SHL Coach Could Be Exciting Option in Winnipeg Jets Coaching Search
Most of the recent news regarding the Winnipeg Jets has been about their search for their next head coach. Most of the rumors have been in regards to the Jets’ pursuit of veteran head coach and former Stanley Cup Champion, Barry Trotz.
There is going to be a lot of competition between the Jets and other franchises to get a deal done with Trotz. Then that brings the question, what if the Jets do not land Trotz?
There are many interesting candidates that have a plethora of experience available, including Peter DeBoer and Claude Julien.
There are also other candidates with no NHL head coaching experience who can provide some interesting options for the Jets. One potential candidate may not be a household name to those around North America, but Cam Abbott is a coach that should be on everyone’s radar.
Cam Abbott could be a very exciting option for the Winnipeg Jets in their search for their next head coach
The Ontario Born, Abbott played four years collegiately at the University of Cornell and after playing a season professionally in North America, he made the jump to Europe where he has found a home since 2007.
After his playing career ended after the 2014-2015 season with Luleå HF, who play in the SHL which is the top division in Sweden, Abbott made the jump to coaching for the 2016-2017 season in the Swedish junior leagues with Växjö Lakers HC J20.
In the middle of his second season with the Lakers, Abbott was appointed as head coach of SHL team, Rögle BK in the middle of the 2017-2018 regular season.
The now thirty-eight-year-old has turned Rögle from a team that was towards the bottom of the league and fighting from being relegated to one of the top teams in the SHL.
During his first full season behind the bench of Rögle, in 2018-2019, Abbott turned in a ninth-placed finish. The team was off to a better start for the 2019-2020 season, posting a 25-17-7 record but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the remainder of the season to be canceled and there was no postseason.
The past two seasons have been largely successful for Rögle and Abbott. In 2021-2022, Rögle lost in the playoff finals and this past season Rögle won the regular season, but unfortunately lost in the playoff semifinals.
What Cam Abbott has done with Rögle is extremely impressive. He has turned the team around from the bottom of the standings to one of the top teams not only in the Swedish Hockey League but in Europe.
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What Abbott is currently doing in Sweden is something that should be on the radars of NHL teams looking for a future head coach. Not only has he turned Rögle into a powerhouse, but he has also coached and helped develop a number of players who are currently playing in the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think Cam Abbott will ever make the jump to the NHL? Leave your comments below!
