Interview With Gm Of The Cheap Thieves

[DanielNegreanu 141]

Mike Brophy: Thanks for agreeing to the interview Daniel.Daniel Negreanu: Don't mention it.MB: So there have been lots of changes to the AHL since the rule changes in the NHL. What, if any effects has that had on your strategy?DN: Well, for one, there are players that we never would have considered drafting in the old NHL that get a look with the new rules. For instance, a d-man under 6 feet was a long shot to make the NHL, but now, many of those players are the prototypical point men on the PP.MB: Interesting. The Cheap Thieves have changed their approach since their days of winning two championships. It seems as though you are happy to build through the draft rather than go after big named free agents at the draft?DN: Well, the landscape of the AHL has changed drastically over the years, with more and more of the great young players signing cheaper long term contracts. Frankly, there just aren't too many big name players available at the draft any more outside of an aging Jagr or Sundin.MB: Explain what you do differently exactly?DN: Well, it's pretty simple actually. In the early days we looked to nab three high end free agents that played lots of games. You'd average about $30 on those three players, and then you'd add to that by having a decent, cheap core of players.MB: So why doesn't that work now?DN: Well if you ask a guy like Serge of the Mustangs it still works (laughs). However, to be competitive in this league there really is only one way to do that and that's with astute drafting and minor trades that help the depth of your team.Part II coming soon...MB: Your team made an amazing run, winning their last seven games of the season to make the playoffs. That had to be an amazing feeling.DN: I was extremely proud of the boys. They really started to click and the defense really is what helped up win all those games. Guys like Matthieu Schneider, a guy we picked up near the deadline, really gave us a defense that could put the puck in the net.MB: Speaking of defense. That seems to be a suspect part of the team. What does the future hold for the Thieves blueline?DN: No question that's something we've been very conscious, but we feel great about the way things are shaping up on the back end. Guys like Seabrook and Vlasic will come into their own and lead from the back end, Poti has been good, and of course the trades we made bringing in Hamrlik and Schneider made the blueline respectable. Obviously it's going to be impossible to keep those two guys next season, but there is loads of help coming up through the farm. Kris Russell will likely be a big part of the team this year, and Gologoski could step into a Pens uniform right now and be a force. We drafted loads of d-men in the last draft to complement our excellent group of forwards on the farm.Part III coming soon...MB: So right now you are in a dogfight with Shoot Loose in the first round. How do you feel your team will fare in this series?DN: Well, we'll need to have no mistakes and make sure that we come with our A game every night. Game 5 is a tough one for us as we are missing many of out best players that night. I think we are in decent shape in games 6 and 7, and if we can get to that point I think we can win this series with some luck.MB: If the team loses to Shoot Loose. Next season, what happens?DN: Well, we were the best team in the division this season points wise, and we firmly believe that we have the best team in the division. With next year's playoff format change, winning the division becomes much more important than in past years. We are determined to win the division while at the same time, we won't be mortaging our future on over priced veterans in their twilight years. I think we've assembled a team that will be among the class of the conference for the next 5-8 years.MB: Thanks for your time Daniel.

[serge 904]

Mike Brophy was obviously not at the Mustangs press conference earlier today.....The Mustangs dont give interviews to the hockey news....Front page exclusive story with Sports Illustrated is being worked on.

[pezeveng 207]

not sure whats sadder me reading this or you guys for typing this. Oh well Iam at work with nothing to do.

[runthemover 40]

I'm not what gives you points (+- or just goals and assists), but Vlasic probably won't be a big point guy. probably another Scott Hannan type.

[DanielNegreanu 141]

I'm not what gives you points (+- or just goals and assists), but Vlasic probably won't be a big point guy. probably another Scott Hannan type.

I disagree in a big way. He's extremely responsible defensively and he's only 19. Defensemen usually take several years to produce offensively, but in his rookie season he's already got over 20 points. I expect him to score 40 points on a regular basis in a few years. Matt Carle is one dimensional in comparison. Better offensivley, but Pickes earns the trust of his coaches, and he is three years younger.

[runthemover 40]

I disagree in a big way. He's extremely responsible defensively and he's only 19. Defensemen usually take several years to produce offensively, but in his rookie season he's already got over 20 points. I expect him to score 40 points on a regular basis in a few years. Matt Carle is one dimensional in comparison. Better offensivley, but Pickles earns the trust of his coaches, and he is three years younger.

I sure hope you're right. I love that he plays so many minutes, mostly because he deserves it. Hannan is a 20 point guy and like you said, Pickles already has 20. 40 is definitely a realisitic number for him. From your original post, I gathered you thought a lot more of his capabilities. But, I know very little about fantasy hockey.