BREAKING: The Ottawa Senators Officially Make A Coaching Change

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Hunter Bowman
December 6, 2023 (12:21)

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As the Ottawa Senators continue to entrust head coach D.J. Smith with steering the team towards contention in the 2024 postseason, a significant development unfolded on Wednesday morning. The organization announced the hiring of Jacques Martin as a senior advisor to Smith's coaching staff.

According to Chris Johnston:

«We're very pleased to welcome Jacques back to the Senators,» said president of hockey operations and interim general manager Steve Staios. «Not only will his extensive expertise provide invaluable guidance, but his strategic vision and leadership are qualities that are certain to amplify our group. Jacques' proven track record, the foundation of which was built here in Ottawa, will be of significant benefit to D.J. and our entire coaching staff.»

This marks a return to Ottawa for Martin, who previously spent nine seasons behind the Senators' bench starting in 1996, amassing a 341-255-96 (.562) regular-season record with the franchise. Martin holds the team's all-time records in games coached (692), regular-season wins (341), playoff wins (31), and playoff games coached (69).

During the 2020-21 season, Martin served as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers before transitioning to a coaching consultant role with the Ontario Hockey League's Kingston Frontenacs.

At 71 years old, Martin recently expressed optimism about the Senators' direction on TSN 1200. Little did he know then that he would return as a senior advisor to the coaching staff, potentially contributing to Ottawa's progression to the next level.

Throughout his coaching career, Martin boasts a total record of 613-481-119-81 over 1,294 games with the St. Louis Blues, Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens.

As of the current season, Ottawa occupies the last position in the Atlantic Division with a record of 10-10.