Editor’s Note: This story was included in The Athletic’s Best of 2019. See the full list.



KUOPIO, Finland — Jarmo Kekalainen is driving on a country road in the Northern Savonia region of Finland, about four hours north of Helsinki. His disdain for small talk can make conversation a challenge for those not in his inner circle, but not on this day. Kekalainen is back in his homeland, the NHL is deep in its offseason, and the words are flowing freely for the Blue Jackets’ general manager.



“See those cows?” Kekalainen said, pointing out his window to the left. “That’s what we’re having for dinner.” A minute later, he points again. “And over there is where I got the potatoes, just this morning.”



Kekalainen then goes on a two-minute description of the potatoes, how it’s remarkable that such a starchy vegetable can be so spectacular when they go from the ground to your plate on...