Pete DeBoer: What you need to know about the Islanders' new head coach
Then-Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer looks on during the third period in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 23, 2025, in Dallas. Credit: AP/LM Otero
The Islanders named Pete DeBoer as their new head coach on Sunday when they fired Patrick Roy amid a 3-7 slump during their playoff push. Here's what you need to know about DeBoer.
Age: 57
Hometown: Dunnville, Ontario
Previous NHL teams coached: Panthers (2008-11), Devils (2011-14), Sharks (2015-19), Vegas (2020-22), Stars (2022-25)
NHL coaching record: 662-447-152
Playoff appearances: 10
Playoff record: 97-82
Best finishes: Stanley Cup Final appearances with Devils in 2012 and Sharks in 2016.
Scouting report: DeBoer is known for quickly turning around the fortunes of his teams with an aggressive offensive system that also emphasizes defensive structure. He has a reputation as a very good communicator and as a coach players quickly come to trust. However, DeBoer has drawn some criticism for not being able to lead a team to lifting the Cup, particularly after the Stars lost in the Western Conference final three straight seasons, as well as having a win-now mentality that sometimes favors veterans.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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