“As much as we’ve heard we’re going to have a lot of new players and young kids, some are clear because they’re trades and the guys are here, but you’re not going to have a young guy just because you want to have a young guy in the lineup. The kid has got to be ready,” Boucher said.

“It doesn’t mean he’s going to be perfect NHLer. You’re not looking for that, you’re looking to see the increments in his learning, growth and confidence. When you see that you can make a projection that in ‘X’ amount of time it will be good for him and good for the team. That’s why you need some time.

“They’re just kids — but some of these kids they just have it right away and they’re pros in their minds already. They get here first, leave last, in the gym and you never have to tell them when things are at. Those things don’t lie.”

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun has more.