July 4: More than a month later and Ates’ intel has proved correct, even if Trotz didn’t end up taking the job. Arniel will join the Winnipeg staff as an associate coach, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.
May 31: While the Winnipeg Jets remain “all-in” on Barry Trotz as they try to find their next head coach, another position has a leading candidate according to Murat Ates of The Athletic. Ates writes that Scott Arniel is a “near-lock” to be part of the staff, likely as an associate coach.
The 59-year-old Arniel suited up for the original Winnipeg Jets franchise during his playing days, and finished his career with the Manitoba Moose when the club was still in the IHL. As he transitioned into coaching, he took a role with the Moose as an assistant and then a few years later (after a stint in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres) was brought back as head coach. Arniel’s four seasons behind the bench of the Moose were relatively successful, with an appearance in the Calder Cup Finals in 2009.
As a head coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets, things didn’t go quite as well. In parts of two seasons, the club posted a 45-60-18 record and Arniel was replaced by Todd Richards halfway through 2011-12. He’s been an associate or assistant for the better part of the last decade, serving with the New York Rangers and coincidentally, the Washington Capitals as soon as Trotz left in 2018.
The Jets are one of several teams chasing Trotz, though there are several other high-profile candidates on the market. It is interesting to consider that they would have already decided to bring Arniel in without knowing who would be leading the group. To that end, Ates notes that an announcement on Arniel isn’t expected until a head coach is named.
This is a typical Chipman move, he is what’s wrong with the jets. Hands on owner with no success in hockey…..I’m positive it was him who wouldn’t let Chevy fire Maurice years ago and trade Wheeler before his clause kicked in. Too loyal to a fault and a low bar for success and accountability. Quit hiring people with ties to Winnipeg just for that sake
Another alumni hire. It’s a lazy and predictable practice.
Except there are examples all over the league that it is not true, despite your attempts to make your uninformed take a reality. This would be your version of a lazy and predictable practice. Seems that you have given up at this point.
People aren’t lining up to go and work in Winnipeg
They’re putting the band back together!