The Ottawa Senators are facing a crucial decision regarding their head coach, D.J. Smith. As the Senators grapple with their current standings – 9-10-0, placing them 8th in the Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division – the question looms large: Will Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith be fired?
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun has shed light on the internal debates within the organization. Interim general manager Steve Staios is juggling numerous challenges, not least the team’s on-ice performance. This predicament has led to a growing clamor among fans for a change at the helm, with Smith’s position increasingly under scrutiny. Despite this, the Senators’ front office has shown a preference for patience, valuing Smith’s approach and looking to bolster his support system.
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Ottawa Senators at a Crossroads: The Future of Coach D.J. Smith
However, the NHL is a results-driven league, and Staios’ patience may have its limits. While a blockbuster trade is not anticipated – with the club reluctant to part ways with talents like Drake Batherson – Staios is exploring options. The potential trade of Dominik Kubalik, set to become an unrestricted free agent in July, indicates a willingness to make roster changes. But with the salary cap tightening the market, Staios might find a coaching change to be a more straightforward solution.
As the Senators navigate this complex situation, the future of D.J. Smith hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only shape the team’s direction but also signal the front office’s commitment to its current path. With the pressure mounting, a decision – one way or the other – seems imminent.
