Stars will allow AHL coach Willie Desjardins to interview for NHL positions

One of the top available candidates for vacant NHL positions is currently plying his trade in the AHL, having brought the Texas Stars to within two wins of a Calder Cup championship. That man is Willie Desjardins, and, at season's end, the Dallas Stars will allow him to interview for any coaching job around the League.

Carolina, Florida, Pittsburgh and Vancouver are still in need of a head, and have been held off while Texas remains alive in the AHL playoffs; once the playoffs are over, general manager Jim Nill expects to receive a call or two about the 2013 AHL Coach of the Year.

“The teams have been very conscientious about the playoffs, so they haven’t asked for permission yet, but I’ll definitely grant it,” Nill said, as per the Dallas News. “I believe you want to allow your people to advance, because it’s good for the entire organization. You want your players to advance to the NHL, and you want your coaches and trainers or managers to advance. I think that’s the right way to do things.”

Prior to his AHL head coaching job, Desjardins coached the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers to a championship and a Memorial Cup appearance, and served as an assistant in Dallas from 2010-12. 

It appears as though he's quite comfortable behind the bench, and would relish the opportunity to make the jump to the NHL in that position.

“I like being a head coach, I just do,” he said. “I was very fortunate to work with two great people in Marc Crawford and Glen Gulutzan, but at the same time I like to be able to do the things I need to do. I feel more comfortable as the head coach.”

He may soon get his wish, with a Calder Cup to add to his resume.