The New York Islanders have parted ways with head coach Barry Trotz after four seasons.
Trotz complied a record of 152-102-34 in his four seasons at the helm of the Islanders, and led the team to the postseason in his first three seasons. The Islanders made it as far as the conference finals in 2020, and were in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season. Overall Trotz’s .587 regular season winning percentage was the second best in franchise history behind Al Arbour, the man who led the Isles to four Stanley Cup titles in the 1980s.
#Isles News: New York Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello announced today that Barry Trotz has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 9, 2022
Trotz also led the Islanders to 28 postseason victories, the most playoff wins since Arbour’s reign on the Island.
This season injuries, COVID-19 and an aging team paved the way to an underwhelming 37-35-10 season as the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time under Trotz. General Manger and President Lou Lamoriello, who had a reputation of recycling coaches when he was in the same position with the New Jersey Devils, sensed that there needed to be change. Trotz had only one year left on his deal.
“These types of decisions are made for going forward and not for backward,” Lamoriello said. “The team is on notice right now that the new voice is what’s necessary for us to have success in my opinion.”
The reaction from fans is utter shock at the move.
Lamoriello, when asked why they parted ways with Barry Trotz: “I would rather not get into any of the reasons.” @NYIslanders
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 9, 2022
Just shocked by the news coming out of Long Island. Barry Trotz relieved of his duties as head coach of the Islanders. #isles
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) May 9, 2022
Barry Trotz out with the Islanders, when it's Lou who is way past his prime.
— Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) May 9, 2022
Trotzy is such a good coach, can think of a few places he would help :)
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Capitals, Barry Trotz joined the Islanders and turned the worst defensive team in the NHL into the best the following season. He then led them to back-to-back conference finals. As good a head coach as there is.
— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) May 9, 2022