UPDATE, 10:06 a.m. Friday: Ken Hitchcock and the Dallas Stars have made it official, announcing his retirement from coaching Friday morning. Here's what Hitchcock and Stars brass had to say about the news:

The @DallasStars have confirmed @MikeHeika's report -- Ken Hitchcock is retiring from coaching.



Tom Gaglardi: "We were honored to have Ken as our head coach and it was fitting that he finished his coaching here." — Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) April 13, 2018

Gaglardi on Hitchcock, continued: "He is a certain Hockey Hall of Fame coach and he left a lasting legacy wherever he went. He will forever be a Dallas Star and I look forward to his continued friendship." — Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) April 13, 2018

Ken Hitchcock released the following letter announcing his retirement:https://t.co/8u33NOfCAm pic.twitter.com/rePJXRJ0pf — Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) April 13, 2018

Jim Nill: "Ken Hitchcock is an icon when it comes to head coaches, not only in hockey, but across all of sports. He poured his whole life into better understanding in-game concepts and strategy, inspiring players and enhancing teams." — Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) April 13, 2018

Nill on Hitchcock, continued: "He leaves an indelible mark on the game and his influence will be felt across the sport for years to come. We want to thank Ken for all that he has given throughout his coaching career." — Scott Bell (@ScottBellDMN) April 13, 2018

Mike Heika's original story follows:

Ken Hitchcock is expected to announce his retirement from coaching Friday and accept a job as advisor with the Stars, according to a source close to the situation.

Hitchcock, 66, finishes third in all-time NHL coaching wins with 823 and fourth all-time in NHL games coached with 1,536. He also is the Stars' franchise leader in games coached (585), wins (319), playoff games coached (80) and playoff wins (47).

Hitchcock started his NHL head coaching career with the Stars and coached the team from 1995 to 2002. He won five division championships, two Presidents' Trophies, two Western Conference championships and the 1999 Stanley Cup with Dallas. He returned this season and coached the team to a 42-32-8 record, finishing 10th in the Western Conference.

He also has coached the Flyers, the Blue Jackets and the Blues in his NHL career.

The Stars will immediately begin the search for his replacement.

Twitter: @MikeHeika