Bruce Boudreau has some staffing to take care of in Minnesota.
Per the Star-Tribune, the Wild have elected to part ways with veteran assistant coaches Rick Wilson and Darryl Sydor. The report comes just weeks after GM Chuck Fletcher hired Boudreau to replace outgoing interim bench boss John Torchetti.
Wilson assisted three different coaches -- Torchetti, Mike Yeo, Todd Richards -- during his six years in Minnesota, and worked mostly with the club’s defensemen and penalty kill.
Sydor had been one of Yeo’s most prominent right-hand men, dating back to their time together in AHL Houston. The longtime NHL blueliner was embroiled in controversy last season after he was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving and child endangerment, eventually getting jail time for DWI.
Fletcher has reportedly given Boudreau “free reign” to fill out his coaching staff, which may include a third open position.
Per the Tribune, it’s believed another of last year’s assistants -- Andre Brunette -- will move from behind the bench to the front office. Prior to taking a coaching gig last season, Brunette had been working as a special assistant to Fletcher.
The other coaches from last year -- Darby Hendrickson and Bob Mason -- will return in their roles. Hendrickson works out of the press box while Mason is the club’s goalie coach.
Related: With an aging core, the Wild could be Boudreau’s biggest challenge yet
