Have a story in today's Record/Herald News on the Rangers signing defenseman Michael Del Zotto.
But due to space constraints, was not able to fit in all that Del Zotto said in a telephone conversation yesterday.
That would be found below.
On signing his contract: "I think this is just the first step toward making the Rangers. I go into training camp being part of the family now."
On his style: "I like to play with the puck. I think I've come a long way defensively and I showed that in the playoffs."
On whether he watched the Rangers this season: "Quite a bit. We had the NHL package at my house. Definitely with Torts coming in and the new style of play, it definitely helps out a lot. Going on the offense as quick as possible definitely suits my game."
On seeing young defensemen such as Toronto's Luke Schenn, Atlanta's Zach Bogosian and Los Angeles' Drew Doughty - all first-round picks in the 2008 draft like Del Zotto - do well as NHL rookies: "It definitely helps seeing young guys sticking around and playing. It gives a little more motivation."
On his first training camp with the Rangers last September: "Definitely when I got there I was a bit shocked at the temp and how big and strong the guys were. I thought I did a great job in the offseason of training myself. Playing in those exhibition games (two) helped. Definitely I'm more experienced, I know what to expect now (at this September's training camp). I'll go in with a little more confidence. I know some little tricks."
On how Tortorella will run training camp: "From what I've already, camp is going to be tough. Steve Stamkos (of the Tampa Bay Lightning) is a buddy and he was saying Martin St. Louis said it was the toughest camp he's ever gone through. It's definitely a big challenge and some thing I'm looking forward to really."
On negotiations with the Rangers: "It went pretty smoothly. My agent (Mark Guy) talked with Mr. Sather and they did a great job of getting it sorted out."
On improving his defensive game: "Yeah, I think it's come a long way. Right now, I'm just solidifying my game in all three zones and just being accountable. If you can't play defense, the coach is not going to put you out there because your a liability."
Andrew, I think you mean "you're a liability".
Posted by: Jeff | June 01, 2009 at 02:41 PM