Coaches Union gets involved in 'unprecedented' Golden Knights-Bruce Cassidy drama with Oilers appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
After dispatching the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the Western Conference Semifinal, the Vegas Golden Knights officially booked themselves a trip to the Western Conference Final for the first time since their Stanley Cup win of 2023, where they'll battle the powerful Colorado Avalanche .
However, there has been some drama going on behind the scenes with regard to former head coach Bruce Cassidy. And now, the NHL Coaches Union is releasing a statement and speaking out about the situation.
"The NHLCA has been closely monitoring the situation involving Bruce Cassidy," they said in a statement via X. "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. It would be unprecedented at the head coaching level should multiple teams be denied permission to speak with Coach Cassidy. The situation is still unfolding, but our priority is to protect the interests of our members in this type of circumstance."
The Golden Knights fired Cassidy on March 29, replacing him with John Tortorella, who has since led them to a Conference Final berth. But the Golden Knights have also reportedly blocked the Edmonton Oilers , who recently fired coach Kris Knoblach, from speaking to Cassidy about their coaching vacancy because he's still under contract with them for another year.
Cassidy had served as head coach of the Washington Capitals from 2002-04 before later becoming an assistant and eventually head coach of the Boston Bruins . He led Boston to multiple playoff appearances and the 2019 Stanley Cup Final. Cassidy later took over behind the bench for the Vegas Golden Knights .
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