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Patrick Roy is close to becoming the Senators’ new coach

This summer, Patrick Roy’s name came up a lot in discussions.

He was mentioned as a potential candidate for some of the vacant head coaching positions around the league, but the scenario never materialized.

The whole thing got people talking, because in the eyes of many, “Casseau” deserves another chance behind the bench of a National League team. Especially after seeing him win the Memorial Cup with the Quebec Remparts last spring.

At one point, the idea of him becoming the new coach of the Ottawa Senators was popular. D.J. Smith was (and still is) the club’s current head coach, but the change in ownership mixed with the fact that the Sens haven’t made the playoffs in a few years played a role in these rumors.

Michael Andlauer has become the Ottawa franchise’s new owner, and the Canadiens’ former minority shareholder has decided to put his faith in Smith by keeping him on the job. On the other hand…

According to Elliotte Friedman (32 Thoughts podcast), things could have been quite different.

They could have been so different that Roy came close to becoming the Senators’ new coach.

I don’t know what Steve Staios and Mike Andlauer think of Patrick Roy, but one of the other ownership groups was ready to name Patrick Roy as head coach. It was a decision they were very interested in making if they had taken control of the team. – Elliotte Friedman

Which ownership group are we talking about? That’s the question. But it’s all very interesting.

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This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this kind of information.

Back in June, before the club was sold, Darren Dreger claimed that Roy was one of three owners who made an offer to acquire the Senators.

To hear Elliotte Friedman talk about it only confirms the rumour.

Patrick Roy didn’t get the chance to coach the Sens, but that doesn’t mean his chances aren’t there.

The Senators are not off to a good start this season, and the new management team decided to act by letting Pierre Dorion go last week. Right now, we’re all wondering whether D.J. Smith is the next to go…

And that’s the main reason why the name of the former Remparts driver keeps coming up. Especially when you consider the relationship between the former Canadiens goaltender and Michael Andlauer.

It’s often said, but things change quickly in the NHL. I’m sure Patrick isn’t far from his phone right now… And it could start ringing sooner than you think.

The Patrick Roy deal in Ottawa hasn’t been finalized yet.

Breaking news

– The Rocket provides a medical update on three of its players.

– The young Ducks seem ready to stand on their own two feet.

– A big week ahead for the Canadiens.

– Exactly.