Bruce Boudreau took the Minnesota Wild head coaching job at the risk of disappointing his daughter, who lives in Ottawa.
“She hasn’t spoke to me since. I know she’s not happy,” Boudreau told Hockey Central at Noon Monday.
After being fired by the Anaheim Ducks on April 29, Boudreau was immediately sought for the vacant roles in Minnesota and Ottawa. The 61-year-old hockey lifer had ties to both NHL cities.
The Wild interviewed Boudreau Tuesday, and general manager Chuck Fletcher checked in with Boudreau on Wednesday, Thursday and again Friday, when he interviewed with the Senators.
“It wasn’t like I was out of sight, out of mind. I knew he was really interested,” Boudreau told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. “Chuck was very proactive.”
Fletcher revealed that if Boudreau, who played a half season for the WHA’s Minnesota Fighting Saints back in 1975-76, turned down the Wild gig, he would’ve stuck with interim coach John Torchetti.
Boudreau, a Toronto native, has been impressed with the Senators’ work ethic and speed. He was tempted to return to Ontario and move to the city where his daughter and granddaughter live. Ottawa is also a short drive from his numerous friends in Toronto, he noted, and it would’ve been great to be back in Canada, where hockey is a year-round topic of conversation.
“You’re always thinking about it,” Boudreau said, “so it was a big pull.”
BEST POINTS % SINCE NHL COACHING DEBUT
Bruce Boudreau .659
Joel Quenneville .641
Dan Bylsma .639
Alain Vigneault .623
Claude Julien .622
That Fletcher was willing to make a four-year contract offer at a reported $2.76 million per season tilted the scales Minnesota’s way. Ottawa quickly snapped up Guy Boucher instead.
“I just want to make sure I’m not moving all over the place all the time,” said Boudreau. His daughter understands the business, Boudreau assured, and why he needs some job security.
Ottawa has made 10 coaching changes in the last 14 years.
Boudreau’s biggest concern with moving to Minnesota was that star forward Zach Parise’s back would be OK.
“When that came back affirmative, I was thrilled because I’ve admired him for 10 years now as a player,” Boudreau told Russo. “I know they’ve got good individuals there. Their top, top players are really good, and now it’s a matter of being a really good team.”
Like the last time he was fired, Boudreau landed a new head coaching job within days. Unlike when Washington let him go mid-season in 2011, however, Boudreau has all summer to get acquainted with his new roster.
“It’s not as quick as the last time,” Boudreau said. “Glad to be back. I miss the game already.”
