We all know that Jay McKee recently signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Well, he was nice enough to take some time out of his vacation in Florida to sit down with me for a few minutes this afternoon. I got to know a lot more about the player and the man and am very much looking forward to his arrival in town. It really seems as if the Penguins not only found an excellent fit on the ice, but off of it. He seems to be a great character guy and one that will mesh very well with this locker room.
Here is a look at our conversation… we spent chunks of it laughing. Hopefully you will be as entertained as I was while speaking with Jay.
Brian Metzer: Did it come as a surprise to you that St. Louis cut ties with you after having made such an investment in you…especially after the year you had?
Jay McKee: It did. Well I guess I was and I wasn’t at the same time. I knew that, being that they had $12 million tied up in 3 defensemen on the payroll. I knew that their intent was to do something…you know I had a real good year this year there and typically you don’t hear of buyouts after players have a strong season. So that was the part of it that was a surprise. They made it very clear that it was a personnel and economic issue and that was it. So you move on and that’s what I have done.
BM: Well, I guess it is not as tough to move on the second time after the experience you had in leaving Buffalo… just watching that group come so close and fall apart and move on.
JM: Yeah, I really grew strong ties in Buffalo being there for 10 years and having some real good runs with the Stanley Cup Final the one year and the Eastern Conference Game 7 final. So it was a fun time in Buffalo and it was a great time I had in St Louis, and those were experiences that I feel very fortunate to have. So yeah, 3 years as opposed to 10 is quite different.
BM: When it came time to choose a new team, how important was it to get back within the vicinity of Buffalo, with all of the time you did spend there…you spent some time in Niagara Falls in Junior as well? Was it important to get somewhere within the vicinity of that area?
JM: No I don’t think that was part of my focus at…leaning towards Buffalo. I think my main focus this time around was trying to find a team that has a winning tradition and a winning atmosphere and great management and a great future. Obviously, it is hard to look much further past the Stanley Cup Champion team…with Pittsburgh I was very fortunate that they had spots open up and interest in what I bring to the table and it was a great fit for both sides.
BM: Just to elaborate on that a bit, were the Penguins a team that you did identify as a potential destination in free agency and when exactly did you guys and get the ball rolling with Ray Shero on potentially bringing you in here?
JM: They were actually a team that I identified as a team that I would like to consider going too the first time I was unrestricted. You could see what they were building there and what potential they had for the future and obviously that came true. So, I have known about that team and the way it was going to go for them for a long time. You can just see when teams go through some tough times and get some high draft picks and the way they build, if they bring the right people on board they are going to do some special things and that’s what is happening in Pittsburgh. I am excited that I am going to be part of their future.
BM: I think that what you bring to the table is especially attractive based on what they lost in Scuderi and Gill…especially in Scuderi with the style that you both play?
JM: This time around being unrestricted was completely different than last time. I was able to sit back and look more at what the teams have and I noticed that Pittsburgh did have a couple guys that were going to be UFAs and you don’t know if their going to sign the night before or the day of or what. I certainly kept a little bit of a target on that team and I was fortunate to see both of those guys move on to a new spot and I it certainly opened up a spot for me given that I have some comparables to those players. Certainly the bottom line is you have to rely on that team wanting to bring you in and liking what you have and I feel very fortunate that that’s what they felt.
BM: I think that is the case, Ray Shero has already been very complimentary of what you bring to the table. He has done a nice job of cheer leading your arrival in Pittsburgh…
JM: (Laughs)
BM: Do you feel that the aggressive style that the Penguins employ suits you a little bit, I know that you play more of a defensive style, but you were obviously pretty successful with some Buffalo teams that played an attacking, speed based game?
JM: It all comes down too who I am playing with, what kind of role they set me in and you go from there. If I am with a more offensive defenseman, you know I am kind of the counter balance to rely on in my zone and to cover for possible mistakes that offensive defensemen typically try. If I am with a defensive guy I'm maybe in more of a shut down role. I did speak to Ray at length and they certainly want to try to get the D up the ice and adding to the rush. Which I think you see with a lot of teams now a days. It’s not so much limiting player’s roles because that is what they’re typically made to do. If I can help join the rush, yeah, I will do whatever I can.
BM: You are credited in some circles, especially after the lockout I think, with almost innovating the defensive style that’s played these days. What I mean by that is just with the whole shot blocking aspect and keeping the puck away from your goaltender more than just allowing him to see shots…is that something that you strive to do?
