Capitals make it official, name Reirden head coach

The Washington Capitals have named Todd Reirden their next head coach, the team announced Friday.

With Capitals brass and Stanley Cup-winning bench boss Barry Trotz unable to agree on an extension earlier this month, Reirden's promotion had been expected.

The 47-year-old has been employed by the Capitals for four seasons, first as assistant coach, and more recently as an associate coach. During that time, Reirden has mainly worked with the club's defensemen.

"We feel that the time is right for Todd to lead our hockey club," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a press release. "Based on his coaching experience, communication abilities, his approach to the game and the respect he commands in our locker room, we feel that Todd has earned this opportunity."

Reirden, a journeyman pro player who flamed out in the mid 2000s, previously worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant coach from 2010 to 2014. He is the 18th head coach in Capitals history.