Thursday LNN: Sens New Hire, Keefe Employed and More
Thursday's edition of the Links, News and Notes
- The Ottawa Senators have hired Rob DiMaio as the team's director of player personnel and director of professional scouting. DiMaio comes with a great resume and experience as an assistant GM with the Anaheim Ducks, and GM of their affiliate team, the San Diego Gulls. He also was part of the St. Louis Blues for 13 seasons, starting as a scout and working his way to the director of player personnel. As a former player, he has 894 games to his credit with 7 different teams. Given the impressive resume, this is a hire that most people would agree is a great addition to the organization. No notes, just good news here!
- Speaking of the Sens, Ian Mendes had a piece this morning on the prospect of a future downtown arena with quotes from all of the involved parties.
- Sheldon Keefe will not be making videos from the lake for much longer. The New Jersey Devils announced this week that Keefe will be the Devils' new head coach. Keefe gets a new 4-year contract with New Jersey that supersedes the 2-year remaining on his extension owed by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- The Vancouver Canucks may have been eliminated from playoff contention but their head coach got a bit of a consolation prize this week. Rick Tocchet was named the Jack Adams winner for this season for his work in turning around the team after a few seasons of what seemed to be endless rock bottoms.
- Ryan McDonagh is back with the Tampa Bay Lightning. As all eyes are on the Bolts to re-sign Steven Stamkos, many are wondering if the Nashville Predators are clearing space for a bigger move. The Predators receive a 2nd-round pick in 2025 and a 7th-round pick in 2024 in exchange for the 34-year-old defenseman.
- Marc Savard has officially parted ways with the Calgary Flames. Savard served as the assistant coach for the Flames and many are speculating he may be eyeing a job elsewhere, Toronto maybe?
- Were you thinking of adopting a new puppy? How about a Stanley Pup? The NHL is partnering with Petco Love to give 32 puppies, each representing an NHL team, a spotlight. Puppies representing the 16 playoff teams will even get to face-off in a special challenge.
