A brief transcript of what Howson discussed today on NHL Live, this is mostly paraphrased with the topic first and the response right after:
Biggest Difference Pre and Post Hitch so far – Always an uptick in energy from the players, a different voice causes players to respond, more “push-back”, cites Sunday’s Chicago game being up 2-0, down 4-2, tying it up to reach a shootout
Trade Freeze – discusses that paying a player for 2 weeks who is just sitting there is a little weird, but he expects more action after the Olympic break, says we have players receiving interest but will have to wait to see what pans out, throws a twist in for post-Olympic break
Pressure – continued review of where the team stands, acknowledgement that it will be very difficult to make a playoff push, points are an issue, but the amount of teams between 14 and 8 are the real problem
Plans during the Olympic Break - going to junior and college games to watch prospects and looking at players who will be available in the upcoming draft
Jody Shelley – thought about trading for Jody, involved in the talks but timing wasn’t going to allow it to work, hopes that Jody will earn himself a new contract with New York
Draft Philosophy, best available or certain type/position – 1st pick always go with best player, huge gap at center in the organization that Doug tried to fill with Fedorov (how’d that work out?)
Playing career - most the players don’t know about it, played with Toledo Golddiggers, Bernie Nicholls said he’d break records with Kingston
Olympics – Talked to Nash about working with Hitch again, definitely made for awkward timing, wished good luck to Rick (and others)
Stress of this season – He looked for glimmers of hope as the losses mounted, Hitch was a huge part of getting to the playoffs last year, didn’t see improvement after many chances
Interesting thoughts and words from the GM.
Go Jackets! Go America!
