The Vegas Golden Knights may have revealed more than intended about the Bruce Cassidy situation, and the latest update could be another setback for the Edmonton Oilers‘ coaching search.
Speaking during his season-ending media availability, Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon disclosed that Vegas had already allowed one NHL team to speak with former head coach Bruce Cassidy.
“Kelly McCrimmon tells media at his season ending @GoldenKnights availability that he has already granted a team permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy and he will deal with it on a case by case basis going forward,” insider Gary Lawless posted on X.
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Lawless later added another detail, writing, “On a follow up, Kelly says permission was granted to a team to speak with Bruce Cassidy midway through SCF.”
The comments immediately raised questions because Edmonton remains the only NHL team without a head coach. Yet the fact that another organization received permission while the Oilers remain blocked suggests Vegas is still unwilling to help a direct Pacific Division rival.
Edmonton remains stuck in coaching limbo
Cassidy has long been viewed as Edmonton’s preferred candidate. The Stanley Cup-winning coach was fired by Vegas in March but remains under contract through 2026-27, allowing the Golden Knights to control access to him.
McCrimmon has repeatedly defended that position.
“It’s only news because Edmonton leaked it,” McCrimmon said previously. “This isn’t something that came out of our organization.”
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McCrimmon has also maintained that Vegas has the right to protect its competitive interests.
From a hockey operations standpoint, the strategy makes sense. Cassidy knows the Oilers well, has a proven defensive structure, and would immediately strengthen a team built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Handing that coach to a division rival carries obvious risks.
The timing is particularly problematic for Edmonton. With Cassidy unavailable and other vacancies filled, the Oilers have fewer proven options. Their reported pursuit of Mike Babcock has become complicated by league scrutiny, while alternative veteran candidates continue to disappear from the market.
Cassidy himself has made it clear he wants to return behind an NHL bench.
“I know how he feels. I know he wants to coach,” McCrimmon said.
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However, the latest revelation suggests Vegas is picking its spots. The door may be open for some organizations, but for Edmonton, it still appears unofficially shut. That reality could shape the remainder of the Oilers’ offseason.
