Burlon patient

I'm still waiting to hear back from Lou Lamoriello, but here are some quotes from defenseman Brandon Burlon and center Patrice Cormier, who the Devils drafted in the second round this morning in Ottawa.

BRANDON BURLON

Did he expect to be drafted in the first round on Friday?    

"I was told either late first or early second, so I had to show up. A guy I played with last year Brendan Smith, a lot of guys didn't think he was going to go in the first round and he did to Detroit. So, I showed up and sat through the whole thing and watched a lot of my buddies get drafted, but it didn't happen for me, so I went home and got some sleep. I came back with a smile on my face and ready to be drafted today."

On being able to play well defensively and contribute offensively:

"If the coach tells me to shut down their top forward, I can do that. My positioning, my defensive game is sound enough that a can play against a top guy. But if late in the second or in the third period, we need some offense and to create some chances, I can do that, too."

On the power play:

"I can quarterback the power play. I love playing the power play."

      

On how long he intends to stay at the University of Michigan:

"It depends on how it goes. If New Jersey says even after one year and I feel I'm ready, then so be it. But, if it's two, three, four years, it's not going to hurt anybody that goes to Michigan."

PATRICE CORMIER

On being drafted by the Devils:

"It's the best day of me life, the best thing that every happened to me. It's a great feeling right now."

On when he expected to be drafted:       

"I had a good idea that I wasn't going to go in the first (round), but I really had no expectations. Going in the second round, I really wasn't expecting that either. It's an amazing feeling. I can't describe it right now. I'm just thinking in the moment and it's good."

On being a two-way player:

"I'm a big center that's very good in the defensive zone, but also can put the puck in the net."

On the Devils:

"I know they're very good defensively and I take pride in being good defensively, so I think it will be a good fit."

On if he's ready for the NHL:

"It's hard to say. I think I'm very strong mentally. I think my skating needs a little bit of an adjustment. The biggest thing to play in this league is you have to be able to skate and I have to work on that a little bit, my speed. I don't think I'm very far away. My biggest goal this year is to go to camp and make my name and maybe stay there. Why not think like that? If you go there and think you're going to stay, you'll give it your all and see what comes after. So, that's my thinking right now."

On fighting:

"I don’t mind it at all. Backing up a teammate, I’ll be there any time. If it’s a tough guy, it doesn’t matter who it is. I’ll be there to defend my teammate. It’s not fighting just to fight, but if a teammate needs my help or the team needs a boost, I’ll be there. I’ll do anything for the team.”

Comments

[Xander Crews]

Didnt much like the way CORMIER interview went. Seemed to me (and maybe this is only cause i just got in and am still drunk) that they had to fish for complements on the Devils. Like when they ask what it was like to be drafted by the Devils he didnt once mention them. And when asked about them he just said he knows their good defensivly. Idk maybe im looking into to much. Loved his stance on fighting tho, we need someone to stand up for the team.

I loved Burlons confidence.

[Pat D]

Both players seemed very full of confidence, I am extremely happy with how well the second round went.

[Jeff O.]

"I’ll do anything for the team.” i like the way that sounds. there needs to be more people like that in the league.

[TG]

Xander Crews, you are totally misreading Cormier. He loved that he was drafted by the Devils. He said he thought he was a "good fit". What else do you want to him to say?

[Xander Crews]

Yes it most likely just cause in reading its hard to understand tone. Also that i was reading WAY to much into it.

I was just reading to much into when they asked about being drafted by the Devils in the text (cause i cant see him and have to make up my own tone for it) it seemed to me like he was saying he was happy to be drafted but not mentioning the Devils at all. Which seemed odd he would sort of avoid the question.

In re-reading it, i can see i totally did misinterpret the quote. He wasnt snubbing the Devils he was actually speaking exactly of the Devils (not just about being drafted).

[JasonMacIsaac]

I guess Cormier making the WJC team as an 18 year old is making a big enough statement...any chance you get a few comments from Lou about Cormier this year and what it means to make such an illustrious team at the age of 18.