In a recent player poll conducted by The Athletic, Bruce Cassidy, the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, was voted as the second least desirable coach to play for in the NHL, receiving 12.33% of the votes. This poll included responses from 111 players, allowing them to voice their opinions anonymously. Cassidy, who previously faced criticism for his treatment of young players during his time with the Boston Bruins, has continued a trend of tough love in Vegas, openly calling out players, including goaltenders Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov.

Despite these criticisms, Cassidy's coaching record reflects success, as he led the Bruins to the playoffs in all his seasons there and is currently a Stanley Cup champion with the Golden Knights. The poll's top spot went to John Tortorella, who garnered 38.46% of the votes, highlighting ongoing concerns about certain coaching styles within the league.