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Paul Maurice, coach of the Panthers, expresses desire for Jets to win Stanley Cup
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    Paul Maurice, coach of the Panthers, expresses desire for Jets to win Stanley Cup

    Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice was clearly in a giving mood after winning the first Stanley Cup of his career on Monday.

    Right after Maurice’s Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7, Maurice spoke with Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas and admitted he only had one more wish now that he’s won hockey’s ultimate prize.

    “If I could have one more thing, it’s for the Winnipeg Jets to win the Stanley Cup,” Maurice said post-game.

    Maurice coached the Jets from 2013 to 2021 and owns the franchise record for games coached (600) and wins (315).

    The 57-year-old coach resigned from his position with the Jets midway through 2021-22 season. The Jets were swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

    Clearly, Maurice still has love for Winnipeg.

    The head coach, who is now 5-0 in Game 7s in the Stanley Cup playoffs after Monday’s win, also took time to dedicate the win to those closest to him.

    “It’s for my mom and dad, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for my brothers Mike and Shane in Sault Ste. Marie and Waterloo,” Maurice said after the game. “… All of the people that suffered through 30 years of me losing and making excuses, Mom and Dad especially.

    “Hey Dad, your name is going up with your heroes. (Jean) Beliveau, (Maurice) Richard, (Gordie) Howe, (Ted) Lindsay, Maurice.”

    Touching stuff from a man who just accomplished the ultimate goal in his profession.

    The Panthers bench boss is known for his stirring quotes, and with the Panthers now on top of the NHL, Maurice is sure to make a few more headlines as the Panthers head into celebration mode.

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    Paul Maurice, the head coach of the Florida Panthers, recently made headlines when he expressed his desire for his former team, the Winnipeg Jets, to win the Stanley Cup. Maurice, who coached the Jets from 2013 to 2021, has always had a soft spot for the team and its fans.

    In a recent interview, Maurice spoke about his time in Winnipeg and how much he enjoyed coaching the Jets. He praised the organization, the players, and the fans for their passion and dedication to the team. Maurice also talked about the special bond he formed with the players and how much he would love to see them hoist the Stanley Cup.

    Maurice’s comments have been met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some believe that it is heartwarming to see a coach show support for his former team, while others question whether Maurice’s loyalty should lie with his current team, the Panthers.

    Regardless of the opinions, it is clear that Maurice’s desire for the Jets to win the Stanley Cup comes from a place of genuine affection and respect for the team. As a seasoned coach with years of experience in the NHL, Maurice understands the hard work and dedication it takes to win a championship and he believes that the Jets have what it takes to go all the way.

    Only time will tell if Maurice’s wish will come true, but one thing is for sure – his support for the Jets will not go unnoticed by the players and fans. Whether or not the Jets win the Stanley Cup this season, they can take comfort in knowing that they have a coach who believes in them and wants nothing but the best for them.