In a shocking turn of events, Islanders President/General Manager Lou Lamoriello relieved head coach Barry Trotz of his coaching duties. In his press availability, Lamoriello cited the team needing “a new voice” as the rationale for this decision. The Islanders had a disappointing 2021-22 season, finishing fifth in the Metropolitan Division with 37-35-10 record and missing the playoffs. Trotz was in the last year of a five year contract he signed with the Islanders in 2018.
Trotz made the postseason three straight times with the Islanders prior to this season. Most notably, he helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He compiled an overall 152-102-34 record with the Islanders in his four year tenure with the team.
Trotz will certainly be the top option available for other NHL franchises with a head coaching vacancy. As for the Islanders, it’s unclear where they’ll go from here. Associate coach Lane Lambert could be a possibility to fill the role, having been with the team for Trotz’s entire tenure and is a generally well-regarded head coaching candidate. Lou Lamoriello has stated that there is no timetable to hire Trotz’s replacement, so this will be an interesting story to follow heading into the offseason.
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