Dallas Stars Hire Former Coach Gulutzan for Playoff Push

Veteran coach returns to lead Stars after 12 years of experience across the NHL

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild hockey teams, conveying the energy and tactical nature of their upcoming playoff series.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming playoff matchup between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, capturing the intensity and strategic complexity of the game through a fractured, geometric lens.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars have hired former head coach Glen Gulutzan to lead the team into the playoffs, bringing him back after 12 years of experience coaching in the NHL. Gulutzan previously coached the Stars in 2011-2013 before being let go, but has since gained valuable experience as an assistant with several other teams, including deep playoff runs with the Edmonton Oilers. The Stars are looking to build on their recent success, having reached the Western Conference Finals three years in a row under previous coach Pete DeBoer.

Why it matters

Gulutzan's return to the Stars represents a unique opportunity for the veteran coach to redeem himself after his initial stint, while also bringing a wealth of experience that could help the talented Stars roster make a deep playoff run. The team is seeking to capitalize on its recent regular season success and finally break through to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The details

After being let go by the Stars following the 2012-13 season, Gulutzan spent the next 12 years gaining experience as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers. During his time with the Oilers, he was part of two Stanley Cup Final appearances, providing him with valuable playoff experience. The Stars are hoping Gulutzan's composure and ability to guide a team through highs and lows will help them navigate the postseason.

  • Gulutzan was first hired as the Stars' head coach in 2011.
  • He was let go by the Stars following the 2012-13 season.
  • Gulutzan was hired as the Stars' head coach again in the summer of 2026.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

A 54-year-old veteran coach who is returning to the Dallas Stars after previously serving as their head coach from 2011-2013. Gulutzan has since gained extensive experience as an assistant coach with several NHL teams, including deep playoff runs with the Edmonton Oilers.

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars, who originally hired Gulutzan as head coach in 2011 but then decided not to retain him after the 2012-13 season. Nill is now giving Gulutzan another opportunity to lead the team.

Jamie Benn

The 36-year-old captain of the Dallas Stars, who is the only player still on the team from Gulutzan's first stint as head coach.

Matt Duchene

A veteran center for the Dallas Stars who praised Gulutzan's coaching abilities and the foundation laid by previous coach Pete DeBoer.

Wyatt Johnston

A 22-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who had a breakout season, tying for the team lead with 45 goals.

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What they’re saying

“He's lived it. How do you build your resume, you've got to go through experiences. He's gone through those experiences and those situations.”

— Jim Nill, General Manager, Dallas Stars

“He's got composure behind the bench. He's guided our team. There's been highs and lows during the year, there's a lot of injuries he'd had to deal with. But he's gotten that experience now, how to deal with that. And it doesn't change focus. It's always about the next moment, the next game.”

— Jim Nill, General Manager, Dallas Stars

“Just a really, really smart hockey mind that sees the game really well.”

— Wyatt Johnston, Forward, Dallas Stars

“He's brought in some elements to our team that have made us, when we're at our best, probably just an elite, elite team, and I think understands our group pretty well.”

— Matt Duchene, Center, Dallas Stars

What’s next

The Stars will face the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs on Saturday.

The takeaway

Gulutzan's return to the Dallas Stars represents a unique opportunity for the veteran coach to redeem himself and capitalize on the team's recent regular season success. His wealth of experience, including deep playoff runs with other teams, could provide the leadership and guidance the Stars need to finally break through to the Stanley Cup Finals.