JM: yeah, that is something that I enjoy doing. I know that goaltenders appreciate players that lay their bodies on the line and almost act as a second goaltender. It’s a tough game when you have players that commit, throw their bodies in front of the shot lane. It’s tough enough to score on those goalies now a days. They are so athletically gifted and they train harder than ever in the past and the equipment is bigger than it was 20 years ago. When you add a couple of players…whether it be a forward and D that are putting themselves in the line of the path of the shot as well, it makes it even more difficult to score. So I think it’s a big part of the game and it’s something that I am certainly going to continue to do.
BM: You sort of touched on this a bit already and I think I know the answer, but does it bother you at all to be paired with more of an offensive minded defenseman. There was some talk in Pittsburgh that they might use you with a Kris Letang or an Alex Goligoski…I know that you won’t know for sure until camp, but what are your thoughts on that sort of pairing?
JM: I had actually a real successful year with Brian Campbell. We both had a real good chemistry in Buffalo the year that we ended up losing game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. That actually worked real well. I was with Jeff Woywitka this year in St Louis when we had some injuries and I started with Roman Polak and played more of the defensive role. I will be honest; I can’t remember many defense partners that I’ve had a problem playing with. The only thing that I have typically done for my whole career is play on the left side…I’ve tried the right a few times, but when you get overly comfortable with one thing it’s hard to change from that. I just think with D pairings, sometimes they click right away and sometimes it takes a little bit of time, but I am open to any option.
BM: You are joining a team that has a good mix on the blueline of veterans and young guys. One guy that came to mind right away is Brooks Orpik, he sort of plays a similar style to your own, though he may test the offensive boundaries a bit more than you might. Is he a guy you look at and think you may be able to mentor a bit…maybe even help him move even further along in his career, though he isn’t all that much younger than you?
JM: Yeah, I think he has done an exceptional job at growing himself as a player and he’s earned a lot of respect around the league. He’s obviously achieved what every other player wants to achieve in winning the cup and he’s done that. He’s done a great job of growing himself…I will certainly be coming in with a lot of experience and some playoff… 50 plus playoff games. I haven’t quite achieved what these guys did, but that’s the next goal. Anyway I can help…with Brooks there I can learn some things off of him too. I think as a player you never stop learning and you never stop getting better so, I will do what I can do with the young guys and try to learn something from them too.
BM: Is that exciting in itself, just joining a team with so much young experienced talent? Bringing in what you’ve got to offer and being a part of that group?
JM: Yeah, they’ve got a great mix. Obviously they got two superstars that stick out in your mind in Sidney and Geno, but as I mentioned before you can’t win a cup without having a great supporting cast and that’s what they have there. That’s a credit to Ray Shero and everything that they’ve accomplished and built there with that hockey club and I am just excited to be a part of it.
BM: Was it important to you also when you were looking at Pittsburgh, to see players like Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko taking less than market value to come here. Does that tell you a little bit about what the atmosphere here is as well?
JM: It does, it goes a long ways. As players, once you are around a winning atmosphere and a winning club, it’s hard to want to go anywhere else or go anywhere else. I got to know Billy in St Louis my first year there and he’s an exceptional guy. Yeah, it certainly speaks volumes for what they both decided to do.
BM: Did any of those guys jump on board almost a recruiting effort to try and get you into Pittsburgh?
JM: No, I don’t think… I know that my assumption is coaches and management does their due diligence when they’re looking at players and they speak to other team’s coaches and players that they know from the past. I wouldn’t be surprised. I wouldn’t know if the coach called Billy or not but I think as players we sit there and wait to see who the team adds to our club, but we are not sure who they are talking to until it happens…you know what I mean. So it might be a better question for management…
BM: We sort of talked about this already…but when you look at your game. How would you describe Jay McKee? Everyone always jumps to the shot blocking and the sound defensive play, but is there any hidden element to your game that you might be able to tell me about?
