Chuckie, Brown Fox or simply Fletch has landed
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 – 2:27 AMBy Michael Russo
Aloha from Honolulu. About to head out into the night on Waikiki Beach suckers. I think I’ll be on KFAN live at 9:40 a.m. with P.A. — yes 4:40 a.m. Hawaii time because I’m loco like that.
Figured I’d jump back on as promised to toss on some more thoughts on the hiring of Chuck Fletcher as the Wild’s second general manager in history.
Here are the links to the stories from Friday’s papers:
Main Fletcher hired story by Russo
Jim Souhan’s take on the Wild and Wolves’ hires
As somebody joked with me a few weeks ago — and I honestly can’t remember who, so I apologize in advance — but if Fletcher got the job, he should be nicknamed the “Brown Fox,” since his dad has always been known as the “Silver Fox.”
Whoever told me this, if you want credit, send me an email and I’ll post. I give credit where credit is due, but my brain is sunburned.
Some call Fletcher Chuckie, others call him Fletch. Funny, but for a name that can easily be turned into a nickname as so often happens in hockey, I’ve always just called him Chuck.
I covered Fletcher for seven of his nine years in Florida, and I can tell you he’s a sharp cookie. I’ll throw on a bunch of stories in the weeks ahead, but as I told him a few weeks back, who would have thunk back in the late 90s that quite possibly one day I’d cover him as a GM — only in Minnesota.
Back in the day, Fletcher was always expected to become the Panthers’ GM, and quite frankly, until the lockout happened, I never considered I’d go off and cover another NHL team.
But Fletcher, considered the next big thing in the NHL for some time, has finally got his opportunity. And by the way, the thing you should know about Fletcher is he has not gone for every job out there. He never wanted just any GM job that came his way. It had to be the right fit, so for him to take this opportunity says a lot about where he thinks this franchise is and can go, and what type of hockey hotbed it is.
First up for Fletcher will be to determine a coach. In the NHL, folks usually hire people they know and are comfortable working with, so right away, Todd Richards becomes a favorite. Fletcher hired the San Jose assistant and former Gopher in Wilkes-Barre, and he had great respect for him.
Peter Laviolette, Craig MacTavish and Pat Quinn would be the obvious experienced coach pickups, Kevin Constantine warrants a look. So does Detroit assistant coach Paul MacLean and Chicago Blackhawks assistant John Torchetti. Some respected junior coaches include Portland Pirates coach Kevin Dineen and Manitoba Moose coach Scott Arniel.
Another possible candidate just popped in my head. Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Newell Brown for two reasons: 1) Fletcher’s relationship with him in Anaheim; 2) The Panthers nearly hired Brown a couple times as head coach during Fletcher’s tenure there.
As I wrote in the story, I see Fletcher going young and up-and-coming after witnessing the transformation Pittsburgh had under Dan Bylsma. These hockey players today are young. Look at 20-year-old James Sheppard, who just did not communicate very well with 63-year-old Jacques Lemaire. Sheppard even admitted it after last season with the infamous I’ve been playing hockey since I was 3 quote.
Some of these youngsters need coaches more in tune with their generation. These players today ask why, and instead of being told “because that’s the way I told you to do it,” sometimes you need to take 10 extra minutes and explain why.
I think Fletcher believes that, too. But I think right now Richards is the guy. Word in NHL circles is Fletcher and Ray Shero wanted Richards when they fired Michel Therrien this season but obviously couldn’t get him out of San Jose in the middle of the season. Bylsma was only supposed to be interim so they could hire Richards. But Bylsma did such an amazing job, they extended his contract earlier in the playoffs. So I believe the Moose is the guy.
OK, I’ve got an early flight to the Big Island on Friday morning to cover the Kona Coffee Pickers against the Hilo Gilamonsters in the Hawaiian Hockey League, so I’ll be reluctantly out of touch and will miss the Brown Fox’s introduction to the “State of Hockey.”
But we at the Strib have you covered, so no worries.
83 Responses to "Chuckie, Brown Fox or simply Fletch has landed"
Hilo Gilamonsters! Might be the best quote of the year! Awesome. I am in California so for the first and only time ever, FIRST!!!!
Excited about the hire and what is in store for our Wild!
