Glen Gulutzan Returns as Head Coach of Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars have officially reintroduced Glen Gulutzan as their head coach, a move announced by general manager Jim Nill on Tuesday, 12 years after his initial dismissal from the position.

Gulutzan takes over from Pete DeBoer, who was let go following the team's third consecutive playoff exit in the Western Conference final. Notably, Nill's first significant decision upon assuming his role in 2013 was to part ways with Gulutzan.

"We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars," Nill stated. "Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL."

After a seven-season tenure as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers, where he contributed to two Stanley Cup Final appearances, Gulutzan is set to return to Dallas.

"My family and I are excited to come back to Texas where I started my NHL coaching journey more than a decade ago," Gulutzan expressed. "Jim and his staff have built a roster that is one of the most talented and deepest in the entire League. The right pieces are in place to compete for the Stanley Cup on a yearly basis. I'm ready to get to Dallas and start the preparation for next season."

This marks Gulutzan's third head coaching role in the NHL, having previously led the Stars from 2011 to 2013 and the Calgary Flames from 2016 to 2018. Prior to his NHL career, he was at the helm of the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of Dallas.

Hints about this hiring surfaced during a season-ending press conference held by Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who noted he preferred not to comment on Gulutzan's future at that time.