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What’s the top NHL head coaching opening this offseason?

By Dave Stevenson

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: John Torchetti, head coach of the Minnesota Wild gives instructions to his team on the bench against the Dallas Stars in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 16, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 16: John Torchetti, head coach of the Minnesota Wild gives instructions to his team on the bench against the Dallas Stars in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on April 16, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images /

Eastern Conference. Ottawa Senators. 4. player. 91. . Atlantic Division

The Senators have recently had a revolving door of head coaches. It has currently stopped after they decided to fire Dave Cameron as their head coach after they missed the playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons. That’s why this head coach hiring is extremely important – they can’t afford another mistake behind the bench, especially not with a generational talent like defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Ottawa is an intriguing team. They have the offensive tools necessary to succeed and they have a better blue line than most people think. Karlsson is a perennial Norris Trophy candidate and Dion Phaneuf is a solid at worst second pairing defenseman. Cody Ceci is a very solid second pairing option, but he is currently miscast as a first pairing defenseman. Mark Methot is solid as well.

So why aren’t they a very desired team to go to? Because of their front office and ownership issues. Their biggest issue is that they typically don’t dole out the money necessary to get the high-level head coaches. Considering how much the team has talked about needing a change, perhaps they will finally be willing to do so.

Most Logical Fit: Bob Hartley. Senators get one of the most experienced NHL head coaching candidates. After Cameron and Paul MacLean failed, they need an experienced head coach.

Next: 3. Minnesota Wild

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