Rick Bowness will step aside Dallas StarsAfter three seasons as head coach, the team made Friday's announcement.
Bowness, at 67, was forced to let his two-year contract end after the Stars were eliminated. Calgary FlamesIn seven games during the Western Conference Playoffs' first round. The Stars will not be able to welcome back assistant coaches John Stevens, Todd Nelson and Derek Laxdal next season.
Bowness released a statement saying that after careful consideration with Judy, it was best for the organization to let her go and give the organization the chance to move in a new direction as head coach. “I would like to thank all my fans and dedicated staff for their support during my time here. It's been an honor to represent Dallas Stars and my family.”
Bowness coached the Stars during parts of three seasons. His record was 89-62-25. He was an assistant coach and took over as coach interim after the team had parted ways. Jim MontgomeryIn December 2019. Bowness led Dallas into the Stanley Cup Final during the postseason “bubble”, which was necessitated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dallas lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. After his run, he was offered a contract for two years.
Dallas did not make the 2020-21 playoffs, but was the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Calgary, Pacific Division leader, finished the season in second place. Calgary lost 3-2 in overtime.
He was the 24th coach in team history. His.577 percent point percentage was the fifth highest in franchise history. Jim Nill, general manager, described Bowness as “one of most loved and respected individuals to ever have coached” in NHL.
Bowness' 2,562 games in the NHL as an assistant or head coaching coach are the most ever. His career record as a head coach is 211-351-76 in 638 games, including those with Winnipeg (1988-199), Boston (1991–92), and Ottawa (1992–96). New York Islanders(1996-98), Phoenix 2003-04, and Dallas 2019-2022. He also served as an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver CanucksThe Tampa Bay Lightning. Along with Scotty Bowman and Pat Quinn, he is one of only three NHL coaches to have been a head coach in NHL history.
His dedication and dedication to the game and the positive impact he had on so many players, coaches, and support staff over his five decades of service in the League are unsurpassed. Nill said that he has dedicated his entire life to the game and that the Dallas Stars are a part of his legacy. “When he was asked to lead our team, he did so seamlessly. He helped our team navigate through unprecedented global events that had a profound impact on our players and staff. From the entirety of the organization, I wish Rick, Judy, and their families all the best for the future.
The Stars are the fifth NHL team looking for a head coach during the offseason. Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden KnightsThe Winnipeg Jets. It is expected that there will be a large market for coaches, including those who have been fired like Barry Trotz or Peter DeBoer and veterans like Rick Tocchet, Alain Vigneault, Rick Tocchet, Claude Julien and Paul Maurice.
Joel Quenneville or Mike Babcock, who are two of the greatest coaches ever, might also be available. However, both have significant baggage. Former players made mental abuse claims against Babcock after he was fired at Toronto. Quenneville resigned as the Florida PanthersAfter a report detailing how the Chicago BlackhawksQuenneville, then the head coach of the team, mishandled allegations that a player had been sexually abused in 2010.
