NHL: Fletcher meeting with Constantine, nothing more than a courtesy meeting

Kevin Constantine will interview for the Minnesota Wild’s head coaching position later this week, according to the Star-Trib. Don’t look into this meeting as anything more than a courtesy meeting from Fletcher’s end. The Wild are looking to move past the Jacques Lemaire era and Constantine would bring more of the same. Constantine has been a successful coach at all levels but he makes life miserable for players as it’s hockey 24/7 with a ton of video instruction. Hiring Constantine would put the Wild in the same position they were in with Jacques Lamaire; Being unsuccessful to lure free agents. Fletcher’s short list for a head coach includes San Jose assistant Todd Richards, Detroit assistant coach Paul MacLean, former Edmonton

Kevin Constantine front runner to replace Jacques Lemaire

When Kevin Constantine, the coach of the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros was hired in 2007, the Wild regarded Constantine as the heir apparent to Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire. With Lemaire stepping down as head coach, Constantine is among the front runners to replace Lemaire. What Constantine brings to the Wild is the same kind of strict coaching style that Lemaire brought to the team. Most importantly Constantine gets results but Wild GM Doug Risebrough will make a major mistake hiring Constantine. Lemaire was successful in Minnesota but Risebrough needs to change of the culture and playing style of the team. Top tier Players don‚Äôt want to play in a tight defensive/trapping style that Constantine and Lemaire