Peter Laviolette Out As Capitals Head Coach
Peter Laviolette is now on the market. After three years in charge, the Washington Capitals have officially parted ways with the Stanley Cup winner. The decision is hardly a surprise when you consider that the Caps missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. It was a murky season, and it appears that a new voice is the best thing for all parties involved.
Whether as an assistant or a bench boss, there should be interest across the league for the longtime head coach. In total, Laviolette went 115-78-27 over the course of three seasons in D.C. His playoff record was nothing special either. Washington lost in the first round against Boston in 2021 and Florida in 2022.
The move now confirms Washington will be looking for their third head coach since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. The departure and void left by Barry Trotz has still not been filled by either Laviolette or former heir-apparent Todd Reirden. In-house options for the Caps could include either Kevin McCarthy or Blaine Forsythe. Other potential candidates may include Andrew Brunette, Dallas Eakins or Joe Sacco.
Much like their arch-rival Penguins (above), the winds of change are blowing in Washington. Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have been the biggest names in hockey for the 21st century, but they are now starting to ride into the sunset. We already saw that the Caps started retooling this season. The Dmitry Orlov trade was a great example of that.
If they want one last chance to win with Ovi, they need to nail this next coaching hire. You can’t fix a hole in the wall with super glue.
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