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Knights Block Cassidy Interview; Leafs Eye Fired Coach

6/11/2026

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Summary

Bruce Cassidy Interview

Bruce Cassidy will interview for the Toronto Maple Leafs head-coaching job if the Vegas Golden Knights grant permission.
The Knights fired him with eight games left in the 2025-26 season and still owe him $5 million.
The Knights blocked interview requests from the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers.
Toronto has interviewed 55 candidates and will meet five finalists this week, including forward Joe Pavelski.

Summary

Cassidy Targets Leafs

Bruce Cassidy, a winner, has shown interest in the Toronto Maple Leafs head-coach job.
The search started after Craig Berube was fired a month ago and dominates Stanley Cup Final talk.
Supporters say the lengthy interview process is justified because it lets Toronto pursue best candidate.
Media note the Leafs as a “terrible place to play” and see a Cassidy hire as morale boost because of his flawless playoff record.

History

Historical Context

In June 1992 the Leafs hired Pat Burns, whose three-year contract ended a 14-year playoff drought with a 1994 series win and made him the franchise’s only Jack Adams Award coach. After Craig Berube’s May 13 2026 dismissal, the organization turned to Bruce Cassidy—who guided the Vegas Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup—hoping to repeat Burns’s turnaround.

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Bruce Cassidy Interview

Bruce Cassidy will interview for the Toronto Maple Leafs head-coaching job if the Vegas Golden Knights grant permission.
The Knights fired him with eight games left in the 2025-26 season and still owe him $5 million.
The Knights blocked interview requests from the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers.
Toronto has interviewed 55 candidates and will meet five finalists this week, including forward Joe Pavelski.

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