Lemaire Returns to Devils Bench

UPDATE: The Devils have made it official.

It's a story that really isn't all that shocking at all. The only surprise might be how long it took for the move to be made.

The New Jersey Devils are going to replace coach Brent Sutter -- now with the Flames -- with a very familiar face. Former Devils coach Jacques Lemaire, who led New Jersey to the Stanley Cup in 1995, is reportedly set to make his return to the club as head coach.

The 63-year-old Lemaire spent nine seasons as head coach of the Minnesota Wild. He led the Wild to three playoff appearances, including a stunning run to the Western Conference Finals in 2003. For much of that time, he was chided for encouraging a "boring" style of hockey, even though he often was able to take lesser-talented Minnesota teams and make them competitive against the league's best.

Lemaire looked to see the writing on the wall after the 2008-2009 season, and he resigned shortly before general manager Doug Risebrough, who had brought Lemaire to Minnesota, was fired. Thanks to injuries that affected guys like now-former Minnesota star Marian Gaborik, this past season's Wild team might have been one of the worst since the expansion team. Instead of letting them flounder at the bottom of the Western Conference, Lemaire kept the Wild in contention for a playoff spot in what could have been his best coaching job yet.

While there were reports of clashes with some Wild players, there's no question Lemaire can still coach. Reunited with good friend and former boss Lou Lamoriello, Lemaire will likely have to adapt a little bit.

The Devils were more of a wide-open team under Sutter. How will centers Zach Parise and Travis Zajac feel about a system that would likely take away some of their creativity? On the bright side, Lemaire has a likely ally in Brian Rolston, who was signed as a free agent from Minnesota in the summer of 2007. Rolston always seemed to appreciate Lemaire's coaching, and his departure may have paved the way for some of the acrimony that was reported this past season.

For Devils fans, it's a bit of a double-edged sword. Lemaire's teams were always well-prepared and ready to play, and they were usually successful. However, the stigma he carries with them can make life difficult for a fan, especially if the team isn't winning.

Lamoriello is taking a bit of a risk. If Lemaire can relate to his younger, faster team, things should go well. If things go sour, will Lamoriello figure it out before it's too late?