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

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TJ Tucker
May 27, 2024 (10:05)

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A former NHLer who played under Scott Arniel, newly appointed head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, says the team has made a huge mistake hiring what he calls a "loser"

While it seems Scott Arniel has the full support of his colleagues, co-workers and players as the new head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, it's very clear not everyone likes the guy. A former NHLer has taken to his X account to call Arniel arrogant, 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."

While Arnie has been an assistant coach with three NHL teams over the past fews years, including the Winnipeg Jets, he does have experience as a head coach in the league. Between 2010 and 2012, Arniel was the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Over the course of one and a half seasons, Arniel went 45-60-18 before getting canned in January of 2012. While there, Arniel coached former NHL defenceman Mike Commodore. Commodore had nothing good to say about him after Winnipeg's announcement, adding the team made a huge mistake.

"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."

It is not the first time Commodore has lashed out at a former coach. He has been very critical of Mike Babcock, whom he played under with the Detroit Red Wings. Commodore has posted several times about Babcock, including when he was fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs back 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."

Commodore did not give any specifics on what soured his relationship with Arniel in Columbus. Arniel is a former NHLer himself, having played 730 games in the league from 1981 to 1992. Former teams include the Jets (two different stints), the Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins.