How difficult was this process today, and how much temptation was there to maybe keep those young kids around for a couple of games?
Lamoriello: First of all, it’s been an ongoing process to make sure that whatever decisions are made are within the framework of what we’ve put together here as a group, with the plan. But they did extremely well, the younger players in camp. So, there’s an extremely bright future for them, but this is the right decision right now to make sure that we see exactly who we have here — that is of the veterans and what they bring.
You guys still have some decisions to make [with 24 on the roster]. Any reason as to why you may not have got down to the final [23] by today?
Lamoriello: There are some decisions to be made, but we didn’t want to hold back on where we knew what we wanted to do. We knew we wanted to get the players into the Marlies and get them stable there, and also get down to the closest number we could for the next couple of days of practice. There is one decision that has to be made, yes.
Will that decision be at forward or defence? Have you committed to how the breakdown will go?
Lamoriello: I’d rather not respond to that right now. I think that we’ll see that within the next 24 hours, as far as that decision.
I take it that you liked what you saw from Harrington and Marincin, the two players that a lot of people around here haven’t seen.
Lamoriello: Yes, they’ve gotten better and better during camp, in my opinion. I did not know much about either one of them. Certainly Harrington I saw a little more because [Pittsburgh] was in our area and our division where I was last year. But they’ve impressed our coaching staff, and they’ve deserved the opportunity that they’re getting. We’ll just have to see what the final decision is.
What kind of message do you send your young guys off with? What sort of things do you tell them about their camp and what they need to do to find their way up to the NHL eventually?
Lamoriello: We’re just honest with them. They’ve had an excellent camp. At this time, the right time is for them to go and be the best possible players they can be. There’s going to be an excellent team there. There is no timetable for when they would be here or when they wouldn’t be here. There is a lot of decisions that will be made as the season goes on. They could be here before you know it, or it could be some time. A lot depends upon the whole process we’re going through. The first thing is for us to see where our veterans are at, and what type of a team we have; how the people respond to Mike, which they’ve been tremendous in doing. They understand. I’m sure they’re disappointed, but they’ll be here before they know it.
Could you maybe comment on the preseason performances of some veterans? Obviously, a couple probably could’ve done better, but do you think in some cases opening night comes around and players like that just flip the switch, for lack of a better word?
Lamoriello: We’ve seen that in the past, and especially when you don’t know the players who are accustomed to doing that, I think there are no preconceived notions. But I think we’ll find out exactly where everybody’s at very quickly this week. We’re very pleased with the last couple of games as far as the effort that was put into a lot of areas, and also the players who started to play well.
Could you comment on the guys you put on waivers – some talent there obviously, and if you were lose them, at least they’re getting jobs with other teams.
Lamoriello: Yeah, I think it’s no disrespect to them. We have to make decisions. This is the process you go through. You certainly never want to lose any of your players. I spoke to each and every one of them this morning. They’re certainly looking forward to going to the Marlies and trying to earn their way back. If something happens, it’s not in any of our control.
