The Dallas Stars need a new head coach. There are a few good options on the market, but some are former head coaches who have been recycled from multiple teams. Former Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft is not one of them. The former Edmonton coach has been out of the league since being dismissed as head coach in November 2023. Here’s why the Dallas Stars should give him a look.
The Dallas Stars Situation Is Similar To Woodcroft’s Oilers
The Stars are in a good position to contend for a Stanley Cup right now, just like the Oilers were when Woodcroft was at the helm. Woodcroft’s firing at the time felt more like a move necessary based on the Oilers’ poor start, rather than a disdain for Woodcroft’s coaching style. The Oilers started 3-9-1 in the 2022-2023 season before Woodcroft was let go for Kris Knoblauch.
Woodcroft wouldn’t have superstars in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, but he would inherit a team that is complete from top to bottom. His playoff success wouldn’t match Pete Deboer’s three straight appearances to the Conference finals, but Woodcroft had a .643 points percentage during his time as Oilers head coach. That number is worthy of another shot at coaching.
Woodcroft Is the Type Of Coach Dallas Needs
After the Pete Deboer firing, the Dallas Stars do not need experience behind the bench. If Deboer couldn’t get them over the hump, then there’s no other coach to think of that could get them to the Cup. Woodcroft has a small sample size in the NHL but had incredible success. What would be the harm with the Stars giving a coach who has a great record a shot? The Stars need to shake something up, as the expectations are higher than making the Conference Finals every season.
Last Thoughts
Woodcroft would provide a fresh voice behind a Dallas Stars bench that desperately needs it. He has a track record of having great success in the NHL, just with less postseason success than Deboer. Woodcroft’s track record should earn him another shot at coaching in the NHL.
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