Adam Oates Hired as Capitals Coach
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Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Adam Oates is trading places. The once-Washington Capitals center is now the teams head coach.
Oates played parts of six seasons for the Caps. He racked up 290 assists with Washington, tenth most in team history. He also was part of the 1997-1998 team that made the Stanley Cup finals, the only finals appearance in franchise history.
The 49-year-old had currently been serving as the assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils and had the same position for the Tampa Bay lightning during the 2009-2010 season.
“We are very pleased to name Adam Oates as the new head coach of the Washington Capitals,” Capitals general manager George McPhee said in a statement. “Adam was a highly intelligent player in the NHL for 19 seasons. He has been an assistant coach in our conference for the past three seasons and is prepared to lead our club as head coach.”
Oates takes over for former teammate Dale Hunter. Hunter took over the position in the middle of last season when Bruce Boudreau was fired.
Oates will be officially announced as coach at a news conference Wednesday.
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