It is shaping up to be a busy summer for Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets management team as the organization looks to rebound from a disappointing campaign that saw the club miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After making several high-profile moves last offseason, including the additions of veteran forwards Gustav Nyquist and Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg failed to achieve the level of success the organization had envisioned. The underwhelming results have prompted the Jets to take a different approach heading into the summer, with changes potentially coming not only to the roster but also within the front office.
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According to Winnipeg Free Press reporter Mike McIntyre, the Jets may already be working on their first significant move of the offseason. McIntyre recently reported that discussions are underway with former NHL captain Shane Doan regarding a potential management role with the organization.
Doan, one of the most respected figures in hockey circles, enjoyed a legendary 21-year NHL career, spending the vast majority of it with the Arizona Coyotes franchise. Following his retirement, he successfully transitioned into executive work, joining the Coyotes in 2020 as Director of Hockey Administration and Chief Hockey Development Officer.
The longtime NHL veteran remained with Arizona until 2023 before accepting a position with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a special assistant to the general manager. However, that chapter recently came to an end as Doan and the Maple Leafs mutually agreed to part ways following the organization’s recent front-office restructuring.
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Beyond his NHL executive experience, Doan has also maintained strong ties to the game through ownership of the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League. He became part-owner of the franchise in 2007 and continues to be involved with the organization today.
For the Jets, adding a respected hockey mind such as Doan could provide a fresh perspective at a critical time for the franchise. Winnipeg has consistently fielded competitive teams in recent years but has struggled to take the next step toward becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Should a deal come together, Doan would bring decades of playing experience, leadership, and a growing executive résumé to a Jets organization searching for answers after a frustrating season.
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