JM: Yeah, I’ve got all of this offense I’m just not showing anybody… (Laughing)
BM: Yeah, you’ve been holding off right? (Laughing back)
JM: Yeah, for years!! That’s it, I just take pride in the penalty-killing role. I certainly hope that we can get our penalty killing in the top of the league. It wasn’t last year for Pittsburgh, I am not sure where they were, but that certainly is a role I take a lot of passion and pride in. My game is really structured around smart sound defensive play and a lot of times it’s not things that you notice, but as long as I get the job done and play consistent that’s what I try to focus to do and stepping up some hits at the right time. I know when I was younger I used to run around all night long trying to chase guys and hit all over the ice and would kind of get myself caught out of position. The players have only gotten faster and quicker and better in this league and if you don’t have the right timing and pick your spots you’re going to end up having scoring chances against. That is what I try to keep to a minimum. Typically become best friends with my goaltenders…that’s probably the inner most secret I have.
BM: You actually have a pretty gregarious guy in goal here in Pittsburgh that I think you’ll probably get along with pretty well in Marc Andre Fleury…
JM: Yeah, I think he’s got, from some interviews I have seen, some similarity to Marty Biron, whose become a good friend of mine. I look forward to meeting him and getting on board with him.
BM: You might need shades to block his smile…he’s got those giant white teeth and they are always showing…
JM: I look forward to meeting him, I will bring my darkest pair! (Laughing)
BM: As far as the injuries that popped up in your time in St. Louis, especially after the year you had last year, are those all behind you and you feel that you can get a full season in this year?
JM: Yeah, I think that last year, I had taken a shot that hit me in the finger and it kind of split open my ring finger down at the bone and I missed I think nine games with that. Over all the years I have played, I think those are more of a fluke thing. I have taken shots to the body for 13 or 14 years and have only had two finger injuries like that and they were both in St Louis. I don’t know what the reason for that is… but I think apart from my first year in St. Louis it’s overall been fairly healthy with the exception of a couple of small things. Body feels good and I am looking forward to getting into Pittsburgh and skating with the guys…
BM: I have a couple of things that are maybe a little less hockey related if you don’t mind?
JM: Sure…
BM: I heard a story that your wife and yourself are pretty formidable tennis players…is that true and can you talk about that a little bit?
JM: Yeah… yeah… During the lockout in ’04 I used to golf a lot and I was golfing and I just felt like I wanted to do something that was more, that was exerting more energy and getting more work than I was. So I went to the park one day with my wife and we just took two tennis rackets and a couple of balls and I remember hitting her a ball and it would come back to me, but it would be two courts over. We only had two balls so I was chasing them around all day long…but we had fun. The next day she wanted to go again and I was like “Hun, how about maybe you just go and get a couple of lessons”…I just wasn't in the mood to chase the balls around all day. She got some lessons and just kind of grew a passion for it really quickly and eventually started, when we would go out to hit balls she was starting to get as good or better than me, so I just started taking lessons with her. You know that was in ’04, so we’ve got a lot of years in and play as much as we can and she plays in leagues and plays a ton throughout the year. We actually played a match here in Florida the first day we were here, it went three sets, it was a long one. I just squeaked it out 7-5 in the third set…it is a great pride thing, I can’t lose to her, you know…
BM: Tennis is always a blast and a great workout…I know I was probably in the best shape of my life when I was playing regularly…
JM: No doubt and the fact that we are close to the same level allows us to have a real good sweat and a real good work out together…
BM: If you can, what is your favorite pre-game meal? A lot of folks always want to know these kinds of things, so I figured I would take advantage of the our conversation today…
JM: (Laughing) A pre game meal, I typically go home and make the same lunch everyday. A lot of bread and a lot of pasta…just load up with the carbs and I am good to go at night. It is kind of boring, but it is just my own…it’s the same sauce and the same pasta and the same cheddar cheese over my pasta. It’s not overly exciting, but it gets the job done.
BM: Going along with that, hockey players are amongst the most superstitious in all the land, are their any pre-game rituals or anything that you go through that you would feel comfortable sharing?
JM: I don’t think that there are necessarily any rituals. I just, from the time I get to the rink, a little over two hours before the game to the time I go on the ice, it’s not so much a ritual, but I just do pretty much the same thing. I go through about a 20 minute stretching routine, everything is kind of done at the same time…you know, I tape my sticks at the same time. It doesn’t have to be 5:34 I start taping my sticks, but it’s just kind of in sequence. So if something happened, that I had to do an interview or get out of sequence it wouldn’t kill me. I think over the years I have tried to be less superstitious or tried to back off on that kind of stuff and not worry so much about it. I know that in the past if we would look up at the clock and if it was on the 13-minute mark or any time in the 13-minute mark I wouldn’t get a good feeling that it was an unlucky number. In St. Louis, Dan Hinote become my closest friend and I used to tell myself that my best friend wears the number so it’s ok.
