1. When was it in training camp that you thought you might have a chance to make this team, and stay here this year?

It was more later, when the coach gave me some ice time. I thought I might make it then, but not at the beginning.

2. What was the hardest thing to adjust to when you first started playing regular-season games?

There’s some big guys out there. It’s more like the hardness, the toughness of the other guys. It’s much different than midgets.

3. When did you really embrace your role as a defensive forward?

I always played against the top line, on a defensive line. This year it’s different, because some of those guys, they’re 20 years old, so it’s harder.

4. What is it about your game that makes you so good at being a defensive forward?

I just have to try not to have many turnovers, just don’t make a fancy game out of it, just put the puck in the zone and forecheck hard.

5. What is it like playing with guys who have had a taste of the NHL already?

They played in the NHL, but they’re still the same guys you are with every day. You can get some tips and they help you out.