The Dallas Stars have dismissed head coach Pete DeBoer, the team announced on Friday. This decision comes after the Stars were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final. It marks the third straight season the Stars have fallen in the conference final round, and the second consecutive year they were defeated by the Oilers.
In a statement, Stars general manager Jim Nill explained that the organization believes a `new voice` is needed for the team to overcome its playoff challenges and ultimately win the second Stanley Cup in franchise history.
“We want to express our gratitude to Pete for everything he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons,” Nill said. “We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
DeBoer was hired by the Stars in 2022. During his three seasons behind the bench, Dallas achieved significant regular-season success, including winning the Central Division title in 2023-24. The team never finished lower than second place in the standings under his guidance.
However, DeBoer was unable to guide the team past the conference final stage. In 2023, the Stars lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. They have now been eliminated by the Oilers in back-to-back years.
This season`s playoff exit was particularly swift, with Edmonton winning four straight games to close out the series in just five games. In the deciding Game 5, DeBoer made a controversial move, pulling starting goaltender Jake Oettinger less than 10 minutes into the first period after the team fell behind 2-0.
DeBoer`s explanation for the decision was somewhat puzzling, and Oettinger reportedly admitted the situation felt `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 will now begin their search for a new head coach, joining several other NHL teams who have already filled coaching vacancies this offseason.
Although some top coaching candidates have already been hired elsewhere, the Dallas job is considered highly desirable. Beyond being the fourth-winningest team in the league over the last three seasons, the Stars have a strong core of young talent signed for the foreseeable future.
For DeBoer, his next step remains uncertain. Each of his last two head coaching positions, with Dallas and Vegas, lasted just three seasons. It appears unlikely he will secure another head coaching role before the start of the 2025-26 campaign, though he could become a prime candidate for any in-season coaching changes that may occur.
