Rumor: Seattle group eyeing current Jets coach Paul Maurice?

We’re still two years away from the unnamed Seattle expansion team from taking the ice in the NHL, but we’re FINALLY beginning to see some semblance of a front-office for the league’s 32nd franchise.

Former Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis, of course, was named as the team’s first GM and Dave Tippett was with the team as an advisor before accepting a job offer to coach the Edmonton Oilers. When Tippett was hired by the Seattle group it was assumed by most that he’d eventually be named the team’s first head coach… of course that’s off the table now that he’s with the Oilers. But, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that another current NHL head coach, Paul Maurice of the Winnipeg Jets, is being considered for the position.

Check out these comments from Friedman on his latest 31 Thoughts Podcast for Sportsnet:

“The coach isn’t going to be named for another year. I’ll tell you this, I’ve got some guys who think it’s going to be Paul Maurice. Not me… but I’ve got some guys who think it’s going to be Paul Maurice.”

Interestingly enough, Maurice’s contract with the Jets expires this upcoming offseason. Coincidence?