• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Pierre Dorion

Senators Hire D.J. Smith as New Head Coach

May 23, 2019
“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021
Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

February 26, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

February 26, 2021
Playing Brett Veach: Part One

This Or That: Draft Wide Receiver Round 1 Or Later?

February 25, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Better Run/Pass Balance Needed

February 25, 2021
Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

February 25, 2021
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Saturday, February 27, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Atlantic Division

Senators Hire D.J. Smith as New Head Coach

Billy Morrison by Billy Morrison
May 23, 2019
in Atlantic Division, Featured, NHL, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs
Reading Time: 5min read
0
Pierre Dorion

Photo Courtesy: Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

After a long search, the Ottawa Senators have found their new head coach.

On Thursday morning, the hockey club announced the signing of D.J. Smith to a three-year contract. Smith becomes the 14th head coach in franchise history, as he takes on his first NHL job in this role.

More FromFPC

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021

General manager Pierre Dorion expressed his excitement in a team press release:

“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.”

Rivalry Heightens

Smith’s hiring undoubtedly adds another element to the historic rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Senators. The 42-year-old has spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach on Toronto’s bench. During this time, he has supported Leafs head coach Mike Babcock in rapidly turning around the franchise.

Through their work, the Maple Leafs have come along way in a short time. Four years ago, Toronto finished in last place with a record of 29-42-11 and 69 points. Compare this against last season, when they finished eighth with a record of 46-28-8 and 100 points. The improvement is clear. Although Smith’s focus in Toronto was on the defence and penalty kill, he also played a role in developing elite young players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly.

In a recent NHL player poll, he was chosen as the assistant most likely to get an NHL job because of his work with younger players.

Toronto’s position four years ago was eerily similar to Ottawa’s position now. Last year, the Senators finished in last place with a record of 29-47-6 and 64 points. However, they may already be ahead of where Toronto was in terms of drafting young talent at this stage. Players like Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, Colin White, and Christian Wolanin are already playing regular NHL minutes. Meanwhile, top prospects like Drake Batherson, Logan Brown, Alex Formenton, Erik Brannstrom, are expected to make a strong push for NHL jobs this season.

It is also noteworthy that the Senators, at their worst last year, bested the Maple Leafs in the Battle of Ontario with a winning record of 3-1-0. This is a testament that their rebuild is already well underway.

OHL Success

Prior to joining Toronto’s coaching staff, Smith earned tremendous success in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Over the course of nine seasons, he spent time with both the Oshawa Generals and Windsor Spitfires.

As head coach of the Generals, Smith earned a Memorial Cup title in 2015 after finishing with a 51-11-2-4 record during their championship season. Over the course of three-seasons, he compiled a record of 135-53-3-13 with the team. He was also named the OHL’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Generals to a 42-20-0-6 record in 2013-14.

Before joining Oshawa, Smith spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. During his time in Windsor, the Spitfires captured back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in both 2009 and 2010.

A Surprising Hire?

Smith takes on a job in Ottawa that has been vacant since Guy Boucher was fired on Mar. 1, 2019. Immediately following that decision, Marc Crawford was named interim head coach.

To some, the hiring of Smith came as a surprise. At least seven candidates were rumoured to be in the mix, including some very recognizable names. These included Crawford, ex-NHL legend Patrick Roy, two former Senator head coaches in Jacques Martin and Rick Bowness, and Troy Mann, who is currently the head coach of Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.

Despite the lack of name recognition, it appears that many of Smith’s former players and colleagues hold him in high regard. The combination of his esteemed reputation, winning track record, and experience working with young players to rebuild an NHL franchise should instill confidence in the organization and the fan base. For the next three years, it will be up to Smith to convince fans he was the right choice. He can achieve this by leading the young Senators through their most important years of the rebuild.

The end goal in three-to-five years, as promised by team owner Eugene Melnyk, is a Stanley Cup. Dorion said Smith was hired because he is a winner. The Senators will expect to win a lot more in the not-so-distant future.

Photo Courtesy: Ottawa Senators Hockey Club

Billy Morrison lives in Ottawa and covers the Ottawa Senators for Full Press Coverage. Follow Billy on Twitter, @BillyMorrison01.

Billy Morrison

 

 

Tags: #Leafs#MapleLeafs#Toronto#TorontoMapleLeafscoachdjsmithheadcoachhireNHLOttawaOttawaSenatorsSenatorsSenssmith
Share602Tweet376
Previous Post

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Officially Sign Ndamukong Suh

Next Post

Oakland Raiders Quote Translation

Billy Morrison

Billy Morrison

Next Post
Oakland Raiders RB Doug Martin

Oakland Raiders Quote Translation

Wrestling Roundup: May 24, 2019

Wrestling Roundup: May 24, 2019

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3
  • Ep 52: Jacqueline
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7559085259.mp3?updated=1614399614
  • Ep 170: NFL Coaching Changes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4500828715.mp3?updated=1614437073
  • Ep 65: Salary Cap Pack
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1239084265.mp3?updated=1614369199
  • Ep #94: Kansas City Facing Difficult Decisions
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 6:05 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5572884188.mp3
  • Episode 35: All Aboard Train Russell
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3490574527.mp3?updated=1614352919
  • Ep.69: From Selma to the Classic
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 3:10 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6709770713.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

More Wrestling News

  • The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”
    by Murray Pam on February 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    The Senators opened the season 2-12-1 in the first 15 games, but are now hitting stride, winning […]

  • Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres
    by Michael Augello on February 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Problems continue to pile up for the Buffalo Sabres, whether it be injuries or their own making. […]

  • Islanders Put Away Bruins 7-2 With Best Game Of Season
    by Curtis Rush on February 26, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    This was not quite Islanders hockey the way we’re used to seeing it. So, it was more than […]

  • NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds
    by Daniel Coyle on February 26, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Who will be the next full-time coach of the Montreal Canadiens? The post NHL Up and Down the […]

  • As Flyers Get Healthier, Returning Claude Giroux Makes An Immediate Impact
    by Carol Schram on February 26, 2021 at 2:49 am

    In his first game back after Covid Protocol, Claude Giroux's 3 assists and 8 shots energized the […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage