As the Senators now begin the search for a new general manager, Steve Staios takes over on an interim basis.
As the Senators now begin the search for a new general manager, Steve Staios takes over on an interim basis.
Eight games into his eighth season as general manager, Pierre Dorion and the Ottawa Senators have parted company. New team owner Michael Andlauer made the announcement at a news conference at the CTC Wednesday afternoon, insisting it was a mutual parting of the ways.
"I'm here to announce that Pierre Dorion has resigned and been relieved of his duties as general manager," Andlauer told the media. "I thank Pierre for his efforts for the Sens organization since starting as an amateur scout in 2007 and his contribution to the Ottawa-Gatineau community. Steve Staios will be entrusted to take over the duties as general manager, effective immediately, as interim general manager."
Andlauer says he had dinner with Dorion last night, and the two agreed on a mutual parting of the ways.
The Sens' owner admitted the final straw was getting the news the Senators were losing a first-round draft pick as a penalty for the club's mishandling of the Evgenii Dadonov deal in 2021.
"(Today's NHL ruling) stems from actions originated by our hockey club, unfortunately," Andlauer said. "We were negligent in nature, and our duty of care was ignored, which set off events that embarrassed the league and pissed off two other NHL clubs. As a league member, we have to be held accountable for our actions. And, while this did not happen on my watch, I must respect the league's decision."
Andlauer didn't sound pleased about the severity of the NHL's penalty in the Dadonov deal. He was also concerned about not being kept in the loop by the league until after they started the Shane Pinto investigation in the summer.
As for Staios, he says today's decision wasn't part of his plan when he arrived in Ottawa.
"I have been focused on building the foundation for long-term success," Staios said. "I feel like we've made some good strides in those areas. And now that things have changed and circumstances have led to this, I will now look after the day-to-day operations, as well as continue to look at the big picture."
Staios immediately gave the rest of his staff, including head coach D.J. Smith, a strong vote of confidence.
"I have a great staff and support around me," Staios said. "I'm looking forward to empowering them to take on more of a role and responsibility. I do believe in this team. I believe in this coaching staff, and I'm very excited about the future."
Naturally, if the Sens continue to plod along as a .500 hockey club, it won't be long before Staios has a change of heart. And it should also be noted that the next general manager may have his own coach in mind.
D.J. Smith's leash is short. His only safety net now is winning.
Early GM candidates are rumoured to include Peter Chiarelli, the former Bruins and Oilers GM, and Tampa Bay Lightning director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche.