Avalanche Hire Dave Hakstol as Assistant Coach

The Colorado Avalanche have hired former Seattle Kraken and Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol as an assistant coach to improve their power-play unit following struggles against the Dallas Stars in the playoffs. Hakstol, a Jack Adams Award finalist in 2023, brings significant NHL experience, having led the Kraken to their first postseason and previously worked as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He replaces Ray Bennett, who departed after the Avalanche's disappointing playoff performance. Both Avalanche management and Hakstol expressed optimism about leveraging the team's elite talent for greater success. Hakstol also boasts 11 seasons coaching at the University of North Dakota and international experience with Team Canada. The Avalanche aim to use Hakstol's expertise to bolster their core and pursue another deep playoff run.