Travis Green's arrival in Ottawa as head coach of the Senators on May 7, 2024, signaled a new chapter for a franchise eager to return to playoff contention. Tasked with ending a seven-year playoff drought, Green brought a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach. After serving as interim coach in New Jersey, he stepped into a situation in Ottawa where expectations were mounting.

Green's coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability, defined roles, and a firm but fair approach. He has stressed the importance of building a strong team culture and identity, focusing on more than just scoring goals. From day one, Green communicated the need for the team to commit to playing a 200-foot game, highlighting that the common factor in winning hockey is being a complete team.

One of Green's first priorities was to improve the team's defensive structure. He is a proponent of using analytics as a tool, but not relying solely on them. He also spent time during the summer to connect with each player to better understand them as individuals. Green's adjustments have included encouraging more player rotation and movement on the power play, making the Senators less predictable. On the penalty kill, he implemented a more aggressive approach, disrupting opposing power plays and forcing turnovers.

Green's impact extends beyond structural changes; his in-game adjustments and tactical decisions have played a role in shaping the team's identity. He emphasizes a balanced approach between offense and defense and adapts his game plan based on matchups, making key lineup changes and strategic tweaks to counter specific opponents.

Ottawa's updated coaching staff includes assistant coaches Mike Yeo and Nolan Baumgartner, along with returning staff members Daniel Alfredsson and Ben Sexton. Baumgartner, who was also Green's assistant in Vancouver and Utica, coaches the defensemen. Yeo, a former head coach with the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild, brings significant experience to the staff. Green values input from his coaching staff, creating a collaborative environment.

Entering the 2024-25 season, there was pressure on Green to guide the Senators to the next level. After a strong 2024-25 season, where the Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Green earned an "A" for his first year. The team finished with 97 points and a 45-30-7 record, making them a playoff team.

Looking ahead, Green faces the challenge of sustaining that success. While the team is expected to be good again in the 2025-26 season, the Eastern Conference is highly competitive, and a return to the postseason is not guaranteed. How Green manages player roles, especially with young talents like Shane Pinto, and ensures consistent offensive production from players like Claude Giroux and Zetterlund will be key factors in the team's continued progress.