NOTE: Updated thanks to Trotz stepping down as coach unable to come to an agreement with the Caps. He can now speak to ANY team. Only 1 team has a wide open slot at this time. Us.
This weekend began with an interesting note that Trotz has still not received a formal offer from the Capitals.
So he remains in NY Islander fans hopes. This puts a light back on the Capitals in terms of them re-upping their GM back in March but letting Trotz dangle all season. Rumors have had it that they see their AHL coach, Todd Reirden, as their heir apparent. The Caps have blocked other teams in speaking to Reirden in coaching searches last season.
However, looks like we have to remove two others from contention.
As of this past weekend, no team has asked permission to speak to Toronto's
Sheldon Keefe, who just won the Calder Cup.
Plus vet coach
Dave Tippett has been hired by Seattle's expansion group.
Tippett is a big hit to those who want a veteran coach as opposed to someone who has AHL experience like the rumored
D.J. Smith option (very possible, btw). There is also
Scott Stevens, who left Minnesota at the end of the season before last to be closer to home.
Perhaps we will see both here as they go with a rookie coach but seasoned assistants?
Alain Vigneault, Bob Hartley (who just took a KHL coaching job in late May), Marc Crawford (an associate coach in Ottawa), Lindy Ruff (Assistant for NYR), Michel Therrien (scout with Montreal), Duane Sutter, Dan Blysma, and Jacques Lemaire (was coach consultant in Toronto) remain NHL veteran coaches who might be available.
With the NHL Draft coming up on Friday, and the HIGH likelihood that they will trade in the 1st round at the least... a coach in place seems a high priority...
Unless, at 75-years of age, Lou has in mind to coach the team himself.
Expect an announcement on an Isles coach THIS week.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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