Less than ten days after his club lifted the Stanley Cup trophy, Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz on Monday announced he’s leaving the team.
The 55-year-old man began the last campaign without knowing what the future was for him, with general manager Brian MacLellan having decided last summer not to extend his contract.
In a statement, the Capitals thanked Trotz for his efforts over the last four years, his leadership, and all he did for the organisation despite asked the Canadian to stay on.
The Capitals entered the playoffs each year under the leadership of former Nashville Predators head coach, who had been in office since May 2014. The club also won two consecutive Presidents trophies in 2015/16 and 2016/17.
With 105 points this season, the Caps finished first in the Metropolitan Division. After losing their first two playoff games against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they won the next four. They then beat the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning, before winning the final at the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.
Prior to leading the Capitals, Trotz spent 15 seasons at the helm of the Nashville Predators. The resignation comes at a particular time, a few days before the draft, and the approach of the period when the players can become autonomous.
The conquest of the Cup triggered a two-year extension of the Trotz contract, which would have seen his salary slightly increased, to just over $ 2 million. This comes from a well-informed source of the file. The person confided in anonymity, because the team did not announce any such thing.
Barry Trotz lifts Stanley Cup trophy for last time. (Source:www.yahoo.com)
Trotz and the Capitals failed to agree on an annual salary comparable to that of other coaches who won the Stanley Cup.
“After a good reflection, and after consulting my family, I am officially announcing my resignation. It would have been difficult for me to win again next year,” Trotz told in a press conference.
“When I arrived in Washington four years ago, we had one goal and it was to get a championship to the American capital. We had an incredible adventure and our fans were able to share our excitement.” Trotz added.
According to reports, former Penguin coach Todd Reirden, a deputy with the Capitals, could be a candidate to replace Trotz as head coach of the Washington Capitals.
