The announcement came a day after the Ducks completed their final regular season game in a 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings that resulted in a last-place finish on Thursday night. This was Anaheim’s 13th consecutive loss.
Eakins spent eight years with the Ducks organization. His first four years were with the AHL-affiliate San Diego Gulls from 2015-19 then spent the past four season with the Ducks.
“We thank Dallas for his eight years with the organization as head coach of both the Ducks and Gulls,” said Henry and Susan Samueli, Ducks co-owners. We know Dallas will succeed in his future endeavors, as character people often do.”
"This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation," said Pat Verbeek, Ducks general manager. "At the end of the day, I simply feel that a fresh perspective and new voice will be beneficial for the team. Dallas has handled himself with class and character through a difficult season and we wish him the best in the future."
Eakins played his entire junior career with the Peterborough Petes. He was drafted in the 10th round, 208th overall to the Washington Capitals in 1995.
The loss clinched Anaheim’s last-place finish and will have a 25.5 per cent chance of drafting number one overall in the 2023 NHL draft. Connor Bedard is the current number one consensus pick.
