Glen Gulutzan Reinstated as Head Coach of the Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have reportedly decided to reinstate Glen Gulutzan as their head coach, nearly a dozen years after an earlier dismissal from the role. Sources have informed ESPN that this news comes on the heels of multiple reports suggesting Gulutzan’s return, and an official announcement from the team is expected soon.
Coaching Transition
At 53, Gulutzan takes over from Pete DeBoer, who was let go earlier this month following a three-year tenure where he achieved a .665 points percentage but was unable to secure a championship title. During DeBoer’s time, the Stars reached the Western Conference Finals for three consecutive seasons, but ultimately fell short, including two losses to the Edmonton Oilers.
Gulutzan’s Previous Tenure
Gulutzan’s previous stint with Dallas lasted from 2011 to 2013. In that time, he recorded a record of 64 wins, 57 losses, and 9 ties, failing to advance to the playoffs in both seasons. His hiring in 2013 followed two successful seasons with the Stars’ American Hockey League affiliate and a solid six-year run with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers. His initial firing came just two weeks after his appointment, when current GM Jim Nill opted to go in a different direction, leading to the employment of veteran coach Lindy Ruff.
Career Development
In the intervening years, Gulutzan has built a robust resume. Post-Dallas, he contributed as an assistant with the Vancouver Canucks before taking the helm at the Calgary Flames in 2016 for two seasons, during which he led the team to the playoffs once. Most recently, he worked with the Edmonton Oilers, where he maintained a strong association with star player Connor McDavid and oversaw a top-tier power play unit that excelled in the NHL.
Looking Ahead
Now, Gulutzan steps into a dynamic Dallas roster that has shown potential, especially following the recent acquisition of star winger Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline, coupled with a lucrative eight-year contract extension worth $96 million.
Nill is optimistic that Gulutzan can navigate the team to greater success in pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup. With some of the Stars’ coaching staff already making moves—assistant Steve Spott joined the Boston Bruins while Misha Donskov took on a role with Hockey Canada—Gulutzan will need to assemble a new coaching team as he resumes his leading role within the organization.
