The New York Islanders decided they needed “a new voice” after failing to make the 2021-22 NHL postseason cut. As a result, the team made a surprising move to fire their head coach Barry Trotz.
The news was announced by the Islanders’ general manager Lou Lamoriello on Monday.
Speaking with the reporters afterward, Lamoriello said that several factors have played into the decision to part ways with Trotz and not just the failures of this season.
“This decision is on the knowledge that I have, of the experiences I’ve had, and also going forward as far as what I think and feel is best for this group to have success,” Lamoriello explained.
Barry Trotz, considered one of the best head coaches in hockey, joined the Islanders following a Stanley Cup-winning run with the Washington Capitals in 2017–18. Trotz made the playoffs with the New York team three years in a row and reached Stanley Cup Semifinals in 2020–21. However, this past regular season saw the Islanders finish with a 37-35-7 record. This was only enough for 5th in the Metropolitan division.
The Islanders will now embark on a search for a new head coach and are expected to cast a wide net. Among the candidates are Trotz’s assistant Lane Lambert, Vegas Golden Knights’ head coach Pete DeBoer, and former Toronto Maple Leafs’ coach Mike Babcock.
Trotz, on the other hand, shouldn’t have trouble finding a new job if he wants one. He is expected to be a candidate for every job opening this offseason, while teams that already have coaches will consider making a move as well.
