End of Season Player Media Availabilities: Forwards

End of Season Player Media Availabilities: Forwards

So, how much have you been able to reflect past not quite 48 hours? Yeah, honestly, it’s um haven’t really had much time to be honest. Still so fresh and raw and uh still really disappointed to be honest with you. It’s um obviously this year’s been uh way different and you know what we’ve been able to accomplish and and um yeah, no, it’s still still not over it to be honest with you. I still wish we were playing game seven tonight and um yeah, so I haven’t really had time to think about know this year um what the future entails. All I know is that um the hunger and the excitement u sucks to be able to not play right now. Um, but with saying that, I think I said after the game that everything happens for a reason and and I think it’s going to create uh that much more excitement for this group uh for next year and what we’re able to do and and know the belief that we have in each other to to do what needs to be done. Yeah, I mean everyone’s got something going on. So, um, yeah, just was battling through a couple things and, um, but I don’t think, um, injuries are an opportunity to be an excuse. Um, because everybody’s got something going on. So, um, but now it’s just time to take care of it, deal with it, and, um, make sure I’m 100% uh, come next year. Um, I mean, it was It definitely would have been better feeling 100%. But um I mean that’s just I think when you’re dealing with something just a ton of credit and um for the guys behind the scenes, you know, all the trainers and and everybody that uh you know, the strength guys to help you get uh to as good of a shape as you need to be to to be able to play and and um I was saying that’s just not the only guy who who’s dealing with something and um that you know those guys that don’t get enough credit to get us as healthy as possible to play and do whatever it takes to win and and um now it’s that without playing it’s just a time to take care of it and um so nothing’s lingering and lasting for next year. We know you had a hip tweak at one point in the year. Was that what you hurt during fornations? Uh yeah. Um the hip been Yeah. happened uh that Sweden game and just uh took some time coming back to try to get as as good as possible and those games I mean that was kind of our mindset is those are game seven games uh starting then so just wanted to battle to to get to playoffs and uh the end goal is to win the Stanley Cup and didn’t do that and so now it’s just to take the time to get that all healed up um now it’s you know a couple months to uh which will be good to heal up in the next, you know, a little bit, couple weeks, and be able to get trained, get ready to go for next year. You were dealing with the lower body injury after the for nations, but you also had an upper body injury. Were you dealing with both of those lingering injuries during the playoffs, or just one of them? Just one of them. Um yeah, the upper body was obviously a frustrating one, especially at the end of the year. And um you know, one that I can’t really control, but uh um not allowed when that happened to try to get the lower body as as good as possible come uh come playoff time, but yeah, it was just uh more lower body that was dealing with towards the end there. What was the upper body injury? Uh, I mean, I definitely don’t want to like uh diagnose and and kind of put it out there. It’s just let’s just say something you can’t really play through. Once you have a chance to reflect, Brady, though, will you will you look back and say, “Okay, this team made a step.” And what can you do next year that you’re not after the first round? You got to get in the first round. Yeah. Well, I mean, just getting that taste and to be honest with you is just this whole experience of playing in front of this fan base and playoffs and and even the regular season, but um just going to the energy, the excitement, the atmosphere was I this is the only way I can really describe it. It’s it’s almost addicting to be able to play in front of that atmosphere and it was truly the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in. And it was so special. And all the credit goes to, you know, the fans, this community, and just how special it was. Like every morning, I couldn’t tell you how excited I was just to step out on the ice and, you know, those rally towels and that just fire and excitement that the fans had and been waiting for a long eight years to be able to share that with them. It was so special. And now it’s, you know what, and I know we’re going to get better internally and and uh we’re just going to get better overall that, you know, when that time comes next year that, you know, we’re not just looking at all right, we’re just happy to be in playoffs. We we want more. So that’s that’s what I’ve taken from this time of you know as much reflection as I’ve had and you know has been much but the 48 hours that we want more and we believe that we have this group and and uh know we trust from everybody certainly Mr. Down that everybody has the same vision and and uh God really wants to accomplish and share this whole experience and and these memories with the this community as well. I presume you’ll follow your brother uh for the rest of his time in the playoffs and and his family as well, right? To be honest with you, I I’ll be watching from afar. Um it’s definitely different this year. Um especially last year when he got to uh win the Stanley Cup and being along for that, it’s, you know, he knows all the support I’ll have for him, but uh it’s going to be from afar this year. Sat here a number of times at, you know, end of the season frustrated at how things turned out. How different is it now to go into an off season having had playoff experience and what do you think needs to happen for this team to progress even further? Yeah, like you said, it’s been way different. It’s been more frustrating years past, but you know, this year I think it’s just disappointing. um we we accomplished what um we knew what we could do, but um I think going through it that it was just so close this series that anything kind of could have happened and you know could not be sitting here right now if um you know a couple bounces went you know a different way. So, um I think just the disappointment comes from knowing that where we’re at and where we’re going to get to and and that um our end goal is is something that isn’t really a pipe dream anymore. It’s something that you know we’re going to continue to get better. And I think it’s to your to your question is is it’s all about just growing as players, growing as a group and and know that, you know, we want to win the Stanley Cup and and um not just getting the playoffs isn’t, you know, good enough anymore. And it’s about, you know, doing whatever it takes to win. And I think that’s just the mindset we’re going to have this summer and going into next year that, you know, every day we’re going to be, you know, true professionals and and it’s all about being consistent. I think that’s we showed signs of that this year and and um then that’s our opportunity to grow is just being consistent day in and day out and and u being ready to right from day one at camp is that there’s you know one focus and one goal and uh we’re not going to stop till we get there. Go ahead. What stood out the most for you about playoff hockey? I mean it’s just honestly what stood out is that every game’s a new game. it it didn’t matter, you know, being down three that we had a new opportunity ahead of us and um that that kind of stood out as is the momentum swings that happened during a game but doesn’t carry on to the next game. It’s a whole new game. It’s a whole new opportunity and and just how close everything is. It’s, you know, I wouldn’t say in the regular season you might get a team’s off night or we might have an off night, but in playoffs it’s everybody’s best 100% of the time. So, um I think that’s what makes playoff hockey so special and so fun that you know if you’re going to win you you earn it. You don’t just get a fluke of um oh like we kind of stole the game. It’s it’s you earn your every opportunity and every right to know win that game. Are you mentioned that you’re going to watch your brother from afar is part of that the disappointment of the fact that you lost to Toronto and that’s who they’re playing. Like why are you watching from afar? Yeah, I mean, um, yeah, I I guess a little bit that is that disappointment that, you know, we’re still not playing where, um, you know, we played well enough to get to where we’re at. And, you know, the disappointment of, you know, not continuing, I guess, is a part of it. And, uh, you know, for me, it’s just take care of everything we need to take care of individually for the next couple weeks and decompress, regroup, and um, and he knows that. um I’ve always been there every step of the way for him and and uh just different this year because you know we we consider ourselves to you know should be playing still be playing