Vegas Golden Knights Fire Head Coach Peter DeBoer

LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights on Monday fired head coach Peter DeBoer after a disappointing season in which the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in its five-year franchise history.

General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a news release Monday morning that DeBoer was relieved of his coaching duties.

"We would like to thank Pete DeBoer for his commitment to the Vegas Golden Knights over the past three seasons," McCrimmon said. "Since joining the organization, Pete and his staff have guided us through some of the most unique and challenging circumstances we've witnessed since our franchise entered the NHL. After lengthy discussions over the last two weeks, we believe that a new coach will put us in the best position to succeed next season."

Plagued by injuries to key players all season and facing salary cap woes, the team finished with 43 wins, 31 losses and eight overtime losses. With 94 points, the Knights missed the playoffs, despite leading the Pacific Division at one point in the season and acquiring star center Jack Eichel in a November trade with the Buffalo Sabres.

DeBoer, 53, was named coach of the Golden Knights in January 2020, replacing Gerard Gallant. Under Gallant, the team reached the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season in 2017-18.

The team lost one round before the Stanley Cup Final in DeBoer's first two seasons before missing the playoffs this year.