Try To Stop Us?: Oilers Waiting for Tortorella’s Contract to Expire

Perhaps Bruce Cassidy was Plan A for the Edmonton Oilers. Now that it looks like that’s not happening, GM Stan Bowman might be pivoting to Plan B. Ironically, it still involves the Vegas Golden Knights, but a different coach.

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During his most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted thatJohn Tortorella’s contract is up on June 30th. If Vegas isn’t extending him then—we know Edmonton’s waiting,” he said. Friedman added, “maybe it’s not the Oilers, but somebody’s gonna be looking at this and saying hey if Vegas doesn’t want him, we’ll gladly take him.”

The Golden Knights are making life hard for the Oilers. GM Kelly McCrimmon confirmed on Thursday that they denied Edmonton’s request to interview Cassidy. “I’ve talked to Bruce as recently as yesterday,” said McCrimmon. “I know how he feels. I know he wants to coach. He’s a hell of a coach, and he’s anxious to get going. Coaches by definition aren’t the most patient people, so I understand what he wants and why he wants it.” He noted that he works for the Golden Knights and his responsibility is “first and foremost to the organization.”

However, with Tortorella, the Golden Knights only have one choice, which is to extend him. After June 30th, if they don’t give him another deal, he’s free to do what he wants. Tortorella will not be under contract. If he wants to interview with the Oilers, there’s nothing Vegas can do to stand in the way.

And, the Oilers might just do that. Tortorella has been magic with the Golden Knights this postseason. The right fit at the right time, he’s the kind of coach that pushes buttons. His winning ways have proven he has an ability to push the right ones. That’s what this Oilers team needs.

Is Tortorella the guy?

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