Mike Yeo Gets His Awaited Contract Extension

Photo: John Autey/Pioneer Press

This afternoon, the Minnesota Wild announced that they have agreed to a new multi-year contract extension with their head coach, Mike Yeo.

In his three seasons as Wild head coach, Yeo has lead the Wild to the playoffs in consecutive seasons, including this past year where he took the Wild to the second round before bowing out in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Here is Yeo's year by year record with the Wild, courtesy of Hockey-Reference:

Following the team's exit from the postseason, GM Chuck Fletcher made it clear that this is Yeo's team. Yeo has had great control of the dressing room during his time here, and even back in December when his job was on the line, his players stuck up for him. 

The move should be no surprise to anyone. Two weeks ago, Pro Hockey Talk posed the question as to if Yeo had done enough to keep his job. But as Fletcher noted at his end of season presser, Yeo's job was never in jeopardy.

What Yeo has tried to accomplish here in three years, is lay the foundation for a winning culture. The team took great strides this season, and it would appear that the foundation has been indeed laid. But now moving forward, the expectations for the team will be high. It will not just be a matter of making the playoffs, the team will need to win in the playoffs. A first or second round loss will no longer be acceptable. That is what lies ahead for Yeo.

With Yeo's deal now out of the way, Fletcher can focus on locking up the rest of the coaching staff, trainers, equipment guys, etc., who all have expiring deals this summer.

Details on the contract have yet to be released, but check back should they become available.

UPDATE: Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press has reported Yeo's new deal is for three years.

Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell