Did Dean Evason get Fired by Minnesota Wild?

In a surprising mid-season move, the Minnesota Wild announced the termination of head coach Dean Evason on Monday, November 27, 2023. The decision comes after a challenging start to the NHL season, with the Wild facing a seven-game losing streak and winning only 14 of their first 19 games.

General manager Bill Guerin, responsible for the pivotal decision, revealed the coaching shake-up that not only included the departure of Dean Evason but also saw assistant coach Bob Woods relieved of his duties. To fill the void, the Wild have brought in seasoned coach John Hynes, previously at the helm for the New Jersey Devils and the Nashville Predators.

The decision to part ways with Evason and Woods was driven by the team’s performance struggles, marking a significant change in leadership to reinvigorate the Wild’s season. With a news conference planned for Tuesday, ahead of the game against St. Louis, Guerin and Hynes will likely provide insights into the reasoning behind the coaching change and their vision for the team’s future.

Dean Evason, 59, had been in charge of the Wild for three full seasons. He assumed the role of head coach on February 14, 2020, following the dismissal of Bruce Boudreau, making it his first head coaching job in the NHL after serving as an assistant. During his tenure, Evason led the team to a regular season record of 147 wins, 77 losses, and 27 ties in 251 games. However, the postseason results were less favorable, with an 8-15 record and no series victories.

In a statement distributed by the club, Bill Guerin acknowledged Evason’s contributions, stating, “Dean did an excellent job during his tenure with the Minnesota Wild, especially as head coach of our team.” Guerin also expressed gratitude to assistant coach Bob Woods for his dedication during his time with the organization.