How much rope does DJ Smith have? [UPDATE: None]

[Tnuoc Alucard]

 

[KingAlfie11]

DJ is winning games, he might stick around a lot longer then some of you thought he would, that makes me happy

 

[Bileur]

View attachment 770033

I don’t know what this means but it’s a great gif.

 

[Sens Vader]

Who is going to choose the coach?

Staios (and Andlauer)

But that’s if he’s leaning towards a coaching change, now would be the best time to do it. Our schedule gets crazy once we start playing again, not gonna be much room for practice

 

[JD1]

Staios (and Andlauer)

But that’s if he’s leaning towards a coaching change, now would be the best time to do it. Our schedule gets crazy once we start playing again, not gonna be much room for practice

What would make you think Staois is leaning towards a coaching change?

Just two weeks ago he gave DJ a very solid endorsement. We're on a little win streak. We're in the playoff hunt. And getting 4 points in Sweden is definitely a feel good situation.

You're pining for something that seems pretty far fetched given where we're sitting

Staios (and Andlauer)

But that’s if he’s leaning towards a coaching change, now would be the best time to do it. Our schedule gets crazy once we start playing again, not gonna be much room for practice

And you want Andlauer involved in the coach selection? Have you listened to the things he's said since he bought the team

 

[Sens Vader]

What would make you think Staois is leaning towards a coaching change?

Just two weeks ago he gave DJ a very solid endorsement. We're on a little win streak. We're in the playoff hunt. And getting 4 points in Sweden is definitely a feel good situation.

You're pining for something that seems pretty far fetched given where we're sitting


And you want Andlauer involved in the coach selection? Have you listened to the things he's said since he bought the team

I’m not gonna try to predict what’s in Staios’ head, he gave the classic vote of confidence.

The team is clearly a structural mess, special teams are mid, they didn’t select him, and he has Alfie as a sounding board. They also hired an analytics guy who can dive further into the flaws of team play quite easily.

I am saying IF he is going to make a move now would be a good time.

Yes as a fan I want DJ fired, I also know I have zero control over what actually happens lol what a dumb comment

Andlauer would be consulted on a coaching decision and he has to approve the finances of it. Pretty basic stuff, keep up.

 

[JD1]

I’m not gonna try to predict what’s in Staios’ head, he gave the classic vote of confidence.

The team is clearly a structural mess, special teams are mid, they didn’t select him, and he has Alfie as a sounding board.

I am saying IF he is going to make a move now would be a good time.

Yes as a fan I want DJ fired, I also know I have zero control over what actually happens lol what a dumb comment

Andlauer would be consulted on a coaching decision and he has to approve the finances of it. Pretty basic stuff, keep up.

Andlauer's big word is accountability. He fired Dorion. Accountability for the Dandonov situation. He'll provide budget and let people run things. He's not going to be consulted on a coaching decision if you mean that in a way that he provides input.

 

[Micklebot]

Andlauer's big word is accountability. He fired Dorion. Accountability for the Dandonov situation. He'll provide budget and let people run things. He's not going to be consulted on a coaching decision if you mean that in a way that he provides input.

I think it's reasonable to assume he'd be consulted in the sense that they're hiring a coach before a GM and that adds financial risk, but not likely in a should we fire the coach or who should we replace him with sense.

If Staois just wants to give an interim tag to somebody I think Andlauer gets the courtesy call, if he wants to bring in a high profile guy on a 3+ year contract it's reasonable to expect him to have a touch of input even if it's effectively acting as a sounding board and rubber stamping it.

 

[swiftwin]

I’m not gonna try to predict what’s in Staios’ head, he gave the classic vote of confidence.

The team is clearly a structural mess, special teams are mid, they didn’t select him, and he has Alfie as a sounding board. They also hired an analytics guy who can dive further into the flaws of team play quite easily.

I am saying IF he is going to make a move now would be a good time.

Yes as a fan I want DJ fired, I also know I have zero control over what actually happens lol what a dumb comment

Andlauer would be consulted on a coaching decision and he has to approve the finances of it. Pretty basic stuff, keep up.

Now is a terrible time. The team is winning, we don't have a GM. We're better off waiting until the summer, and letting the new GM decide what to do.

I'm sick of the constant chaos and circus act surrounding this franchise. There's no reason to bring in an interim coach far half a season. What happens if the interim coach does well, but the new GM wants to bring in a different coach??? Do we fire a coach with a good record???

I want the team to do things right. No shortcuts. Hire a good coach once and for all. Do it this summer when there are maximum options available, and when we can hire a permanent coach instead of an interim.

 

[Sens Vader]

Now is a terrible time. The team is winning, we don't have a GM. We're better off waiting until the summer, and letting the new GM decide what to do.

