Fort Erie GM Media Availability re-cap from Saturday

Earlier Saturday afternoon, Fort Erie Falcons GM Matt Young held his end-of-season media availability.  It was clear that the GM was not pleased about the earlier than expected exit from the playoffs but he was also very optimistic about the team’s future. 

Reporter #1:  So what went wrong in your opinion?  The second-round exit can’t make you happy.  Where did this team fail? 

Young:  Well, I think we really struggled in goal.  Holtby came in and really took the number one job but struggled in the playoffs and that caused us to turn to Mac.  He just doesn’t have the experience at this level and he played well, but he didn’t steal any games for us when we needed him.  That’s not an indictment on him so much as just a state of what happened.  He’ll be fine but Braden won’t be returning and has expressed a desire to move on. 

Reporter #2:  You seem to have a big talent issue with this roster.  Next year Strome, DeBrincat, Robertson, and Verhaeghe seem very ready to assume a spot.  What do you do to make room for them? 

Young:  Well, we never assume but there are four guys up front that are good to go and we feel that can make the team.  That means we’re going to have to give some veterans like Blake Wheeler, Reilly Smith and Bread (Panarin) an opportunity to play elsewhere to receive the minutes and contribute to the level they need to contribute at.  We loved their contributions here but we really need to give our young guys an opportunity too. 

Reporter #3:  What about Jeff Petry?  He barely played in the playoffs and does not appear to have a spot in the lineup going forward. 

Young:  Correct, we’re going to have to move him as well.  He was brought in to be on the team should we need him since he was going to miss the playoffs but Jeff’s known from day one it was likely a very temporary arrangement.  There should be a lot of teams after him given his offensive talent and great contract.  McNabb has also expressed a desire to go elsewhere to try to get more minutes as well after a great season with us.  We’ll respect his wishes as well. 

Shortly after the last question, Young’s phone rang and he had to abruptly leave the press gathering.  Was it the first deal of the off-season or something else?  Only time will tell but it should be a fun off-season in Fort Erie.