Paul MacLean firing may be due to Senators players' revolt
Antigonish native fired Monday
Paul MacLean, a native of Antigonish and a former NHL coach of the year, was fired Monday by the Ottawa Senators.
While the axe was swung by Bryan Murray, the general manager for the team, it's clear Senators players had a role in sharpening the blade.
Murray said he became aware of a "disconnect" in the dressing room between the players and their head coach.
The high-priced talent had become tired of MacLean's style and when that happens in the world of professional sports, it is rare to see management support the coach.
You would think MacLean would have commanded a little more respect from his players. He's a two-time nominee for the Jack Adams trophy for NHL coach of the year, winning the award just over a year ago with Ottawa.
The Senators' success has largely been attributed to MacLean getting the most out of a lineup that's not exactly laden with a lot of talent.
MacLean is also a Stanley Cup winner. He was an assistant coach with Detroit when the Red Wings won the cup in 2008.
The former Dalhousie University star, who went on to play 11 seasons in the NHL and score 324 goals — most of them as a member of the Winnipeg Jets — was in his first year of a three-year contract.
While he isn't likely to be in a big hurry to get back behind the bench, don't be surprised to see some team give him a call. MacLean is a highly respected coach and shouldn't be out of work for long.