Q: How does it feel to have Zach Parise, your former teammate at North Dakota, join the Devils' organization? Have you spoken to him since he was drafted/signed? What can you tell us about his game?
A: I like the idea that the Devils look at the University of North Dakota hockey program and the players from there, especially Zach, because he is a top-quality player and I believe he can play at the NHL level really soon. Whatever level of hockey he steps into, he can raise his game to that level and never seems to dip down to a lesser level. Zach and I do keep in touch. When he signed with the team towards the end of the regular season, he came out to New Jersey and we went out to dinner. He seemed really excited and very nervous, but I think everyone is nervous when they first sign. Zach is a very skilled forward with an extremely accurate shot. He is deceivingly tough and strong in the corners. I can remember in college, he would shake guys off that weren't expecting his strength. That really helps him create space.