Stay away from the Spam Russo!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
yorbington: especially since, if I’m not mistaken, it’s pronounced “HEE-la” monster.
So there’s a nice little alliterative thing going on there with Hilo Gila Monsters…
okay, that was fun.
Back to Handy Manny…
Newell Brown, I am all for it! If he could make Michigan Tech a mediocre hockey team while he was the head coach there, imagine what he could do with a decent team. We’d also have 2 people with ties to MTU in the franchise and none from Minnesota which really makes me warm all over.
*Snnniiiiiifffffffffff*
I love the smell of hockey speculation in the morning.
There’s a new day dawning in Wild Country.
*cracks knuckles*
Gillies: Are you a cop?
Fletch: As far as you know.
Gillies: Are you going to send me to Houston?
Fletch: Why? Did you steal a roster spot last season?
Gillies: I sure did!
Fletch: Well I’m not even sure that’s a crime anymore…There’ve been a lot of changes in the game.
Fletch walking through the team locker room at the X for the first time, stops by Tony DaCosta’s area where Tony is just pulling Boogaard’s sweater out of the washing machine.
DaCosta: Ever seen a sweater that large?
Fletch: No-ho….not since breakfast!
Craig Leipold wants Fletch to sign Gaby for whatever it takes.
Fletch: Can’t do that, Craig. Gaby isn’t the story. There’s a source behind him.
Craig Leipold: Who?
Fletch: Well….there we’re in kind of a grey area.
Craig Leipold: How grey?
Fletch: Charcoal.
Fletch has gone to Trencin to talk to Gaborik about possibly re-signing with the Wild.
Fletch: Can I ask you a question?
Gaby: Depends on the question.
Fletch: Want some more champagne?
Gaby: Yes.
Fletch: Are you still in love with Minnesota?
Gaby: No! I mean, no, you can’t ask me that question. Ask me another one.
Fletch: Why’d you let me in?
Gaby: Um, because I’m bored.
Fletch: If you’re so bored, why didn’t you go to Bratislava with Demo?
Gaby: Well, Bratislava’s not exactly a cure for boredom.
Nick, you have the makings of a good script writer…Watch out Hollywood!!
And Fletch Lives!! Now let’s see Fletch come in here & turn some heads with his different style & format.
Great hire!! I can’t wait to see what he can do for the organization. I think we will have some exciting hockey to watch in the upcoming years. As far as a coach, I had originally wanted Quinn, but after hearing about the Todd Richards speculation, that would intigue me even more. Up & coming caoch to go along with an Up & coming GM. GO WILD!!!
I agree that Fletcher is an exciting hire for the Wild. I think it is the right move. My one question is this: he is being hailed as a master of building a roster. If I am picking 5th overall, 1st, overall, 2nd overall, 1st overall and 2nd overall in a 5-year stretch, I think I could do a fairly decent job of bringing in talent. Maybe KiPA or somebody else, could detail how else the Pens were built.
Now relax, as I posted, I think this is a great hire for CL and the team, but from many of the stories out there you would get the impression that CL just hired the entire Detroit Red Wing scouting department. It’s not as though the Pens were built on 4th and 5th round draft choices.
Deep: I didn’t get that impression from any of the stories I read.
Now, I’m not inclined to try to carve out a space where I can position myself as the beacon of truth in everything like you are, so maybe that’s the difference.
If you’re referring to the Souhan and Hartman “efforts” those tools used the Wild part of the story to take a swipe at the T’Wolves, and, in doing so, made it sound like Fletcher is the absolute best choice.
But I think it’s a stretch to say that people are saying we’ll become the best scouting and drafting team in the league.
I’m not saying that, NiNY. What I’m asking is how the Pens were built. I’ve read stories where Fletcher is being refered to as someone who can build a roster and has a great eye for talent. With the draft positions the Pens had 5 years in a row, I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to expect the team to come away with top-level talent.
As I wrote, I love the move and hope that Fletcher can mold the team into the exciting team CL is expecting. I’m just curious as to what else Fletcher had a hand in to help build the Pens aside from drafting 5, 1, 2, 1, 2 overall in a 5-yr stretch.
Nick I knew you wouldn’t disappoint when it came to Fletch references in reference to Fletcher….
