On Tuesday, Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan officially introduced Todd Reirden as the new head coach during a press conference at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.
MacLellan and Reirden discussed the expected seamless transition, thanked former head coach Barry Trotz for all that he had done, as well as confirmed which coaches would be returning for the 2017-18 season.
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MacLellan on why he chose Reirden: Proven track record of developing talent. Uses Michal Kempny as a prime example. Also cited communication skills with high-end players and depth players.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) July 3, 2018
Todd Reirden very complimentary of Barry Trotz for giving him responsibilities and helping him prepare to be a head coach.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2018
Reirden thanked Barry Trotz for bringing him in, helping him fall in love with area and preparing him for this moment of becoming a head coach.
— Sherree Burruss (@SherreeBurruss) July 3, 2018
Todd Reirden said assistant Blaine Forsythe and goalie coach Scott Murray will be back as part of his staff.
No mention of if he plans to add another assistant with Lane Lambert expected to leave.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) July 3, 2018
Blaine Forsyth and Scott Murray will both return as assistants along with Tim Ohashi and Brett Leonhardt, according to Todd Reirden. #Caps
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) July 3, 2018
MacLellan said Caps would like director of goaltending Mitch Korn to return, but Korn is figuring out what he wants to do.@AGrossNewsday reported that Korn has talked to Isles about possibly joking Barry Trotz there.
Korn’s contract with Caps expired July 1.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) July 3, 2018
Todd Reirden glad he was finalist for #Flames job two years ago, which helped build his reputation in NHL. He lost out to Glen Gulutzan.
"I'm certainly, looking back on it today, extremely happy that it didn't work out and I'm here today as (#Caps) head coach."— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2018
Todd Reirden says he has been in touch with Barry Trotz in recent days: “I am not here today without Barry hiring me to be on staff…This is not something we ever envisioned playing out like this.”
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) July 3, 2018
Additionally, MacLellan and Reirden confirmed that talks are still ongoing with veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik. Orpik was traded to the Colorado Avalanche with goaltender Philip Grubauer, in exchange for a second-round 2018 NHL Draft pick. The Avalanche then bought out Orpik’s contract, leaving him an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with the Capitals again.
Brian MacLellan said Caps still talking with Brooks Orpik about possible return. Sound like Orpik has other options he’s considering/waiting on
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) July 3, 2018
Per NHL.com’s Brian McNally, the Capitals are speaking to other free agent defensemen in addition to Orpik. Some of the available defensemen still on the market, according to CapFriendly, include Toby Enström, Paul Martin, Jason Garrison, Alexei Emelin, Kevin Bieksa, Josh Gorges, Dan Hamhuis, Mark Fayne, Luca Sbisa, and Calvin De Haan.
Brian MacLellan said #Caps are still in talks with some free-agent defensemen, including Brooks Orpik. But otherwise they appear done with free agency.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) July 3, 2018
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
