Winnipeg Jets promote Scott Arniel to replace retired coach Rick Bowness

The Winnipeg Jets named Scott Arniel as the franchise's head coach Friday, replacing the retired Rick Bowness.

Arniel, 61, was associate coach for two seasons under Bowness, who announced his retirement on May 6.

Arniel, who had been head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010-12, served as the Jets' interim coach for 25 games from 2022-24 when Bowness was away from the team due to health or family issues. Arniel went 15-7-3 in those games.

Before the Columbus job, Arniel served as assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres from 2002-06 followed by a stint as head coach of the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose from 2006-10.

Arniel's Columbus teams went 45-60-18 before the Blue Jackets replaced him midway through the 2011-12 season. Arniel took assistant coaching posts with the New York Rangers from 2013-18 and the Washington Capitals from 2018-22.

Arniel also played six seasons (406 games) for Winnipeg, four seasons (295 games) with the Sabres and 29 games with the Boston Bruins.

He finished his playing career with 149 goals and 189 assists.

Arniel takes over a Jets team that finished 52-24-6, good for second place in the Central Division, before dropping their first-round playoff series in five games to the Colorado Avalanche.

NHL coaching carousel

With the Arniel hiring, two NHL teams (San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken) have coach openings.

The Los Angeles Kings removed the interim tag from Jim Hiller on Wednesday and the New Jersey Devils named Sheldon Keefe coach on Thursday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (Craig Berube), Buffalo Sabres (Lindy Ruff), Ottawa Senators (Travis Green) and St. Louis Blues (Drew Bannister had his interim tag removed) made earlier coaching announcements.

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour agreed to a multi-year extension.

Contributing: Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports