John Hynes Nears New Extension with the Minnesota Wild
John Hynes is close to signing a new contract with the Minnesota Wild, according to a report from The Athletic's Michael Russo. The coach, who is in the final year of his contract, has led the Wild for three seasons and is expected to stay behind the bench. The extension is expected to be announced as training camp approaches on September 16, with league sources speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss non-public negotiations.
Hynes's tenure in Minnesota has been marked by steady progress. After taking over, he turned around the team's form in his first season with a 34-23-6 record, though that was not enough to reach the playoffs. Over the following two seasons, he guided the Wild to postseason berths despite significant challenges, including an injury-shortened season for star winger Kirill Kaprizov in 2024-25. Kaprizov was limited to 41 games, yet the team won 45 games and reached the playoffs, where they lost in six games to the Vegas Golden Knights.
This past season, the Wild advanced further, defeating the Dallas Stars in the first round for their first playoff series win since 2015. Hynes also integrated defenseman Quinn Hughes into the lineup after a mid-season trade and oversaw the development of rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, with credit also going to goalie coach Frederic Chabot.
During his time with the Wild, Hynes has posted a record of 227-125-79 and made two playoff appearances. The Wild have won just five rounds across eight all-time playoff appearances, and the team will look to build on its recent success.
Coaching background and player development
Hynes previously coached in New Jersey and Nashville, where he helped develop players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Eeli Tolvanen, Tanner Jeannot, Luke Evangelista, Dante Fabbro, and Tommy Novak. In Minnesota, he has a mix of veteran talent and younger players, which he aims to develop further.
Looking ahead to 2026-27
The Wild will rely on younger skaters such as Bobby Brink, Danila Yurov, Hunter Haight, and David Spacek, especially after losing Vladimir Tarasenko, Marcus Johansson, and Mats Zuccarello to free agency. Hynes has commented on some of these players, noting that Brink, acquired from the Flyers, "learned quite a bit" and "adds speed to our lineup." He also praised Haight's hockey sense and edge.
Beyond player development, Hynes's relationship with general manager Bill Guerin appears strong. Guerin included Hynes as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics, which won gold against Canada. Looking ahead, the Wild will also try to secure a contract extension for Quinn Hughes, whose contract is expiring, adding pressure to the 2026-27 season.
Hynes's tenure will likely be defined by how he navigates that campaign, with the team aiming for its first Stanley Cup in franchise history.