Post by mattgough60 on Mar 21, 2016 16:45:52 GMT -5
General Manager Matt Gough addressed the media today, sitting down with TSN correspondent John Lu, a day prior to the iNHL preseason.
John Lu: Matt, how does it feel? The summer is over, tomorrow is officially the beginning of a new season for your club. Are you excited?
Matt Gough: It's been a long summer hasn't it? I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm eager to get things underway John.
John: So what kind of things will you be looking for prior to the regular season start?
Matt: Well, we have to see how the guys mesh. That's first and foremost. We'll have an opportunity to try some combinations that we've been curious about, and see how the guys respond.
We also have a number of young talented prospects that are eager to push their way in this season. Guys like: Michael McCarron, Lucas Lessio, Mark Macmillan, Iiro Parkarinen. We're excited to see how these guys play, and we're hoping they force our hand.
John: This club had a disappointing exit in the first round last year. How would you address your fan base coming into the new season, and what are your expectations for this group.
Matt: Um, well, to our fans, I would encourage them to be patient, which I understand isn't easy. Last year we made some changes to our core players, and that changed the dynamic of our team for some time. I won't lie. I was disappointed falling out in the first round. We have high expectations for this group, and we didn't meet them last year. We were inconsistent offensively and defensively, and that proved to be our biggest fault.
This year, our expectations are no different. The guys have had some rest, and an opportunity to get to know each other a little bit more. We want to win the Stanley Cup. Anything less than that is a disappointment. It isn't going to be an easy task, there are a lot of revamped clubs this season. Ottawa looks great, Detroit looks great, and Florida has added some dangerous pieces as well. But we're excited to get out there, and see how our club shapes up with the rest!
John: Will there be any changes to your leadership group this season?
Matt: Not really, no. This year we will continue to see Max as our Captain, with Markov and Subban holding alternates. The only change we will make is that we will be giving Mark Giordano an "A" as well. Mark learned great leadership qualities in Calgary, he's a vocal guy on and off the ice, and his play speaks for itself.
John: There weren't many changes this offseason for the Canadiens. After a disappointing playoffs, why?
Matt: Well, I won't say that we didn't look at our options, John. We talked to numerous teams, about numerous players. But we also didn't want to make a huge decision when reeling from a loss. There is no question we like our group, I think we've got one of the deepest forwards lists in the league, and an extremely talented blue line as well. We are going to stick with this group going forward, and see how they play. If we get to the halfway point, and we're unhappy with our results, then we'll address it in one way or another. But as it stands, I believe in this group, and have confidence that we will be in great shape for the season.
John: Have you put any thought into Expansion, and has there been any talks at the GM Meetings?
Matt: We've discussed Expansion off and on for some time. I like the idea of it, but the timing has to be right. At this time I'm not sure the league is ready for it. Time will tell whether the League decides to introduce some new clubs.
John: Thanks for your time today Matt, good luck with the start of the preseason tomorrow
Matt: Thanks John
John Lu: Matt, how does it feel? The summer is over, tomorrow is officially the beginning of a new season for your club. Are you excited?
Matt Gough: It's been a long summer hasn't it? I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm eager to get things underway John.
John: So what kind of things will you be looking for prior to the regular season start?
Matt: Well, we have to see how the guys mesh. That's first and foremost. We'll have an opportunity to try some combinations that we've been curious about, and see how the guys respond.
We also have a number of young talented prospects that are eager to push their way in this season. Guys like: Michael McCarron, Lucas Lessio, Mark Macmillan, Iiro Parkarinen. We're excited to see how these guys play, and we're hoping they force our hand.
John: This club had a disappointing exit in the first round last year. How would you address your fan base coming into the new season, and what are your expectations for this group.
Matt: Um, well, to our fans, I would encourage them to be patient, which I understand isn't easy. Last year we made some changes to our core players, and that changed the dynamic of our team for some time. I won't lie. I was disappointed falling out in the first round. We have high expectations for this group, and we didn't meet them last year. We were inconsistent offensively and defensively, and that proved to be our biggest fault.
This year, our expectations are no different. The guys have had some rest, and an opportunity to get to know each other a little bit more. We want to win the Stanley Cup. Anything less than that is a disappointment. It isn't going to be an easy task, there are a lot of revamped clubs this season. Ottawa looks great, Detroit looks great, and Florida has added some dangerous pieces as well. But we're excited to get out there, and see how our club shapes up with the rest!
John: Will there be any changes to your leadership group this season?
Matt: Not really, no. This year we will continue to see Max as our Captain, with Markov and Subban holding alternates. The only change we will make is that we will be giving Mark Giordano an "A" as well. Mark learned great leadership qualities in Calgary, he's a vocal guy on and off the ice, and his play speaks for itself.
John: There weren't many changes this offseason for the Canadiens. After a disappointing playoffs, why?
Matt: Well, I won't say that we didn't look at our options, John. We talked to numerous teams, about numerous players. But we also didn't want to make a huge decision when reeling from a loss. There is no question we like our group, I think we've got one of the deepest forwards lists in the league, and an extremely talented blue line as well. We are going to stick with this group going forward, and see how they play. If we get to the halfway point, and we're unhappy with our results, then we'll address it in one way or another. But as it stands, I believe in this group, and have confidence that we will be in great shape for the season.
John: Have you put any thought into Expansion, and has there been any talks at the GM Meetings?
Matt: We've discussed Expansion off and on for some time. I like the idea of it, but the timing has to be right. At this time I'm not sure the league is ready for it. Time will tell whether the League decides to introduce some new clubs.
John: Thanks for your time today Matt, good luck with the start of the preseason tomorrow
Matt: Thanks John