Former Golden Knights Coach Finds New Purpose While Awaiting NHL Call

Bruce Cassidy has won a Stanley Cup, been fired and watched another NHL hiring cycle pass without finding his way back behind a bench. For now, he's found a way to keep coaching while he waits for the next opportunity.

Cassidy is working with Canada's women's national team ahead of the World Championship in Denmark this November. It's a new experience for the veteran coach, but the day-to-day work is familiar: watching video, preparing practices and helping players improve.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, Cassidy discussed his work with Hockey Canada, the possibility of returning to the NHL and what he's taken away from his time outside the league.

Hockey Canada named Cassidy a special adviser to general manager Danièle Sauvageau last month. He's since been helping head coach Kori Cheverie as the team prepares for the tournament.

The opportunity has given Cassidy a reason to stay in his coaching routine, even if the setting is different from what he's used to.

“Just trying to stay in a routine, so to speak,” Cassidy told LeBrun. “Great people here. This opportunity came up, and it's really helped fill that void.”

There's also been more time for family. Cassidy has been able to watch his 16-year-old son play hockey on weekends, a change of pace after years spent managing the demands of an NHL season.

His long-term plans, though, haven't changed. Cassidy wants another NHL job, and he remains under contract with Vegas through June 30, 2027. Any team interested in speaking with him would need permission from the Golden Knights.

Until something opens up, Cassidy has time to think about what he'd bring to his next team — and what he might do differently.

“I've always thought I'm a pretty direct coach,” he said. “I hold people accountable, and my teams play a certain way. But I think it's always about how you message.”

That question of communication has taken on added importance since Cassidy led Vegas to the Stanley Cup in 2023. Keeping a team at championship level is one challenge; figuring out how to deliver that message after the group falls short is another.

Cassidy said he spent time reflecting on how he handled that balance during his final seasons with the Golden Knights.

His next NHL job could still be some time away. In the meantime, the Team Canada assignment gives him a chance to keep coaching, learn in a different environment and be ready when the next call comes.