Rumour Roundup: Can Stars smooth things over with Oettinger?

Discussion persists regarding Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer`s debated choice to remove starting goalie Jake Oettinger from Game 5 of the Western Conference Final.

Oettinger was replaced by DeBoer after conceding two goals on his first two shots. DeBoer seemingly placed responsibility for the team`s playoff-ending 6-3 loss last Thursday on the netminder.

On the “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” on Monday, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman debated the possibility of the relationship between Oettinger and the team being repaired.

Friedman expressed certainty that Oettinger would not be leaving Dallas.

“I don`t believe the Dallas Stars will trade Jake Oettinger,” Friedman stated. “Even if Oettinger requested a trade, the Stars` likely response would be, `We just signed you to an eight-year deal. We have no desire to do that, and we will find a resolution.`”

A similar situation occurred previously in Dallas. Friedman recalled 2018 when then-CEO Jim Lites publicly criticized star forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Both players remained with the team; Benn, despite nearing free agency on July 1, recently indicated he wants to stay.

“Lites` strong public criticism significantly upset both players, but they managed to resolve the situation,” Friedman commented. “I believe the Stars aim for a similar outcome here. They are aware Oettinger was upset and embarrassed and, like with Benn and Seguin, I think they will work to resolve this.”

He continued, “Undoubtedly, there are hurt feelings that need addressing. However, if they could smooth things over with Benn and Seguin after the Jim Lites incident years ago, there`s no reason they can`t resolve this. General manager Jim Nill, who is still in charge, is a calm yet competitive individual driven to win. He managed the previous situation and I believe he can handle this one as well.”

Friedman also suggested DeBoer is unlikely to be fired, but the team will evaluate next season`s performance before considering extending his contract.

Boston Coaching Search Update

As the Boston Bruins continue seeking a new head coach, interim coach Joe Sacco is reportedly no longer a candidate.

According to Friedman`s sources, Sacco was informed he would not be retained as other candidates have been interviewed.

“There`s been significant discussion around Marco Sturm, the Ontario Reign`s AHL coach, and I heard his interview last week went very well,” Friedman noted. “They also interviewed Mitch Love, a Washington Capitals assistant, Jay Woodcroft, the former Oilers coach, and Bruins assistant Jay Leach last week.”

Friedman added Misha Donskov, an assistant coach with the Stars, to the list of potential candidates, noting he`s now available for interviews since Dallas is out of the playoffs.

“He`s available for in-person discussions now if they wish, but we`ll see,” Friedman stated. “Boston had a busy week interviewing candidates, and as I mentioned, I was told Sacco would not return as head coach.”

Friedman speculated on Sacco`s next potential role, suggesting he might join the Toronto Maple Leafs` coaching staff following associate coach Lane Lambert`s departure for the Seattle Kraken head coach position.

Sacco, an NHL veteran of 13 seasons, was a 1987 draft pick by the Maple Leafs and briefly played alongside current head coach Craig Berube in Toronto.

Pittsburgh Coaching Search Status

Kyle Dubas, the Pittsburgh Penguins executive, is also searching for a new head coach, though Friedman is now less certain that Mitch Love is the top candidate.

“I`ve always been advised to trust my instincts and stick with them unless there`s a clear reason to change,” Friedman commented. “I`ve recently heard that Love being the guy in Pittsburgh is not a certainty.”

Friedman mentioned that former Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith, Jay Woodcroft, and New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse have interviewed, with potentially other candidates also being considered.

“This might be premature, but I`m unsure how quickly Dubas intends to make a decision… things can change rapidly,” Friedman remarked. “I`ll just say my confidence that Love is the front-runner is lower than it was earlier in this process.”

CHL-NCAA Transfer Landscape

Following the London Knights` Memorial Cup win, activity is expected to increase regarding junior hockey players potentially transferring to NCAA programs.

Already, Victoria Royals forward Cole Reschny and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff have verbally committed to North Dakota, and Erie Otters forward Malcolm Spence is committed to Michigan.

Gavin McKenna, a standout for the Medicine Hat Tigers and a potential top pick in 2026, has been mentioned in transfer rumors, while his teammate Cayden Lindstrom has been linked to Michigan State.

“NCAA hockey fans are familiar with the turmoil the transfer portal has brought in recent years,” Friedman commented. “Player movement is unprecedented, and now, for the first time, we`re seeing a significant impact on both the CHL and NCAA. The long-term implications are unclear; while we`re seeing more players move, the ultimate direction is unknown.”

Friedman believes this will be handled on a player-by-player basis, not as a single, universal solution.

“Not all NCAA schools are alike,” he stated. “Some are powerhouses with large budgets, others are smaller, similar to the CHL landscape. London, the Memorial Cup winner, is a major organization, but not all CHL teams are. Smaller markets and teams won`t have the same capabilities as London.

“It will depend on the individual player and the specific team,” he concluded. “Some players joining programs like North Dakota or Michigan will be highly impressed, while others going to different schools might find it comparable to their current situation.”

Friedman noted that players retain the option to return to the CHL until January 10 and speculated whether any might do so if their NCAA experience isn`t meeting expectations.

Friedman is confident that this trend will push CHL teams to improve.

“CHL teams must now ask themselves, regardless of size or budget: Are we doing everything possible to make players want to stay here?” Friedman emphasized. “The answer needs to be a resounding yes. This should compel teams to elevate their standards.”