In the ever-spinning saga known as the NHL coaching carousel, the Dallas Stars have made a significant move, officially naming Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach. This appointment sees Gulutzan stepping into the role previously held by Peter DeBoer and appears to signal the final major piece falling into place in the league`s recent bench boss shuffle.
For Gulutzan, this isn`t his first time behind the Stars bench. He previously served as the team`s head coach from 2011 to 2013. That initial tenure produced a record of 64 wins, 57 losses, and 9 overtime losses, notably without a trip to the postseason. Following that, he took the helm for the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018, where his record stood at 82-68-14. While he did guide the Flames to the playoffs in 2017, their run was brief, ending in a first-round sweep.
More recently, Gulutzan has spent the last six seasons honing his craft as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers, working alongside some of the game`s most dynamic talents.
Stars General Manager Jim Nill expressed strong confidence in Gulutzan`s evolution since his first go-around in Dallas. In a statement, Nill highlighted Gulutzan`s “tireless” work to become a respected figure, citing his “extensive NHL experience,” adaptability to the “modern game,” and ability to “build relationships” and “maximize skill sets.” It`s a classic narrative of “growth” and “learning,” where a coach gets a second chance, presumably having absorbed vast wisdom during his time away – particularly those recent years assisting a high-powered Oilers squad. The hope, clearly, is that the intervening years have forged a more effective leader ready to take a seasoned Stars roster to the next level.
The decision to bring back a former coach is always noteworthy in the often unpredictable world of professional sports. It suggests the organization believes Gulutzan has genuinely developed and is now the right fit for a team aiming for deep playoff contention. His time with the Oilers, working with elite offensive talent, might indicate a refined understanding of modern systems or player management at the highest level. The challenge will be translating that experience into head coaching success where the ultimate responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders.
With Gulutzan`s hiring, the major head coaching vacancies across the league appear to be filled, bringing a degree of stability – at least until the next inevitable cycle begins. Stars fans will be watching closely to see if Gulutzan`s return marks the beginning of a successful new chapter, leveraging his renewed experience to elevate the team`s performance.
Marcus Blakely