Minnesota Wild Fire Assistant Coach Darby Hendrickson

The Minnesota Wild‘s Darby Hendrickson has spent 14 years assistant coaching for his former team. The news broke on Friday, just one month after the Wild’s season failed to reach the playoffs for the second time in 12 years. While the organization has announced their decision with the long-time coach, no replacement for Hendrickson has been named.

Wild Part Ways With Longtime Figure

During his tenure, former Assistant Coach Hendrickson aided the team in achieving 566 victories and 10 years of postseason play, advancing to the second round twice. Hendrickson served under six of the seven coaches in team history. This list includes Todd Richards, Mike Yeo, John Torchetti, Bruce Boudreau, Dean Evason, and John Hynes. As for the coach he didn’t serve under, Jacques Lemaire, Hendrickson played for Lemaire in the organization’s first four years and cemented himself a role as a Wild fan favourite. Furthermore, Hendrickson will forever be rooted in the team’s history as a player. On Oct. 11, 2000, against the Philadelphia Flyers, Hendrickson scored the first-ever regular season goal.

“I would like to thank Darby for all his hard work and commitment to the Minnesota Wild during his long tenure with the organization,” said President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin during Friday’s press release. ” He has done a tremendous amount of good things for our team and the State of Hockey as a player and coach. I wish Darby and his family all the best in the future.”

Why Now?

The organization’s inability to clinch a post-season spot influenced the decision to relieve Hendrickson. Despite the scarce cap space, team owner Craig Leopold has vocalized his desire for the Wild to win and reach the post-season. Firing former Head Coach Evason did not launch the team into the playoffs. With Evason’s quick departure, Hynes inherited the staff Evason left behind. Therefore, Hendrickson’s role is victim to systematic change within the organization.

As for a replacement, no considerations have been revealed. Moreover, Micheal Russo and Joe Smith theorize the Franchise could be looking to fill the position internally. Either way, the new assistant coach will have big shoes to fill. The departure of the well-respected Hendrickson marks the end of an era.