Latest news with #KevinCheveldayoff
Winnipeg Free Press
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion: Hockey Canada sexual assault trial latest story spotlighting dark side of sport
Opinion Countless times throughout the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, the question has come up: is this a story for the sports section at the Free Press? The resounding answer is: yes. Yes, this is a sports story. I am not writing to offer my opinion on the decisions made today. I am here to remind readers that the world of sports is not always a fun, fantasy world. Sports are a fantastic way for fans, including me, to escape hard times — but a shadow hides behind the blinding, refracted light of historic goals and legendary names. This trial shone a spotlight on the ugliness of that shadow. The fact that people are high-fiving over the five men involved in this case being acquitted is absolutely disgusting. Whether or not you believe the five men are guilty, a woman was traumatized. So much so that, as the Toronto Star reported, E.M. thought she would be able to testify in person in the courtroom, but when she was taking a tour of the courthouse and sat in the witness stand, she started crying. She was so traumatized by what happened to her that night in a London, Ont., hotel room that she had to testify via video from another room in the courthouse, and the defendants were blurred on her end. What those cheering the acquittals seem to quickly forget is that trauma and abuse in sports isn't just a woman's story — it's a part of sports culture that has thrived in the shadows for far too long. This case just so happened to involve a woman. This is also a man's story. Whether Winnipeg Jets fans want to admit it or not, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was previously involved with a franchise that saw Kyle Beach identify himself as a player at the centre of sexual abuse allegations. A second former player also sued the Chicago Blackhawks. Hometown favourite Jonathan Toews was also part of that franchise at the time these abuses took place. I am by no means saying either Cheveldayoff or Toews were involved or knew of the abuse. The point of including this is as a reminder that abuse is happening to athletes themselves in top leagues. This is not just a minor league issue. This is not just a women's issue. This is a high-profile issue that continues to get swept under the rug whenever the defendants are deemed not guilty, whether in the court of law or the court of public opinion. If one of these players is signed by an NHL team, we will have to cover them in the Free Press sports section in a way where it appears as though this story never existed. Just as we have had to cover Alex Ovechkin, regardless of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. You can add as many disclaimers and explainers as you want; these are still stories emphasizing the 'greatness' of these athletes. Abuse is rampant in professional sports, and I'm tired of it being so often left out of the larger story of sports. We can celebrate the accomplishments of athleticism while at the same time acknowledging it's a system built on abuse that tries to shelter perpetrators instead of helping victims of abuse. The story of 'ruining his career' is so often presented in cases like the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. But what about the responsibility of the five hockey players to not ruin their respective careers by participating that night? It's just a question. Moreover, the case was so toxic to Hockey Canada before it went to court, the organization had already settled out of court, wanting the story to go away — to be swept under the rug and into the ugly shadows. If I may offer one opinion, it is that I fear these acquittals will dissuade future victims of sexual assault from reporting abuse. We're at a point in society where women have to be believed more than ever while navigating a justice system built to cast doubt on testimony. Whether you believe E.M. or not, I ask that you consider how you would feel if you weren't believed. I hope there's a day when the story of sports doesn't include abuse of any kind. Thursday, however, punctuated and perpetuated the 'boys will be boys' culture ingrained in sports at the expense of another person's trauma. Maybe this trial will help forward ongoing conversations about consent and, if anything, remind sports fans of the dark, toxic side of these stories of heroes and history books. Grace Anne Paizen is the Free Press Sports editor Grace Anne PaizenSports Editor Grace oversees the team that produces sports journalism for the Free Press. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
New York Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Nikolaj Ehlers excited for fresh start with Hurricanes, calls Jets exit ‘very emotional'
