from Michael Russo of the Star Tribune,

Bruce Boudreau's career returned to the exact spot it started.

The new Wild coach arrived at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday for his introductory news conference and sat at center ice in the building that replaced the old St. Paul Civic Center, where he made his professional debut for the Minnesota Fighting Saints in 1975.

One week after first interviewing for the job, Boudreau signed a four-year, $10.5 million contract (plus playoff bonuses). He got a first glimpse at his new office, toured his new locker room and met his new trainers and staffers. Wild players Erik Haula, Mike Reilly and Justin Fontaine attended the news conference and already, Boudreau joked, began campaigning for ice time. And Boudreau reunited and posed for pictures with former teammates Henry Boucha, Pat Westrum and Ted Hampson while holding a royal blue, white and gold Fighting Saints jersey.

"I told my wife [Crystal], 'This is the last place I'm going,'" said the 61-year-old Boudreau, who coached the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks to eight division titles in nine years and is the fastest coach in NHL history to eclipse 400 wins. "I told my wife I'm going to stay here for as long as they want me, and I hope it's a long time.

"Hopefully I can help in some form bring a Stanley Cup to this state and to this city, or these two cities."

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