Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice addresses report regarding Seattle expansion franchise head coaching vacancy

Last Thursday on the 31 Thoughts Podcast hockey insider Elliotte Friedman was asked a general question about the new NHL expansion franchise coming to Seattle and mentioned as part of his answer that guys he has spoken with have mentioned Jets head coach Paul Maurice as a potential first coach for that new team.

Today Maurice was asked about it following Jets practice:

How does he address it?

Being in the final year of his deal

Having had the interim label before

Why has it been such a good fit?

Re-visiting concept of an expiring contract

Quotes:

“I’m here as long as Mark (Chipman) and Kevin (Cheveldayoff) want me to be here.  This is home for me.  I love this place.  I’m not looking to go anywhere.”

“This is my home.  I don’t want to go anywhere else.”

“…I found a place that you just love living and you love coaching and you want to be a part of.  You feel you’re a part of the growth.  You feel like you’re part of it….I plan on being here for a long time.”

“a big chunk of it would be personal. Family’s here. Kids love it here. Got friends. We like the snow. I grew up in Canada. It’s a little bit of a version of Sault Ste. Marie, my wife’s from Windsor. It’s kinda the same kind of town. Just kind of feel like we fit here.”