Anderson, Boudreau putting players first for Wild
Newly-hired Minnesota Wild assistant coach John Anderson says that he and Bruce Boudreau are putting their focus squarely on the players as they look to put their own stamp on a new team.
"I think Bruce, and certainly myself, have always been thought of as players' coaches, and I think we'll earn their trust as they see how we treat them," Anderson told Wild.com.
A former NHL forward with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Hartford Whalers, Anderson spent a combined 14 seasons as head coach of the AHL's Chicago Wolves, leading the team to 624-368-24 regular-season record, as well as a 110-69 mark in the playoffs.
He also spent two seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers, before joining the Arizona Coyotes as an assistant coach.
"He's a genuine person, that's what I like about him, and I know the players are gonna like him," fellow assistant Scott Stevens said. "He's very smart. He's been around the game a long time. He's coached at all different levels with success, so it's very exciting."
