Dallas Eakins will not return as coach of the Anaheim Ducks

Dallas Eakins is out as head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, as the team will not renew his contract, the team announced on Friday. 

"We thank Dallas for his eight years with the organization as head coach of both the Ducks and Gulls," said Ducks owner Henry Samueli in a release. "Susan and I are especially proud of his commitment to the community in both Anaheim and San Diego, which included countless charitable initiatives. We know Dallas will succeed in his future endeavors, as character people often do."

The Ducks finished with a 23-47-1 record this season, Eakins' fourth with the Ducks. Anaheim finished with just 58 points, finishing last in the NHL. The Ducks, for what it's worth, will have the best odds of landing Connor Bedard in the draft lottery. 

“This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation,” said Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek.