NHL Rumors: Knoblauch’s Plans, Vegas Talks, Wild Open to Trades – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Vegas Golden Knights commented on the NHL’s ruling against them for missing a media assignment. They also offered up an explanation for refusing to allow teams to interview Bruce Cassidy. Meanwhile, one of the teams interested in an interview, the Edmonton Oilers, has a few coaching candidates on their radar, while their former coach might take a break. Finally, how open are the Minnesota Wild to making big trades? Does that include Quinn Hughes?

GM Kelly McCrimmon and head coach John Tortorella spoke with the media on Tuesday and discussed the NHL’s ruling to fine Torts and take away a second-round pick from the organization after failing to meet its obligations to make players and coaches available for media.

McCrimmon said, “We missed a great opportunity to connect with our fans… that’s on John and myself” “We have no explanation other than to say ‘we’re wrong.” They also noted that it won’t happen again.

With respect to the requests by teams to interview Bruce Cassidy, McCrimmon said that teams have called and all have been told they are in the midst of their playoff run and nothing will be granted while that’s going on. Cassidy was told and he understands, as were teams who have accepted the Golden Knights’ position on the matter.

Pierre LeBrun notes, “From NHL perspective, the league feels the Vegas response to date is consistent with the team’s existing contractual rights, as well as with established league policy. So, it remains very much up to the VGK if and when teams can talk to Cassidy while he’s under contract.

Oilers Coaching Update and Knoblauch Plans

Bob Stauffer noted recently, “As per the Edmonton Oilers Head Coaching search. I believe nothing close to imminent. Could see GM Stan Bowman interview more than 1 or 2 Candidates who have won Stanley Cups. General consensus out there is that Bruce Cassidy is the Best HC, not currently Coaching an NHL team.” in other words, the Oilers are looking to hire someone with a proven track record of winning.

Meanwhile, Kris Knoblauch is not expected to jump back into the coaching ranks right away. Both TSN’s Ryan Rishaug and Sportsnet’s Mark Spector believe he’ll sit idle for some time before making a decision on his future.

Spector noted, “We can likely cross Kris Knoblauch’s name off of any coaching candidates list out there for now. With 3 years left on his Oilers deal, he’s more likely to assess for a season before jumping back in, than he is to be working in September.” Rishaug agreed, saying:

“Lots of activity on the coaching front right now, and another opening in Vancouver as of today. Kris Knoblauch would likely be a candidate for any of the current openings but my sense is he will not step back behind an NHL bench right away or engage in the application process for some time. With family recently relocating to Edmonton and some breathing room with his three year contract, I’d expect him to be out of the mix for the time being after a long couple of seasons.”

Guerin Says Nobody Is Untouchable

The Minnesota Wild are heading into a pivotal offseason after a strong 2025-26 campaign that ended with a playoff loss to the Colorado Avalanche. General manager Bill Guerin faces several major decisions, including eight pending unrestricted free agents and ongoing discussions with superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes about a potential contract extension. Hughes has indicated he is open to re-signing, but his long-term future remains uncertain.

Guerin, who believes the Wild are in a Stanley Cup window, has been aggressive in his approach to improving the roster and is targeting a true No. 1 center through the trade market due to limited free-agent options. With roughly $15 million in cap space, roster flexibility will be tight.

He said during a media availability this week that no player is untouchable. “Nobody in this game is untouchable. Wayne Gretzky got traded. Anybody can get traded.” While securing Hughes remains a top priority, Guerin’s comments hint that trading high-end talent is not off the table if it strengthens the team.