
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Cassidy has publicly expressed frustration with the arrangement.
“It’s upsetting,” Cassidy said. “I’m going to be honest because once you’re fired, your contract’s basically terminated… There were two teams that asked. It’s public knowledge now. And I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.”
The former Stanley Cup-winning coach also revealed that standard contract clauses prevent him from simply resigning and joining another team.
“So, if you resign, all I do is not get paid,” Cassidy said.
Why Cassidy remains Oilers’ ideal fit?
Edmonton’s interest is easy to understand.
The Oilers’ first-round playoff exit in 2026 exposed familiar problems. Despite having elite offensive talent led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team struggled defensively, received inconsistent goaltending, and lacked the structure needed during critical moments.
Cassidy has built a reputation for solving those exact issues. His teams in Boston and Vegas consistently ranked among the league’s strongest defensive groups while maintaining offensive production. He demands accountability and has repeatedly guided veteran rosters through deep playoff runs.
That experience carries added importance given Edmonton’s shrinking championship window. McDavid reportedly wants to see how the organization handles key offseason decisions before fully committing to the future, placing even more pressure on management to get this hire right.
If Shannon’s assessment proves accurate, the Oilers may simply need patience. For now, Cassidy remains unavailable, but the expectation around the league appears to be that Vegas will eventually open the door once its season comes to an end.
