NHL Rumors: Oilers Have Knoblauch Mess, Malkin Extension, Maple Leafs Fire Berube – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers have a PR mess on their hands after word leaked that they reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights about talking to Bruce Cassidy. Where does that leave their current coach, Kris Knoblauch? And what happens now? Will Vegas be forced to grant permission? Why are they holding off? The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired Craig Berube. What was the reasoning behind the decision? Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins have confirmed that they are in talks with Evgeni Malkin about a contract extension.

Leaked Oilers Coaching Inquiry Is Messy

Yesterday’s rumors piece reported that the Edmonton Oilers’ request to speak with Bruce Cassidy was denied by the Vegas Golden Knights. It wasn’t clear why, but subsequent reports from multiple insiders, including Elliotte Friedman, indicated that the story will continue and that the fallout will be messy for Edmonton.

The NHL insider noted that it isn’t unusual, as teams often explore coaching options before making formal changes. The real issue is that news of the request leaked, putting the Oilers in an awkward position. It’s unlikely the leak came from Edmonton or Cassidy, as both would have little to gain. That has led to speculation as to where the leak came from.

Vegas has a reputation for aggressive, win-at-all-costs decision-making, and could benefit from disrupting a division rival. At the same time, it is also being reported that the Los Angeles Kings asked, so this isn’t just an Edmonton thing.

One source wondered whether Vegas wanted to wait until the playoffs were over or get clarification on how Cassidy’s salary would be handled if hired for less than they were on the hook for. All the while, Knoblauch is left twisting in the wind. Most believe he’s essentially, but unofficially, been fired, and that the Oilers can’t come back to him even if Cassidy is not hired. Jason Gregor reports that Knoblauch was not under the impression he was being replaced.

There is a thought that the NHL will step in if this drags out, and it is expected that Cassidy will be allowed to interview eventually.

Maple Leafs Fire Berube

Craig Berube received a call on Wednesday morning informing him that the Maple Leafs were moving in a different direction. After spending several hours with new general manager John Chayka and Special Advisor Mats Sundin on Saturday, during which they discussed every aspect of the roster, Leafs management ultimately decided to move forward with a clean slate.

As per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, “Berube had two more years on his deal paying him $4.5M per so the Leafs still on the hook for that unless Berube gets hired elsewhere.”

The Penguins Looking to Bring Malkin Back

General manager Kyle Dubas spoke with Pittsburgh media on Tuesday and was asked about the status of Evgeni Malkin and if the veteran forward would be back next season. Dubas confirmed, “We had a great exit interview with Evgeni directly, and great conversations with him and his agent J.P. Barry… So we would love to have him back, and we continue to work with J.P. on it.”

He also seemed to indicate that the hesitation was leaving spots open for younger talent, but that, because no young guys have really stepped up, there’s room for Malkin without pushing someone else out of a job.

It’s unclear what the numbers or term might look like on an extension, but this feels like a formality.

Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby has accepted an invitation to join Team Canada at the World Championships. As for whether he’ll take the captaincy, the thought is that current captain Macklin Celebrini will offer it, and Crosby will suggest that Celebrini lead the team, with Crosby there to support. Celebrini may insist, so we’ll see where this goes.