Ducks bring back Randy Carlyle as head coach

Carlyle's appointment was announced on Tuesday, the 60-year-old returning to take charge after Bruce Boudreau was fired in April following a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs.

In his previous stint in charge, Carlyle racked up the most wins by a head coach in franchise history, posting a 273-182-61 record from 2005-2011.

"A proven winner and motivator, Randy has expertly managed the bench throughout his coaching career," executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray said.

"Our expectations are extremely high, and I believe Randy is the coach who can lead us to playoff success and our ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup."

Carlyle led the Ducks to five playoff appearances in six seasons and their first Stanley Cup championship in 2007.

He was fired 24 games into the 2011-2012 season, though he landed a coaching stint with his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, later that campaign.

Boudreau's dismissal opened the door for Carlyle to resume his post behind the bench after being let go by the Maple Leafs midway through the 2014-15 season.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to come back to Anaheim and rejoin the organisation that gave me my first opportunity as an NHL head coach," Carlyle said.

"I've followed this team closely for the last couple of years and am familiar with the core group. I believe this team can win immediately and I can't wait to get started."

Carlyle started his 17-year playing career as a defenseman in Toronto and also had stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets. As a coach, he holds a 364-260-80 career record in addition to 36 postseason wins with the Ducks, trailing only Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock for most playoff victories.