Oilers Could Get Creative with Coaching Choice Amid Cassidy Uncertainty

The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search may be taking an unexpected turn as uncertainty continues to surround their reported top target, Bruce Cassidy.

According to multiple insiders, Edmonton has made it clear that Cassidy is the coach they want. David Pagnotta reported that the Oilers are prepared to offer a lucrative, long-term deal — believed to be around five years — in an effort to land him. However, that is only if they ever get the chance to interview him. The Vegas Golden Knights are not making it easy, having withheld the chance to speak to their former coach while Cassidy remains under contract.

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Vegas might, eventually, back off. Frank Seravalli noted there is renewed optimism that Cassidy could become available. Unfortunately, for the Oilers, his thoughts on the matter aren’t universal. Elliotte Friedman suggests the Oilers may be reconsidering waiting.

Speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman indicated he is “starting to get some signal that maybe they won’t” wait for Cassidy after all. Instead, he floated the possibility of a short-term solution behind the bench — potentially hiring a coach on a one-year deal.

As Friedman explained, the NHL has made it clear that permission to speak with Cassidy rests entirely on whether the Golden Knights are willing to keep paying their ex-coach. His contract is not one where the league can step in and mandate they release him. There has been little indication that the stance will change anytime soon.

That could force Edmonton to get creative.

What If the Oilers Hired Someone For One Season?

Friedman added that the Oilers have already been active in exploring alternatives. He noted, “I had thought they were gonna wait for Cassidy. And I’m starting to get some signal that maybe they won’t. You know, here’s, and I want to stress, this is a theory. Do they bring in someone for a year?”

He added, “June 30th, 2027… I think they’ve interviewed Laviolette recently. I think they’ve interviewed Berube. I’m sure they’ve interviewed others. Would you take a shot with McDavid and Draisaitl for a year if it was presented to you?” The idea of bringing in a temporary coach — even for just one season — could allow Edmonton to remain competitive while keeping the door open for a future run at Cassidy. It would also give an experienced coach a chance to win, and perhaps earn a longer-term contract if they do. Or, in the case of a coach who was fired and has multiple seasons on his contract, they’d be giving up guaranteed pay.

Still, instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for a team to call, coaching a roster led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has some appeal. Even if only on a short-term basis, it could be an enticing scenario. For someone with faith in their own ability, or an itch to get back in the game, what do you have to lose besides possibly missing out on another coaching opportunity that is longer term?

For now, the Oilers appear to be weighing their options carefully. Whether they stay patient in hopes of landing their preferred candidate or pivot to a stopgap solution, it’s a big decision since every year they don’t win is a year closer to McDavid being able to walk away.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Flames & Vegas