Eakins is set to take over for the fired Randy Carlyle, the Los Angeles Times has learned, having coached the team’s minor league affiliate San Diego Gulls for four seasons.
This would be his second NHL coaching opportunity following an 18-month tenure with the Edmonton Oilers that ended in his firing in 2014. With the Ducks, Eakins has helped grow the franchise’s prospects, such as Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour, and more recently Maxime Comtois, Sam Steel, Max Jones and 2018 top draft pick Isac Lundestrom.
Eakins has a successful minor league coaching background. He took the Toronto Marlies to two division titles and the Calder Cup Final in 2012.