This is the first of three clips that we'll post over the next couple weeks from our interview with Associate Coach John Torchetti. In this first clip, Torchetti talks a bit about Craig Ramsay, his coaching philosophy, and the work ethic of new Thrasher Andrew Ladd. Enjoy!

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Here a selection from Burmistrov's Press Row Q and A

The other player I spoke with at the Pre-Draft Media Availability is Jack Canmpbell who played a starring role for Team USA squads that won the Under-18 tournament and the (Under-20) World Junior Tournament in the last two years. Some scouts are calling Campbell the "best big game goalie" in years because of his performance in tournament championships. Jack was very genuine and enthusiastic during his press availability, it was easy to see why he would be popular with his teammates.

Media Question: Scouts have talked about your commitment to the game, can you talk more about that?

Jack Campbell: I just think it is my love for the game. I go to the rink every day with a smile on my face and I'm ready to work hard. I love spending time at the rink and watching film. I'm always trying to get better and build comaraderie with my teammates--I love being at the rink.

Q: Jason Zucker talked about staying 30 minutes late after every practice, is that what you're talking about?

JC: Not every practice because many times we had to go upstairs and lift [weights], but any extra ice we can get we go out there and he will shoot on me, or we go to the weight room and do extra sprints, extra lifts, extra film, whatever it is that will better ourselves and the team.

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Brett Connolly is a high skill player expected to go in the top 10 of the NHL Draft. He missed much of the season with an injury to first one hip and then the other. Connolly is one of the genuine wild cards because he could be the 3rd most skilled forward but concerns about his health will discourage some teams from taking him early. Here are some of his answers at today's Press Luncheon with the top prospects.

Q: For a junior hockey player, you picked a bad year to be injured.

BC: Yeah. But there's nothing I can do about that. I played a lot of hockey and maybe it finally caught up with me. It's behind me now. I definitely sucked to sit out that many games. Thankfully it's behind me. I had hip problems--it was nothing major. I just had to look after myself and put it behind me.

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BWA recently spoke to Dan Marr about the development of certain prospects in the the organization's system. Part 1 looked at goalies, high 2009 picks and players acquired via trades. In part 2 we look at collegiate players and the WHL and which player took the biggest step forward.

BWA: At the college level Daultan Leveille stepped up his scoring rate and saw a big improvement in his plus/minus were you played with his season at Michigan State?

DM: I've heard from some corners that people think he didn't take a big enough step, but even so sometimes you take a step back to take two steps forward. He has developed the way we thought he would at Michigan State, we know the program quite well. His year to shine is next year as a junior. He has put in his time as a freshman and sophomore and he has gotten a lot stronger--that leads to more confidence. I was really impressed with his stronger drive to the net and he kept himself in the play more and battled through more and that's what the added strength will do for a player. He was the youngest player in the CCHA one year ago and he is still a young guy in that league. When we drafted him that was what we anticipated, and we expect him to have a BIG year, next year. He knows that and he knows that Michigan State expects that same as well. I think next year you'll see what Daulton Leveille is made of.

BWA: Would it be fair to say that a prospect like Leveille that even if the scoring doesn't translated at a higher level, the raw speed will make that player useful at higher levels of hockey?

DM: Daultan's speed creates opportunities for him. He could end up being a scorer or a checker down the road. The speed is the genuine thing with him. We still view him as a potential top six forward.

BWA: Obviously the situation with Vinny Saponari is less than ideal. What are his options, transfer to another college program or turn pro? What is your expectation for him going forward?

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One year ago we talked to Dan Marr the Atlanta Thrashers Director of Amateur Scouting and Player Development about the state of the Thrashers system (Part 1 here, Part 2 here). When I spoke to him, Marr had just completed the NHL Combine and mentioned that the Thrashers were still looking at a few players at various camps.

BWA: It would be great if we could run through the guys in the system like we did last spring at the Under-18 and you were kind enough to give us an update on where the prospects stood. Sometimes it can be hard to follow these guys from Atlanta because we are far away from the developmental leagues. But first of all, let's talk about the team's first round pick last year Evander Kane. I know you were very excited about acquiring him on draft day.

DM: He met any personal expectations that I had for him. He's a guy with high standards and he lived up to his standards. The best is yet to come. He wasn't put into a lot of pressure filled situations, such as high end power play time. He was used in certain situations such as when the team needed a goal or at the end of the game and he would usually deliver a hit or create a scoring chance. I could see that they had some confidence in him and the older guys on the team had confidence in him. I would check with our staff every once in a while and they said he was holding his own and they were impressed with him. I think Evander has impressed everybody and I fully expect him to be a franchise player for the Thrashers going forward.

BWA: Let's talk about the two second round picks from last year. You were fortunate to have two picks and you took too very good players. Jeremy Morin racked up quite a few points in the OHL. I know skating was a developmental concern, how is he doing and what are your thoughts on his season.

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Just in case you forgot, we'll be discussing the trade deadline tonight at 8pm Eastern. You can listen RIGHT HERE.

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