Bob Duncan was showing Jared around; Lyon went back to his job and Gatti went off to do something else after there were handshakes. Inking the contract was the GM's end, now that they had an understanding and everyone was on board.

Bob was younger, a sharp Stanford business guy that was, as expected, a fanatical hockey fan. Analytics, numbers, discipline and process, those were words that came up in conversation. "We're really excited to see what you can do with the Sabres, Jared. I mean, you were just peaking with the Caps, but the fitness wasn't what it needed to be. We've got this lady that really knows what she is doing, and I think we'll be able to tune you up so you can stay on the ice."

Same thing that Jared was hoping for, in all honesty. His workouts, for better or for worse, focused on upper body strength, "It looks like you want the play to go by process around here," he observed.

Duncan nodded as they walked down the hall, gesturing in animated fashion, shirtsleeves rolled up. He wore a button down and dress pants, but with an Apple watch on his wrist rather than something fancy, "We can train people up in the technical skills, and we're gonna emphasize it, and we can get everyone physically fit, and that's a religion here. But you can't train people for guts and fire, and that's what you have. Everyone saw that power play in the fall of 2016, and everyone saw what you were doing in the playoffs. You don't like to give away the puck and you don't make a lot of fouls. You're a rock out there, but the training we're going to do will focus on building on what you have; faster, better skating, flexibility and resilience. The puck to the thigh was a fluke, but the recovery work done at Washington, at least from what Em says, was not the best, and the injury in the playoffs shouldn't have happened."

Jared nodded, as they rounded another corner, along with some introductions and waves in the hallway. He was smiling already, because guys in the hall were nodding in respect, obviously pleased to see him coming on board with the Sabres.

"I'll do whatever it takes. First match is Montreal. We need to wipe the Habs off the fuckin' ice. I want to play that game. And if you are saying you want to throw me forward and have me play center or d-man, I'm your guy. Whatever it takes." As a Boston guy, he had no love for the Canadiens, and it showed. No one liked Pittsburgh, but Boston guys hated Montreal.

"Good to hear. You'll be working with Em. She's gonna make you sweat until it's blood out your pores and is going to work on building up flexibility." When they got to the rehab room, Bob Duncan called out, "Em, we're signing this guy and we need him for the opener. This is your special project!"