The Dallas Stars announced Friday that head coach Pete DeBoer has been dismissed after the team`s elimination by the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final. This marked the third straight season the Stars were defeated in the conference final and the second consecutive year losing to the Oilers.
General Manager Jim Nill stated the organization believes a “new voice” is necessary to help the team overcome its playoff struggles and pursue the franchise`s second Stanley Cup championship.
In his statement, Nill also offered thanks to DeBoer, saying, “We`d like to thank Pete for everything that he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
DeBoer was hired by the Stars in 2022 and oversaw three successful regular seasons. During his time as coach, Dallas secured the Central Division title in 2023-24 and consistently finished no lower than second place in the standings.
Despite this regular-season success, the team couldn`t advance beyond the conference final under DeBoer. They lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in 2023, followed by consecutive exits against the Oilers.
This year`s series against Edmonton was particularly decisive, with the Oilers winning four straight games to close it out in five. A notable moment in Game 5 involved DeBoer controversially benching starting goaltender Jake Oettinger less than ten minutes into the first period after the team fell behind 2-0.
DeBoer`s explanation for the goaltender change was considered puzzling by some, and Oettinger reportedly described the situation as “embarrassing.”
DeBoer concludes his tenure in Dallas with a regular-season record of 149-68-29 and a playoff record of 29-27. The Stars now join several other NHL teams searching for a new head coach this offseason, with eight vacancies already filled elsewhere.
Although many prominent coaching candidates have already been hired by other clubs, the Dallas job remains attractive. The team boasts one of the league`s best regular-season records over the past three years and has its core young players under contract long-term.
The future for DeBoer is uncertain; this marks his second consecutive coaching position (following Vegas) lasting only three seasons. It appears improbable he will secure another head coaching role before the 2025-26 season, but he could be a prime candidate for any mid-season openings that arise.
