The cycle of coaching changes in the National Hockey League appears to be concluding. On Tuesday, the Dallas Stars announced they have appointed Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, replacing Peter DeBoer.
This marks Gulutzan`s return to a head coaching position, his first since 2018, following six seasons serving as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers. In a statement released by the team, Dallas General Manager Jim Nill commented that Gulutzan has developed significantly since his initial tenure with the Stars from 2011 to 2013.
General Manager Jim Nill expressed enthusiasm for the hiring, stating, “We are excited to appoint Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars. Since his earlier period in Dallas, Glen has diligently built a reputation as a highly respected figure among NHL coaches. His vast experience as both a head coach and assistant reflects his capacity to innovate, adapt to the evolving sport, and foster strong connections with players. He has collaborated with top-tier athletes globally, consistently finding methods to enhance their abilities for the team`s benefit. We are completely confident he is the ideal candidate to advance our team.”
Dallas originally gave Gulutzan his first head coaching opportunity in 2011, though that initial period was not particularly successful. He coached the team to a 64-57-9 record without reaching the playoffs. Gulutzan later served as head coach for the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018, achieving an 82-68-14 record. He did guide the Flames to the postseason in 2017, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.
Other significant coaching moves across the league during this period include the Pittsburgh Penguins hiring former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse, the Seattle Kraken appointing former New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert, the Vancouver Canucks promoting assistant Adam Foote, and Rick Tocchet returning to become the new head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers.
With Gulutzan`s hiring by Dallas now official, all head coaching positions across the NHL are currently 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 |
