Ottawa Senators 2021-22 Report Cards: Coaching & Management

Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWith the skaters and goalies wrapped up, we now move on to the brains behind the operation. Despite their low placement in the standings, the team had faced several challenges, not limited to frequent key injuries and a COVID-19 outbreak. How did the staff and readers choose to evaluate the head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Senators? Let’s find out.

D.J. Smith: B-

Reader Grade: B-

The staff and readers were in agreement about Smith’s performance this year — not bad, but not good enough to make up for existing issues on the roster.

When looking at the team’s lackluster play, it’s difficult to judge how much of it is on…