Home / News / Elliotte Friedman thinks Barry Trotz told John Tortorella: ‘I’m gone, I’m gone, I’m not coming back’ after Game Six

Elliotte Friedman thinks Barry Trotz told John Tortorella: ‘I’m gone, I’m gone, I’m not coming back’ after Game Six

By Ian Oland

 3 Comments

April 26, 2018 10:42 pm

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, this is Barry Trotz’s last season as head coach of the Washington Capitals. The news comes via Barry Trotz himself.

Let me explain.

Friedman released his latest 31 Thoughts column on Thursday afternoon. In it, the analyst gave props to the Capitals’ success in the first round despite ample adversity. He then pointed his viewers to a video of Barry Trotz and John Tortorella during the handshake line.

Via Friedman:

I’m not one for predictions, so no chance I’m weighing in on a topical take du jour: whether or not this is Washington’s year. But, it’s hard not to be impressed with how the Capitals have handled this season. Last year’s defeat was devastating, and the franchise still isn’t over it. They’re not as deep as they were, there’ve been season-long contract questions about the GM (since answered), the coach (no contract) and the top defenceman (no contract). Just read John Tortorella’s and Barry Trotz’s lips here:

On top of all of this, the all-star goalie was benched. Despite all of that, they won the Metropolitan and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Columbus. One of the criticisms of the Capitals is that things have come “too easy” for them, and the playoff are much, much more difficult. Nothing came easy for them in 2017-18.

Friedman thinks Trotz is saying here: “I’m gone. I’m gone. I’m not coming back. I’m gone.” Since I’m not a professional lip reader, I can’t confirm this, but it is possible.

Trotz was asked about the story after the Capitals’ Game One loss.

The question happens at the 3:51 mark.

A reporter asked Trotz if he would clarify or confirm his remarks.

“No. I don’t… That’s John. We were talking,” Trotz said. “We weren’t talking about that.”

Trotz is in the final year of his contract with the Capitals. Associate coach Todd Reirden is reportedly the heir apparent for the job. A few weeks ago, Brian MacLellan wouldn’t say if playoff success would earn Barry Trotz an extension or not.

Do you think that’s what he said?

Full Coverage of Game One

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