I would imagine the lack of playoff success in the lengthy tenures of Lemaire and Riseborough influenced Leipold's decision. And if I had to choose between Gabs and the current management team, I would go with Gabs as well.

How about the Wild just needed a change.

I think it was simply a good time for a regime change. Rejuvenate the organization. Minnesota has played a defensive style that doesn't fit Gaborik's strengths. They have one of the top goalies locked up for a bunch of years. Bring in an uptempo philosopy to play to the strengths of Gaborik, Koivu, Bouchard. The teams knows how to play team defense. A change needed to be made and it was. Lemaire is a Hall of Famer with 11 total Cups & Risebrough 6 total Cups. They are good hockey people. Just a needed change

wait so a team missed the playoffs and the GM and Coach were let go ... NO WAY

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 12:53 PM ET  04.17 by t-murder

wait so a team missed the playoffs and the GM and Coach were let go ... NO WAY

That doesn't always happen. It only happens when the team is expected to make the playoffs.

Anyways. The firing of Lemaire alone will work wonders for this franchise. Install an agressive offensive minded coach, and you're off to the races in Minnesota.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 01:03 PM ET  04.17 by MoReeselovestheSENS

That doesn't always happen. It only happens when the team is expected to make the playoffs.Anyways. The firing of Lemaire alone will work wonders for this franchise. Install an agressive offensive minded coach, and you're off to the races in Minnesota.

Lemaire wasn't fired you moron! He chose to move on. Some people's kids, ugh.

I say no. That Leipold, he have one thick skull. Not listen to anyone, ever.

Minnesota's franchise has shown a complete lack of class and understanding of hockey in the firing of their GM. Under this GM and Lemaire they took very, very mediocre and hardly-talented team to the playoffs, and very nearly a Cup Finals.

Now they're going to completely change their entire philosophy because their talent doesn't feel showcased enough and ignorant hockey fans can have their head on a pike. They're going to lose Gaborik anyway and they have very little talent left and the remnants of a trap system... smart thinking and typical of MN decision-making.

Maybe they could trade for Herschel Walker, celebrate on a cocktail cruise on Lake Minnetonka, and do some gambling-hot tub action.

Parrothead34 you are a birdbrain...stay in cali...leave real hockey to us.

"Under this GM and Lemaire they took very, very mediocre and hardly-talented team to the playoffs"
That comment alone is an indictment of the former GM's draft/trade philosophy and ability. As a season ticket holder, I am looking forward to this change so I no longer have to watch very, very mediocre players.