Overview
- The New York Islanders announced Bennett would not return and the Washington Capitals announced his hiring the same day to join Spencer Carbery’s staff.
- Washington expects Bennett to improve a power play that dropped to roughly 17.8 percent last season and surrendered 11 shorthanded goals.
- Bennett ran the Islanders’ man advantage in 2025-26 but that unit finished at 16.5 percent and scored just five times on 34 opportunities in the final 12 games.
- The 64-year-old coach brings more than 25 years of NHL experience and a Stanley Cup from his eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, credentials the Capitals cited in making the hire.
- The addition fills the post vacated by Kirk Muller and could prompt changes to unit assignments and personnel as Washington reshapes its power-play approach before training camp.