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Normally when you win a championship as a head coach, a team wants to keep you around in order to win title after title. That's not the case for this year's NHL champs.
The Washington Capitals are the reigning NHL champions are hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history. When they go to defend their title next season, they'll be some big changes. Specifically, at head coach.
Barry Trotz has shockingly announced he's stepping down.
Sources: Barry Trotz is stepping down as head coach in WASH. Please follow the thread...
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2018
Looks like the Stanley Cup celebrations for the Caps are finally over after this one.
Trotz was expected to become a free agent following this season, but a contract extension was triggered after his team's run towards the title. Even with that extension, he would have been vastly underpaid, especially after his latest achievements. The two sides were unable to work out a deal, which means Trotz will quickly become the biggest free agent out there.
We had believed Trotz was a free agent this summer. That’s not correct. There was a two-year extension if he won the Cup in WASH. But, as coaches’ contracts have exploded in value, it was below the current market. Both sides tried to negotiate an extension....
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2018
But they could not come to terms. Trotz is now a free agent, as WASH will grant permission to other teams who want to talk to him. 3/3
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2018
The Capitals, as you could have imagined, are stunned. Trotz led them to a 328-208 record during his four years in Washington, leading them to three division titles and of course, this year's Stanley Cup.
Statement from Barry Trotz on his decision to move on from the Capitals. pic.twitter.com/zbdTSgHc0U
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 18, 2018
Repeating is hard enough in the NHL, and that's without your head coach leaving you in the dust.