Laviolette reportedly wants to explore free agency after a tough end to his tenure in D.C.
ARLINGTON, V.A. -- The Washington Capitals kicked off a busy offseason with a surprisingly early decision on Friday, as the team announced that Peter Laviolette would not be returning as the head coach with both sides parting ways.
And now, new details reveal that Laviolette just as big a part in his departure as general manager Brian MacLellan did.
Per The Athletic's Tarik El-Bashir, Laviolette requested a morning meeting with MacLellan and expressed his interest in exploring new opportunities. Meanwhile, MacLellan wanted a fresh start with a new bench boss.
So, during that meeting, both parties agreed that this would be the end his three-year tenure.
"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," The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote on Twitter.
Laviolette spent 220 behind the bench in Washington, going 115-78-27 while leading the team through numerous injuries. However, the Capitals were plagued by more adversity and inconsistency, and after back-to-back first round exits in 2021 and 2022, Washington failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2023.
It is the first time in nine years that the Capitals will not compete in the postseason. Washington's campaign officially ended on Thursday with a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils.
It is unclear what's next for the long-tenured coach, whose 752 wins rank eighth all-time in NHL history. His contract expires on June 30.
As for the Capitals, the coaching search will likely take time with the team looking for the perfect fit for the aging core and numerous up-and-comers and prospects.