Overview
- Head coach Scott Arniel and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who spoke Monday, accepted blame for a 35-35-12 season that ended without playoffs.
- Arniel said the team lost its defensive structure and noted they allowed 39 more goals than last season.
- Cheveldayoff admitted possible overconfidence after past success and said he is willing to discuss trading core players.
- The roster grew slower after Nikolaj Ehlers left and older, heavier players came in, which, paired with thin secondary scoring, led to longer shifts and costly breakdowns.
- With cap space tied to long-term veteran deals and Winnipeg a tough sell for free agents, prospects Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager and Nikita Chibrikov were urged to win NHL jobs.