Ben Raby, wtop.com

ARLINGTON VA – The Capitals announced Monday they have hired former captain Dale Hunter to replace Bruce Boudreau as the team’s head coach.

The move had long been rumored in these parts and grew steam this weekend following back-to-back losses by the Caps to the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres.

Hunter arrives in Washington after spending parts of 11 seasons behind the bench of the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.

On Saturday, Hunter became just the tenth coach in OHL history to record 450 career wins.

Boudreau’s tenure in Washington comes to an end after compiling a 201-88-40 record over parts of five seasons. Hunter and Capitals General Manager George McPhee will address the media on Monday. Audio and blogs will be available at wtop.com.

At right is a conversation I had with Hunter during the 2009-10 season in which we discussed his playing days with the Caps, his thoughts on [then-prospect] John Carlson and the possibility of one day coaching in the NHL.

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