Mitch Korn Expected To Join Capitals As Goaltending Coach

The Washington Capitals' coaching staff under Barry Trotz has begun to take shape as Mitch Korn is expected to join the organization as its goaltending coach, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. 

The news was initially reported by The Tennessean and later confirmed by The Washington Post. A team spokesman declined to confirm the hire.

Along with Trotz, Korn had been with the Nashville Predators since their inaugural season in 1998, working with goaltenders at all levels of the organization, most notably Tomas Vokoun and Pekka Rinne. Throughout their history, the Predators have preferred to build their foundation from the crease out and Korn's successful (and sometimes unconventional) hands-on approach has allowed them to do so.

Before joining the Predators, the 56-year-old, whose contract with Nashville was set to expire June 30, spent seven seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. Overall, Korn has over 35 years of coaching experience, beginning at the collegiate level in 1979.

Olie Kolzig, who rejoined the Capitals organization in 2011 as associate goaltending coach before becoming head goaltending coach this past season, will reportedly remain on staff. Trotz coached Kolzig with the Baltimore Skipjacks and Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League in the early to mid-1990s.

Kolzig did not immediately return a message requesting comment. 

Washington's goaltending came under fire this season as Braden Holtby struggled to adapt to the stylistic changes implemented by Kolzig and former coach Adam Oates. Aggressive by nature, a more patient approach did not suit Holtby, who stumbled as a result and temporarily lost his starting position to rookie Philipp Grubauer

During his introductory press conference last month, Trotz said that he would evaluate the staff left behind by Oates -- Kolzig, Calle Johansson and Blaine Forsythe chief among them -- before considering any changes. 

“There are certain areas I think there’s really good people there, but at the same time I think there's a couple areas we can improve upon,” Trotz said. “Some areas obviously you want to bring in people you’ve dealt with to fill some of those holes and that’s what I’m in the process of doing right now.” 


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