Islanders hire former Capitals assistant Lambert to replace Trotz

The New York Islanders must love the Washington Capitals’ coaching tree. 

One week after firing Barry Trotz, the Islanders on Monday promoted his assistant, Lane Lambert, to the post. Lambert has been an assistant for Trotz for more than a decade, including during Trotz’s four-year stint in the District that ended with Washington’s first Stanley Cup title in 2018. 

Lambert was last a head coach in 2010 when he led the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals. 

“I had the opportunity to work with Lane over the past four years, which includes spending time with him on a one-on-one basis when he served as the interim head coach this past season. In my opinion, he is the right person to coach this team,” Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a press release.

Trotz was fired after the Islanders missed the playoffs this season. The Isles finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-35-10 record but were 16 points behind the Capitals for the final wild-card spot. 

NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti reported Monday that Trotz was “thrilled” to hear the Islanders hired Lambert. 

Trotz, who was fired with one year left on his contract, is unlikely to remain on the street for long. The Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets all have openings for which Trotz is certainly a candidate.