Denis Potvin Quotations

He was the best defensive player when they won their two Stanley Cups. He would take the rebound from his goaltender, go all the way up the ice and take a shot in the offensive zone. And he'd come back another 200 feet, make the defensive play again. Great talents can play defense, and he was terrific in that series.

It could be a very big distraction if the players and teams don't show more discipline than they have during these exhibition games.

When he came in, he represented a totally different problem. If you didn't knock down the pass, if you didn't intercept or tip the shot, he could just skate right over the top of you.

I've been here a long time with my family, and I really enjoy it down here. I don't know if I could conceivably go into a lifestyle like that, because it would be a dramatic change.

I've always been a proponent of having players spend a year or two in the minors. It could be a tremendous boost to his confidence, and his level of play.

As an impact player, he's up there with the top four, five guys I ever played against, even Bobby Orr.

The mold has been set for a new NHL. So far it's been pretty good.

A lot of people thought he was going to be the next Paul Coffey, rushing the puck to the net, but that's just not his game up to this point. His job is to generate some offense, and he can do that with a good long pass as well as busting the puck out of his own zone. But that's all going to come.

There's always been cheaters in every sport. The fans want to know. And it is illegal. I think it's a very important issue to deal with, and it has to be done.

He's an emerging young player. I don't think he should be expected to dominate this year, but he should be very rewarded from being around the leadership and experience that's been brought in. That will help make him the player he can be.