NHL Coaching Carousel on Hold as Golden Knights Withhold Cassidy Interview Permission

Multiple NHL teams are currently in a holding pattern as they await permission to interview former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. According to sources, as of Tuesday, the Golden Knights have not allowed any teams to speak with Cassidy about their open coaching positions, creating a bottleneck in the ongoing NHL coaching carousel.

Cassidy, who was recently relieved of his duties by Vegas, is considered one of the most sought-after candidates in the current hiring cycle. His coaching pedigree includes a successful stint with the Boston Bruins, highlighted by a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2019, and a strong regular-season record with both Boston and Vegas. Teams looking to fill vacancies have marked him as a top priority, but their searches are on pause while waiting for official clearance from the Golden Knights.

This latest development underscores the complexities of NHL hiring protocols. Even after a coach is dismissed, teams must receive formal permission from the previous employer before conducting interviews, a standard league practice that maintains contractual and professional boundaries. In Cassidy’s case, the hold-up affects several franchises hoping to move quickly to finalize their benches for the upcoming season.

• Bruce Cassidy led the Golden Knights to strong regular-season performances during his tenure.
• He previously guided the Boston Bruins to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final and maintained a .672 points percentage with Boston.
• Multiple teams have expressed interest in interviewing Cassidy for their head coaching vacancies.
• As of Tuesday, Vegas has not granted interview permission to any inquiring teams, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The delay in granting permission is notable given the urgency many teams face in preparing for the NHL Draft and free agency. Teams without a head coach may find themselves at a disadvantage in offseason planning and player recruitment. The Golden Knights’ decision not to expedite the process has led to speculation about their own internal deliberations or possible negotiations regarding contract terms and compensation, though no details have been confirmed.

With the coaching market highly competitive and several high-profile jobs available, the timing of Cassidy's availability could have ripple effects across the league. Teams are eager to speak with him to assess his fit for their organizations, but for now, the process remains stalled as the Golden Knights hold firm on their position.