Update On Tsimikalis #4 - Interview With The Coach

Killer was interviewed on The TEAM 1200/Gross and Galley this morning.

It’s official. Tsimikalis has asked the team for a trade. He met with both Killer and Jeff Hunt yesterday. They tried to talk him out of it, along with several teammates. Apparently, Killer wanted to give him the night to think about it before the organization officially announced it to the media. Killer said that he learned this morning that Tsimikalis had spoken to the media about the request.

Regarding the actual incident, Killer said [Paraphrasing] It is uncharacteristic of Peter. He has never said a word in 2 ½ years. He blew up when we corrected a few things. We both used a different tone. He didn’t feel he could come back and he’d prefer a trade. [/Paraphrasing]

Galley asked Killer about the part in the article in The Sun that said the decision to ask for a trade was due to a build up. Killer said that he hadn’t noticed any build up, but that he knew Peter was trying to impress this year because he’s been overlooked by draft. Killer said he’s a good two-way player. He wanted to get off to a good start this year. He’s had to work defensively and offensively because of the two Czech players.

Peter’s not the first and not last player to ask for a trade. [Paraphrasing] In our day, a lot of times you were benched for playing well but something happened like a goal against. Today tougher because so many personalities. He’s always played well for us. He’s never been a problem on or off ice. Hopefully we get him to a place he’ll be happy. [/Paraphrasing]

Galley asked if the trade request was related to being demoted to third line? Killer responded with: [Paraphrasing] We have been switching up lines. Same as we did last year. The PP has gone south, so we are looking to anyone. I don’t think Tsimikalis going to that line had a bearing on it. We were hoping he would give Bickell some motivation. [/Paraphrasing]

Killer’s not going to rush on the trade, mentioning he may wait 1-3 weeks. They are hoping for something offensive in return, of equal status. “We’ll get fair value for him.” [quote]

And finally, in praise. [Paraphrasing] Peter’s conduct on, and off ice has always been impeccable. He’ll leave on good terms with me. He worked hard. He’s done a lot for the team. [/Paraphrasing]