Breaking News: Ottawa Senators Have Selected New Head Coach

It may be contrary to the wishes of many Ottawa Senators fans, but owner Michael Andlauer and GM Steve Staios are completing an agreement this afternoon to name Travis Green as the new head coach of the Sens.

Final details are still being worked on. Indications are Travis Green will be the next head coach of the Ottawa Senators.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 6, 2024

Insider Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that the final details are being worked on, but his sources tell him that Green is the man. An official announcement is expected as early as Wednesday.

As mentioned, Senators fans are not too pleased with the hiring, as it seems like just another unproven head coach for the team, much like the previous full-time bench boss, DJ Smith.

Michael Andlauer and Steve Staios.

This fanbase is frothing at the mouth for any reason to support both of you. We’re all-in. But if you hire Travis Green as head coach after this fanbase had to endure DJ Smith for 5+ years, you are going to set off this fanbase. Step away.
— Invidious (@InvidiousSENS) May 6, 2024

Travis Green is not who I think of when I think of structure and disciplined off-puck play..
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) May 6, 2024

While one Twitter (X) user said the hiring of Green will "set off the fanbase," another says that Green "is not who I think of when I think of structure and disciplined off-puck play," while yet another surmised that "Green must have had one f**king hell of an interview to get this job".

The 53-year-old acted as the interim head coach of the New Jersey Devils this season after they fired Lindy Ruff, but only managed to take the team to an 8-12-1 record in his time behind the bench. His .405 points percentage was far worse than Ruff's .525 win %, and the underlying numbers in 5x5 and on the power play were far worse as well.

Green's four-year mark as head coach with the Vancouver Canucks from 2017 to 2021 saw him post a mark of 133-147-34 (.478 win %).

One media member from Vancouver says that Green was "a good communicator with young players. His issue lies in implementing and coaching systems".

However, one other embedded Senators follower felt obliged to point out that Green does bring some positives to the job, and he's holding out hope, saying that he provides accountability while demanding 100% effort at all times.

On Travis Green's Coaching style, there will be shades of John Tortorella

- Tells players straight up where they stand (Accountability)
- Notoriously difficult training camps
- Demands 100% effort at all times
- Defends his players in the media with intent

You can give his…
— Martian (@LalimesMartian) May 6, 2024

Green also had a 14-year career as a player in the NHL.