Despite being unable to find an NHL coaching job, Bruce Cassidy is staying busy and still wants a chance to run the Maple Leafs over Jim Hiller.
There were a lot of questions about who was going to lead the Maple Leafs behind the bench for 2026-27 and beyond and the team settled on Jim Hiller. It wasn't without controversy as there were names like David Carle, and Joe Pavelski who fans loved and were desperate for, but instead they got an NHL veteran coach.
Another name that was in the mix was Bruce Cassidy but because the Vegas Golden Knights were afraid to lose him, they neglected to allow him to pursue other offers, as he is still under contract and being paid by the team despite being fired.
Cassidy's confession shows that an NHL job is what he truly desires
Currently he is still looking for an NHL job, and is working with the Team Canada women's team as they prepare for the IIHF World Championships in Denmark coming up in November.
In an interview with Pierre LeBrun, Cassidy explained that he was happy to be helping out, but from the wording and way he voiced his opinion shows that deep down he still wants to be leading an NHL team:
I've been going to training camps for 45 years as a player and then as a coach. So we have one here. It's what you're used to. Just getting back involved, watching video, getting familiar with some of the players here, helping to prepare practice, going on the ice, teaching again.
Just trying to stay in a routine, so to speak. Great people here. This opportunity came up, and it's really helped fill that void. It's been great. I can help out and I'm learning while I'm here.
Cassidy is someone who clearly has a desire to coach again, and wanted to jump at any opportunity to keep himself in the loop. Obviously he has a passion for coaching, and just getting on the ice again and helping out means a lot to him personally.
The Jim Hiller failure in 2026-27 could bring Cassidy in for 2027-28
But Cassidy is still gunning for one specific position, that being the Maple Leafs job. Though Hiller is currently running things, the first impression has been pretty mixed in terms of reception and his latest antics of benching Gavin McKenna drew serious outrage from fans and analysts.
If this season fails, and Hiller is not the right fit behind the bench, then the team could very well pull a Craig Berube and be looking for a new head coach sooner than later. Vegas holding up negotiations could be due to a variety of factors such as competitive disadvantage, but there's one that might be overlooked.
They could just be holding onto him, as he has until June 30th, 2027 before his contract expires. If Vegas isn't sure that Ryan Craig is the answer, or they feel like they need a familiar voice in the room, then they could reintroduce Cassidy once again.
That feels unlikely though, and the Maple Leafs need to seriously assess whether or not Hiller is the right person to lead the team, especially in the Gavin McKenna era. That leaves a potential opening this summer.
And Bruce Cassidy is hunting for Hiller's job - and seemingly won't stop until he gets it.
Would you rather have had Bruce Cassidy over Jim Hiller as head coach?
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