"It's looking like Todd Richards will be behind an NHL bench again next season.

The former Wild coach, who's got one year left on his contract, has started to get calls.

Richards wouldn't confirm the teams, but according to sources, he's got interviews lined up with Columbus and Winnipeg for assistant coaching positions. Detroit's also interested in Richards, while Dallas could be a possibility if Peter Horachek, who used to coach Richards in Orlando, gets the Stars' coaching job.

"I'm taking phone calls and talking to some people, but that's really all it is right now," Richards said.

The Winnipeg opportunity is interesting because it lends credence to reports that Claude Noel, Richards' mentor from Milwaukee, could become head coach."