Luke Richardson is ready for a new challenge.
The Binghamton Senators head coach won’t return to the Ottawa Senators‘ American Hockey League affiliate next season after coming to a mutual agreement with the club on Monday.
“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.”
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS:
First Round Series Previews | Broadcast Schedule
Stanley Cup Playoffs Fantasy Hockey
The Senators fired head coach Dave Cameron on April 12 after the team went 38-35-9 and missed the playoffs.
Binghamton (31-38-6) also missed the post-season after finishing last in the AHL’s North Division.
The 47-year-old Richardson was 153-120-31 in four years with the AHL Senators and led them to two playoff appearances, most recently in the 2013-14 season.
“We’d like to thank Luke for his efforts and dedication to the growth and development of the players in our system,” said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion.
“In addition to the on-ice component, we would be remiss in not acknowledging his enormous contributions in both the Binghamton and Ottawa communities as a leader in mental health advocacy and wellness. We wish the entire Richardson family the best as Luke moves on to a new opportunity.”
Richardson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with Ottawa before taking on the AHL job. He began his coaching career following retirement during the 2008-09 season and joined the Ottawa coaching staff for the final three months of that year.
The 20-year NHL veteran played in 1,417 career games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Senators, recording 35 goals, 166 assists and 2,055 penalty minutes. He added eight assists and 130 penalty minutes in 69 career NHL playoff games.
