The Minnesota Wild signed coach Dean Evason and his staff to multiyear contract extensions Thursday, a reward for keeping them as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Evason, 57, is in his second full season as Minnesota's coach after replacing Bruce Boudreau in February 2020. 

Vancouver Canucks president and interim general manager Jim Rutherford continued to fill out his front office Thursday, making Stan Smyl vice president of hockey operations.

The 62-year-old Smyl, a star player for the Canucks from 1978-91, will work closely with Rutherford on all hockey operations matters, including player personnel decisions and internal operations.

The Vancouver Canucks have hired Jim Rutherford as team president and interim general manager, it was announced Thursday.

Rutherford will lead the search for a permanent GM.

"It is time for a new vision and a new leader who will set a path forward for this team," Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini said in a statement. "Jim has tremendous experience building and leading winning organizations and I believe he will help build the Vancouver Canucks into a team that can compete for championships again."

The Vancouver Canucks fired coach Travis Green on Sunday, a source told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, confirming an earlier report.

With the team stuck in last place, Bruce Boudreau has been hired to replace Green as the Canucks' 20th coach.