The NHL Network won’t have Alex Tanguay back for their coverage during the 2019-20 season, as the former star forward has been hired by the Iowa Wild as an assistant coach. Tanguay joins Tim Army’s coaching staff just three years after his playing career ended.
A veteran of 1,186 NHL games, Tanguay retired following the 2015-16 season. He finished with 922 career points including 59 in 98 playoff games and won the Stanley Cup in 2001 as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. A strong offensive force, he suited up for the Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes over his 16-year playing career. Army happened to be an assistant coach during Tanguay’s final stint with the Avalanche, giving the two some obvious familiarity.
Iowa made it to the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time last season under Army and will try to orchestrate a return in 2020. The release did not specify what responsibilities he’ll have for the Wild, but his more than 250 career powerplay points would suggest he can be an asset on that side of the puck.