"Spencer is one of the best young coaches in the game," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said of Carbery.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals finally have a new head coach and have hired Spencer Carbery to take over the bench.
General manager Brian MacLellan announced the news on Tuesday.
"We are extremely pleased to name Spencer as our new head coach," MacLellan said. "Spencer is one of the best young coaches in the game who's had success at every level at which he has coached. We feel his leadership, communication skills, ability to develop players and familiarity with our organization will be a tremendous asset as he makes this next step in his coaching career."
Carbery had been the assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the last two years, primarily running the power play and overseeing the team's forwards. Over his two years in Toronto, the Maple Leafs' power play thrived, ranking first in 2021-22 (27.3) and second in 2022-23 (26.6). Toronto's forwards also ranked second in goals (277) and third in points (652) in 2021-22 and fourth in goals (251) and points (589) in 2022-23,
"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be named head coach of the Washington Capitals," Carbery said. "I would like to thank the Capitals organization for affording me the opportunity to lead this team. I look forward to working with this group of talented players and building upon the winning culture in place. I would also like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for all their support over the past two years and wish them all the best in the future."
Before his time in Toronto, Carbery was the head coach of the Capitals' AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears from 2018 to 2021, posting a record of 104-50-9-8. In 2020-21, Carbery led the Bears to a 24-7-2-0 record. Over his tenure in Hershey, he has also coached a number of the team's young players, including Martin Fehervary, Aliaksei Protas, Connor McMichael, Alex Alexeyev, Beck Malenstyn, Lucas Johansen and Joe Snively. He also worked with Rasmus Sandin in Toronto.
Carbery was also the head coach of the Capitals' ECHL-affiliate South Carolina Stingrays. He is one of just four coaches to win coach of the year awards at the ECHL and AHL levels.
This makes Carbery the 20th head coach in franchise history. He replaces Peter Laviolette, who parted ways with the team on April 14.