Dave Hakstol Hired as Arizona State Head Coach
The veteran coach has left his role as an assistant for the Colorado Avalanche to lead the Arizona State program.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hockey
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Dave Hakstol has accepted the position of head coach at Arizona State. He leaves his post as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche to take on the new role.
Why it matters
The transition creates a coaching vacancy on the Colorado Avalanche staff, which must now replace Hakstol to manage their power play strategy. His move marks a significant shift for the university's hockey program as they integrate his professional experience.
The Colorado Avalanche saw their power play efficiency climb to 22.2 percent this season after finishing 27th in the NHL with a 17.1 percent conversion rate during the 2025-26 campaign.
The players
Dave Hakstol
He is a professional hockey coach who has transitioned from the NHL level to lead the Arizona State program.
Colorado Avalanche
This professional hockey team competes in the NHL and is currently searching for a new power play coach.
Arizona State
This university operates a competitive collegiate hockey program that has appointed a new head coach.
The details
Hakstol previously served as an assistant for the Colorado Avalanche, overseeing a power play unit that once scored four goals in a single game against the Kings. The team is now tasked with finding a new coach to lead the power play as the season progresses.
Timeline
July 2025: Dave Hakstol was initially hired by the Colorado Avalanche.
2025-26 season: The Colorado Avalanche ranked 27th in the NHL for power play performance.
October 2026: The announcement confirmed Hakstol is joining Arizona State.
Season Trajectory
This coaching change alters the internal dynamics of the Colorado Avalanche bench mid-season, impacting their ability to sustain recent improvements in power play efficiency. The move shifts the leadership structure just as the franchise looks to climb out of their previous bottom-tier ranking.
The Colorado Avalanche must now identify a replacement to manage power play schemes and personnel on the ice. This change may alter the roster deployment or set-play tactics fans observe in upcoming games.
The takeaway
The move underscores the constant turnover in professional and collegiate coaching staff hierarchies. Arizona State now gains an experienced leader while the Avalanche must quickly adapt their specialized coaching personnel.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments on the ice in the Hockey section.
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