D.J. Smith is not the type of pers”I’m unable to do nothing. That isn’t who I am or how I am. The former head coach of the Ottawa Senators told Postmedia on Wednesday night from Los Angeles, “I have to be moving.” “I need to be working on something,
Smith went from doing nothing to doing something very quickly.
After being let go by the Senators on December 18 before of a game in Arizona, Smith, 46, returned to work 52 days later when he received a call from the Los Angeles Kings offering him a position as an assistant to interim head coach Jim Hiller for the remainder of the season.
Smith was unwilling to pass up the opportunity to rejoin the National Hockey League bench, even though he was not granted a contract extension and is now effectively in the final year of his agreement with the Senators—especially with the Kings vying for a postseason berth.
Smith remarked, “I could have sat at home.” However, I really want to work, and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to work in L.A. with a fantastic group. I have the opportunity to be a part of something amazing and I know the folks here. After the remainder of the season, we’ll assess the situation and decide where to go.
Days after the team handed head coach Todd McLellan his walking papers on Friday, Smith, a former colleague with the Colorado Avalanche, was contacted by Kings general manager Rob Blake over the weekend to ask if he wanted to help Hiller finish the job.on who enjoys being motionless.The Kings had finished 3-8-6 in their previous 17 games when the organization decided to replace McLellan. Hiller, 54, had been an assistant on the coaching staff for a portion of two seasons before being promoted to the head co
aching position by Blake.
Nobody would have faulted Smith for saying “Thanks, but no thanks” to Blake’s role, given that it comes with no certainties, after nearly five seasons behind the bench with the Senators.
Smith could have continued in Windsor for the next few months, coached Team Canada at the IIHF world championships in the spring, and forced the Ottawa organization to cover the remaining portion of his compensation, but the Senators chose not to exercise their option on his contract before he was sacked.
Smith enjoyed spending as much time as possible at home with his wife Christie Bezaire and their two kids.
Smith was able to watch his son Colton play hockey with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League in addition to taking a family vacation to Disney World in Florida.
Smith, a devoted follower of the Detroit Lions, attended a few playoff games at Ford Field.
Smith and Bezaire came back to Ottawa early in the New Year to list their west end home that they had bought in 2019. Additionally, they returned so that one of their kids could play one last game with their team at the Bell Sensplex tournament before moving back to Windsor permanently.
Smith has been residing in the Windsor suburb of Lasalle and has been spending time with friends and family there ever since that January trip to Ottawa. He has played hockey all of his life, and he said that getting to spend time with his family that he wouldn’t otherwise have has been beneficial.
Smith believed that despite the lack of assurances regarding his return for the upcoming season, the opportunity to play for the Kings was too good to refuse.
Smith has been residing in the Windsor suburb of Lasalle and has been spending time with friends and family there ever since that January trip to Ottawa. He has played hockey all of his life, and he said that getting to spend time with his family that he wouldn’t otherwise have has been beneficial.
Smith believed that despite the lack of assurances regarding his return for the upcoming season, the opportunity to play for the Kings was too good to refuse.
Smith remarked, “I’ve worked well with (Hiller) in Toronto, and I know Rob Blake from when we played.” “I’m excited about the opportunity to coach in the playoffs here.” I could have declined, but I want to work and I’ve played this game my entire life, so that’s not who I am.
“I hope to come out on top. I’ve excelled in every endeavor I’ve undertaken, and this presents a chance for achievement.
