Dave Hakstol is back behind the NHL bench. On Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche announced they have hired Hakstol as an assistant coach.
Hakstol previously served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs under head coach Sheldon Keefe during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. In Toronto, Hakstol was a vital member of the coaching staff, focusing on defense and penalty killing strategies. His analytical mindset was a valuable asset for the Maple Leafs during those seasons.
He left Toronto to become the first head coach in Seattle Kraken history, leading the team to its inaugural playoff appearance in 2023 with a 46-28-8 record. Hakstol, a Jack Adams Award finalist, was relieved from his duties after the Kraken missed the playoffs in his third season.
During his time away from the NHL, Hakstol also served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup Hockey Tournament.
This marks Hakstol’s fourth NHL coaching position. He first entered the league as the Philadelphia Flyers’ head coach in 2015. Before that, he spent 15 years coaching at the University of North Dakota, including 11 years as head coach, and also played there, serving two years as team captain.
Given Hakstol’s defensive coaching style, he should be a strong fit for the Avalanche, a team that consistently competes deep into the playoffs. If his second stint as an NHL assistant is anywhere near as impactful as his head coaching tenure, he could significantly enhance Colorado’s defensive performance in the fiercely competitive Central Division.
(Fan Take) Hakstol’s return to an NHL assistant role with a top team like the Avalanche is big news for hockey fans, as it brings a seasoned defensive mind back into the fold of a playoff contender. His influence could be pivotal in shaping a stronger, more disciplined Avalanche squad, possibly altering the balance of power in the league.
