Nill said the controversy surrounding the benching of goalie Jake Oettinger was a factor in the decision to fire DeBoer, but not the only reason.

With the Stars firing Pete DeBoer on Friday, the team is now tasked with searching for a new head coach and Laviolette should certainly at least be considered.

Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer was fired Friday after three seasons with the team, getting to the Western Conference final each time but never advancing past that for a shot at the Stanley Cup.