Dave Hakstol is leaving Jared Bednar's Colorado Avalanche staff after Arizona State announced a major coaching change by firing Greg Powers Thursday morning.
Arizona State has officially parted ways with longtime head coach Greg Powers, reaching a mutual agreement to end his tenure with the Sun Devils. The school has hired Hakstol as its new head coach.
The announcement was reported Thursday by The Athletic's Katie Strang, confirming a move that had been developing throughout the week. For Colorado, it means losing an experienced assistant just as the NHL season gets underway.
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Hakstol's departure comes after the Avalanche granted him permission to speak with Arizona State. Bednar now faces an unexpected adjustment behind the bench, with his coaching staff changing during the opening stretch of the schedule.
The circumstances surrounding Powers' departure are particularly serious. Arizona State placed him on administrative leave following an investigation into an August workout that left defenseman Matthew Mayich hospitalized on life support.
The university had been examining allegations surrounding the hockey program, putting considerable pressure on its leadership to make a decision. Thursday's announcement officially closes Powers' tenure while the broader investigation remains an important issue.
Dave Hakstol's departure forces an Avalanche coaching adjustment
Hakstol brings extensive experience to Arizona State, having previously served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken before joining Colorado's coaching staff.
His return to college hockey is particularly notable given his successful tenure at North Dakota, where he established himself as a respected bench boss before making the jump to the NHL.
For the Avalanche, the timing creates an immediate vacancy. Colorado must adjust its coaching responsibilities while maintaining continuity with its players, particularly when it comes to preparation and in-game decisions.
Brett MacLean has been reported as Hakstol's replacement on the Avalanche bench, giving Bednar another experienced hockey voice to work with as the season continues.
Meanwhile, Hakstol inherits an Arizona State program facing questions that extend well beyond its performance on the ice. Restoring stability inside the locker room will be among his first challenges.
The Sun Devils are scheduled to visit UMass Lowell for a two-game series, giving their new head coach an immediate opportunity to begin working with his players.
It's a significant coaching shakeup connecting an NHL contender with a college program facing serious scrutiny. Colorado loses Hakstol's experience, while Arizona State turns to him for a fresh start.
Will Dave Hakstol's departure hurt the Colorado Avalanche this season?
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