The Washington Capitals have officially announced the addition of Brendan Witt and Mike Green to their coaching staff as assistant coaches. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks two significant additions to new head coach Spencer Carbery’s staff. This follows the hiring of Mitch Love in January, further solidifying the Capitals’ new coaching lineup

Washington Capitals Bolster Coaching Staff with Witt and Green Hires

ARLINGTON, VA – The Washington Capitals have officially announced the addition of Brendan Witt and Mike Green to their coaching staff as assistant coaches. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks two significant additions to new head coach Spencer Carbery’s staff. This follows the hiring of Mitch Love in January, further solidifying the Capitals’ new coaching lineup.

Brendan Witt: Returning to His Roots

Brendan Witt’s return to the Capitals is a homecoming for the former defenseman. Drafted 11th overall by Washington in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Witt spent a significant portion of his NHL career with the team. Known for his physical style of play, toughness, and stay-at-home defensive presence, Witt was a fan favorite during his time in Washington. He played for the Capitals from 1995 to 2006, becoming a key part of their defensive core. Witt also played for the Nashville Predators and the New York Islanders before retiring.

Witt’s NHL career spanned 890 regular-season games, where he recorded 25 goals and 96 assists for a total of 121 points. He also accumulated 1,424 penalty minutes, reflecting his aggressive playing style. He was named co-captain of the Capitals for the 2001-02 season.

 

While Witt’s playing career is well-documented, details about his coaching background are less readily available in initial reports. His return to the Capitals in a coaching capacity signifies a new chapter in his hockey career, where his experience and knowledge of the game will be valuable assets to the team. Information suggests he has been involved in coaching at some level, and this new role formalizes that experience within the NHL.

Mike Green: Offensive Expertise

Mike Green also has a strong connection to the Capitals, having spent a large part of his NHL career in Washington. Drafted by the Capitals in the first round (29th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Green quickly established himself as an offensive defenseman.

Green was known for his smooth skating, puck-moving abilities, and offensive instincts. He became one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen during his time with the Capitals, often leading the team’s power-play unit. He recorded impressive offensive numbers, including seasons where he scored over 20 goals as a defenseman, a rare feat in the NHL. Green played for the Capitals from 2005 to 2015 and was a key contributor to the team’s success during that period. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Edmonton Oilers before retiring.

 

Green’s NHL career included 880 regular-season games, with 150 goals and 355 assists for 505 points. His offensive contributions from the blue line were a hallmark of his playing style.

Similar to Witt, specific details about Green’s coaching experience prior to this appointment might require further research, but his extensive NHL experience, particularly his offensive expertise, is expected to translate well to coaching. Recent information indicates that Green has been involved in coaching, including a role with Penn State University’s men’s basketball team, suggesting a broader coaching background.

New Coaching Era

The hirings of Witt and Green, alongside Mitch Love, signify a new era for the Washington Capitals’ coaching staff under Spencer Carbery. Carbery, who was named head coach, is assembling a staff with a mix of experience and fresh perspectives.

Mitch Love, hired earlier, brings a strong track record from the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he achieved considerable success. The addition of former Capitals players Witt and Green adds a layer of familiarity and a deep understanding of the team’s culture.

The new coaching staff will be tasked with guiding the Capitals in a competitive NHL landscape. The combination of Carbery’s leadership and the experience of his assistant coaches is expected to bring a dynamic approach to the team.