Luke Richardson leaves Senators after being passed over again
Luke Richardson has been waiting for his chance to coach an NHL team for several years. As the head coach of the Binghamton Senators, the thought was that it would be with the Ottawa Senators, although he was briefly projected as a potential Sabres head coach when Tim Murray left Ottawa for Buffalo.
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But Murray hired Dan Bylsma, and the Senators are also apparently looking at more prominent candidates than Richardson to replace Dave Cameron. So after four seasons, Richardson has decided to leave the AHL team and move on from the organization.
“I’ve enjoyed my four years of coaching in Binghamton and am proud of the accomplishments of the players and team,” said Richardson. “I’d like to thank the Senators organization for providing me with the opportunity to be a head coach and I am looking forward to the next challenge in my coaching career.”
Richardson, 47, posted a 153-120-17-14 record in 304 games and led the B-Sens to two playoff appearances (2012-13 and 2013-14) in four seasons behind the bench. He was named head coach of the Eastern Conference all-star team in 2012-13 after compiling the conference’s best record ahead of the all-star break.
“One of Luke’s greatest assets is his ability to teach players the nuances of what it takes to be a professional,” said B-Sens general manager Randy Lee. “I’m certain that when many of our young players reflect on their respective development, Luke will be among the first people they consider in realizing the significant impact he’s had on their progress.”
Richardson told Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, "I'm not on their list. I'm disappointed but I'm ready to move on. I appreciated the opportunity."
You can’t blame Richardson for wanting to move on. He was passed over in favor of Cameron when Paul MacLean was fired, and then Cameron was the beneficiary of that insane run to the postseason that earned him a second year. Then he goes, and it’s clear the Senators are gunning for a significant name as their next coach (or waiting until one becomes available … COUGH Bruce Boudreau COUGH).
Richardson did a solid job in the AHL, and was a fairly big part of the community outreach for the team. He’s been through personal hell off the ice and has kept at it. He’s the kind of guy you root for to get his crack at a big job, but clearly Ottawa has other designs.
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
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