Rumor: Oilers are making a coaching change

According to a report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Vegas Golden Knights have denied a request from the Edmonton Oilers to interview former Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy.

I've got to say, it's pretty rare to hear of something like this. Cassidy, of course, was dismissed from his coaching position with Vegas with just eight games remaining in the regular season. The problem for Edmonton is that while Cassidy was removed from his position, he's still actually under contract to the Golden Knights. The team would need to free him from his contract to join another NHL, which is typically the way that business is handled in the NHL, but of course we all know that Vegas handles their business a little bit differently.

It's worth noting that current Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is signed through 2029. NHL insider David Pagnotta reports that indeed the Oilers are moving towards a "coaching change", whether they can get permission to speak to Cassidy or not.

From Pagnotta on NHL Network Radio earlier today:

The Edmonton Oilers appear to be moving towards a coaching change, despite current Head Coach Kris Knoblauch signing a three-year contract extension in October.

With the Oilers desiring to speak with Cassidy, the writing may be on the wall for Knoblauch’s future in Edmonton.

Thoughts, Oilers fans?

Would a sixth coach in the McDavid Era finally do the trick?