In-demand Cassidy: ‘I want to work’

Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said last week that former head coach Bruce Cassidy understands the team’s decision to block him from interviewing for vacancies with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

Cassidy told Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets podcast on Thursday that he wants get back to coaching.

Cassidy, who led the Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup, was fired on Mar. 30 with only eight games remaining on the schedule. John Tortorella was hired to replace him and has VGK in the Stanley Cup Finals.

“It’s upsetting, I’m going to be honest,” Cassidy said of his situation. “Once you’re fired, your contract is basically terminated, but the one thing people don’t realize is all the deals, with NHL bylaws and this and that, you’ve got no-compete clauses. So I can’t resign today and go work for someone tomorrow...I can’t work until Vegas gives me permission and this contract is up at the end of next season.”

A 61-year-old native of Ottawa, Cassidy says he would be interested in speaking to any teams inquiring about his services.

“There were two teams that asked [to interview me], it’s public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them,” Cassidy said. “I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.

In four seasons at the helm of the Golden Knights, Cassidy amassed a record of 178-99-43. Prior to joining VGK, Cassidy spent six seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins (2016 to 2022) and two as bench boss of the Washington Capitals (2002 to 2004). For his career, Cassidy has a 470-254-9-96 (.521) record across 12 NHL seasons.

A defenceman as a player, Cassidy appeared in 36 games across six seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1986 to 1990.