Wild announce Todd Richards as new coach

SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild have formally announced Todd Richards as the teams new head coach. When Chuck Fletcher was named as a top candidate for the GM spot, Richards’ name began to be mentioned as a coaching candidate. Richards has a past with Fletcher, with Fletcher having hired him to run the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Wilkes-Scranton Penguins. Richards also plays an up-tempo style of hockey, which is something that Fletcher has promised will be installed in Minnesota. Richards is labeled an “up and comer” by many sources in the media and throughout the league. He has just one year of NHL level coaching, that being this past season with the San Jose Sharks. He coached Wilkes-Barre for two seasons, bringing them to the Calder Cup finals in 2008. According to the Wild’s press release, Richards made the playoffs in all 13 of his professional seasons as a player, and in all seven seasons as an assistant coach or head coach. The hiring of Richards comes at a critical time in the Wild’s off-season. With the draft just a few days away, and free agency on July 1, the hiring of a coach gives new insight into the draft, and gives the franchise a complete package to sell to free agents. Players who have had the chance to come to Minnesota in the past have made it clear, usually off the record, that the defensive style of play is not something they were interested in. Whether or not that new package will appeal to Marian Gaborik, the Wild’s free agent priority number one, has yet to be seen. Fletcher repeated earlier statements about Gaborik, saying that he will continue to reach out to Gaborik’s agent, Ron Salcer, but he would not confirm if any offers had been made. With a new general manager, and a new head coach in place, the Wild will likely be a different team next season. The style of play looks to be more aggressive, with the defense being freed to pinch in and become part of the offense. The center position should become more offensive oriented as well. The new system could bring some renewed success for young players that have struggled in the past such as James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot. The entire Wild organization is in flux, as Fletcher also announced the team would not retain the services of Assistant GM Tom Lynn, who also served as the Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros. With some new generals in the front office in both Minnesota and Houston, and a new commander behind the bench, the Wild organization will look to rebuild itself. From all accounts, every decision made thus far in the off-season has been met with excitement in Minnesota, and has been praised by even the sharpest of hockey critics. Owner Craig Leipold has made moves to revamp his team. The only thing remaining to be seen is if those changes will result in the changes Leipold and Wild fans want to see. The author can be reached at bryan.reynolds@prohockeynews.com