As the Sens came together for the last time before departing on what will be a long summer, there seemed to be a general sense of hope for the future. The team was much better down the stretch and a handful of young guys stepped up and made management and fans take notice.
Brighter days are ahead for the Ottawa Senators.
Today was a chance for the players, management and coaches to reflect on the season that was. The 26th place finish doesn’t sit well with anyone and the changes have already begun. Cory Clouston was dismissed shortly after the team’s final game along with his assistants Greg Carvel and Brad Lauer.
In a media availability this morning, Bryan Murray indicated that the decision to replace Clouston was made awhile ago but that they felt it was best to wait until the end of the year. Murray also said that in the next coach he hopes to find a guy that can get players to respond. A tweet from Ian Mendes indicated that the club plans to hire a coach within a six week window beginning on May 1.
Murray also reiterated what he has said in the past in that the club plans to pursue a top six forward via free agency or through trade.
Clouston also addressed the media for the first time this morning since his dismissal on Saturday night. The former Sens bench boss had nothing negative to say about the organization and indicated that he has already received calls about various coaching vacancies. Good to see Clouston will have some options moving forward.
Meanwhile for a handful of players, preparations beginning for the World Championships. Spezza, Shannon, Da Costa and Michalek are all confirmed while Erik Karlsson is a maybe for Sweden.
Big day for Sens fans tomorrow as the draft lottery is scheduled for 8:00 PM. Steve Lloyd of Team 1200 has done a great job of breaking down the potential outcomes in an article you can read here.
I’ll be doing a live blog tomorrow night for the Draft Lottery that kicks off at 7:30 PM. Hope you can all make it out!
