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Originally Posted by The Original FFIV
What that team needs is an experienced gm. If you have reputable hockey men like Maurice willing to go there, I don't think it's a problem attracting players due to the perception that no one wants to play or work there. Rather it's an organisational problem. Like the article notes, Chevy is only accountable to a businessman which was like the Flames before Burke and we know how well that worked. Problem is the owner, who is a good businessman but doesn't appear to have much knowledge of hockey...
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I can agree with your assessment of the general effectiveness in Winnipeg's hockey ops. dept., but I am not convinced by the bolded part. Yes, it is an organisational problem, but one that I fear they are married to, and not likely at any point in the near future from which to escape. The problem is much deeper than merely the owner's perceived ignorance of hockey. The problem is that the team is entrenched within a perfect storm of its financial constrictions, geographical constrictions and public perception, and the unhealthy relationship between ownership and management.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Original FFIV
As long as Chipman remains loyal to a fault and fans keep buying tickets, the Jets are doomed to mediocrity which is too bad as those fans deserve so much better.
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As soon as Jets fans stop buying tickets, that market is in serious trouble. Unlike virtually every other market in the NHL, the team needs to sell out consistently just to be viable. Eventually, they need to win, and in the current market, they are unlikely to win without some freedom to spend some money, which they simply do not have.
And I agree with Finger Cookin—the fans deserve whatever they get.