Doug Weight Officially Named Islanders Head Coach After Interim Stint

The New York Islanders officially removed the interim tag from Doug Weight on Wednesday and named him their new head coach.

Following the firing of Jack Capuano, Weight led the Isles to a 24-12-4 record in 40 games during the 2016-17 season.

Weight said the following in a press release with regard to the move: "I'm honored to be named head coach of such an historic franchise with one of the most passionate fanbases in the NHL. There is a deep history of winning with the Islanders, and I look forward to doing everything in my power to return to the playoffs and have success."

New York missed the playoffs by just one point due largely to a slow start under Capuano.

Weight helped the Isles get back in the race, and he will have an opportunity to build upon that progress in 2017-18.

The 46-year-old Weight is best known for his 19-year NHL playing career during which time he registered 1,033 points in 1,238 games for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks and Islanders.

Weight is a four-time All-Star, a Stanley Cup winner and a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

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