The NHL’s coaching musical chairs has finally come to an end with the Dallas Stars landing Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Gulutzan, who’s getting his second shot with the Stars after first leading the team from 2011-13. He’s spent the last six seasons helping shape the Edmonton Oilers as an assistant coach.
“We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach,” Stars GM Jim Nill said. He believes Gulutzan has grown tremendously since his first stint in Dallas.
That first run with the Stars wasn’t exactly storybook – Gulutzan posted a 64-57-9 record and missed the playoffs both years. But he’s picked up valuable experience since then, including a head coaching stop with the Calgary Flames from 2016-18.
In Calgary, he managed an 82-68-14 record and got the team to the playoffs in 2017. Though that postseason trip ended quickly with a first-round sweep by Anaheim.
The Stars’ move completes a busy offseason of coaching changes across the NHL. Here’s how the other vacancies were filled:
• The Penguins brought in Dan Muse from the Rangers
• Seattle grabbed Lane Lambert after his Islanders stint
• Vancouver promoted Adam Foote from within
• The Flyers turned to Rick Tocchet to right their ship
What makes this hire interesting is how much the game has changed since Gulutzan’s first time in Dallas. The modern NHL demands coaches who can both develop young talent and manage established stars.
Nill seems confident Gulutzan’s recent experience with Edmonton’s superstars has prepared him for exactly that challenge. “He’s worked with some of the best players in the world and continually found ways to maximize their skill sets,” Nill said.
The pressure will be on Gulutzan to prove this second chance was worth the wait. Dallas has a mix of veteran stars and emerging young talent – exactly the kind of roster that could benefit from his evolved coaching style.
