Nashville Predators hire assistant coach Darby Hendrickson

The Nashville Predators are hiring Darby Hendrickson to be their newest assistant coach.

Taking over the coaching spot vacated by Dan Hinote, whose contract was not renewed by the team, Hendrickson will join Brunette's staff as a seasoned assistant coach in the NHL.

Hendrickson, 51, spent the last 14 seasons as assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild. He and current Predators coach Andrew Brunette were assistant coaches for the Wild between 2014-16, and the two also played together on the Wild for three seasons between 2001-04.

Hendrickson will join Derek MacKenzie, Todd Richards, and goalie coach Ben Vanderklok on Brunette's staff for the 2024-25 season.

In the Predators' official release about the hire, Brunette spoke highly of Hendrickson's ability to communicate with players and help develop their game.

"Strong communication, building relationships and establishing a connection with players are the fundamental building blocks of our coaching staff, and he exemplifies those values and skills," Brunette said.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1990, Hendrickson played 518 NHL games in his career, finishing with 65 goals and 64 assists. He retired after the 2006-07 season, then joined Minnesota's coaching staff in 2010.

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The team did not clarify what Hendrickson's role will be on the staff. Hinote, whose contract ends officially on June 30, was primarily responsible for the team's penalty kill.

Additionally, as per the release, the Predators have hired former defenseman Cody Franson as a North American Amateur Scout.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators hire assistant coach Darby Hendrickson