The Dallas Stars have parted ways with head coach Pete DeBoer, general manager Jim Nill announced Friday.
The organization will immediately begin the search for its next head coach.
“After careful consideration, we believe that a new voice is needed in our locker room to push us closer to our goal of winning the Stanley Cup,” Nill said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Pete for everything that he has helped our organization achieve over the past three seasons and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
The Stars advanced through the postseason by defeating the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, showing solid success against tough opponents. However, their playoff journey ended in disappointment for the third consecutive year, as they fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, losing the series in five games.
Scoring proved to be a challenge in the playoffs; Dallas managed just 11 goals in five games against Edmonton, and several top scorers were limited to one goal across 18 playoff games. The Stars also struggled to score first, doing so in only three of their 18 playoff games, which often forced them to play from behind.
DeBoer, 56, compiled a 149-68-29 record in 246 regular-season games since joining the Stars in 2022. Under his leadership, Dallas reached the Western Conference Final three consecutive times, posting a 29-27 record in 56 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Players and coaches expressed pride in overcoming adversity but acknowledged the sting of coming up short of their Stanley Cup goal.
“I think everyone will go home pretty damn motivated this summer and know how close we are,” center Matt Duchene said.
DeBoer previously noted the need for the team to diversify its offensive approach, especially in the playoffs, where their rush-based attack was less effective. For now, general manager Jim Nill faces key roster decisions, with much of the core locked in but several important players, such as Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson, entering contract years or free agency.
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