TALKING POINTS: Chiarelli talks Puljujarvi and Wideman

Q: Did you guys see significant development in this stretch or is there a change of plans now that there's a new coach?
A: I saw progress, I saw confidence. He was first star one night, he was outstanding. We saw him last night, he had a terrific game. He could have had three or four goals. If you remember, when we sent him down I said about getting touches and getting confidence. There's a distinction between development and that.
Q: How do you think he'll do under Hitchcock?
A: I think there's going to be good structure. Ken and I had a lot of discussions on that prior and post hiring. They're going to build a foundation back and he'll play on a lower line. We'll see where it goes.

Q: Is there value in having the young prospect with the new coach that's here now? Is there value in having those two in the same room, in the same chalk board together?
A: There's value there. The takeaway here is you've got a big, strong forward and there's a coach who historically on his teams has had puck possession and big, strong (players). I had discussions with him as to where he was in his progression and why he isn't up here because this is the type of player that we need.
There's a willingness, a want on the coach's side. I'm not saying anything about Todd I'm just saying yes there is some value there.
Sending him down for development was about getting him some confidence and getting some touches. He had the puck all night long and his practices were like that by all counts. I felt there was time.

Q: You don't need him down there for a month, just four games and he has the confidence?
A: Four games, he played and he had two weeks of practice.
Q: Do you have a comment on Chris Wideman and what you hope to see from him?
A: He's a cerebral player. He moves the puck. He's a little bit smaller in stature so he needs to be paired up with a more defending component. He's going to see some time on the power play. He's a quick first pass and is going to help our breakout. He's competitive.

Q: With Puljujarvi, the shortcomings appear to be defensively. With Hitchcock here, does that help him with Ken known as a defensive coach?
A: I think, you're right, there were some shortcomings, puck bobbles and wall zone play but I think you've got to look at the bigger picture. Confident with the puck, confident making plays -- defensive and offensive zone. As I said, Jesse is a type of player, big strong player, puck protection. Ken likes a cycle team. Set aside a couple players, he likes a cycle team and Jesse fits into that mould.