TC Martin

Golden Knights Make Another Coaching Change

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The Vegas Golden Knights dismissed Head Coach, Peter DeBour, on Monday after they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  There may be contributing factors why the did not make the playoffs, the bottom line is they did not play well down the stretch when they needed it most.  With a record of 43-31-8: 94 points left them missing the playoffs by four points.

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General Manager, Kelly McCrimmon, announced: "We would like to thank Pete DeBoer for his commitment to the Vegas Golden Knights over the past three seasons," "Since joining the organization, Pete and his staff have guided us through some of the most unique and challenging circumstances we've witnessed since our franchise entered the NHL.

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“The decision was made based on next year, the decision was not based on last year." "I’m not going to be critical of Pete or point out specifics as to why this decision was made. I’ve got a lot of respect for Pete as a man, I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a coach. These decisions are made for the future.”

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This is the second time in three years the Golden Knights have made a coaching change. DeBoer was the second coach hired by Vegas, in 2019-20, after coach Gerard Gallant was behind the bench for the team's first two seasons in the NHL. DeBoer had a record of 98-50-12 in his three seasons in Vegas, leading the Golden Knights to the conference final in 2020 and the playoffs' penultimate round in 2021 but failing to make the Stanley Cup Final in both seasons.

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Team owner, Bill Foley, stated: "We lost a little personality" in the past few years due to the roster moves necessitated by the salary cap.” "Our goal is to get back to this identity of never giving up, never giving in and being a team. I believe we did move away from that identity somewhat with all the changes that have been made and the constant machinations," he said. "I'd say we're going to be a team now that we're 'Ready, aim, fire' not 'Ready, fire, aim.' We're going to be careful. That's a big priority for me, and I'm going to be involved in it." 

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Several high-profile coaches are available to take the helm in Vegas including: Barry Trotz who coached both the New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals. Claude Jullen who won the cup with the Boston Bruins. Paul Maurice, Alain Vigneault and Mike Babcock.

 

Vegas Golden Knights fans will once again have to wait and see who will lead the team.