So, does anyone think he’ll keep the Wild in the same “Defensive Minded” system it has been in since day one, or turn this thing around & try something new? Personally, I would love to see a New looking Wild Team with more of an offensive priority.
First, Fletch as not helped build the Pens for the last five years. Not sure where you’re getting that.
Read Russo’s article for more of Fletch’s experiecing building rosters.
wow…how bad am I typing today?!
experiecing?!?!
gak!
Wild Man: judging by CL’s comments about wanting an exciting product for the fans, then bringing in a 41-yr-old, it appears the Wild may start to leave more towards “up and down the ice” rather than “clog the middle and wait for chances”. One problem may be the current roster doesn’t look like it is ready for “up and down the ice”. Will be a good test for Fletcher.
One problem may be the current roster doesn’t look like it is ready for “up and down the ice”.
You don’t know that. They have never been given the opportunity. Wasn’t SRV a stud in jrs or something? Then JL turns him into a checking energy guy. How do you know he wont strive in a more open style? He may not be the greatest example, but you get my drift. Once they settle in to a new way of playing, who knows what they will do.
You read some of the articles after he was hired away from both the Panthers and the Ducks and it really seems as though CL got the right guy. Let’s hope so. Judging by some of Fletcher’s comments back then,about liking a fast, up-tempo roster, it will be very interesting to see what he does with the Gabby situation. You read those past articles and then compare Fletcher to the wet turd the TimerberMutts hired and the article that Souhan wrote really makes a lot of, dare I say it, sense.
I would have been happy with any of the following three candidates, Fletch, PM, or McNab and have not really had a favorite. I think Fletch is the safest choice and must congratulate CL on a job well done.
With that said I’m sure there might be a time when I will say ” I knew we should have picked PM instead”. 
Russo coming up on KFAN next!
Does anybody know if Russo is going to ask his own questions on KFAN or is somebody going to email PA with some intelligent questions?
Come on DB it’s not possible to write Souhan and sense in the same sentence. Shame on you!
Todd Richards you say…….uhmmmm
This is wonderful news for Wild Nation. Chuck Fletcher is an outstanding hire and I applaud Mr. Leipold for getting him here. I rank this right up there with Oct 11, 2000 and with the playoff run in 2003 as the most exciting times for this franchise.
Even though I didn’t think it was possible for everybody’s favorite fossil to write anything about the Wild that would surprise me, Sid managed to do it today. When talking about the Wild and the Puppies across the river both holding their GM news conferences on the same day but not at the same time he states…”since they’re forever competing by having games on the same nights, forcing the local fans to choose between a hockey or a basketball game.”
After reading that I went…Uh, what? Then I must have looked like the Aflac duck in the barbershop with Yogi Berra when he said that cash is the same as money.
That comment has to be the single most a**inine thing that Sid has ever written. Hello Sid? Knock, Knock puddin’ head. Anybody home? The two teams play in different cities, in different arenas, and in different sports. Their games are scheduled by their respective leauges, with things like building availability and the total league schedule as contributing factors. Not to mention, I challenge Sid to find more than 5 people in the Xcel on a Wild game night, 5 people out of 18,568, that actually had to “make a choice” about whether to go to the TimberPuppies game that night or make that long, difficult, and taxing drive over to St. Paul to watch our Wild. ARE YOU KIDDING ME SID??????????? Speaking purely for myself, I wouldn’t go to a T-Wolves game, or an NBA game period for that matter, if you GAVE me free suite tickets to it!!
And naturally, the ancient one had to mention how he’s known Chuck’s dad “for years”, and had to name-drop Lou Nanne in the process. This can only mean one less-than-encouraging thing for Chuck Fletcher when he arrives in the Twin Cities. I’m sure he will instantly become, whether he knows it or not, an instant member of the “Close personal friends of Sid” club. Poor guy, I feel for him.
Fletch talking to CL about Gaborik possibly re-signing with the Wild.
Fletch: I saw Gaby this morning and you know what I can’t figure out?
CL: Gaby’s in Trecin.
Fletch: I… can’t figure out what I was doing in Trecin this morning.
BNAG! Nice!
