The New York Islanders have hired longtime Barry Trotz assistant and right-hand man Lane Lambert to succeed him as coach.
General manager Lou Lamoriello announced Lambert as Trotz’s replacement on Monday, a week after firing the Stanley Cup-winning coach who had one year remaining on his contract.
“I had the opportunity to work with Lane over the past four years, which includes spending time with him on a one-on-one basis when he served as the interim Head Coach this past season,†Lamoriello said. “In my opinion, he is the right person to coach this team.â€
It’s Lambert’s first NHL head coaching job. Trotz was fired last week after the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time in his four seasons behind the bench.
Lamoriello declined to say why he fired Trotz other than he felt the team needed a new voice.
Lambert, 57, has worked on Trotz’s staff the past 11 years with Nashville, Washington and New York. He has a Stanley Cup ring from the Capitals’ title run in 2018, after which Trotz resigned and joined the Islanders.
Trotz was also replaced by an assistant then, when Todd Reirden was elevated to take over in Washington. He was fired after two seasons and two first-round playoff exits.
More NHL news
Conn Smythe watch: McDavid, Makar lead after First Round of NHL playoffs Gaudreau’s Game 7 winner sends Flames to Battle of Alberta Artemi Panarin’s OT goal completes Rangers series comeback in Game…
Islanders hire longtime Trotz assistant Lane Lambert as head coach originally appeared on NBCSports.com
