Don Maloney Quotations

Nobody is untouchable, at all, ever. Certainly, we're not changing our philosophy one iota, but if there's a deal there to make us better, we'll certainly look at it.

On paper, I like the team that we've put together. Then again, I've felt the same way each of the past six seasons. But I like this group that we have assembled, and I think we may be even stronger by opening day.

History has shown to us, especially in New York, that signing the 30-plus-year-old free agents without a very strong base is very risky. It has not worked for us in New York. You have to develop a core group, then you can go out and add.

I think with Glen Sather behind the bench for a full season and the rest of the coaching staff that we have, we'll be as strong as anybody. We are very, very optimistic that we'll have a terrific season. Even last year, I don't think anybody would've wanted to face us if we got to the playoffs. But that's the age-old story -- we still have to get there.

It finally hit us squarely in the head that this isn't working and that we have to bite the bullet.

I think he has been better than I could have hoped at this stage. Every time he gets on the ice, you continue to ponder what to do with him. We're not giving him anything. He's earned the chance to stay around and get into the preseason.

I know I'm not very popular on Long Island. I don't know who's less popular, me or Joey Buttafuoco.

Truthfully, going in, I don't think anybody expected him to be this kind of leader.

Realistically, it's more than likely he'll return to the junior level at some point. But he continues to impress us daily.

There was really a change in philosophy then. And Glen, for all the criticism he's received -- for all that criticism that all of us have received, and deservedly so -- we were fortunate that ownership stuck with us to give us the time to do it right.

It's going to get done. It's just a matter of time.

It's unfortunate the reason that awareness is raised but it always makes you go back and look at your plan again.

It will give Jamie a new start. Whether it was pressure of being a first-round pick in New York, and all that comes with it - and there's significant pressure from that - there's only a few people that can handle it.

He's smart and he's a very good skater. The question is if he's mature enough to play with the big boys at a tough position. It's a tough position to break into the NHL at when you are 20 years old. I think he'll have a strong camp and will make a serious bid to play in New York this season.

And he had a terrific year. Maine has one of the top programs in the country and they had another tremendous year.