On how the deal developed
I started talking to [Montreal GM Marc Bergevin] a couple weeks ago, and we actually talked at the draft last year. We knew Rene wanted out of Montreal and requested a trade. We talked about it at the draft, but we thought our group of forwards were okay at the time, and we had been working on the Kesler deal. The way things have gone, I’m not particularly happy with the play of our forwards so far. He’s a big body who can skate, so he’ll get an opportunity.

On Bourque as a player
He’s a very streaky scorer. What I do like about him is his size and his skating. I think, at times, we’re not moving well enough. I don’t know why. We’re just not. He’s also proven he can score in the playoffs, if he gets there. I like that aspect about him also.