and and uh yeah I just take time to I know I’ll definitely watch him and wish him all the best and but I think just take this time to regroup reset and just um kind of reflect on everything that’s gonna you know happen this past year for your family to follow you around in your playoff series rather than I mean it was it was super special and I know it’s just the first time and I know there’s going to be you know many more times down the road but just to kind of I know for me to accomplish a you know a lifelong goal just to play in playoffs and um you know every year it’s always been the same mindset of no matter where we’re at as a team is you know want to win the Stanley Cup and just disappointing that you know that didn’t happen this year but I know I have faith that you know we’ll be able to get that done but to share this whole experience parents um you know being on the other side and supporting Natthew every step of the way. It’s he’s always, you know, been fun to, you know, see him have success and I know it was really nice and really awesome to kind of have that the other side where people are coming and supporting me and and our team and um yeah, I think that’s what makes it a little bit kind of tougher just to see the support that I’ve had from family and friends and um I wanted to have a little bit of a better result for them, but I know that that day will come and and uh just know that everything happens for a reason. The expectations around this team have clearly changed after your playoff run. In your view, what do you think this team needs to take that extra step with remaining a playoff contender and eventually becoming a Stanley Cup contender? To be honest, I haven’t really had time to kind of think about that. Um, my only focus the last little bit has been, you know, the team we have in this room and, um, honestly doesn’t even feel real yet that we’re not going to be playing any more. So, I haven’t had time to, you know, focus on what we need or um what we need to take the the next step. Um I think that will come in the next couple days, weeks, and after having some time to think about it. But um no, right now it’s just enjoying this time that we have um the last couple days with with this group and um kind of setting off to be ready to have a big summer. I think it’s I think the only time the only thing I have really reflected and thought about is just how we’re going to need need to be that much better um as individuals. Um I know that there’s going to be no complacency with our group. But um the first step is just internal growth and whatever decisions or things happen to you know help our team um it’s going to be made you know for the right reasons the right time and just when that time comes is just internally we just got to be that much better and just have a lot of growth you feel like you can improve on individually this off. Yeah, I mean I think being able to play an 82 game season’s always been something that um know I’ve I’ve wanted to pride myself on and especially uh you know those games that I’ve missed. I don’t know how many it was this year but um sucks watching sucks um not being able to play and help the team uh um in any aspect that I can. So, I think that’s just uh the first goal and focus is I know there’s things that you can’t control, but just making sure that I’m 100% healthy and ready to go to have the mindset to play 82 game seasons and just when it comes to my game individually, I think every aspect of my game can can be better. And still feel like there’s a lot more growth in my game that I can get to and uh it’s going to be a big summer for me. It’s going to be a big summer to hammer out everything physically and and uh mentally and just being ready to rock and roll from day one camp. And um but I think to your to your question, I think every aspect of my game can can get better. Last year you were the captain of team USA at the World Championship. Are you going to be one back? Uh I don’t think so. Uh just want to take care of um all the nagging stuff got going on and um so yeah uh won’t be playing in Worlds this year. I just want to take care of myself physically and get fully healthy to get ready to go for next year. You were you constantly outspoken this year specifically about how fond you are of this city and of this fan base. several years ago when you got here, what what made you so committed to immersing yourself in this city? And how has that grown over the years? Well, I think it’s just ever since I’ve gotten here, um, they’ve just been so supportive and and so welcoming to me and my family and, uh, you know, for me it’s, um, of course, you know, it’s our job, but I mean, this is the best job in the world and and what we do is to want to grow the game to, be good role models for, you know, the next generation of kids. I’ve had so many heroes I’ve looked up to uh my whole life and um you know a lot of that’s been in the hockey world and players that have played and and you know for me to just um you know be a positive role model and somebody that kids can look up to and I I take that uh it’s really important to me um the way I you know kind of compose myself as you know I always want to be a positive role model for kids and and somebody that um they can look up and and want to be and and I think that’s, you know, very important for us players to have that. I think we do a great job with the guys in our team that, you know, always in a good light, always supportive of of this city and this this unbelievable fan base and u somebody that we always just want to, you know, have them be proud of and and know that we gave 100% on the ice, off the ice, and and uh you know, so that they can leave a good taste in their mouth that, you know, they spent all their hard work, money to come watch us or come support us that they can be proud of, you know, the product that we have on the ice. was it to you that this town was rallying behind this team more and more as the season went on? I mean, it’s just I I can’t really describe, you know, my emotions when it comes I it was just it was so unbelievable to be honest with you. It was so special. I mean, coming out for game three, the excitement, um, just it was just a long time coming for them. And I think it’s a lot of a ton of the credit goes to them that it’s been a long eight years and and for everybody that has been through the tough times, been through the lows to, you know, finally experience the the other side of it is I think it’s just the first showing of it and I know there’s going to be a lot more years of success and a lot more years of, you know, better uh, better feelings towards the end of the year. And uh I know everybody’s disappointed, but I think um when you have disappoint means you you care a lot about what’s going on about uh um you know the product. So um it’s just been unbelievable towards the end and and uh I know it’s everybody’s a little disappointed right now, but I think it’s going to set up for you know great story here down the road. For some reason there’s this noise and all these rumors always that you want out. How do you react to that? I mean it’s Obviously, it’s a lie. Um all those, you know, article stories, it’s just not true because um yeah, but I think it’s on me if if I let that, you know, bother me or or um take me off what I’m trying to do. It’s everybody knows that, you know, do whatever it takes to to win and and um and seeing this fan base, this this excitement and see how much they rallied around us is um everybody’s waiting for it. everybody’s everybody wants to accomplish and win the Stanley Cup and I know we have a great group in here and I know we’re just going to get that much better and I know there’s going to be some amazing times memories here down the road and um but I think with all that stuff it’s obviously not true. I want to play here. I want to win here and and uh I really believe in everybody in this organization and and um that everybody wants to win here. I think that’s what makes it fun is everybody has the same goal and and wants to accomplish the same thing. the disappointment. There’s no small thing for the organization just to get to the playoffs. I think just disappointment just we want more. I think um playoffs is an amazing experience, but you know to our a point a little bit is that honestly our expectations are different now. Um it’s not about just getting there and accomplishing that. It’s everybody wants to win and I think that’s what where the disappointment comes in because you know you the end of the day you want to win the Stanley Cup and to not accomplish that you know this year and um it’s just going to create disappointment. Um so um but we take that use that as fire use that as fuel and um to be ready to go next year and not stop until it happens. After game four, you wrap up guys more questions. After game four, you go on the ice, you look at the fans, you’re saying it’s coming back here. You win game five and you’re able to bring it back for game six. How did it feel for you to be able to back up that promise to fans? Well, I