Winnipeg brewery offers free beer to Barry Trotz if he comes to coach the Jets

Off-season questions linger for Winnipeg Jets As the Jets ready to take on the Flames, the focus has already turned to what will happen when the season wraps. Joey Slattery explains.

A Winnipeg brewery is sweetening the pot in an attempt to get Barry Trotz to return to Manitoba.

Little Brown Jug announced Monday night that they will offer Trotz complimentary beer for life if he returns to coach the Winnipeg Jets.

“The Winnipeg Jets are in the market for a head coach and Barry Trotz is the perfect fit for Manitoba,” the brewery said in a news release. “Barry Trotz not only boasts an incredible resume that includes a Stanley Cup and claim to third place on the all-time coach wins list—his hometown is Dauphin, Manitoba. As Manitobans know, a lot of us move away but we always remain Manitobans.”

In addition to the free beer, Little Brown Jug said they would also brew a beer named after him and add it to their lineup.

The Jets missed the playoffs this season after coach Paul Maurice resigned in December and assistant Dave Lowry was given the job in the interim. Winnipeg is one of several teams with an opening, along with Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit and Boston, which fired Bruce Cassidy.

Trotz, who coached the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 and ranks third in regular-season victories, is considered a top candidate for several of them and most notably has been linked with the Flyers and Jets.

James Hofer, the office administrator with Little Brown Jug, said the idea feels like a typical one Winnipeggers would come up with.

“To me, it felt like kids in the 90s trying to keep the Winnipeg Jets here by cracking open their piggy banks,” he said. “You know, big picture, a couple of bucks isn't going to make that much of a difference, but I think it just showcases the passion that we have for sports teams in this city. And, for that reason, I think it was fun to run with.”

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING UP GOODS TO TROTZ

It's not just the Little Brown Jug that is trying to sweeten the pot.

Dauhpin's Countryfest said it would offer tickets to Trotz and his family for the rest of their lives if he signs with the team.

"We are not above bribery. Manitoba needs you Barry," a Facebook post said on the festival's page.

Trotz could also have some breakfast food for the rest of his life. Harley Siemens of Siemens Farms said on Twitter that Trotz would receive a lifetime supply of eggs if he signs with the Jets.

-With files from The Associated Press.