Mason Marchment, Jacob Trouba react to signing with Sharks
New Sharks Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba speak to reporters following their free-agent signing with San Jose on Wednesday.
Mason Marchment, Jacob Trouba react to signing with Sharks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Video Transcript
You know, we, we saw some quotes here from you on TSN just about what signing with the Sharks means, given your connections here with, with your dad.
just, could you tell us maybe the emotions after you put pen to paper?
yeah.
I mean, it's, it's pretty crazy.
you know, for me it's just so full circle.
I mean, hockey, this Where, where I really remember my dad playing the most is San Jose and, you know, there's just so many good memories and, at the rink.
And, yeah, just, it's so, it's, it's special for, for me and my family, for sure.
y- you know, the, the Sharks have reportedly been trying to sign you for a little while now.
What, what made decision now the reason to, to come to the Sharks?
yeah, I mean, you know, it's just, I think it just worked out, you know, perfect timing.
you know, my, my contract's just coming to an end and, you know, th- their team's just, just right on the rise.
I mean, yeah, I think, you know, the, the play- players they have, the, the young skill guys and the, the pieces they brought in to help them grow and, you know, it's just the, the organization's just doing such a good job.
So it's just, just feels like such a perfect time for me.
The Sharks, obviously, you mentioned it's the timing of it.
Where, where do you feel you fit in this lineup and where do you feel like you can maybe impact the most to help this team get to the playoffs?
Yeah, I mean, just, you know, just that.
Just, you know, having done it, you know, last year was actually the first year of my career that I've, I've missed the playoffs.
So, you know, hoping to, to not have that happen again and, you know, just go in and, you know, be myself.
you know, try to be a leader and, and, talk in the room, you know, bring energy.
you know, a- as for the play, you know, I'm gonna have to go in there and, you know, just like anyone else or in my spot and, you know, just, just work for, you know, everything that I, I get.
So, just bring in energy and, yeah, just some experience, so.
Is there, is there a hope to wear your dad's number, 27, here?
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
I mean, yeah, that's the, the number I'm gonna go with and, yeah, it's, like I said, it's just full circle and I couldn't be more happy.
Awesome.
Thanks again, congratulations.
Thank you.
Appreciate it.
Chang.
Hey, Mason.
Chang Pang, San Jose Hockey Now.
Welcome to San Jose.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
wanted to, ask you, first, there's a, a tweet from you in 2013 that just says, you know, "Hey, go Sharks," .
It was, it I just wanna confirm that that was your Twitter from back then, and I guess that's, from May 2013, so probably you were cheering on the Sharks playoff run, maybe .
Yep.
Yeah, that's Yeah, I, the, yeah, I went down to Pittsburgh, I think, in the finals.
think it was game, I wanna game, say games five, game five in Pittsburgh.
Yeah, it was I've always, you know, they've always been my favorite team.
you know, Jumbo was my favorite player growing up, so, you know, I got to play with him in Florida, which was, you know, pretty incredible and, you know, now I get to, you know, maybe link up with him again a couple times, so that'll be awesome.
before you came here, did you talk with Jumbo a little bit?
Did he kinda tell you a little bit more about just what to expect here?
you know, I know, I know quite a bit of the guys on the team, actually, already, so, you know, I kinda talked to them a little bit and, Jumbo was down, last week playing at my course here and, so, but I got to see him and, you know, he's awesome, and we'll definitely be chatting.
what did the, who do you know on this team and what did they tell you a- about San Jose?
well, I know Delandri really well.
We grew up in, basically the same town.
good bro, goodie.
I knew, Tim- Timothy Logren, but he's gone, obviously.
yeah, and a couple other handful of guys that just passing Wennberg play with Wennberg.
yeah, bunch of guys.
So, you know, I obviously grew up there and, been to the facility probably more than I've ever been to any rink, , so, I'm pretty comfortable, I think.
you know, I think they've changed a few things with, that I haven't seen, but, yeah, it'll be just like coming home, so.
What's sort of your best memory of the Sharks w- when, you were a kid?
Oh, man, yeah, I was just, I was talking to, Mikey on the phone this morning.
It was, just, just being at the rink and, you know, running around and playing mini sticks and, you know, he'll tell you I I was in the, in the stick roo- room far too much.
I was, , yeah, I was always in there trying sticks and flexing them and asking him if I can cut them down and, yeah, just stuff like that.
That's Mikey Aldridge, right?
Yeah.
