The Ottawa Senators fired their head coach today, saying he had become “too demanding” of some of the more talented players.
In a frank news conference, G.M. Bryan Murray said Paul MacLean had difficulty relating to players.
"Some of our better players felt singled out," Murray said.
Murray said Paul MacLean was let go after “coming up short” this season. The Senators are 11-11-5.
The Senators have struggled since the departure of longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson, who was honoured in a pre-game retirement ceremony last week. Ottawa missed the playoffs in 2014-15 and are mired in the middle of the Eastern Conference this season, though they not yet out of contention.
“Judgements are made, and in this case I had to dismiss Paul MacLean and turn the page and try to move to the next level that we think we can achieve," Murray told reporters.
Murray said he has an obligation to ensure the team is performing at its best. He said the team needs to play more aggressively, and work on getting the puck out of their zone.
“We felt like we all have a real competitive hockey team here, but we don’t play that way every night.”
The surprising news comes one day after the Senators beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Talking about the game, Murray said it was one of the best this season. The players, he said, were more relaxed and just “played hockey.”
Dave Cameron, an Assistant Coach for the Senators, has been named the new head coach. Cameron, a former NHL player with the New Jersey Devils and the Colorado Rockies, will start immediately. He is the sixth head coach for the Senators in eight seasons.
“Dave is coming in as a teacher background, a younger player background, lots of background as far as experience is concerned,” said Murray, adding that Cameron will step-up and be a leader to the players.
“He will recognize that we need communication. That we need players to be empowered. We need a system and a work ethic that will benefit the players.”
MacLean has coached the Senators since 2011. He has two years remaining on his contract. He is the first NHL coach to be fired this season.
With files from the Canadian Press.