Yup Austin Tx…I’m thinking many of the current younger players such as Sheppard & Gillies as well as the veteran leaders would embrace a change in direction. I’m sure alot of them could then showcase there talent when Lemaire held them back to work “His Style” of play. I”m hoping for an offensive looking team this year, letting the players really skate.
Note to all: the only reason Sid wrote about the Wild to day was to give himself a reason to show up at the presser today so he can hit the media buffet table.
Wolves presser = Free lunch for Sid
Wild presser = Free dinner for Sid
He just needs to find somewhere to corral a free breakfast after he puts his dentures in this morning and he’ll be set for the day.
BNAG - You hit the nail on the head! The only reason Sid wants pumpkin ball and hockey on different nights is so he can enjoy the feedbag at the X on his way home without missing any of his precious timber pups.
NiNY - Fletch opens so many doors…
Fletch F. Fletch
Ted Nugent
Dr. Rosenrosen
Arnold Babar
John Cocktosten
Gordon Liddy
Don Corleone
Harry S. Truman
the Mattress Police
It’s a great day to be a Wild fan….
I still think we need to be a little careful what we wish for vis-a-vis coach/style. I realize we’re past the “shock” and “denial” phases of the JL mourning process and into “anger,” (skipped right over “bargaining” it seems) but I still believe the rosters we had would not have produced as many wins as they did had JL not been the coach.
In other words, a NHL newbie coach with a new fangled system - coaching the same collection of bad news bears - might not be able to produce any better at all.
So, while a less-restrictive system is indeed appealing, on the face of it, I still think it’s not going to amount to much if we don’t improve the top lines and overall skill level of the team.
I think you can safely say that both Pittsburgh (where Fletch is coming from) and San Jose (where Richards, for example, would be coming from) have more high end offense than the Wild - even WITH Gaby - had. Thus, playing a more offensive system is more likely to yield the desired results than it would have in Minny this season.
Sorry Deep, but I will not be sucked into the vortex of discontent.
This is the beginning of what Wild hockey should have been all along.
I can handle the fact that things might have to get worse before they get better.
Nothing is a problem when you have hope.
NiNY = en fuego. Just don’t use ‘em up all in one day…LOL
[During a negotiating session with Gaby and Salcer]
Fletch: You using the whole fist, Ron?
BNAG don’t forget Mr. Poon…and we haven’t even touched Fletch Lives yet!!
No one should ever touch Fletch Lives. Second worst sequel behind Caddyshack 2.
That being said, we’ll probably get there by next week anyway…
Can we charge Gaby’s new contract to the Underhill’s to stay under the cap?
Nick, we would definitely have at least one really good scoring line if we keep Gaby (Gaby, Koivu, +1). But we would no doubt be hrting in the depth dept. The second line wouldn’t be bad with Nolan or Bruno stainding in front (or behind, in Bruno’s case) the net. I think if Fletch can lure a few good FA’s to MN, the team could be pretty dangerous. But it all depends on what he is willing to do, and what kind of moves he makes.
BNAG: I dunno…
“Friends of yours?”
“She felt fine to me…”
“I are p!ssed!”
“It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong…I am not…a big man.”
Certainly no Fletch, but there were some pretty good moments.
OK…. I read all these comments about everyones wishes for more offense. Do you really think a new coach and a so called more offensive system will instantly add 2 or so more Wild goals per game?
Personally, I like more goals as much as everyone else, but I think we are just setting ourselves up for disapointment by convincing ourselves that a new coach will bring instant change. I mean these guys had plenty of chances to score more goals but simply couldn’t put the puck in the net this season. Why should these same player instantly become more productive under a new system? Every NHL team basically plays some sort of a neutral zone trap so it will probably be more of a change in focus by letting the centers be more active in the offensive zone at the most. It is not like Gilles will develop into Kane type of player over the summer with a coaching change.
Mister Know it all predicted Fletcher would be picked and I explained why Fletcher would be picked. I said you cant hire a guy like Macguire or Pat Quinn, etc after you have an organization that has been built so well by leadership of the past. Leopold does not want the risk involved in bringing in Macguire. He can sleep well at night now knowing he has Fletcher
Example would be making mindful decisions before you act on them.
Chuck Fletcher has been trained for this day and he is well educated.
