NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets – Rick Bowness, Free Agents and Blue Line

April 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan (23) celebrates a goal with left wing Nikolai Ehlers (27) during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Goal Arena. Mandatory credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

What does the future hold for Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness? What changes are the Jets looking to make this offseason?

TSN: Darren Dreger and Jay Onreit on what's next for Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness and what the offseason holds for the Jets.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Onright: “… Darren Dreger, our hockey insider. So what can you say about the future of Rick Bowness in Winnipeg?

Dreger: Well, then Jay obviously, that's a big question, right? The assembled media wanted to know, and whether you knew it or not, they could expect the veteran head coach to be back on the bench with the Winnipeg Jets.

My gut tells me that's unlikely. I don't think Rick Bowness is coming back. I don't know that for sure. But I count last season.

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I mean, this man is as deeply invested as any coach I can remember. This year was no different, but he also had family issues that needed attention. You know, his wife, Judy, was going through a tough time. He took leave to look after Judy. He had health issues near the end of the regular season.

I know two things about Rick Bowness. One priority, at the top of the list, is his family and the two love coaching. In this case, I think the family will win. He will retire again, unofficially, we'll see.

But what is the way out? I mean, it should be in a Jack Adams story. That's what Rick Bowness did this year in Winnipeg.

Onwright: “Well, it's interesting to hear Connor Hellebuyck's comments. You know, he can't do it alone. Last year was an eventful season in Winnipeg. How eventful will this offseason be in Winnipeg?

Dreger: “Yes. That is, there will be organic changes. There will be changes. I mean, you look at the list of unrestricted free agents in Winnipeg. What happens to Sean Monahan, who was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens? How about Tyler Toffoli of the New Jersey Devils? This thing will take care of itself.

But then you take inventory of what you have. It's been interesting, the Winnipeg Jets core hasn't been given much attention as part of the media coverage, and that's what I'm most interested in. You know, to analyze again, maybe some of it is weakness. I looked at the Jets defensive back four and it seems like this is an area GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants to try and improve.

But here's news for you, Jay. If you don't make these parts, they are very hard to get. You know, Winnipeg struggles when it comes to convincing unrestricted free agents to enter a small market. So how do you get this part? That's where I think it gets interesting.

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Would Cheveldayoff use a forward like, say, Nikolaj Ehlers, who is going into the final year of his contract, as a trade asset to get that defense?

So I'm not saying it's going to happen either, I just think it's a conversation that hockey operations in Winnipeg need to have going forward.