Scott Arniel could leave Capitals to coach Jets

The Washington Capitals might be without at least one face behind the bench among the coaching staff next season. In a report from Murat Ates of The Athletic (subscription required), the Winnipeg Jets are considering Arniel to be part of their coaching staff as an associate coach.

Arniel has been with the Capitals as an assistant coach for the past four season. Prior to that he served under Alain Vigneault and the New York Rangers, making it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. He also coached the Columbus Blue Jackets for two seasons from 2010-2012.

Ates notes that any announcement of Arniel’s hiring will likely happen when they announce the head coach. The leading candidate is none other than former Caps head coach Barry Trotz who was fired from the New York Islanders not too long ago.

But they’ll have some competition for Trotz. Other suitors include the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Philadelphia Flyers. Trotz is taking the time to assess each team to see which fits best for him and his family. His wife and son Nolan still live around D.C. and Trotz has been spotted at a Washington Mystics game and around Arlington.

Will this be the only change to the Capitals coaching staff next season? Many fans clamored for the firing of special teams coach Blaine Forsythe. It is unlikely he would be shown the door if it hasn’t happened by now but who knows.

It is unlikely head coach Peter Laviolette would part ways with his right hand man Kevin McCarthy. Scott Murray could be shaky but then again he’s got a tall task already replacing a goalie whisperer like Mitch Korn.

I’ve seen the comments and many fans want the Caps to bring back Trotz. But even if they tried, I doubt Trotz would want to come back the way he was shown the door after coaching them to a Cup.