Drew Bannister is returning as coach of the St. Louis Blues after getting the interim tag removed from his title and being named Tuesday to the full-time role.
He signed a two-year contract that gives him the chance to oversee a bit of organizational retooling but also show he can get the most out of a roster stocked with veteran talent. The expectation is still for the Blues to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference with Bannister in charge.
Bannister, 50, replaced Craig Berube when the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning coach was fired in December. The Blues went 30-19-5 after Bannister took over and finished six points out of a playoff spot.
Three weeks after the regular season ended, and after discussing just two other potential candidates with his inner circle, president of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong opted against making another change and decided to keep Bannister in the job.
“You’re just looking, like: ‘Is there any better out there? Is there something different that we’re missing?” Armstrong said on a video call with reporters. “We just came back to our group that Drew had done what we’d asked him to do. We see progression. We see someone that’s earned the right to take the reins and we move forward.”
This is Bannister’s first head-coaching gig in the NHL. He previously coached the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League, St. Louis’ top affiliate, for two-plus seasons.
“(This is) something I’ve been working towards and something that I wanted for myself, my family moving forward,” said Bannister, who played 178 NHL games in the 1990s and early 2000s and was at peace with his status in recent weeks. “It can be a stressful time, but I felt by the end of the year that I’d done a lot of positive things with the players, with the team. Certainly was disappointing the way it ended up for us, but overall I was happy with the strides we made.”
Keeping Bannister fills one of the many potential vacancies this offseason, another of which closed when Ottawa announced the hiring of former New Jersey interim coach Travis Green 90 minutes after the Blues’ news. There have been 16 coaching changes (half the league) over the past year, not counting the need for Winnipeg to find a successor for Rick Bowness, who announced his retirement Monday.
Others could be coming after Toronto lost in the first round for the fourth time in five seasons under Sheldon Keefe. Had his Maple Leafs come back from a 3-1 series deficit to beat Boston in Game 7 on Saturday night, it could have put in jeopardy the job security of Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, who spent two seasons as a Blues assistant on Berube’s staff after his 2019 dismissal in Dallas.
Armstrong said all assistants would return under Bannister, who will be tasked with building lasting relationships with the leadership group of captain Brayden Schenn, All-Star Robert Thomas and defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, among others. He likes what he has seen so far in that and other departments enough to trust Bannister with the direction of the franchise.
“He did a very good job in a difficult situation last year,” Armstrong said. “Now having a full training camp and two-year term to put his stamp on this team, we’re looking forward to that.”
Senators hire Green as coach
The Ottawa Senators have hired Travis Green as coach, signing him to a four-year contract through the 2027-28 NHL season.
The team announced the move Tuesday, with Green taking over for interim coach Jacques Martin. Green most recently served as interim coach of the New Jersey Devils after replacing Lindy Ruff in March. Ruff has since also moved on, returning to Buffalo, where he coached the Sabres from 1997-2013.
Green, 53, coached the Vancouver Canucks from 2017-21, guiding them to the playoffs once in four full seasons. The Senators have not qualified the past seven years going back to ’17 when they were one win away from the Stanley Cup Final and lost to eventual champion Pittsburgh in overtime in Game 7.
“After speaking to several highly qualified candidates, it became clear that Travis is the right fit to lead our group,” president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios said. “As we’ve routinely stated, developing a winning culture is paramount to our aspiration of achieving sustained success. Travis has a burning desire to win, is passionate about teaching and holds his players to a very high standard.”
More than half the league has made at least one change at the position over the past 18 months and more could be coming. Green moving on, as expected, means the Devils are in the market for a fifth coach since 2019.
Green’s hire is the latest major decision since new owner Michael Andlauer assumed control of the organization in September.
Staios took over as GM after Pierre Dorion was fired Nov. 1, hours after the league stripped the Senators of a first-round pick for their role in an invalidated trade last year. Coach D.J. Smith was fired Dec. 18 and replaced by Martin on an interim basis.
Green played 14 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
Five local players taken in Phase 2 of USHL draft
Five Michigan-area hockey players were selected in Phase 2 of the United States Hockey League on Tuesday after 12 local players were taken in Phase 1 on Monday.