I am comfortable with the Wilds decision with their direction they are going again.
I liked the job that DR and Lemaire did, but I do think that it was time for DR to be gone. I was not sure for a while at first, but I am sure now.
The sad thing that will go down in Wild history was that DR did not get Lemaire the players last year at the trade dealine so Lemaire had the horsepower for the playoffs. This year they had the players but they had injuries.
Bottom line we should have seen Lemaire coaching our team in the Stanley cup one of the last two years. That was my prediction and it was the right prediction. I know it was !
I believe Fletcher will complete my prediction of the Stanley cup being in Minnesota soon. Mister Know it all is happy now with his local pro team again
BDS,
The value Fletcher has coming to Minnesota is that the team is great team defensively. You just need to mix in enough offensive talent. I dont think more then 1 or 2 moves will be made with this team on offense
Gaby cant be an easy decision for Fletcher or anyone
NiNY - you totally eco the same thoughts I have on the precieved change in coaching style. There is not going to be that huge of a change regardless on who is the coach, I’m afraid.
MKia - and those changes would result in a drastically more offensive team that people on here seem to want? I hope you are right but I don’t think it will be that easy, IMO.
I also think there tends to be a little too much blame of JL and his system. That guy is no dummy. I think, probably better than other coaches, he knows his players’ strengths and limitations and put each in the best position to succeed without asking them to do more than they were capable. So, I’m not holding my breath that a player like SRV is going to blossom into a scorer merely because he’s in a new “up tempo” system. Who cares that he scored a bunch in juniors? This ain’t juniors.
A fine choice for GM. Now, how about some homerism?
Todd Richards is a fine choice for a hungover franchise. He’s young, smart, and driven. Ask anyone who coached him or with him; he is bright.
Russo missed an important part his bio. He’s an Armstrong alumnus, All-State, and among the 1st Mr. Hockey finalists.
I liked the job that DR and Lemaire did, but I do think that it was time for DR to be gone.
Sid Jr. checks in.
Hockeydad +1
Change the system, lose with the 3rd liners we have, draft some 1st liners.
Again, the Wild may have to become less competitive to improve their roster.
Changing the system will make losing easier to take. I’d rather lose watching an entertaining game than to win a 1-0 snoozefest against the ‘Nuks.
Since Russo mentioned F-L-A a gazillion times…
5/30 - 100 watt jones (Russoville’s new house band) is at The Blue Fox.
6/26 @ Minnesota Music Cafe - I am begging for Russoville support for that gig!!!!
It is time to keep the rose-colored glasses on. The first year is a honeymoon period and we will be happy with most anything because it will be new and exciting. The honeymoon ends in year two.
Note to MKIA… While patting yourself on the back, in the 3rd person as usual, don’t throw your arm out of joint. Along with you predicting a Fletcher hire were about 90% of the other fans, bloggers, and media types in the TC. It’s not all that much of a shock or a scoop. But hey, we’re all happy to know that MKIA is happy.
BTW, good to see you out so soon. Usually it’s a 72-hour hold. Did you get your shoes, socks, or aluminum headgear back or did they keep that stuff so you don’t hurt yourself?
Risebrough got 8 mediocre seasons but Fletcher only gets a 1 year free pass?
We’ve been “competitive” since day 1 because we’ve relied on Gaborik to carry the offensive load and the trap to win us games we shouldn’t win. Most likely we won’t have either of these next season.
Keep in mind Fletcher is inheriting somebody elses mess and it could take more then just 1 season to fix this thing. Some times you have to be bad to get good.
Yeah Lucky, I think Fletcher’s honeymoon should last until he has a roster of ‘his’ players.
Unfortunately, the nattering nabobs of negativity will probably skewer him before July 1. 
I give him at least two full seasons before I really critize him. We will see what kind of moves he starts making and if he is really going to shake things up. Depending on the moves he makes, it could be a positive outlook after two years, or a negative one. I am not expecting instant success, but I feel like after two seasons you should be able to make a decent assesment of if he is going to rebuild a solid team or not even if the team is not winning a lot at the time.
So, who’s looking good for the 2010 Entry Draft???
“So, who’s looking good for the 2010 Entry Draft???”
