On the Washington Capitals and Barry Trotz …
Sean Leahy of NBC Sports: Head coach Barry Trotz is without a contract for next season, and it’s up to him if he wants to coach the Stanley Cup winning Capitals next season.
“He’s under contract until July 1st. He just won a Stanley Cup. So if he wants to be back, he’ll be back,” MacLellan said after the Capitals’ 4-3 Cup-clinching victory over the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night.
Trotz has already spoken with GM Brian MacLellan and he’s not worried about his situation just yet.
“I said to Brian there’s no reason that I don’t want to be there. No matter what happens, give me a couple of days to enjoy or not enjoy what happens,” Trotz said. “But these are my kids. This is a pretty special group. We’ll talk. I’m not worried, one way or the other. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I don’t lose any sleep over it.”
Currently the New York Islanders are the only team without a head coach.
On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on the NHL Network on Wednesday talking about the John Tavares – New York Islanders situation.
Friedman noted that after the trade deadline he went to do an interview with Mathew Barzal and watched the Islanders play the Canucks. You see how disappointed Tavares was that they didn’t make any moves at the deadline to improve. is sure Tavares didn’t want Doug Weight fired, but if they want to re-sign him, the Islanders need to show that remaining status quo isn’t going to work, and they need to propose some sort of change.
“I will tell you this: I’m not putting any odds on it, and I’m not making any predictions, but I do think there is a chance he stays. I do.”
Mark Herrmann of Newsday: John Tavares could leave in free agency, but currently things “looks clearer and brighter now than it has in months, or years.” The organization has proven leadership and a direction. Lou Lamoriollo has come in and did something he had to do.
Free agency is a few weeks away for Tavares, but “Tavares should see that Lamoriello is the type of guy who can finally provide him with solid wingers, a better defense and a good goalie.”