Golden Knights’ McCrimmon defends decision to not let Cassidy talk to other teams
A team under scrutiny for their decision is speaking out and explaining their actions, and revealing a little more information on their choice to withhold conversations about a former coach.
On Tuesday night, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon and head coach John Tortorella took to the podium to meet with the media to address the sanctions imposed against the team after “flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.” McCrimmon apologized for the team’s actions after the Golden Knights beat the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Pacific Division Final, which sent the Golden Knights to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2023.
McCrimmon also addressed the ongoing conversation about the team’s about the team not allowing former head coach Bruce Cassidy to meet with fellow prospective teams for a possible new job, including a Pacific Division rival, the Edmonton Oilers. McCrimmon noted that Cassidy has been informed of the situation and they are awaiting, and that the team is focusing on the current task at hand in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“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. The Golden Knights also only sent Mitch Marner and Brett Howden to meet with the media while forward Jack Eichel was interviewed on the NHL on TNT broadcast. No other members of the Vegas Golden Knights chatted with the media, as the locker room was never open to the media, as is tradition in the NHL, as well as written in the collective bargaining agreement. The decision was upheld on Tuesday.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche is scheduled for Wednesday night.