Fantasy Take: Bowness Not Returning As Stars Coach
Ian Gooding
2022-05-20
The Dallas Stars have announced that Rick Bowness has decided to step down as the team's head coach. Three assistant coaches (John Stevens, Derek Laxdal and Todd Nelson) will also not be returning to the Stars.
After taking over as the team's interim head coach in 2019-20, Bowness led the Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in the bubble. The Stars finished this past season with a first-round loss to the Calgary Flames in seven games.
Bowness was known for implementing a defensive structure, which was on display as the Stars played a tight-checking style in their series with the Flames. Jake Oettinger looked like a star (pun intended) in the making, as he leads all playoff goalies (minimum 60 minutes) with a .954 SV%. Coaches are often let go due to poor goaltending, but in this case, Bowness was likely left without a new contract for other reasons. Oettinger's future value will be in part tied to the new coach and his assistants.
The Stars were basically a one-line team last season. Joe Pavelski, Jason Robertson, and Roope Hintz all finished with at least 70 points. No other Stars player (forward or defenseman) even reached 50 points. A new coach may decide not to put so many of his eggs in one basket, which could spread out the scoring more and potentially cut into the production of all three at least slightly. That may also help reverse the declines of Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, another challenge that the new coach will encounter.
John Klingberg is set to become a UFA. A new coach could have input in terms of how important it would be to keep Klingberg. However, the Stars' cap situation will ultimately dictate whether he stays or moves on. The latter seems more likely, as Klingberg reportedly requested a trade this season.
Whether a coaching change helps or hurts various Stars will depend on the new coach hired. The team is expected to begin its search immediately.
Give your take on this news in this thread in the Dobber Forum.
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