The Colorado Avalanche have officially appointed Dave Hakstol as their new assistant coach, the team announced on Tuesday. He joins a coaching staff that features head coach Jared Bednar and other key members, including Nolan Pratt, goaltending coach Jussi Parkkila, and assistant/video coach Brett Heimlich.
Hakstol’s last tenure in the NHL was as the head coach of the Seattle Kraken during the 2023-24 season, where he led the team for three years before his dismissal on April 29, 2024. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach for Team Canada during the Spengler Cup.
Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland expressed confidence in Hakstol, noting, “Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience behind the bench and will be a great fit on Jared’s staff. He has an extensive coaching background with a lot of success and will be a valuable addition to our team.”
At 56, Hakstol has amassed 523 NHL games as a head coach, with a record of 241 wins, 243 losses, and 69 overtime losses, gained primarily through his time with the Philadelphia Flyers and Kraken. His impressive resume also includes 11 successful seasons at the University of North Dakota from 2004 to 2015, during which he led the team to the Frozen Four seven times.
The Avalanche are looking to build on their past successes, and Hakstol’s extensive experience could be a pivotal factor in achieving further milestones for the team. His hiring reflects the franchise’s commitment to strengthening their coaching roster with experienced professionals.