Caps tap Barry Trotz, Brian MacLellan

ByABC News
May 26, 2014, 6:40 PM

— -- The Washington Capitals have hired former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz to the same position and promoted Brian MacLellan to general manager, the team said Monday.

After 15 seasons as head coach, Trotz parted ways with the Predators in April after the team missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

"Barry is a highly respected and accomplished coach who brings us a wealth of experience," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said in a news release. "He possesses high character and the exact leadership qualities we look for in the head coach. He was the only coach we coveted, and we feel he is an ideal fit to help lead our club."

Contract terms of the hirings were not revealed in the statement announcing the moves.

The Capitals cleaned house in April, firing general manager George McPhee and coach Adam Oates after the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Trotz is no stranger to the Capitals. He served as a part-time scout for the organization in 1987, and joined it full time as its chief western scout in 1988.

"This is a great organization with a strong foundation and a tremendous fan base," Trotz said. "I look forward to working with this group of talented players and the quality front office staff this team has assembled."

MacLellan, 55, has been with the Capitals for 13 years. As assistant general manager, player personnel, for the last seven, he oversaw the club's professional scouting staff and helped run the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears.

"After conducting an extensive search for a general manager, we determined that Brian was the best candidate to help us reach our ultimate goal, winning the Stanley Cup," Leonsis said of MacLellan, who also moves into a senior vice president role with the promotion. "We have witnessed his abilities firsthand, and we have tremendous respect for how he manages people and situations."

Information from ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun was used in this report.