Dallas Stars rumors: 5 replacements for Lindy Ruff

Lindy Ruff is out at head coach of the Dallas Stars, and here are five candidates to replace him.

Quickly after a disappointing season ended, the Dallas Stars parted ways with head coach Lindy Ruff on Sunday. Ruff’s contact was set to expire, and a fall from a Central Division title last year to out f the playoffs made his return unlikely.

Ruff is best-known for his lengthy run as coach of the Buffalo Sabres, but the Stars made the playoffs just twice in his four seasons as goaltending was a nearly constant issue. That said, Ruff should find work as a coach for next year if he wants it.

As for how the Stars will replace Ruff, they have plenty of options depending on what their focus will be. Young, old, proven or unproven, here are five candidates to be next Dallas Stars’ head coach.

5. Jim Montgomery

Montgomery has led the University of Denver to the Frozen Four in back-to-back years, with a national title win this past weekend. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported the Florida Panthers are likely to interview Montgomery, in their own search for a new head coach. But the Stars should now be next in line, if Montgomery is considering an NHL opportunity.

Montgomery’s coaching resume is in college, but he did play 122 games in the NHL for five teams over six seasons. That includes nine games for the Stars at the end of playing career, so a return to Dallas could appeal to Montgomery.