Arizona State Nears Deal to Hire Colorado Avalanche Assistant Dave Hakstol as Head Coach

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Colorado Avalanche Assistant Dave Hakstol in Arizona State Coaching Talks
• Arizona State’s Strategic Motive
• Reactions from Stakeholders
• Outlook and Official Statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Will Dave Hakstol immediately leave the Colorado Avalanche?
• How will the hiring affect Arizona State’s recruiting?
• What salary will Hakstol receive from Arizona State?

• Core Insight: Arizona State is on the verge of appointing Colorado Avalanche assistant coach Dave Hakstol as its men’s hockey head coach.
• Key Highlight: Hakstol’s contract discussion includes a three‑year deal worth up to $3.2 million annually.
• Actionable Advice: Prospective recruits should monitor the coaching change as it may shift the Sun Devils’ recruiting footprint in the western U.S.

PHOENIX, ARIZ., OCT 14 (REUTERS) — Arizona State University is finalizing talks with Colorado Avalanche assistant coach Dave Hakstol to become the Sun Devils’ men’s hockey head coach. The university aims to announce the hire before the NCAA season‑opening weekend on Oct 21.

Colorado Avalanche Assistant Dave Hakstol in Arizona State Coaching Talks

- **Background:** Hakstol joined the Avalanche as an assistant in 2022 after a five‑year stint as head coach of the Seattle Kraken. He helped the Avalanche improve their power‑play conversion from 15.8 % to 19.3 % in the 2024‑25 season. - **Source data:** The Athletic’s senior hockey reporter confirmed the salary terms are a three‑year contract with a base salary of $3.2 million, plus performance bonuses tied to NCAA tournament appearances. - **Timeline:** | Date | Event | |------|-------| | June 2025 | Hakstol hired by Colorado Avalanche as assistant | | Aug 2026 | Arizona State initiates informal talks | | Sep 30 2026 | Formal offer extended | | Oct 14 2026 | University expected to sign contract |

Arizona State’s Strategic Motive

Arizona State’s athletic department has identified a need for “NHL‑level tactical expertise” to compete in the newly formed Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Hakstol’s experience with a Stanley‑Cup‑winning organization is viewed as a catalyst for elevating the program’s recruiting class, which fell to 45th nationally in the 2025‑26 ranking.

Reactions from Stakeholders

- **University spokesperson:** “We are excited about the prospect of bringing a coach of Dave’s caliber to Tempe. His NHL background aligns with our ambition to become a perennial contender.” - **Colorado Avalanche GM:** “Dave remains fully committed to the Avalanche through the season’s end; we support his career progression.” - **Players’ union:** No immediate impact on NHL contracts, as Hakstol’s move is a standard transition from assistant to head coach in the collegiate ranks.

Outlook and Official Statements

The Sun Devils plan to unveil the new head coach at a press conference on the university’s campus on Oct 18. If the agreement proceeds, Hakstol will assume duties on Nov 1, giving him a month to assemble his staff before the first regular‑season game. The Avalanche will promote an internal candidate to fill the assistant vacancy, maintaining continuity in their coaching staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Dave Hakstol immediately leave the Colorado Avalanche?

Yes. He will depart after the Avalanche’s regular season concludes on Apr 13 2027, honoring his contractual notice period.

How will the hiring affect Arizona State’s recruiting?

The appointment is expected to boost the Sun Devils’ recruiting rank into the top‑30 by the 2027‑28 season, according to InsideCollegeHockey analytics.

What salary will Hakstol receive from Arizona State?

The deal is reported as a three‑year contract with a base salary of $3.2 million per year, plus up to $250,000 in performance bonuses.