The Winnipeg Jets will skate into the new season knowing Paul Maurice is under contract to be their head coach for at least the next few years.
The team made it official Thursday morning announcing contract extensions for both Maurice and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Cheveldayoff and Maurice were both given multi-year extensions but the team did not disclose the exact length of the new deals.
"I think our fans should understand we have confidence in these people on a multi-year basis and I think that's efficient,” said True North Sports and Entertainment executive chairman Mark Chipman. “I'm just very happy that we can give Kevin and Paul the opportunity to move this group forward. They deserve that and I'm excited to watch it move on from here."
When asked Thursday morning by reporters about the term of each of the extensions Cheveldayoff would only say they are for more than one year.
Cheveldayoff said he believes Maurice is the right coach to take the team forward and he also has the support of the players.
"This is something as an organization we feel very confident in the direction of the group,” said Cheveldayoff. “We feel very confident that Paul's the right guy to lead this group moving forward.”
Maurice was hired by the Jets in January 2014. He guided the team to a playoff appearance in his first season but the Jets were swept by the Anaheim Ducks and are still searching for their first playoff win since relocating from Atlanta in 2011.
"I like this group,” said Maurice. “I like the strides that we've made and I like the hope and optimism you feel coming into the rink when you put the names on the board. We got work to do, there's no doubt about that but we're on a real good path to it."
Jets captain Blake Wheeler said Maurice his earned the respect of the players.
"I think across the board everyone's happy with the job he's done with what's been asked of him and now it's time to take another step,” said Wheeler. “It's ultimately on the players for the performance that we put forth and we have high hopes for this season and so that's going to rest on our shoulders.”
The Jets first preseason game goes September 18 when they host the Minnesota Wild.
They open the 2017/2018 regular season on home ice on October 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
