Figure skating Olympic Champion David Pelletier brings elite skating expertise to Dallas

The Dallas Stars, new head coach Glen Gulutzan, and the addition of Olympic figure skating legend David Pelletier as an assistant coach are turning heads as Dallas looks to sharpen its speed and edge work heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

The Stars announced the hire of Pelletier, a 50-year-old from Sayabec, Quebec, who had spent the past 11 years as a skating coach with the Edmonton Oilers.

He now steps into a full assistant coaching role for the first time, joining Gulutzan's revamped bench. Pelletier is best known for his decorated figure skating career, where he and partner Jamie Salé captured a gold medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics after a historic judging scandal reshaped the podium.

His full career timeline can be found at Olympic.ca.

Pelletier's Skating Expertise Could Be a Difference-Maker for the Stars' Offense

Beyond his Olympic triumph, Pelletier and Salé also earned a world title and three Canadian championships, cementing their status as two of Canada's most decorated athletes.

His ability to teach elite-level edge control, balance, and acceleration could directly benefit the Stars' younger forwards and puck-moving defensemen, who struggled with transitions at times last season.

In Edmonton, Pelletier was credited with helping players improve explosiveness and balance, key traits that translated into faster breakouts and more dynamic offensive zone play.

For more on Dallas' official announcement of Pelletier's role and his coaching background, you can read TSN's report here: TSN.

I think Pelletier's arrival signals a clear commitment to speed and skill development, something that could give Dallas an extra gear in tight playoff series.