After the 2008-09 season the Minnesota Wild were a team that was looking to change its identity and take the next step as an organization. Since the team’s inception in before the 2000 season the Wild had the same GM and Coach, the legendary ex-players Doug Risebrough and Jacques Lemaire. After years of perceived underachievement and a non-exciting offensive play both Lemaire and Risebrough were dismissed just five days apart from each other in April of 2009.
After a quick search the Wild decided on May 21st to name current GM Chuck Fletcher to replace Risebrough. A former assistant GM with Florida, Anaheim, and Pittsburgh Fletcher had a great resume and was ready to step up and take on the top position with the Wild.