Overview

• Pete DeBoer was relieved of his duties on June 6 after leading Dallas to the Western Conference Final in each of his three seasons without ever advancing to the Stanley Cup Final
• His decision to bench goaltender Jake Oettinger early in Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilers drew widespread criticism and deepened reported tensions with key players
• DeBoer finished with a 149-68-29 regular-season record in Dallas and a 29-27 mark in 56 playoff games, cementing his status as one of the NHL’s most successful coaches by win percentage over that span
• General manager Jim Nill said the organization will immediately begin its search for a new head coach despite most NHL vacancies having been filled in recent weeks
• The Stars emphasized a renewed focus on locker room cohesion and accountability as they pursue the franchise’s first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 2000