Golden Knights vs Avalanche Series Produces 2 Coaching Options for Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are waiting. They either want the chance to speak with Bruce Cassidy, or they’re hoping that another candidate with a winning record and the right pedigree will be made available and they can land on their next head coach. Interestingly, two possible candidates might be available out of the series that just ended between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights.

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First, Jared Bednar’s future in Colorado is a bit unclear. Many believe that the sweep at the hands of the Golden Knights could lead to change. Everyone who is talking about what the Avalanche might do with Bednar are also noting he’ll only be out of work as long as he wants to be if fired. The Oilers would certainly pick up the phone, if not immediately offer him the head coaching gig. He’s won a Stanley Cup, coached elite players, and won… a lot. It sounds strange to think the Avalanche would let him go, but that’s what losing in such dramatic fashion can do: make organizations reevaluate. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic writes, “Does Colorado need the same kind of electric shock Vegas got when it replaced Bruce Cassidy with Tortorella with just eight games left in the regular season?”

Former player Erik Johnson said the Avalanche already played the shake-up card when they moved Mikko Rantanen. If they aren’t trading other core pieces, the next move is changing out the coach. “I think Jared Bednar is one of the best coaches in the NHL and gets scooped up in a second if he gets fired,” said Johnson. 

Edmonton, or another team that needs a bench boss, would be eagerly watching as this situation unfolds.

What About Tortorella in Vegas?

Elliotte Friedman noted on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that he’s still of the belief that Vegas had no intentions of continuing on next season with Tortorella as coach. His hire was intended to be for the playoff push and beyond that, there was no plan. Clearly, his success will force Vegas to revisit its plans, but what if it sticks to its guns?

That would free up one of the most polarizing and winningest coaches who just hit a home run with a team that wasn’t supposed to get this far. Friedman said, “What do you do here? Tortorella’s contract is up on June 30th. If Vegas isn’t extending him, we know Edmonton is waiting.” He added, “Maybe it’s not the Oilers, but somebody’s going to be looking at this and saying ‘Hey, if Vegas doesn’t want him, we’ll gladly take him.”

Kyle Bukauskas added that the stars kind of aligned, given the situation in Vegas. Tortorella came in late, and the team knew it was going to the playoffs. “I wonder if it’s more so teams in a similar situation to Vegas and definitely in win now mode as opposed to one that’s in a different stage of their cycle because it’s pretty clear right now at this stage of Tortorella’s career, coaching teams in that mode seems to line up with his style and philosophies.”

If Bednar shakes loose or if the Golden Knights don’t re-sign Tortorella, do the Oilers make a push? If Vegas has no intention of letting Cassidy interview, these are two options that would make a lot of sense if or when they become available.

Next: Golden Knights Sweep Over Avalanche Will Lead to Change in Colorado