mean, the fans deserved it. Um, I definitely wanted more home games um, after game six, but I mean it truly was such an unbelievable atmosphere and experience that, you know, I think they deserved it. And I think it says that, you know, the long eight years, the excitement that they had that I just wish there was more home games to be played in front of them because it was honestly the best time of my life and and u, best time of my hockey career and and um, I know it’s there’s going to be a lot more atmospheres, energies like that. And um you know, like I’ve said this whole playoff experience, you know, we absolutely thrive off them and their energy and and their excitement. And it’s not just, you know, fans and then there’s players. It’s everybody’s together. Everybody in this city, this community, um everybody’s a part of it. And I think that’s just going to stick with me um all this summer. And it’s going to make that next year that much more exciting. your line closure. Yeah, I mean, everybody knows how much he means to me. I know we’ve played three years together, but I feel like I’ve played with him, you know, my whole career and I’ve known him my whole life and um obviously I I really hope um I expect that it’s all going to work out and um you know, he’s such a big part of our team. um not just his experience and but he’s still a top player in this league and and I think it just says to you know him as a guy uh his preparation and his will to win. Everybody wants to win for him and and uh I know I expect him to um everything to work out and him to be back and and uh you know kind of chase his dream together. We know you touched on a little bit, but now the fans have got a taste. What’s your message for them heading into next season? Um, I mean, just we’re all in this together. Um, you guys have really been absolutely amazing, so supportive, and um, I’m really excited to, you know, share this and share these future memories with you guys. And, and um, truly is going to be a special ride. and uh can’t really thank them all enough for everything they’ve done for this team, but for me as well. And um I I not really prepared for that question just because how much they mean to me and how much they mean to this team and and um it’s going to be a long summer, but I know that we’re going to come with so much fire and and for next year and that it’s really going to be a special special year next year and and special years down the road. looking to share that with. It’s been a couple of days since, uh, you guys were eliminated from the playoffs. How have you been feeling? Uh, you know, proud of our year. Um, you know, is special, I think, and being able to get that playoff experience and playing in a building like this with the fans was pretty surreal and, uh, makes us want more. So, what did you think of your own playoff experience and and how you played in those games against Toronto? Uh, I’m proud of the way I played. Um, you know, I think I proved a lot of people wrong and, uh, turned a lot of heads and, um, you know, that’s that’s my game right there is is, uh, playing hard and and being able to produce in in a bottom six role. And, um, you know, I think I elevated my game in the playoffs and throughout the year and found another level that I could get to and uh, just going to build off that now. Have you had any discussions with the club in terms of your future here or I think they they got some things to figure out over the next few weeks and um you know after after they talk as a staff and hopefully uh come back and get something that uh works for everyone. Given the kind of season you had, how do you reflect on maybe the stock your stock going up and where you think you could stand with either this NHL team or another team? Yeah, I think uh you know stock has definitely risen and uh that was a personal goal of mine is um you know proving that I’m an NHL everyday NHL player and finally getting over that hump of is he an AHL player or NHL player and um you know I had certain goals uh for personal goals that I set for myself when when I um signed here and I pretty much nailed everyone and um just expanding my game defensively and being able to get on the PK and just adding value to myself as a player and um you know good playoff teams need need a good uh bottom bottom six to support them through the playoffs and that was kind of my goal. Um, you know, once I kind of had that fourth line center role unlock around the trade deadline, I just kind of committed myself to being the best fourth line center I could be and and help this team in the playoffs. Have you been getting any feedback from your agent on what there’s a lot of chatter about you? Yeah, I mean, uh, I think it’s still early, so nothing too specific yet. just more that I’m in I’m in a good spot to uh you know ear earn a decent contract and and um you know that’s that’s all I can do is is uh you know what I did this year and then the rest will take care of itself I think. How would you describe your relationship with the head coach? I think it’s great. Um, you know, I had a good conversation with him earlier and um, you know, I told him, uh, I could tell he he he’s become a much better head coach and grown as a head coach and, uh, you know, he when he talks, the guys listen and, um, what he says, you really you really take it in and and, uh, you play for him, too. and and he’s great at managing guys um uh ice time and practice times and um you know he’s played a lot of games so he gets it too and uh you know I I think he’s grown more confident as a coach and you can see it on the bench and and uh in the media and and um you know he’s just he’s a real fun guy to play for. Is there a chance you’re going to play for the US at the Worlds? Uh, no. I got a baby coming any day now. Congrats. Thank you. Learn about yourself throughout this because it’s it’s been a bit of a journey. So, how rewarding is it personally to kind of see things get to where they are right now? I don’t think I learned too much about myself. I think I I like I think I said something about this earlier, like I knew I could do this. I think it was more you guys and and everybody else that learned uh about me, but um you know, I I’ve always had the mindset like I can do this and I can I can be an impactful player in this league and um just needed a chance to prove it and and that’s what um you know, Steve and Greener have given me here and I’m grateful for that. And um but you know, I I think this is just the beginning and I have a lot more to give. And uh I pride myself on becoming a better player every summer and every offseason. And uh over the past four or five years, I’ve gotten you know, exponentially better at my game. And um you know, I’m only going to do that again this summer and and come back ready to go next year. Clo, how Clo, how have you been processing these last few days since you guys were eliminated from the playoffs? Yeah, I mean it’s uh tough couple days. Uh no, just knowing that we’re in that series and we’re playing some good hockey. Uh you know, when we when we tied it up in the third uh in game six, I thought I thought we weren’t going to lose that game, but uh you know, we’re sitting here right now a little uh frustrated and disappointed, but uh we still got to be uh proud of what we did. What do you think of the steps, particularly with the younger players who didn’t experience playoff hockey before this spring? What do you think of the steps they took throughout the season in the playoffs in their game? Yeah, I mean, it’s something we need to be proud of is uh uh it’s not just making the playoffs, it’s how we did it and how we came together and um you know, everybody bought into what we were trying to do and and it was pretty clear to us. So, uh, I think, uh, when everybody’s on the same page like that, it just makes everybody’s job a lot easier. And, um, you know, going down the stretch, I think, uh, we’re playing some good hockey there. How do you see your future unfolding with this team? Yeah, I mean, it’s I knew this question was going to come, but it’s still early. Uh, I haven’t given any thoughts. Uh, haven’t haven’t really talked to, uh, to to Steve yet. So, um, you know, I love I love the players, the fans, the city. Uh, this year was the most fun I’ve had in a few years. Just, uh, uh, coming to the rink was a lot of fun and, uh, you know, in that locker room. Uh, pretty tight locker room. So, uh, a lot of good things. How do you reflect on where you’re at in your hockey career? How many more years you want to play? That kind of thing. Well, I don’t know how many left, but uh you know, I feel like I have a lot left in the tank and uh like I said, uh I’m loving hockey right now. Um I want to play and uh I feel like I could be an impact player. So, just uh it’s going to be a big summer for me and uh for for all my teammates, too. So, uh you know, we have a little taste of it, of playoff, how it feels, and how fun it is. And when you have that little taste, you want to get back into it. When you say it’s going to be a big summer