Washington Capitals rumors: Barry Trotz’s future isn’t secure

By Dave Stevenson | May 16, 2017

Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz speaks to the media following their series victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Barry Trotz’s future with the Washington Capitals is far from a sure thing, according to Elliotte Friedman.

With another second round exit, the Washington Capitals are likely going to experience some changes. Usually, this is around the time general manager Brian MacLellan gives his end of the season press conference. However, it’s been delayed for a bit and won’t be held until at least next week, most likely. This suggests maybe some big changes are coming for the Capitals.

Elliotte Friedman is reporting the future of Barry Trotz is not a sure thing and he might be fired.

"Incredibly, Barry Trotz’s future isn’t secure. (One GM, hearing that, texted, “This league is a joke if [that’s] real.”)"

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He goes on to mention the Capitals’ past behavior suggests he might be fired. However, Friedman falsely uses Alex Ovechkin as a reason he’ll be fired.

"The surest predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Trotz said all the right things about Ovechkin accepting a move to the third line, but check Washington’s history. Dale Hunter didn’t return after demoting Ovechkin in 2012. Adam Oates faced pushback when he moved the captain into unfamiliar positions…"

If Trotz is fired, it will have nothing to do with Ovechkin’s ego. Though technically, he might get the pink slip because of him. But it won’t be Ovechkin’s fault. Moving The Great Eight to the third line was a brilliant move, but it happened far too late. It was painfully obvious Ovechkin wasn’t right after Nazem Kadri’s hit to his knee.

Next: Should Trotz be fired?

Fans should learn more in the coming days. However, MacLellan’s delayed press conference suggests something might be brewing.