Jim Nill, the celebrated general manager of the Dallas Stars, has made a bold move that has left many in the hockey world scratching their heads. Nill, who has been named NHL General Manager of the Year three times, has decided to hire Glen Gulutzan as the new head coach of the Stars. This decision comes despite Gulutzan’s previous tenure with the team, which ended in his dismissal after just two seasons.
The decision to bring back Gulutzan, a coach who has never advanced past a Game 4 in the playoffs, is raising questions about the direction of the franchise. Nill is replacing a coach with a record of winning more Game 7s than anyone else with someone he once fired. This move has led to speculation about whether this is a “make-up call” or if other candidates, such as Gerard Gallant or Ken Hitchcock, were unavailable or uninterested.
The Context of Gulutzan’s Return
Gulutzan’s initial stint with the Stars was marked by challenges. During the 2011-2012 season, the team was under financial strain, and Gulutzan had limited talent to work with. Despite these hurdles, he managed to secure 42 wins in his first season. However, after two seasons, Nill decided to part ways with him.
Gulutzan’s coaching career has been a rollercoaster. After his time with the Stars, he took on the head coach role with the Calgary Flames, only to be dismissed after two seasons. The Flames were swept by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2017 playoffs, and Gulutzan was let go with a year remaining on his contract. Calgary’s general manager at the time, Brad Treliving, noted that there was “a lot of blame to go around.”
Comparisons and Historical Parallels
Nill’s decision to rehire Gulutzan is not without precedent in the sports world. George Steinbrenner famously rehired Billy Martin multiple times in the 1970s, and Mitch Kupchak brought back Phil Jackson to the Lakers despite previous tensions. Al Davis also rehired Art Shell, only to fire him again a year later.
These historical examples show that sometimes bringing back a familiar face can lead to success, as seen with Jackson and the Lakers. However, it can also result in repeated failures, as with Shell and the Raiders. Whether Gulutzan’s return will mirror Jackson’s success or Shell’s struggles remains to be seen.
Expert Opinions and Forward-Looking Analysis
Gulutzan’s supporters argue that he should not be judged solely on his past failures. He has been praised for his ability to connect with star players and his expertise in coaching power plays. Under his guidance, the Edmonton Oilers’ power play became the best in the league, a significant improvement from previous seasons.
However, critics point out that during his last season with the Flames, the team’s power play ranked 29th in the league, contributing to his dismissal. The question remains whether Gulutzan can replicate his success with the Oilers in Dallas, especially given the high expectations for the Stars.
“I think having experience in this league is critical,” said Brad Treliving, highlighting the importance of seasoned leadership in the NHL.
As Gulutzan steps into this new chapter with the Stars, he faces the challenge of proving that he has learned from his past experiences and can lead the team to greater heights. The Dallas Stars, under the ownership of Tom Gaglardi, are looking for a coach who can navigate the pressures of the NHL and deliver playoff success.
Implications for the Dallas Stars
The decision to rehire Gulutzan could have significant implications for the future of the Dallas Stars. If successful, it could validate Nill’s faith in Gulutzan’s potential and his ability to adapt and grow as a coach. However, if the move fails, it could lead to further scrutiny of Nill’s decision-making and the overall direction of the franchise.
For Gulutzan, this opportunity represents a chance to redefine his legacy in the NHL. At 53, he has the experience and the knowledge to potentially become a successful head coach. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether this gamble by Nill pays off or if it becomes another chapter in the long history of controversial coaching hires.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Dallas Stars and Glen Gulutzan, watching to see if this unconventional choice will lead to a new era of success for the team.
