Bruce Cassidy Calls Out Golden Knights for Blocking Interviews for New NHL HC Job After March Firing

Former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy called out the team for blocking his interviews regarding new coaching roles.

"It's upsetting, I'm going to be honest," Cassidy said during a Thursday appearance on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast (h/t Jesse Granger of The Athletic). "Because once you're fired, your contract is basically terminated."

Cassidy was fired by the Golden Knights and replaced by John Tortorella on March 30.

Frank Seravalli of Hockey247.com previously reported that Vegas didn't give the Edmonton Oilers permission to interview Cassidy for the team's current vacancy at head coach.

The Los Angeles Kings also weren't granted permission from the Golden Knights to interview him, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).

"In this case, there was two teams that asked," Cassidy said Thursday, via Granger. "That's public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I'm a hockey coach."

"You have a non-compete clause, so I can't resign today and go work for someone tomorrow," he added. "I can't work until Vegas gives me permission, or until this contract is up, which is at the end of next season. So if I resign, all I do is not get paid."

It's easy to see why multiple teams are targeting Cassidy, as he owns an 470-254 record throughout his coaching career and helped Vegas capture the Stanley Cup in 2023.

As for the Golden Knights, they advanced to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final under Tortorella after sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals.