In 2019, the Ottawa Senators hired DJ Smith as the team’s head coach.
The club was rebuilding at the time, and the Sens had chosen the coach believing he would be able to develop the team’s many talented young players.
The result didn’t work.
But Smith almost never found himself behind the Senators bench.
For what?
Because in 2019, Patrick Roy was also in the race for the head coach position in Ottawa. Pierre Dorion said on BPM Sports that Roy was one of three finalists (along with Jacques Martin) for the position, which was ultimately given to Smith.
We knew that Roy’s candidacy played in Dorion’s head when she presented himself… But we didn’t necessarily know that he was so close to getting the job:
Taking a step back, we clearly realize that the Senators missed their mark.
DJ Smith was never able to take the team to the next level… And he wasn’t able to get results even though in the later years of his reign he had a team that could win.
It’s funny, but this error also occurred during the last season. It was Roy who should have been hired in Ottawa and even Michael Andlauer knew it.
He said after seeing Roy get the job in New York with the Islanders that he regretted “a little bit” the decision not to hire him:
It’s crazy the same.
The Senators had the opportunity to get their hands on an intense coach who is capable of working with young people… And they failed.
It is not for nothing, after all, that Roy led the Remparts to the Memorial Cup in 2023.
But hey. It makes “Ottawa Senators” not bad and for next time, maybe we will think twice before neglecting the talent and the summary of an experienced coach…
In burst
– Oh!
– The Devils make a big decision with Simon Nemec.
– Anyway!
– I adore.
Canada
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