Big news concerning the Winnipeg Jets. Head coach Rick Bowness retires and is moving on to greener pastures. The Winnipeg Jets got bounced out of the first round by the Colorado Avalanche and are coming off a successful season. Winnipeg will be searching for a new coach this summer.
Rick Bowness Retires From Coaching
After an extended coaching career of 38 seasons in the NHL, Rick Bowness released his plan to retire later today. Also, he spent 14 years behind the benches. Bowness coached for seven different organizations throughout his career. He led Ottawa, Dallas, the New York Islanders, Winnipeg, Boston, Phoenix and Winnipeg before their original departure. Additionally, Bowness served as an associate for Vancouver in 2011 and an assistant for Tampa Bay in 2015.
Strong surge to End Career
Despite a few rough seasons from 1991 to 2004, Bowness returned to a head coach position for Dallas in 2019. He led them to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Stars ultimately fell to Tampa Bay in six games, but made a deep run after entering the COVID year playoffs. After missing the playoffs the year after, Bowness brought the Stars back to the postseason before leaving for Winnipeg in 2022.
Bowness’ short stay in Winnipeg will go down in history
Bowness continued his pattern of postseason play once landing in Winnipeg. While there, he amassed a record of 98-57-9 over his two seasons, with 110 points in the 2023 season, the second highest in franchise history. Unfortunately, the Jets were eliminated in five games both years despite amazing regular season play.
Bowness is a finalist for the Jack Adams award as the NHL’s best head coach for the 2023-2024 season. It is the perfect way to end his career and ride off into the sunset.
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