I'm sick of the constant chaos and circus act surrounding this franchise. There's no reason to bring in an interim coach far half a season. What happens if the interim coach does well, but the new GM wants to bring in a different coach??? Do we fire a coach with a good record???

I want the team to do things right. No shortcuts. Hire a good coach once and for all. Do it this summer when there are maximum options available, and when we can hire a permanent coach instead of an interim.

Well yeah I mostly agree outside of the timing, our play is all over the place and isn’t conducive to consistent success. Any new coach needs practice time

8-7 is not a good record, it’s a mediocre non playoff team record and it’s a record we deserve - and all the underlying number back it up

But yes, no shortcuts. If they want a GM in place first that makes perfect sense, and I don’t want an interim coach either.

DJ should not be fired just to get rid of him, he should be let go because they feel they have a new hire that can take this next level.

If they don’t know who that is then don’t rush it.

 

[swiftwin]

Now is a terrible time. The team is winning, we don't have a GM. We're better off waiting until the summer, and letting the new GM decide what to do.


Well yeah I mostly agree outside of the timing, our play is all over the place and isn’t conducive to consistent success. Any new coach needs practice time

8-7 is not a good record, it’s a mediocre non playoff team record and it’s a record we deserve - and all the underlying number back it up

But yes, no shortcuts. If they want a GM in place first that makes perfect sense, and I don’t want an interim coach either.

DJ should not be fired just to get rid of him, he should be let go because they feel they have a new hire that can take this next level.

If they don’t know who that is then don’t rush it.

Glad we agree. I 100% want a new coach this summer, unless we somehow make it past the 1st round.

 

[boxbox]

Now is a terrible time. The team is winning, we don't have a GM. We're better off waiting until the summer, and letting the new GM decide what to do.


Well yeah I mostly agree outside of the timing, our play is all over the place and isn’t conducive to consistent success. Any new coach needs practice time

8-7 is not a good record, it’s a mediocre non playoff team record and it’s a record we deserve - and all the underlying number back it up

But yes, no shortcuts. If they want a GM in place first that makes perfect sense, and I don’t want an interim coach either.

DJ should not be fired just to get rid of him, he should be let go because they feel they have a new hire that can take this next level.

If they don’t know who that is then don’t rush it.

 

[HF2002]

I think Alfie behind the bench was intentional. Sweden was the excuse.

Go ask DJ to skate a lap and then ask Alfie to skate a lap.

It's the same as coaching 10 year olds. They have to see it to believe it. I've seen clips of Alfie wearing equipment and playing keep away with current NHL players.

X's and O's on a whiteboard or tablet have their limits.

And remember, you can't assume the player you're coaching speaks English. You have to be able to demonstrate.

 

[Sun God Nika]

I think Alfie behind the bench was intentional. Sweden was the excuse.

Go ask DJ to skate a lap and then ask Alfie to skate a lap.

It's the same as coaching 10 year olds. They have to see it to believe it. I've seen clips of Alfie wearing equipment and playing keep away with current NHL players.

X's and O's on a whiteboard or tablet have their limits.

I am on the train to have alfie be interim and to let DJ go. But let’s not forget DJ is a former professional hockey player as well

 

[HF2002]

I am on the train to have alfie be interim and to let DJ go. But let’s not forget DJ is a former professional hockey player as well

Is he a Hall of Fame player?

Maybe Alfedsson isn't the final answer, and I'd hate to see him booed out of Ottawa as a coach, but Rick Tocchet seems to have made it as a NHL coach. They were both grinders.

If you want to be a coach, show. Not tell. In a multilingual sport such as hockey, demonstrate what you expect.

It's not that hard.

 

[Sens With Benefits]

The guys obviously love DJ. Can we not get rid of some of the assistants? Bring in Jacques Martin as associate.

 

[bert]

The guys obviously love DJ. Can we not get rid of some of the assistants? Bring in Jacques Martin as associate.

Id be very much inclined to see Capuano replaced and have some new ideas on the back end. That's where this team has the potential to be elite. They have some amazing pieces. I don't think the current concepts from the D coach are conducive to this group being elite.

 

[slamigo]

DJ is winning games, he might stick around a lot longer then some of you thought he would, that makes me happy

I think everyone would be happy if he keeps winning games.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

It stands to reason with how upset they were recently with the fan chant, that the leaders on the team would be pissed if he were fired after they won a few for him and got above .500 since then. They've got good vibes right now.

I don't think there's a rush based on days off or any practice scenario. They're above .500 in November for the first time ever under DJ, correct? Either way, the trend of the team clawing back has come earlier this year and they've not lost the season by Thanksgiving, so I think it's reasonable to get more time. If they can close out November strong, you would even say they've had a strong start to the season.

