Less than a week after Jacques Lemaire stepped down as head coach of the Minnesota Wild, team owner Craig Leipold announced that GM Doug Risebrough is done as well. From the Wild:
"The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise's solid foundation and winning tradition," said Leipold. "The positive impact of Doug's service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best."
The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the Team's next Head Coach.
Tom Lynn, the team's assistant GM, takes over on an interim basis.
With this move, there's only one thing to say: "R.I.P. Minnesota Wild, 2000-09; Beloved Trappers, Trusted Postseason Teasers."
That era in Wild history is over and done. The slate is being wiped clean in a way no one could have anticipated this off-season. Risebrough was the only general manager in team history, just as Lemaire was the only coach in team history.
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune writes that Leipold agonized over this decision, and rightfully so: We're witnessing the rebirth of a franchise from one managerial and coaching doctrine to whatever the Wild look like in a post Risebrough/Lemaire world. With a handful of free agents, how much change is yet to come in Minnesota? And, if you're one to believe he's that vital to the organization, what does this regime transformation mean for Marian Gaborik, if anything?
Sports
Exciting times for the Minnesota Wild. Wait, did we just write that?
(Thanks to Puck Buddy Daniel for the tip.)
