Breaking: Paul Maurice gets a 4 year deal to continue coaching the Winnipeg Jets.
More to come.
The Jets made their man officially their head coach with a 4 year deal being offered and accepted by Paul Maurice. This coincides with the expiring of Kevin Chevaldayoffs contract and when large dollars are spent in Winnipeg this has ownership's hands all over it. Why not?
It makes perfect sense, Chevy got his coach and fired him. That was his freebie and the next one may not be so free as if TNSE is going to eat some term on a deal by firing a coach they may as well take the GM out with the bathwater. Or let them both be lame duck at the same time when the 2017-18 season rolls around.
Regardless of how it ends for both coach and GM in the future, this move is bound to please and appease fans who are beginning to howl about the direction and mediocrity of the Jets. Maurice brought a strict and disciplined approach to the team both on and off the ice, something many felt was lacking in the former regime under Claude Noel.
What seems to be the most telling trait of Maurice with this group is that he is prepared to lead, to take charge and direct/guide the team. He pays attention to details that go far and away from understanding his players and their skills. It's not that Claude Noel did not have these traits or skills but he did not use them in the same capacity as Maurice did in his short term here.
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Last night the Jets were awarded the 9th pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, the exact position the team finished relative to the bottom of the league. It's not great, it's not bad, it's a position that is much like the Jets themselves- just below the middle of the road. With the depth of this draft class being somewhat thin is this the year Chevy takes the pick and uses it as leverage in a deal?
One could argue that move could be made if he plans to upgrade his core. It presents an opportunity to change that may not have been on the horizon had the Jets jumped up closer to the top of the draft order.
Today Chevy is addressing the media and fans as we speak. He has stated that "Ondrej Pavelec is his number one goaltending going into next season'. He has talked about signing Paul Maurice and he has talked about the variables in retaining some free agents versus others and the upcoming contracts. In all aspects it's a very positive spin on another disappointing season as would be expected. No one can say Chevy is not consistent with message.
The concern that people are expressing live right now via the most accurate forum everywhere is that there are 'guarantees or passes for players'. While he did dance around on saying there were 'no untouchables' he did mention that he feels the the term is over-used. What you can hear though is a GM who is devoted to his plan, his process and the patience quiet manner that his employer, TNSE, has used to great success.
Whether that works with player management, scouting and developing remains to be seen but the voices on Twitter outside of Winnipeg are very critical of the approach. Whether the plan can allow for deviation and lateral opportunities is another issue and fans hope Chevy and his group can find ways to improve this club that does not involve patience.
On that note the most telling quote would be on the future when Chevy said 'I can't make it arrive faster, it comes day by day'. For Jets fans it's more than a few days before any real moves or action happens. Once again, after waiting 15 years for a team to return to Winnipeg, it sounds like they'll be asked to wait longer for success beyond 82 games to arrive. Just like last year.
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Pete's Playoffs Picks
West
Colorado over Minny
Chicago over St. Louis
Anaheim over Dallas
San Jose over LA
Chicago over Colorado
San Jose over Anaheim
Chicago over San Jose
East
Boston over Detroit
Montreal over Tampa
Penguins over Columbus
Rangers over Flyers
Boston over Montreal
Rangers over Penguins
Boston over Rangers
Chicago over Boston in 7 games