Among the Wild's final moves of the offseason is one of its most significant.
After firing Paul Fenton as general manager last month, the team's unusually late search for a replacement ended Wednesday when the organization hired former Penguins executive and NHL standout Bill Guerin as the fourth GM in franchise history — an acquisition that installs someone described by former colleagues as a charismatic, determined and experienced leader at the helm of the Wild.
Guerin will be introduced Thursday at Xcel Energy Center at a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m..
"He understands players," Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford said. "He understands what they go through. I think that's a big thing. It's not long ago since he played, so he understands today's game and today's players."
With its roster nearly set, the Wild created a gaping hole at the top of its organizational depth chart when it dismissed Fenton on July 30 — an abrupt departure that capped a tumultuous, 14-month tenure that included the team missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Barely three weeks later, the Wild selected the 48-year-old Guerin from a robust list of candidates that was vetted by owner Craig Leipold, team President Matt Majka and executive adviser Mike Modano (a former teammate of Guerin's). Former Flyers GM Ron Hextall, Canadiens assistant GM Scott Mellanby and Hurricanes GM Don Waddell were among those who interviewed for the vacancy, a league source said. The team announced Guerin will receive a multiyear contract.
For the previous five seasons, Guerin was the Penguins' assistant GM and served as GM of their American Hockey League affiliate for the past two. Although Seattle ultimately tabbed the experienced Ron Francis to become its inaugural GM earlier this summer, Guerin was on its radar — a nod to his growing profile.
"Really good person. Really passionate person," said Oilers bench boss Dave Tippett, who coached Guerin when the two were with the Stars. "Got along so well with his teammates and [is] obviously committed to winning. … I think that's a really good pick for Minnesota."