What Happened
Arizona State is negotiating with Colorado Avalanche assistant Dave Hakstol to take over its men's hockey program, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Other candidates have been informed they are no longer in contention, and Hakstol could begin as soon as Friday when the Sun Devils play at UMass-Lowell. The vacancy opened after head coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 30 and missed the team's opening weekend, along with assistant Alex Hicks, who was present for the Aug. 20 workout in which defenceman Matthew Mayich collapsed.
Key Details
- Hakstol, 58, has been on the Avalanche bench since last season.
- He previously coached the Philadelphia Flyers (2015-2019) and Seattle Kraken (2021-2024).
- He coached North Dakota from 2004 to 2015, reaching six Frozen Fours and winning one national title.
- Mayich, 21, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and is unlikely to recover, per family attorney Rob Carey.
- Colorado could turn to former Vancouver Canucks assistant Brett McLean if Hakstol leaves, per Friedman.
What It Means
Hakstol would leave an NHL assistant role for a college program dealing with the aftermath of Mayich's collapse. His NCAA background at North Dakota gives him familiarity with the college game, though he has spent most of the past decade in the NHL. Arizona State would gain an experienced head coach as it navigates a difficult period, while Colorado may need to fill a vacancy on Jared Bednar's staff.
What's Next
Hakstol could be behind the Arizona State bench as soon as Friday at UMass-Lowell if negotiations are completed. Colorado would then need to replace him, with Brett McLean among the options mentioned by Friedman.