John Chayka

They know we've got their backs.

There's good communication.

They feel valued.

And I think if we can do that, their performance will continue to improve.

In terms of what needs to change, I do think we need to do our best to change the mix on the back end.

I think if you look at how this group defended, we defended too long.

We didn't break out the puck well enough.

We didn't join the rush well enough.

And a lot of that starts from the back end.

So I think that's a kind of key priority for us and something we'll be focused on.

Yeah.

Again, I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know what the options are and what's going to come.

But I'd say talking to some of the scouts already, there's a belief that we can get some momentum back in this group.

And I think momentum is a funny thing in sports.

And if we can do that, I think it'll take care of itself.

We've heard a lot about that.

Yeah, I was lucky to be general manager when Austin was coming up before his draft year even.

And just to see him in that community and see him engaging with people.

The skill level is obvious at that age even.

But the type of person he is really stood out.