Ottawa Senators fire head coach DJ Smith and hire a franchise legend
Moments ago, the Ottawa Senators announced that the team has fired head coach DJ Smith. The decision comes as the Senators find themselves in last place in the eastern conference with a record of 11-15-0, and showing no progress on their promise of trying to compete for a playoff spot.
In his place, the Senators have hired Jacques Martin as an interim head coach, and also have named franchise legend Daniel Alfredsson as an assistant coach.
Several seasons into their rebuild, the Senators have a promising and talented core of young players, but they've now begun to collect their larger contracts, and the team is still in the basement of the standings. Under the new ownership of Michael Andlauer, the lack of success is now clearly unacceptable.
The Senators arguably should've made the move months ago, maybe even at the beginning of this season. Hopefully under the leadership of a new coach, the Senators can realize the potential of their roster and begin to compete for the playoffs next year.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 18 | 622 ANSWERS Ottawa Senators fire head coach DJ Smith and hire a franchise legend Will DJ Smith coach in the NHL again? |
Yes | 238 | 38.3 % |
No | 299 | 48.1 % |
He should've never been fired | 85 | 13.7 % |
List of polls |
|
17 minutes ago | By Liam McCormick Former Oiler fan favourite close to decision on his NHL future |
|
3 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Former Canadiens Scout rips Oilers for trade to acquire Brett Kulak |
|
4 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Coach Knoblauch discuss reasons for John Klingberg signing |
|
5 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Insider details Edmonton Oilers plans with John Klingberg in the lineup |
|
6 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Edmonton Oilers reveal lines and starting goalie for game against Canucks |
|
10 hours ago | By Ryan Hall NHL insider shuts down ESPN reporter suggesting Connor McDavid could leave Edmonton Oilers |
|
21 hours ago | By Ryan Hall Oilers trade talks surrounding Jeff Skinner updated by NHL insider |
|
22 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Edmonton Oilers update injury status for forward Victor Arvidsson |
Previously on Oilers Daily