Despite the soft attendance, I think that Winnipeggers have a lot of pride in having an NHL team. I would run a marketing campaign that caters to that. I like to think that was the idea behind the "Forever Winnipeg" campaign, but the negative imagery around the team leaving turned people off.
I would run a new campaign focused around thanking current season ticket holders. It would emphasize that season ticket holders are the backbone of the team. That way people will feel good buying season tickets even if it does not make financial sense to do so right now.
TNSE needs to shift its corporate culture to make season ticket holders feel like royalty. You can't please everyone, but you can gloss over unhappiness with corporate policies with the right attitude. TNSE should have special events for season ticket holders that make them feel valued and part of something special. A big soiree with the season tickets holders, ownership, management and the players seems like a neat idea.
TNSE should focus on trying to win over businesses season ticket holders. Use soft attendance to comp tickets and offer incentives to new season ticket holders. Have ticket features or promotions that make a business case for season tickets. Examples include tying them together with advertising and offering printed tickets that can be more easily given away.
TNSE should also focus on past season ticket holders. It is clear that there any many former season tickets holders that still love the team, but feel alienated by TNSE. Any overture whatsoever to fence mending could go a long way.
I would run an aggressive season ticket campaign until all season tickets are sold and there is a waitlist. TNSE should make its goal clear and post regular updates. Once tickets start selling, it could start snowballing where more businesses and individuals want to get on board. Even if TNSE has to discount tickets a bit for larger commitments, rebuilding the base and recreating energy around the team will pay dividends in the long term.
Just my $0.02.