How much rope does DJ Smith have? [UPDATE: None]
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NyQuil
Big F$&*in Q
I'm not that enamored with DJ Smith and I don't think he's the guy that can take this team over the hump.
He's good at creating a positive atmosphere in the locker room and easing the transition into the NHL for young players but at some point they'll need a systems coach or a taskmaster to get the most out of the guys and ensure that they take competition seriously.
If the team isn't ready to play for that first 20 games again, I would certainly move on. Being virtually out of the playoffs by Thanksgiving every season isn't going to cut it.
He's good at creating a positive atmosphere in the locker room and easing the transition into the NHL for young players but at some point they'll need a systems coach or a taskmaster to get the most out of the guys and ensure that they take competition seriously.
If the team isn't ready to play for that first 20 games again, I would certainly move on. Being virtually out of the playoffs by Thanksgiving every season isn't going to cut it.
Fans have grown accustomed to the promise of bigger and better things yet the team remains cash strapped, continues to make poor roster choices leading to potential buyouts and an undying hope that new coaching personnel will make the difference.
Time to invest in sound hockey experience at the GM level. This is where you take this team to the next level. Assuming ownership will support it!
It might take a poor start next year to realize this.
Time to invest in sound hockey experience at the GM level. This is where you take this team to the next level. Assuming ownership will support it!
It might take a poor start next year to realize this.
BonHoonLayneCornell
Registered User
That's how I've felt. Seems like a likable guy and has his strengths, but I will be surprised if he's here all the way through this. Felt transitional.
Beech
Registered User
- Nov 25, 2020
- 3,415
- 1,243
this is now more convolute than ever. A board runs it. That board is most likely deferring to Anthony LeBlanc..and so personnel decisions and major changes will mean red tape and bureaucracy. If a poor 20 game start occurs. Leblanc has to go to the board and convince them to make a change...there is no one owner to act and act quickly...Things can get worse before they get better..it may take a sale and a new owner to come in. Or an Anthony Leblanc being forceful and having greater control over the board. December will come soon enough.
Sounds more like the board sets the budget, LeBlanc heads up business ops, and Dorion runs hockey ops. The owners have been steering the public imaging side of things.
Not really that convoluted at all when you’re not looking for a bone to pick.
Beech
Registered User
- Nov 25, 2020
- 3,415
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No, the board does that. Hires and fires business and hockey ops leaders, sets budget, sits back and watches.
Listens to input from young owners while guiding them with regards to the ins and outs of sports team ownership.
It’s a pretty straight forward hierarchy.
SensHulk
Registered User
It wasn't short after he had Josh Brown as a regular on the roster and repeating the same mistakes he always does (not letting younger guys play on the blue line).
I hope the Sens are successful with DJ there, but he's stubborn and I don't see him changing the way he ices line ups
I hope the Sens are successful with DJ there, but he's stubborn and I don't see him changing the way he ices line ups
He’s not stubborn, he limits ice time for rookies and kids, and increases their ice time as they get comfortable and confident.
Developing the kids has been the goal, which is why no one cares that Brown played more to start the year. These guys were only place holding while the kids gained experience.
Folks may not like the development approach, but we shouldn’t be confusing it with DJ just being too stubborn to play young players. There is a reason why all the young players love the guy and it isn’t because he was too stubborn to play them.
He does the exact opposite.
LevelingSolo
Registered User
- Jan 15, 2012
- 4,984
- 6,944
Amazing offseason with maybe more moves to come!
Though you gotta think this ups the heat on DJ
Have to think that the team has to be at least competing for the playoffs by US Thanksgiving or else we may see a change
What do you guys think?
Though you gotta think this ups the heat on DJ
Have to think that the team has to be at least competing for the playoffs by US Thanksgiving or else we may see a change
What do you guys think?
YouGotAStuGoing
Registered User
Fully agree. Smith's well-liked by the team and seems to bring out the best in his guys. But the team is sending a message: we're in winning mode. That applies to him, too. Can't squander the window of having this team assembled.
Gil Gunderson
Registered User
Not a lot now, there's really no excuse. If another team like Pittsburgh fires their coach early on in the season that changes a lot too.
If we're having trouble scoring goals with the amount of offensive talent we have 20 games in, DJ has to go. We need to be playing meaningful hockey all year long
Sweatred
Erase me
- Jan 28, 2019
- 13,408
- 3,328
A lot … it’s his first season and first set of games with a nhl hockey team.
He’s got some serious firepower and matchups to work with now. Can’t wait to see how the Leafs try to matchup vs the Sens.
He’s got some serious firepower and matchups to work with now. Can’t wait to see how the Leafs try to matchup vs the Sens.
DylanSensFan
BEESHIP: NBH
If we are not in a playoff position come November 2022, then DJ will be replaced I feel.
Adele Dazeem
Registered User
That or at least within a few wins away.
KingAlfie11
Registered User
- Nov 3, 2021
- 1,815
- 2,007
I would agree we need to have a good start, let's get some confidence right off the bat and so that everybody feels good get some positive momentum going
DylanSensFan
BEESHIP: NBH
He's done. We'll start poorly again. There will be excuses. He'll be fired, we'll miss the playoffs.
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