Todd Richards Get His NHL Coaching Shot With the Minnesota Wild

Well they always say that those who cannot do, should teach.

Apparently that’s the advice Todd Richards took after his NHL playing career failed to take off.

It was announced today that he is the new head coach of the Minnesota Wild.

Picked in the second round by the Montreal Canadiens (33rd overall), Richards never made his debut until 1990, after he finished his career with the University of Minnesota and joined the Hartford Whalers.

The former defenceman was only around for eight regular season games, with four assists. In 11 playoff games he had three helpers.

He toiled in the IHL for nearly a decade, yet his coaching abilities were clearly evident after his pro-career.

He was an an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Admirals, helping to lead his team to the Calder Cup Finals twice, winning it in 2004.

Richard then took the head coaching position for the Penguins AHL affiliate Scranton-Wilkes/Barre in 2006.

He took the AHL Penguins to the Calder Cup Final in 2007-2008.

By the way, the guy who hired him to coach in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is the new Wild GM Chuck Fletcher.

Do the math.

Richards served as an assistant last season with the San Jose Sharks.

The Edmonton Oilers were also apparently permitted to talk to Richards.