In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Wild have made the decision to part ways with head coach Dean Evason following a disappointing start to the season. Reports indicate that the team has already found a replacement in John Hynes, who is set to take over the coaching duties.
The Wild’s decision to fire Evason comes as a shock to many fans and analysts alike. After all, Evason had been with the team for just over two seasons, taking over as interim head coach in February 2020 before being named the permanent head coach in July of the same year. Under his guidance, the Wild managed to secure a playoff spot in the 2020-2021 season and showed promise for the future.
However, the team’s performance this season has been lackluster, to say the least. With a record of 12 wins, 16 losses, and one overtime loss, the Wild currently find themselves sitting near the bottom of the Central Division standings. This poor start has raised concerns among management and fans alike, leading to the decision to make a coaching change.
Enter John Hynes, who brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table. Hynes previously served as the head coach for the New Jersey Devils from 2015 to 2019, leading the team to their first playoff appearance in six years during the 2017-2018 season. He was also an assistant coach for Team USA during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and has worked extensively at various levels of hockey development.
Hynes’ hiring is seen as a bold move by the Wild organization. His reputation as a disciplined and detail-oriented coach could be just what the team needs to turn their season around. Known for his ability to develop young players and implement effective systems, Hynes will have his work cut out for him as he tries to get the Wild back on track.
While it is still early in the season, the decision to replace Evason with Hynes reflects the team’s desire to make a change and salvage what remains of their campaign. The Wild have a talented roster, including star players such as Kirill Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala, who have the potential to be game-changers. Hynes will need to find a way to unlock their full potential and instill a winning mentality within the team.
It is important to note that coaching changes can often have a significant impact on a team’s performance. The Wild are hoping that Hynes’ fresh perspective and coaching style will provide the spark needed to ignite a resurgence. However, success will not come overnight, and it will be crucial for both the players and the coaching staff to work together and adapt to the new system.
Only time will tell if the decision to fire Evason and hire Hynes was the right move for the Minnesota Wild. As fans eagerly await the team’s next game under their new coach, there is a sense of anticipation and hope that this change will be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.