When the Vegas Golden Knights won their first-ever Stanley Cup last week, one guy was happier than most. Bruce Cassidy was the head coach of the Boston Bruins for six seasons but was forced to quit last year.
He took over the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of this season, and what a fantastic move that turned out to be. And as it turns out, the Golden Knights owe it to Patrice Bergeron. Yes, the Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron.
When Bruce Cassidy had to leave the Bruins, rumors came about how some of the B’s more influential players didn’t think very highly of him. Bergeron was one of those players who reportedly wasn’t a fan of Cassidy. But now, some new claims may speak the complete opposite.
According to the Golden Knights team president George McPhee, Bergeron was asked about Cassidy before Vegas offered him a contract. Accordingly, after making that appointment, Bergeron immediately said that Vegas was the favorite to win the cup.
McPhee said that general manager Kelly McCrimmon asked Vegas captain Mark Stone to call Bergeron and ask for his opinion about Cassidy.
“They had their conversation, and then at the end of the call, Patrice said, ‘Holy smokes, Vegas is going to hire Bruce Cassidy, and they’re going to win the Stanley Cup next year,” McPhee said, according to Boston Hockey Now.
Accordingly, although Bergeron seems to think very highly of Cassidy, he did think it was right to let him go last year.
“He read the room, and it wasn’t a yay for Cassidy,” an NHL source told Boston Hockey Now. “But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t a fan of ‘Butch’ [Cassidy]. He knew a change was needed there, but he also knew ‘Butch’ could win with the right roster.”
Perhaps, the Golden Knights should send some flowers Bergeron’s way for helping them hire Bruce Cassidy. Because honestly, they probably wouldn’t have won the cup if it wasn’t for him.
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