NHL Wraparound Podcast | Extended conversation with Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff

Video Description:
A season after surprising many with their first-ever Presidents’ Trophy, the Winnipeg Jets are around the top of the NHL standings once again despite losing some key components from a season ago. Executive VP/GM Kevin Cheveldayoff joins Neil and Vic to discuss his team, the challenges of remaining competitive in the league’s smallest market and the inspiration by the return to play of native son Jonathan Toews.

Topics:
[13:22] – Winnipeg Jets Executive VP/GM Kevin Cheveldayoff joins the show and hit on the difficulty winning in the NHL amidst the parity around the league in a season with a compressed schedule.
[16:16] – The challenges of keeping the Jets competitive in today’s financial landscape with the exchange rate being unfavorable to Canadian teams and the salary cap continuing to go up.
[20:15] – Forward Mark Scheifele is one of the premiere power forwards in the NHL. He might also be one of the NHL’s best kept secrets playing in Winnipeg.
[22:54] – Despite having put up Hall of Fame numbers and Vezina Trophy’s on the mantle, Connor Hellebuyck has some work to do once the playoffs roll around in April.
[25:11] – Dealing with the holes left by players departing Winnipeg via free agency.
[27:49] – Cheveldayoff discusses which forwards need should be primed to take their next step forward.
[30:00] – The thinking behind the signing of Jonathan Toews, returning to the NHL after a two-year absence.
[32:42] – Comparing Toews with Gabriel Landeskog of Colorado, another player who took extraordinary measures to resume his playing career.
[34:04] – Thoughts on head coach Scott Arniel, second year head coach having taken over for Rick Bowness.
[38:01] – Looking at one of the most complete defensive corps in the NHL.
[43:01] – Putting a wrap on the discussion with Kevin Cheveldayoff.