Glen Gulutzan made NHL history with the Edmonton Oilers this past season.
The Oilers’ Assistant Coach engineered the best power play hockey has ever seen during the 2022-23 campaign, which converted at an astounding 32.4%. To put that number in perspective, the Oilers are only the fourth team in NHL history to eclipse 30% on the man advantage. The cherry on top of an exquisite special teams season was Edmonton’s power play clicking at 46.2% in the playoffs.
Obviously credit goes to Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl & Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (who combined for 186 points on the power play last season), but fans shouldn’t forget about the man behind the philosophy of hockey’s most exciting two minutes.
In his five seasons running the power play with the Oilers, Gulutzan has orchestrated three of the top 15 power plays of all-time.
We’re thrilled to have Gulutzan share his wealth of knowledge at TCS Live later this month. The 51-year-old Manitoban will be presenting on The Emergence of 3 Types of D-Zone Coverage in the NHL.
Prior to joining Edmonton’s staff, Gulutzan accumulated 17 years of coaching experience in various leagues including the WCHL, ECHL, AHL and NHL. As the first-ever Head Coach of the Texas Stars in the team’s inaugural AHL season, Gulutzan led the team to a 46-win season and the Calder Cup final.
His experience and success behind the bench allowed him to land two NHL head coaching gigs: one in Dallas from 2011-2013, and the other with Calgary from 2016-2018. He departed from each franchise after accumulating an overall winning record in both stints.
Gulutzan is known for his superb communication skills and the strong bonds he forms with his players. Gulutzan stresses the importance of player development and the need for coaches to stay true to themselves in order to achieve success. His years of experience coaching in hockey have allowed him to coach a wide range of players, from those in the minor leagues all the way to NHL Hall of Famers. Gulutzan knows what it takes to make a player successful and how to get them there.
There is a reason why Glen Gulutzan has achieved success everywhere he’s been. From his vast coaching experience to his dedication to players, he is everything a team wants in a coach. Add in his power play expertise, and Gulutzan possesses one of the more well-rounded coaching resumes in hockey. Fresh off of setting records this past season, Gulutzan and the Oilers remain determined to build on their success and achieve hockey’s ultimate prize.