*Raises hand*
If we are the worst team in the NHL I will be very happy. The top two players in that draft are snipers. Reminds me of the 2000 draft with Heatly and Gaborik being the top rated players.
Obviously there is no guaranty these players will be the same type of game breakers but they look amazing.
Hang on though, if he brings in Chris Simon and Alex Daigle on July 1, I will feel free to get on Fletch’s case immediately.
Hang on though, if he brings in Chris Simon and Alex Daigle on July 1, I will feel free to get on Fletch’s case immediately.
That is a very valid point. It all depends on his moves.
Doh! I just realized you said “Who is looking good in the 2010 draft” I thought you said “Who is looking FORWARD TO the 2010 draft”
Taylor Hall from Canada is the projected 1st overall pick. He was playing in the memorial cup this week.
I forget the exact spelling of the kid that right behind him but he’s from Russia. It’s something like Kikrill.
Agree with Nick though, getting the new job is not a free pass for completely off the wall moves.
I think Fletcher’s honeymoon should last until he has a roster of ‘his’ players.
+1 although we will be better able to “manage expectations” once we know if Gaby is gone or not.
Lucky - is the Russian kid, Kabanov? I saw him in the pre under 18 worlds games up in Blaine in April and he looked good then. Reports are he had a great tournament up in Fargo as well.
Thursday afternoon’s at 3:00pm CT is when XM radio has the “NHL hour” with the Commish. I still would like to call in someday and ask Bettman why they screwed-up the draft by having the 1st round on Fri and the remaining rounds on Sat. So much for having draft parties like we used to. I suppose if you’re only interested in the 1st round picks you could still do it, but it wouldn’t be the same. And if they’re gonna stick with this current format, why not have it on Sat & Sun instead?
ARGH……
I hope that Fletcher and the new coach don’t dismantle the defensive teaching of Lemaire and Co. Build upon it by tweaking the system but not totally overhaul it.
And most importantly, get players who can be offensively creative and who wants to shoot the puck.
I wish they could put a package together to jump up and get Duchennes, Maybe our first and PMB & Harding. It would free up another 5 mil this year to spend too.
BDS,
That’s him! Kirill Kabanov. Supposed to be pretty fricken sweet
Sweet Lou was on Kfan yesterday. Said this guy likes to wheel and deal.
Lucky - I saw him play against Germany so not the greatest competition but he is a pretty big kid. Played center and eventhough he was one of the youngest on the team at times he was a man among boys.
Have a great weekend all!
sunshine: I hear you. But I don’t think that’s a big concern since basically everyone plays some version of a trap when they have a lead nowadays.
Fletcher joined the Penguins in July 2006. He had absolutely nothing to do with any of the top-five draft choices they had leading up to those years. His first year with the Penguins, they made the playoffs.
He wasn’t here long enough for any of his drafts to have an impact so far, and last year, the Penguins didn’t even have a draft choice until the fourth round.
one hire down, one to go……
awaits paitiently in cave……
KiPA, Don’t spoil our party with a dose of reality. Seriously though I hope he does well; he should do well. But I assure you, fans have no patience and so by the second year we will be looking for results. And drafting where we will draft it will be hard to draft a first liner. We will have to sign FA’s.
I’m not spoiling the party, I’m just correcting the perception that Fletcher was solely responsible for drafting Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Ryan Whitney or Jordan Staal.
Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, and Nieds are all chumps. Oh yeah, Corey Perry too.
I think they made this hire to appease Russo. 
Ladies an’ gentlemen… We got ‘im.
per wild.com — the press conference is open to the public and you can watch it live via their website starting at 3:30pm.
Fun highlight package for the press conference hold. Check it out here if you can - http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=31982
Sweet - watching now on wild.com. They are just playing a highlight reel until the presser starts.
Highlight reel just flipped I think, seems like SRV has been erased from Wild memories. On another note, I have not missed Therhar’s voice.
I work next door to Xcel… tempted to walk over and watch, but probably won’t.
Go for it Jonsey, I got the impression it was outside or right inside Gate 1.
Food
Fletch was on last night what a coincidence… Funny movie. Nice quote BNAG! Now resign Gabby and lets run and gun the west. Backs can handle it.
