The Dallas Stars have officially fired head coach Peter DeBoer following their elimination from the 2025 NHL playoffs. The move comes on the heels of a disappointing Game 5 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final—a game that not only ended the Stars’ season but also generated controversy around DeBoer’s coaching decisions.
DeBoer, who was hired by the Stars in June 2022, led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances, including two trips to the Western Conference Final. Despite a strong regular-season record (149–68–29) and a respectable playoff mark (29–27), the Stars failed to reach the Stanley Cup Final during his tenure. The inability to get over that final hurdle ultimately led to his dismissal.
The tipping point came in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, where DeBoer made the shocking decision to pull starting goaltender Jake Oettinger after giving up two goals in the first seven minutes. Oettinger, widely regarded as one of the league’s top young goaltenders, was replaced by backup Casey DeSmith—who had not played a game since April 26. DeSmith allowed four more goals in a 6–3 loss, a result that ended Dallas’ playoff run and triggered widespread criticism.
DeBoer’s decision baffled fans and reportedly caused discontent within the locker room. According to multiple reports, several players were upset with how the situation was handled, and questions quickly arose about DeBoer’s communication and judgment in high-pressure moments. The fallout from the move overshadowed what had otherwise been a strong postseason performance by the Stars, who had eliminated both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche in earlier rounds.
General Manager Jim Nill acknowledged DeBoer’s contributions but emphasized the need for a new direction. “Peter did an admirable job leading our team, but we feel that a new voice is necessary to get us to the next level,” Nill said in a statement. “We’re grateful for everything he’s done for our organization.”
DeBoer’s firing adds another chapter to a well-traveled coaching career.
He has previously led the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks to t
he Stanley Cup Final in his first seasons with both franchises and served as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights before joining Dallas. Though he has proven capable of guiding teams deep into the playoffs, questions about his in-game adjustments and reliance on veteran strategies have followed him throughout his career.
The Stars now face a pivotal offseason. With a talented core that includes Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson, and Roope Hintz, Dallas remains a contender in the Western Conference. However, the team will need a coach who can capitalize on that potential and help push them past the conference final barrier that has now halted them three times in five years.
The search for a new head coach is underway, and speculation has already begun about potential candidates. Whoever takes the helm will inherit a talented but impatient roster and a fanbase eager for a Stanley Cup breakthrough.