Seattle going after active Western coach to be the 1st bench boss of the franchise

While we are still waiting to see what will be the name of the 32nd NHL franchise in Seattle, we are also waiting to see who will be hire as the first head coach of the organization. 

While some people may think Mike Babcock, who lost his job at the bench boss of the Toronto Maple Leafs last month, could be a top candidate, it seems like general manager Ron Francis might have already targeted someone else. 

A head coach currently leading a Western team in the league… 

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman who discussed the situation on the 31 Thoughts podcast on Sportsnet, Seattle has its eyes on the Winnipeg Jets’ head coach. 

“Coach [hire] might not be for another year. I’ll tell you this, I’ve got some guys who think it’s going to be Paul Maurice.”

2019-20 is the final season of Maurice’s current contract with the Jets and the team might wait and see before it chooses to extend him once again. Seattle could come in with an offer and start a rivalry with Winnipeg in its inaugural season. 

This is will one to watch.