Barry Trotz

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Lore & Background

Trotz played as a defenceman for the WHL's Regina Pats from 1979 to 1982, winning the WHL Championship in 1980. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Manitoba in 1984. He became head coach of the Capitals' minor league affiliate, the Baltimore Skipjacks, in 1992, and led the Portland Pirates to a Calder Cup championship in 1994. He was the first head coach of the Nashville Predators, starting in 1998, and held that role until 2014. He then coached the Washington Capitals from 2014 to 2018, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. He was head coach of the New York Islanders from 2018 to 2022.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension during overtime. Trotz stood on the bench, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the ice where his defensemen were battling for position. He knew this series depended on structure, not flair. A whistle blew, signaling a stoppage. He turned to his goalie, offering quiet reassurance before the puck dropped again. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the system to hold firm against the rush.

Reader's Guide

Trotz is known for his defensive-minded coaching style. He won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award in 1994 and the Jack Adams Award in 2019. He earned his 500th win in 2012, his 700th win in 2017, and his 800th win in 2019. He is often referred to by fans and players as 'Trotzy'.

Did You Know?

• Trotz is ranked fourth all-time in NHL coaching wins, behind Scotty Bowman, Joel Quenneville, and Paul Maurice.
• He won his first Stanley Cup as head coach with the Washington Capitals in 2018, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.
• Trotz was the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL as of February 20, 2013.
• He led the Portland Pirates to a Calder Cup championship in their inaugural season of 1994.