Minnesota Wild have overhauled their coaching staff, with head coach John Hynes making significant changes to his support team. The Wild announced on Friday that assistant coaches Darby Hendrickson and Brett McLean have been relieved of their duties.
The decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the team’s performance last season, which saw the Wild miss the playoffs for the first time in five years. Hynes, who took over as head coach in February 2024, has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the team.
“I want to thank Darby and Brett for their hard work and dedication to the Wild organization,” Hynes said in a statement. “However, I feel that a change was necessary to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to our coaching staff.”
In their place, the Wild have hired veteran NHL coach, Bruce Boudreau, as an assistant coach. Boudreau brings over 500 games of NHL head coaching experience to the role, having previously led the Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, and Minnesota Wild.
Boudreau’s hiring is seen as a significant coup for the Wild, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. His expertise and knowledge of the game will undoubtedly benefit Hynes and the rest of the coaching staff.
“Bruce is an exceptional coach with a wealth of experience,” Hynes added. “His ability to analyze the game and make adjustments will be invaluable to our team.”
Boudreau, who was fired by the Wild in 2020, expressed his excitement about returning to the organization. “I’m thrilled to be back in Minnesota and working with John,” he said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success.”
The move is seen as a clear indication that Hynes is committed to shaking things up in Minnesota. The Wild have struggled to find consistency in recent years, and the coaching overhaul is hoped to bring a renewed sense of purpose to the team.
While Hendrickson and McLean were well-respected members of the coaching staff, their departures were deemed necessary to facilitate change. Both coaches had been with the organization for several years.
The Wild’s players will undoubtedly be watching the developments closely, as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Boudreau on board, expectations will be high that the team can return to playoff contention.
As for Hynes, the pressure is now on to deliver results. With a revamped coaching staff and a talented roster, anything less than a postseason berth will be considered a disappointment.
The Wild’s offseason has been marked by significant change, and the coaching staff overhaul is just the latest development. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of the new season to see how these changes translate onto the ice.
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