The Dallas Stars have hired Peter DeBoer as head coach, the team announced Tuesday. The sides were working on a four-year deal worth north of $4 million per season, sources told The Athletic on Monday.
The Vegas Golden Knights fired DeBoer after two-plus seasons last month. He previously coached the San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers. He has a career record of 513-379-123 and reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, in 2012 and 2016.
“Over the last few seasons, I have seen firsthand what the Stars are building with a mix of dynamic young players and established leaders,” DeBoer said in a statement. “The chance to become this team’s next head coach was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I would like to thank (owner) Tom Gaglardi and (general manager) Jim Nill for the chance to help guide this team as we work together to bring another Stanley Cup to Dallas.”
DeBoer will replace Rick Bowness, who stepped down as head coach on May 20.
“Pete brings a wealth of experience to our dressing room, and we’re thrilled to name him our next head coach,” Nill said in a statement. “Every team that he has taken over has not only shown immediate improvement but has been ultra-competitive in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He has taken five teams to the conference finals, and two of those to the Stanley Cup Final, in his 14 years as a head coach. His resume displays the high standards he sets and his ability to get his team to play up to that level consistently. We’re excited to welcome Pete and his family to Dallas.”
The Stars went 46-30-6 last season to earn the Western Conference's top wild-card spot. They lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Calgary Flames, dropping Game 7 in overtime.
Bowness led the Stars to Stanley Cup Final in 2019-20 and finished his Dallas tenure with an 89-62-25 record. To reach that year's final, Bowness' Stars overcame DeBoer's Vegas squad in five games.
(Photo: John E. Sokolowski / USA Today)
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Yousuf: If Pete DeBoer joins the Stars, his job begins with the 'culture of mediocrity'
How will DeBoer's style mesh with Dallas' roster?
Saad Yousuf, Stars beat writer: In many ways, DeBoer’s system is an extension of what the Stars have had in place the past few years. It’s defensive-focused, which was a priority for the Stars to maintain. DeBoer’s system doesn’t just prioritize keeping the score down, but also prioritizes strong defense in front of the goaltender to limit shots against.
Offensively, his approach has been largely opportunistic. He likes his team to hold onto the puck and take long-range shots that can result in gritty goals around the net.
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How will this hiring change the Stars' outlook for 2022-23?
Yousuf: Given the term of four years on DeBoer’s deal, it’s clear the Stars are invested in him for the long haul. Given where the season has ended for the Stars in three of the past four years, it also outlines expectations for DeBoer.
Dallas made the postseason to varying levels of success. The Stars have gone to Game 7 of the first round, Game 7 of the second round and Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. DeBoer has also had deep runs in his career so the natural next step for both sides is to aim for a Stanley Cup. That may not be the expectation in the first season, although two of DeBoer’s four previous head-coaching stops resulted in a final appearance in the first year, but it is the expectation for his full tenure.
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