Round 12
175. Tri-City: Cameron Kovary, RW, Detroit Little Caesars U15
Round 13
188. Sioux Falls: Gairin Michalski, RD, Detroit Victory Honda U16
Round 16
237. Sioux City: Luke Lalonde, C, Detroit, Detroit Little Caesars U15
Round 18
267. Sioux City: Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, LD, Northville, USA U18
272. Fargo: Judd Knauft, C, Fenton, Detroit Little Caesars U15
Marchessault’s future in Vegas uncertain
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was asked Tuesday if he could imagine not having Jonathan Marchessault in the Golden Knights’ locker room next season.
“No,” he said succinctly, letting that word hang in the air before more fully answering the question two days after the Knights were eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs by Dallas.
McNabb, who was sitting next to Marchessault, could’ve stopped at no. His short initial answer more than conveyed the feelings among teammates regarding a player who epitomizes what it means to be a “Golden Misfit,” the name the original Knights bestowed on themselves.
Marchessault, who went from undrafted to the Conn Smythe Trophy winner last year as the playoff MVP, is one of just five players remaining from that 2017-18 team. The winger is an unrestricted free agent who just put together his finest season, scoring 42 goals, only one shy of William Karlsson’s team record.
“I’ve done everything I can to stay here,” Marchessault said. “I know I’m a big part of that organization. I’ve proved it along the years. I would love to stay. It’s my home. I’ve been part of the guys that we started this with. It’s the most proud thing I’ve done in my life, professionally for sure. I’m happy to be a Golden Knight. I would like to be the rest of my life, but it’s not necessarily in my control.”
Marchessault said he spoke with general manager Kelly McCrimmon earlier Tuesday and the GM told him he would like to bring him back. McCrimmon and coach Bruce Cassidy were scheduled to meet with reporters later Tuesday.
“It depends if this is important to them or not,” Marchessault said of whether a deal gets done. “I want to be in an organization that wants me. I have a couple of years left. I don’t play it for fun. I play it because I want to win. I want to be in a place that’s going to help me win.”
Blackhawks re-sign forward Reichel
The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed forward Lukas Reichel to a two-year contract.
The team announced the deal on Tuesday. It runs through the 2025-26 season with a $1.2 million cap hit.
The Blackhawks were hoping for a breakout performance from Reichel this season, but he struggled with inconsistency for much of the year. Reichel, who turns 22 on May 17, finished with five goals and 11 assists in 65 games.
Reichel’s development is an ongoing issue for Chicago as it tries to take its rebuilding project to the next level. The Blackhawks set a franchise record for losses by going 23-53-6 this season.
The contract gives Reichel some security as he prepares to play for Germany at the upcoming world championships in Czechia.
The 6-foot Reichel was selected by Chicago with the No. 17 pick in the 2020 draft. He has 12 goals and 20 assists in 99 NHL games.
Eastern Conference playoff matchups
Second round
Eastern Conference
Carolina vs. N.Y. Rangers
(Rangers lead 1-0)
▶ Game 1: Sunday @ New York, 4
▶ Game 2: Tuesday @ New York, TBA
▶ Game 3: Thursday @ Carolina, TBA
▶ Game 4: Saturday @ Carolina, TBA
