The Islanders continued to fill out Barry Trotz’s coaching staff on Wednesday as John Gruden was named an assistant.
That’s John — not the NFL’s Jon — Gruden.
It’s the first NHL coaching job for Gruden, 48, who spent the past two seasons as a junior hockey head coach for Hamilton, including leading the Bulldogs to the Ontario Hockey League championship last season. Gruden also spent one season as the bench boss for Flint (OHL).
Gruden, a defenseman, did play 92 NHL games over six seasons for the Bruins, Senators and Capitals. The Virginia, Minnesota, native has also served in numerous coaching roles for USA Hockey.