On the trade market
As you can see, the market seems to go up every year, and it did go up this year. Second-round picks have now become first rounders. That's the way it's going. As with all trade deadlines, you have to go into it with certain goals and also with the things you're just not going to do. That's how we did it today. There was lot of activity, lots of places, lots out there. We're happy with what we've done. We're definitely deeper and faster, and we have a veteran group here right now.
On the likelihood of trading a first-round pick
I wasn't going to move a first round-pick this year, and certain other young assets I didn't want to move. We moved a first last year, and I didn't want to this year. There were certain young assets that were asked for, and there were certain things we were just not going to do at this point in time.
On trade speculation
We knew what was out there and what costs were going to be for everything. You hope some of them come down, and you offer second-round picks when someone wants a first, and it doesn't work. I won't get into who we were into and who we were not into. Some things just didn't move that we thought would move. It was an interesting two days.
On acquiring Chimera and Kelly
We have definitely become quicker with those two, and they both have good playoff experience, obviously. With their quickness is an energy and leadership. Chris has been to lots of playoffs, and he's been a captain. With Jason, we've known him for a long time, and he brings energy and emotion. That's something we can use in our group right now.
On the interest in Kelly
It awakened when we heard how he did in Edmonton's camp. He was very good there. We had lots of things going on, and we talked about bringing him in when he went to Belleville and then the Olympics. We weren't the only team interested in him, I can tell you that. I thought he played very well in the Olympics, and that was a hell of an experience. He had a major injury a couple years ago with the broken leg, and it took awhile for that skating to come back. But you could see in the Olympics it was back.
On where the Ducks stand at this point in the season
We're right at the edge of being in the playoffs, and we have numerous people who have struggled. I think these guys can help us get our act together. It just hasn't been all there for everybody all year. But that's why none of them are gone. I still believe they can do it. I still think this team can make the playoffs. Some guys have to get their act together, and I think we're a difficult team to play against, as we've shown.
On whether the weekend's results were a factor
No, it wasn't. We had the nice comeback last night, which was good. I think there were people who were tight because of the deadline. It's gone, and the group is pretty much all together. Unfortunately, Chris Wagner was a good soldier for us, but I had to do something to change the look of the team and the speed a bit.
