The Jets have brought in Dean Chynoweth and Davis Payne as assistant coaches, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
On the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that Chynoweth was rumored to join Winnipeg. Both will work under Scott Arniel, who recently became head coach after Rick Bowness retired.
Arniel had been the Jets’ associate coach for two seasons before his promotion last month. Payne, 53, joined after being let go by the Senators in December, along with D.J. Smith. He was an assistant there since 2019 and part of Darryl Sutter’s Stanley Cup-winning staff with the Kings in 2014.
Chynoweth, 55, spent the past three years with the Maple Leafs. He managed Toronto’s defense and penalty kill units during his tenure. The Leafs’ PK ranked 11th at 80.3%, while the Jets’ PK lagged behind at 78.2%, placing them 20th.
Coaching Backgrounds:
Before Toronto, Chynoweth worked three seasons under Rod Brind’Amour with the Hurricanes from 2018 to 2021. His coaching career includes stints with the Islanders from 2009 to 2012 and various roles in AHL, IHL, and WHL since retiring as a player in ’98.
Payne briefly led the Blues as head coach in early 2010s with a record of 67-55-15 over parts of three seasons. Since then he has been involved every year in NHL coaching roles.
Fans might be excited about these changes but also curious about how it will affect team performance next season.
Chynoweth is also known for being Ed Chynoweth’s son—founder of CHL and Hockey Hall of Famer—which adds an interesting legacy element to his career narrative.
What do you think about these new additions? Share your thoughts!