BM: No black cats walking around, right?
JM: I actually had a black cat! My cat was all black. So I tried to convince myself that superstitions are only what you make of them.
BM: As your new head coach will tell you, he is not superstitious, but he always does everything the exact same way…
JM: Yeah that’s the exact same thing. It’s not so much about needing to do things that way. I just need to do it so I can get everything done in time to get ready for the game.
BM: Moving on, what is your favorite show or movie? Is there something that you need to DVR if you have a game that night?
JM: Oh…favorite show? You know what, I really don’t know, I don’t watch a lot of TV actually. I would have to say Sponge Bob, because that’s all my two daughters watch. I really don’t watch a lot of TV; I usually have Fox News or Headline News on. I just try to keep up to date what is going on in the world and politics. If the TV is on, it is usually on all day and it is set to “dolly or sprout” or some kids Disney or something like that. I have a 2 ½ and 4 ½ year old daughters and they dominate the TV at our house.
BM: Does your trip to Florida have anything to do with Disney by chance?
JM: No, we actually just come down here once a year. With my wife’s family… get the kids on the beach and have some fun.
BM: Are you an iPod guy? Do you have music that you take on the road with you and if so, what would be a couple of your favorite bands?
JM: It would be hard not to say The Tragically Hip, being from Kingston, ON and that is where they are from. Um, but you know what, I’ve got an enormous range of music. Everything from country to rap to rock…it’s as wide a range as you can get. There’s really no genre that I don’t enjoy, so I think I have it all in the iPod. It is safe to say that if anybody wanted to pick up my iPod and listen to their music they would find it in there.
BM: Just a couple more for you… do you have a hobby away from the game? You already mentioned tennis…is there something else that you like to do?
JM: You know what, a lot of my time really, at home, is spent with my daughters. I know I wouldn’t call that a hobby, but it is how I spend a lot of my time. Tennis is the one thing if I have some time to go do -- get a good work out and a good sweat playing a match of tennis. Really apart from that is get up in the morning and go to the gym and come home and spend it with my girls.
BM: I hear that from a lot of the dads…that’s just as good as any other hobby and it is probably what you enjoy doing….
JM: I wouldn’t trade it for the world that’s for sure…
BM: If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing right now?
JM: I have a huge respect for the US Marines, the Army, the Navy. I’m Canadian so I don’t know if I could pull that off, but I would certainly like to fight for this country. It’s kind of a hard thing to do being Canadian, but I just have a huge respect for the men and women in uniform. I could help out in that way and if I wasn’t playing hockey that is what I would probably do.
BM: That’s great…I appreciate you saying that just living here. I have had family serve and my girlfriend’s brother is a Battalion Commander down in Texas.
JM: Oh, good for him… that is excellent. Please congratulate him for me. I don’t know what it is, my father and I have always been intrigued with all of the different aspects of the US Military and I don’t think there is a more respectful thing you can do in life than something like that.
BM: Definitely… Final question…have you had a chance to talk with the equipment guys in Pittsburgh, what number are you going to be wearing so the folks in town can get those jerseys stitched up for the first game this year?
JM: (Laughing) I don’t have a definite yet, but 74 was good to me in the East…
BM: I think it’s available… (Laughing)
JM: I don’t think I am going to be wearing 77, unless Paul Coffey comes up to me and says excuse me Mr. McKee I would be honored if you would wear 77. I don’t think that is going to happen, so I will probably wear something else. I am leaning towards going back to 74; it treated me very good in the Eastern Conference, so there is probably a pretty good chance that I will be wearing that.
BM: I will pass that along…I am sure you will see the jerseys purchased. They don’t care if you are on a one-year deal. They will already be calling for you to sign on next season after your first game here.
JM: Take a poll, ask fans what they want me to wear…(laughing)…. I’m not tied to any number really.
BM: Will do, if they come up with anything intriguing, I will send you a message!
JM: Sounds good…
BM: Well, thank you so much for taking the time out of your vacation to speak with me. I am very much looking forward to meeting you at camp in the near future…
JM: Anytime, looking forward to meeting you too. Thank you for the call…
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