Overview
- Bruce Cassidy has told reporters this week that he is open to coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs if the Golden Knights grant permission to interview him.
- The Golden Knights have denied other teams permission to speak with Cassidy and are keeping him under contract for the 2026–27 season while John Tortorella coaches in the Stanley Cup run.
- Cassidy is owed about $5 million for the remaining year on his Vegas deal and faces a noncompete that prevents him from simply quitting and taking another job immediately.
- Most NHL head-coaching vacancies have been filled, leaving Toronto as the main available opening while the Maple Leafs say they have already interviewed dozens of candidates.
- The NHL has said Vegas is within its rights for now, the Coaches’ Association has objected, and the dispute could trigger a league review after the playoffs that would affect future coach movement.