Capitals sign head coach Spencer Carbery to contract extension

The Washington Capitals extended the contract of head coach Spencer Carbery, announcing a multi-year deal Thursday for last year’s Jack Adams Award winner.

Carbery had one year left next season on the four-year contract he signed when he first got the head coach job in Washington. The team has gone 134-83-29 (.604 points percentage) with him behind the bench in those three seasons and has made the playoffs twice.

“Since joining our organization, Spencer has played an important role in the development of many of our young players while also earning the respect and trust of our veteran leaders,” Capitals GM Chris Patrick said in a statement Thursday. “His communication skills, strong relationship-building, and ability to connect with players at every stage of their careers have made him a great leader of our club.

“In addition, he has helped foster a positive and accountable culture within our team, creating an environment where players can grow and succeed. We have been extremely impressed with his commitment, professionalism, and passion for coaching, and we are excited to see him continue building on that success.”

He was named NHL coach of the year in 2024-25 after the Capitals surprised many by finishing first in the Eastern Conference. The Caps, who battled injuries, missed the playoffs last season and finished ninth in the conference. But Carbery’s job security was never in question.

“Oh no, he’s 100 percent our coach now and in the future,” Patrick said without hesitation during an April 8 interview with The Athletic.

“I just think he’s the total package. He’s come in and showed as a first-time coach in the NHL that he can get the respect of veteran guys and get them to play the system he wants them to play and he’s shown he can develop young players, too.

“As long as we can have him, we will.”