Report: Avalanche Assistant Dave Hakstol Reportedly Nearing Exit For Arizona State

The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly set to lose assistant coach Dave Hakstol, who is finalizing a deal to become the interim head coach of Arizona State’s men’s hockey program, according to reports.

The move would bring an end to Hakstol’s brief tenure in Colorado as the Avalanche continue searching for answers on the power play.

Arizona State spokesperson Jay Thorne toldThe Hockey News via text message that the university expected to announce an interim head coach within the week. Thorne declined to confirm or deny Hakstol’s involvement, though he acknowledged that speculation surrounding the hire was “flying.”

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman also confirmed that the Avalanche granted permission for ASU to speak with Hakstol and negotiations were currently ongoing.

Hakstol joined the Avalanche in July 2025 after Colorado parted ways with Ray Bennett following a seven-game first-round playoff exit against the Dallas Stars, a series that saw Colorado convert three of 21 power play opportunities.

Hakstol was hired to change that. He arrived with considerable NHL experience, including three seasons behind the bench as head coach of the Seattle Kraken, but his time in Colorado has yet to produce the results the organization hoped for.

Before the Olympic break last season, the Colorado Avalanche had the NHL’s worst power play. Although they made significant strides down the stretch of the regular season, their power play faltered again in the playoffs.

Entering this season, head coach Jared Bednar emphasized the need for improvement, pointing to a lack of speed in last year’s power-play units.

The Avalanche offered reason for optimism in their season opener, converting on four power-play opportunities in an explosive 8-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings. However, that early success has given way to a prolonged drought, as Colorado has gone four consecutive games without a power-play goal, going 0-for-12 over that span.

Hakstol’s potential departure would mark the second coaching shake-up of its kind since Bennett has since joined the New York Islanders, leaving Colorado facing a familiar challenge: finding the right formula to fix a power play that remains a critical piece of its postseason aspirations.

Hakstol, however, was present for Avalanche practice on Monday.