▶ Game 5: May 13 @ New York, TBA
▶ Game 6: May 16 @ Carolina, TBA
▶ Game 7: May 18 @ New York, TBA
Boston vs. Florida
(Bruins lead 1-0)
▶ Game 1: Boston 5-1
▶ Game 2: Wednesday @ Florida, TBA
▶ Game 3: Friday @ Boston, TBA
▶ Game 4: Sunday @ Boston, TBA
▶ Game 5: May 14 @ Florida, TBA
▶ Game 6: May 17 @ Boston, TBA
▶ Game 7: May 19 @ Florida, TBA
Western Conference
Colorado vs. Dallas
▶ Game 1: Tuesday @ Dallas, 9:30
▶ Game 2: Thursday @ Dallas, 9:30
▶ Game 3: Saturday @ Colorado, TBA
▶ Game 4: May 13 @ Colorado, TBA
▶ Game 5: May 15 @ Dallas, TBA
▶ Game 6: May 16 @ Colorado, TBA
▶ Game 7: May 19 @ Dallas
Edmonton vs. Vancouver
▶ Game 1: Wednesday @ Vancouver, 10
▶ Game 2: Friday @ Vancouver, 10
▶ Game 3: Sunday @ Edmonton, TBA
▶ Game 4: May 14 @ Edmonton, TBA
▶ Game 5: May 16 @ Vancouver, TBA
▶ Game 6: May 18 @ Edmonton, TBA
▶ Game 7: May 20 @ Vancouver, TBA
Eastern Conference
First round
Rangers vs. Capitals
(Rangers win 4-0)
▶ Game 1: Rangers 4-1
▶ Game 2: Rangers 4-3
▶ Game 3: Rangers 3-1
▶ Game 4: Rangers 4-2
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
(Bruins win 4-3)
▶ Game 1: Bruins 5-1
▶ Game 2: Leafs 3-2
▶ Game 3: Bruins 4-2
▶ Game 4: Bruins 3-1
▶ Game 5: Leafs 3-2 (OT)
▶ Game 6: Leafs 2-0
▶ Game 7: Bruins 2-1 (OT)
Panthers vs. Lightning
(Panthers win 4-1)
▶ Game 1: Panthers 3-2
▶ Game 2: Panthers 3-2 (OT)
▶ Game 3: Panthers 5-3
▶ Game 4: Lightning 6-3
▶ Game 5: Lightning 6-1
Hurricanes vs. Islanders
(Hurricanes win 4-1)
▶ Game 1: Hurricanes 3-1
▶ Game 2: Hurricanes 5-3
▶ Game 3: Hurricanes 3-2
▶ Game 4: Islanders 3-2 (2OT)
▶ Game 5: Hurricanes 6-3
Western Conference playoff matchups
Dallas vs. Vegas
(Series tied 3-3)
▶ Game 1: Vegas 4-3
▶ Game 2: Vegas 3-1
▶ Game 3: Dallas 3-2 (OT)
▶ Game 4: Dallas 4-2
▶ Game 5: Dallas 3-2
▶ Game 6: Vegas 2-0
▶ Game 7: Sunday @ Dallas, 7:30
Winnipeg vs. Colorado
(Avalanche win 4-1)
▶ Game 1: Jets 7-6
▶ Game 2: Avalanche 5-2
▶ Game 3: Avalanche 6-2
▶ Game 4: Avalanche 5-1
▶ Game 5: Avalanche 6-3
Vancouver vs. Nashville
(Canucks win 4-2)
▶ Game 1: Canucks 4-2
▶ Game 2: Predators 4-1
▶ Game 3: Canucks 2-1
▶ Game 4: Canucks 4-3 (OT)
▶ Game 5: Predators 2-1
▶ Game 6: Canucks 1-0
Edmonton vs. Los Angeles
(Oilers win 4-1)
▶ Game 1: Oilers 7-4
▶ Game 2: Kings 5-4 (OT)
▶ Game 3: Oilers 6-1
▶ Game 4: Oilers 1-0
▶ Game 5: Oilers 4-3
American Hockey League playoffs
Central Division semifinal
(Griffins win series 3-1)
▶ Game 1: Grand Rapids 3-2 (OT)
▶ Game 2: Rockford 5-1
▶ Game 3: Grand Rapids 4-3 (OT)
▶ Game 4: Grand Rapids 4-2
ECHL
Central Division Semifinal
(Best-of-seven series)
▶ Game 1: Toledo 3-2 (OT)
▶ Game 2: Toledo 5-2
▶ Game 3: Toledo 6-2
▶ Game 4: Toledo 4-2
Road to the Memorial Cup in Saginaw
(Saginaw hosts May 24-June 2)
▶ Friday, May 24: WHL vs. Saginaw, 7:30
▶ Saturday, May 25: OHL vs. QMJHL, 4
▶ Sunday, May 26: Saginaw vs. QMJHL, 7:30
▶ Monday, May 27: OHL vs. WHL, 7:30
▶ Tuesday, May 28: QMJHL vs. WHL, 7:30
▶ Wednesday, May 29: Saginaw vs. OHL, 7:30
▶ Thursday, May 30: Tie breaker (if necessary)
▶ Friday, May 31: Semifinal, 7:30
▶ Sunday, June 2: Final, 7:30
CHL playoffs in WHL, OHL, QMJHL
Western Hockey League
▶ Saskatoon Blades vs. Moose Jaw Warriors
▶ Prince George Cougars vs. Portland Winterhawks
Ontario Hockey League
▶ Oshawa Generals vs. North Bay Battalion
▶ London Knights vs. Saginaw
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
▶ Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Cape Breton Eagles
▶ Drummondville Voltigeurs vs. Victoriaville Tigres
