The Ottawa Senators made a bold move on Monday by firing head coach D.J. Smith and assistant coach Davis Payne. This decision marked another significant change in a season that has been full of transitions for the team. The Senators did not hold back in their decision-making, replacing Smith with interim coach Jacques Martin.
The coaching staff of the Senators has been under constant scrutiny, with questions about Smith’s future swirling since last season. The team’s struggle to find consistency only intensified the pressure on Smith. Ultimately, the Senators decided that a change was necessary to improve their performance and bring about a fresh perspective.
A Familiar Face Takes the Helm
In an interesting twist, the Senators turned to Jacques Martin, a former coach of the team, as the interim coach. Martin previously served as the Senators’ head coach from the 1995-96 season through the 2003-04 campaign. With nearly 1,300 NHL games under his belt, Martin brings a wealth of experience to the bench. It will be intriguing to see how he navigates the team’s challenges and attempts to steer them in a positive direction.
Joining Martin on the coaching staff is none other than Daniel Alfredsson, the former captain and franchise career points leader of the Senators. Alfredsson’s addition as an assistant coach adds another layer of familiarity and leadership to the team. His experience and understanding of the Senators’ history will undoubtedly be invaluable as the team looks to turn their season around.
A Season of Turmoil
The firing of the coaching staff is just one part of a tumultuous season for the Senators. The team underwent a change in ownership back in September, with Canadian businessman Michael Andlauer taking the reins. Andlauer’s tenure has been far from smooth sailing, as multiple challenges have arisen.
Off-Ice Issues
Off-ice troubles have plagued the Senators as well. Restricted free agent forward Shane Pinto received a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL’s rules on sports wagering, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s struggles. Additionally, a trade between the Senators and the Anaheim Ducks in 2022 was invalidated, resulting in the loss of a first-round draft pick. General manager Pierre Dorion was subsequently fired, leading to president of hockey operations Steve Staios stepping in as interim GM.
D.J. Smith was originally hired by the Senators in 2019 to lead a team in the midst of a rebuild. Despite his efforts, the Senators failed to make the playoffs in each of his four full seasons. Their strongest finish came last season when they went 39-35-8, but fell short of securing the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot by six points. With a new coaching staff in place, the Senators will need to evaluate their approach to rebuilding and make the necessary adjustments to set themselves up for success in the future.
Overall, the firing of D.J. Smith and Davis Payne represents the Senators’ commitment to change and improvement. With interim coach Jacques Martin and assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson now leading the way, the team has a chance to refocus and reignite their season. It remains to be seen how this coaching change will impact the Senators’ performance, but one thing is clear: the Ottawa Senators are embracing a season of change.
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