In what was undoubtedly an agonizing decision that could trigger the start of sweeping changes in the Wild’s hockey operations department, owner Craig Leipold has decided not to offer a new contract to general manager Chuck Fletcher, who has steered the franchise for the past nine seasons.



Fletcher, the second GM in Wild history, was informed of the decision Monday morning.



Brent Flahr, Fletcher's right-hand man since July 2009, and the coaching staff were told by Leipold soon after the meeting that Fletcher won't be back and the players were later informed by the owner during a team meeting.



Until a replacement is found, Flahr will be the acting general manager.



“I want to thank Chuck Fletcher for his substantial contributions to our franchise over the past nine years,” Leipold said in a statement. “Through his strong work ethic, integrity and vision, Chuck and his staff built a winning culture and a perennial playoff team.