for you, in what respect? Uh, just making sure I’m ready to go when when the season starts. Uh, I got to be in good shape. Uh, got to make sure that when when camp starts, uh, I’m ready to go. What all goes into making the season so enjoyable for you? What’s that? Sorry. What all went into the season being so Well, winning is one of them, but I think it’s uh the way we did it, too. Um, it was it was great to see how everybody bought into uh how we wanted to be and I feel like we we found an identity this year and uh we rolled with it. So, and uh you know, coming to the rink with those guys every day, it’s uh they keep me young, that’s for sure. And uh you know, we go at it every day and it’s it’s just it’s just so much fun. And but uh yeah, we got a little taste of it right now. So uh we have to build on that. For a while, you brought the most experience to this group I think about the first and second years you were here. How much easier did did uh David Pon, Lenus Olark make life for you to be able to kind of dilute some of that experience level? No. anytime you you can never have too much experience in in one team and uh when guys come in and they’ve been with other teams and uh win Stanley Cups and deep uh playoff run. I mean, you everybody’s got that that experience and they’ve been through it. So, it’s uh when you see guys like that uh the way they act when when uh when it gets a little tough. I mean, I you you can learn a lot. I I I I I personally learned a lot from those guys just the way they are and uh so I can only imagine how uh how it helped the the young guys too. A lot of a lot of players say that um one of the important things of playing in a market is having a good situation at home. How good has this situation been for you since you came home here? Uh it’s been great. Uh I mean last year was a little little rough. uh you know after my first year we I thought we were going to take that step and and we didn’t. So that was that was frustrating and but now that this year and it just like we had we’re playing some good hockey and we’re having fun doing it too. So um uh we had a blast. We uh we gave Ourel a chance to win that series and um you know coming back from three nothing is uh it’s definitely not easy but uh you can see the the belief in the guys even when we’re down three nothing. It just we knew if we play our game we get back in the series. How do you reflect on the um you know the Maple Leafs and like the other teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Are you going to be watching them? Uh I have trouble watching when I’m out. Uh but uh you know I’ll probably watch a little bit. Uh Gavin will probably convince me to watch a few games. So uh but uh you know it’s playoffs is the best time of the year and when you’re not in it, it’s uh um it’s not so fun to watch. Why [Music] Sir, you like OP leave. Uh I buuh. Green match. Uh, feeling momentum. [Music] Fore glass. Fore! All right. How have you been feeling uh after the last few days when you’re out of the park? Oh, it’s it’s tough to say cuz it’s still kind of just I’m sure everyone’s saying that, but it’s I don’t know, maybe as you get older, you kind of reflect like a little bit longer and uh kind of play a lot of things over and over in your head. What if this, what if that, you know? But um again, it just kind of goes back to the same thing at the end of the day. big step forward for the team and the organization this year and uh trying to get to the mentality as soon as possible to not be satisfied and keep moving forward cuz the next one is probably going to be a little bit harder to do uh but in a good way. You you battled through injuries and and and personal stuff earlier in the year from that. How have you been feeling on day? Uh good. Yeah, know it’s um I think u changing team is always tough. It’s uh for me it always has been. I don’t know like my style of play maybe um you know like what I do on the ice. It takes a little bit of time to get the trust and and maybe understanding of the coaches the even players who I’m playing with chemistry on the ice. uh honestly maybe even you guys or the fans to to have a it’s nice that you feel like if your game’s respected and and you feel like appreciated for what you do and then you just go out there and put an honest effort and um it felt like I was able to build that a little bit better towards the end of the year and uh it’s it’s fun but again like my other moves I would say would be similar at the start so it was a little bit tougher for sure other than just the personal stuff and Yeah. Did you feel that? Like did you feel that pressure? Um, no. I was kind of putting in the work and knowing or hoping that it would turn the right way. Uh, I guess knowing more from experience that it it would cuz I always felt like my game was u respected and appreciated for kind of the little things I do out there. Like I’m not a flashy player. I’m not going out there and try and find breakaways and cheat for this or cheat for that. But, you know, like the plays within the game, the battle level, the the battles on the board, the puck play, uh things like that. And um it was good to be able to to kind of find it. You know, it comes with more opportunity. More more you get out there, the more ice time more. Obviously, you always want more. And I also understand where I’m at in my career. So it’s all things that also I’m battling inside on a daily basis to the fires fully there to want more and then understanding the situation what’s around me. Julian touched on the adversity that you went through earlier. Yeah. Last summer are you looking forward to like kind of a sense of normaly now that you’re here? Yeah. Well, I I was looking forward it seemed like at the start there was always something happening, you know, even more things happen uh early later part of the year at some point. There’s other things kind of that that came up also in my I guess in my p personal life uh that other other things in my family, but everything’s pretty good now. And it’s nice to It’s just like in the fall season it seemed like it was one after another and I feel like I’m in a spot now, like you said, a little bit more um settled, I guess. Yeah. You’ve been on a lot of teams that have gone deep in the playoffs, you’ve won a cup. How close do you think this team and this group is? Yeah, it’s it’s really hard. It’s it’s really hard to answer this question because um every team will evolve in a different way. Uh, but I do think getting playoff experience is so valuable. It’s unbelievable. Like it it really felt like it feels like two different season. It really does. I’m sure for everybody. And it was so refreshing just to just kind of get up in the morning and just feeling the electricity in your body like right away. Like you don’t even have to do anything. You just know you’re going to have energy at night versus maybe game 50 of the season. Uh so it’s it’s awesome. just that alone. I think the guys are going to crave going back next there next year. I I think it’s understanding how important the season is still because as as an older guy, I almost want to just fast forward to March 15 every year and and and get playing those bigger games. Uh but you you don’t get there if you don’t take care of the first part, too. You mentioned uh after the game how tough next season could be with everyone trying to get better. Yeah. Yeah. Can you put into words how tough the division you’re in is? I mean, you played in Detroit. You know exactly what that’s like. Yeah. Yeah. Well, there’s teams that are always trying to stay relevant. Uh teams that have had success for a long time. I don’t want to name teams, but I think it’s pretty obvious who I’m talking about and they’re going to and maybe even with the cap opening up, raising, maybe it gets easier for them to keep adding to their team, keep extending their their window. And then there’s other teams that are trying to get in the conversation like like us more and more and uh there’s not many that year to year that truly are contenders. So we’re trying to enter that window. Um I don’t know if slowly but surely is a the word, but more like kind of get to your to your answer. You’re trying to get in that conversation. I don’t know how long or when it does, but you’re trying to kind of like trying to win game six. you you narrow down your focus to maybe now it’s time to narrow to yourself what can I do over the summer to to get better on a individual basis team aspect will get taken care of later and who knows where that puts us of all the guys you got to play with in the locker room this year whose game maybe surprised you the most like you might not have been as familiar with them but you got to play with them and experience them and you’re like wow I had no idea well no idea I don’t know if I think I watch a lot of hockey so I knew most guys. Um yeah, like I mean again like I’d say most of our young guys I’ve been really impressed with their commitment to want to get better. Um away from the rink at the rink and uh it’s kind of like trying to put all that together. Like I I think we’ve we’ve talked about Sandy a lot recently and he’s he’s one of those guys like it’s it’s really impressive, you know, and um the guys were all committed like uh Chucky tried to to get us in town early last year and no one said uh anything. I’m not saying that you go against your captain and you don’t. It’s just maybe other places in the in the past you kind of hear a little rumblings. All the guys would like to show up not one time. Like it was really impressive that part. So, it’s tough to kind of just say one guy. I was impressed with a lot of guys. Why do you think Travis’s message and approach this year resonated with the group that came? Yeah. Well, he did a good job to keep the group focused and I I I wasn’t around as much and I kind of I’m sure obviously he did a really good job around the fall time and like maybe game 20 to like whatever it was. We we hit some tough patch. I like Ollie gets hurt. Many guys were hurt and we still found a way to win many games. I mean, Levy came up, played really well. Sometimes these are moment you can just kind of go away and oh, here we go again for for Ottawa. But it didn’t happen. So, he was leading that part for sure. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. for I know exceptional challenge. Why Thank South [Music] African Fore brutal. Why come last foreign. President [Music] Fore character. In the spirit of doing something bigger than ourselves. It’s been a couple of days or two days maybe. Just what are your reflections on making the playoffs and just the season in general? Yeah. Um it’s obviously still frustrating um because we really felt like we had a chance to win that series and I think it goes throughout the room. Uh I think we were disappointed. Um but on the other side um I’m really looking forward to get things rolling again and um I’m proud of this team in a lot of ways. Uh I think we found a way after being down three nothing. Uh coming back, fighting back in the series and giving us a chance. um throughout the year uh I think everybody bought in um which was really impressive to see. Uh all the guys came back in great shape uh after the summer uh worked really hard and um yeah it just it showed me again how much we want to win here and um yeah I’m proud of the guys. I love all those guys and uh I think we can be proud in a way of how the season went but I think there’s still more to come. Where do you think you took the biggest steps forward this season? Uh I think uh my two-way game. Um trying to be able to uh play defensive uh better. Um I mean I think there’s still lots of improvements uh to be made and I think there’s still lots of errors I can get better at. Um but I think the the most improvements were um in my defensive game and um yeah, decision- making. I know it’s been a couple of months, but we’re not that far off from when you guys had that slide in November where you lost all those games in a row. How did you guys dig yourselves out of that? Was it meetings? Was it heartto-he hearts with people? It seemed like you guys did something to get yourself out of that and it led to all those wins in December. Uh yeah, I think just trusting the process. Uh I mean, I think training camp was really hard. Um and every team goes through a little bit of a bad stretch throughout the year and we knew that. uh we’ve learned from maybe past seasons as well uh where it can’t affect us too much and um yeah I think we’ve done a great job obviously having those home games at the end helped us a lot having the car on our back but um yeah I mean we were on the road for the whole November December so it’s not easy uh going on the road all the time and playing all those road games and um yeah but we found a way to get points where we needed to get points and um like I said at the And I think we really deserve to get in the playoffs, sir. How much did you lean on the newer voices, the older voices, experienced voices in the locker room at that time in November who might not be accustomed to the here we go again in November, you guys are losing all these games. And even Travis Green could be included in that too because it it was his first season coaching. How much did you lean on those guys who weren’t hurt by those previous seasons in that stretch? Yeah, I mean I think we we talked a lot about it that uh we can’t get affected what happened the last years. Uh we all knew what happened, but uh we didn’t really try and think about it too much. Uh I mean obviously you still kind of have in the back of your head. Um but you just try and not affect you. And uh I think those guys coming in uh DP Oie uh they’ve been through a lot as well and um they know what it takes to win. and um Jensen as well like uh he’s been a huge factor I think for the whole team even when he was uh playing hurt um he’s been a huge factor for our group and um yeah so I mean all those guys uh they know what it takes to win and um that’s what we needed uh that’s what we needed Kazzy even won a cup scored a couple big goals so um yeah that’s what it takes to win and um that’s what we had so um like I said I think there’s every guy on this team. I I still try and learn stuff from those guys. Even the young guys coming in, I think there’s always stuff we can pick up from them and everybody brings something to the table. So, um I think we had a lot of it this year. Did you learn about your playoff experience that maybe you can take into next season? Yeah. Uh it was it was so much fun uh playing those games. Uh it was actually unbelievable and it’s probably the most fun I ever had playing hockey. Um and yeah, I mean with the crowd too, uh the atmosphere we had and um yeah, just once you get back way more and uh do it every year and uh yeah, that’s what I learned. Uh I think that’s it’s going to push me even harder. I know how hard it is and it’s going to push me even harder to get better every year and um try and accomplish that goal. Talking in the community, fans are overjoyed with how you stepped up your game in the playoffs. Physicality, defense, like you touched on, goal scoring is not easy to come by either when that time comes. What was it about the postseason that really made you elevate that game? Yeah, I uh I think obviously um just the want to win uh that bad. Um obviously when you get like I always want to win but uh if you get to the postseason uh there’s just that inner motivation um that you do anything for the team at any time and I think we had that throughout the whole lineup and um that’s where we kind of came back um because everybody was willing to do anything for the team and uh it was myself included. Uh I think nobody cared who’s going to score, nobody cared who’s going to get a point. Um it was just everything for the team and um I think all the guys in our team, all the young guys took a huge step in that direction. Uh what it takes to win and um yeah, made me proud to to see that. What has contract June 30th or something? What has he? Yeah, I mean obviously yeah uh obviously I wanted to stick around. Uh he’s one of my really good friends, one of my closer guys on the team and um I can speak for probably everyone. Um he’s he’s got a bond to every single guy on the team. Um I think he’s still really special player. Uh I think he makes our team better and um obviously uh it always kind of sucks to see when uh somebody’s contract is up and you don’t know what’s going to happen. But um yeah, I I know how hard of a worker he is. I know how competitive he is and I know he’s going to come back really strong to show everyone how hard he worked in the off season. And um yeah, we’ll see what happens, but um I think I can speak for everyone on the team. Uh we are really lucky to have him and uh I’ve been really lucky to had him for all those years now. We played together and um we went through a lot of up and downs and I could always lean on him. Uh he was always there for me for Brady too uh through hard times and that’s what it’s all about. So um yeah, I love him and um hopefully we can have him back. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from being around Clo? um just uh of how competitive he is. Uh I think both of us uh you probably say the same thing. Uh both of us can’t really lose. So uh every do every time we do something together, if it’s mini golf, if it’s pickle ball, if it’s uh playing soccer, uh none of us can lose. So uh there’s always a couple arguments, even playing cards. Um but that’s just the kind of person he is. That’s the kind of person I am. I think that’s what makes us better, too. We always um yeah, I have just so much respect for him. So, um anything we do, we push push each other um and I look up and I look up to him in a way and um just at his age um how competitive he still is and how bad he wants to win. So, um yeah. Ottawa center is over% that you talked to about that one area like Yeah, I think so. Um I think um previous seasons when I had issues with my wrist, I couldn’t really take a lot of face offs and then um I wasn’t really I wasn’t really playing a lot uh center uh in the Dzone either. So uh I think I worked a lot with um the coaching staff to try and get better in those aspects. Um, I worked [Music] um, sorry. Um, I um um, no, this guy. Um, yeah. I mean, uh, I think every every single part of my game I still want to improve. Um, but I think face off was a big point. I don’t even know what my percentage was years before, but uh couldn’t be too high. And obviously the coaching staff didn’t trust me u taking those responsible face offs and uh I want to be a guy who is able to take those face offshments and um they show me what I got to do to do that and that’s winning more face off as well. Um, I mean obviously you can’t trust a guy whose face of percentage is 35%. And you have another guy whose face of percentage is 57. You obviously taking the guy with 57. So um, and we have a lot of good face up guys on the team. Um, so that kind of motivated me to get better in that aspect too. Toronto obviously Matthewskaw is that something like Yeah. Uh I think so. But I think the PK um has done a pretty good job all year. Um I know they got a lot of heat for some some things they were doing, but they always stuck to the process. And uh if you have guys coming in, um new coaches coming in, new systems coming in, it’s not easy um doing it right from the start. And um there was some breakdowns maybe here and there, but uh we always talked about trust in process the whole time. So, um I think they’ve done a really good job with that and they’re going to continue to get better, too. And um obviously, if I can be a part of that or help out in that, um I would love to, but uh in the end, I think the the guys who played PK, uh have done a really good job. So, um there was no real reason to switch anything and um they’re just going to continue to get better. Um Pins and Ritz have done amazing job, I think, all year killing Penny shutting down guys. So yeah, they deserve playing on on the Pakill you feel like this team needs to take next season to maybe take that next level and go deeper in the playoffs. Yeah, I think um like I said, I think everybody’s going to get even stronger throughout the summer. Uh, everybody going to going to work harder uh probably even than last year and um going to give everything they have because uh now we know what it feels like to be in the playoffs and uh what it means to this city, what it means to this uh fan base and um yeah, it’s just it’s just a special place to play and I think for us it’s um just the motivation we have in in us that uh we’re going to continue to get better. um we are still really young and um now we know what it takes to get in, but um we’re going to try and figure out a way to to win those games. I think the series could have went either way. Um so that takes experience experience as well and um yeah, I’m just uh I’m just really excited to what the future is holding for us and um I can’t wait to get playing again. Is there anything in your off season that you want to improve upon heading into next season? Uh yeah, I think everything uh I think there’s still a lot of room. I think I can get stronger uh stronger on pucks. Um I think in playoffs I play pretty physical so I think that’s something I can uh still bring to my game more throughout the regular season. Um and yeah, just being able to yeah be good enough conditioned to play 60 minutes or overtime and um do whatever it takes uh for the team to win. and um face offs is another aspect I want to get better at. Um but also I think um in the offensive zone uh knowing when to shoot, when to pass. Um I think I’ve struggled a little bit with that this year. Um I had a lot of scoring chances uh throughout games uh where I couldn’t really capitalize and uh sometimes it’s bounces, sometimes it’s just picking a better spot and um I’m going to try and get better at that as well. um just know when to shoot and um yeah and picking my spots. I think that’s uh really important and it’s going to help me continue to get better. How would you describe like obviously people will say like, “Hey, you should probably shoot more.” How would you describe like just ingraining that more in your head or just dealing with that whenever you need to? Yeah, I think um I was always a pass first guy. Um my my whole career uh I love other guys score more than me. Um so uh yeah, I mean I have some really good players on my wings and um I’m just trying to give them the puck and uh give them scoring opportunities and um but I think a lot of it confidence too. Um when I’m playing really confident, I think um I shoot the puck more often and um I’m picking my spots where better. And I think when you always have a shoot first mentality, um when you’re a skilled player and you’re talented player, you’re going to make the play either way, uh what way it goes. And I think I just got to get better at that. Uh get better at that and picking my spots, when to pass, when to shoot, and uh sometimes be a little more selfish, but um yeah, it’s still a team sport. So uh I I can’t do can’t shoot by myself all the time. I got to find my teammates and um that’s what I like doing. How would how do you think Fabian Zeterland acclimated himself to his new surroundings coming to Ottawa after the trade, living with you, playing on his line? What did you think of how he handled being in a new city and all of that in the last few months? Yeah, I think he handled it really well. Um, I loved having him at my place. Um, I think he loved it, too. Um, especially doing playoffs, I think it it helps a lot when you guys are go all going through the same thing. Um it was his first playoffs too uh in the NHL. So uh yeah, we were really dialed and actually didn’t really do a whole lot uh then just focused on the hockey and trying to play our best and I was really impressed by him as well. Um coming in um he played on the fourth line at the start and he was always a guy who played up up the line up the lineup like first second line. um I think had like 18 goals before coming here in San Jose and I was really impressed how calm he was and um how much he was just happy to be here and be a part of this team and then focusing on what he’s all about that he wants to play there and there and he knew we were winning. So, I respected that a lot and I don’t think uh you can take that for granted. Uh that he’s just a guy who’s willing to do anything for the team uh no matter where he plays in the lineup and um he knew his chances are going to come. Um he knew um he’s going to he’s going to play up and down the lineup because just just the player he is. Um but um yeah, I was really impressed with that and also his mindset of just trying to win everything. I think he blocked a lot of shots and really important games for us. Um, and I think he was a little snake bitten um, throughout the year when he was with us, but uh, you can just see he’s a really good player and um, he’s still really young too, so he’s going to continue to get better and u, yeah, we’re excited and we got to met the trade deadline. Tim, are you going to worlds with Germany? Um, I I would love to. Uh, really would. Um, I got to see um, obviously right now it’s two days after we lost. I haven’t really thought about anything then just being a little frustrated that we lost. But um yeah, I got to I want to give my body like a couple days maybe to reset and uh go from there. But um yeah, we’ll see. I got to talk to the management too. Uh talk to the coaches again and um see what they think and um then go from there. How’s it been for you? Not just with the playoffs and all that, but you get traded after years in Buffalo. You join them at the trade deadline, teams winning. You go through your first playoff experience. How’s it been for you processing these last what, two months? Yeah, it’s been great. Um, you know, it’s uh the most fun I’ve had playing hockey in a long time. Um, just, you know, chasing the playoffs there, how big all those games were leading to the playoffs and then playing in the playoffs. Um, you know, it’s uh it was it was unreal. It was a great experience. Um, you know, it was awesome joining this group and meeting all the guys here and uh, yeah, the last two months have been great for me. Talk about the playoffs a little bit, Bill. You know, this is your first real taste as well, too, along with a lot of the players on the team. What went into that? You know, getting guidance from older players on the team and just experiencing that for the first time. Yeah. Um, you know, obviously we had some guys with some some good experience in playoffs. So, they helped us a lot even when uh even when we went down uh 3 nothing, they you know, still still were, you know, positive in the room just one game at a time and and talking lots and keeping the belief there for us. So, um just having those guys around um you know, has a huge impact on the dressing room. Do you always go back to White Horse to train in the summer and what’s that going to look like? Yeah, I I always go back for uh a third or half the summer. Um, you know, usually I go right after this right after the season ends