Wild name former Predators' executive Paul Fenton as new general manager

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Wild named former Nashville Predators' Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton as the team's new general manager Monday, ending weeks of speculation over who the franchise would name to oversee operations.

Fenton has spent the last 20 years with Nashville, 12 as assistant general manager, and played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League before transitioning to a career in the front office. 

Under Fenton's leadership, Nashville has has made the playoffs in 11 of the last 14 seasons--including a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals last year. 

"His gift of evaluating talent is obvious in Nashville's roster and recent success," said Minnesota Wild Owner Craig Leipold in a statement. "My relationship with Paul goes back to my early days in Nashville and I know that Wild hockey fans are going to love Paul's infectious passion for the game and unsurpassed work ethic."