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As the first Canadian team to react by appointing a new coach ahead of 2016-17, the Senators have harnessed some attention from neutrals, having made a gamble that is set to provide one of next season’s main talking points.

Understandably the reaction has been mixed, with Guy Boucher only able to record a decline of Tampa Bay results on his NHL resume. He is considered to have gradually lost the dressing room at Tampa, due to a perceived inability to adapt the defensive plan that was eventually copied by other teams during that time.

The insistence of bringing forwards further back, while the specialist defenders harried the opposing player in possession, was once hailed as an innovative move, resulting in some miserly performances that frustrated many a team visiting Tampa. However, it quickly lost credence in the dressing room, particularly among the more experienced players in the squad.

While the Senators had by no means the worst defense of the Eastern Conference teams last season, there was arguably much room for improvement. Boucher’s unique defensive setup (if further adapted) could represent the change that makes the Senators less predictable and more balanced across the field.

Most significantly, the goals-per-game return of the Senators compared favorably to that of the Tampa Bay Lightning last season – even though the latter were successful in reaching the 2015-16 playoffs. That return was enabled in no small part by a more dynamic attacking approach from the Senators, which will ultimately work better alongside Boucher’s high-pressure game from defense.

The quick transition between defensive and attacking phases also requires a lot of determination and self-discipline, with good individual man-management from the coach. For one player in particular, a good start with the new coach is crucial.

Much of the Senators’ shortcomings under Cameron stem from the misuse of captain Erik Karlsson, without whom the Senators struggle to find shape and rhythm. Over the past several years, Karlsson’s form has suffered, with the coaching staff increasing his work rate in unsuitable, seemingly random areas.

Encouragement can be draw from the hints already dropped by Boucher, which imply heavily that his style of play will be adapted around Karlsson. This strongly indicates, even at this early stage, that Boucher can respect the individual strengths of his charges.

Although many would argue that Boucher lost the dressing room towards the end of his Tampa Bay tenure, a number of experts believe that he has the humility to learn from mistakes and adapt his unique gameplans accordingly. If this belief is justified, then Boucher’s reign in Ottawa should be a happier experience for all concerned.

PREDICTION: A prolonged honeymoon period to yield a Wild Card berth.