Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon has become the laughingstock of the NHL over his handling of the Bruce Cassidy situation, while the Edmonton Oilers could be open to hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach.
McCrimmon's Controversial Statement
At a press conference, McCrimmon addressed the Cassidy matter, stating: "Regarding Bruce Cassidy, teams have asked for permission to speak with Bruce. We've been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the teams have respected that. I've spoken with Bruce, he understands this as well."
The response drew widespread mockery on social media. Montreal hockey commentator Eric Engels called it "a total cop out," while Philadelphia beat writer Charlie O'Connor suggested the NHL should take away a second-round pick for the "ridiculous answer." Boston Globe writer Conor Ryan simply asked, "The hell is this answer lmao." US commentator Adam Gretz questioned whether McCrimnon was aware that he doesn't have to conduct the interviews himself. TSN legal analyst Eric Macramalla noted, "For the Knights to act like they can't multitask is ridiculous. We all know this ends with another team hiring Cassidy this offseason anyway."
Sean McIndoe of The Athletic sarcastically remarked, "In fairness, GMs have lots of opportunities for roster moves in the playoffs, so finding 15 seconds to do the right thing like everyone else is going to be next to impossible." Cult of Hockey's Kurt Leavins was blunt: "Vegas suggesting that allowing Bruce Cassidy to interview elsewhere during the Stanley Cup Playoffs is a somehow a distraction is a bigger load of shit than anything Kelly ever had to haul back on the farm in Saskatchewan." Former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz compared the situation to a breakup: "Getting fired by an NHL team (as a Head Coach) and then needing 'permission' to speak to another team is the dumbest shit I've ever heard of."
Potential Resolution and Oilers' Interest in Babcock
On Oilers Now, former NHL GM and player agent Brian Lawton suggested a possible resolution: if Cassidy were willing to terminate the final year of his Vegas contract, that could prompt the Golden Knights to grant permission for interviews. Lawton said, "I'm sure if somebody's called up a team like Vegas or anybody else and said, 'Look, I'll just terminate my contract,' then they'd let them talk to whoever they want."
Meanwhile, the Oilers are reportedly open to considering Mike Babcock as a coaching candidate. Babcock, a former NHL coach with a Stanley Cup win and a controversial history, could be a polarizing but experienced option for Edmonton.
