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JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- This incarnation of the Winnipeg Jets hasnt made the playoffs in two years, and the franchise didnt qualify for the previous five seasons when it was in Atlanta. That would seem to create some urgency for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. But Cheveldayoff is going into Sundays NHL draft with the long-term future in mind. "Ultimately youre here to restock and stock your teams with young talent and future building blocks for your organization," he said. "That is really the first and foremost topic on our minds." With the No. 13 pick, three in the second round and 10 overall, the Jets have plenty of ammunition to make trades. But Cheveldayoff seems comfortable focusing more on the future than the present. Thats easy with a "good memory." Cheveldayoff will oftentimes think about acquiring a player and then look to see that he was drafted in one of the first two rounds, reminding him that patience is a valuable asset. "It does take time, theres no question about it, but in a cap world, it is impulse that really sets you in the wrong direction," he said. "When you have the opportunity to have good young players, now thats the key: Youve got to draft right, you have to develop right. That is the way youll be able to live and thrive in a cap world." Sure, Cheveldayoff would like to find some more depth at right wing and get deals done with some restricted free agents like defenceman Zach Bogosian, right-winger Blake Wheeler and centre Bryan Little. But this weekend is about drafting young players, many of whom wont be able to contribute at the NHL level for at least a couple of years. "We spent a lot of time with our scouts, our scouts have spent the whole year putting their hearts and souls into the list," Cheveldayoff said. "Theyre out in the rinks, theyre out pounding the pavement, going through the snowstorms to try and find that player that is going to put us over the top. And that needs to be respected as well. Were very focused on working to keep our RFAs, working to build through the draft, and working to build an organization that is strong and has lots of depth, and this is the time that it starts right here." Cheveldayoff has already told his scouting staff to be prepared if the team doesnt use all 10 picks it has at its disposal. Thats not a problem for director of amateur scouting Marcel Comeau. "Were all in this together and we all want to see the team get better as soon as it can get better," Comeau said. "Whatever pieces we can add, thats all for the good, as far as Im concerned. Our job is to acquire assets for management to manage. Were looking forward to adding some more pieces and then see what we can make out of those pieces." The Jets are still glowing from the 2012 draft when defenceman Jacob Trouba was available for them to select ninth overall. Hes expected to make the team out of training camp next season. "We were real excited. We just had a feeling that was going to be the guy we were going to get, for some reason," Comeau said. "We just thought he was our guy. Sure as heck, he was, so we were certainly happy to get him. He certainly hasnt disappointed us here. Hes going to be a great addition to the Winnipeg Jets." Winnipeg may not get a player as polished as Trouba or 2011 first-rounder Mark Scheifele at No. 13 or in the second round, but Comeau and Cheveldayoff are confident theyll continue to build the system. "Choices change hands. We have a few more opportunities this year, we still put the work in to get the list where we want it and certainly we have a chance to add some more assets," Comeau said. "You dont know if theyre going to be there, but you put the work in regardless, prepare as best you can and be sure that youre good to go." . -- Brandon Hope stopped 46 shots and Kurtis MacDermid scored with 27 seconds remaining in overtime as the Owen Sound Attack edged the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 5-4 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. . The German has taken the pole for three straight races -- winning the first two. Hes aiming for a third consecutive win at the Yeongam circuit and, most importantly, a fourth consecutive F1 championship. . Though the 26-year-old said he was able to participate, coach Dwane Casey kept Johnson out as a precaution. . -- The Minnesota Twins have granted relief pitcher Matt Guerrier his unconditional release, making the 35-year-old right-hander a free agent.Changes appear to be coming for Canadas World Junior team ahead of Mondays game against Slovakia. After surrendering four goals on 28 shots in Canadas 5-4 shootout loss to the Czech Republic on Saturday, Jake Paterson will watch the Slovak game from the bench. Halifax Mooseheads goaltender Zach Fucale will make his tournament debut, getting the start against Slovakia. The 18-year-old netminder is not worried about having watched the entire tournament from the bench thus far. "It hasnt been difficult at all, I think, for me," Fucale told TSN. "I just wanted to be supportive and stay ready all the time. Tomorrow Im just going to get in the net and play the best game I can. Thats all that I can really do." The Canadiens draftee did stress the importance of coming up big against Slovakia, however. "We all want to be in those big games and its not the Finals yet, so tomorrow we have to give our best performance," he said. Paterson has started every game since Canadas second pre-tournament game against Sweden on Dec. 22. In four games he has posted a 2.50 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage, posting marks of 3.00 and .885 in tournament play so far. The change in net could also mean a different plan of attack for the Canadian defence. "Zach plays the puck pretty well, so it almost makes it easier sometimes for a defenceman," said Canadian assistant captain Mathew Dumba. The Minnesota Wild defenceman stressed that the Canadian team is confident in its ability regardless of who is between the pipes. "Were very confident in both of our goalies and I think we played good with them both in the pre--competition," Dumba told TSN.dddddddddddd "I dont think thats something we have to worry about at all." Fucale last started in Canadas first pre-tournament game: a 4-2 comeback win over Finland. He stopped 11 of the 13 shots Finland threw at the net, steadying his play after a shaky start. Does that mean Fucale could also get the start in the potentially-group-deciding New Years Eve match-up against the United States? "I dont know. I guess lets see how he plays and well determine that after the game tomorrow," said Team Canada coach Brent Sutter. "I told you guys at the start: Im taking this game-by-game." Coach Sutter also offered up some insight on the play of 16-year-old Connor McDavid on Sunday, telling TSN that there is little to worry about from the young sniper based on just the Czech game. Sutter and McDavid spoke for a few minutes after Sundays skate, the coach offering the following analysis. "Its one game and you guys make a bigger deal out of it than it is," Sutter quipped. "He played 13 minutes last night and, yeah, maybe he didnt have the game that he wouldve liked to have, but, that being said, hes a very important part of this team and if it wasnt Connor McDavid and it was somebody else here you guys wouldnt even be talking about it." McDavid split time with Taylor Leier on a line with Bo Horvat and Sam Reinhart late in Saturdays game, but would get the tap to be one of Canadas three shooters in the game-deciding shootout. His attempt would be stopped by Czech goalkeeper Marek Langhamer, opening the door for Dominik Simons game-winner on the next attempt. ' ' '
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