The Winnipeg Jets announced on Wednesday the signing of head coach Paul Maurice to a multi-year extension.
It was a smart move for the Manitoba team considering he has led the Jets to back-to-back playoff appearances, the team is on the cusp for a berth this year and he's a sure-fire Hall of Famer. While earlier in the season this move was definitely unexpected as the Jets were bounced early from the 2019 postseason and have had an up-and-down season, his firing or non-extension could have deprived the NHL — and reporters — of one of the most entertaining quote-producing coaches.
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Over the course of more than 700 wins and 1,500 games coached in 22 seasons with the Jets, Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maurice has definitely provided some gems for the most seasoned of scribes and hardcore fans. Not one to ever hold back, or use a filter, here's a quick look at his colorful usage of the English language and some money bites he's produced just in recent memory.
Jan. 8, 2020
Maurice opined on the NHL's 3-on-3 overtime session.
“So, I didn’t care for 3-on-3 when it came in, but I think it’s outstanding ... If you’re going to spend money to come see a game, somebody should win, somebody should lose. The 3-on-3 is a ... I can’t use the words that I want to use that came to my head. It’s a free-for-all of fecal matter. It’s a s—show out there and, ah, that’s great.”
Feb. 7, 2019
After saying, "We were all horses— tonight," after the team's loss to Montreal he added this bite:
#NHLJets coach Paul Maurice after 5-2 loss in Montreal: “Coach was no good. Players were no good. Food was no good. I just hope the plane works.” #wfp
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) February 8, 2019
Oct. 4, 2019
Following 5-4 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils.
"The first period was like eating a sand sandwich on toast. And then, it devolved or got way better into nobody defended so it got pretty darn exciting at the end."
Jan. 16, 2020
In response to the string of fellow coaches being fired, including Peter DeBoer and Gerard Gallant.
Paul Maurice on how a coach firing is like the end of a marriage:
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) January 16, 2020
"You come home one day and she says, 'Paul we're going in a different direction.
And there's going to be a press conference in three hours
And we're going to talk about how great the new husband's going to be.'"
Sept. 17, 2019
When Patrik Laine, 21, questioned his ice time and line quality during training camp.
“I’ll use my driver’s license analogy: nobody gets the keys at 14.”