Though there had been some speculation that Guy Boucher would potentially be let go from the Ottawa Senators, GM Pierre Dorion confirmed on TSN 1200 that the entire coaching staff would be back for the 2018-19 season.
Boucher and the Senators fell from the Eastern Conference finals in 2017 to one of the worst teams in the league this season, finishing 30th overall with a 28-43-11 record. They struggled in basically every aspect of the game, and even dropped out of the top three spots in the recent draft lottery. Those struggles came despite trading several future assets for Matt Duchene, including a first-round pick for next season (or this one, if they decide to give up the 4th overall selection).
It also comes during a time when there is a decision to be made over superstar and captain Erik Karlsson’s future, and whether or not the team can afford a huge extension going forward. Though Boucher normally runs a very defensive system, he has freed up Karlsson at times to play his offensive game.
Still, this might be the last chance for Boucher and his coaching staff. If they fail to produce a winner again this season there seems little doubt that they would be the first out the door, especially if the team holds on to Karlsson but can’t get an extension worked out this summer. Letting him walk in free agency in a losing season is unacceptable, meaning Boucher will have quite the hot seat in 2018-19.
finally a good decision Mr. Dorion though could also have to do with the fact Melnyk is to cheap to pay a guy not to coach while also paying one to coach
Boucher’s Ottawa run very similar to his time in Tampa. First year, team buys into dull defensive system and has a great season. Second year, the system gets old with the players and starts to break down. Players grumble. Third year, a coaching change is imminent.
possible but at some point players should realize if it wasn’t broke don’t fix it. o get the getting bored with a defensive system and they should incorporate more offense but this merrygoround of coaches in Ottawa is embarrassing. It’s not always a coaching problem though teams often like to place blame there.