The Ottawa Senators have made a significant change within their organization, dismissing David Bell as head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Belleville Senators. The move was announced on Wednesday morning by Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager.
A Decision Driven by Performance
The coaching change comes as the Belleville Senators have struggled recently, losing 10 of their last 12 games. The team's overall record sits at 11 wins, 14 losses, and 3 overtime losses through 28 games this season. Staios delivered the news to Bell in a short meeting at the CAA Arena in Belleville.
In a statement, Staios explained the rationale behind the decision. "We are constantly evaluating ways to improve our organization and felt the timing was right for a fresh voice and approach in Belleville," he said. The executive also thanked Bell for his "time and commitment" and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Interim Leadership and Bell's Legacy
Assistant coach Andrew Campbell has been named the interim head coach and will make his debut behind the bench on Friday night when Belleville faces the Rochester Americans on the road. It is not yet known if Campbell will remain in the role for the rest of the season.
David Bell was in his third full season leading the AHL squad, having taken over midway through the 2022-23 campaign. He was well-respected by players and had recently signed a contract extension after guiding the team to the playoffs in 2024. Bell finishes his tenure in Belleville with a record of 97 wins, 78 losses, 15 overtime losses, and 11 shootout losses.
Search for a Permanent Replacement
Finding a permanent replacement at this stage of the season could be challenging. However, league insiders point to a leading candidate: Jay McKee, the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Brantford Bulldogs. McKee, who is signed through the 2027-28 OHL season, has deep ties to the Senators' leadership.
He has a long history with both Steve Staios and Senators owner Michael Andlauer. McKee led the Bulldogs—then located in Hamilton under Andlauer's ownership—to the OHL championship, the J. Ross Robertson Cup, in 2022. While he would likely need to finish the current OHL season with Brantford, his connection makes him a prime candidate for the AHL job in Belleville.
The move highlights the importance NHL clubs place on their development teams, especially when results are not meeting expectations. The Senators will hope a new voice can spark a turnaround for their top prospects in Belleville.
