Flyers reportedly view Barry Trotz as 'first choice' to be next HC

According to Anthony SanFilippo of crossingbroad.com, former New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz is the Philadelphia Flyers' "first choice" to be their next head coach. 

The Flyers will reportedly interview Trotz on Friday. 

"Sources indicated that Trotz is the Flyers' first choice to be their next coach," SanFilippo wrote. "To steal a phrase from Phillies managing partner John Middleton, they are willing to throw 'stupid money' at Trotz to get him to sign here." 

The Flyers are looking for a head coach after deciding to part ways with interim head coach Mike Yeo. Yeo took over after Alain Vigneault was fired back in December. He ended the season going 25-46-11, finishing last in the Metropolitan Division. 

After four seasons with the organization, the Islanders decided to fire Trotz earlier this month. The Islanders posted a 37-35-10 record, finishing fifth in the Metropolitan Division. 

Trotz was hired by the Islanders ahead of the 2018-2019 season. New York reached the postseason in three of four seasons with Trotz at the helm. 

The Islanders compiled a record of 152-102-34 under Trotz, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020. 

Trotz, 59, has coached the Islanders, Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators during his 23-year coaching career in the NHL.

The two-time Jack Adams Award winner is third all-time in coaching wins in the NHL with 914, behind Joel Quenneville (969) and Scotty Bowman (1,244). 

Trotz has a career record of 914-670-168 over 1,812 games coached in the NHL.