Glen Gulutzan to become Dallas Stars next head coach, Neil Graham hired as assistant

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill announced Tuesday that the team has hired former Edmonton Oilers assistant Glen Gulutzan as their next head coach.

“We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars,” Nill said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Gulutzan previously coached the Stars from 2011-2013. Under Gulutzan, Dallas went 64-57-9, missing the playoffs in both seasons. This was a very different time for the franchise, with no ownership or funds to roll out a competitive roster. Gulutzan made the playoffs in one of two seasons behind the bench for the Calgary Flames.

More recently, the 53-year-old spent seven seasons as an assistant coach and power-play specialist for the Oilers. Gulutzan has been credited with a lot of the 5-on-4 success working with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

“My family and I are excited to come back to Texas where I started my NHL coaching journey more than a decade ago,” Gulutzan said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Signs point toward the search coming down to Gulutzan and Texas Stars coach Neil Graham in the end. With Steve Spott being hired in Boston, that left space for Graham to join as an assistant coach under Gulutzan, a well-dserved promotion from AHL to NHL coach.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to add Neil to our coaching staff in Dallas,” Nill said in a statement released by the team. “Neil has spent over a decade as part of the Dallas Stars organization behind the bench in Texas and Idaho proving at every level his ability to coach. His hockey acumen has made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in professional hockey.”

According to general manager Jim Nill, defensive coach Alain Nasreddine was part of the head coach search and will return in his previous role. That leaves Gulutzan, Nasreddine, Graham, and goalie coach Jeff Reese with one assistant spot still open.