Discussion continues regarding the fallout from Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer`s controversial choice to bench starting goaltender Jake Oettinger during the fifth game of the Western Conference Final.
DeBoer`s decision came after Oettinger allowed two goals on just two shots. The coach seemed to assign blame to the netminder following the team`s 6-3 defeat last Thursday, which led to their elimination from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
During a recent episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman discussed the potential for mending the relationship between Oettinger and the team.
Friedman expressed strong certainty about one aspect: Oettinger is not expected to leave Dallas.
“I don’t think the Dallas Stars are trading Jake Oettinger,” Friedman stated. He suggested that even if Oettinger were to request a trade, the Stars would likely respond, “Look, we just signed you to an eight-year extension. We have no interest in doing that, and we’ll figure out a way to sort this out.”
Friedman pointed to a past situation within the Stars organization as a relevant example: in 2018, then-CEO Jim Lites publicly criticized star forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Although both players were reportedly very upset, they remained with the club, and the situation was resolved. Benn, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, recently indicated he wishes to stay with the team.
“[Lites] really criticized them publicly… and both players were really upset, but they sorted it out,” Friedman explained. He believes the Stars aim to resolve the situation with Oettinger in a similar manner, acknowledging that the goaltender was upset and embarrassed by the events.
While acknowledging “hard feelings” that require mending, Friedman feels confident that if the team could navigate the public issue with Benn and Seguin years ago, they can handle this situation as well. General Manager Jim Nill remains with the organization and is described as a calm yet competitive figure driven to win. Having managed the previous challenge, Friedman thinks Nill is capable of resolving this one too.
Friedman does not believe DeBoer`s job is currently at risk, but he suggested the Stars will likely evaluate the team`s performance next season before considering a contract extension for the coach.
Boston Bruins Coaching Search
As the Boston Bruins continue their search for a new bench boss, interim head coach Joe Sacco is reportedly no longer a candidate for the permanent position.
Friedman mentioned hearing that Sacco was informed he would not be retained, as the team has been interviewing other individuals for the role.
Candidates reportedly interviewed include Ontario Reign AHL head coach Marco Sturm, who is said to have performed well in his interview last week, as well as Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love, former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, and Bruins assistant Jay Leach.
Friedman also added the name of Dallas Stars assistant coach Misha Donskov to the mix, noting that he is now available for interviews following the Stars` playoff elimination.
“If they want to talk to him in person, he’s available now,” Friedman stated, referencing Boston`s busy interview schedule last week and reiterating his information that Sacco is not expected to return as head coach.
Speculating on Sacco`s potential next coaching role, Friedman wondered if he might join the Toronto Maple Leafs` staff, particularly after associate coach Lane Lambert left to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken. Sacco was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 1987 and played briefly with current Leafs head coach Craig Berube during his time in Toronto.
Pittsburgh Penguins Coaching Status
Pittsburgh Penguins executive Kyle Dubas is also in the process of finding a new head coach, but Friedman expressed some wavering certainty regarding whether Mitch Love remains the primary candidate for the job.
“I’ve always been told to trust my instincts… stick with it until I have reason to believe it’s not going to be the case,” Friedman shared, indicating he has received information suggesting Love is not guaranteed the position in Pittsburgh.
According to Friedman, other candidates who have interviewed include former Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith, Jay Woodcroft, and New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse. There may be other individuals also under consideration.
“These could be famous last words,” Friedman commented, acknowledging the rapid pace of change in such situations, but concluded, “I’ll just say I’m not as sure Love is the leader as I was earlier in this process,” suggesting a shift in his perception of the coaching search dynamics in Pittsburgh.
Developments in CHL-NCAA Player Transfers
With the conclusion of the Memorial Cup tournament, won by the London Knights, it is anticipated that there will be increased activity regarding players transferring from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to NCAA programs.
Several players have already publicly committed to NCAA schools, including Victoria Royals centre Cole Reschny and defenceman Keaton Verhoeff heading to North Dakota, and Erie Otters forward Malcolm Spence joining Michigan.
Prominent players from the Medicine Hat Tigers have also been mentioned in rumours related to NCAA moves: star Gavin McKenna, a potential top prospect for the 2026 draft, and teammate Cayden Lindstrom, reportedly linked to Michigan State.
Friedman drew a parallel between this trend and the active player movement seen for years in the NCAA`s transfer portal. “It’s bananas the player movement and now, for the first time, we’re really seeing it with the CHL and the NCAA,” he observed, adding that the long-term impact of this trend is not yet fully understood.
He believes that decisions regarding transfers will be made on an individual, case-by-case basis rather than following a universal pattern.
Friedman highlighted the variability among NCAA schools, distinguishing between powerhouse programs and those with smaller budgets, much like the difference between dominant CHL teams like London and smaller market clubs. He suggested that some players will be greatly impressed by top NCAA programs such as North Dakota or Michigan, while others might find smaller schools comparable to their current CHL environment.
Players have until January 10th to potentially return to the CHL, and Friedman speculated whether any players might opt to jump back if their NCAA experience does not meet expectations.
However, one definitive outcome, in Friedman`s view, is that this increased movement will compel CHL teams to improve their operations.
“What a CHL team has got to be asking now is: Are we doing everything in our power… to make players want to stay with us?” Friedman emphasized. He concluded that the answer must unequivocally be yes, and this pressure should drive positive changes within the CHL.
Tristan Blackwood