Former Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup champion's career has taken a drastic turn
Photo credit: (Photo courtesy of Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY Sports)
Dan Hinote, a nine-season NHL veteran and 2001 Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche, is currently playing a leadership role with the Colorado Eagles in the Pacific Division Final.
As his career came to close with the St. Louis Blues, coaching become second nature to him.
Former Colorado Avalanche's career has taken a drastic turn.
Coaching wasn't always in the cards for Hinote, but it's turned out to be a natural path for him, writes Bradey King from Denver 7.
«It's been a whirlwind, you know, and it's been a great learning experience. I wasn't used to the travel or the logistics down here, but the personalities, they feed my soul. These guys just want to make it.» -Hinote
As the Colorado Eagles face-off against the Abbotsford Canucks in the Pacific Division Final, Hinote's leadership is shaping the next generation, shift by shift.
"I had Oshie, Perron, Backes, all these young kids coming up. And based on Peter, Joe, Foote, all those guys raising me. It was like, 'This is my responsibility.'» -Hinote
King also writes that Hinote began his coaching journey with the Columbus Blue Jacket, serving as their assistant coach from 2010-2014.
After stepping away from the game for a brief period, Hinote then returned as an assistant coach of the Nashville Predators for four seasons before departing again in 2023-2024.
In July of 2024, he rejoined his original NHL team, the Colorado Avalanche, taking on the role of associate head coach for their affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
Hinote shares the wisdom he gained from playing alongside some of hockey's greats.
"I was just a grinder on a team full of Hall of Famers. Hartley, Tocchet, Granato. If you take a little from each, you build something that works for you.» -Hinote
As players look to make the leap from the AHL to the NHL, Hinote shares this piece of advice...
«You might be first power play here, but five minutes up there, you have to fit into the puzzle that is the Avalanche." -Hinote
The Eagles currently trail their series against Abbotsford 2-1. Game 4 of the AHL Pacific Final goes Friday night. The Eagles will need a win if they want to keep their season alive.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 23 | 27 ANSWERS Former Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup champion's career has taken a drastic turn Do you think Dan Hinote will ever serve as head coach of an NHL team in the future? | ||
| yes | 19 | 70.4 % |
| no | 8 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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