There are four NHL teams with head coaching vacancies, including the Edmonton Oilers, and the top candidate is growing frustrated sitting on the sidelines.

The Bruce Cassidy situation continues with no updates on the relieved coach’s ability to seek another job, still under contract with the Vegas Golden Knights for one year after this one concludes.

Described by some as “unquestionably” the Oilers’ top choice, Cassidy visited the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast and was asked whether he’s upset by the situation.

The $4.5 million he’s owed may be a sticking point for the Golden Knights. If Cassidy signs another contract and it’s less than that sum, the Golden Knights would have to pay the difference.

The normally silent NHL Coaches Association issued a statement that they were “monitoring” this “unprecedented” situation a week ago, as they don’t like seeing a coach restricted from finding a new job.

But the NHL won’t get involved in contract law, repeated again by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on Wednesday.

“The league is not expected to intervene, as it views Vegas within its league and legal rights to withhold permission while Cassidy is still under contract,” writes Kaplan.

“There is mutual interest between Cassidy and Edmonton, and I believe he’d also like to speak with Los Angeles, which also has interest. But even when Vegas’ season ends, there’s no guarantee the organization will allow those conversations.”

With the Golden Knights’ shocking sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final, permission will be further delayed until mid-June, if not outright denied by the end of their run.

Right now, Vegas has the hammer, and they’re using it. Cassidy can’t walk away from the contract, which would only forfeit his money, not help his job-seeking ability.

“We’ve been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the teams have respected that,” said VGK general manager Kelly McCrimmon at a press conference last week. “I’ve spoken with Bruce. He understands this as well.”

So for now, Cassidy has to wait. He may “understand” but that doesn’t mean he’s thrilled about it either.

“There was two teams that asked. It’s public knowledge now. And I would like to talk to them,” said Cassidy.

The Golden Knights also don’t have a head coach confirmed for next season. John Tortorella is an “interim” coach, and with the amount of success they’re having together, keeping Torts around seems like a slam dunk.

But was that Vegas’ plan when they shockingly ousted Cassidy with just eight games left in the season?

Kaplan continued in her article on the Cassidy front:

“Edmonton has made it clear it wants a veteran coach,” wrote Kaplan. “And now, some executives around the league are wondering: If Cassidy isn’t available, do they pivot to John Tortorella as Plan B? Tortorella signed with Vegas only through the end of the season.

“The long-term expectation had been that the Golden Knights would eventually turn to Ryan Craig — their AHL coach, someone they’ve developed internally for years and who has a long-standing relationship with Kelly McCrimmon since junior hockey. But Tortorella’s success this spring might have complicated that timeline.

“How can Vegas turn away from Tortorella now? So the bigger question might not just be whether Cassidy is available. It’s whether Vegas suddenly has to make a coaching decision of its own.”