Winnipeg has made some significant moves around the sidelines and in the bench in the last few weeks, adding an NHL addition in the middle of the bench in a crucial position just weeks before training camp and preseason begin.
The Jets announced last week on September 2 that Matt Larke will be the club’s new Skills Coach. After tackling the Seattle Kraken for four seasons, Larke now comes to Winnipeg where he will serve as a skills consultant. The native of Oxford, Mich. has eight seasons of pro hockey experience before starting coaching in 2017.
Larke brings yet one of those development-y voices to a Jets team that missed the playoffs last year. His down-and-up work with players may prove more useful when it comes time for training camp when young players and veteran NHLers are battling for spots and trying to hone their skills for the start of the season.
Changes to its medical and support staff also were announced. Zach Salmonson, who spent 11 seasons with the Manitoba Moose medical staff, finished his last seven seasons as the head athletic therapist, will move to the Jets where he will serve as a Massage Therapist/Assistant Athletic Therapist. Meanwhile, Andy Grant has been promoted to Head Athletic Therapist at the Moose and Layne Richardson joins Manitoba as an Assistant Athletic Therapist with the team.
The changes are relevant, as Winnipeg has undergone a hectic offseason to prepare for a new season. The Jets already have a few moves in play, such as adding Mario Ferraro at defence during free agency as well as goaltender Stuart Skinner.
The staff changes as training camp nears the beginning, demonstrate why Winnipeg is focusing on player development and preparation moving forward. One of the storylines to watch during Larke’s time at the Jets will be the one that unfolds as he starts to help build the team in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
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