I just talked to him and he's in Fort Wayne tonight.
``I'm unofficially here and I'm thrilled about it. I love it here.''
He's getting his physical done tomorrow, and he's confident there won't be any problems.
``The knee is great,'' he said. ``I saw the doctors in New York, and I'm cleared to go and everything is healed. I'm actually in better shape now becuase I had time for everything else to heal. I don't feel my age which is good.''
He actually sat out a year and a half which he was absolutely awful, but also good because it made him appreciate things a lot more.
As for being released by Utah, he said it was a salary cap/roster/guys sent down from Calgary thing, and he left on good terms.
``I didn't plan to come back to Fort Wayne, but as soon as my phone rang and I saw it was David, it made perfect sense,'' he said. ``My phone was ringiging quite a bit all day yesterday, but there was only one call I was really excited about.
Comments
Hey sports fans don't you think the management can understand the salary cap? Just a thought. Someone has to go that's for sure. I'm guessing a vet but you never know.
Still early, not a great start, let's look for improvement next time out. Can't wait to get down to see a game.
Frowdawg, sorry if this isn't living up to your expectations.
This has been a good team for quite a while now. The folks who are there watching are getting restless with good reason.
Snuff, my thoughts were not particularely about Mr. Henley, just in general...everytime a vet is signed everybody starts freaking about youth and speed. Think about young speed this way...they just may make faster mistakes.
Kyle I got what you mean. It is a chess game since there is a limit on vets trying to figure out the best way to use those spots. Youth and speed is great but you have to be willing to let them make those mistakes until the game slows down for them. In other words you need patience with young players. I do not approve of hitting the panic button after one game but Mr. Franke has never been one to sit on his hands if he thinks he can make the team better. I think after last season he is going to be even quicker to make moves this year.
I could see the value in bringing in a vet defenseman to settle things down. I am hopeful but not at all convinced that Henley is the correct solution to that problem. Henley is nothing more than a average to below average defenseman and the numbers show it. But he is big, he is tough and his fighting skills will make other teams think twice and will put butts in the seats. From that perspective the move makes sense.
One thing is for sure, they better win Saturday or there may be a real zombie walk this weekend downtown.