Real cool and informative event. Here are a few things that I remember. If I think of anything else after I'll edit or make another post.
-Irving will not be back. The flames do not see him as a NHL goalie. First question of the night and Feaster got a little defensive when told Irving got screwed and wasn't given much of a chance.
-Ortio is coming over and they hope he becomes the number 1 in Abbotsford. Ramo will be signed as soon as they can sign him and he'll compete for the starter job along with Berra and McDonald.
-Kipper most likely will retire, but they are giving him time to make a final decision.
-Went extremely hard after DeKeyser. Had everyone in the meeting with him including Hartley. Had Hartley explain who he would play with and the system and all that. Even brought a jersey with his name on it. And lastly had a reserved plane ticket back to Calgary for him if he had chosen to sign.
-Going to be very agressive in trying to get into the top three. Will not drop down though whatsoever. They will be picking 6 at the worst. And if so they feel they can still get a great player with that pick.
-Feaster is taking a redeye to Toronto tonight to join with all the scouting and management at the combine. Have over 20 interviews tomorrow and are even taking a player out for dinner. If I was understanding correctly it sounded like the player was Nichushkin.
-Speaking of Nichushkin it sounded like they weren't sold on him coming over. Seemed very aware that despite what he is saying they are not so sure Dynamo is just going to let him take off to the NHL. I don't think they take him if he is available.
-Nemisz will be qualified and most likely resigned. He struggled last season and Ward tried everything to get him going, but he just had a bad year. Sounds like they haven't given up on him. Feaster said he'll come into camp trying to win a spot.
-Some veterans are not part of the solution and they will try to move them the best they can. Feaster said buyouts would not be something they are looking to do.
-O'Reilly situation was brought up and Feaster and King both stood by the decision. Said they would have fought the NHL with the ruling. It was embarrasing and they took some lumps for it, but they were pretty convinced they were in the right. Said six other teams had an offer sheet out, including one team who's GM said in an interview they knew about the waivers. Clear shot at Gillis I assume.
-UFA market not deep. Will be trying to improve team through trades rather then the UFA market. Biggest need is a top 2 line center. Going to be working hard to get that center.
Those are the main points I remember right now anyways. Feaster is a great speaker and I really do like him. He seems very passionate and I really do believe they are heading in the right direction.
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