Lemaire returns to lead Devils

NEWARK, N.J., July 13 (UPI) -- Jacque Lemaire is returning to New Jersey to coach the NHL's Devils again, the team said Monday.

Lemaire resigned as coach of the expansion Wild after eight seasons in Minnesota. He previously coached the Devils for five seasons that included a Stanley Cup championship in 1995.

"Jacques Lemaire is one of the most respected coaches in the game," said Lou Lamoriello, the Devils' top executive. "He is a teacher and a communicator, and knows what it takes to have success."

Lemaire guided New Jersey to a 199-122-57 record from 1993-98 when the Devils made the playoffs four times. He holds the franchise marks for games coached (378) and wins (199).

Lemaire succeeds Brent Sutter, who left New Jersey for Calgary. The Devils won 51 regular-season games last year but were knocked out in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

Lemaire, 63, also previously coached Montreal where he also had a Hall of Fame career as a player.

Lemaire is bringing along Mario Tremblay, who assisted him in Minnesota.

Devils assistant coach John MacLean was named head coach of the club's AHL affiliate in Lowell.