Tensions are heating up in Dallas, and it’s not about the summer sun. The Dallas Stars are reportedly at odds with head coach Pete DeBoer, particularly following some controversial decisions and comments in the Western Conference Final. Rumblings from the locker room suggest players were not thrilled with DeBoer’s coaching style, especially his handling of key player Jake Oettinger during a crucial Game 5 showdown.
DeBoer’s contract ties him to the Stars until the 2025-26 NHL season concludes, giving the organization ample time to mull over the feedback from their roster. The heart of the matter seems to be DeBoer’s abrupt decision to bench Oettinger after conceding two early goals on as many shots. It’s the kind of decisive action that can stir a pot – and it certainly did here.
Adding fuel to the fire, DeBoer’s postgame comments didn’t exactly pour water on the situation. Critiquing Oettinger’s performance post-elimination, DeBoer remarked, “I didn’t blame it all on Jake, but the reality is if you go back to last year’s playoffs, he’s lost six of seven games to Edmonton. And we give up two goals on two shots in an elimination game. … That’s a pretty big sample size.” Now, whether his analysis holds weight, airing such grievances publicly is another story, and it seems the Stars’ roster is less than impressed.
Shifting the spotlight to other Western Conference news, the Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final with some positive news: Connor Brown is set to make his return. Mark Spector of Sportsnet reported that Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Brown’s comeback for Wednesday. Brown’s absence from the tail end of the Western Conference Final, following a tough hit from Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic, was notable, but his return could provide a timely boost.
In other roster news, former Oilers forward Drake Caggiula is taking his talents overseas. Caggiula, who spent the majority of the 2024-25 season lighting up the scoreboard with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, will now lace up for Lausanne HC in the NL – marking his first professional stint abroad. His solid performance last season, with 24 goals and 52 points in 62 games, will surely be missed by Edmonton.
