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Dave Hakstol in Talks for Arizona State Head Coaching Job

Arizona State is in discussions with Avalanche assistant Dave Hakstol about its head coaching vacancy, with a decision expected this week.

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Arizona State Targets Dave Hakstol

Arizona State is in talks with Colorado Avalanche assistant Dave Hakstol to become the next head coach of its men hockey program. The Avalanche gave Hakstol permission to speak with the school, and conversations are ongoing. A decision on the position is expected at some point this week.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar addressed the situation on Monday. "We've granted him permission to talk," Bednar said. "That's kind of all I know right now. Joe thinks it's important, and we think it's important that we do that. Let him feel it out, and we'll go from there." Hakstol remained on the ice for Colorado during team practice on Monday.

Coaching Change Follows Player Hospitalization

The vacancy comes after Arizona State placed former head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave late last month. Defenseman Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed from severe heat stroke during an outdoor workout on August 20 at Sun Angel Stadium. It was the first day NCAA activities were permitted.

Mayich was hospitalized after the session and is unlikely to recover, according to family attorney Rob Carey. A university investigation revealed the team worked out in temperatures near 90 degrees without submitting a training plan to conditioning coaches. On September 29, seven players sent an anonymous letter to school president Michael M. Crow. The letter stated players received no water during the workout. Powers was placed on leave the next day, and assistant Mike Corbett took over.

Hakstol Brings Deep College Background

Hakstol has extensive experience at the university level. He coached North Dakota for 11 seasons from 2004 to 2015, finishing with 289 wins, 143 losses, and 43 ties. His teams reached the NCAA tournament in all 11 years and made seven Frozen Four appearances.

He later worked as a head coach in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015 to 2018 and the Seattle Kraken from 2021 to 2024. He joined the Avalanche staff in 2025.

What it means for the next game

Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars (NHL, Wed, 14 Oct): Dallas Stars win 47%, Colorado Avalanche win 53%; projected score Dallas Stars 3, Colorado Avalanche 3. Our safest pick: Stars +1.5.

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche (NHL, Thu, 15 Oct): Colorado Avalanche win 53%, Dallas Stars win 47%; projected score Colorado Avalanche 3, Dallas Stars 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.