Next Senators coach: Bob Hartley would be Mathias Brunet’s number one choice

A few days ago, D.J. Smith really blew it.

As my colleague Charles-Alexis Brisebois so eloquently explained, the Sens head coach “forgot” to tell his goalie that he wasn’t going to play the third period. He can’t keep his job for much longer…

Now people are starting to talk about Patrick Roy, who would be a great addition in the nation’s capital.

But for Mathias Brunet, Roy isn’t even his number one choice. In fact, his priority would be Bob Hartley.

That’s what he told BPM Sports.

Brunet explains that Hartley is a natural, and while he has nothing against Roy, the Franco-Ontarian would be a better hire to bring the region’s English- and French-speaking markets together.

The show’s host, Martin Lemay, was a little surprised by this revelation, but the two agreed on one thing: it takes another head coach. Brunet – having made the connection between Brady Tkachuk and Jesperi Kotkaniemi – believes that Ottawa has yet to capitalize on the good years of its young players. Since Tkachuk’s selection in 2018, the Sens haven’t made the playoffs, and the clock is ticking.

Is Hartley, who doesn’t seem to want to get back behind a bench, or Roy the answer? I think so. Personally, I’m leaning towards Roy, but that’s my opinion.

Speaking of Roy , Jean-Charles Lajoie wondered whether the Quebecer might be of interest to three teams: the Sabres, the Oilers and the Senators.

As for the Sens, the reasons are many and well known. But for the other two clubs, it’s a little more surprising. Buffalo and Edmonton are off to poor starts this season, and if things continue like this, the general managers may turn to another pilot.

As far as Buffalo is concerned, Don Granato isn’t a bad coach and Marc Denis even said it on Monday: he’s very underrated. So why would the Sabres want to get rid of him? The team has good players, but the only question mark is in front of the cage.

Jake Allen, the solution?

As for the Oilers, Martin Lemay has no confidence in Jay Woodcroft. The host spent a few seconds criticizing his behavior, his press briefings (he compared him to Donald Trump) and his defensive system. In short, he’s not the man for the job, in his opinion.

If Edmonton (1-5-1) continues to lose like this, expect its GM to be very impatient. The Oilers play the Calgary Flames tonight in the Heritage Classic.

In gusto

– It’s hard to disagree.

– The playoffs begin Saturday for the Sparrows.

– Felix wins.

– The CH hopeful puts on a show.

– Good to know.