Former Wild coach Torchetti joins Red Wings as assistant
DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have added assistant coach John Torchetti to Jeff Blashill's staff.
The Red Wings hired the former interim coach of the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
He took over the Wild in mid-February when Mike Yeo was fired and helped guide them into the playoffs. Minnesota considered retaining Torchetti before hiring Bruce Boudreau.
Torchetti previously was the head coach of the Iowa Wild -- Minnesota's AHL affiliate -- prior to Yeo's firing.
Iowa has yet to name his replacement.
Torchetti was also an interim coach for the Los Angeles Kings during the 2005-06 season and the Florida Panthers during the 2003-04 season.
The Red Wings previously hired goaltender coach Jeff Salajko and assistant coach Doug Houda. They didn't re-sign goalie coach Jim Bedard after he worked for the franchise for 18 seasons. Houda fills an opening created when Tony Granato left to lead Wisconsin's hockey team.
