from Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com,

The Ottawa Senators will have a much different look when they open the NHL season at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 2, both behind the bench and on the ice.

Former Maple Leafs assistant D.J. Smith was hired as Senators coach May 23. He specializes in developing young players and teaching defensive responsibilities, two of the mandates set by general manager Pierre Dorion in an attempt to improve Ottawa.

"We're excited about the turnover on our roster," Dorion said. "Not just the young players but the veterans. It's a significant difference, and we're trying to do this the proper way, adding quality, character core guys. Their mentorship can be valuable for our team success moving forward.

"We feel D.J.'s the man who can teach our kids and mix in some of the older guys -- the perfect mix for our rebuild."

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Below, watch the preview on the Sens.