Washington Capitals Announce Decision On Head Coach Peter Laviolette

The future of Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette had been in question for some time now. Today, they made it official, as the Caps and the coach have "mutually" agreed that he will not return.

Breaking: The Washington Capitals and head coach Peter Laviolette have agreed to "mutually part ways," the team announced on Friday. pic.twitter.com/nEmXA5K3Rj

— ESPN (@espn) April 14, 2023

Laviolette's contract expires on June 30th; it will not be renewed, said the team.

The 58-year-old posted a 115-78-27 record in his three seasons at the helm in DC, having lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2020-21 and 2021-22, and missing the party altogether this season. They finished the year with a 35-37-10 mark. It's the club's first time out of the postseason since 2013-14.

Laviolette’s contract was expiring June 30. This is as much about the veteran coach wanting to hit the free-agent market and bet on himself as it is the team also wanting a new voice behind the bench. https://t.co/WUQvYPUnxk

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 14, 2023

NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun suggests that the "mutually agreed to part ways" line is actually, in this case, valid. He says the move "is as much about the veteran coach wanting to hit the free-agent market and bet on himself as it is the team also wanting a new voice behind the bench."

Laviolette does have a Stanley Cup ring plus two other Cup Finals appearances to his credit.

He'll now enter the NHL's annual coaching carousel this summer. 

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports