The Ottawa Senators have brought back a familiar face to help the organization, adding Wade Redden as a development coach. The long-time Senators defenseman will join the team at development camp, which begins today. General manager Pierre Dorion released a statement:
Wade’s addition is a significant one for our development staff. He’ll be especially integral in helping mold our prospects on defense. A leader throughout his playing career, we know the same qualities will translate very well in this new role.
Having played more than 900 games in a Senators uniform, including 94 playoff contests, Redden is uniquely qualified to help the young prospects trying to start their careers. Only Chris Phillips has played more for the franchise among defensemen, despite Redden actually not being drafted by Ottawa. He was picked second overall by the New York Islanders in 1995 but traded less than a year later in a massive three-team deal that included players like Bryan Berard, Martin Straka, and Kirk Muller.
Redden served as the assistant director of player development with the Nashville Predators for a few years between 2016-19 but has no coaching experience at a high level. Perhaps this is the start of that journey, or just an old friend helping out the organization he spent so much time playing for.
Bryan Berard didn’t want the job.