Two major developments have emerged involving the Edmonton Oilers: former Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy has publicly criticized his old team for preventing him from speaking with the Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings about a coaching position, and star Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard was forced out of Team Canada's quarter-final game after a late, illegal hit from Team USA defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
Cassidy Speaks Out on Spittin' Chiclets
Appearing on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Cassidy expressed his disappointment with the Vegas organization. 'It's upsetting. I'm going to be honest, because once you're fired, you know your contract is basically terminated. But the one thing people don't realize is all the deals that you know they've got the NHL bylaws… You have non-compete clauses, so I can't resign today and go work for someone tomorrow. I can't work until Vegas gives me permission, till this contract's up, which is at the end of next season. So, you know, if you resign, all I do is not get paid.'
Cassidy elaborated on the contractual restrictions: 'Those are in everybody's contract. That is what it is… I think they do that probably because they wouldn't want a coach in the middle of the year to resign on February 1 and go work up the street on February 3 because they like a better situation. I'm sure that's kind of why some of these things are written in. But in this case, yes, there was two teams that asked, it's public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work, I'm a hockey coach.'
Bouchard's Injury
In the quarter-final matchup between Canada and the USA, Bouchard was on the receiving end of a controversial hit from Lindgren. The American defenseman was ejected from the game after receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. The incident occurred at BCF Arena in Fribourg, Switzerland, during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
The Oilers organization and fans alike are concerned about Bouchard's condition, as he is a key player for the team. The illegal hit has sparked debate about player safety and the enforcement of rules in international play.
