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The 42-year-old former Toronto Maple Leafs
assistant signed a three-year contract and replaces interim
coach Marc Crawford.
"D.J. Smith is a winner. We believe he is the best person to
drive the development and success of the Ottawa Senators," said
general manager Pierre Dorion in a statement. "D.J is a great
communicator and an exceptional strategist. His passionate
approach, coupled with his ability to teach the game, is exactly
what we were looking for throughout the process. We're thrilled
to welcome D.J. and his family to Ottawa."
Smith has been an assistant in Toronto since the 2015-16 season.
Before that, he coached the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa
Generals to the 2015 Memorial Cup.
A second-round draft pick by the New York Islanders in 1995,
Smith played in 45 games in parts of three seasons with the
Maple Leafs (1996-97, 1999-2000) and the Colorado Avalanche
(2002-03). A defenseman, he tallied one goal and one assist.
Crawford, who also interviewed for the position, took over in
March after the firing of Guy Boucher.
The Senators (29-47-6) posted the NHL's worst record in 2018-19
and missed the playoffs for the third time in four years.
Others reportedly considered for the job included Hall of Fame
goaltender Patrick Roy, Providence College coach Nate Leaman,
AHL Belleville coach Troy Mann and former Senators coaches
Jacques Martin and Rick Bowness.
--Field Level Media
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