SENSNEWS

Ottawa Senators Head Coach Update

The Ottawa Senators head coach search continues as another candidate comes off the board. The Buffalo Sabres are officially out of the coaching race as they have picked up former New Jersey Devils bench boss, Lindy Ruff.

With the first round of the NHL playoffs underway, the time is ticking for the Senators to hold discussions with all the available candidates. Previously, it had been reported that Ottawa was interested in seeing which coaches currently in the first round may be available.

With most series having three games completed already, this timeline is getting closer. Not to mention, the Senators have already held previous discussions with several available head coaches up to this point.

The team likely knows where they stand with these candidates and should have a good idea of which coach they would like to hire unless one of the first-round coaches knocks their socks off.

Craig Berube Linked To Senators

Andy Strickland added some info linking Craig Berube to the Senators. Strickland mentioned that he had heard rumors stating that the Sens have “legit interest” in the former Blues coach.

Strickland has proven in the past to have solid connections in the St. Louis organization, and his claim was backed up recently by Elliotte Friedman.

On Friday’s “32 Thoughts” Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reiterated that Berube and the Senators have been in discussions. Friedman stated the following:

“I have people telling me to watch for Craig Berube there.” — Elliotte Friedman

He would then go on to discuss Berube and the Senators some more with this quote:

“I’ve had a couple of teams tell me they think that Ottawa really likes Berube.” — Elliotte Friedman

Elliotte would then go on to say that he doesn’t have proof of it, but that there is belief the Senators have already interviewed Craig Berube for the head coaching job.

Jeff Marek chimed in mentioning that he would expect Brady Tkachuk to like the idea of having Berube as coach. After all, Tkachuk and Berube have some level of familiarity with one another considering both of their connections to St. Louis and the Blues’ organization.

This would make a lot of sense as well. We already know that Dave Poulin, who recently joined the front office, is a huge fan of Berube. Before being hired by the Senators, Poulin mentioned that one of his top choices if he were connected to the team would have been Berube.

It also came out that the Buffalo Sabres tried to go after Berube but were unable to do so. It could be a situation where Berube turned down the job, and perhaps is interested in getting behind the bench in Ottawa.

Of the remaining candidates, Craig Berube is right near the top of the list for best available. He has proven successful in the past, and his hard-nosed style is what this team needs to move forward.

The players are ready to be held accountable, and Berube will most definitely hold them to a very high standard.

Dean Evason Linked To Senators

Also worth noting is that current Minnesota Wild Head Coach Dean Evason has had discussions with the Senators. Evason was fired by the Wild earlier this season, and the Wild organization has granted him permission to talk with the Ottawa Senators.

Bruce Garrioch reported that the team has already had face-to-face meetings with at least three potential candidates. Evason was mentioned as one of the three candidates whom they have met.

Craig Berube was also mentioned, however, he is unsure whether they have already met or plan to meet in the near future.

McLellan, Gruden, And Shaw Round Up Latest Rumours

Considering what Elliotte Friedman reported, all signs suggest the two parties have likely met already. The other name mentioned by Garrioch is former LA Kings Head Coach Todd McLellan. McLellan is still considered to be one of the top candidates to be picked up by the Sens.

Brad Shaw of the Philadelphia Flyers is yet another name that has been mentioned as well. Shaw is currently an associate coach with the Flyers, and he has been put on the list by the Senators. It does feel like a long shot that he would end up with the job at this point in time.

Then of course, there is John Gruden, who has been linked to the team for almost a year. Gruden, the coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, has a long history with both Michael Andlauer and Steve Staios. He was once believed to be the favorite for this position, but that has since become less clear.

Garrioch reports that if it is not Gruden who gets the head coaching position, he will be on staff in some capacity.

The Senators are definitely interested in bringing the former Bulldogs’ coach to the organization, but with how important this next hire is, they may not be able to justify bringing in an unproven guy.

With the clock ticking, the Senators should be gearing up to make their final decision. As the first round of the playoffs progresses, Steve Staios and the Senators should have a good idea of where they stand in the coaching search.