Pete DeBoer returns to Dallas as Islanders head coach

New York Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer is returning to Dallas this weekend to face the Stars for the first time since his dismissal from the team last season. DeBoer, who led Dallas to three consecutive Western Conference Finals, was fired less than a week after making controversial comments regarding goaltender Jake Oettinger following an elimination loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

During that postgame press conference, DeBoer had criticized Oettinger’s recent playoff performance, a move he later expressed regret for in a September 2025 interview. Ahead of the upcoming game, DeBoer described his tenure with the Stars as a “great chapter” in his career but noted he is now focused on his role with the Islanders.

Separately, Islanders rookie Victor Eklund has officially burned the first year of his entry-level contract after playing 10 games. General manager Mathieu Darche and coach DeBoer have praised the 20-year-old Swede for his relentless play and defensive intelligence.