On June 17, 1991, the Jets introduced John Paddock as the new head coach of the team, as Bob Murdoch was not brought back after Winnipeg failed to qualify for the 1991 Stanley Cup playoffs.
With the fifth overall pick at the 1991 NHL Entry Draft held on June 22, 1991, the Jets selected defenceman Aaron Ward from the University of Michigan.
On July 22, 1991, the Jets acquired Troy Murray and Warren Rychel from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Bryan Marchment and Chris Norton.
Rychel spent the 1990–91 season with the Indianapolis Ice of the AHL, recording 33 goals and 63 points in 68 games, as well as 338 penalty minutes.
Troy Murray was named captain, replacing Randy Carlyle and Thomas Steen.