Rumor: Barry Trotz already has 'a deal in place.'

We have a very interesting report on the status of National Hockey League head coach Barry Trotz, arguably one of the hottest free agents on the open market at the moment and this offseason.

According to comments made by ESPN's Emily Kaplan on Saturday, it sounds like Trotz may have a deal in place with the Las Vegas Golden Knights. I would say this news comes as something of a surprise but the Golden Knights have earned a reputation for making big moves, perhaps even the biggest moves, and the acquisition of one of the most highly sought after coaches in a long time would certainly fit that modus operandi.

"A few people in the league have suggested to me that there could be a deal in place already with Barry Trotz and Vegas Golden Knights," said Kaplan. "Just knowing the way Vegas does business but we'll have to wait to see where Barry Trotz lands before the rest of the chips fall."

Kaplan also hinted at the fact that this move, and perhaps others, could come around the time of the NHL's Scouting Combine.

"Every year in the coaching market there's a shiny new toy and this year it's Barry Trotz. I do think there's going to be some movement this week with the NHL Scouting Combine. That's when a lot of GMs begin their first round of interviews and meetings with people."

Trotz became a free agent this month when the New York Islanders announced that they had parted ways with Trotz and members of his coaching staff. Although it has never officially been confirmed, there have been rumblings that Trotz butted head with some members of the Islanders roster with Mathew Barzal being a name that has been bandied about quite a bit on this topic.

In spite of that he remains one of the most respected coaches in the entire league and whatever team that does eventually sign Trotz will likely feel like they've pulled off one of the biggest coups of the offseason. If Kaplan is indeed correct, the Golden Knights may be that team.