Oscar Moller interview

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OSCAR MOLLER

Question: Even though it's the first day, does it feel good to be back on the ice?

Moller: ``Definitely. I've only been on the ice about 10 times since the season ended. It was nice to be off for a while but now it's good to get that rush again. It's good to be working out here working with the guys.''

Question: How much have you really done since the end of the season?

Moller: I did nothing, really. It was just recovery pretty much. After that I started working out and then, in the beginning of May, I just working out.

Question: You got some real positive attention last year based on your play at the camps. How do you think your game has evolved since then?

Moller: I think I have a better understanding of the game and how important it is to pay attention to the details of the game. Puck protection, that's one area that I know I need to pay attention to and improve.

Question: The Kings have gone through a lot of changes. Have you been keeping track? What do you think?

Moller: I try to follow as much as I can over the Internet back home. When you see them dealing away big names, you kind of get a feeling for the fact that they're trying to rebuild. There's a lot of prospects and you can see that's why they're going this way.

Question: The fact that they're going young, does that encourage you and motivate you?

Moller: Obviously you want to make the team someday. You never know when but I want to make it as soon as possible. With a lot of guys gone now, there's probably a bigger chance for players like me.

Question: Looking at yourself, how close do you believe you are to being NHL-ready?

Moller: I think I'm pretty close, skill-wise, out there on the ice. I still have catching up to do when we're talking about strength wise. I'm still pretty small. I need to put on more pounds and get bigger but still keep my quickness and speed. I don't want to lose too much of them when I put on weight, because that's my game and I don't want to lose that.

Question: Have you been in some type of weight-training program?

Moller: This summer been following (Kings strength coach) Chad Smith, I've been following his program. There's a lot of gym exercises, a lot of movement and quickness. I've put on a few pounds.

Question: Given that this is the first day, of course, what are your impressions of your fellow prospects out there?

Moller: I think there's a very talented group and there's a lot of winners in the group. There are a couple guys won world juniors, one guy won in the Under-18 World Championships. There are a lot of guys that have accomplished a lot of things. There's obviously a lot of talent in this system with the prospects. Everybody is really motivated.

Question: You mentioned having `winners.' Is that something you see as particularly important in terms of teammates?

Moller: If you don't have the winning attitude, you're not going to get anywhere. If you don't think you can win, you're not going to win. It's very important to have teammates who believe in themselves and who believe in the team and that they can win.

Question: Dean Lombardi has talked about your leadership ability. Is that something you take particular pride in?

Moller: A little bit, maybe. I've been a captain of a few teams that I've been on. I was an assistant captain in Chilliwack last year and we'll see what happens this year. I think it comes naturally. Some guys are (leaders) and some aren't. It's just about the way you play and the passion you have. It's a key role and you have to take pride in it. You have to make sure you push your teammates hard and in the right direction.