Adam Oates Makes His Coaching Debut in DC

It’s coincidental that Adam Oates’s first game as an NHL head coach will take place against the team with which he started his coaching career. Back in the 2009-10 season, then-Lightning coach Rick Tocchet asked his friend and former teammate if he would consider being an assistant coach.

Oates accepted the offer, returned to hockey and put himself on the path to become the Capitals’ bench boss. He’ll make his debut facing many of the same players – Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos to name a few – he helped guide that year.