The Washington Capitals are bidding farewell to one of the finest leaders in their developmental ranks, as Hershey Bears head coach Todd Nelson officially departs the organization to join the Pittsburgh Penguins’ coaching staff.
After three successful seasons behind the bench with Hershey, Nelson has been named an assistant coach on the staff of new Penguins head coach Dan Muse. He will be working alongside fellow assistants Nick Bonino and Rich Clune as the Penguins look to reshape their bench heading into the upcoming NHL season.
A Storied Tenure in Hershey
Todd Nelson’s time with the Hershey Bears will be remembered as one of the most successful stretches in the franchise’s recent history. Under his leadership, the Bears captured the 2023 Calder Cup, marking the organization’s 12th AHL championship—an achievement that further solidified Hershey’s legacy as the AHL’s most storied franchise.
Nelson’s overall impact went beyond wins and championships. Known for his player development skills and steady leadership, Nelson played a key role in preparing young prospects for the NHL level, helping to bolster the Capitals’ organizational depth.
Todd Nelson’s Statement on Departure:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be the head coach of the Hershey Bears, and leaving my post with this organization was an extremely difficult decision,” Nelson shared in an emotional statement. “What we accomplished over the past three years was truly special, and being part of this historic franchise was the honor of a lifetime.”
“I want to thank the Washington Capitals, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, and everyone involved with the Bears organization—from the players, to the staff, to the outstanding fans—for making my time in Hershey so memorable. I’m excited to join the Penguins and take the next step in my career, but Hershey will always hold a special place in my heart.”
What’s Next for the Hershey Bears
The Hershey Bears will now begin the search for Nelson’s replacement, aiming to find a new head coach capable of continuing the organization’s rich tradition of success while maintaining strong ties with the Capitals’ development pipeline.
As for Nelson, his new role in Pittsburgh represents a significant career move, joining a staff that is under major reconstruction as the Penguins seek to return to playoff prominence in the Eastern Conference.
This move not only impacts two of the NHL’s rival organizations, but also sends ripples through the American Hockey League, where Nelson has long been regarded as one of the top coaching minds.
Legacy in Hershey:
•Tenure: 3 seasons (2022-2025)
•Achievements: 2023 Calder Cup Champion
•Impact: Developed several players who made successful transitions to the NHL
The Capitals organization, the Bears, and their loyal fanbase will no doubt remember Todd Nelson’s tenure fondly, even as he embarks on this new chapter with a longtime Metropolitan Division rival.
Stay tuned for updates as Hershey names a new head coach and the Penguins finalize their preparations for the new NHL season.
