The Winnipeg Jets have signed head coach Paul Maurice to a multi-year extension on Wednesday. Jets owner Mark Chipman announced the news as part of the team’s Hall of Fame luncheon.
#NHLJets have agreed to terms with head coach Paul Maurice on a multi-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/sYLqVq9VLJ
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) February 12, 2020
Paul Maurice Inks Extension with Jets
The 53-year-old Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has a 264-186-53 record in his seven seasons behind the Winnipeg bench. He’s also coached the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Jets in 22 years of coaching.
Maurice has a career record of 724 wins, 643 losses, 121 overtime losses and 99 ties in 1,587 games behind the bench. His best season was when he reached the Stanley Cup Final with the 2001-02 season with the Hurricanes. Carolina lost the Detroit Red Wings in the final.
He’s also reached the conference final in 2008-09 with the Hurricanes and 2017-18 with the Jets. Winnipeg has made the post-season the two years. Maurice was hired to replace former coach Claude Noel on Jan. 12, 2014.
He also has coaching experience in the OHL, AHL and KHL. Maurice also served as part of the Team Europe coaching staff at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey that was coached by Ralph Kruger.
What it Means for the Future
This is a just reward for Maurice, who has done it with smoke and mirrors this season. Winnipeg’s defence has taken a lot of hits this season. However, Maurice has been able to weather the storm and in the mix for a third straight playoff appearance. Winnipeg is one point off the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Jets are fourth in the Central Division.
An extension had been in the works for quite a while, but the whole Dustin Byfuglien situation put the new deal on the back burner. This is the fourth contract that Maurice has signed with the club and he’s been a staple of a team that has been in the mix in the division.
