Claude Noel won’t go into training camp as a lame-duck head coach. Today, the Winnipeg Jets announced they’ve given him a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2014-15 season.
The Jets have missed the playoffs the past two seasons under Noel. Hence, the somewhat lukewarm vote of confidence from management.
With the coaching question answered, at least for now, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will turn his focus to the draft on June 30 (Jets will pick 13th), as well as the team’s throng of restricted free agents that includes Blake Wheeler, Zach Bogosian, and potential trade candidate Alexander Burmistrov.