Paul Fenton has made his first moves bringing in former North Stars GM, Jack Ferreira in as a senior advisor to the GM, and Dean Evason has been named assistant coach, replacing John Anderson, who's contract was not renewed.
Ferreira has been a longtime mentor to Paul Fenton dating back to his (Fenton's) playing career. Fenton got his first front office position under Ferreira with the Anaheim back in 1993. Ferreira and Fenton have formed a special bond over their hockey careers. That relationship will be rekindled as Ferreira is a trusted confidant for Fenton as he embarks on his initial first season as an NHL General Manager.
Dean Evason has been the head coach of the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals and prior to that he was an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals for seven seasons (2005-2012). From 2007-2012 Evason served as assistant coach to Bruce Boudreau.
The Fenton connection is firmly in place with Evason, who was a former teammate of Fenton when the two played for the Hartford Whalers in the mid 80s and again with the San Jose Sharks in the early 90s. Evason and Fenton have worked together the last 6 seasons as Fenton was the GM of the Admirals.
This hiring does nothing more than add to speculation about the rest of the coaching staff. Especially after yesterday's proceedings with the Islanders, we see that timing of decisions is not always immediate.
The guys on the Buzzcast yesterday discussed the possibilities of Barry Trotz coming to Minnesota and now with an opening with the Islanders a potential landing spot for Boudreau.
Either way this is interesting food for thought and time will tell which way this all will shake out.
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