Senators hire Travis Green as head coach

The Ottawa Senators hired former Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils bench boss Travis Green as their next head coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Green's contract will keep him in Canada's capital through the 2027-28 season.

"After speaking to several highly qualified candidates, it became clear that Travis is the right fit to lead our group," president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios said. "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. We're excited to welcome he and his family to the Ottawa-Gatineau community."

An introductory press conference is expected to take place Wednesday.

Green served as head coach of the Canucks from 2017-22, making the playoffs in 2020. Vancouver won its qualifying-round series over the Minnesota Wild that year and upset the reigning Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues in Round 1 before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2.

The Devils hired the 53-year-old as an associate coach in 2023, and he took over as interim head coach after the team fired Lindy Ruff in March.

Green owns a career record of 141-159-35 as an NHL head coach.

He also enjoyed a 14-year playing career with the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins.

He'll take over a Senators team with a promising young core that has yet to break through and make the playoffs. The Sens are riding a seven-year postseason drought, the NHL's third-longest active skid.

D.J. Smith coached the Senators for parts of five seasons before the team fired him after an 11-15-0 start to the 2023-24 campaign. Interim bench boss Jacques Martin didn't fare much better, going 26-26-4.

Green is the first permanent head coach hired by Staios since the latter was named full-time GM in December and since Michael Andlauer completed his purchase of the franchise in September.