The Washington Capitals won their first-ever Stanley Cup less than two weeks ago. Now they’re looking for a new head coach.
Barry Trotz announced his resignation Monday, becoming just the fifth coach in NHL history to leave a team right after winning the championship. Trotz’s record over four seasons with the Caps was 205-89-34, which was the best record in the league over that span.
Trotz was in the final year of his contract, which stated that if he won the Cup, there would automatically be a two-year extension. He also would have received a raise, but even then he would have been one of the lower-paid coaches in the league. Trotz and the Caps were unable to come to a new agreement, so he decided to step down.
Prior to his time with the Capitals, Trotz coached the Nashville Predators from 1997 until 2014. His record there was 557-479-60.
Trotz is only 55, so he likely has plenty of good coaching years left. Rumors had been swirling that the New York Islanders would come calling, as they are currently the only NHL team without a head coach. The Islanders and the Capitals both play in the Metropolitan Division.  Today, the Islanders announced Trotz would take over their head coach vacancy.  At the NHL general manager meetings, Islanders president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello stated, “. . . I think we’re the fortunate recipient of it [Trotz contract dispute] that we were able to have him come in our organization.”
Capitals assistant Todd Reirden may step up to fill the head coach’s shoes, and the team is likely scrambling to figure it out since the NHL Draft starts on Friday.
