Fletcher stresses aggressive hockey

Chuck Fletcher tried to temper visions of any radical changes, but the words and overall message Friday from the Wild's new general manager are certain to win over fans long frustrated with the team's defensive-minded approach and template.

Appearing at his introductory news conference in the main lobby of Xcel Energy Center, Fletcher promised to bring "an up-tempo, aggressive, fast style of hockey" to an organization that has been known for its neutral-zone trap and close-to-the-vest approach throughout its nine-year existence.

Fletcher stressed that he's not instilling "run-and-gun" hockey, but changes are coming. "We want to dictate the pace of play," he said.

That declaration likely came as music to the ears of fans on a day that officially marked the beginning of a new era for a franchise that has had only one general manager (Doug Risebrough) and one head coach (Jacques Lemaire).

Wild owner Craig Leipold described Fletcher, 42, as the "total package" and predicted that his arrival will spark a necessary change that should make the organization more attractive to high-profile free agents.

"What was good enough yesterday isn't necessarily good enough today," Leipold said. "It is time to get better."

The son of a Hall of Fame NHL executive and possessing a Harvard degree, Fletcher built a respectable résumé while performing a variety of duties for three different teams that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, most recently as assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2006.

Leipold said 32 candidates were given consideration, 12 were interviewed and only Fletcher received a second interview. He said Fletcher's name kept rising to the top in every background conversation. Leipold said he turned the keys over to the first-time general manager without any reservations.

"I made it real clear to Chuck that he's accountable for providing us a Stanley Cup-quality team," Leipold said. "He has the complete flexibility and independence to build his own organization, including coaches, assistant coaches, hockey operations people, assistant GMs. This is his organization. I'm not going to meddle in it."

Hiring coach is top priority

Fletcher's first order of business is to hire a coach. He said he already has a few candidates in mind but does not have a short list. He hopes to begin interviews next week and have a coach in place by the June 26 NHL entry draft.

Fletcher said head-coaching experience is not a requirement. One likely candidate is San Jose Sharks assistant Todd Richards, the former Gophers star Fletcher hired to coach the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. Peter Laviolette, Craig MacTavish and Pat Quinn would be experienced candidates.

One obvious criteria Fletcher will look for is someone who shares his vision for a fast, physical brand of hockey. Fletcher said the Wild won't abandon its defensive mind-set.

"I think this style of play is used by other teams, but I don't want to mislead people," he said. "This isn't a run-and-gun style. There's still strong defensive requirements."

The Wild's system under Lemaire was particularly defensive, and Leipold said he has heard indirectly that free agents opted not to sign with the team because of that approach. Leipold said he's disappointed that big-name free agents have shunned the team and said he believes Fletcher's arrival will excite the fan base and enable the Wild to attract "the Gaboriks of the world."

"We have everything to offer here," Leipold said. "I think the system might have been something that held them back. I believe Chuck feels that way. Other [candidates] that came through felt that way, so I think this is like the missing piece. They'll look at us in a different light now, and they'll want to come play here."

Optimism, expectations high

That obviously won't happen overnight, and the personnel has to match the system. The Wild won't automatically roll out three scoring lines next season simply because of a change in system, but Fletcher said he thinks the current team is equipped to play more up-tempo.

Re-signing Marian Gaborik, the Wild's career leading scorer, certainly would be a step in the right direction. Fletcher said his first priority is to hire a coach and figure out the rest of his front office and hockey operations (he already has asked assistant general managers Tom Lynn and Tommy Thompson to remain in their current jobs, and both have accepted).

Fletcher said he will talk to Gaborik's agent, Ron Salcer, in the "near future." Gaborik almost certainly will test the waters when he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1. But a new, less-restrictive system might give Gaborik reason to consider re-signing with the Wild.

"This is the guy right now for this team to develop our players," Leipold said of Fletcher. "His system and the way that he's talking is exactly what I think we need at this time. I'm incredibly excited."

Introductory news conferences always are filled with unbridled optimism, and Friday's was no different. But Fletcher said he understands and embraces those expectations.

"I've been waiting my whole life," he said. "This has been my dream since I realized I was a real bad hockey player at the age of 8. This is my way to the NHL because I couldn't play. I said to somebody yesterday, 'I don't know how far I'll hit the ball, but I guarantee you the bat won't stay on my shoulder.' I'll take a good swing at it, and I feel I'm ready for it. I'm not daunted by it at all. It's a challenge. It's a great opportunity, too, and I think I can do great things here."

Staff writer Michael Russo contributed to this report.