The Jets GM spoke with media today to discuss the trade of Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian as well as prospect Jason Kasdorf to Buffalo.
GM Cheveldayoff – Opening remarks. How did the trade come about and what was most important part for him? Did need to satisfy short and long term needs require inclusion of Zach Bogosian? Was this a deal he had to get done now (due to Kane situation)? Did he have to address the room after he made trade? Did anything about this deal have to do with Kane being a problem in the dressing room? Is he done making moves or is he actively shopping for more? Is Joel Armia someone who can help this team or is he going to St. John’s? What are some of the things he likes about Lemieux’s game? What does he like about Myers game? Is he pinching himself that he got this type of deal done? On gaining depth and his evaluation of the rosters. Clarifying which 1st round pick the Jets will be receiving from Buffalo. Is that 1st round pick an asset in play or is it required for building for the future. Can he elaborate on how many teams were in on the Kane sweepstakes?
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
Presser Quotes:
– “Want to thank Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian for all they have done for the organization”.
– “We may not be the most active team in the league but doesn’t mean we didn’t have lots of things going on behind the scenes”
– “I’m excited for what this brings into our organization…..we feel this will help us in both short term and long term”.
– “Our pro scouts really love the upside of Joel Armia”.
– Said organization targeted Brendan Lemieux in the draft. Said team tried to move up to draft him.
– “It is not an easy thing to have to include someone like Zach….he’s such a quality person”
– On making a deal to help team make playoffs: “Ability to add right now was important. It still remains important”.
– On whether he needed to address room: “That dressing room is Paul’s….He spoke with the team”
– “It wasn’t a case of making a deal to make a deal. This will strengthen our franchise for now and for the long term.”
– “Right now the plan is for him (Joel Armia) to go to St. John’s.”
– On Tyler Myers: “He’s big. He can skate. He can shoot. He can log a lot of minutes…there is a huge upside on him”
– “Not shocked by the interest in Evander Kane. We wish him the best.”
– On which first round pick is coming back: “It is their choice. If they want to give us their top pick (smile) we will take it”.
– Wouldn’t expand on how many teams specifically were interested in Kane.
