SAY WHAT - 'WORK AROUND THE EDGES'

ON MINDSET HEADING INTO THE DEADLINE:

ON STATE OF THE TEAM:

"We've got a good team that's underperformed here. For us, it was most prudent to work around the edges. I think in certain areas we've improved our team. We've got 20 games here and we know the hill is steep, but we've made our bed and now we've got to deal with it. I believe in this group, no question, but the reality is we sit where we sit after 62 games and we know the challenge in front of us.
"We've all got a piece of the pie - management, coaches - and we've got to dig ourselves out as best we can. And we have to dig out with the group we have. To me, we didn't believe at all that we would start spending assets."

ON FINAL 20 GAMES OF THE SEASON:

"We haven't been able to get traction. We haven't been able to find a foundation and build from it. We haven't gone on any kind of streak. Now, the one thing that gives you encouragement: Good teams and successful teams, it starts from defending and playing properly - and we do that. But we haven't been able to do it consistently enough in all parts of our game to put ourselves in a better position than where we're at now. We've tried to give ourselves a little help around the edges today. We haven't taken anything out of the room and now we've got 20 games to see where we end up."

ON WHAT TROY STECHER BRINGS TO THE TEAM:

"He can play in all situations. I remember Troy, we recruited Troy coming out of college. Highly competitive player, got some leadership qualities. He's been known as a hard-working dedicated athlete, wherever he's been. Not the biggest guy in the world, but he's not a small guy, either. ... That's one area on the blueline and for those of who that have covered the team the last few years, that's one thing that we've missed Oliver (Kylington)'s mobility. Troy brings that. Right shot and with Stoney (Michael Stone) going down, we've had Dennis (Gilbert) there, so it gives us a little more depth, a little more experience on the blueline."

ON ADDING NICK RITCHIE:

"He's a big body, he's got some skill. ... We think down the stretch here is an opportunity for him to show what we can do. To help us as we push along here these last 20 games."

ON TRADING THE BROTHERS RITCHIE:

"They were laughing by the time I called them. It's unique. If we're nothing else, we're unique. Just worked out that way, I think it's going to give Brett an opportunity. We get Nick, give him an opportunity. I don't know if it's happened before. First time for everything. It's a little unique. I had a chuckle with both of them when I talked to them."

ON THE IDEA OF 'SELLING':

"This isn't to sound cold or not respectful of the group, but when you're in the position that you are and IF there's an opportunity that was available to help long term, we would have certainly done that. That's the consequences of being in the position that you are. ... You have to deal in reality of where you're at. Today was a day where we weren't going to spend and dig into our future and ultimately - I've said from Day 1 - I believe in the team. It's a good team. But we've got to start playing like a good team on a regular basis."