Capitals name Spencer Carbery next head coach

When Peter Laviolette and the Washington Capitals agreed to mutually part ways, Brian MacLellan was looking to add a guy who could connect with the youth while encouraging the veterans. They believed they found that with the hire of Spencer Carbery who returns to the organization after once serving as coach of the Hershey Bears.

GMBM said in a press release from the Caps:

"“We are extremely pleased to name Spencer as our new head coach. Spencer is one of the best young coaches in the game who’s had success at every level at which he has coached. We feel his leadership, communication skills, ability to develop players and familiarity with our organization will be a tremendous asset as he makes this next step in his coaching career.”"

The new coach in town added:

"“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege to be named the head coach of the Washington Capitals. I would like to thank the Capitals organization for affording me the opportunity to lead this team. I look forward to working with this group of talented players and building upon the winning culture in place. I would also like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for all their support over the past two years and wish them all the best in the future.”"

Carbery is just 41 years old and becomes the 20th head coach in Caps franchise history. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs where he was responsible for their forwards and power play.

The Maple Leafs ranked first in the NHL in power play percentage at 27.3 percent in 2021 22 which was his first season with the team. It was a 7.3 percent improvement from the previous season.

Over two full seasons, Toronto converted on 26.6 percent of their power play opportunities which was the second highest rate in the league during that span. Toronto forwards also ranked fourth in the NHL in goals with 251 and points with 589 during 2022 23 and second in goals with 277 and third in points with 652 in 2021 22.

While with the Hershey Bears from 2018-21 he coached several players that appeared in Caps games this past season including Martin Fehervary, Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael, Alex Alexeyev, Beck Malenstyn, Lucas Johansen and Joe Snively.

It’ll be good having a familiar face back in town that the young players on the team already know. Can’t imagine any ice time restrictions. Best of luck to Carbery from all of us at Stars and Sticks.