It is now a done deal. Travis Green will be named the next Head Coach of the Ottawa Senators. Maybe everything happens for a reason, as Green was the Interim Head Coach for the New Jersey Devils to end 2023-24. However, he stumbled in the role, and didn’t leave a good impression with the organization to come back full-time. Enter Steve Staios and the Ottawa Senators search for their own head coach. It sounds like they found their man. The deal sees Green at the helm for the next four seasons.
OFFICIAL: Travis Green has been named the new head coach of the #Sens
📰 More details: https://t.co/DLHQhQb6i9 pic.twitter.com/Qxm3byKSpP
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) May 7, 2024
It Is Done, the Senators Have Named Travis Green Their Next Head Coach
Travis Green had an underwhelming performance as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. In five years at the helm, he compiled a .478 win percentage. Furthermore, he only qualified for the playoffs once with the Canucks. That was in the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, which saw the Canucks make it into the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Even though his standing in Vancouver wasn’t great, he was never faced with high-expectations with the group. After a rough beginning to the 2021-22 campaign, with a 8-15-2 start, that would mark the end of his tenure in Vancouver. Moreover, he was named as an Associate Coach with the Devils, before getting a shot as Interim Head Coach when Lindy Ruff was let go.
What Will He Bring to the Organization
There are a couple thought processes behind hiring Travis Green as the Ottawa Senators Head Coach. First of all, he is still young, but does carry a bit of NHL bench boss experience. Therefore, he should be able to development with this group, as a team that expects to make the playoffs. Yes, 2023-24 was a disappointing season in Ottawa. Especially when teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals battled it out for the final playoff spot. But with a couple roster tweaks, this group believes it is ready for playoff hockey. When Green did get into the playoffs, his laid back personality did seem to work in guiding a strong group of players.
Some Final Thoughts
The hope on hiring Green would be he has learned from his previous NHL coaching experience. He has nearly 1000 career games played of NHL experience to bring to the table as well. In addition, as a player, he was always relied upon in a depth role. His 455 career points speaks to that, as well as a couple playoff runs. If Green is able to bring that level of confidence as a coach to his players, it would be a fun atmosphere to be a part of.
Even though many Sens followers were hoping for someone with more NHL coaching experience and maybe more pedigree, Green checks a lot of boxes. He is ready to grow with this group of Sen players and take the next step. For Green, if he can lead them to the playoffs, he will be seen as a proven NHL head coach. Meanwhile, for the players, their growth will be because they have turned into playoff contenders. There’s still a long way to go, but with this step well out of the way before the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the management staff has plenty of time to work on the roster.
Main photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
