The Dallas Stars are turning to a name from their past to lead the team into the future.
The Stars announced on Tuesday, July 1 that they have hired Glen Gulutzan as their next head coach. He was the Stars’ coach during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons and was fired after missing the playoffs in both seasons.
But he most recently was an Edmonton Oilers assistant coach since 2018-19, running their highly successful power play that featured Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, knocking off the Stars in the Western Conference both times.
‘Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL,’ general manager Jim Nill said. ‘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.’
Gulutzan, 53, replaces Peter DeBoer, who was fired on June 6 after the Stars’ third consecutive ouster in the conference finals.
DeBoer had pulled No. 1 goalie Jake Oettinger in the elimination game after he gave up two goals and said it was because the ‘status quo had not been working.’ General manager Jim Nill said those comments were a component of his decision to fire DeBoer but not the only reason.
Between Gulutzan’s stints with the Stars and the Oilers, he was an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks and head coach of the Calgary Flames.
He has a 146-125-23 record as a head coach, with one playoff appearance in which the Flames were swept.