Washington, D.C. – April 29, 2025
In a major front-office shake-up, the Washington Capitals have officially appointed Barry Trotz as the franchise’s new General Manager, signaling a bold new era for the team that he once led to its greatest triumph.
Trotz, who coached the Capitals from 2014 to 2018 and guided the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2018, returns to Washington in a new and powerful leadership role. The announcement was made early Tuesday morning, following the departure of longtime GM Brian MacLellan, who will step into a senior advisor role after over a decade with the team.
A Return to the Capital
“We are thrilled to welcome Barry back to Washington,” said Capitals owner Ted Leonsis in a statement. “He is a proven winner, a respected leader, and someone who understands what it takes to build a championship-caliber team from the inside out. His familiarity with our organization and deep knowledge of the league make him the perfect choice to lead our front office into the future.”
Trotz, 62, most recently served as General Manager of the Nashville Predators, where he played a key role in reshaping their roster and overseeing the development of young talent. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the New York Islanders, helping turn them into playoff contenders. But Trotz remains most beloved in Washington, where his disciplined coaching and calm leadership brought the franchise to the pinnacle of NHL success.
Barry Trotz Speaks Out
“It feels like coming home,” Trotz said at his introductory press conference. “Washington holds a special place in my heart, and I’m honored to return in this new capacity. I know what this team means to the city, and I’m committed to bringing the Stanley Cup back to D.C.”
Trotz is expected to take an active role in shaping the roster ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and free agency period. With aging stars like Alex Ovechkin nearing the end of their careers, fans are eager to see how Trotz balances honoring the team’s veteran core with injecting fresh talent into the lineup.
A Franchise Reboot
The move comes after a few disappointing seasons for the Capitals, who have struggled to regain their championship form amid roster turnover and coaching changes. The front office hopes that Trotz’s deep understanding of team dynamics, along with his league-wide respect, will help reinvigorate the organization.
Trotz becomes one of the few former coaches in recent history to successfully transition into a general manager role, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s most versatile and impactful figures.
With Barry Trotz back in the fold, optimism is once again surging through Capital One Arena—and fans are hopeful that another deep playoff run could be just around the corner.