The Washington Capitals have announced that Barry Trotz has resigned as the team’s head coach. Trotz could have remained as the Capitals head coach, but the team could not come to an agreement on a fair contract.
Due to the Capitals winning the cup, a two-year extension kicked in for Trotz. However, it was below market value and thus Trotz decided it was best to move on.
Statement from the Washington Capitals on Barry Trotzhttps://t.co/NF0xiEzce1
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 18, 2018
Barry Trotz Steps Down as Washington Capitals Coach
Trotz has stepped aside as Capitals coach after bringing the team its first Stanley Cup. This season, the team has a record of 49 wins, 26 losses, and seven overtime losses. They also finished with the Metropolitan Division title
Over his 19-year NHL coaching career, Trotz has split his time between the Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitals. Overall he has 762 wins, 568 losses, 134 overtime losses and 60 ties. His greatest success was this season’s Stanley Cup title with the Caps. Trotz’s best season with the Predators was in 2011-12 when they reached the conference semifinals for the first time in franchise history.
He also led the Portland Pirates to the Calder Cup title in 1994. Portland was Washington’s AHL affiliate at the team.
The Capitals released a statement.
“We are obviously disappointed by Barry’s decision, but would like to thank Barry for all his efforts the past four years and for helping bring the Stanley Cup to Washington. Barry is a man of high character and integrity and we are grateful for his leadership and for all that he has done for our franchise.”
What This Means For Trotz’s Future
This would be a great way to ride off into the sunset if Trotz does call it a career. The Dauphin, Manitoba native is 55 years old and has accomplished a lot.
However, teams like the New York Islanders or the prospective Seattle franchise don’t have a coach. Adding Trotz would make a big splash to their respective fan bases. A team could also fire its current coach to make a play for Trotz.
Trotz employs a defensive style and was able to turn Alex Ovechkin into a more responsible defensive player. He will be a sought-after commodity if he does keep coaching.
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