Okay.
just for you signing here, just how much of attraction was Macklin Celebrini, being here and obviously what he did last year and seeing what he did last year, just how much, uh- Yeah attraction was that?
Yeah, I mean, that's obviously, you know, when you go to a team, you want them to have a guy like that, and he's obviously, made a name for himself in the league.
And, you know, I've got the chance to meet him a couple times, but seems to just down to earth, hardworking, you know, smile on his face all the time.
You know, that's, you know, it's a, it's a contagious, energy and, you know, he's, he's definitely gonna be, you know, someone I look forward to, you know, sharing the ice with.
Steve.
Mason, Mike Rieger's been very active, obviously bringing you in, Jacob Trouba in.
Sounds like the Sharks are getting Darnell Nurse now, a guy you played against in playoff series.
Just what is the- Yeah excitement level looking at what this team could look like for the next few years?
Yeah, I mean, let's just say you look at, you know, their, their top three picks this year, it's, I mean, they're all- You know, incredible players and, you know, hopefully they develop into, you know, studs, and they already have a handful of them already.
So just adding, you know, veteran pieces that can, you know, help, help, lead those guys and, you know, not that I'm sure they need it.
I've heard, you know, nothing but great things about all the young guys there.
So, but yeah, you know, it's exciting.
you know, it's, it's, you know, the Shark Tank, when it's, when the team's good, the s- the Shark Tank's buzzing.
So, it's gonna be, it's gonna be fun.
Thank you.
Eric.
Yeah.
Hey, Mason, congratulations on the deal here.
Thank you.
you, you, you know, jumping off of what, s- Steve just asked, you know, there's been obviously a lot of talk about what's been being, being built in San Jose, and that they're a team of the future whatsoever.
Yeah.
but, but how much, how much are I, I don't know if it's been conveyed to you, but how much is it, you know, forget about being a team of the future, l- let's be a team of the present here, and, and- Yeah and making the playoffs next season?
Yeah.
I mean, I mean, that's the goal.
I mean, for me at least, I mean, that's the bare minimum, make the playoffs.
So, you know, I think, you know, what, what Bridges has done is, you know, put us in a position to do that.
I think it's, it's on us players to go out there and get it done now.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Marco.
Mason, Marco Gabala with Sports Drop.
Welcome to San Jose.
I'm sorry if someone has already asked you this question, as I came on a little late here, but, what does it mean to be able to follow, like, in your dad's footsteps, he played in San Jose, and kind of keep that, family legacy going here?
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's, it's awesome.
like I said, most of my, upbringing through, you know, my dad's career was in San Jose.
So, you know, it's just, it's just so full circle and, you know, I'm just You know, I couldn't be happier to be able to wear, you know, his number and, honor him and, you know, play hard like he did every night.
Thank you so much.
Thanks.
we'll go back to Shane.
Mason, I wanted to ask you, because, of, the, you know, the Sharks acquiring Jacob Trouba, and looks like they're acquiring Nurse too, you know, two very tough to play against defensemen, and just, uh- Yeah how hard are those guys to play against?
Yeah, no, I've definitely had, my, my fair share of battles with both those guys, especially Nursey.
but yeah, it's gonna be exciting.
you know, they're two heavy, hard to play against guys that, you know, that, that's, you know, those are the type of guys you want in playoffs that are gonna do the dirty stuff, block the shots, and, you know, pay the price for the, for the win ultimately.
And it's clear that you grew up a Sharks fan.
over the years- Yeah coming here to play, and of course, you had to be a professional, but just how, how tough was it to see kind of the last few years at SAP Center before this past season, but just, you know, those, you know, half, half full arenas, things that you didn't see when you were a kid?
Just kinda how tough was that to see?
Yeah.
You know, last year was pretty good, and, and the year before was a little better than the year before that.
So, you know, it's been growing and, you know, like I said, when, when the Shark Tank get, gets buzzing, you know, it's, it's one of the best rinks in the league.
So, I'm excited to, you know, hopefully we can get in the playoffs there and, you know, get this, get the barn rocking.
All right, Mason.
Thanks so much.
Welcome back to San Jose.
Thank you.
Thank you, appreciate it.
Anything else here for Mason before we let him go?
Okay.
Thanks, Mason.
Appreciate the time.
Okay.
Hey, Jacob.
Good to see you again.
How you doing?
Good.
How are you?
Good.
Good.
Congratulations on your deal here.
