Newsmakers

Regrouping The Minnesota Wild are getting ready to say goodbye to the only coach they’ve ever known. Jacques Lemaire is stepping down after eight seasons behind the bench. He made the announcement after a 6-3 victory over Columbus in the season finale on Saturday night. The Wild have scheduled a news conference for today to make the news official and discuss plans for the future of the position. Lemaire has won 11 Stanley Cups as a player, coach and executive and has a career coaching record of 538-415-176 in 14 seasons with Montreal, New Jersey and Minnesota.

Returning North Carolina freshman forward Ed Davis says he will return to the team for the 2009-2010 season. In a statement issued by the school, the 6-foot-10 native of Richmond, Va., said he would like to play in the NBA, but that he and his family don’t think he is ready to take that step.

Selected Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will lead the Canadian team at the world championships. Ruff just completed his 11th season with the Sabres. This is his first time to coach the national team. Nashville coach Barry Trotz and Dallas’ Dave Tippett will serve as assistants. The initial roster will be announced today.