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The Winnipeg Jets confirmed Paul Maurice as their new head coach for the next four years Wednesday

Maurice took the Jets to an 18-12-5 record over 35 games after Claude Noel was fired.

"He's an impressive hockey coach but he's an impressive person as well," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said of Maurice, who took over in mid-January.

"He walked in and he made a tremendous impact from the moment he walked in and we believe that we're just scratching the surface on the impact he can make on this franchise moving forward."

Maurice has a career coaching record of 478-469-172 over 1,119 NHL games with the Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers franchise.

It was the third straight season the Jets have missed the playoffs since relocating from Atlanta.