The series of coaching changes across the National Hockey League appears to be finished following the Dallas Stars` announcement on Tuesday. The team confirmed they have appointed Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, replacing Peter DeBoer.
This move marks Gulutzan`s return to a head coaching position, his first since 2018. For the past six seasons, he served as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers. Dallas general manager Jim Nill released a statement indicating that Gulutzan has developed significantly since his initial period with the Stars between 2011 and 2013.
General Manager Jim Nill expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars. Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL. His extensive NHL experience, both as a head coach and assistant coach, speaks to his ability to innovate and adapt to the modern game, as well as build relationships with his players. Glen has worked with some of the best players in the world and continually found ways to maximize their skill sets to contribute to team success. We have full confidence that he is the right person to elevate our team to the next level.”
Dallas originally gave Gulutzan his first head coaching opportunity in 2011, but that tenure was not overly successful. He led the team to a 64-57-9 record over two seasons without making a playoff appearance. Gulutzan also coached the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018, where he compiled an 82-68-14 record. While he did guide the Flames to the postseason in 2017, they were eliminated in the first round after being swept by the Anaheim Ducks.
Elsewhere on the league`s coaching circuit, recent appointments include former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse taking over in Pittsburgh, former New York Islanders coach Lane Lambert joining the Seattle Kraken, the Vancouver Canucks promoting assistant Adam Foote, and Rick Tocchet returning to lead the Philadelphia Flyers.
With the hiring of Glen Gulutzan by the Dallas Stars, all head coaching vacancies across the NHL have now been filled.
| Team | Former Coach | New Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Greg Cronin | Joel Quenneville |
| Boston Bruins | Joe Sacco (interim) | Marco Sturm |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Anders Sorensen (interim) | Jeff Blashill |
| Dallas Stars | Peter DeBoer | Glen Gulutzan |
| New York Rangers | Peter Laviolette | Mike Sullivan |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Brad Shaw (interim) | Rick Tocchet |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Mike Sullivan | Dan Muse |
| Seattle Kraken | Dan Bylsma | Lane Lambert |
| Vancouver Canucks | Rick Tocchet | Adam Foote |
