Best Candidates to Replace Fired Head Coach Dave Cameron in Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators got started on their offseason this week by firing head coach Dave Cameron and most of his staff. The release—via the team site—reveals new general manager Pierre Dorion is off to a quick start to what will likely be a busy summer.

The new coach will likely be someone who is known to the NHL community and may have had previous NHL head coaching experience. Although the Senators have not necessarily been a team to hire retread coaches, there may be a sense that a veteran, established coach is required for the long road ahead.

Identifying out-of-work coaches is easy, and the Senators should also examine AHL coaches who are pushing for big league jobs. In some cases, current coaches on shaky ground—such as Claude Julien of the Boston Bruins—are probably on a list in Dorion's laptop. Here are the best candidates—in alphabetical order—for the vacant coaching job in Ottawa.

Guy Boucher, Bern (NLA)

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

His Most Recent Job: Guy Boucher was the coach for SC Bern of Switzerland's NLA league until midway through the 2015-16 season. As this article from Jared Clinton of the Hockey News indicates, he was let go not long after letting it be known he would return to North America for the 2016-17 season. 

The Back Story: Boucher's first NHL coaching experience was a successful one. He led the Tampa Bay Lightning into the third round of the 2011 playoffs but could not duplicate the feat in the following season and was let go in year three. Since then, he has been coaching in Switzerland.

Will It Happen? Boucher has the kind of track record that usually gets a second chance. His NHL record shows 214 points in 196 games, and that is a successful record. He may not get a shot with the Ottawa Senators, but Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun mentioned Boucher as a possible option this week.

Marc Crawford, Zurich Lions (NLA)

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

His Most Recent Job: Marc Crawford had a good experience as head coach of the Zurich Lions of Switzerland's pro league, the NLA. His team won the championship in 2014 and lost in the 2015 finals. This past season was another success, as he coached future top NHL draft pick Auston Matthews and Zurich to another strong finish. 

The Back Story: Crawford had tremendous early success as an NHL coach, helping the Colorado Avalanche to the 1996 Stanley Cup in the franchise's first season in Denver. He would go on to coach more than 1,100 NHL games before heading to Switzerland in 2012.

Will It Happen? Luke Fox of Sportsnet wrote a story in March about Crawford and his desire to return to the NHL—even in a support role. The timing for Crawford could allow him to grab the head job in Ottawa before any other candidates shake loose. If he does get the job with the Senators, it would likely occur soon, as the pool of coaches is likely to increase as teams get eliminated from the playoffs.

Ken Hitchcock, St. Louis Blues

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

His Most Recent Job: Ken Hitchcock is the head coach of the St. Louis Blues and one of the most respected names in the game. 

The Back Story: He has been unable to get the Blues beyond the second round of the playoffs and may be reaching a crossroads. If things go badly this spring, there could be a parting of ways. Hitchcock won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars, but it was in 1999, and he hasn't been in the third round of a playoff season for more than a decade. 

Will It Happen? There could be a shake-up in St. Louis if playoff success eludes the team this year. Hitchcock, who has had a long and productive NHL coaching career, has never been a head coach of a Canadian team. The strength of the Senators roster may be compelling enough to bring in a coach who has long since written his story as one of the best coaches of his generation.

Claude Julien, Boston Bruins

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

His Most Recent Job: Claude Julien is the head coach of the Boston Bruins and guided the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup. Although there has been plenty of discussion about his future in Boston—Christopher L. Gasper of the Boston Globe suggests firing Julien is not a good idea—there is no clear indication that the Bruins plan a change.

The Back Story: Julien built his coaching reputation after his playing career and has become a highly respected NHL skipper. Zack Cox of NESN reports that Julien is scheduled to speak to the media Thursday, alongside general manager Don Sweeney. 

Will It Happen? All signs point to Julien staying put for at least one more year. Boston has a bone fide NHL coach, and Julien brought this year's team to the edge of the playoffs. With the knowledge that NHL players like Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton were sent away last summer, the season could be regarded as a success. The smart money is on the Senators choosing their next coach from another organization.

Luke Richardson, Binghamton Senators (AHL)

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His Most Recent Job: Luke Richardson is the head coach of the Binghamton Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. He is finishing up his fourth season in the role. 

The Back Story: Richardson is well acquainted with most of the young Senators players, having coached them in the AHL. Part of his appeal is that emerging talents such as Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman got their pro opportunity under Richardson's tutelage—and they have thrived since.

Will It Happen? One of the major issues with projecting Richardson into the Ottawa job is NHL head coaching experience. He worked for three seasons with the Senators as an assistant coach but did not win the head job. That may be an issue for him at this time.

Trent Yawney, Anaheim Ducks

CHARLES REX ARBOGAST/Associated Press

His Most Recent Job: Trent Yawney of the Anaheim Ducks is an important part of their coaching staff. Head coach Bruce Boudreau has credited Yawney with great work on the penalty kill, as mentioned by Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. 

The Back Story: Success follows Yawney around. He twice built the Norfolk Admirals into a strong franchise—and did it 10 years apart. His Anaheim Ducks minor league teams boasted outstanding performances from young players in their entry-level deals, suggesting Yawney may have success with a youthful roster.

Will It Happen? Ottawa may want a more established NHL coach, although Yawney did spend some time in that role with the Chicago Blackhawks a decade ago. If Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is looking for a coach who can unlock the talent of some of the team's younger players, Yawney could be the best candidate.