Capitals hire ex-Leafs assistant Carbery as head coach

The Washington Capitals have hired Spencer Carbery as the team's new head coach.

Carbery spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports Carbery signed a four-year deal with Washington after also interviewing with three other teams, including the Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers.

"We are extremely pleased to name Spencer as our new head coach," Capitals general manager Brian 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."

The 41-year-old returns to the Capitals organization are spending three years from 2018-2021 as the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.

"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be named the head coach of the Washington Capitals," said Carbery. "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."

The Capitals parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette last month ahead of his contract expiring on June 30.

Washington missed the playoffs this season for the first time since 2014.