04/14/2023 – CanucksBanter

2022.23

by Ducks Staff / AnaheimDucks.com

April 14, 2023

The Ducks announced today they will not renew the contract of head coach Dallas Eakins. Eakins recently completed his fourth season as head coach of the Ducks and eighth season with the organization, serving as head coach of the San Diego Gulls in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2015-19.

“We thank Dallas for his eight years with the organization as head coach of both the Ducks and Gulls,” said Ducks owner Henry Samueli. “Susan and I are especially proud of his commitment to the community in both Anaheim and San Diego, which included countless charitable initiatives. We know Dallas will succeed in his future endeavors, as character people often do.”

“This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. “At the end of the day, I simply feel that a fresh perspective and new voice will be beneficial for the team. Dallas has handled himself with class and character through a difficult season, and we wish him the best in the future.”

Named to his current post June 17, 2019, Eakins became the 10th head coach in club history. He won his 100th NHL game as a head coach, Jan. 4, 2022 vs. Philadelphia, coached his 200th game behind the Ducks bench on April 9, 2022 at Philadelphia and 400th game as an NHL head coach April 5, 2023 vs. Edmonton.

In his four seasons behind the San Diego bench, Eakins led the Gulls to a 154-95-23 record and three trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs. In addition, San Diego led the AHL Pacific Division in wins, points (331) and points percentage (.608) in that span.

Eakins joined the Anaheim organization June 26, 2015 after serving as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from 2013-15. Eakins previously spent four seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies (2009-13). In 584 career AHL games with San Diego and Toronto, Eakins led his teams to a 311-209-64 record and five appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Eakins helped San Diego advance to the 2019 Western Conference Finals and guided his 2011-12 Marlies club to an appearance in the 2012 Calder Cup Finals.

The Dade City, Fla. native was selected by Washington in the 10th round (208th overall) of the 1985 NHL Draft, Eakins appeared in 120 career NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames. Eakins also played in the AHL and International Hockey League during his professional career, winning both the Calder Cup (2002) and Turner Cup (2000). His final professional season was with the Manitoba Moose (AHL) before retiring as a player May 26, 2004.

Source: nhl.com

2022.23

by Pittsburgh Penguins @penguins / Media Release

April 14, 2023

The Pittsburgh Penguins have relieved President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, General Manager Ron Hextall and Assistant General Manager, Chris Pryor of their duties, it was announced today by Fenway Sports Group.

John Henry and Tom Warner, The Canadian Press

John Henry and Tom Werner issued the following statement:

“We are grateful to Brian, Ron, and Chris for their contributions to the organization over the past two seasons, but we feel that the team will benefit from new hockey operations leadership. While this season has been disappointing, we believe in our core group of players and the goal of contending for the Stanley Cup has not changed.”

The search for new hockey operations leadership will begin immediately.

During this transition, the managerial duties of hockey operations will be shared among current Director of Hockey Operations, Alec Schall, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton General Manager/Manager of Hockey Operations, Erik Heasley and Hockey Operations Analyst, Andy Saucier. Head Coach Mike Sullivan will also assist during the transition.

The Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, ending the longest-active playoff streak among teams in North American professional sports. The streak included three Stanley Cup Championships (2009, ’16, ’17), four Stanley Cup Final appearances and five trips to the Eastern Conference Final. This is only the second time since Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut in 2005-06 that the Penguins did not qualify for the postseason.

Source: nhl.com