Today at the 39 minute mark of the 32 Thoughts Podcast there is a discussion between Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman about the adds to be made still by the Western Conference teams in the typical arms race which leads up to the trade deadline.
When it comes to Winnipeg, Friedman had this to say:
“One of the things I think Winnipeg has really thought about is Heinola. He was hurt for a lot of this year and I know their fans are very impatient for him but Cheveldayoff has shown one thing. He’s very, very patient and I do think they want to give Heinola some time to play but I don’t think he’s out of their radar. I think they want to see what he looks like with some playing time.”
This is consistent with Cheveldayoff’s comments the other day on the NHL Wraparound Podcast with former Rangers GM Neil Smith when Cheveldayoff said this about Heinola when asked about potential acquisitions for his hockey club:
“He’s back playing now. He needs to get games under his belt at the American League level but that might be our own internal addition”.
Of course the key point is give him some time. Four days ago Rick Bowness was asked for an update on the Finnish defender and had this to say:
Rick Bowness on the progress Ville Heinola is making as he works way back from ankle surgery in October.
“Is he back to where he was in training camp? No he’s not”
Basically said it would be unfair to him to bring him up before he’s ready.
Full media: https://t.co/4wPYiZNSBQ pic.twitter.com/mJ2POwayEh
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) February 12, 2024
He also said this:
Ville Heinola’s challenge to catch-up:
“When you give a kid a chance you want to be 100%. That’s the biggest thing. That he’s on top of his game, that he’s not trying to find his game….we have to give him more time. It’s as simple as that.”
Full media:https://t.co/4wPYiZNSBQ pic.twitter.com/iywO6HnCaE
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) February 12, 2024
Heinola has played 12 games for the Moose this season and has three goals and four assists.
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