Barry Trotz Wins First Jack Adams Award

From the moment he first spoke as Head Coach of the Washington Capitals, Barry Trotz was a man on a mission. After a carousel of head coaches, Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis and President Dick Patrick wanted to find a man who could be the long-term solution to a four-year period constant upheaval.

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Trotz has rewarded them for their decision and was awarded his first career Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s best head coach. He is the first Capitals’ coach to win the award since Bruce Boudreau won it in 2007-08.

After 15 years as the head coach of the Nashville Predators, Trotz arrived in D.C. with the goal to win a Stanley Cup. In his two years at the helm alongside General Manager Brian MacLellan, Trotz has seen the Capitals rise to one of the NHL’s premier franchises. Under Trotz, the Capitals have gone 101-44-19.

Trotz’ experience and hockey smarts have turned the Caps into legitimate contenders and while the team suffered yet another heartbreaking early playoff exit, there is reason to be hopeful for a Cup next season.

Trotz becomes the third head coach in Capitals franchise history to win the Jack Adams Award, joining Bryan Murray (1983-84) and Bruce Boudreau (2007-08). Trotz guided the Capitals (56-18-8, 120 points) to the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season club, setting franchise records in wins and road wins (27). Washington’s 120 points and 29 home wins were one shy of club records.

The Capitals were dominant at both ends of the ice in 2015-16, ranking second in the NHL in goals per game (3.02) and goals-against per game (2.33). Washington also finished the season ranked second in penalty killing (85.2%) and fifth in power-play percentage (21/9%). Trotz was selected to serve as head coach of the Metropolitan Division team at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville.

Under Trotz, the Capitals are poised for greatness. NoVa Caps and Capitals Nation thank Coach Trotz and his staff for all their hard work and another great year!