from Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press,

Firing Noel at this stage won't accomplish much. This team doesn't have enough talent and it doesn't have strong leadership. A new coach alone won't make a difference.

Cheveldayoff has to break up the cartel leading these players. One of the big pieces needs to be removed via trade to augment any coaching change.

If a fresh perspective behind the bench is deemed the appropriate measure, it must be coupled with new accountability among the players. The big boys with the Winnipeg Jets don't push one another. They don't demand a high enough standard from within.

Take your pick. Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien or Blake Wheeler should be on the way out of town at the same time as Noel.

So fine, clip Noel. But fire the leadership group, too.

read on