Former Washington Capitals head coach Todd Reirden, who was also the Pittsburgh Penguins’ assistant and later associate coach, is said to have sent current Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery a direct and considerate message in a development that has caused a stir in the NHL community. The message, which was given during what many are seeing as a crucial offseason for Washington, has generated discussion and conjecture about the team’s future path among insiders, fans, and experts.
While the exact content of Reirden’s message remains under wraps, multiple sources within the league confirm that it touched on leadership, culture-building, and the high-stakes challenges of coaching in one of the NHL’s most scrutinized markets. According to a team insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, the message was not only “professional and respectful” but also “packed with insight and wisdom earned through experience.”
A Shared Connection Through the Capitals
The dynamic between Reirden and Carbery is unique. Both men share a deep-rooted connection to the Washington Capitals organization. Reirden, a former defenseman in the NHL, was an assistant coach under Barry Trotz and eventually succeeded him as the Capitals’ head coach following the team’s historic Stanley Cup win in 2018. Though his tenure as head coach lasted only two seasons, Reirden played a pivotal role in developing several young players and maintaining a competitive squad.
Carbery, by contrast, represents a newer generation of NHL coaches. Before joining the Capitals in 2023, he served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he gained a reputation as a forward-thinking tactician, particularly in special teams strategy. His hiring marked a deliberate shift toward modernization and youth development in Washington’s approach, something Reirden himself had tried to implement during his time with the club.
Despite the generational gap and contrasting coaching styles, both men have faced similar challenges: managing aging superstar cores, battling mounting expectations, and adapting to an ever-evolving league.
Message Content: Mentorship or Warning?
Though the specifics of Reirden’s message haven’t been publicly disclosed, it’s understood that the communication was layered and possibly multi-dimensional—part mentorship, part cautionary tale. According to sources familiar with the situation, Reirden urged Carbery to “trust his instincts,” “block out the noise,” and “prioritize locker room harmony above all else.”
“He’s been through it,” said one former Capitals staffer. “Reirden knows what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of a Stanley Cup-winning coach, to have a roster with legends like Alex Ovechkin, and to feel the pressure of winning now while also rebuilding for the future. That message came from a place of empathy and experience.”
Some insiders believe the message may have also included reflections on mistakes Reirden felt he made during his own tenure. Among them: overreliance on aging veterans, inconsistent goaltending management, and failing to solidify team identity during a transitional period.
“There’s no bitterness in what Todd said,” added the same staffer. “But there’s definitely some hard truths. This league doesn’t wait for you. You get two, maybe three years max to show what you’re made of as a head coach. He wanted Spencer to know that.”
Why Now? Timing Is Everything
The timing of the message adds another layer of intrigue. With the Capitals having missed the playoffs in 2024 for the second time in three years, the organization is standing at a crossroads. The team must decide whether to continue leaning on franchise icons like Ovechkin and John Carlson or commit more aggressively to a youth movement led by players like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre, and Ivan Miroshnichenko.
The pressure on Carbery to produce results—both in the win column and in terms of player development—is intensifying. This offseason could determine the direction of the Capitals for years to come, and Reirden’s message appears to be both timely and deeply relevant.
A Look Back at Reirden’s Capitals Tenure
Reirden’s era in Washington was, by most measures, solid but unspectacular. In his first season (2018–19), he led the Capitals to a division title but saw the team ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes. The following season saw a similar fate, with a first-round loss to the New York Islanders—coached, ironically, by Barry Trotz.
Many critics felt that Reirden was unable to get the most out of his veteran-laden roster, especially when it mattered most in the postseason. Yet, others argue that he was dealt a difficult hand, inheriting a team past its prime with limited flexibility due to salary cap constraints and long-term contracts.
Reirden’s firing in 2020 led to a return to Pittsburgh, where he rejoined the Penguins as an assistant coach and was credited with revitalizing the team’s power play and providing structure to their blue line.
The Carbery Challenge
For Spencer Carbery, the stakes are undeniably high. The Capitals have one of the league’s most passionate fan bases, an aging core trying to chase one last run at the Cup, and a front office that has shown patience but also expects progress.
The message from Reirden serves as both a reminder and a resource. As one NHL coach put it, “When a guy who’s been in your shoes reaches out with a thoughtful message, you listen. It doesn’t mean you follow every word, but you’d be a fool not to consider it.”
Carbery, known for his analytical mind and open demeanor, is reportedly taking the message seriously. According to multiple team insiders, he acknowledged Reirden’s gesture in a personal response and has even shared parts of the message with his assistant coaches and leadership group.
“He’s not too proud to learn from others,” said one assistant coach. “That’s one of his strengths. He knows this is a long game. He knows every voice, every experience has value.”
A Fraternity of Coaches
In the ultra-competitive world of the NHL, coaching can often seem like a cutthroat, solitary pursuit. But behind the scenes, there exists a surprising camaraderie—a fraternity of sorts. Coaches regularly share strategies, offer advice, and support one another during tough times. Reirden’s outreach to Carbery is emblematic of that unspoken bond.
“There’s more mentorship in the NHL than people realize,” said a former player turned broadcaster. “What Todd did wasn’t just classy—it was smart. Because Spencer’s success helps preserve the coaching tree that he’s a part of.”
Looking Ahead
As the Capitals prepare for a defining summer filled with potential trades, free agent moves, and high-stakes draft decisions, Carbery finds himself walking a tightrope between the past and the future. The message from Todd Reirden may not make the decisions any easier, but it does offer a guiding light—a beacon of experience from someone who’s walked the same path.
Whether or not the Capitals can recapture their former glory remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in an era where quick fixes often take precedence over thoughtful planning, a message like Reirden’s serves as a powerful reminder of the value of perspective, humility, and mentorship.
In a league where pressure is relentless and time is always ticking, sometimes the best advice comes from someone who knows just how heavy the head coach’s headset can truly feel.