Cheveldayoff focused on Vesalainen's development

CALGARY, Alberta -November 17 was an important day for Kristian Vesalainen and the Winnipeg Jets organization.
It was the day the window opened for the 19-year-old forward to decide whether to stay in North America or continue his development in Europe.
The day before that window opened, the Jets recalled Vesalainen - who had eight points in eight American Hockey League games with the Manitoba Moose at the time.
The recall was necessary due to some forwards on the roster being a little banged up, but it also afforded General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff a chance to chat with Vesalainen.

"We brought him up and had some good time with him here to discuss the possibility of what he was looking at in the future," said Cheveldayoff, just minutes after it was announced that the Jets were reassigning Vesalainen to the Moose.
It's Cheveldayoff's belief that Vesalainen will return to Europe, but said there were a number of logistics and conversations that still needed to take place between the organization and Vesalainen's representatives first.

Ultimately, it's about finding the best place for the young forward to continue his road to the National Hockey League.
"The biggest thing for all players is to play, certainly for a 19-year-old player," said Cheveldayoff, adding what makes Vesalainen's situation somewhat unique is usually the AHL isn't an option for 19-year-olds, as they usually need to be returned to junior hockey or to the college level.
"Everyone is going to develop in their own way. He's still a very young player. He had a great year over in Finland last year and this will be a new challenge for him."
Head coach Paul Maurice had Vesalainen in his Jets line-up for five regular season games this season, and saw the forward record his first NHL point in the season-opening 5-1 win over St. Louis.
"If Kristian was here three years ago he'd be playing in our top six," said Maurice. "Things change. We've had a bunch of kids come in and develop really well. Some of those guys played for our team, the Moose. They're really well coached. We can develop players in our system, and we'd like the opportunity to do that.
"I get that want to play in the NHL, but you have to earn it."