By now most Jets fans have seen or heard about a post on Reddit outlying some hearsay conversations between some Jets players and a fan in a seen far away from Winnipeg. Let's say that it's plausible story but one that is without merit due to there is no way to check the accuracy of the stated facts within it.
Needless to say though, it's somewhat salacious details about a rift and divide within the team only add fuel to the tire fire that is the Jets on the ice. Again, don't get caught up in it though there's other issues afoot.
The Jets play the Oilers tonight before carrying on to Vancouver to finish off their three-game road trip before coming home to play the Hurricanes. There is a good chance that the Jets could be 0-4 by the time the set foot back in Winnipeg. If a loss happens again with Van or Edmonton and the team cannot get it together coming into a three-game home stand they have a five day break before a two game road trip- would Chevy pull the trigger in firing Maurice?
This is a complicated situation because there are rumours surrounding the recent contract extensions given to Maurice and Cheveldayoff. They go like this.
1. Chevy was not in agreement with the deal presented to Maurice and it was done with the involvement of Mark Chipman.
2. The deals are the same length so that if one is gone the other is likely to go at the same time too (in theory)
3. Mark Chipman has developed a personal relationship with Maurice that has him interacting with the coach.
These are rumours, they are not facts. They are not anything more than some hearsay information again but they do help frame an interesting picture.
If it is true that Chevy was not in favour of the deal to Maurice does he get to make the call to fire him if it is not working out? Let's assume he does make the call, how does Chevy answer questions about an extension just over a month ago and now the coach being fired? Does he take that bullet for the owner, if this is the scenario?
If this is imply a case of TNSE loyalty what does that say about the ownership? A case of blind faith costing millions in sunk costs and time with a restless fan base would be tough sell.
In two games the Jets have allowed 13 goals and shown not one iota of interest in playing anything close to an effected defensive system and now the face the most dynamic player in the game. Analyzing what's happening on the ice is one thing that can be done before, during and after games but paying attention to what's happening away from it might be fare more interesting and revealing. Another loss tonight and there's bound to be more knives out, not matter what fashion the team loses.