John Hynes became the Minnesota Wild’s head coach in February 2023, succeeding outgoing coach Dean Evason. Prior to joining the Wild, Hynes had earned a great reputation in the NHL, particularly for his coaching abilities in developing young players and his rigorous approach to team defense.
Hynes began his NHL coaching career in 2015 with the New Jersey Devils, where he was the head coach for four seasons. Despite encountering hurdles, such as minimal success in the rankings, Hynes was noted for his ability to form competitive teams. He stressed systems-based play and organization, hoping to create a strong defensive foundation while also developing a team-oriented approach.
Hynes was fired by the Devils in 2019 after failing to achieve continuous success. He was then hired as the head coach of the Nashville Predators in 2019. Hynes led the Predators to the playoffs in 2020 and continued to demonstrate his coaching abilities in managing both veterans and younger players.
Hynes had established himself as a coach capable of working with a diverse group of players and building competitive, resilient teams by the time he joined the Minnesota Wild. His ability to offer structure, accountability, and a commitment to two-way play made him an appealing prospect for the Wild, who were looking for a change of pace following a disappointing postseason.
Hynes’ hire was viewed as an effort to instill a more focused defensive approach in the Wild while also encouraging progress from the team’s youthful core. His expertise with multiple clubs and dedication to organizational improvement made him an invaluable asset to Minnesota as they sought to compete for the Stanley Cup in the coming years.