Colorado Avalanche Welcomes New Assistant Coach
The Colorado Avalanche has welcomed former Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol as their new assistant coach, a move announced on Tuesday. With a coaching career that spans several seasons in the NHL, the 56-year-old Hakstol previously worked only briefly during the 2024-25 season as an assistant for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup under head coach Gerard Gallant.
Hakstol’s Enthusiasm and Experience
In his statement, Hakstol expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the Avalanche’s esteemed reputation and its roster of talented players led by head coach Jared Bednar. He noted:
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Avalanche. This is a proud organization with a lot of talented players and a tremendous coaching staff… I can’t wait to get to work and help the team in any way that I can.”
Hakstol steps into his new role following the departure of Ray Bennett, who previously managed Colorado’s power play. Hakstol’s extensive experience includes four seasons as the head coach of the Flyers, where he amassed a record of 134 wins, 101 losses, and 42 overtime losses, totaling a .560 points percentage. He also led the Flyers to two first-round playoff exits. Following his tenure in Philadelphia, he was at the helm of the Seattle Kraken for three seasons, achieving a record of 107-112-27 and marking the franchise’s first playoff appearance, which included a remarkable series victory over the Avalanche.
Looking Ahead
As Hakstol transitions to Denver, he and his family are eager to embed themselves within the community of Colorado, looking forward to the next chapter in their lives and his coaching career as he aims to make a significant impact in his new role.
The current climate for the Philadelphia Flyers includes a focus on nurturing the growth of their rising prospects, providing an engaging backdrop for the changes occurring within the coaching staff of the Avalanche.