and, you know, take some time off there. And, uh, but, um, you know, I’m not too sure exactly what my summer’s going to look like. Um, you know, I’m sure I’ll be in Mscoa for a bit, too. That’s where I’ve been skating, um, the last little bit. So, um, yeah, I’ll probably go back to the Yukon for a bit and then, uh, you know, head up to Msoka again. Have there been any chats about going to Worlds with Canada? Uh, not yet. No. No. Would you want to if that option was presented? Uh yeah, I think anytime you get to to represent your your country, it’s an honor. Um and uh and a privilege. So uh yeah, we’ll see what happens these next few days. Now that you’ve been around these Sens guys for the last two months, and I know you still have a lot of love for Buffalo and their teammates there, what would you say is the most noticeable difference in the atmosphere here versus what you were experiencing in Buffalo? Yeah, I mean it’s uh you know we had some tough years in Buffalo, so I think the atmosphere and the environment here it’s definitely more positive. Um you know and um you know it’s tough to say. I don’t know exactly what the answer is to that. But I think um you know just coming here into a positive environment um you know it uh does a lot for for you mentally and and on the ice as well. um you know just being excited to come to the rink every day and uh you know just be be with your teammates every day was um you know great these last two months. I wonder if you can just dive into that a little bit more. Talk about the city itself. You’ve been here for almost two months now. You’re going to be here for a little bit longer after that as well. How’s the adjustment been to the city of Ottawa? Yeah, it’s been great. Um you know I love it here. Um you know I’ve always wanted to play in Canada. So, uh, to be here now, it’s it’s awesome. And, uh, you know, just seeing the the support and how everyone in the city rallied behind the team there, uh, was was incredible. Um, the atmosphere in that rink during those playoff games was was nothing like I’ve ever seen before. So, um, yeah, it was it was great. I’m just excited to to get to see the city more. Um, I haven’t been out a whole lot and, uh, you know, just just explore a bit more. How would you describe the impact of having uh David Pon, not just as a linemate, but as a locker room presence? Yeah, he’s uh he’s he’s great in the room. Um you know, on the bench, in the games, everything. He’s always talking, you know, bringing the energy. Um just firing guys up, you know, he he’s you know, he’s obviously won the cup, too, so he he knows what it takes and um he was he was great to play with and get to know. And uh you know, I’m just looking forward to to more of that from him. He’s he’s a huge voice in the room and you know great guy to have around. Dylan, in your short time here, what did you learn about Brady Chuck as a leader? Yeah, he is u you know, he’s an unbelievable leader. You know, he leads by example. Um you know, whether it’s throwing a big hit or or fighting someone or scoring a goal, you know, he does it all. And um you know, to to have that guy leading your team, you know, it’s exactly what you want. And you know, to to follow him into battle every night is um you know, it’s it’s awesome. you know, he’s a guy that playing against him, um, you know, you never liked playing against him, but I always had a lot of respect for him and his game. So, now that I get to play alongside him, it’s, uh, you know, it’s awesome. What are the areas of your game that you want to improve this off season or and specifically going into next season? Yeah, you know, there’s a lot um, you know, overall for my season, I I wasn’t very happy with it personally. Um, you know, I got a lot more to I know I got a lot more to give. Um, you know, I think I just want to improve, you know, having the confidence with the puck and and holding on to it and maybe not forcing a play and just waiting for the play to develop. Um, you know, I think there’s a there’s a lot of things to my game I I can improve and I’m going to work on. And, you know, I’m going to take this next little bit to to really think about exactly what what those are. Um, I think a big thing for me is just getting to my top speed quicker. Um, you know, I think my skating is a weapon that I I don’t use enough and uh it’s just working on that acceleration, being quicker so I can use my skating more. What did you learn from just playing in the playoffs like about the, you know, intensity that maybe you can kind of take forward next season? Yeah, I learned a lot. You know, he learned how much every shift matters. Um, you know, every every mistake matters, every every play matters. Um, whether it’s just getting it in behind him instead of trying to force a play, like it matters and it has an impact on the game. So I think our group learn learned a lot as well. Even you know after that first game we we learned we learned a lot and we made adjustments and you know we came out better. So um you know I think it was a really big really big experience for us that’s u going to help us a lot next year. Tim mentioned to us earlier that closure is the type of guy who has bonds with just about everyone in the locker room. In your short time with him how would you describe your relationship with him? Yeah, I think um you know we we had a pretty good relationship by the end of uh of the season there. You know, he’s he’s always chirping and giving it to me and uh you know, I’ll give it back. But um you know, he’s he’s a great guy and uh you know, it’s awesome to get to play with with him and um you know, get to learn from him every day and just uh take little bits and pieces of his game and try and implement them into into my own. But um you know, it was great getting to know him. He’s a great guy and great guy to have in the room. What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned from him in terms of what you can add to your own play? Yeah. Uh, for me personally, I think was faceoffs. You know, he’s obviously an unbelievable faceoff guy and um I’m a righty as well, so you know, I was always asking him during games if I was struggling against a guy um you know, tips and and tricks to help me out and um you know, just little things like that and you know, he’d he’d always give me something and it would help. So, yeah. you sum up your first playoff experience. Sum it up. Um, yeah, obviously it it was a cool cool couple weeks for us, me personally, it’s just so fun. I think uh for a while there, every time the spring uh time came around, we weren’t playing meaningful hockey. And then just to have that, to experience the fans here, just everything is is probably the most fun I’ve had playing hockey in my life. and you know the best is yet to come for us and I’m just excited for the future. So it was it was definitely a cool experience though. How different did this year feel given last year you played half a season, you had surgery, you know, all that stuff. Just how how fulfilling was this season for you? Yeah, it was awesome. I think I I had a few injuries too this year, so there’s a couple bumps in the road, but um yeah, obviously with last year and everything I’ve kind of been through, it’s it’s tight to get get through pretty much a full season and to make playoffs. Um there’s a lot to build off of. Um yeah, just exciting for me and uh just definitely happy with how it went down. Faceoffs, too, in this playoff series. you being one of those guys, what are your takeaways from that aspect of the game in the playoffs? Yeah, I think that’s one of the main things I kind of took away from it is how important they are. Um, you know, obviously in the regular season it’s important, but I think it’s just so much more elevated puck possession in the playoffs to start cuz um, obviously obviously Dzone faceoffs are super important and it’s all about inches in the playoffs and you know, one faceoff could obviously determine the outcome of a game and um, so yeah, obviously learn a lot um, taking those diesel draws. Obviously G’s done a great job of trying to guide me in that aspect because he’s so successful at it. So, I think I I learned a lot from it and I’ll carry into next year and hopefully uh have a great year in the dock. How much of that guidance is chirping? Chirping a lot of it. Um but it’s it’s it’s all out of a place of love with G. I think um you know I think we have that good relationship where he’s kind of kind of like my big brother and um he just wants the best for me and the chirping is just all part of it. Why does Klo Jaru have such a positive impact in your locker room? not just with you, but with so many guys in your room. I I mean, obviously it comes down to two. I mean, what kind of player he is, how successful he’s been in this league. He’s been a captain of a franchise for more than 10 years. I I think eight years maybe. I don’t know what it is, but um yeah, just the guy is he’s a silent leader, but um he leads by example. And I mean, when you’ve played a thousand games in this league and been as successful