Hitchcock officially introduced as Stars coach

Ken Hitchcock is back in Dallas, and it appears he couldn't be happier.

The Stars officially introduced the 65-year-old as their new head coach Thursday - marking his second stint with the organization, and first job since being let go by the St. Louis Blues in February.

"Ken is an exceptionally talented coach and we could not be happier to have him joining the organization," general manager Jim Nill said. "He is a meticulous coach who brings with him an emphasis on structure and a defensive style of play, which will accent our level of skill nicely."

Hitchcock was set on retirement after the 2016-17 season, but since his ended early, he got the bug again once fellow coaches reached out for advice.

While specifics weren't identified, Nill announced during Thursday's press conference that Hitchcock's deal is a multi-year contract, and when it expires, it will be followed up with a consultant position with the Stars.

"This is a deal where he's going to be with us for a while," Nill said.

Hitchcock, meanwhile, said the Stars opening was one of the few he would have accepted, and he's happy to be back with the club he led to a Stanley Cup in 1999.

"It's like coming home to me," Hitchcock said. "It's all about winning and this is the best opportunity for me."

The Stars missed out on the playoffs this season by a wide margin - accruing just 79 points - but Hitchcock believes his experience coaching against Dallas as a member of St. Louis will help things get on track quickly.