GM: Thanks to everyone that hasn't yet headed out to Churchill Downs for coming today. The Millers are very happy to announce the acquisitions of Curtis McElhinney, Michael Backlund, and prodigal son Jeff Carter. I'll take your questions now.
Press: Why did you re-acquire Carter and his big salary after his worst NHL season?
GM: Well it's no secret we wanted to move a 4 year contract, and Dayton were interested in taking Fischer back. I'm not certain but I think Bill might be rebuilding again. Before the trade we were projecting Cody Eakin as our 2nd line C and Jay Beagle on the 4th line. Cody doesn't have much experience as a top 6 Center, and there's really no one on the roster who does. We really want Faksa to anchor the 3rd line next year, so we were on the lookout for a C who could play on a variety of lines and contribute on special teams. Jeff is at the stage of his career where he realizes he's not really a top line guy anymore but he knows he still has a lot to contribute. So we sent Jay and Christian's 4 year deal to Dayton for Jeff, with Jeff understanding he's coming into the season as our 4th line C and he'll play on one of the power play units. He's going to get 15 minutes a night in those roles. And if Cody needs a breather than Jeff can slide into that 2nd line spot easily.
Press: Why did you acquire McElhinney when you have Miller as a backup goaltender?
GM: We really needed someone that can split duties with Jordan Binnington, give us 35 to 40 games. Unfortunately Ryan just can't do that nowadays. And it was easier, and the acquisition cost pretty low, to bring in a guy like Curtis who can give us those games and be comfortable in the backup role. We didn't want to scour the leftover bin for a goalie we only need for 5 games.
Press: Will Miller be traded?
GM: It's the best thing for Ryan to move to a club that needs a solid goalie who can play 30 games a year if needed. He is not a 3rd goalie. He's way too good for that. We are dedicated to finding the right fit for Ryan to move to, and we are more than willing to contribute a substantial amount of his salary.
Press: Is Backlund your top line Center? What about Schenn?
GM: We acquired Backlund with the idea that he will center Brayden and probably Turbo on the top line. Michael does it all - solid defensively, a very good scorer at evens and a great teammate. It's no secret Brayden had some defensive issues as a pivot and was prone to taking too many penalties. We think if he's back on the wing he can play his game and that will make Brayden and the team better in the long run.
Press: Are you concerned with not having a traditional #1 Center?
GM: Not really. Both Backlund and Eakin can score, but with the talent we have on the wings they don't have to be the focal point of the offense. They can sit back a bit more and allow Josi and Hamilton room to do their thing and not leave the defense exposed. If both of them are scoring 40 to 45 points at even strength, and we are winning games, I will be happy with their production.
Press: Any more moves you are looking to make?
GM: Aside from finding a good fit for Ryan Miller, we would like to ease the logjam of bottom 6 forwards we have. I'm not sure where Pitlick and Nieto fit in right now with Kotkaniemi, Foegele and Dickinson ready to contribute. Seems a waste to have Charlie Coyle on a wing so if a team needs a solid 3rd line Center they should call us.
GM: I'm sure all you media types are itching to hit the road to Louisville, so we'll wrap up here. Safe travels everyone.
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