Torchetti hoped for more time with Wild
John Torchetti hoped for more time to prove himself behind the Minnesota Wild bench.
After taking over as interim coach in February, he led the team to a record of 15-11-1 and a playoff spot, but the team jumped at the chance to hire Bruce Boudreau once he became available.
Since hired as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings, Torchetti admits it was tough to be passed over for the job.
"I just think in the little time we had, I felt we had some chemistry going, and I wish we had some more time to prove it," Torchetti told Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press, adding he wishes nothing but the best to those making the decisions within the organization.
The Wild did offer Torchetti the opportunity to resume his post as the club's AHL head coach, but the big leagues is where he ultimately wanted to remain.
"They had given me a great offer, and I appreciate that," Torchetti said of the Wild. "That shows you they were rewarding me for my hard work with the team.
"But I just felt I wanted to be back in the NHL at this time, and I got a great opportunity with this Red Wings staff. This is a team on the upswing with some young players."
Torchetti is set to work with Detroit's forward group, as well as oversee the power play.