Will Caps head coach Barry Trotz return next season?
The news of the signing of general manager Brian MacLellan to an extension during the season broke last week. The signing raised another question: Will head coach Barry Trotz, who is working in the final year of his contract return as his contract is about to expire?
What will it take?
Winning the division could improve the chances of Washington and Trotz coming to an extension of their own. Winning the division would also mean potentially reaching the second round of the playoffs, because of playing a wild card team in round one. What would making it to the second round of the playoffs mean for the Caps? Well as Capitals fans, we know the Caps have made it to round two of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons and six of the past nine. Making it to round two of the NHL playoffs and beyond would also put Trotz, 55, in a better position to have the kind of playoff run that seems necessary for him to be back in Washington next season. After back to back president’s trophies it looks unlikely the Caps will hit that mark again this season. Which may not be a bad thing, as they have done nothing with that accolade on their resume.
If that doesn’t change this spring, it’s possible Trotz, who has had success could be shown the door. The fact that his contract is expiring and associate head coach Todd Reirden’s deal extends through next season only adds to that possibility.
Personal look at the situation
Personally looking back at the leash that former coach and current Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau had and the coaching the Caps got or lack there of from Adam Oates, Washington has been lucky with the find in Barry Trotz. Look for Trotz to get the most out of the Caps as he can and get a good push into the playoffs. Barry has already made some bold moves changing to Phillip Grubauer in between the pipes. What will he do next to save his head coaching job?
