clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Adam Oates New Capitals Head Coach, According To Report

Its a swap of one former Washington Capitals player for another at head coach. Adam Oates, who spent six seasons as a player for the Capitals, will be named the new head coach of the Capitals, according to a tweet by TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.

Dreger's TSN colleague Bob McKenzie confirmed that tweet, saying that a formal announcement would come later Tuesday afternoon.

McKenzie added that Oates had been one of the three finalists for the position, along with former Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Haviland and AHL head coach Jon Cooper.

Oates has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils after spending one season as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Oates had interviewed for the position more than one time so it was apparent that he was a strong favorite to return to Washington as a head coach.

The hope is that Oates will continue with defensive improvement and maybe add a bit more offensive excitement this season.

For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For the latest news and notes from around the league, check out SB Nation's NHL Hub.