The Minnesota Wild are about to embark upon the most significant offseason in franchise history. After the resignation of head coach Jacques Lemaire Saturday, the Wild were left to search for a replacement for the franchise's only coach. Now, they have to search for his boss, too. Wild owner Craig Leipold has fired the only general manager the franchise has ever known, Doug Risebrough. Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune was the first to report the move, citing "two outside NHL sources" in his report.
Leipold issued a statement on the Wild's website.
I wanted to personally be the one to tell you of my very difficult decision not to renew Doug Risebrough's contract beyond the 2008-2009 season. I have agonized over this decision for some time now, but ultimately, I reached the conclusion that change was in order.The statement goes on to say that assistant general manager Tom Lynn will serve as acting general manager. No word yet on if he could be a candidate for the permanent job.
I cannot begin to thank Doug enough for all that he has done for this organization over the past nine years. When he arrived he brought instant credibility, expertise and extraordinary work ethic to an expansion franchise in desperate need of those things. He then worked tirelessly to build the Minnesota Wild into one of the premier franchises in the NHL. So much of our success – on and off the ice – is directly attributable to Doug's leadership and his legacy will remain evident for years to come in the aura of success and winning tradition that defines this place. I know that you'll join me in wishing Doug and his family the very best.
