While I won't question his sincerity but do you really think he would be showing up if he said anything different?
It does make for the potential of a more interesting camp in terms of a spot opening up that likely wasn't expected.
It came across as more relieved than anything. I won't read anything into it, but I get the feeling these guys are pretty pumped for this week to get going.
He's top 4, on any team going forward but top pairing at this point is questionable. He will play physical when given the chance but can take himself out of position at times when he does. Plays with a lot of heart and emotion and at times needs to learn how to control it a bit better.
Has offensive upside, skates well and decent shot but needs to round out his game a bit more to reach his potential.
He's solid with potential to be more than what he's been so far but has taken on a role bigger than he should have been in right from day one which has probably helped and hurt in different areas.
He's a 3/4 right now playing a 1/2 role with the potential to be a 2/3 on any team before he's an OA.
I'll echo what CFaub said. I've liked Staios for a while; good kid, well-spoken, strong, plays a passionate game.
He does well with the puck and you don't really notice it, like quietly putting together a 30-point season. Loves the speed game and using his body along the boards. Biggest issue, though, is he'll get pushed around in front of the net. We saw him try to hold his spot numerous times, but, when you're 5'8 165, bigger guys will beat you. That doesn't mean he won't try, though, and sometimes it leads to penalties.
If he can keep his head in the game, not worry about doing too much, and use his size/speed to his advantage, he'll be a really good one. The kid was a first-rounder for a reason, right?
