Golden Knights might have interest in ex-Islanders coach Jack Capuano

The options continue to change for the Golden Knights in their search for a head coach.

Claude Julien’s firing by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday might have put him on general manager George McPhee’s short list, which reportedly includes Gerard Gallant and Jack Capuano and perhaps Ken Hitchcock.

The Knights have talked with Gallant, and indications were Thursday they had talked with or were preparing to talk with Capuano, who was fired Jan. 17 by the New York Islanders.

Knights owner Bill Foley would not confirm or deny the report, first reported Thursday by Newsday. Foley, who attended a team function Thursday to celebrate Chinese New Year at Mandarin Oriental, said he is familiar with Capuano.

“I like him,” Foley said. “I think he’s a real quality family guy. He’s a quality coach who the players like to play for and a quality person. Gerard Gallant is the same way.”

Capuano, 50, coached the Islanders from November 2010 until last month. The Cranston, Rhode Island, native was 227-192-64 with the Islanders and took the team to the playoffs three times. His postseason record was 10-14, and the Islanders won only one playoff round, last year against Florida.

McPhee said the Knights were well aware of the available coaches, including Julien, who won a Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011 and was rumored Thursday as a possible coach for the Montreal Canadiens if they fire Michel Therrien.

“There may be new names to consider, but our main goal hasn’t changed,” McPhee said. “We’re looking to hire an experienced coach who has had success and who can lead the Golden Knights.”

Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.