Washington Capitals Will Reportedly Name Adam Oates Head Coach

The Washington Capitals will reportedly name New Jersey Devils assistant and former NHL player Adam Oates as the team's next head coach, according to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.

"

#Cap set to name Adam Oates next head coach in Wash.

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 26, 2012"

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 26 at 1:37 p.m. ET

According to Brian McNally of the Washington Examiner, the Capitals have made the news official.

"

#Caps make it official. Adam Oates is the team's new head coach.

— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) June 26, 2012"

Oates is the third head coach for the Capitals in the last seven months, and will take over for Dale Hunter, who went back to the OHL's London Knights after arriving on an interim basis this season when Bruce Boudreau was fired.

Many believed that Washington would choose a head coach with previous NHL experience, but if Oates is the guy, he will be the fourth straight hire to make his head coaching debut with the team.

Oates is a passionate coach who has done a great job with the New Jersey Devils as an assistant over the past two seasons. He has become one of the most attractive head coaching candidates over the last year thanks to his offensive work with the Devils. With all the scoring talent on the Capitals, Oates will be able to improve the team's power play next season.

Oates also played for the Capitals during his hall of fame-worthy career, appearing in 387 games for the team from 1997 through 2002.

Despite his lack of experience, Oates is ready for the next chapter of his coaching career, and will make the Capitals one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference throughout his tenure in Washington.

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