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. 

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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. 


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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.


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Repeating is hard enough in the NHL, and that's without your head coach leaving you in the dust.