A Strategic Addition to the Wild's Goaltending Staff
The Minnesota Wild announced the hiring of Sylvain Rodrigue as their new goaltending coach, a move that consolidates expertise across both the NHL and AHL levels. Rodrigue will report directly to the organization’s hockey operations and will be tasked with shaping the development pipeline for the team’s future netminders.
Rodrigue arrives after a lengthy tenure as the goaltending coach for the Florida Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, where he refined the skills of young prospects. His coaching résumé also includes an 11‑year stint with the Edmonton Oilers, as well as formative roles in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and the QMJHL.
Before turning to coaching, Rodrigue spent four seasons in the QMJHL as a player, posting a .863 save percentage and a 4.38 goals‑against average. That on‑ice background gives him a nuanced perspective that he now brings to his work with prospects.
In his new role, Rodrigue will work closely with the Wild’s top prospects, including Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson, as well as AHL standout Samuel Hlavaj. He will also continue to mentor players such as Cooper Black and Kirill Gerasimyuk, who impressed during the 2025‑26 campaign.
Rodrigue’s international experience, spanning stints in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and the QMJHL, equips him to adapt coaching methods to diverse styles of play. His appointment signals the Wild’s commitment to building a robust goaltending development program that can compete at the highest levels.