Dave Hakstol, the same coach who led our Seattle Kraken to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2023, is coaching his final game for the Colorado Avalanche tonight before taking over as interim head coach for Arizona State University’s hockey program. Yeah, you read that right: he’s going from NHL assistant to college interim, and the reason why is a complete mess.
Hakstol Out in Colorado, McLean Steps In
So, after the Avs wrap up against the Dallas Stars, Hakstol is out. He’s been their assistant coach for just over a season, hired in summer 2025 to manage the power play. You might remember the Avs’ power play was pretty rough last season, finishing 27th in the NHL, and it’s been shaky this year too, outside of a 4-for-5 explosion on opening night. Replacing him on Jared Bednar’s staff is Brett McLean, a former Avs player from 2005-07. McLean, 48, spent last season as an assistant for the Vancouver Canucks, where he ran a power play that hit 14th in the league at 21.8%, despite the Canucks finishing dead last overall. Before that, he put in eight seasons with the Minnesota Wild organization, including three years as an NHL assistant and two as an AHL head coach. So, the Avs are making a quick pivot, but the real story is where Hakstol is headed.
The ASU Program Is a Total Meltdown
Hakstol isn’t just taking any college job; he’s stepping into a full-blown crisis at Arizona State. The program’s been reeling since 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout back on August 20. Then, just two days before their season opener, head coach Greg Powers was placed on paid administrative leave on September 30 due to an ongoing investigation into the whole mess. Assistant coach Mike Corbett has been trying to keep things together in the interim. ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said they needed an experienced coach with a strong understanding of college hockey and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, and Hakstol, with his 11 seasons and seven Frozen Four appearances as head coach at North Dakota, definitely fits that bill. It’s a wild turn for a guy who’s been coaching in the NHL and even coached the Philadelphia Flyers for parts of four seasons.
It’s going to be something to watch as Hakstol, the guy who made our Emerald City proud in 2023, tries to stabilize a program that’s completely off the rails. You gotta wonder what’s next for him after this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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