Opinion: Dave Hakstol Didn’t Leave Colorado in a Vacuum

Dave Hakstol's departure from the Colorado Avalanche has left many scratching their heads, especially considering the unusual timing. Just days after Jared Bednar signed a four-year extension with the team, Hakstol was already on his way to Arizona State University to take on the role of head coach. While there's no concrete evidence of tension between the two, the coincidence certainly raises eyebrows.

Reports had been circulating for days that Hakstol was leaving Colorado for Arizona State, with the Avalanche only confirming permission for an interview. Then came Wednesday night's game against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena, with reports suggesting it would be Hakstol's final game with the Avalanche. Colorado lost 3-2, and Bednar was asked about his assistant afterward, with no real update given. By Thursday morning, the news was official – Hakstol was leaving Colorado.

What makes the timing even stranger is Bednar's extension, which now keeps him under contract through the 2030-31 season. This long-term stability behind the bench might have played a role in Hakstol's decision, but it's still unclear. Hakstol has been a head coach before, with a strong track record, so the allure of another opportunity can't be discounted.

Adding another layer to the mystery is the close connection between Hakstol and his son, Brenden, who plays for Arizona State's club hockey team. Whether being nearer to his son factored into the decision remains unknown, but it's an intriguing detail to consider. Meanwhile, Arizona State is also dealing with its own issues, following Matthew Mayich's exertional heat stroke during a team workout.

The incident has raised concerns about player safety and accountability, and both the coach and the university have since parted ways amicably.

Despite these challenges, Hakstol brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table, particularly in the defensive side of the game. His tenure in Colorado had its struggles, but his contributions should not be overlooked. Regardless of the reasons behind his sudden departure, Hakstol deserves credit for his work in Colorado. The timing of his exit is hard to ignore, leaving many questions unanswered until further clarification emerges.