Todd Richards hired as Columbus Blue Jackets’ Assistant Coach following his release as Minnesota Wild’s coach
In a move to reorganise and freshen up the team with new management, Minnesota Wild relieved its head coach, Todd Richards, who had served Wild for two seasons, both in which it was unable to grab a playoff spot.
He was replaced by 37-year-old Mike Yeo, the coach of Minnesota’s farm club, Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Richards, a former National Hockey League (NHL) player, was drafted in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal Canadiens as the 33rd pick overall in the second round.
He was shifted to the then Hartford Whalers and played professionally with Whalers for two seasons. Most of his career as a hockey player was spent with the AHL franchise, Springfield Indians and some in the International Hockey League (IHL)
The 44-year-old replaced Bob Boughner as Columbus Blue Jackets’ assistant coach, who relinquished his duties after serving the team for only one year.
"Anytime you can add a coach who has head-coaching experience in our league, it's a big plus", Blue Jackets’ general manager, Scott Howson, said about Richards being an experienced coach. "One of the things that is intriguing about Todd is he's had success
on the power play".
Scott Arniel, Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach, was in need of someone of Richards’ calibre and when Richards got released from Minnesota, he eyed it as the perfect opportunity.
"I've coached against him numerous times and have always had great respect for him and how he prepared his teams", Arniel said. "Having been a part of the Minnesota, San Jose and Pittsburgh organizations the past several years, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge
and experience that will be very valuable to me, our coaching staff and players".
Before becoming the head coach for Minnesota, Richards was also an assistant to well known San Jose Sharks’ coach, Todd McLellan, during the 2008-2009 season.
His experience in both the major and minor leagues as a player and coach will certainly be an asset for Blue Jackets that is struggling and hoping to come up big in the upcoming season.
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