Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon has accused the Edmonton Oilers of leaking news that Vegas blocked fired coach Bruce Cassidy from interviewing for the vacant Edmonton head coaching job. McCrimmon made the comments during an appearance on TSN Overdrive.
McCrimmon's Accusation
“Yeah, I spoke to (the issue) last week prior to our series against the Avalanche. I don’t have any more to say on it at this time. It’s only news because Edmonton leaked it, so this isn’t something that came out of our organization. We’ve been forced to respond to it, which we did prior to our series against the Avalanche,” McCrimmon said.
He added that he has spoken with Cassidy, including as recently as the day before. “I know how he feels. I know he wants to coach. He’s a hell of a coach, and he’s anxious to get going. Coaches, by definition, aren’t real patient people, so I understand what he wants and why he wants it, and at the same time I work for the Vegas Golden Knights, so my responsibilities are first and foremost to the organization. And that’s as much as I’m going to say on it, in addition to what I said a week ago.”
Cassidy's Perspective
Earlier on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Cassidy expressed his frustration with the situation. “It’s upsetting. I’m going to be honest, because once you’re fired, you know your contract is basically terminated. But the one thing people don’t realize is all the deals that you know they’ve got the NHL bylaws… You have non-compete clauses, so I can’t resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I can’t work until Vegas gives me permission, till this contract’s up, which is at the end of next season. So, you know, if you resign, all I do is not get paid.”
The Oilers have not yet responded to the allegations. The situation remains a point of contention between the two organizations as Cassidy awaits his next opportunity in the NHL.
