Jeff Gorton Quotations

We're just trying to work through the numbers. We're some place and they're another place and we're trying to work it out . . . there's a difference in both situations and we're trying to get through it.

Obviously it's been a difficult day. I've worked with Mike for a long time. He's a good friend of mine. I spoke with him. This is a job I've always wanted and dreamed of having, but under these circumstances, it isn't how I would have drawn it up.

He's a guy that, over the years, our scouts have liked a lot. He's been in our organization at the minor league level and his development's improved every year. He's somebody that can compete for a job out of training camp or be a good call-up for us. He's a big guy that can move around and add a little bit of toughness.

Our guys think there are at least two guys in there (who could have an impact next year).

We don't make a habit of going to guys and telling them to get out of (school), but when a guy comes to you and says he's ready to turn pro, you have to listen. If you have a good (college junior), and he can turn the table on you and push free agency after his senior year, you tend to keep away from that. Free agency tends to cost more money.

It's not like we have to have these guys signed tomorrow. That said, the sooner we lock these guys up, the better.

Anytime you get hit in the head with a stick, (a concussion) is one concern. Generally you wait 24 hours and see how they are. The team had a day off (yesterday). I think we'll know more (today). As far as I know he did not go in for any tests. He had a conversation with (trainer)Don Del Negro that he felt OK, and Donny said he'd just see him (this) morning.

Before, they had a hard time becoming a free agent. At the end of their college career, they either signed with you or became defected players, unless they wanted to sit out a full year.

He can certainly compete for a third- or fourth-line job. If he doesn't make it, we know what he's capable of. He can be an effective everyday player in the NHL.