Golden Knights Being Linked to Flyers After Hypocritical Decision

The Vegas Golden Knights have decided not to grant teams permission to speak with former head coach Bruce Cassidy. It could be that this only lasts while the team is in the midst of their current playoff run, but some analysts and fans wonder if the Golden Knights are comfortable simply sitting on his contract and paying Cassidy not to coach elsewhere. It’s a decision that prompted the NHLCA (coaches’ association) to issue a statement, and it’s somewhat hypocritical given the way Vegas hired its current coach.

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John Tortorella is leading the Golden Knights into the Western Conference Final and Game 1 on Wednesday, but it wasn’t that long ago that he was coaching the Philadelphia Flyers. Relieved of his duties, it was the Golden Knights who sought permission to interview and hire Torts.

Jeff Marek is among those analysts pointing out how the decision looks poorly on the Golden Knights, given the recent news. He writes:

“Another point to consider in the Vegas/Cassidy situation – the Golden Knights had to ask the Philadelphia Flyers for permission to talk to John Tortorella. The courtesy was granted and now Cassidy’s replacement has VGK in the Western Conference final.”

The Same “Rules” Don’t Apply to Vegas?

So, the Golden Knights can pluck a former coach from a team that was happy to grant permission, but they won’t grant that same consideration to other teams after firing Bruce Cassidy, essentially suggesting they didn’t think he was good enough?

Granted, there is no rule requiring Vegas to give permission. So too, there is a difference here: two division rivals of the Golden Knights are the ones asking to interview Cassidy. Still, it’s always been a standard practice for teams to give former coaches an opportunity to seek employment elsewhere.

It’s just another example of how the Golden Knights do what they want and prioritize winning above all else. Things could change if permission is granted after the playoffs, but the fact that Vegas stood in the way at all proves they’re not concerned with the optics of anything related to their team.

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