Meeting the media at the NHL Scouting Combine: Brady Tkachuk

BUFFALO - Here are excerpts of prospect Brady Tkachuk's scrum with reporters on Friday afternoon at the 2018 NHL Scouting Combine at HarborCenter.

How much did it help you seeing your brother Matthew go through this process before?
BRADY TKACHUK:I think it definitely helped a lot. I get to talk to him. He went through it two years before. He's got a lot of insight. He's given me a couple of pointers. He's been a real big help.
What are you hoping to show all the teams here?
BT:Just what I can do well. Even if I don't do well in one part of it, then I can definitely improve over the summer and over the years.
How nice would it be for you to be the first forward selected?
BT: It would definitely be nice. I feel like all the forwards bring something different to the table. At the end of the day, it's what a team wants in a player.
Is it easier not being star struck, being that you've been around the NHL for so long with your dad?
BT: I definitely feel like I'm pretty used to it. I'm pretty used to the lifestyle and how each guy carries himself. Everybody knows so much about hockey. It's just nice to finally be a part of it.

What is the biggest adjustment you feel you have to make in playing against men, as you adapt your game?
BT: Just some of the battles. Instead of just using my body, I'd use my mind a little bit more and try to outsmart them. I think that's the biggest thing.
What about your game maybe differs from your brother?
BT: I think we're very similar, but I think I'm a little faster. I'm more willing to play physical a little more than he does, but I think he's a little fancier than I am around the net.
How much time have you spent in Montreal over the years?
BT: I think I've spent one weekend, the All-Star Game in '09 when my dad played. I think that's the only time I've been there.
Any players on our roster that you follow?
BT:They came to practice at BU during the year. Just some of those big names, Drouin, Galchenyuk. Just some of those guys, I like to watch them, too.
How cool was it to see them at the rink?
BT: It's awesome when you have an NHL team practicing at your facility. It was pretty cool. I watched the whole practice. The pace, even though it was just a 45-minute practice, was awesome to see.