Coaches' Association: Cassidy ‘should not be prevented' from interviews

DENVER - The NHL Coaches' Association said it is continuing to monitor the "unprecedented" situation involving former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy having not yet interviewed for any job openings across the league.

"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," the NHLCA said in a statement Tuesday.

Cassidy was fired on March 29 with one year remaining on his contract. Teams remain on the books for the remainder of their deal even if they're relieved of their duties.

Teams must seek permission to interview coaches if they are still under contract with their current teams.

This comes on the heels of the Knights reportedly withholding teams from interviewing Cassidy for potential coaching vacancies.

The Edmonton Oilers were one of those teams that requested permission to interview the 2023 Stanley Cup champion coach, but they still had Kris Knoblauch under contract.

Edmonton fired Knoblauch on Thursday with three years remaining on his contract.

The Los Angeles Kings are another potential landing spot for Cassidy, who have DJ Smith on an interim tag. The Toronto Maple Leafs also have an opening after firing Craig Berube on May 13.

The Knights, as of Monday, have not given permission for teams to reach out to Cassidy, who is expected to be the most sought-after coaching candidate on the market.

"It would be unprecedented at the head coaching level should multiple teams be denied permission to speak with Coach Cassidy," the statement continues. "The situation is still unfolding, but our priority is to protect the interests of our members in this type of circumstance."

Cassidy, who turns 61 on Wednesday, has coached 829 games in his 12-year coaching career. The longest-tenured coach in Knights history, Cassidy went 178-99-43 in just under four seasons with the team.

Cassidy was replaced by John Tortorella with eight games remaining in the regular season. Tortorella has gone 15-4-1, including the playoffs, since taking over.

The Knights open the Western Conference final on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche.

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