It's official. Travis Green is now the 14th head coach in Ottawa Senators history.
As expected, the Ottawa Senators have their man.
They've now confirmed the hiring of Travis Green as their new head coach. GM Steve Staios says the club is excited to welcome Green and his family to the Ottawa-Gatineau community.
"After speaking to several highly qualified candidates, it became clear that Travis is the right fit to lead our group," Staios said in a club statement. "As we've routinely stated, developing a winning culture is paramount to our aspiration of achieving sustained success. Travis has a burning desire to win, is passionate about teaching, and holds his players to a very high standard."
Green takes over from Jacques Martin, who finished the season behind the bench after DJ Smith was fired last December.
In the team statement, the club said they want Green to pick up where Martin left off.
"Martin instilled a sense of accountability and commitment to playing away from the puck that the Senators needed improvement on. Green will be tasked with continuing to foster that growth in this core with aspirations of taking the next step to becoming a playoff team."
Green spent four and a half seasons in Vancouver before being replaced mid-season by Bruce Boudreau. Green also had a brief stint in New Jersey this year as an interim coach. Notably, he led Portland to a WHL championship, stepping up from assistant to head coach when Mike Johnston was suspended mid-season.
Because some bigger available coaching names, some with Stanley Cup rings, were floating around, Green's hiring has not been well received by some fans.
Staios will officially welcome Green at an introductory press conference tomorrow.