NHL Coaching Vacancies in Canada
The three Canadian coaching vacancies in the National Hockey League are awaiting formalities before the hiring process advances. The Vegas Golden Knights have blocked interviews with Bruce Cassidy while he remains under contract after his late-season firing. However, it is expected that Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon will eventually recognize the poor optics of his stance, which he claims is to avoid distraction for his team as it leads the Western Conference final 1-0 over Colorado.
Cassidy's Potential Destinations
The idea of Cassidy working with Vegas rival Edmonton is natural for both parties to explore once permission is granted. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings are also interested in Cassidy. In Vancouver, the dismissal of head coach Adam Foote by new general manager Ryan Johnson after just one season sets the stage for internal candidate Manny Malhotra.
Johnson acknowledged Malhotra's potential, stating, "It's hard to be ignorant of an internal candidate that we obviously have. Manny has shown his ability to develop young players, develop a connection and obviously win an AHL championship with a very young group." Johnson plans to sit down with Malhotra to discuss the future.
NHL Coaches' Association Weighs In
The NHL Coaches' Association has expressed concern over Cassidy being denied opportunities. In a statement, the group said, "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 the association's priority is to protect the interests of its members.
Leafs' Coaching Search
Before the ban on approaching Cassidy was known, there was speculation that the coach was uncertain about the direction of the Leafs under new GM John Chayka, which could signal a rebuild. Other coaches linked to the Leafs include NCAA up-and-comer David Carle, Malhotra (a former Leafs assistant), and recent Edmonton coaches Kris Knoblauch and Jay Woodcroft. The Hockey News reported that current Toronto assistant Derek Lalonde will also receive a formal interview.
Norway's World Championship Performance
As the Leafs focus on the future, they have a vested interest in Norway's progress at the world hockey championship in Switzerland. Tinus Luc Koblar, Toronto's first-round pick from last year, excelled for Norway. He was 10 minutes away from scoring the winning goal in an upset of Canada on Thursday. The 6-foot-2 forward played strong two-way hockey before Canada tied the game 5-5 and won in overtime. Koblar, who had 14 points in 47 games in the Swedish Elite League, has five points in four WHC games. He made a strong impression on Leafs head amateur scout Mark Leach and his staff. Born in Slovenia, Koblar prioritized adding weight last season and is now listed at 176 pounds.
Andy Huppi Honored
Team Canada has been honoring retiring massage therapist Andy Huppi at the tournament in his native country. Players wore commemorative T-shirts of his 20 world championships and gave Huppi a prominent front-row position in the team photo. Huppi has a Leafs connection, having met Doug Gilmour in 1994 when the Toronto star played for Rapperswil-Jona of the Swiss League, where Huppi was equipment manager. They became close, and Gilmour arranged for Huppi to intern with the Leafs staff around Maple Leaf Gardens.
