D.J. Smith named Ottawa Senators head coach
The Ottawa Senators announced the signing of head coach D.J. Smith to a three-year deal Thursday morning.
Welcome to Ottawa, D.J.! Bienvenue!
News Release: Ottawa Senators name D.J. Smith head coach: https://t.co/jubv1CDahH
Communiqué: Les Sénateurs d’Ottawa nomment D.J. Smith au poste d’entraîneur-chef : https://t.co/wx1safhoOe #Sens pic.twitter.com/naxejtxuTH— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) May 23, 2019
Smith worked the last four seasons as an assistant coach on Mike Babcock’s staff with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His last head coaching stint was with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, where he lead the team to a Memorial Cup title in 2015. In three seasons with the Generals, Smith tallied up a record of 135-53-3-13 and earned Coach of the Year in 2014.
Senators general manager Pierre Dorion sees a bright future ahead with the addition of Smith to their organization in a statement shared to the club’s website.
"D.J. Smith is a winner. We believe he is the best person to drive the development and success of the Ottawa Senators. D.J is a great communicator and an exceptional strategist. His passionate approach, coupled with his ability to teach the game, is exactly what we were looking for throughout the process. We're thrilled to welcome D.J. and his family to Ottawa."
Smith’s NHL connection stems back to his playing career with the Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche. He laced up for just 45 games between the clubs.
Ottawa’s previous head coach, Guy Boucher, was fired back on March 1, and Dorion extended his search for a new head coach to big names such as Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, before finding his match with Smith.
With Smith heading to Ottawa, does it leave the door open for Toronto Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe to step into his place on the Leafs’ bench?
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