“I’m excited for it. I spent nine years there. There’s the Leafs time, but the Marlies time was equally special to me. Was fortunate to essentially raise my family there, and in fact they are still living there. So it’s great to get back there, will be able to have lots of friends and family in the building. Also, just to see the faces around the arena. I’ve been able to connect in the two games that we’ve played the Leafs here in Jersey with lots of the travelling party in that I’m used to seeing. There is a lot of people throughout the organization and through the building that you are used to seeing and are such a big part of your career that it’s a chance to reconnect with them and see them. It’s going to be a little funny walking to the visiting side, but I fully expect that once the puck drops, it’s going to be hockey and you’re going to do your thing that way. But all of the other stuff outside of it, it’s different and unique and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll try my best to enjoy it.”

“It’s probably not the most ideal situation for your first coaching job in the NHL. However, I do feel like I’ve benefitted greatly from experiencing that because I think it’s something that is a special opportunity, both in the talent that’s there and the organization and how it runs, and the expectations and the pressure and the fanbase. I grew a lot through that and I believe I have thicker skin. I’ve been through a lot there that has helped me grow probably quicker than normal and I have come out the other side of it all right. I feel like I was all the more prepared coming into this job and feel like I’m ready for anything that comes up. With any experience, it helps you grow. With that experience, it probably speeds up the growth process.”