Minnesota Wild Break Seven-Game Losing Streak as Dean Evason Gets Fired

The Minnesota Wild made a shocking move on Monday by relieving coach Dean Evason of his duties after a tumultuous start to their season.

Replacing Evason is John Hynes, former coach of the Nashville Predators and the New Jersey Devils, as announced by the team.

Both Evason and assistant coach Bob Woods have been dismissed by the Wild, currently struggling with a 5-10-4 (14 points) record and a troubling seven-game winless streak. Their four regulation wins this season put them tied for second fewest in the NHL.

“Dean did an excellent job during his tenure with the Minnesota Wild, especially as head coach of our team,” said Wild general manager Bill Guerin. “I am very thankful for his hard work and dedication to our organization.”

Evason, who had been in his fifth season as Wild head coach, boasted a record of 147-77-27. Despite making the postseason in all four of his previous seasons, the Wild failed to win a playoff round, including a qualification-round loss in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season.

Struggling in both offensive and defensive categories, the Wild find themselves in desperate need of improvement as they aim to secure a playoff spot.

Former Predators coach Hynes has a chance to turn the team’s fortunes around. With a history of playoff qualifications but no playoff round victories, Hynes brings a wealth of experience to the struggling Wild.

Notably, Hynes has a long-standing relationship with two of the Wild’s top executives, adding an interesting dynamic to his appointment.