For the first time since your rookie year, you’re entering the season healthy. Buffalo also hired a new coach in Phil Housley and new general manager in Jason Botterill. From that, what’s your outlook? "More than anything, it’s just exciting. With the coaching changes and the change in management, everyone will get a fresh start here. I feel weird saying that going into my third season, but obviously last year, not being able to play all the games and having to come into a season a month-and-a-half late, it’s never fun. We weren’t able to get the best of starts, so I’m hoping with the team itself staying pretty similar that we’re able to showcase that we can be a team that competes every night."
Heading into your third professional season, what are you looking to improve upon? "Last year when I was able to finally get my feet under me and build my confidence back up, it started to get a little more consistent in terms of night in and night out and shift in and shift out. I want to be more of a threat every time I go on the ice — that’s something I really want to work on. Just being able to put the defenders on their heels and being able to score or set someone up every time I step on the ice, that’s kind of my goal. If I can affect the team in a positive way, that’s what I want to do."
NHL players can’t play at this winter’s Olympic Games, but Team USA has played a huge role in your hockey career. How do you view that decision? "Having the opportunity to represent my country so many times, you take a lot of pride in it. Being able to watch the Olympics my whole life growing up, I follow a lot of these guys who have represented our country internationally. It’s a bit disappointing, but hopefully they’ll figure out a way to allow the NHL players to get back to the Olympics. You never want to be given the short end of the stick, but it’s the NHL’s decision and we as players need to learn to deal with it. I’ll still be wishing the best for USA Hockey and following them closely."
You’re a rising star in the NHL, though I get the sense you’re not complacent. Is that on the money? "I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything. I want to be an elite player in this league who is considered one of the best players and can help his team go to the playoffs. I want to be an impact guy every night. I haven’t been able to do that yet in my career, but I think this is the best I’ve felt and I’m excited for a new year. I’m excited to be with a lot of these guys we’ve had the last two years. I feel like our team can make the next step. We gotta get back to the playoffs."
When you’re in Buffalo, what’s the one thing you miss the most about Boston? "When you’re there you miss your family and your friends here in Boston more than anything. That’s what I miss, being able to see them every day and the connections and relationships with those you care about. But the same goes when you’re in Boston. You miss your relationships in Buffalo, the guys on your team, that camaraderie when you go to the rink every day."
Lastly, most people around here know you for your time at Boston University. What’s your favorite memory from being a Terrier? "More than anything with my BU career, winning the Beanpot was a special moment for us and the school. Just being able to say that I won that is one of the best experiences of my life and something I dreamed about ever since I was a kid."
Key Facts
Teams: Buffalo Sabres, Boston University, U.S. NTDP, Boston Jr. Bruins
Hometown: North Chelmsford, Mass. | Pos.: Center
Honors: 2015 Hobey Baker Award; 2016 NHL All-Rookie Team; 113 points in two NHL seasons; helped BU win 2015 Beanpot
Favorites
Pregame meal: Salad, a bowl of steamed vegetables, pasta with vodka sauce and grilled chicken
Food: Salmon
Vacation spot: Atlantis
Band: Stone Temple Pilots
Pump-up song: "Cinderella Man" by Eminem
Actor: Will Ferrell
Movie: "Home Alone
TV show: "Power"
Sport outside of hockey: Golf
Team: New England Patriots
Athlete: Tom Brady
Clothing brand: Kit and Ace
Video game: Madden
Equipment
Stick: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Skates: Bauer
Helmet: Bauer
