Capitals’ assistant coach Todd Reirden could be an NHL head coach very soon. The rumors and speculation have swirled around for a while and now that the Capitals are eliminated from Stanley Cup contention, Reirden will likely have an interview or two coming up for a new job opportunity.
According to Frank Seravalli of TSN, the Florida Panthers are interested in Reirden, and an interview is coming soon.
Add #Caps assistant Todd Reirden to #FlaPanthers head coach candidate list. Intvw forthcoming. He’s also potential HC candidate in BUF. #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 15, 2017
According to Seravalli, the Buffalo Sabres have also expressed interest in Reirden. That move would reunite him with new GM Jason Botterill, as the two spent a few years together in the Pittsburgh organization (Reirden was an assistant with the Pens and Baby Pens, Botterill the club’s AGM).
Reirden has been known for his defensive style and has helped the Capitals blueliners during all three years of the Barry Trotz era. During last year’s offseason, there was also some speculation on losing Reirden. The Calgary Flames even considered hiring him, but instead they went with Glen Gulutzan. Prior to this past season, Reirden was promoted as the Capitals associate coach and took over during training camp while Trotz served as an assistant coach with team Canada during the World Cup of Hockey.
Reirden has been a Capitals assistant since being hired on June 25, 2014 – the same day he was fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins following a four-season stint.
Stay tuned to NoVa Caps all summer long as we update you on this crazy, but very important Capitals offseason.
By Michael Marzzacco
A lot as been written about the Caps and the second round failures. The team provided a psychologist for Burrakovsky when he had two long dry spells. He came out of his funk and caught fire both times. Perhaps the Caps need to use a sports psychologist for the team to get over their fear of failure that has plagued them. Many players mentioned this including new comer Shattenkirk who said he felt it too. Just saying this might be a good move.
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