The Ottawa Senators’ Coaching Search
The Ottawa Senators’ search for a head coach for their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, has been complicated with the recent announcement from the New York Islanders. On Friday, the Islanders confirmed that Jay McKee has been appointed as the head coach of their AHL team, the Hamilton Hammers. McKee brings a wealth of experience from his nine seasons coaching in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he led teams such as the Kitchener Rangers and the Brantford Bulldogs.
McKee’s Coaching Background
During his tenure with the Bulldogs, McKee’s squad made significant strides but faced disappointment in the OHL playoffs when they were upset by the Barrie Colts after establishing a strong 3-1 lead in the semifinals. With many top players moving on and after investing heavily in talent to chase a Memorial Cup win, the Bulldogs seem to be entering a challenging phase in player development, prompting McKee to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Given his close connections to Senators owner Michael Andlauer and GM Steve Staios, many speculated that it was only a matter of time before McKee would join the Ottawa organization’s coaching staff. After the Senators parted ways with David Bell midseason, Andrew Campbell was appointed as the interim head coach in Belleville, creating a plausible opening for McKee.
Impact of McKee’s Appointment
McKee previously coached the Hamilton Bulldogs during Staios’ final year in a leadership role, contributing to their 2021-2022 OHL championship victory. This shared history made him a strong candidate for the Belleville position. However, with his recent commitment to the Islanders, those plans are now off the table.
Coherence between an NHL team and its AHL affiliate is crucial, and while McKee’s installation could have raised questions regarding the future of head coach Travis Green, it is clear that Green currently enjoys significant job security following a successful 2025-2026 season. Under his leadership, the Senators defied expectations, clinching a playoff berth despite battling the league’s worst goaltending early in the season.
Green was pivotal in structuring the team’s play, keeping the team competitive even in challenging times marked by injuries and external distractions. His ability to adapt, including a strategic rethinking of penalty kill responsibilities, led to strong performance as the season progressed; many believe this merits consideration for the Jack Adams Trophy.
Looking Ahead
With Pete DeBoer recently hired as the head coach for the Islanders, McKee’s opportunities within the NHL would appear limited, offering him a chance to sharpen his skills at the AHL level for future prospects. The Senators are now tasked with identifying a new candidate to fill their coaching vacancy, as it is likely that they had already looked into McKee’s potential interest for the Belleville head coaching role. Requests for comment from the Senators regarding interim coach Andrew Campbell’s position and the ongoing coaching search have not yet received a response.
