Boutilier joins Ottawa's AHL team

Saint John Sea Dogs assistant coach Paul Boutilier is bound for the American Hockey League.

The Belleville Senators, the new AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, officially named Boutilier one of the team's assistant coaches this afternoon.

"The players’ development and performance is what I am accountable for, so I’m looking forward to working closely with each player in accomplishing their development, performance and team objectives,” Boutilier said a Senators press release. “I am also proud and excited to get the chance to coach and live in Belleville, Ontario.”

Boutilier had been an assistant coach with the Sea Dogs since the 2014-15 season, working primarily with the team's defencemen.

“Saint John was a great experience for the last three years, we had a lot of wins which is great, but leaving the people in the community that’s really difficult,” Boutilier told Rogers TV's Craig Eagles (check out his entire post, which includes some player reaction, on today's announcement here).

“The Port City was like home for me, kind of like where I’m from in Cape Breton. It was like being at home with some good honest people that know the game and got to witness some great hockey through the years.”

The move isn't overly surprisingly as Boutilier is certainly qualified to make the jump to the AHL, working in a variety of capacities with teams at all levels over the years. He also has NHL playing experience, playing in 329 games.

Former Sea Dogs forward Chris DiDomenico will likely play in Belleville this coming season. Other Sea Dogs connections in the Sens organization include Mike Hoffman and Thomas Chabot.

It's unclear when the Sea Dogs will announce a replacement for Boutilier, but it should happen relatively quickly with training camp just two months away.

Photo: Vincent Ethier/QMJHL