Just got through with a conference call involving Boston Bruins' General Manager Peter Chiarelli and recently re-signed center
David Krejci. The duo discussed the 23-year-old's new 3-yr deal, and Chiarelli fielded questions about
Phil Kessel's surgery, the urgency to get deals done before July 1st and the effects the cap had on negotiations.
Here's what I was able to jot down......
OPENING STATEMENTS
Chiarelli: "He had a breakout year statistically, and in other areas of the ice.
We’re very happy to have him under contract. He's a very good person and I'm very impressed with the way hes improved, and his professional work ethic."
Krejci: "It was a great year for me, I had so much fun with the guys. So many good people worked with me during the season."
QUESTIONS FOR PETER CHIARELLI
On if signing Krejci was more important than the other RFAs....
"We’ve signed Tim and now David, and Phil is an important part of the team, as are Matt and Byron. We've been working on this one for a little bit. Its our job to prioritize. It certainly is good to get one out of the way and get you onto your next task."
On the importance of gaining experience at a young age....
"When
Marc Savard went down, and with Patrice out (07-08), David was outstanding during that time and really showed an ability to carry the mail at that point. You know, we just see a constant improvement curve on him, and getting the experience is a great."
On Phil Kessel's surgery....
"I've spoken to Phil a couple times, he was pretty sore after it, but he came around pretty quickly. He's starting his rehab on Friday and he sounded very good. We were chatting about other amateur players he knows. He's got a pretty good eye, so we may need to use him in the future."
On trade offers coming in from other GMs for Krejci and Kessel....
"I've made it known how highly I value those players, so the call frequency has not been high."
On the shrinking salary cap....
"That enters into it greatly. You have to be fully aware of where the cap will be. You can see the contraction going on throughout the whole world and the same applies to hockey. Its been a lively topic of discussion, and every manager is facing this. It’ll be even more highlighted in the following summer. "
QUESTIONS FOR DAVID KREJCI
On possibly being ready to start the regular season....
"It could happen. They say it's 4-6 months, but, we'll just see how it goes."
On the important aspects of the deal....
"I obviously wanted to sign before July 1st, just to be able to take the summer to prepare for the season. Me and my agent are excited. It’s a good deal, I love the city, and it’s the place I want to play. I'm very happy and very excited for the next few years."
On what parts of his game he hopes to improve upon...
"Everything. I just turned 23 and I believe the best age of hockey is close to 30. I want to get bigger, stronger, faster and be a better player."
OTHER NOTES
Chiarelli noted that he didn't want to feel pressured by July 1st. He acknowledged the threat of offer sheets being out there, but noted that the organization has internally discussed their game plan should that situation arise.
Chiarelli also reaffirmed his quest to get bigger. He stated that the team may sacrifice goals/scoring in order to get bigger up front.
When asked if this would be a barometer for how Kessel's negotiations might pan out, Chiarelli said that every situations is different, but both he and David are highly regarded members of the team.
JC
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