Torchetti finished this season as coach of the Minnesota Wild. He replaced Mike Yeo on Feb. 13, and went 15-11-1 in 27 games and got the Wild into the Stanley Cup Playoffs but they lost to the Stars in six games in the Western Conference First Round. Bruce Boudreau was hired as Wild coach May 7.
Torchetti also has previous experience as coach with the Florida Panthers (2003-04) and Los Angeles Kings (2005-06). He has been an assistant coach with the Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers, and won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Blackhawks in 2010.
His hiring was the last piece to be added to coach Jeff Blashill's staff. The Red Wings previously hired Doug Houda as an assistant coach and Jeff Salajko as goaltending coach.
"I interviewed five candidates and decided on John based on his skill sets and ability and experience level," Blashill said. "He has lots of experience running a bench and a little bit different ideas, so there are things I can learn in terms of bench management."
Tony Granato, an assistant coach this season, left to become the coach at the University of Wisconsin. Assistant coach Pat Ferschweiler was reassigned within the organization and goalie coach Jim Bedard was fired.