Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness is elated by the work of his general manager.
Veteran head coach Rick Bowness has just been given the keys to a brand new red Ferrari.
Okay, maybe we should say a blue Ferrari. A polar night blue Ferrari to be exact. Unfortunately that doesn't work quite as well, but it'll do for now.
Situated in Seattle for the second stop of his Winnipeg Jets' extended home-and-home, Bowness reflected upon his team's acquisitions on what was an eventful trade deadline day for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and company.
“We’re thrilled. Absolutely thrilled to be bringing in a player of the calibre of Tyler." Bowness began.
"His experience, he’s a Stanley Cup winner. He’s a big-time goal scorer at the right time in the playoffs. I hear nothing but great things about his character and work ethic. So, he’s going to fit right in here."
But not only was the Jets' bench boss excited for the player coming in, but also how it reflects on the overall direction of the team.
"It’s a great move for the organization; it’s a great move for our team," Bowness said. "All the players are excited, all the coaches are excited, all of our fans should be very excited. Management and ownership has taken a big step here and they are showing they are all in. We are all in, so he's a huge part of where we’re going.”
On the flip side, Bowness shared the importance of defensive depth come playoff time - something that was echoed by Cheveldayoff in his post-deadline media availability.
Bowness, who has worked in the NHL for 30+ seasons, knows a quality defensive player when he sees one. According to the well-travelled coach, a player with good character is even more important to have around.
“A right hand shot, he’s got a big shot from the point," Bowness said of Miller's game.
"He’s had a lot of playoff experience. We are just looking for another right-handed D. He’s a key acquisition as well. He will play an important part of our team moving forward as well. Again, I hear nothing but great things about his character. We are bringing in good players and just as important, we are bringing in good people.”
As impressed as he was with his new acquisitions, Bowness made it clear that his management team is second to none, tipping his cap to Cheveldayoff's management crew.
“If you look at the players that he’s brought in," he began. "We needed a second line centre, so he went out and got Sean Monahan. That’s a big move. We needed some more scoring, so he brings in Tyler Toffoli. Last year, we needed some depth and he brought in Nino, he brought in Vladdy. They’re still here and very important parts of our team.
"Now we need another right-handed D and he goes out and gets one. So, Chevy has done an outstanding job at building this team and giving us depth and giving us different options to use. He’s done an outstanding job, and we’re really happy where we are and Chevy has obviously built this team.”