Manitoba Moose

All Scott Arniel needs to do is work out the terms and get his signature on a contract.

Two days after losing in the Calder Cup final to the Hershey Bears, the head coach of the Manitoba Moose expressed interest in being back for a fourth American Hockey League season when he met with members of the media at the MTS Centre.

Arniel's name has been linked to several NHL openings, but he said he had no interviews scheduled at this time.

The man who was born in Kingston, Ont., but has made Winnipeg his second home didn't flinch when asked if he wanted to be back behind the Moose bench.

'ALWAYS LEARNING'

"Sure. I certainly do," said Arniel. "I've said all along, there's still lots for me to learn and lots for me to do. For me to be in a (Calder Cup) final like this, there was a lot of mental stuff going on in my head. All of these series were learning experiences. As a coach, you're always learning and always trying to get better.

"When I came back here three years ago, I said there were some things I wanted to do and they're still on the agenda. I plan on being here in September."

Arniel's three-year contract expires at the end of the current season, but Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis has spoke of his desire to offer an extension to Arniel, so it should only be a matter of time before the deal gets done.

"(The contract) is up, but it's not an issue," said Arniel. "We'll be talking in the next couple of weeks."

The only NHL interview Arniel had scheduled was for the Edmonton Oilers job that was eventually filled by Pat Quinn and associate coach Tom Renney.

Arniel told Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini he wanted to wait until the Calder Cup playoffs were over, but the position was filled before he could get his formal interview.

Although Todd Richards is the favourite for the Minnesota Wild job, it was expected new general manager Chuck Fletcher would at least give Arniel an interview.

Arniel's name has also been mentioned for vacancies with the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames, though he is not considered a front-runner for either position.

When he was asked about considering an NHL offer, Arniel re-iterated his previous position that he won't rush to take a job.

"I would look seriously at who it was and would definitely go through the interviewing process," said Arniel. "Where I'd go from there? I'd really have to sit down with my family and see. I really don't know until that came about."

Moose captain Mike Keane believes it's only a mater of time and the proper opportunity before Arniel takes the jump to the next level.

"He could go right now, but he has different issues that involve his family also," said Keane. "As far as hockey-wise, he's ready. He's very thorough in what he does. He's very particular on how he wants the game played and he stresses that very strongly. If he wants a job, I'm sure he can find one.

"If he's back, it obviously helps our chances of achieving our goal."

A WINNING RECORD

Scott Arniel's coaching record with Manitoba Moose

Regular season
2006-07: 45-23-7-5, 102 points, first in North Division
2007-08: 46-27-0-7, 99 points, third in North Division
2008-09: 50-23-1-6, 107 points, first overall

Playoffs
2007 -- lost in North Division final to the Hamilton Bulldogs in six games
2008 -- lost in first round to the Syracuse Crunch in six games
2009 -- lost in Calder Cup final against the Hershey Bears in six games