---
title: "Golden Knights block Oilers from interviewing Bruce Cassidy"
description: "Vegas denies Edmonton permission to speak with former coach, per Frank Seravalli. Stanley Cup winner remains under contract."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/report-golden-knights-withholds-permission-for-oilers-to-in-mp2th1k3
published: 2026-05-12T20:32:30+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T07:24:37.031+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["hockey"]
---

# Golden Knights block Oilers from interviewing Bruce Cassidy

> Vegas denies Edmonton permission to speak with former coach, per Frank Seravalli. Stanley Cup winner remains under contract.

The Vegas Golden Knights have blocked the Edmonton Oilers from interviewing Bruce Cassidy for their vacant head-coaching position, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday.

Cassidy, who led Vegas to the Stanley Cup in 2023, was fired in March but remains under contract with the Golden Knights.

The move forces Edmonton to pivot to other candidates after dismissing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit.

This is a rare and aggressive power play by a team to block a rival from interviewing a fired coach under contract.

It underscores the NHL's strict tampering rules and the value Vegas places on Cassidy's coaching acumen, even in a non-active role.

For the Oilers, it's a frustrating roadblock in their offseason rebuild.

For Vegas, it's a flex of organizational control that redefines coaching contract leverage.

What's next: Edmonton must now expand its search to other available coaches, while Cassidy remains in limbo unless Vegas relents or trades his rights.

## Why this matters

This rare move by Vegas to block a rival from interviewing a fired coach under contract highlights the high-stakes chess match of NHL coaching hires. It directly impacts the Oilers' offseason plans and could set a precedent for how teams handle coaching contracts post-termination. The NHL's tampering rules just got a real-world stress test, and the outcome will shape future negotiations across the league.

## Frequently asked

### Why did Vegas block the interview?

Cassidy remains under contract with the Golden Knights despite being fired in March. Vegas has the right to deny permission under NHL rules, and they chose to exercise that leverage to retain control over his future.

### What does this mean for the Oilers?

Edmonton must now look elsewhere for a head coach after dismissing Kris Knoblauch. The block forces them to pivot to other candidates, potentially delaying their offseason plans.

### Can Cassidy still coach elsewhere?

Only if Vegas relents and grants permission, or if another team trades for his rights. Otherwise, he remains under contract and cannot be hired without Vegas's consent.

### Is this common in the NHL?

No. Blocking a fired coach from interviewing with another team is rare and aggressive. It underscores the high value Vegas places on Cassidy's coaching acumen and sets a potential precedent.

## Sources & Citations

- [Report: Golden Knights withholds permission for Oilers to interview Bruce Cassidy](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/report-golden-knights-deny-oilers-permission-to-interview-bruce-cassidy/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-12)
- [Opinion: Golden Knights Cross The Line By Preventing Oilers From Interviewing Bruce Cassidy](https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/opinion-golden-knights-cross-a-line-by-preventing-oilers-from-interviewing-bruce-cassidy) — The Hockey News (2026-05-12)

---

Cite: Golden Knights block Oilers from interviewing Bruce Cassidy. Sportopod, 2026-05-12. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/report-golden-knights-withholds-permission-for-oilers-to-in-mp2th1k3