Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff Teases Draft-Day Drama With Comments About His Plans

While the Jets liked the way things were done in the traditional draft format and would vote the same way once again, Cheveldayoff knows the emphasis remains on strengthening the organization.

'Take those 10 years or those eight years and you see where you had a guy on your list and see where he was taken,' said Cheveldayoff, explaining the analytical process. 'You see where other respected outside lists have him on their list and (see) where they're taken - and guys that are much smarter than me put him into the computer and write the algorithms to try and say that based on history, this guy could here - where we have him on our list and where they have him on their lists - we think there's a great probability that he's going to be there for you.'

The Jets will rely on a variety of things before making their decision as to what to do

The Jets' hockey operations department will make their decision in the draft based on scouting reports, statistics, and on-ice evaluations. As of Thursday, Winnipeg has five picks in the first, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds.

For prospects as well as teams, the draft is the culmination of an extended process. Players have already trained for years, traveled, and gone through camps, and teams are reliant on events like the NHL Combine.

The Combine, which occurs annually in Buffalo, is more than simply where players go to test their fitness level; it's a time when teams meet with prospects and try to learn about their personality.

Cheveldayoff said that some of the interviews can become amusing, as is the case with a goalie who stayed with him. Everything learned from those interviews comes into use when the Jets are in the pressure cooker.

'We asked where you think you're going to go. He said 'somewhere between the fifth and seventh round,'' Cheveldayoff recalled. 'And we asked 'you don't want to go in the first or second round? Everyone seems to.' He said 'no no. Draft a couple good defensemen in front of me, then draft me.' It was quite funny.'

When the Jets select a player, development coordinator Jimmy Roy will be on hand in LA to greet them, and management will call in via Zoom to greet them and begin arranging travel for the development camp, which is being held June 30 through July 4.

Trade rumors, naturally, could still shake up the Jets' draft list before the weekend's over.