Barry Trotz is the new coach of the Washington Capitals.
The longtime Nashville Predators coach had been rumored to be the team’s choice for several days, and the Capitals made the hire official Monday afternoon.
They also promoted Brian MacLellan, who had been running their hockey operations since George McPhee and Adam Oates were dismissed in April, to the general manager’s position. MacLellan has been in the Caps organization for the last 13 seasons.
“We are extremely pleased to name Brian MacLellan the team’s general manager and welcome Barry Trotz to Washington as the Capitals coach,” team owner Ted Leonsis said in a press release. “After conducting an extensive search for a general manager, we determined that Brian was the best candidate to help us reach our ultimate goal, winning the Stanley Cup. We have witnessed his abilities firsthand, and we have tremendous respect for how he manages people and situations. We feel he has relevant, in-depth knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of our franchise and will be forceful in addressing them. Brian always has displayed tremendous professionalism, passion and commitment to the Capitals. He has his own unique approach, and we are confident in his abilities to lead this organization to new heights.
“We are also excited to welcome Barry back to the Capitals organization. Barry is a highly respected and accomplished coach who brings us a wealth of experience. He possesses high character and the exact leadership qualities we look for in the head coach. He was the only coach we coveted, and we feel he is an ideal fit to help lead our club.”
Trotz, 51, spent the last 15 seasons as coach of the Predators. He ranks fourth among active coaches and 15th all-time with 557 career wins. Prior to being hired by Nashville, he spent five seasons coaching the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, first in Baltimore and then in Portland, Maine.
MacLellan, 55, had been the Capitals’ assistant GM for player personnel the past seven seasons. He previously served as a scout for the franchise. MacLellan had a 10-year career as a player, winning the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989.
• Marc Lancaster can be reached at mlancaster@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.