Scott Arniel, a former player for the franchise in the 1980s, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, replacing Rick Bowness who retired after the previous season. Arniel’s appointment did not come as a surprise, as he had strong ties to the franchise and the city, having previously served as the Jets’ associate coach for the past two seasons. Additionally, Arniel has prior head-coaching experience, including a stint as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010 to 2012.
Coaching Record and Achievements
During his time as interim head coach for the Jets, Arniel managed to lead the team to a 15-7-3 record in 25 games during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. However, his previous head-coaching experience with the Columbus Blue Jackets did not yield the desired results, as the team failed to make the playoffs during his tenure. Despite this, Arniel’s experience as an assistant coach with multiple NHL teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals, has equipped him with valuable insights and strategies for coaching at the professional level.
Drafted by the previous incarnation of the Jets in 1981, Arniel enjoyed a six-season career as a forward in Winnipeg, playing a total of 730 games in the NHL with the Jets, Sabres, and Boston Bruins. His extensive playing experience provides him with a unique perspective on the game and the ability to relate to players on a personal level. Arniel’s appointment as head coach comes at a time when the Jets are looking to build upon their successful season, finishing second in the Central Division with 110 points but falling short in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Despite the Jets’ early playoff exit, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to instill a winning structure and maintain consistency throughout the season. Arniel’s appointment as head coach of the Jets leaves only two coaching vacancies remaining in the NHL, with the San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken still seeking to fill their coaching positions. As Arniel takes on the challenge of leading the Jets to greater success in the upcoming seasons, his experience, ties to the franchise, and playing career will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.