The Edmonton Oilers are being blocked from negotiating with Bruce Cassidy, the former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who has been fired.
One can assume that Cassidy is a bit miffed at being fired. So, it makes sense that Vegas wouldn’t want him coaching for Vegas’ divisional rivals. Sportsnet’s hockey insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the situation. He was on the Fan Hockey Show in Toronto.
“It’s weird,” Friedman said. “There’s no question about it. Let a guy go and move on. That’s my reaction. If someone wants to talk to them, you’d better have a good reason not to let them talk to them.”
The Oilers have yet to make any official statement on the future of current coach Kris Knoblauch, who is under contract here for three more years. However, it can’t be easy knowing your employer is actively looking for your replacement.
“I think what this does, getting out to it, puts Edmonton in a really tough spot,” Friedman said. “Because if you’re Kris Knoblauch and you’re hearing this, or you’re the coaching staff there and you’re hearing this. I don’t know how often this has happened. I think coaches know when they’re in trouble, but when you hear that they’ve actually gone out and asked for permission to speak to somebody, then can you walk it back?”
If Edmonton doesn’t get permission, or for some reason Cassidy and the Oilers can’t get a deal done, can GM Stan Bowman still keep Kris Knoblauch as head coach?
Oilers Clearly Feel a Need for Change
Bruce Cassidy is the top coaching candidate on the market right now. I feel like this whole situation would be getting less media attention if the Oilers received permission to talk to Cassidy.
According to Los Angeles sports commentator Jon Rosen, Cassidy was permitted to speak with the Los Angeles Kings last Friday. So, why is one divisional rival allowed to speak to Vegas’ former coach, but not Edmonton? I think there is more to this story than what we’re hearing.
It’s safe to say that Edmonton will be making changes this season. The roster needs a few upgrades, and it could be time for a new voice behind the bench.
