A former Winnipeg Jet returned to the city Thursday but this time at the helm of an opposing team.

Randy Carlyle greeted a throng of reporters and onlookers at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg ahead of the Jets matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Carlyle is now the head coach of the Leafs, but formerly played 10 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and coached the Manitoba Moose for six years.

“Those ups and downs over the course of a number of years, you can always bring humor back to it,” said Carlyle.

“They weren’t quite as funny as it is today but lots of good memories, lots of strong memories for both myself and my family.”

The Jets are set to take the ice against the Leafs at 7 p.m.

The Leafs currently sit at seventh place in the eastern conference, while the Jets trail in ninth place.