"I want to thank all of the owners, general managers and coaches that gave me the opportunity over the last three decades to work in the game that I love so dearly," Wilson said. "As I look back on my time as a coach in the NHL, I feel a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Very few individuals in their coaching career have the opportunity to work with incredibly talented athletes like Seregi Zubov, Derian Hatcher, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan Suter, Matt Niskanen, Jared Spurgeon and John Klingberg. These are a few of the names that stand out, but this list can go on and on involving all positions. The game of hockey has provided my family and I so many opportunities and we are forever appreciative."
Wilson, 67, just completed his second stint behind the Stars' bench as he previously served as an assistant coach with the Minnesota North Stars from 1992-93 and then the Dallas Stars from 1993-2002. Wilson also spent a short time as head coach of the Stars during the 2001-02 campaign, posting a 13-11-7 record over 32 games, before serving as the team's associate coach from 2002-09. In total, he spent 18 seasons with the Stars organization, earning a Stanley Cup with the club in 1999, as well as two Presidents' Trophies, two Western Conference championships and seven division titles.
"We are grateful to Rick and all that he has brought to the Dallas Stars organization and the NHL over his many seasons behind the bench," Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill said. "He has left a lasting impact on this franchise through the countless hours he's spent teaching, instructing and developing players as well as preparing them to perform at the highest level on the ice."
The Prince Albert, Sask. native began his NHL coaching career in 1988-89 as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders for one season before acting in the same role with the Los Angeles Kings from 1989-92. Following his time with Dallas, Wilson served as associate coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning for one season in 2009-10. He then was hired as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wild where he spent six seasons from 2010-16. Prior to his return to the Stars, Wilson spent the 2016-17 season with the St. Louis Blues.
In addition to his time behind the bench, Wilson played defenseman for four seasons in the NHL. Originally selected by Montreal in the fifth round (66th overall) of the 1970 NHL Draft, the blueliner recorded 32 points (6-26=32) in 239 career regular-season NHL contests with Montreal, St. Louis and Detroit. He also skated in three postseason games in his career.
