One of the off-season’s most contentious arguments was formally put to rest by the NHL’s assistant commissioner.
Elliotte Friedman was informed by Bill Daly on Tuesday that the Vegas Golden Knights have the right to stop Bruce Cassidy from interviewing with other organizations during the Knights’ postseason run.
“Although this isn’t one of them,” Daly continued, “there are contracts in this league that would make it impossible.”
The Cup Final versus Carolina is being prepared for by the Knights right now. A sweep might put an end to the series, or it might last till a Game 7 late in June. The wait period for any other team is genuine.
Everyone wants to be named Cassidy. John Shannon, Andy Strickland, and Rod Pedersen have all stated that Cassidy would be a good fit for Edmonton.
In anticipation of the permission window, Stan Bowman has been getting his front office ready.
How this will impact the Oilers and the rest of the market for head coaches
Cassidy has been most publicly connected to the Edmonton team. This offseason, Stan Bowman has been occupied in other locations. The hockey ops remodel occurred. Michael Parkatti was promoted to vice president of analytics and technology. As Assistant General Manager of Player Procurement, Kirt Hill made his debut.
The only position that hasn’t been filled yet is that of the head coach. Nobody’s contract terms are put on hold by Connor McDavid’s window. The pressure is palpable.
If the Oilers don’t hold out for Cassidy, Peter Laviolette would likely be the frontrunner for the Edmonton post, according to Chris Johnston’s recent article. John Chayka’s new regime could also include Toronto as a potential participant in Laviolette.
Daly’s affirmation strengthens what all NHL supporters should already know. Permission protocols serve a purpose. The timeline of a rebuilding opponent is less essential than the competitive integrity of an active playoff club.
The wrinkle is what happens the instant Vegas’s season ends. Permission may be granted soon. Within 48 hours, Cassidy and Bowman could get together. Alternatively, GM Kelly McCrimmon may keep the line longer than the Oilers would prefer.
McCrimmon chastised Edmonton last week for disclosing Cassidy’s identity in public. There is true pressure there. It’s a separate issue as to whether it influences the real permission decision when it’s made.
To be honest, this kind of league office quotation seldom brings the discussion to a complete end. The rule is being set by Daly. The rule is always applied in real time via the exception.
This week marks the start of the Stanley Cup Final. Game 1 will be released shortly. Mitch Marner and the Knights will be concentrating on the games rather than the coaching market.
Edmonton resident Bowman has patience difficulties. The same may be said about Chayka in Toronto. Both new GMs need to locate their bench’s voice.
If Cassidy remains dedicated to Vegas longer than anticipated, both may wind up pursuing the same Plan B.
The league office spoke its mind. The clock is still moving. The rumors persist. Vegas completes its game when the actual hires take place.
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