Today was the first opportunity to hear from Jets head coach Paul Maurice after he signed his three year contract extension with the Jets as he had a media availability following Jets practice.

Coach Maurice scrum topics: What the timeline was. Is there a relief knowing it is done? Why has he lasted so long with the organization (considering that isn’t the norm for the NHL). How important is continuity for the head coach? Was there ever a worry this season based on how it was going and all the other coaches that were fired this season? Signing up to be part of an organization that was young (when he first came to Winnipeg). What has he done to avoid his message being ‘tuned out’? What are the difficulties when he runs into players who don’t want to evolve? Did he use an agent? How does he push himself to the next level? What would present day Paul Maurice advise his younger self? Getting to know the players as people. How has his evolution gone with his approach to dealing with younger players? What’s it like to be back to be behind an NHL bench (after his time in the KHL and possibility of not getting back). What area has he most evolved in?

Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.