Trotz, Capitals didn't agree on salary, coach says

Barry Trotz and the Washington Capitals disagreed over his value, which led to his resignation earlier this week, the coach said Thursday after being hired by the New York Islanders.

Trotz joined the Islanders three days after resigning and two weeks after coaching Washington to its first Stanley Cup championship with a Game 5 win against the Vegas Golden Knights.

"When it came to the business aspect, I was willing to listen," Trotz said of his talks with the Capitals. "From my standpoint, I felt that it wasn't really sincere what we did together. So I decided it was better to just move on. I thank the fans. I'm glad we could get it done. I said we'd [win the Stanley Cup] in four years, and we did."

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Trotz, who coached the final season of a four-year contract, said the championship triggered a two-year extension. But he voiced misgivings to general manager Brian MacLellan about the salary, believing it was below market value.

"When I got the response, I decided to go in a different direction," Trotz said. "I thanked them. They were nothing but first class.

"I thank them and the players. I love them all. They're such a great group, a special group, and we all were tied together. They've got great ownership. They've got great management, and I had great coaches who put a lot of work in. I just felt from my family standpoint and from my standpoint for myself, in terms of principle, I took my chances; stepped down."

Asked if he felt the Capitals wanted him to return, Trotz said, "I'll leave that up to the Caps to answer that. I think absolutely. We just won a Cup together. I don't think that was an issue. It was more principle."

Washington reached the playoffs in each of his four seasons and finished first in the Metropolitan Division the past three.

"I'm happy for him," MacLellan said. "I think he got what he wanted, and that's a good opportunity for him. It's a good payday for him too. So it worked out good."

Trotz said he did extensive research on the Islanders and believes he is entering a good situation, especially if general manager Lou Lamoriello can get center John Tavares signed to a new contract. Tavares, the Islanders captain, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Trotz was 205-89-34 with the Capitals and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 2015-16. He is fifth in NHL history with 762 wins, 20 behind former Islanders coach Al Arbour. Trotz was 557-479-100 with 60 ties with the Nashville Predators from 1998-2014.

The Capitals have not named a coach, but associate coach Todd Reirden has been reported to be the frontrunner. Washington is the only NHL team without a coach.

The Islanders first play the Capitals on Nov. 26 next season.

"Same as trading a player, players going other places," MacLellan said. "It's going to be the same kind of energy I think. ...

"It's so weird. It's awkward. It's weird. I don't know what to make of it. I don't know what we could do with it."

NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen contributed to this report.