NHL – Caps Head Coach and Team Agree to Mutually Part Ways

NHL – Caps Head Coach and Team Agree to Mutually Part Ways

15 April, 2023

The three-year tenure of Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette has ended.

The Caps confirmed Friday that they will not be extending Laviolette’s contract. This offer is valid till June 30.

During his three years in charge, Laviolette went 115-78-27. In both of Laviolette’s first two NHL seasons, the Capitals made the playoffs despite finishing in the bottom half of the league.

The Washington Capitals’ head coach, Peter Laviolette, takes in the action as his team takes on the Philadelphia Flyers on January 11, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center.

Injuries plagued the Caps all season long in 2022-23, leading to a final record of 35-37-10.

For the first time since the 2012–13 season, Washington did not make the playoffs.

Caps GM Brian MacLellan expressed appreciation to Laviolette for his dedication to the team.

MacLellan issued a statement thanking Peter for his “leadership and service to our business” over the last three seasons.

Peter Laviolette, head coach of the Washington Capitals, watches his team play the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on November 29, 2022.

MacLellan also praised Laviolette’s leadership skills, saying that he kept the club together through some rough patches.

“Peter is an exceptional person who has faithfully represented our organization and led the team through many challenging times. We hope the best for him in the future.”

On May 15, 2022, at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette will give his last press conference of the 2021-2022 season.

Peter Laviolette, head coach of the Washington Capitals, will be making his final media appearance for the 2021-2022 season on May 15, 2022, at MedStar Caps Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. (John McCreary/NHLI, accessed through Getty Images)

Laviolette has coached the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Nashville Predators in addition to his time with the Washington Capitals.