The 2025 NHL coaching changes appear to be concluding. The Dallas Stars announced Tuesday they have appointed Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, succeeding Peter DeBoer.
This marks Gulutzan`s return to a head coaching role, his first since 2018. For the past six seasons, he served as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers. Dallas General Manager Jim Nill issued a statement, noting Gulutzan`s significant development since his initial tenure with the Stars between 2011 and 2013.
Expressing enthusiasm for the hire, Stars General Manager Jim Nill stated: “We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars. Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL. 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.”
Dallas first appointed Gulutzan as head coach in 2011, a period that proved less successful. During that initial run, he guided the team to a 64-57-9 record without reaching the playoffs. Following this, Gulutzan coached the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018, achieving an 82-68-14 record. He did lead the Flames to the postseason in 2017, though their appearance was brief, ending in a first-round sweep by the Anaheim Ducks.
The recent flurry of NHL coaching changes has seen other notable moves. The Pittsburgh Penguins appointed former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse. The Seattle Kraken hired former New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert. The Vancouver Canucks promoted assistant Adam Foote, and Rick Tocchet is back with the Philadelphia Flyers as their new head coach.
Gulutzan`s hiring by the Stars appears to fill the last remaining head coaching vacancy in the league.
| Team | Former Coach | New Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Greg Cronin | Joel Quenneville |
| Boston Bruins | Joe Sacco (interim) | Marco Sturm |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Anders Sorensen (interim) | Jeff Blashill |
| Dallas Stars | Peter DeBoer | Glen Gulutzan |
| New York Rangers | Peter Laviolette | Mike Sullivan |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Brad Shaw (interim) | Rick Tocchet |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Mike Sullivan | Dan Muse |
| Seattle Kraken | Dan Bylsma | Lane Lambert |
| Vancouver Canucks | Rick Tocchet | Adam Foote |
