Shore, GM Murray Share Thoughts on Trade

Newly-acquired Ducks forward Devin Shore spoke with members of the media shortly after being traded for left wing Andrew Cogliano. Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray also spoke with the media, sharing his thoughts on the trade and giving an update on the status of his team.

Devin Shore
Where were you when you heard about the trade and what are your initial thoughts on joining the Ducks?
I was in bed. My alarm had gone off, and I think I pressed snooze. I was getting ready to start my day. It was a pretty crazy way to start your day. Definitely not how you pictured it when you went to bed that night. The initial shock, mind racing, that kind of stuff goes on for the first half-hour or hour, and then you start to settle in. Right now it's excitement to start fresh and get going with a great team and great organization. I'm genuinely really excited to get going.
How do you see yourself contributing to the team?
We're in the same conference, so during my time with the Stars, we saw them a fair amount. I know they're hard to play against especially in their rink. Regardless of what building you play the Ducks in, you know you're in a for a fight. They have top-end talent, great goaltending and don't give the ice away easy. Regardless of what's been going on recently, I'm just going to play my game and chip in where I can. Just do as I'm asked. Just happy to help out and do whatever they'd like.
How would you describe your style of play?
I'm versatile. I can play up and down the lineup. Someone who plays a responsible game and plays the right way at either end of the ice. Hopefully chip in some offense when I can.
What kind of emotions were you experiencing when you got the news?
There's been a lot of firsts today. First time feeling certain emotions. You just embrace it and be a good pro. Just remember that even though it stings at the start, you're still playing the game you love for a living. We're going to a great city and great team, so we're fortunate there, too.
You've proven to be a durable player in your career. What does that mean to you?
You try to earn everything you can in this league. Playing all 82 games, you do your best to take care of your body away from the rink. Hockey is a pretty chaotic game. You have to attribute a bit of that to being fortunate for staying healthy. Just kind of rolling with it. Regardless of what role you're asked to do, you just do it to the best of your abilities.
What is your mindset heading to a new team?
All I'm going to try and focus on are the things I can control, which are my work ethic and the attitude I bring to the rink each day. Looking forward to meeting the guys and earning their respect. You can't really focus too much on what's going on around you. You just need to do what you can and put in an effort you can be proud of.
Bob Murray
"First off, as part of the organization, I just want to thank Cogs for his eight years of hard work, showing up every day and being a total professional. We hope nothing but the best for him and his family."
Was this a message-sending trade?
We've been trying to change things since the last time we talked. This became available. We're trying to get younger, but we're also looking for people with a little more creativity because we're not scoring enough goals. It's not fair to single-out Cogs. It's not because of him. It's just something that became available. We're trying to get better because we're not good enough.
How does this trade impact the team?
This is all about us. I'm not here to just try to make the playoffs every year. You can do that, and maybe you can make a push, but I'd like to get back to where we're a team that, if we get into the playoffs, has a chance to win. Right now, this team, I said it earlier, I don't believe this group has a chance to win. It's time for changes.
Are trade talks ongoing?
I've been talking for a long time. I'm trying to create. Definitely, every day, we're trying to get better. It's difficult, but some things all of a sudden can happen. I don't know when they will, but my whole focus right now is on players. We've got to get better. Unfortunately, with this group, some of our mid-20s guys who I thought would be taking on leadership and standing up, it's time for people to stand up and be counted. I'm waiting. Enough is enough. I'm a bit surprised. I thought some people would be farther along in this vein, where they have the experience and they've been around enough where they know how to do it when the going gets tough. It's very tough right now.
What do you like about Shore?
I like his hockey brain. I like the way he creates. I like when he has the puck. He creates things. We need a lot more of that. Unfortunately, we're losing some speed. We're very confident in Devin, so we should be okay that way. It's just a change. We're younger. That's what we have to do right now.
What phase is the team in right now?
It's a transition. Some teams have to go down and build it, and draft really high for a bunch of years. I don't think we're in that category. We have some good young players coming who are having some success right now. I want to keep that going. I don't think it needs to be a long process. That's why things like today are very difficult to do. They have to happen so the transition doesn't take forever.
How do you approach Jakob Silfverberg, an upcoming unrestricted free agent?
You take another crack at signing him. We're going to do that right now, and we'll see where that goes. Silvy knows exactly where I'm at. He's a good hockey player. He's one of those ones right now standing up and being counted. I have to take a shot and it. We'll see where we go.
Was it difficult parting with a core player such as Cogliano?
As much as some of us may sound like we're heartless, last night wasn't very good. Let's leave it at that.