When Smith took over the Senators, the franchise was basically a construction site. There was no foundation, with just a pile of high‑end draft picks and a lot of hope they would grow into a Stanley Cup contender. However, during his tenure, Smith became known as the ultimate "player's coach." He could relate to stars like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle, pushing them to play a heavy, hard-hitting brand of hockey while the roster was still maturing.
"Today's players need a new kind of coach," Torrey explained. "The game isn't like it was in 1946 or 1956 or even 1966. You can't arbitrarily dictate to a player today. They have to understand why you want something done."
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - After nearly two months of being a temporary assistant coach for the Washington Capitals, Patrick Wellar can settle in. Wellar isn't going anywhere, the Capitals announced Wednesday afternoon, and he will remain on Spencer Carbery's staff permanently. Wellar joined Washington in September, when the team put Mitch Love on leave amid an investigation into his personal conduct. Love has since been fired and the Capitals have given Wellar the full-time role.
