In a recent episode of The Sheet podcast, former NHL general manager and director of hockey operations Brian Burke weighed in on the controversy surrounding Bruce Cassidy's potential move to the Edmonton Oilers. According to Burke, the Vegas Golden Knights are well within their rights to deny permission for Cassidy to negotiate with Edmonton or any other NHL team.
Burke's Stance on the Leak
Burke expressed displeasure over the news being leaked, as it puts current Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch in a difficult position. "That should have been done much more quietly in my view. Because now you've got a dead man walking, the coach. No one should be put through that," Burke said. He emphasized that Vegas can refuse permission for up to 12 months while still paying Cassidy's salary, a practice respected within the industry. However, he condemned the leak as "really bad."
Divisional Rivalry Factor
When host Jeff Marek suggested the NHL might intervene to allow Cassidy to sign elsewhere, Burke disagreed. "I don't think so because it's a divisional rival. If they were talking to Columbus or someone else, it would be different. But they're talking to a divisional rival. I could see them say no right to the rest of the summer," Burke explained.
This contradicts earlier comments from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, who reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that teams interested in Cassidy would eventually get permission to negotiate. Friedman noted, "So unless Cassidy doesn't want to coach the Oilers or the Kings, sooner or later, unless there's a good reason that we don't know about, they're going to have to grant permission."
Contradictory Views from NHL Heavyweights
Both Burke and Friedman are highly respected for their knowledge of NHL rules and norms. Their conflicting statements create uncertainty. Burke's extensive experience as an executive with multiple teams lends credibility to his view that Vegas can block the move while paying Cassidy's contract. Until official clarification from the NHL, Vegas, or Edmonton, Burke's interpretation seems plausible.
Cassidy, who led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory, is considered an excellent fit for the Oilers. However, the situation remains unresolved, with fans and analysts awaiting further developments.
