ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AFP) - Jacques Lemaire, who has guided the Minnesota Wild through all seven seasons of its existence, will coach the National Hockey League club again next season, team officials said Saturday.

Lemaire's status was uncertain after the Wild were beaten by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the NHL playoffs, but the 62-year-old veteran and Wild general manager Doug Risebrough reached agreement for the 2008-2009 campaign.

"I wanted to make sure my boss is happy with the work I am doing and with the way I manage the team. This is what we talked about in our meetings," said Lemaire. "I am reassured of my work and I want to coach again."

Minnesota went 44-28 with 10 regulation draws this season as the Wild won the Northwest Division crown for the first time.

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