Golden Knights GM blames Oilers for Bruce Cassidy coaching controversy

Following Bruce Cassidy’s comments that he’s growing frustrated with not being able to interview for any job openings, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said he spoke to Cassidy as recently as Wednesday.

Cassidy went on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast Thursday and said “it’s upsetting” that his former team has yet to give the green light for him to interview for his next spot.

McCrimmon said the blame falls on the Edmonton Oilers for letting word get out.

“I don’t have any more to say on it at this time,” McCrimmon said on TSN. “It’s only news because Edmonton leaked it, so this isn’t something that came out of our organization. We’ve been forced to respond to it, which we did prior to our series against the Avalanche.

“I know how (Cassidy) feels. I know he wants to coach. He’s a hell of a coach, and he’s anxious to get going. Coaches, by definition, aren’t real patient people, so I understand what he wants and why he wants it, and at the same time I work for the Vegas Golden Knights, so my responsibilities are first and foremost to the organization. And that’s as much as I’m going to say on it, in addition to what I said a week ago.”

Cassidy was fired March 29 and replaced by John Tortorella. The Knights are 19-4-1 since Tortorella took over and are in the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in four years, when Cassidy led them to their first championship in 2023.

The Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have reportedly asked the Knights for permission to speak to Cassidy for their coach openings, but have been denied.

But with Cassidy being fired with a year remaining on his contract, the Knights are allowed to withhold that permission while Cassidy is under contract.

Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.