The Minnesota Wild have struggled during the early part of the 2023-24 NHL season. The Wild are 5-10 and are in second-to-last place in the Central Division. Amid the team's subpar start, the franchise has taken a stance on head coach Dean Evason's future. Minnesota is parting ways with Evason, per Michael Russo.
The Wild seek new leadership after a slow start
Minnesota looks to turn around its season with a new head coach. The Wild had high expectations coming into the 2023-24 season after finishing the previous year with a 46-25 record. The team made the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and put up a good fight against the Dallas Stars.
Now, the franchise frantically looks to an end to the team's cold streak. The Wild have lost seven games in a row and have not been able to perform well offensively or defensively.
Dean Evason helped Minnesota all he could during his four-year stint with the team. In addition to the team's 22-23 showing, Evason helped the Wild to a second-place Central Division showing after winning 52 games during the 21-22 season. The team has struggled to exit the early stages of the Playoffs.
The franchise must take a multi-faceted approach to turn the season around. Despite Minnesota's subpar start, the team has some bright spots.
Veteran winger Mats Zuccarello leads the team in points (21) and assists (16), both of which rank in the top 30 of the NHL. Zuccarello is a great asset for Minnesota as they look to potentially rebuild their team.
The Wild still have a chance to turn their fortune around amid the team's coaching change.