Trotz named Islanders Head Coach

Three days after stepping down as the Head Coach of the Washington Capitals, Barry Trotz has been named the 17th Head Coach in New York Islanders’ history. 

According to multiple reports, the Islanders have signed Trotz for five years for at least $4.0 million annually. This represents at least a $2.2M raise from what he would have earned if he stayed with the Capitals—or a 122.22 percent increase in pay. Makes sense why Trotz walked away from the Stanley Cup Champions, now. This is also the fourth highest known salary among NHL coaches right now.

Since taking over as the head coach of the Nashville Predators back in 1999, Trotz has accumulated a 762-568-60-134 record in 1,524 career games behind an NHL bench. This puts him fifth in NHL history in wins and games coached. 

This is the first big signing by Islanders new General Manager Lou Lamoriello, but there is more work to be done. Getting one of the best coaches in NHL history behind your bench should help the pitch to John Tavares. The Islanders’ captain is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, but maybe Trotz will be enough to persuade him in the direction of the franchise. 

Could the Islanders’ latest hire lead to a logo change? ????