Modano's official start date is Sept. 1, though he plans to be involved with the team in the coming monthsGETTY IMAGES
The Wild hired Hockey HOFer Mike Modano as an Exec Advisor in their front office, where he will "work directly" with team Owner Craig Leipold and President Matt Majka on a "number of initiatives, including team sales, corporate partnerships and community relations," according to Dane Mizutani of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS. Modano's official start date is Sept. 1, though he "plans to be somewhat involved in the months leading up to that point." Modano, who currently lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., has "plans to relocate to the Twin Cities sometime this fall" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 5/24). Leipold said that he and Modano "texted while watching Wild games during the season as their relationship developed." In Minneapolis, Chris Miller notes Modano anticipates his new job with the Wild will "involve working in the community and with the fan base." Modano said that his role will be "focused on the business side" of the team (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/24).
GETTING A HEADSTART: THE ATHLETIC's Michael Russo noted the Modano hire "comes at a challenging time for the Wild, who may have to work harder to sell tickets and sponsorships after winning a league-worst 16 home games and missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years." Despite officially starting in September, Modano will "actually be in Las Vegas next month to meet with many of the Wild's large sponsors." He will "attend various sponsor presentations and the hope is that his respected stature will open more doors when it comes to revenue building." Leipold said that Modano's presence will also give GM Paul Fenton "somebody to lean on at times for questions or advice" (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/23).
