The recent flurry of NHL coaching changes appears to be winding down. The Dallas Stars have officially appointed Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, succeeding Peter DeBoer, according to a team announcement made on Tuesday.
This marks Gulutzan`s return to a head coaching role after 2018, following a six-season tenure as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers. Dallas General Manager Jim Nill commented in a statement that Gulutzan has shown significant development since his previous period with the Stars between 2011 and 2013.
General Manager Jim Nill expressed enthusiasm for the hiring, stating, “We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars.” Nill highlighted Gulutzan`s dedication since his prior time in Dallas, noting his rise to become “one of the most respected coaches in the NHL.” Nill added that Gulutzan`s extensive experience at both head and assistant coaching levels demonstrates his capacity for “innovation and adaptation to the modern game,” alongside building strong player relationships. He further praised Gulutzan`s history of working with elite players and effectively enhancing their contributions to team success, concluding, “We have full confidence that he is the right person to elevate our team to the next level.”
Dallas originally gave Gulutzan his initial head coaching chance in 2011, though that period was less successful, resulting in a 64-57-9 record and no playoff berths. Gulutzan later coached the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018, achieving an 82-68-14 record. He did guide the Flames to the playoffs in 2017, but the team was eliminated in the first round by a sweep from the Anaheim Ducks.
In other notable coaching moves across the league`s carousel, the Pittsburgh Penguins appointed former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse. The Seattle Kraken hired former New York Islanders coach Lane Lambert, the Vancouver Canucks elevated assistant Adam Foote, and Rick Tocchet made a return to the Philadelphia Flyers as their new head coach.
Gulutzan`s hiring signifies that all currently available head coaching positions within 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 |
