Anaheim Ducks announce Dallas Eakins' fate

The Anaheim Ducks officially clinched the unfortunate distinction as the National Hockey League's worst team for the 2022-23 regular season schedule last night with their loss at Honda Center to the crosstown rival Los Angeles Kings. Of course, there's a bit of a silver lining in that they now have the highest odds to be able to land the first overall selection in the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft.

But even if they do get the chance to draft phenom forward Connor Bedard, it won't be Dallas Eakins coaching him. Minutes ago, the Ducks announced that Eakins, who has served as the team's head coach since the summer of 2019, will not be retained for next season. The news was first reported by NHL Insider Elliott Friedman, and then confirmed by the Ducks organization. 

Eakins took over as head coach for the Ducks in the summer of 2019 after having spent four years behind the bench of their American Hockey League affiliate San Diego Gulls. He had also previously served as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. 

"We thank Dallas for his eight years with the organization as head coach of both the Ducks and Gulls," said Ducks owner Henry Samueli. "Susan and I are especially proud of his commitment to the community in both Anaheim and San Diego, which included countless charitable initiatives. We know Dallas will succeed in his future endeavors, as character people often do."

"This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation," said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. "At the end of the day, I simply feel that a fresh perspective and new voice will be beneficial for the team. Dallas has handled himself with class and character through a difficult season, and we wish him the best in the future."