Why Glen Gulutzan's second chance in Dallas could change everything

Glen Gulutzan's second chance with the Dallas Stars comes more than a decade after his first stint, and with Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger, and Mikko Rantanen leading the way, this veteran-heavy roster could finally give him the tools to push Dallas over the top and into Stanley Cup contention

Back then, Gulutzan was a young coach still finding his way at the NHL level. Now, after years of experience with Calgary and assistant roles in Edmonton, he returns with a more refined approach and a roster capable of competing for a Stanley Cup right away.

That combination could be exactly what Dallas needs to get over the hump after three straight Western Conference Final appearances.

What makes Glen Gulutzan's return to Dallas different this time

When Gulutzan first coached the Stars from 2011 to 2013, he was working with a roster in transition, lacking the superstar talent of today. The results were modest, with Dallas missing the playoffs both years.

But as NHL.com has pointed out, his development-first mentality helped shape players who later became NHL regulars.

This time, the expectations are far higher. Gulutzan inherits a lineup built around Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger, plus the blockbuster addition of Mikko Rantanen.

"It's rare to step into a situation where the core is this strong, this deep, and this hungry," one analyst told Sportsnet earlier this summer.

Unlike his first stint, Gulutzan doesn't need to push young players into the spotlight before they're ready. Instead, he can rely on a proven veteran group while integrating prospects like Mavrik Bourque at a steady pace. That balance may be what makes his second chance so intriguing.

As Sportsnet noted, Gulutzan's teams have always emphasized structure, discipline, and accountability.

With Dallas already among the league's most skilled clubs, adding that structure could be the missing piece in their quest for a Stanley Cup.

Personally, I think Gulutzan is walking into the perfect storm, a roster ready to win now, with his experience and second chance lining up at just the right time.