New Carolina Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers called his exit from Winnipeg 'very emotional' during his introduction Saturday in a joint call with general manager Eric Tulsky. Ehlers, who finalized his decision to sign with the Hurricanes on Thursday, spent the first three days of free agency mulling over options from multiple teams. On Friday, he called Jets coach Scott Arniel, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and True North chairman Mark Chipman to explain why he left Winnipeg after 10 seasons. Advertisement 'I had a lot of thank-yous I needed to get out because these guys and that organization (are) top notch,' Ehlers said Saturday. 'I told them why I made the decision that I made, and they obviously respected it and were happy for me.' Ehlers was long expected to test free agency, but the reasons for his departure were unclear. He hadn't had an exit interview with Jets media, and instead flew to Europe to play for Denmark at the World Championships after Winnipeg lost to Dallas in round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs. There were reports that Ehlers wanted to play in a 'quiet' market and concerns that Winnipeg pushed him away by limiting his minutes. On Saturday, he finally had the chance to speak for himself. 'I told (the Jets) they didn't do anything wrong,' Ehlers said. 'I loved it there. I love the organization, the people in it, the guys. They became family. The city of Winnipeg, the fans, everyone that's played in Winnipeg knows how incredible it is to play there. For me, it was more about trying something new and challenging myself.' Ehlers also denied that his decision had to do with escaping the pressures of Canadian media. 'I wouldn't put it that way. Like I said, I've been in Winnipeg for 10 years, and I don't think I ever was in any way bad during the media. Or I hope you guys didn't feel like I didn't like you guys because I had a great relationship with every one of you.' Ehlers framed his decision to join Carolina over a long list of suitors as a decision about his future, saying he'd studied the Hurricanes roster and is excited by its talent and its youth. He's close friends with Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen and admires Carolina's style of play. Tulksy praised Ehlers' speed and creativity, stressing that Ehlers had multiple teams interested in him. Advertisement 'If he just wanted the most money he could have gotten, he could have gotten more for sure,' Tulsky said. 'My understanding is he was looking for the place that felt like the right fit, where he'd be happy, where he'd have a chance to win — and it turns into a recruiting pitch. It's a personal decision what feels right to him.' There's a perception that Carolina is filled with elite forecheckers but unable to deliver offence in critical moments. The Hurricanes wanted to add the 29-year-old Ehlers' dynamic offensive ability; he's consistently rated as one of the top points-per-minute players in the NHL, playing a fast, creative, and sometimes unpredictable style. 'He is incredibly fast and dynamic with the puck,' Tulsky said. 'He'll bring creativity to our game. We have the puck as much as any team in the league, and the more we can turn that into premium scoring chances, the better off we'll be. Nikolaj is the kind of player who can create scoring chances out of nothing. That's the sort of thing that you layer on to what we've already built, and it can help take us to the next level.' It's a conclusion that Ehlers reached after extensive conversations with Tulsky and coach Rod Brind'Amour — and it's a win for Carolina's recruitment team. The Hurricanes finished 10th in the regular season, losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champions in the second round of the playoffs. They were unable to retain star forward Mikko Rantanen after acquiring him from Colorado for Martin Necas before the trade deadline. The Hurricanes signed Logan Stankoven, whom they acquired from Dallas for Rantanen, to an eight-year contract, but adding Ehlers is still a sizable victory for the team. Carolina has ample cap space ($10.6 million) even after signing Ehlers, and star players Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis are in their 20s. Ehlers said he admires the fast, aggressive way Carolina plays, and he can add to it with his speed. Ehlers 6 year $8.5M Cap Hit #CauseChaos: Yr 1 1M Base & 9M Signing BonusYr 2 1M & 9M SBYr 3 1M & 7.5M SBYr 4 1M & 6.75M SBYr 5 1M & 6.5M SBYr 6 1M & 6.25M SB Year 1/2 No Move Clause, Yr 3/4 No Trade, Yr 5/6 10 Team No Trade List Rep'd by Rufenerhttps:// — PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 4, 2025 'The stress game that Carolina plays in the sense when they don't have the puck, trying to get the puck back as quick as possible … I think with my speed I'm able to do that,' Ehlers said. 'I can create a lot of room for the other guys as well. I believe that I will fit in very nicely.' In the end, Ehlers made a point of celebrating the relationship he had with Winnipeg while emphasizing his excitement at a fresh start. Advertisement After being injured in an accidental collision with a linesman shortly before the Jets' playoffs, he acknowledged there was a chance he wouldn't compete in the postseason, but he was able to return 'two or three weeks quicker' than his initial prognosis. Ehlers said looking back has made him grateful for the opportunity to play for Jets fans after his injury. 'It wasn't something I was thinking about during the season or during the playoffs,' Ehlers said. 'It sunk in sometime after. And that Game 7 against St. Louis is, I believe, one of the craziest games in Winnipeg hockey history. I'll definitely never forget about that one.' Ehlers called playing playoff hockey in Winnipeg, where thousands of fans gathered outside of Canada Life Centre, some of his fondest memories. 'That's what gives you the extra energy, and I believe that they've built something similar to that in Carolina, so I'm excited to feel that.'
