The Washington Capitals have been granted permission to talk to Peter Laviolette for their head coach opening, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Friedman adds Laviolette is “very much a contender” to be the Capitals’ next head coach.
The Capitals fired Todd Reirden shortly after losing in the first round of the NHL playoffs to the New York Islanders earlier this month. Reirden had replaced Barry Trotz in 2018 after the club won their first Stanley Cup. in two seasons under Reirden, the Capitals failed to win a playoff series, losing in the first round back-to-back years.
Laviolette was fired by the Nashville Predators in January. Ironically, Laviolette replaced Trotz in 2014 after the team fired Trotz, who went on to win a Stanley Cup with Washington.
Laviolette is still under contract with Nashville through the 2020-21 season. The Predators owe him $2.5 million unless he unless he lands a job in the NHL before the deal expires.
He has been an NHL coach since 2001, coaching the NY Islanders, Carolina and Philadelphia as well as Nashville. He has reached the Stanley Cup Final with Carolina, Philadelphia and Nashville, winning the Cup in 2006 with Carolina.
Peter Laviolette has coached in 1,210 games, compiling a record of 637-425-123.