as he’s been, you’re going to listen cuz you realize how hard that is to do and what it takes, he has. And um I think that’s why his message is so impactful in the room. Wasn’t just your first opportunity in playoffs, but your line had a major role in in shutting down some dangerous players. What was it like like every game facing that task? Yeah, it’s fun. And I think um going into the games, you try not to think about it too much. Obviously, you know, that’s your job for the night. Um but I think me, Mikey, and Rids love it. I think we we try to embrace it. Um and I know I think Greener kind of gave us that role in the middle of the year. I think it kind of started and um ever since then, I think we’ve done a good job of embracing it. And yeah, I I love it. It’s fun. And uh hopefully in the future I try to continue to do that. You mentioned faceoffs. What are some other areas of your game that you want to improve on this next season? Yeah, I think every year you try to look at your game and try to evaluate. Um I think a little bit more offensive play driving I think I do a little bit better job of. Obviously as a center I think that’s important. Um especially in the playoffs. I know there’s not a lot of space out there but um you got to try to drive the play the best you can. That’s a lot of five on five hockey. So, um that’s a part of the my game I want to improve and yeah, obviously I think I do a better job in faceoffs. I think I was around 50 this year, but I want to take a step in that area. Um yeah, hopefully maybe score some more goals in the future, but that’s about it. That shut down role. How different is it in the playoffs when you’re facing the same guys every night? You know, they’re trying to figure holes and what you’re doing and you’re trying to Yeah. figure out their tendencies to to stop them. So, yeah, it’s a bit of a it’s a bit of a chess match, I think, in all areas of the game. Um, especially in that sense, especially faceoffs, too. I think throughout game to game, we’re looking at video, they’re looking at video of how we could beat each other. And I think that’s kind of the main thing when you’re facing the same guy every time in the dot. Um, tendencies wise, I think hockey is such an unpredictable game where it’s it’s hard. I mean, you know, guys have tendencies, but the game is so unpredictable. There’s going to be different things every night, so you just have to trust your instincts and but yeah, a lot of it’s more faceoffs and facing that same guy every night. What did you think of how Adam Goddette was in that 4C role and played on the PK and as a teammate? Unreal, man. I think, you know, coming in, no one like coming into training camp, I don’t think he really I don’t know. I don’t know if he was supposed to make the team, but I mean he he he had a great year for us. I think he stepped up super big in the playoffs. I think if you want to win in the playoffs, some guys are going to have to step up. And he did a great job for us um all year. Almost scored 20 goals in that type of role. That’s not easy to do. And just super happy for him. Just a down to earth guy and works hard every day. Doesn’t say much, but um he’s just a true pro and I’m just happy for him. You talked about wanting to score more goals. Towards the end of the season, you got blocked the second power play. Yeah. Was that tough to take and is that a role you want to get back to next year? Yeah, I think I mean I’m a competitive guy. I don’t think you get here without being competitive. So, obviously I want to be on the power play, but um yeah, that’s out of my control. I think that’s a thing I learned. Sometimes you can’t control some of the things that happen to you and I thought at first I was a little bit bummed, but I had to play a different role for for our team to win and I try to embrace that and um hopefully in the future they see me as a little bit more of an offensive guy. But like I said, I got put into a role this year where I try to do my best to embrace it and like I said, it’s going to be a new year next year and we’ll kind of see where it goes. Your extension eligible this summer? Yeah. How open would you be to, you know, extending with the Senators long term? Yeah. I mean, if they if they want me around here for a long time, I’d obviously be open to it. Um, like I said, everything’s so fresh. Um, just ended. So, I think as the weeks go on, you think about more and more things and um but yeah, obviously I love being here. Love the boys. We’re building something special and yeah, I’d be obviously I wouldn’t be opposed to staying here for a long time. You talked about guys stepping up in the playoffs. What about former NAK teammate Tyler Cleven? Not only physically, but his poise to make plays with his goal. Yeah, I mean I played with him obviously my sophomore year so I kind of saw what kind of player he could be and um when you come into the NHL it’s not easy to kind of you’re trying to just get your get your feet wet and trying to get your ground under you and um it takes sometimes it takes a bit and I think in the first half of the year he came in played well and then you know always when you’re a rookie it’s not easy to play 82 games I went through it where I was terrible for like 30 games and it’s just finding that consistency and then for him to bring it in his first Stanley Cup playoff series and to play the role that he did. I I was so impressed. I think he was one of our best players, honestly. Um, with the puck, he broke out pretty much every puck whenever he got the chance to. He played a role in the PK2 towards the end of it, made some great plays. So, um, and he was starting to be way more physical. So, I I mean, he’s only 23, I think 22 years old, big man, and he’s just going to continue to grow and grow. So this I think this playoff series though is going to be a big stepping stone for his confidence too coming into next year and um I’m excited to see what he’s going to do next year cuz it’s going to be pretty cool. Get traded from San Jose and joining the winning team in in Ottawa and you go to the playoffs and everything going on around that. Uh I would say it’s been great. Uh felt like I stepped into to a a big big family and uh um yeah it’s been great. Uh I mean it’s uh the group is so tight uh and uh so close with each other so it was easy for me. Uh even hockey wise didn’t go that well at the beginning but I felt felt comfortable when I learned the system more and more and yeah. How did the guys go about uh kind of embedding you into their family? Uh they just like right away when I got traded so many guys texted me from the team. Uh, so it was I felt already there. I they’re really tight and um um like I said, yeah, just felt like a family and and that was that was true. What was it like living with Tim Studio for you know the rest of the season? What was that kind of brotherhood relationship like for you? Yeah, he reached out right away too uh and uh told me I could live with him and uh yeah, it was easy easy choice and uh um we we had a lot of fun together. Uh it’s it’s just made my my um when I came here so much easier. Uh he showed me around everything. Uh so yeah, it’s it’s just great to to have a guy like that. How was it for you learning how to play with it? Uh doesn’t mind me. Oh, it’s it’s great. I only played against him and uh wasn’t fun all the time, but uh yeah, it’s um it’s a great player. Uh and uh and great teammate to have around. You know, you’re a restricted free agent this summer. Have there been any discussions with Steve about a new contract so far? You can talk to Steve. Would you like to be an Ottawa senator in the future? I would love to be Ottawa Senators. Yeah. Baby, is it is it frustrating when you’re having success with San Jose and coming here those expectations that you were brought in to produce and just not getting those results right away or you just are you just more focused on the process waiting? Um just I feel good about myself, you know. [Music] Uh I said it a long time if I work hard every shift it’s going to come. And uh it did finally come. And I mean, it’s I didn’t put up the points I wanted to, but I I felt like I worked worked really hard for the team overall and um yeah, I’m just going to prepare for the next year and um I will be back hopefully. What will you remember about your first playoff experience? Uh wow, that was that was great. Um um happens fast out there. everything, you know, uh first 5 minutes was hard, but uh then you just it’s just hockey and uh uh especially when we came home here, uh the fans were were amazing, you know, and the crowd was was crazy and it was so so much Yeah. goosebumps and stuff, but I mean it’s Yeah. to see what we did with the whole city is just amazing.

Hear from the forwards at the end of season media availability from Canadian Tire Centre.

0:00 Brady Tkachuk
21:37 Adam Gaudette
26:31 Claude Giroux English
31:54 Claude Giroux Français
35:55 David Perron English
43:42 David Perron Français
48:44 Tim Stützle
1:05:25 Dylan Cozens
1:12:33 Shane Pinto
1:20:57 Fabian Zetterlund