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonathan Toews is grateful and excited to play again after signing with his hometown Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, looks on as Jonathan Toews, right, speaks to media as he is welcomed to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, and Jonathan Toews, left, laugh during a news conference held to welcome Toews to the NHL hockey team in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, and Jonathan Toews, left, laugh during a news conference held to welcome Toews to the NHL hockey team in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, and executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, welcome Jonathan Toews, center, to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel, left, looks on as Jonathan Toews, right, speaks to media as he is welcomed to the NHL hockey team at a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) Winnipeg Jets executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, right, and Jonathan Toews, left, laugh during a news conference held to welcome Toews to the NHL hockey team in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Friday, July 4, 2025. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Jonathan Toews is back in the NHL with his hometown Winnipeg Jets after a two-year absence. The three-time Stanley Cup champion was introduced Friday as the newest member of the Jets, donning a jersey with his signature No. 19 at a team news conference. Advertisement The Jets announced their intention to acquire the 37-year-old center last month, but it only became official this week, with Toews signing a one-year deal worth $2 million, plus performance bonuses tied to games played and playoff success. The longtime Chicago Blackhawks captain last played in April 2023. On Friday, he told reporters he was just grateful for the opportunity to return to the ice, let alone with his hometown club in front of friends and family. 'It's an honor and one that has really lit that fire again, that excitement for the game,' Toews said. 'You have these moments throughout your career where I don't want to say you get jaded, but you get used to it, and you kind of settle in. This is another moment that kind of brings me back to that new feeling like you're getting drafted again.' Advertisement Chosen one of the NHL's top 100 players from its first 100 years, Toews played 15 seasons with the Blackhawks and was one of the faces of the franchise. He also helped Canada win gold at back-to-back Olympics in 2010 and '14. Toews stepped away from hockey two years ago citing the effects of Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and long COVID-19. His exit coincided with Chicago trading fellow star Patrick Kane and going into a full-scale rebuild. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff called Toews' signing an exciting day for Winnipeg and said it's something he's been thinking about making happen for more than a decade. Cheveldayoff, an assistant GM in Chicago when Toews and the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup, said that when he joined the Jets the following year, he and team co-owner Mark Chipman mused about the possibility of seeing Toews in a Winnipeg jersey one day. Advertisement 'At that point in time it was merely a dream or a concept,' Cheveldayoff said. 'Last week, when we finalized everything, I sent Mark a text, and it said 'Toews is a Jet.' It was an emotional feeling.' 'One of the most decorated hockey players in Manitoba history is coming home.' Toews is joining a Jets team that's coming off a Presidents' Trophy-winning season as the NHL's top regular-season club. Earlier this week, Winnipeg lost a key offensive piece when winger Nikolaj Ehlers signed a six-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. ___ AP NHL:
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
‘Winnipegger through and through': Jonathan Toews introduced as part of the Winnipeg Jets
Jonathan Toews was officially introduced to the media and public Friday as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. The kid from St. Vital is officially home. The Winnipeg Jets introduced Jonathan Toews to the public and media Friday, as he got to put on the Jets jersey for the first time as a player. 'It's surreal to be sitting here right now putting on this jersey,' said Toews Friday afternoon. The Jets announced last week they would be signing Toews to a one-year deal. Toews, who is from Winnipeg, hasn't played in the NHL since 2023 due to health concerns. He's had a storied career with the Chicago Blackhawks, captaining the team to three Stanley Cups. Now that he is part of a new team – a team he grew up watching as a kid – he said he's excited. 'This is another moment that kind of brings me back to, like, it's that new feeling like you're being drafted again.' Toews said he is not only feeling blessed to be able to play hockey again, but to do it with the Winnipeg Jets means even more. 'I'll always be a Winnipegger through and through. It's a dream come true to come back and play in front of my friends and family and be part of this city once again.' Jets' General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said this is a special day for the Winnipeg Jets, the city of Winnipeg, and the province of Manitoba. 'One of the most decorated hockey players in Manitoba's history is coming home and that's an exciting thing,' said Cheveldayoff. Once it became official that Toews would be signing in Winnipeg, Cheveldayoff said it was an emotional feeling. Now he is just excited to see what Toews can bring to the team. Toews was asked what he thinks he will be capable of when he returns to the ice. He said he isn't focused on goals and assists, but rather the process of getting back into the NHL routine. 'You kind of forget the grind in the NHL season. So you're 15-20 games in, and it's just non-stop. And knowing it's an Olympic year too, the schedule will probably be pretty condensed on either side. There's a lot of little things like that. But you do the best you can and get out on the ice, in the gym with good players and guys at high calibre and just keep working on your game, day in, day out,' said Toews. Toews will be wearing his usual 19 this season, which previously belonged to David Gustafsson. He said Gustafsson was happy to give up the number and Toews will soon work out how to pay him back for allowing him to stick with 19.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets set for free agency opening with questions to answer
