Ex-Flames coach Gulutzan named Oilers assistant

Former Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan was one of several assistant coaches hired by the Edmonton Oilers on Friday.

Along with Gulutzan, Trent Yawney and Manny Viveiros were named assistants on head coach Todd McLellan's staff.

"We targeted these three individuals for their specific talents, experience and compatible personalities. We were happy to get these guys," said Oilers president of hockey operations and general manager Peter Chiarelli during a press conference.

The Flames fired Gulutzan and his assistant coaches last month after a 37-35-10 record this season. The Flames were in the hunt for a playoff spot, but a stretch of seven consecutive losses in March derailed their hopes. Calgary finished with 84 points, 11 points shy of a wild-card berth.

The Flames made the postseason last season, Gulutzan's first on the job, after going 45-33-4 but were swept in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.

Gulutzan, 46, previously coached the Dallas Stars for parts of two seasons from 2011-13. He has a 146-125-23 career record in the NHL.

"Glen Gulutzan has a variety of experiences at the National Hockey League level as well as the minor league level," McLellan said during a conference call. "He understands what it's like to be a head coach, especially in Canada, western Canada and in particular, Alberta. That's a strong asset for us to have. He brings an upbeat personality and a good hockey mind. I'm going to use him in all situations."

Yawney, 52, has spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach with the Ducks while Viveiros, 52, joins the team after a championship run as coach of the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos.

The Oilers finished this season 36-40-6, with their 78 points ranking 13th of the 15 teams in the Western Conference.

--Field Level Media