Winnipeg Jets’ General Manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, has kept his plans about possible roster changes to himself during an exit interview. He stated that he needs time to process his emotions and ensure that he makes rational decisions rather than knee-jerk reactions. Although he didn’t reveal his plans, he still has to meet with some players, coaches, and ownership to map out his priorities. The Jets’ latest shortfall was a first-round exit in five games against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Cheveldayoff defends head coach, Rick Bowness, and wants the team to continue moving forward under his leadership. Although some players expressed dissatisfaction with Bowness after the elimination game, Cheveldayoff praised the job he did in taking on the task of trying to win a Stanley Cup.
Cheveldayoff has some items on his to-do list, including contract negotiations with key players such as Mark Scheifele, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Connor Hellebuyck, and Blake Wheeler. His decisions could impact the team’s coffers, and the franchise recently launched a season-ticket drive with an aim to boost its base by 3,000. Although only five regular-season games at the Canada Life Centre were sellouts, the two home playoff tilts against Vegas were full houses.
Cheveldayoff was asked about the possibility of a rebuild, to which he replied that there are “realities” the team has to deal with, including contracts and various decisions that come from coaches’ meetings and ownership meetings. The fans want decisions to be made with a purpose, not just as a knee-jerk reaction. The Jets have only won three playoff series in the 12-season span since its relocation to Winnipeg from Atlanta in 2011, and Cheveldayoff believes that the team has what it takes to be a playoff team.