Arizona State is in talks with Colorado Avalanche assistant and former NHL head coach Dave Hakstol about becoming the school’s interim men’s hockey coach. Multiple outlets report that ASU’s process is close to a decision, with Avalanche coach Jared Bednar saying the team has granted Hakstol permission to speak with the university and that a decision could come later this week.
The coaching change is linked to an ongoing investigation involving an outdoor workout that left ASU player Matthew Mayich on life support. The Athletic reports that the move would see Hakstol replace Greg Powers, who is on leave while the investigation continues. Other reports describe Hakstol nearing an exit from Colorado, while the Avalanche season context includes a continuing struggle on the power play. Overall, the sources converge on Hakstol being the leading candidate and on the interim appointment being tied to the investigation surrounding the workout.
