Page 101 of Play to Win

“You meet with all of them?”

“No.”He shakes his head.“Our scouts have been watching these guys and reporting back to us.They know what the kids’ families are like, what their characters are, and we’ve narrowed down a list of guys we’re interested in.We have lots of homework done before this, so this isn’t the be all and end all.The fitness testing is valuable in terms of what skills and strengths the guys have.Also, I can talk to other GMs there.A lot of trade talks start at the combine.”

“Huh.”

“But it’s like analytics.That can’t be the only tool you use.Same with the combine.There’s value in it, though.Then at the end of the month I go to Vancouver for the actual draft.Every team takes turns picking.We’re in a good position this year because of our shitty record.”

I huff out a laugh.“I guess that’s good.”

“Yeah.We have two first round picks, and the field is rich this year with talented kids.”

“Is it your decision who to pick?”

“Yeah, but I do it in conjunction with the team, of course.”

“Even the coach?Does he get a say?”

“Nah.”

I laugh.

“No really, I don’t want his input as much.He hasn’t been watching these players for years like the scouts have.”

“Years?”I’m boggled.

“Yeah, sure.They start watching kids in major junior hockey, maybe even sooner.They know these guys and have watched them grow and mature.The coach has no idea, other than maybe he saw them play in one game.So, Dave tells me what he thinks we need on the team, and we’ll look to try to fill that, but he doesn’t get a say in who that is.”

“You have so much responsibility.”I lay my hand on his thigh and squeeze.

“Fuck, tell me about it.”

“But you wanted this.”

“I did.I do.”

“So, you have new guys to pick, but you also have these current players you need to sign.”

“Yep.”He leans his head back.“There are a few guys we’d really like to keep, but they’re asking for ridiculous money, probably because they know we can’t afford it and they really want out.”

“They don’t want to play for you anymore?”Outrage raises my voice.

He smiles.“Believe it or not, most players want to play for winning teams.”

One corner of my mouth lifts.“Okay, yeah, I get that.”

“I have to convince them that we can win.Wewillwin, with the changes we’re making.”

No wonder he’s so stressed.

Our food arrives and Théo’s delighted with his dinner, devouring the prime rib and garlic mashed potatoes, and then we get naked and go in the hot tub with another glass of wine.We sink into the bubbling, swirling waters, the heat relaxing us.Ihopeit’s relaxing Théo.

“That was so good.”I let out a sigh and tip my head back to look up at the sky.

“It was.Thank you.I’ll make it up to you by taking you dancing another time.”

“Ah.Thank you.How long are you going to be away?”

“I fly to Buffalo on Sunday.I’ll be gone a week.”

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