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Capitals owner Leonsis: Hiring of Trotz, promotion of MacLellan 'a refresh, not a reboot'

Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis took to his blog Monday to explain the hiring of Barry Trotz as the team's new head coach and the promotion of assistant general manager Brian MacLellan to the role of GM, describing the moves as "a refresh, not a reboot."

He explained the rationale for promoting MacLellan rather than from outside the organization:

While we felt we needed to make significant changes – and we did by moving on the GM and coach – we also didn’t feel we had to completely rebuild or start from scratch ... Brian has incredible knowledge regarding all the players in our system, but what impressed us was his philosophy when it came to all personnel matters – the draft, player development, minor-league affiliations and amateur and pro scouting.

Following that decision, Leonsis said the hiring of Trotz became "priority No. 1" and that the former Predators head coach's accomplishments speak for themselves.

"We actually felt extremely fortunate that he was available to us. What he has accomplished thus far is amazing, and we hope that our environment will allow him and us to reach much greater heights," he wrote.

Finally, Leonsis said it was important that MacLellan and Trotz shared "similar philosophies regarding team structure, style of play and the changes [the Capitals] need to make as an organization." 

Leonsis said Trotz and MacLellan are on the same page.

"There is an alignment in their thinking...There is a belief in a common system that will allow individual talents – offensive, defensive and goaltending – to flourish while committing to a style of play that will be the most beneficial to our team."

Time will tell if these hirings pay off in terms of a long awaited Stanley Cup parade in Washington.

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