Ex NHLer calls Winnipeg Jets new head coach arrogant and a loser

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Josh Tupper
May 27, 2024 (9:27 PM)

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The Winnipeg Jets' recently appointed head coach, Scott Arniel, was once an NHL player who the team's former player believes they hired a "loser."

As the new head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, Scott Arniel appears to have the full support of his teammates, coworkers, and players, but it's obvious that not everyone thinks highly of him. Using his X account, a former NHL player has called Arniel conceited and a "loser."

"Scott Arniel is the new head coach of the @NHLJets. Winnipeg conducted interviews with top candidates although Arniel was considered a frontrunner going into the process. Arniel is well respected by the players and has earned another shot at being an NHL head coach. @TSNHockey."

Arnie has served as an assistant coach for three NHL teams in recent years, including the Winnipeg Jets, but he has also held head coaching positions in the league. Arniel led the Columbus Blue Jackets as head coach from 2010 to 2012. Before being fired in January 2012, Arniel had a 45-60-18 record over one and a half seasons. Arniel coached Mike Commodore, a former NHL defenseman, there. Following Winnipeg's announcement, Commodore had nothing positive to say about him and added that the team had made a grave error.

"Massive mistake by the #Jets.

Scott Arniel is a loser. He's been a loser his entire career. Got a chance years ago..his arrogance ruined everything..he's spent the last 14 years with his nose up as***les & his lips wrapped around balls. #Loser."

Commodore has retaliated against a former coach before. He played for the Detroit Red Wings under Mike Babcock, with whom he has had a lot of criticism. Commodore has made multiple posts regarding Babcock, including one after the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs was sacked in 2019.

"Hey Mike Babcock....simply put your players quit on you. They quit on you because you are a terrible human being. You are an average coach with an extremely oversized ego. You finally got exactly what you deserve you selfish prick. The hockey world is ecstatic."

The Commodore did not elaborate on the reasons behind the breakdown of his relationship with Arniel in Columbus. Arniel participated in 730 NHL games between 1981 and 1992, making him a former player in the league. The Jets (two stints), Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins are among the former teams.