I still doubt he's the long term coach here, but I think he's earned some more time.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Is he a Hall of Fame player?

Maybe Alfedsson isn't the final answer, and I'd hate to see him booed out of Ottawa as a coach, but Rick Tocchet seems to have made it as a NHL coach. They were both grinders.

If you want to be a coach, show. Not tell. In a multilingual sport such as hockey, demonstrate what you expect.

It's not that hard.

Bad idea.

All coaches are hired to be fired. That's not a position I want to see us put Alfredsson into. He is much better off in a different management position. Like player development or something like that.


I think we have to concede this is a dead season. DJ will be around until a new GM is chosen, and the new GM will pick his coaching team. And that will probably be after the regular season.

 

[boxbox]

Last year it was the month of November that pretty much derailed the Sens season and had them playing catch up for the rest of the season. Last year the Sens had a 2-7 record around this time in the month of November and a overall 4-10 record for the month. The off ice events to have taken place so far this November had the ability and potential of becoming a major on ice distraction and to derail the season.

With that the Sens have 4-3 record so far this November. ATM the Sens overall record trough 15 games is 8-7 (16pts) , I'll admit its nothing to brag about or something to be really excited and that the teams play has been up and down. I guess its all how one chooses to look at it. The Sens have a game in hand on most teams in the East. Currently the difference between being in 4th place in the East standings and where the Sens are is 4 pts. League wide the team ranks 9th in goals scored and 2nd per game. On defense things need to improve and I have no doubt they will given the team has played the majortiy of the gamestis seasons either down 1D or 2D of the teams top 4 D.

The new owner had no issue with letting PD go. So I would find it very strange for him to fire the coach anytime soon easpecially when the publically stated we won't and when the team is actually showing signs of improvement.

 

[JD1]

Here's how normal works

Owner > POHO > GM > coach.

We're 8-7 coming off 2 big wins. Andlauer keeps using the words accountability and best in class.

Firing DJ, hiring someone new and bringing in a GM down the road is assbackwards.

Is that what we want? Is that best in class? How do you hold a GM accountable if he's saddled with a coach not of his choosing?

Alfredsson. The city loves him. The absolute worst job for the guy is coach because that's the position that gets fired the most. As for being on the ice, DJ played in the NHL but had concussion issues. I'm quite certain he's able to put on some skates and grab a stick and demonstrate what he wants.

@bert has the right idea. Bring in a Jacques Martin or a Claude Julien. Call him whatever you want. Special consultant. Get some advice on how to tighten up defensively

 

[Icelevel]

I think Alfie behind the bench was intentional. Sweden was the excuse.

Go ask DJ to skate a lap and then ask Alfie to skate a lap.

It's the same as coaching 10 year olds. They have to see it to believe it. I've seen clips of Alfie wearing equipment and playing keep away with current NHL players.

X's and O's on a whiteboard or tablet have their limits.

And remember, you can't assume the player you're coaching speaks English. You have to be able to demonstrate.

Yes it looks like alfie should and will be behind the bench. But not to replace DJ. That’s would be pretty crazy. I expect he’ll be replacing one of the assistants.

This way he got to see everything in action first. Be sort of involved before jumping in fully.

 

[Larionov]

One of the constant issues with this team is accountability, or lack thereof. If you want to hear what honesty and accountability sound like, listen to Tocchet post game after the Canucks-Kraken game:



He doesn't yell, and he doesn't insult anyone, but he tells the unvarnished truth about where the Canucks fell down last night, and he is pretty matter of fact about it. Try to imagine DJ doing this - good luck. All you hear is him trying to make our opponents sound like the 1977 Habs, and excuses for us. I was wrong about Tocchet - that guy is a good coach and a great hire for the Canucks. That's a paper thin lineup in Vancouver once you get past their top end guys, and he is getting the most out of them...

 

[Micklebot]

One of the constant issues with this team is accountability, or lack thereof. If you want to hear what honesty and accountability sound like, listen to Tocchet post game after the Canucks-Kraken game:



He doesn't yell, and he doesn't insult anyone, but he tells the unvarnished truth about where the Canucks fell down last night, and he is pretty matter of fact about it. Try to imagine DJ doing this - good luck. All you hear is him trying to make our opponents sound like the 1977 Habs, and excuses for us. I was wrong about Tocchet - that guy is a good coach and a great hire for the Canucks. That's a paper thin lineup in Vancouver once you get past their top end guys, and he is getting the most out of them...

Every time I watch the Canucks I'm not really impressed, they've got five guys shooting at ~20% or higher, what happens when those guys start shooting closer to career norms? Demko has also covered up a lot of mistakes, but I'm more prone to believing he can keep that up than I am that they'll continue scoring at the same pace.