Full Breakdown
Golden Knights Block Oilers' Coaching Hire: A Recurring Rivalry Tactic
5/23/2026, 9:44:03 PM
Core Incident
In a discussion about the Oilers’ pursuit of former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, insider Dave Pagnetta disclosed that the Knights previously blocked the Oilers from hiring an assistant coach. The Oilers interviewed and offered the coach, but Vegas retained him and later promoted him.
Rivalry Background
The Pacific Division rivals have traded little since Vegas entered the NHL in 2017-18. Off-ice tension rose in 2024 when Vegas claimed Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie off waivers, only for Edmonton to reclaim him twice within a week.
Key Players
Key parties are the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, insider Dave Pagnetta, host Jeff Marek, former coach Bruce Cassidy, and an unnamed assistant coach—speculated as Joel Ward.
Timeline
2017-18: Vegas joins NHL. A few years ago: Oilers interview and offer assistant coach; Vegas blocks and later promotes him. 2024: Lavoie waiver dispute. May 2024: Pagnetta reveals the prior block while discussing Cassidy.
Numbers
Since 2017-18 the clubs have made virtually no trades. The blocked assistant coach was promoted about a year later. The Lavoie waiver saga saw three claims in five days.
Official Response
Vegas exercised its contractual right to retain the assistant coach and later promoted him. The Oilers received interview permission and an offer, but the Knights halted the pursuit to honor the contract.
Critique
Pagnetta suggested the block may stem from a desire to avoid aiding a divisional rival, implying a motive beyond contract enforcement. Marek noted the broader “competition off the ice,” framing the action as potentially anti-competitive.
Gaps
The assistant coach’s name was not disclosed; sources only offered speculation (e.g., Joel Ward). No official comment from the Golden Knights has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wasn’t made aware of this until recently, until after this Cassidy stuff kind of took place.” — Dave Pagnetta
- “Really? Well, that adds a little bit more spice to all of this. There’s competition on the ice, there’s competition off the ice.” — Jeff Marek
- “But I do know this happened a few years ago.” — Dave Pagnetta
Outlook
The Oilers remain in search of a head coach, with Bruce Cassidy still a focal name. The Golden Knights have not signaled any policy shift, leaving the coaching-hire dynamic unresolved as the 2024 playoffs continue.
