Trotz steps down as Capitals head coach
Barry Trotz is stepping down as head coach of the Washington Capitals, the team announced Monday.
A clause in his contract automatically put a two-year extension on the table upon winning the Stanley Cup, but it would have paid Trotz below market value and the sides were unable to agree on new terms, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
The 55-year-old is now a free agent and the Capitals have granted him permission to speak with other clubs, added Friedman.
"After careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am officially announcing my resignation as head coach of the Washington Capitals," Trotz said in a statement, via Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "When I came to Washington four years ago we had one goal in mind and that was to bring the Stanley Cup to the nation's capital. We had an incredible run this season culminating with our players and staff achieving our goal and sharing the excitement with our fans. I would like to thank Mr. Leonsis, Dick Patrick, and Brian MacLellan for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great organization. I would also like to thank our players and staff who worked tirelessly every day to achieve our success."
Trotz's tabled two-year extension would have paid him another $300,000 per season, bringing his original $1.5-million annual salary to $1.8 million, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
You can now add Barry Trotz’s name to this list. Considering how few men are on it, his decision to step away from the Capitals is stunning. pic.twitter.com/7JLNMhGWSN
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) June 18, 2018
Assistant coach Todd Reirden is reportedly a strong candidate to replace Trotz, though there haven't been any formal discussions, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.
In four years with the Capitals, Trotz posted a 205-89-34 record in the regular season and a 36-27 mark in the playoffs. He ranks second on the franchise's all-time coaching wins list after Bryan Murray despite being behind the bench for 344 fewer games.
Trotz's resume with the Capitals includes consecutive Presidents' Trophies in 2016 and 2017, the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach in 2016, and the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup.