The Ottawa Senators 2023-24 NHL season got away from them. Currently, they have just two games left, both on the road. Tonight it is against the New York Rangers and tomorrow they wrap up the season with a date against the Boston Bruins. The end of 2023-24 is a somber one, as it marks the end of Interim Head Coach Jacques Martin’s second time behind the Sens bench. In referencing the situation, Martin seems to be staying around to assist the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios find the club’s next head coach.
Moving on From Jacques Martin for the Ottawa Senators After the 2023-24 Season
"It's been great. I've enjoyed the opportunity to come back and hopefully help the team to understand what it takes to be in the playoffs, how you need to play on a nightly basis and help the players grow."
Jacques Martin reflects on his final home game as interim head coach pic.twitter.com/sVA3A8YzC0
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 14, 2024
Besides finding a new bench boss, other important members of the staff need a contract. Those names are Assistant Coach Daniel Alfredsson and Associate Coach Jack Capuano. These will be the types of decisions to lay the groundwork for finalizing the roster throughout the summer. Furthermore, there are many solid head coach candidates available. Some examples that come to mind include Todd McClellan, John Gruden, and Chris Kelly, among others.
As was previously discussed, the Senators management will have certain times to stay vigilant on new candidates becoming available. At the end of the regular season and also, at the end of the first round of playoffs, likely new candidates will emerge if teams decide to go in another direction. Finally, it was also said previously, that the goal is to have a coach in place by the draft. So, even though there is time, the Sens will need to be efficient in the hiring process.
The Senators Could Hire Chris Kelly to be Their Next Head Coach
The Off-Ice Problems for the Sens
As for the Ottawa Senators 2023-24 season, it was marred with lots of controversy. It started with bright optimism and the prospects new ownership can bring. However, there were a couple too many housekeeping issues to deal with at that time. Whether it was mishandling of the Evgenii Dadonov trade or Shane Pinto‘s 41-game suspension for gambling, issues seemed to keep rearing their ugly head. Moreover, these types of issues culminated in General Manager Pierre Dorion’s firing. It wasn’t too much longer, that an unsuccessful on-ice product led to a similar fate for then Head Coach D.J. Smith. In contrast, the off-ice situation did turn around as the season progressed, with many front-office moves, for example adding Dave Poulin as senior vice president of hockey operations.
How the On-Ice Product Was Impacted
The on-ice product is much of the same type of things, from past mistakes and just uncertainty in the team’s environment. They never had a lot of injuries but missing Thomas Chabot, Josh Norris, and Shane Pinto does really take a toll. Your top-minute defenceman, and your number two and three centres. In addition, the offseason signing of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo never brought the improvements and consistency that were needed.
In the end, it leaves Ottawa searching for a draft lottery pick from the season. This will not be a bad thing in the long run, but this group was supposed to fight for a playoff spot. That failure has many questioning whether it is time for a retool or a rebuild altogether. Make no mistake, between the head coach search and which direction to take the club, the offseason will be crucial for Steve Staios and his management regime’s success.
The Senators have recalled Zack Ostapchuk for tonight's game in New York. Mark Kastelic left the Montreal game on Saturday after being struck in the head by a puck.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) April 15, 2024
In terms of the lineup to finish off the campaign, a couple of things to note. Both Mark Kastelic and Tim Stutzle may be done for the season. Also, Ridly Greig will be a game-time decision tonight with an illness. In positive news, Zack Ostapchuk has earned a call-up for tonight’s game, likely to replace Kastelic.
Ridly Greig is sick this morning and will be a game time decision.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) April 15, 2024
Main photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
