NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Winnipeg Jets - Source: Imagn

"That is one thing Trump can’t take from us": Winnipeg Jets HC Scott Arniel makes feelings known about current quality of Canadian NHL teams

Modified Jan 14, 2025 11:30 GMT

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel has shared his thoughts on the strength of the seven Canadian teams in the NHL. Since taking over as head coach in May 2024, Arniel has led the Jets to immediate success, with the team currently atop the Western Conference.

With three Canadian teams (Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers) already securing playoff spots and four others (Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens) vying for positions, Arniel believes Canada has a genuine chance to end its more than three-decade-long Stanley Cup drought.

"It's great for Canada," he said.

In an interview with Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre, Arniel discussed the quality of hockey among Canadian teams.

“Everybody is improving. The teams have stayed competitive and as much as nobody wants to use the word rebuild, nobody has really done that. It is kind of restocking the shelves and up and running again."

Arniel also took a subtle jab at US President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed his desire for Canada to join the US as the 51st state.

"That is one thing Trump can’t take from us: we’ve got good Canadian teams.”

The Winnipeg Jets are looking to build on their strong campaign last season, which saw them finish second in the Central Division with a 52-24-6 record. Despite losing to the Colorado Avalanche in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the Jets are taking a more strategic approach this season.

As they prepare to host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Arniel shared his thoughts on their Canadian counterparts.

“They are still a good hockey team over there. They have some good players over there, and like any opponent you have to be at your best.” He added , “They are not going to always hand you things, you have got to take it from them.”

Arniel is aware of the Canucks' impressive 12-5-4 record in road games, which is second-best in the league this season. With the return of star center Elias Pettersson and Czech defenseman Filip Hronek from injury, the Canucks are regaining their strength.

Connor Hellebuyck: The Winnipeg Jets' backbone and emerging Hart Trophy contender

The Winnipeg Jets are soaring in the NHL, thanks in large part to the incredible performance of their two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. With a 29-12-3 record, the Jets sit atop the Central Division, and Hellebuyck's numbers are staggering.

Last season, the 31-year-old netminder won 37 games, including five shutouts, and posted a 2.39 goals-against average. This year, he's elevated his game, collecting 26 wins in 34 games with a remarkable 2.02 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage.

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Hellebuyck recently achieved a milestone, recording his 300th career win in the Jets' 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on January 7. He followed that up with his sixth shutout of the season, stopping all 22 shots in the Jets' 3-0 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. This impressive performance earned him the NHL's First Star of the Week for the week ending January 12.

If Hellebuyck maintains this level of excellence, he'll be a strong contender for the Hart Memorial Trophy. As the Winnipeg Jets' most valuable player, he's undoubtedly the backbone of the team.