Pete DeBoer’s Bold Game 5 Adjustments Propel Dallas Stars Closer to 2025 Stanley Cup Finals

Pete DeBoer’s tenure behind the Dallas Stars bench ended Friday morning when general manager Jim Nill announced the veteran coach had been “relieved of his duties” after three seasons. The decision comes just one week after the Stars lost Game 5 of the Western Conference Final to the Edmonton Oilers, marking the club’s third straight exit at that stage under DeBoer. Despite postseason consistency, Dallas ownership felt a new voice was needed to push an experienced roster over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Final. Regular-season success could not mask mounting frustration. DeBoer posted a 145-71-26 record (.658 points percentage) and guided Dallas to two Central Division titles, but his bold decision to pull goaltender Jake Oettinger early in Game 5 drew heavy criticism and reportedly aggravated players in the locker room. Nill cited “philosophical differences” and a desire for “a fresh approach” when explaining Friday’s move to reporters. Possible replacements • Craig Berube – The 2019 Cup-winning coach with St. Louis is available and has a hard-nosed style many believe would resonate with captain Jamie Benn and the Stars’ veteran core. • Jeff Halpern – Tampa Bay’s well-regarded assistant is seen as the next bench boss-in-waiting and has a history of driving power-play success. • Texas Stars coach Neil Graham – Promoted internally, he would mirror the club’s emphasis on youth development after shepherding prospects Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque in the AHL. Legacy in Dallas and beyond DeBoer, 56, remains one of the most successful postseason coaches of his era, having reached six conference finals with four different franchises. Yet Friday’s dismissal continues an odd pattern: he has now been fired by the Devils (2014), Sharks (2019), Golden Knights (2022) and Stars (2025) within two years of deep playoff runs. What’s next for DeBoer? League insiders expect multiple teams to gauge his interest, notably the Ottawa Senators and Seattle Kraken, both searching for experienced leadership. DeBoer is under contract for one more year at approximately $4 million, but his deal is offset if he lands elsewhere. Impact on the roster Dallas faces critical offseason decisions: pending unrestricted free agents Tyler Seguin and Chris Tanev need new contracts, and Oettinger’s public frustration could factor into negotiations on a long-term extension. Meanwhile, rising stars Wyatt Johnston and Nils Lundkvist will look to the incoming coach for continuity as they enter pivotal development years. Bottom line Firing Pete DeBoer signals urgency from a franchise with a win-now window. Dallas boasts elite talents in Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, plus an ownership group willing to spend. The next hire must convert perennial “almost there” status into a Stanley Cup parade in North Texas.