Chris Pronger

It's an art form, and it takes time to really hone that skill

And to your point, you know, towards the end of my time in St.

Louis and then after that was when I really had a better grasp, more confident in my skin, both off the ice and on.

And, you know, and then you're able to kind of really get, again, get to that next level.

Your skills are there.

Now you're working with that mental capacity and the mental side of the game.

The gamesmanship that you can play with the opposition is another attribute that I think not a lot of players utilize enough.

Well, that night, I was at a 30th birthday party for a good friend of mine here in St.

Louis, and as you might imagine, was having a few too many, enjoying and celebrating his birthday, and I, like you, got the call actually a little bit later than you did, being the insider that you are.

I don't buy that for a second.

I think you had to say yes.

I got a little... No, I didn't have to say yes.

I didn't have a no mover or no trade or anything.

It was...

You know, they were acquiring me.

I didn't have a contract.

You know, I think that's the difference.

And, you know, I was a little over-served and then went home, talked to my wife.

You know, we were like, okay, you know, this is another adventure and journey.

I've got my qualifying offer.