Darryl Sydor Rejoining Wild as Assistant Coach: Latest Details and Reaction

Former NHL defenseman Darryl Sydor is set to rejoin the Minnesota Wild as an assistant coach after two months away from the organization following an August drunken-driving arrest.  

Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press noted Sydor will be worked back into his duties gradually and won't take road trips with the team at the outset. The Wild provided comments from head coach Mike Yeo about the decision: "Really nice...Thought this would be a good opportunity to bring [Sydor] back. I'm very confident that he's in the right place."

Yeo stated his assistant's well-being will remain the top priority. That said, the team feels all of the proper steps have been taken to let him back on the staff.

The returning coach thanked the organization for its support during difficult times, as noted by the Wild: "I'm thankful for all the support from the [Wild], the support of my family and friends. I'm mostly thankful for a chance at recovery."

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune‎ reported Sydor had a mandatory 15-day jail sentence and attended an in-patient treatment facility during his time away. He was arrested Aug. 21 for drunken driving with his 12-year-old son in the vehicle.

Sydor was originally sentenced to 365 days in jail after pleading guilty to second-degree driving while impaired, according to Graff. But with a staggered sentence and time in a workhouse, he can avoid further jail time by proving he remains sober for the next three years.

All told, the Wild are hopeful all of the proper boxes have been checked so that Sydor can return to the bench while continuing to make positive, lasting change in his personal life.

Minnesota opens a three-game homestand against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.