The Man, The Myth, The Moustache: MacLean Is Ottawa’s New Bench Boss

In what had become one of the worst kept secrets in hockey, Paul MacLean is reported to be the new head coach in the nation’s capital. TSN.ca confirmed a week of speculation by stating that the former assistant coach of the Detroit Red Wings, over the past six years, is leaving his position under Mike Babcock to join the Ottawa Senators in the lead coaching role. MacLean brings with him a wealth of hockey experience including 11 years in the NHL as a player, a Stanley Cup ring as assistant with the Wings in 2008, and the benefit of being groomed in what is considered one of the model NHL franchises. Speaking of grooming, the 53-year-old native of France sports one of the more impressive ‘staches in the NHL today and will no doubt command respect purely from an facial hair standpoint. By several accounts, including a piece by Travis Yost today, Bryan Murray and the rest of the management team were blown away by MacLean during the interview process. MacLean participated in a second interview yesterday, where it is likely that he was given the good news. A formal announcement is expected as early as tomorrow.

On behalf of the SenShot team, welcome to Ottawa, Paul MacLean!