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BREAKING NEWS: Dean Evason Returns to Minnesota Wild as Chief Hockey Officer in 2025
St. Paul, MN – September 5, 2025
In a stunning and emotional return, former Minnesota Wild head coach and longtime face of the franchise, Dean Evason, is rejoining the organization as the Chief Hockey Officer, the team announced Friday morning. The move marks a new era for the Wild as they look to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in the NHL under the guidance of one of the most respected figures in team history.
Team owner Craig Leipold and the Leipold family issued a statement, calling Evason’s return “a homecoming rooted in leadership, legacy, and a deep understanding of what it means to be part of the Minnesota Wild.”
Evason, who served as head coach of the Wild from 2020 until 2023, led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances and helped shape the club’s current core. Known for his passionate coaching style, player-first mentality, and fierce loyalty to the franchise, Evason became a fan favorite during his tenure behind the bench.
“It’s an incredible honor to return to the Wild in this new role,” said Evason at Friday’s press conference at the Xcel Energy Center. “Minnesota is home to me and my family. I never stopped caring about this organization, and I’m excited to help shape its future from a different seat at the table.”
The Chief Hockey Officer (CHO) role is a newly created executive position that will oversee all hockey operations, including NHL roster construction, scouting, player development, and the AHL affiliate in Iowa. Evason will work closely with General Manager Bill Guerin, who praised the decision.
“Dean is a natural leader who understands every layer of this organization—from the locker room to the front office,” said Guerin. “He knows what winning looks like, and more importantly, he knows how to build a culture that lasts. We’re lucky to have him back.”
This move also signals a deeper investment by the organization in creating a long-term strategic vision. Evason’s experience as both a player and coach offers a unique perspective in building competitive teams and fostering development pipelines that can sustain success.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the return of the beloved coach. Many still recall his fiery presence on the bench, his trust in young players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and his unwavering support of the Minnesota hockey community.
Evason’s connection with the Wild runs deep. Prior to becoming head coach, he served as an assistant under Bruce Boudreau and was instrumental in transitioning the team during a turbulent period. Now, as Chief Hockey Officer, he will be tasked with building a lasting legacy — not just of playoff runs, but of championships.
“The goal is the same as it’s always been,” said Evason. “We want to bring a Stanley Cup to Minnesota. And we’ll do it the right way — with heart, grit, and a commitment to our fans.”
With Evason’s return, the Wild are not just bringing back a coach — they’re restoring a culture.
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