Ottawa Senators Trying to Poach Next Coach from Toronto Maple Leafs System

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
December 19, 2023 (9:28)

SHARE THIS STORY

With D.J. Smith being shown the door by the Ottawa Senators, Jacques Martin has been brought in as the team's interim head coach. However, it's been made clear that Martin will not be staying, and a search for a new coach is underway. According to one report, the frontrunner is currently in the Toronto Maple Leafs system.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun says a former Sens defenceman who is currently coaching the AHL's Toronto Marlies appears to be the team's first choice.

"If you're looking for a front�runner, league executives have told Postmedia in the last couple of weeks that the top candidate may be John Gruden, who was named the head coach of the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies (the top farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs) before the start of the season."

Gruden has never been a head coach in the NHL. However, he brings a wealth of experience with him. He's been an Ontario Hockey League head coach, and assistant coach with the New York Islanders, and was an assistant with the Boston Bruins last season when the team had a historic regular season. That was what likely got him the job with the Marlies.

Interim GM and President of Hockey Operations Steve Staios told the Ottawa Sun he's in no hurry to hire a new coach, and will instead try and get the team back on track with Martin before making any type of decision.