Islanders excited to land Trotz as new head coach
NEW YORK — The New York Islanders named Barry Trotz as their next head coach on Thursday afternoon.
“Barry brings to the New York Islanders franchise a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and success,” Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement. “He is and has been one of the top coaches in the National Hockey League. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Trotz led the Washington Capitals to their first Cup on June 7 before resigning on Monday.
The hiring of Trotz continues an off-season makeover for the Islanders after Lamoriello was hired as president of hockey operations on May 22. Lamoriello relieved general manager Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight of their duties on June 5, though both remain in the organization in greatly reduced advisory roles.
Trotz, who turns 56 on July 15, spent the past four seasons behind the Capitals’ bench and previously coached the
Predators from 1998 to 2014. He has a career regular-season record of 762 wins, 568 losses, 60 ties and 134 overtime losses.
Trotz and the Capitals parted ways after Trotz made it clear he wanted to be among the highest-paid coaches in the NHL. Trotz reportedly was earning
$1.5 million annually.
Trotz was also seeking a new five-year deal. The Capitals were not willing to meet either of Trotz’s contract demands.