Let the speculation begin but with Barry Trotz being on the market many realities in the coaching market this NHL off-season will probably change. Frankly how often does a coach who can get water from a rock land on the market?
Barry Trotz is from Dauphin Manitoba and is the only coach the Nashville Predators have ever known, the very team that Jets owner Mark Chipman said he wants to model the Winnipeg franchise after. There's the simple reason for interest and speculation in Winnipeg.
Trotz can draw water from a stone of talent, make a roster of somewhat lesser talent adhere to a system, milk the best out of everyone and he may actually be able to ride a unicorn. He's done it all in one of the most budget conscious markets in the league. More importantly he is the guru for original Jets coach Claude Noel who studied under Trotz with the Milwaukee Admirals.
Think about this. As of yesterday Paul Maurice mentioned that told his family that he would not move them again when talking about NHL jobs. As I tweeted earlier Columbus is 379 miles from Nashville and a 1:15 flight. That's a lot more appealing for a family than going to Winnipeg before you factor in climate.
While the Jets may have a team that appears to be on the upswing compared to Nashville the two are essentially similar- both looking for that next piece to push them further. It remains to be seen who gets it first. What needs to be considered though is the Jets' desire to have hometown people and players, those who understand geography as much as hockey, in and apart of the organization. Barry Trotz meets that requirement.
Things just got interesting and that makes for a much better off-season for non-playoff teams.