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

[GCK]

If the record is good DJ is safe but if the record is meh and we aren’t playing with structure then it’s time to invest in a proven coach.

 

[yogibear]

I can’t say that I’m currently impressed with the preseason results.

 

[Micklebot]

I can’t say that I’m currently impressed with the preseason results.

Preseason is the time where guys with guaranteed spots coast and guys trying to crack the roster play hard, right now we have all but maybe one or two spots locked up and really only one blue chip prospect that isn't a lock, but he hasn't even played a game yet.

I'm not concerned about the record, or the occasional lackluster play from vets. We need to build some chemistry, and that will come with time, but the play you see today likely isn't representative of what we'll see once the reg season starts

 

[OD99]

Sure, but we’ve also had a pretty big reset on the roster on every line but the top line.

Consider that at best we’ll have our top line, and potentially our 4th line that have played together.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask that the team is allowed to tread water for a bit while chemistry grows.

Going .500 to start after 10 is a big step from last season, but would also be reasonable to expect from what is basically a new team once again.

.500 would be an awesome place to build off of, that’s the record of bubble team, which is what we’re expected to be.


.500 after 10 would absolutely be a decent start for this team in my opinion.

I honestly think that people are setting themselves up for disappointment, and season long complaining.

We aren’t a playoff team yet, if we get in it will be a huge leap in development from the core of those team in one season. G and Cat aren’t going to make that happen on their own.

The previous season starts were below what should have been expected as well though so using that as pure barometer makes it easy to look like a massive improvement.

The team needs to play well, period. If we look out of place and running around our D zone, giving up tons of prime scoring opportunities then something will have to change quickly. I expect wins but more importantly I want to see the team structure be much better given the influx of talent.

 

[DanyHeatley]

25+ games
about 4 inches
6’2 210 lbs
no neck sicko

 

[aragorn]

With the addition of DeBrincat, Giroux, Pinto & Sanderson without really giving up anything from the team down the stretch last yr I expect a substantial increase in pts this yr. It would also be extremely helpful if Formenton signs rejoins the team asap.

Will it be enough to make the playoffs who knows, but it should be substantially better than last yr & will also depend on how much better the division is this season. They are still not there though & their defence needs to be upgraded & hopefully their goaltending plays up to expectations. I expect that at some point this season Kastelic to be the 4th line centre & that JBD will be a full time defenceman on the backend replacing Zaitsev or Brannstrom.

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

With the addition of DeBrincat, Giroux, Pinto & Sanderson without really giving up anything from the team down the stretch last yr I expect a substantial increase in pts this yr. It would also be extremely helpful if Formenton signs rejoins the team asap.

Will it be enough to make the playoffs who knows, but it should be substantially better than last yr & will also depend on how much better the division is this season. They are still not there though & their defence needs to be upgraded & hopefully their goaltending plays up to expectations. I expect that at some point this season Kastelic to be the 4th line centre & that JBD will be a full time defenceman on the backend replacing Zaitsev or Brannstrom.

Good post. You forgot Talbot, who's been a capable above average starter for a few years now. Having that support in net is huge vs the inconsistency we've had in the past.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

I doubt DJ is let go unless the season start is a disaster which I do not expect

I'm sure that the world championships were a learning experience for him

And I believe having a couple extra respectable vets in Giroux and Talbot will give an extra voice to structural team D.

does he get the call to return to the World Championships? I think so, and he should go.

Also, a number of Senator players should get the call as well

 

[NyQuil]

Not exactly shocking with new ownership and a penchant for blowing the early part of the season.

 

[SensontheRush]

How high is the ceiling?

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

He has to be very agreeable with Dorion. Maybe even complimentary.

 

[aragorn]

They are in the business of winning & every coach in the NHL is in the same place, if you win you keep your job, if not you eventually lose it, it's not a secret. Same applies to the GM, the players, the assistant coaches, even the president.

 

[Cosmix]

20 games

That seems about right IF DJ is kept as coach after Andlauer takes over ownership. I see Dorion as gone asap.

 

[Ice-Tray]

What will happen if they aren’t canned right away? Will everyone shift anger and blame to the new owner, since he clearly won’t be as knowledgeable as HFSens posters?

Perhaps Andlauer is better of firing everyone just to keep Sens Twitter happy for his first few weeks!

 

[SENStastic]

Either 20 games or 82. If were off to another slow start again with a losing record in the first 15-20 games, then he absolutely has to be canned to at least try to salvage the rest of the season and hope they can rejoin the playoff race. If were doing ok by then or he stays past that mark even if the team is underperforming, then he probably stays till the end of the season as it will be too late for any replacement to course correct at that point.

 

[HoweHullOrr]

^ x 2

Might be better to ask who loses their job first, Dorion or DJ.

Assuming he doesn't do something earlier, I doubt if Andlauer will wait very long to get rid of DJ if the Senators get off to another slow start.

It's only the short sighted Dorion & DJ "lovers" that will have any angst over this. They'd probably back any authority figure though.

 

[LevelingSolo]

What will happen if they aren’t canned right away? Will everyone shift anger and blame to the new owner, since he clearly won’t be as knowledgeable as HFSens posters?

Perhaps Andlauer is better of firing everyone just to keep Sens Twitter happy for his first few weeks!

You'll be in mourning the day your boys are let go

 

[Cosmix]

Either 20 games or 82. If were off to another slow start again with a losing record in the first 15-20 games, then he absolutely has to be canned to at least try to salvage the rest of the season and hope they can rejoin the playoff race. If were doing ok by then or he stays past that mark even if the team is underperforming, then he probably stays till the end of the season as it will be too late for any replacement to course correct at that point.

The architect of the roster will have to take some responsibility/accountability too.

He has to be very agreeable with Dorion. Maybe even complimentary.

I see that "i"!

 

[SENStastic]

The architect of the roster will have to take some responsibility/accountability too.

Oh for sure, the sooner the better too. Ideally both would have been replaced this offseason but doesn't look like its gonna happen.

 

[otown]

How much rope is not the question.
They are both hanging by threads if there is a poor start next year!

 

[Sun God Nika]

I think a 20 game rope is too long.

Be ready to cut him at the 12 game mark if the team is below .500 if the team is outside of the playoff bubble at the 20 game mark or any point in the season thereafter also fire him.

 

[SpezDispenser]

He doesn't have rope really. We all know it and he knows it. He'll be evaluated every 5 or 10 games throughout the season. He's got the players to be right there for 8th at any point in the season.

 

[Micklebot]

We need to come out of Nov with >20 pts imo, our schedule isn't bad to start the year so anything less will have us playing catch-up when the schedule gets much tougher.

 

[DJB]

Should have been fired the moment we signed Giroux like I said

 

[Golden_Jet]

Should have been fired the moment we signed Giroux like I said

What was wrong with signing Giroux?