On Tuesday, Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon firmly defended the organization's controversial decision to deny other NHL clubs permission to speak with former head coach Bruce Cassidy regarding their coaching vacancies.
Cassidy, who remains under contract with Vegas despite being dismissed in favor of current bench boss John Tortorella, has immediately emerged as a highly coveted candidate following a recent wave of league-wide firings. However, because the Golden Knights still hold his rights and are paying out the remainder of his contract, opposing teams must formally request permission to interview him—a request McCrimmon has flatly denied.
“Teams have asked for permission to speak with Bruce. We’ve been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the teams have respected that. I’ve spoken with Bruce, he understands this as well.”
Regarding the fine and penalty, McCrimmon noted that team takes their actions to heart.
“We missed a great opportunity that night to connect with our fans and share with them the victory of playoff series,” McCrimmon added. “I’ve always felt, in a playoff series, when you win a series, you galvanize the bond with your fan base. We missed that opportunity by not having John available to do postgame. That’s on John for failing to do that. That’s on me as a general manager of the hockey club. That’s not at the feet of our [communications] people, who made other arrangements with each of you to accommodate tight quarters in and around our dressing room post-game. We have no explanation other than to say we were wrong and to assure you that it will not happen again. The league has spoke on the matter. We have spoke on the matter. Neither John or I will be taking any questions on this.”
The team was forced by the league to forfeit its second-round pick in this year’s NHL draft, and head coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000 for not taking the stand and meeting with the media after the victory.