The Senators’ season didn’t live up to expectations, leading to the dismissal of head coach D.J. Smith in December. Jacques Martin briefly filled the role, but Ottawa’s performance remained stagnant, resulting in a 26th place finish in the NHL standings.
Now, with the offseason underway, the Senators are actively seeking a new head coach. According to reports from Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Craig Berube is a prime candidate under consideration. Sources indicate that the Senators have not only expressed interest in Berube but have also conducted interviews with him.
Berube, who was let go by the St. Louis Blues in December after six seasons, including a Stanley Cup win in 2019, stands out as a strong coaching option. The Senators face minimal competition for his services, with only the San Jose Sharks currently in the market for a new head coach after firing David Quinn. The Buffalo Sabres recently filled their coaching vacancy by hiring Lindy Ruff.
With a coaching history that includes tenure with the St. Louis Blues and the Philadelphia Flyers, Berube brings valuable experience to the table. His potential arrival in Ottawa could breathe new life into a team that has struggled to make the playoffs since 2017, despite possessing promising talent like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Jake Sanderson.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, signs point to the possibility of Craig Berube taking the helm of the Senators as they aim to turn their fortunes around for the upcoming season.