The expectation is that the biggest splash has already been made by the Winnipeg Jets, but that doesn't mean the official opening of free agency on Tuesday will be entirely quiet either. With the services of Jonathan Toews already secured and the contract set to be filed on July 1, the Jets will be turning their attention to augmenting the roster. The biggest question left to answer is what will happen with pending UFA forward Nikolaj Ehlers, and while Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said last week that discussions will continue until he's either saying congratulations or thank you, the likelihood of the dynamic Dane remaining in the fold seems to be dwindling. The likelihood of the Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers plays staying with the team appears to be dwindling. (Matt Slocum / The Associated Press files) Should Ehlers depart in free agency, a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes seems to be the most likely destination — though there will be a lengthy line of suitors willing to offer a multiyear deal north of $8.5 million. If Ehlers moves on after a decade in the NHL, it leaves a gaping hole on a second line that could include Toews and Cole Perfetti. Brock Boeser is a name that makes a lot of sense, but can the Jets win a bidding war for his services given the competition that will be there for him as well? That remains to be seen. Then there's the matter of sniper Kyle Connor and captain Adam Lowry being eligible to sign contract extensions as of Tuesday. Is this something that gets taken care of quickly or might it take a bit more time? The expectation is that both deals get done before the season begins, as both Connor and Lowry appear interested in being lifetime Jets. It's not impossible that forwards Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev could stick around, but most signs point to them finding new teams during the coming days — though both players enjoyed their time with the Jets. By extending defenceman Haydn Fleury, the Jets seem mostly set on the back end — other than getting a new deal done for pending restricted free agent Dylan Samberg. The Jets actually have a surplus of NHL D-men, so there could be a move coming with one of them to shore up for the forward group as well. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said last week that discussions with Nikolaj Ehlers will continue until he's either saying congratulations or thank you. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files) While the Jets look strong in goal with Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie at the NHL and prospects Thomas Milic and Dom DiVincentiis in the system, it wouldn't be surprising to see Winnipeg pursue a veteran to share the crease with them on the Manitoba Moose and serve as the No. 3 guy on the depth chart. Speaking of the Moose, after a tough season, signing a few quality depth players that could bounce between the NHL and AHL is likely on the to-do list as well in order to provide a bit more offensive talent and insulation for some of the top prospects. So while the Jets won't likely be shopping in the high-priced aisle that includes defenceman Aaron Ekblad or feisty forward Brad Marhand, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be sitting on the sidelines either come Tuesday. With that in mind, here's a look at some players that could be on the Jets' radar for some of the aforementioned vacancies: Position: Right wing Age: 28 2024-25 stats: 75 GP, 25 G, 25 A, 50 P, 3 GWG, 145 SOG, 18:10 TOI AAV last season: $6.65 million The skinny: The six-time 20-goal scorer will be in high demand, especially being just two years removed from posting career-highs in goals (40) and points (73). The 'down' season Boeser is coming off of still included 25 goals and 50 points — with nine goals and 20 points coming on the power play. The Jets have been watching Boeser since he played in Grand Forks at the University of North Dakota and he could help fill a hole up front. His 29 games of playoff experience would also be welcome for a team looking to take the next steps in the post-season. Position: Left wing Age: 29 2024-25 stats: 81 GP, 14 G, 14 A, 28 P, 3 GWG, 95 SOG, 13:02 TOI AAV last season: $5.8 million The skinny: A tenacious forechecker who goes to the hard areas that could supply secondary scoring and contribute to the second power play. The feisty forward has delivered 14 or more goals in six consecutive seasons, including a 35-goal, 55-point campaign with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22. He fit in well with the Washington Capitals last season and could do the same with the Jets. Position: Left/right wing Age: 30 on July 18 2024-25 stats: 56 GP, 15 G, 14 A, 29 P, 4 GWG, 109 SOG, 14:30 TOI AAV last season: $1.075 million The skinny: A strong skater with an excellent shot, Olofsson scored six times on the power play last season. Although he still needs to improve his play away from the puck, he took some steps with his two-way game under Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. Olofsson might not get to market, but if he does, the Jets could be a fit, given the middle-six minutes that could be available. Position: Right wing Age: 29 on July 23 2024-25 stats: 67 GP, 6 G, 8 A, 14 P, 2 GWG, 66 SOG, 11:55 TOI AAV last season: $1 million The skinny: The numbers don't pop off the page, but the light bulb seemed to go on for the Finnish forward down the stretch and during the Stanley Cup playoffs, as the Edmonton Oilers pushed the Florida Panthers to six games in the final. Occasionally seeing time alongside Leon Draisaitl, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft showed off his speed and provided some secondary scoring (three goals, six points in 12 playoff games). The speedy right-handed winger was also used on the penalty kill. Position: Right wing Age: 30 2024-25 stats: 13 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P, 15 SOG, 1 GWG, 13:54 TOI AAV last season: $3.5 million The skinny: A knee injury forced the 6-foot-5, 234-pound winger to miss the majority of the season, but the Jets have been linked to the player in the past and there could be an opportunity for him to re-establish himself as a middle-six winger on a show-me contract. He's been a high-volume shooter for most of his career, eclipsing 100 shots on goal nine times, including registering 198 with the Detroit Red Wings in 2018-19. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
