When longtime NHL coach Pete DeBoer was let go by the Dallas Stars, it wasn’t just a headline; it struck a personal chord for Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice.
The two have shared a friendship that dates back decades, starting from their junior hockey days. So naturally, Maurice was asked about DeBoer’s sudden exit just hours before the Panthers faced off against the Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Paul Maurice Reacts to Pete DeBoer’s Firing with Quiet Support and Confidence
True to his style, Maurice kept his words few but meaningful. “He’ll be alright,” he said with calm assurance. “He’s a good coach.” The message was clear for someone who’s watched DeBoer grow through the ranks: This setback is temporary, and his friend will bounce back.
Maurice explained that coaching elite teams often requires pushing them to their limits. Sometimes, that comes at a cost, whether in team chemistry, results, or timing. “At some point, you need a summer off; pick your spot,” Maurice added. He wasn’t concerned about what came next for DeBoer; he was confident that it would arrive when the time was right.
Paul Maurice on good friend Pete DeBoer getting fired in Dallas: “He’ll be all right. He’s a good coach.” pic.twitter.com/feKY6mbQK0
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 6, 2025
Their bond has always gone beyond the rink. Earlier this season, the two chatted during the NHL’s Global Series in Finland, reminiscing about their shared journey through the hockey world.
Maurice has even admitted that, apart from his current team, there are a few NHL squads he still quietly roots for, the Stars, out of loyalty to DeBoer; the Vancouver Canucks, because of GM Jim Rutherford; and his old team, the Winnipeg Jets.
DeBoer’s dismissal didn’t stem from a lack of results. During his three-year run in Dallas, he led the Stars to the Western Conference Final each season and oversaw one of the league’s most consistently strong rosters.
His Dallas teams accumulated more total points than any other franchise in the NHL during that time. But after a tough playoff exit at the hands of the Oilers, especially after the controversial decision to pull Jake Oettinger early in Game 5, questions about his future surfaced.
Though all coaching vacancies in the NHL are now filled, Marco Sturm recently took the last available spot with the Boston Bruins, it seems likely that DeBoer will only be on the sidelines temporarily. Given his impressive résumé, including Stanley Cup Final appearances with New Jersey and San Jose, teams will no doubt come calling again.
