Capitals let go of McPhee and Oates
The Washington Capitals have announced that they will not renew the contracts of general manager George McPhee and they have let go head coach Adam Oates. These changes are not too surprising as the Capitals missed the playoffs this season and have failed to get deep in the playoffs in past seasons.
McPhee helped rebuild the Capitals but he could never get them over the hump and some of his trades like bringing in Martin Erat hurt the team for the future.
I think Oates is a good coach but the Capitals had way too many defensive breakdowns.
Here is the Capitals press release.
Capitals Announce Changes to Front Office and Coaching Staff
Posted on April 26, 2014 by Caps PR
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals will not renew the contract of vice president and general manager George McPhee and have relieved head coach Adam Oates of his duties, majority owner Ted Leonsis and president Dick Patrick announced today.
“George has been a terrific, longtime executive for our franchise, and I’m grateful for his commitment to the Capitals organization for the past 17 years,” said Leonsis. “Under his leadership the Capitals won seven division titles, twice were the top team in the Eastern Conference, earned a Presidents’ Trophy and competed in the playoffs 10 times. He was a highly effective manager who is extremely well regarded within our organization and around the NHL. We have the utmost respect for him and his family and wish them nothing but the very best.
“We are also appreciative of Adam’s efforts and thank him for his devotion, work ethic and contributions to the Capitals the past two seasons. He is a smart, tactical coach who improved the performance of several of our players. He is a Hall of Fame player who we believe will be a longtime coach in the NHL. We will help him in whatever way we are able and wish him well.
This is an important time for our organization, and I feel a change is needed in order to get us back to being a top echelon team that competes for the Stanley Cup.”
Leonsis and Patrick will be available to the media today, April 26 at 4 p.m. in the Verizon Center media room.
