Todd Reirden's journey in the world of hockey is marked by his transition from player to coach, reflecting a deep understanding of the game. Born on June 25, 1971, in Deerfield, Illinois, Reirden's early years were spent honing his skills on the ice, eventually leading him to a professional playing career. He played as a defenseman, a position that requires both strategic thinking and physical prowess.
Reirden's professional playing career began after he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 12th round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. However, he did not play for the Devils and instead made his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1998-1999 season. His time with the Oilers was brief, and he soon found himself playing for the St. Louis Blues. It was with the Blues that Reirden spent the majority of his NHL playing career, appearing in 181 games over four seasons. Known for his defensive skills and ability to read the game, Reirden also had stints with the Atlanta Thrashers and the Phoenix Coyotes before retiring from professional play.
Following his retirement as a player, Reirden transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to apply his hockey acumen. He began his coaching career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, serving as an assistant coach. His coaching abilities were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to head coach of the team in 2010. Under his guidance, the team performed admirably, showcasing his ability to develop and lead players.
Reirden's coaching career took a significant step forward when he joined the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant coach in 2010. Working under head coach Dan Bylsma, Reirden was responsible for the team's defensemen and power play units. His tenure with the Penguins was marked by success, including a Stanley Cup victory in 2016, although he was not with the team during the playoffs that year.
In 2014, Reirden joined the Washington Capitals as an assistant coach, where he continued to focus on defense and special teams. His work with the Capitals' defensemen was instrumental in the team's overall performance, and he played a role in the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory. Following this triumph, Reirden was promoted to head coach of the Capitals, succeeding Barry Trotz.
As head coach of the Capitals, Reirden led the team to two consecutive Metropolitan Division titles. However, the team's playoff performances under his leadership did not meet expectations, resulting in his dismissal after the 2019-2020 season. Despite this setback, Reirden's coaching career continued as he returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant coach, focusing once again on defense and the power play.
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