The emphasis is just trying to get him signed as soon as possible. Everything after that is just a day or two away.

He's not going to be a household name ... but he is recognized as being a tremendous professional and an all-around player. He's got very good leadership and experience and it was something we felt we needed.

The new collective bargaining agreement is part of it, that it took the talent around the league and spread it out.

A year ago we were just trying to survive. Now we have a sense of stability and direction.

I understand it, he wants to play, he's looking at a life experience. If that's something James wants to do, I have that much respect for it and understand it.

We wanted him here for longer than just that one year because he's obviously a very important player to our team. Effectively, we bought two unrestricted years.

We're very glad to have Jay under contract. He's been a valuable contributor to this team for the last eight years.

We have guys that we think can step up, and will step up, and will have to step up with the loss of Miro.

What it means is that you make choices. And the choices are that we have forwards, and we want to look at using the available resources as a means of bolstering our defense if possible.

You don't play 21 years and not have an incredible passion for the game. He's a very innovative guy and that, combined with the passion, I don't know how you can't have success.