The reaction following Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz's resignation on Monday is twofold – why and who's the next coach?
Indeed, it won't be long before Trotz is in the rearview mirror of smiling fans. Hey, great job, thanks for winning the Stanley Cup and good luck in future endeavors. But if anything is true in Washington, there's a short attention span for the past and a lust for the future.
Maybe Caps owner Ted Leonsis was too cheap to pay Trotz the money he deserved. Perhaps the coach was upset over playing out his contract under a "we'll see" scenario. By winning the title, Trotz will never have more negotiating power, so stepping aside for a little while will enhance his value. While only the New York Islanders need a coach, Trotz can certainly wait for a plum mid-season change.
Does this give the Caps a black eye? Absolutely, but with the afterglow of nearly a half-million fans on the National Mall for a victory parade, the ill effects won't linger long. And, Trotz agreed to the contract extension parameters, so looking elsewhere for more money is partly on him.
The Caps have had trouble staying with coaches for some time. They haven't always picked the right ones. Trotz showed a whole new level during the playoffs, so it's going to be a setback when players return next season. Not exactly what you want from defending Stanley Cup winners.
Where do the Caps look next? Maybe Todd Reirden, the Caps assistant coach for four seasons after four years as a Pittsburgh assistant. He certainly knows the roster and comes cheaper than Trotz, while 14 seasons as a defenseman gives him solid insight into players.
It won't take long to find someone willing to take over a defending champion. But really, there's no defending the Caps on this separation. They should have tried harder to keep Trotz for a couple more seasons.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
