Report: Dave Hakstol Will Leave Avalanche Thursday, Brett MacLean New Assistant Coach

DENVER — Colorado Avalanche assistant head coach Dave Hakstol will leave the organization following Wednesday's night's game against the Dallas Stars to coach the Arizona State Sun Devils.

According to several sources, including ESPN, Hakstol will officially be named interim head coach of the Sun Devils (2-2) on Thursday in Lowell, Massachusetts, where the team is set to take on UMass in a two-game series.

Brett MacLean will replace Hakstol as assistant coach in Colorado. MacLean previously served as an assistant with the Vancouver Canucks and also played for the Avalanche during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.

Hakstol joined Colorado last summer after the team parted ways with Ray Bennett. His main priority was helping turn around an Avalanche power play that struggled throughout last season, particularly in the playoffs. Unfortunately, finding consistency has remained a challenge.

Colorado recently went four straight games without a power-play goal before finally breaking through in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Dallas. With Hakstol potentially on his way out, the timing at least gives the unit a little momentum heading into the next chapter.

The move to Arizona State also has a personal connection for Hakstol, whose son, Brenden, plays for the Sun Devils club team. The veteran coach brings plenty of experience to the college program, having previously served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken.

For Colorado, MacLean’s expected arrival would bring a familiar face back into the organization as Jared Bednar’s coaching staff adjusts to another change.

As of publication, the Avalanche are 0/3 on the man advantage as they take on the Dallas Stars with about five minutes remaining in the second period. 

However, Colorado did score a power play goal on Tuesday on the road against Dallas at American Airlines Center. 

Neither move should be considered official until the announcements are made, but all indications say Colorado could soon have a new voice working with its power play.