Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Bylsma

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dan Bylsma made an impact.

Dan Bylsma is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He served as head coach for NHL teams including the Seattle Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. He also coached in the AHL and served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings. Bylsma led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2009, shortly after becoming their head coach. He also has served as the head coach for the United States men's national ice hockey team.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: College Hockey

In 1988, Dan Bylsma began playing college hockey at Bowling Green State University.

1989: Drafted by Winnipeg Jets

In 1989, Dan Bylsma was drafted in the sixth round (109th overall) of the NHL entry draft by the Winnipeg Jets.

1992: College Hockey complete

In 1992, Dan Bylsma finished playing college hockey at Bowling Green State University.

1994: Reached Calder Cup Finals

In 1994, Dan Bylsma reached the Calder Cup Finals.

1994: Signed with Los Angeles Kings

In the summer of 1994, despite being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, Dan Bylsma was signed by the Los Angeles Kings. During the 1994-95 labor stoppage he earned the nickname "Disco Dan".

1997: Joins Long Beach Ice Dogs

In 1997, Dan Bylsma played for the Long Beach Ice Dogs, who were the Kings' IHL affiliate.

2000: Signed by Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

In the summer of 2000, Dan Bylsma signed as a free agent with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and was made an alternate captain.

2003: End of Playing Career

Dan Bylsma retired from playing after the 2003-04 season.

January 2004: Placed on Waivers

In January 2004, Dan Bylsma was placed on waivers by the Mighty Ducks after missing 31 games due to knee surgery.

2004: Assistant Coach with Cincinnati Mighty Ducks

In 2004, Dan Bylsma became assistant coach with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the AHL.

2005: Assistant Coach with New York Islanders

In 2005, Dan Bylsma served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders of the NHL.

2008: Coaches Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

During the 2008-09 season, Dan Bylsma coached the Penguins' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

February 15, 2009: Interim Head Coach of Pittsburgh Penguins

On February 15, 2009, Dan Bylsma was promoted to interim head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, replacing Michel Therrien.

June 12, 2009: Stanley Cup Championship

On June 12, 2009, Dan Bylsma led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup championship.

2009: Stanley Cup Win

In 2009, Dan Bylsma won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, only four months after becoming the head coach.

2010: Jack Adams Award

In 2010-11, Dan Bylsma was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the league's most outstanding coach.

April 22, 2013: Fastest NHL Coach to 200 Wins

On April 22, 2013, Dan Bylsma became the fastest NHL coach ever to reach 200 wins.

January 7, 2014: Winningest Coach in Penguins History

On January 7, 2014, Dan Bylsma became the winningest coach in Penguins history with 233 wins.

April 4, 2014: Fastest NHL Coach to 250 Wins

On April 4, 2014, Dan Bylsma became the fastest NHL coach to reach 250 wins.

June 6, 2014: Fired by Pittsburgh Penguins

On June 6, 2014, Dan Bylsma was fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2014: Penguins Payroll

During the 2014-15 season, Dan Bylsma remained on the Penguins' payroll without a specific role in the organization.

May 28, 2015: Head Coach of Buffalo Sabres

On May 28, 2015, Dan Bylsma was named head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, signing a five-year contract.

April 20, 2017: Fired by the Sabres

On April 20, 2017, Dan Bylsma was fired by the Buffalo Sabres after two seasons.

June 22, 2018: Assistant Coach for Detroit Red Wings

On June 22, 2018, Dan Bylsma was hired as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings.

May 18, 2021: Departure from the Detroit Red Wings

On May 18, 2021, it was announced that Dan Bylsma would not be returning to the Detroit Red Wings.

August 10, 2021: Assistant Coach with Charlotte Checkers

On August 10, 2021, Dan Bylsma returned to the AHL as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Checkers.

June 21, 2022: Head Coach of Coachella Valley Firebirds

On June 21, 2022, Dan Bylsma was named head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

2023: Firebirds Season

During the 2023-24 season, Dan Bylsma led the Firebirds to a 46-15-6 record.

May 28, 2024: Promoted to Head Coach of Seattle Kraken

On May 28, 2024, Dan Bylsma was promoted to head coach of the Seattle Kraken.

Mentioned in this timeline

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