Why Glen Gulutzan may have just landed the best job in the NHL
Photo credit: Dallas Morning News
Glen Gulutzan steps into Dallas with a roster already built for glory
When Glen Gulutzan was announced as the new head coach of the Dallas Stars, it wasn't seen as a rebuild project or a fresh start. Instead, he's inheriting one of the most complete rosters in the NHL, a team stacked with stars and primed to contend right away.
After years of experience as an assistant across the league, Gulutzan returns to Dallas with a chance many coaches never get - the chance to step behind the bench of a true Stanley Cup contender.
The Stars aren't just competitive; they're loaded. The re-signings of Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn kept veteran leadership intact. Add to that Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, and newly acquired Mikko Rantanen, and you're looking at a forward group that can match up with anyone in hockey.
As Natalie Vaitas highlighted in her piece for YardBarker, Dallas may have the most offensively gifted lineup in the league heading into the season.
Dallas Stars' strength runs deeper than their top-six forwards
The Stars' foundation doesn't end up front.
On defense, Miro Heiskanen continues to lead with elite two-way play, while Thomas Harley is turning heads after a breakout season that pushed him firmly into a top-pair role. Harley's growth might be one of the most important storylines this year, giving Dallas a reliable partner to Heiskanen.
Then there's Jake Oettinger. Despite ups and downs, he's still the backbone of the team and a goalie capable of stealing games. With his international résumé growing, Oettinger is firmly in the mix for Team USA's starting job at the 2026 Olympics.
For Gulutzan, the challenge isn't to build from the ground up, it's to turn all of this into wins that matter. Dallas has made three straight trips to the Western Conference Final, and falling short again won't cut it.
Expectations are sky-high, and for good reason. With Robertson, Rantanen, Hintz, Heiskanen, Harley, and Oettinger all in their prime, this roster is as close to «win-now» as it gets.
I believe Gulutzan has inherited one of the best situations in hockey - but that also means he'll be judged by results right away.
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