Report: Former Capitals Bench Boss Trotz A Finalist For Flyers Head Coach

The Washington Capitals could see their former bench boss Barry Trotz again in the Metro Division this season, this time with a new club after his surprising firing from the New York Islanders.

Per The Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Trotz is a finalist for the vacant Philadelphia Flyers head coaching job, along with John Tortorella.

Trotz coached 328 games for the Capitals over four years, going 205-89-34 (.667) and winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. Prior to his time in Washington, Trotz spent 15 years with Nashville. However, following Washington’s championship, Trotz resigned and took his talents to the Island.

He led New York to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances. However, following a lackluster 2021-22 campaign that saw the Isles miss the playoffs, Lou Lamoriello chose to move on from Trotz, who finished his run with a 152-102-34 record (.587) over 288 games.

“It’s my role to make the best decision for the organization going forward. And I believe this group of players needs a new voice,” Lamoriello told reporters following the decision. “It’s in no way negative on Barry Trotz.”

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Trotz’s longtime assistant Lane Lambert has taken over for the Islanders. In the meantime, Trotz has also reportedly interviewed with several teams, including Winnipeg, Vegas and Dallas (per The Athletic’s Murat Ates).

Seeing Trotz in Philly would be interesting. The Flyers are looking to turn things around after finishing last in the Metro this season with a 25-46-11 record. Philadelphia hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in the last two seasons. Plus, if Mitch Korn tags along with Trotz, he can help the team’s goaltending situation and also help a still-developing Carter Hart elevate his game.