Barry Trotz couldn’t be in a better position for a free agent.
The 2018-19 Stanley Cup Champion-winning coach accomplished that feat on an expiring contract and now becomes that rare free agent coach who should cash in on his success. While Trotz has said that he “absolutely” sees a future for himself in Washington next season after the team won the Stanley Cup on Thursday, he suddenly has all the power.
The Athletic’s Craig Custance (subscription required) writes that Trotz is in rare company for a head coach as few great coaches hit the open market. Not only has he fared so well, but Washington was likely expected to move on from Trotz had the team been knocked out of the first round against the Blue Jackets. In fact, Custance writes that he was assigned to cover Game 3 of Washington’s first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Had the team lost in Columbus, he would have written a story about the end of Trotz’ tenure in Washington. It was believed that Trotz’ contract would not be renewed and the team had a plan to hire assistant coach Todd Reirden, who had one more year on his deal, as the new head coach. The fact that both Trotz and long-time assistant coach Lane Lambert were on their final year of their contract, only made the rumor seem more realistic.
If anything, that will only give Trotz more power to negotiate a new deal. In 2015, Mike Babcock was in a similar situation as Detroit, San Jose, Toronto and Buffalo all were bidding on bringing Babcock aboard. However, Trotz’s situation has some differences. There aren’t many openings for Trotz to choose from now as most teams have found their head coach. In fact there is just one coaching opening remaining (besides the Capitals) — the New York Islanders. Would Trotz consider leaving Washington to join up with Lou Lamoriello?
Custance writes that Trotz’ salary will not likely compare to Babcock’s eight-year, $50MM contract he signed with Toronto. However, he believes that at a minimum, Trotz should be able to make $4MM per year and if the Islanders really want the veteran coach, maybe higher.
Regardless, Trotz is likely to take a few days to enjoy the moment before he begins negotiating. Will he be negotiating with one team or two?