Shockwaves were sent throughout the National Hockey League this past offseason when it was announced that the New York Islanders made the decision to fire head coach Barry Trotz after missing the postseason for the first time in his tenure on the Island.
Team president and general manager Lou Lamoriello declined to name a reason for the personnel change, other than his believe that the Islanders were in need of a new voice. Regardless, it was still a major eye-opener after Trotz led the Islanders to back to back appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals; they were one goal from taking the Tampa Bay Lightning to overtime in Game 7 of the conference championship round in the spring of 2021.
Trotz was linked to a handful of teams this offseason, including the likes of the Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets, though he ultimately decided that he was going to take a temporary break from his tenure as an NHL bench boss. But it appears as though the competitive fires are burning once again.
While making an appearance on the Cam and Strick podcast, Trotz expressed an interest in coaching an Original 6 team:
"I've never coached an original six team, that would intrigue me," he explained.
This season is an absolute make or break season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and head coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Kyle Dubas in particular. If Toronto once again falls flat in the postseason, could the Cup-winning Trotz be enticed to join the Leafs next summer?
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