Washington Capitals Rumors: Todd Reirden close to head coach deal
By Ron Juckett
Todd Reirden was the Washington Capitals first choice for head coach. Published reports have the two sides on the brink of a deal.
The Washington Capitals and Todd Reirden are close to an agreement for the head coaching position, according to ESPN’s John Buccigross.
Reirden, 47, remains the frontrunner for the position after Barry Trotz resigned after winning the Stanley Cup. Trotz had an extension kicker in his deal for winning the Cup, but negotiations broke down over length and money. He moved on to coach the New York Islanders.
Reirden was an Associate Head Coach this season for Washington in charge of the defense. Other teams approached the Caps last summer about him, but DC refused any interviews for head coaching jobs elsewhere. General Manager Brian MacLellan said earlier Reirden could interview this off season.
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If Buccigross is right, the lone interview was with Washington.
Unlike Trotz, if the Caps failed to win the Cup, Reirden had a contract for 2018-19 as an assistant. The pair reportedly butted heads with Trotz unhappy he was training his potential replacement. You can understand that.
A journeyman defender, Reirden has head coaching experience. He spent the 2009-10 season behind the bench for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL. Pittsburgh promoted him to the big club as an assistant the next year. He stayed through the 2013-14 campaign before getting fired.
Washington hired Reirden the next day, and he has worked his way up the ladder since.
As popular as Trotz was in the locker room, Reirden is respected by his defenseman. John Carlson is on-board with the promotion. A great sign as the Caps go on defense of their first Cup championship.
Although you never want to voluntarily change coaches after a title, Reirden’s four years with the Caps eases the transition.
With Reirden, Washington’s high-octane offense will go on as normal. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov will continue to terrorize opposing goalies. But, watch for a further emphasis on defense. It is Reirden’s specialty.
As for terms, Reirden will not get Trotz’s five-years and $20 million the Isles shelled out unless the team wants to make a point. What you should expect is something around three or four years in the $12-15 million range. Anywhere from $3 to $3.5 million for the rookie NHL chief.
Todd Reirden has the training he needs to be a successful head coach in the NHL. The Washington Capitals will get their first choice. Now, time for results.