Thank you.
f- first thing I wanted, want to ask, I mean, guys are certainly cashing in today with a lot more money in the marketplace.
but I'm curious as to how much was term, a difference maker in this deal, because Anaheim was looking to bring you back.
yeah, I mean, obviously important.
I think when you're, it's not just me anymore.
It's, there's a wife and kids, and that's kind of a decision for the family more than it is just for hockey, and I think hockey-wise, this will end up perfectly for me, and also a great place for my family.
but term-wise, yeah, you don't, you don't wanna be moving around a whole bunch.
As, as much as you can, try to control it or protect it.
I think the term and security means a lot to me and my family and, I'm grateful San Jose is where we ended up.
Was that more important?
Was that the most important thing in this, getting that kind of four-year deal?
I wouldn't say most important, but yeah, it's definitely important, for sure.
when you sign a shorter two, three-term year, year deal, you're probably moving again soon, and that was something we didn't wanna do.
you know, Mason Marchment, said earlier, that one of the reasons why he's, you know, joining San Jose and the Sharks whatsoever is the presence of Macklin Celebrini- Mm-hmm a- and that, how much of a draw he's become.
I'm curious as, as to, was there a l- bit of a Celebrini effect to this- a- and that, you know, he can draw guys like, proven guys like yourself to San Jose?
yeah.
I mean, I, I think it's kinda similar to the Ducks, honestly, with Leo and, and Cutter and those guys.
You have a really good young core with Jackson.
I mean, they took big steps and are a great team.
but yeah, I think you have a similar situation in San Jose with a lot of the, the high-skilled young players.
I think that's an exciting opportunity to join, for me.
I just got one more real quick, and I'll move on.
you know, you talked a lot about, obviously, you know, the fit in Anaheim, how much that worked out, your partnership with Jackson Lacombe.
Have you talked with, Mike Grier much at all in terms of what your role will be, who you might play with, and, and, you know, whether maybe you could have that similar type of effect- o- on Sh- on San Jose, particularly like a guy like Sam Dickinson or whatsoever, in, in helping out- yeah, none of those conversations yet.
Um- Okay.
Just a phone call and say hello and welcoming.
but yeah, I'm sure we'll get to camp and coaches, and they'll have those conversations, and we'll move on from there.
Thank you much.
Yep.
Steve Wyno.
Hey, Jacob.
Congratulations on the deal.
Thank you.
Obviously, just a little following u- up on that, Mike Rivera's been very active in making this team a contender.
I'm wondering just how attractive is it to join a team that's on the rise like this.
yeah, for me, I think that was probably one of the most important things.
like, you want a team that you feel like you can grow with and- Mm-hmm make an impact and help these young guys.
And the, the more you help them, the quicker you help them, the faster the team grows and gets to that contention window.
And I think doing it, there's obviously a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it, and the patience and letting the guys grow, but also pushing guys and being there for guys and trying to help them grow faster I think is important.
And I think that's, getting to where everybody wants to be is on a contending team, and I think we have a, a good opportunity in San Jose to do that.
Thank you.
Curtis.
Hi, Jacob.
This is, Curtis Pasco from the Mercury News in San Jose.
congratulations on the, on the contract.
W- was, was- Thank you were the Sharks, were the Sharks the only team, that was offering four years or, or there may be a couple other teams that were in that neighborhood?
there were others.
I think San Jose was just the place that we felt most comfortable and, and wanted to be and work for our family.
And hockey-wise and career-wise for my wife, I think it all kind of fit in nicely.
And I mean, we, we were very excited and couldn't say yes fast enough.
Well, you know, the Sharks biggest issue this past season was, was goals against, you know, keeping the puck out of their own net.
How do you, how do you think you'll be able to sort of he- help this team in, in that area, in just the defensive aspect?
yeah, I mean, obviously that's a big, big part of the game.
as much as offense as, as you wanna have this today in, in the NHL, you gotta be able to keep pucks out of the net to win games.
So I think, I mean, obviously playing defense, defense first is the, the priority, and I think the best teams and the teams that win, across the league are, are good defensively, so obviously something we, we wanna focus on.
You'll be, you'll be 36 by the time the, the contract ends here.
How do you sort of make sure you're, you know, as, as fit as you possibly can be, you know, throughout, throughout the, the length of the deal, I guess?
Yeah, take care of yourself.
take care of your body.
I think I've learned throughout my career, the things I need to do to, to be at my best.
so use the summers to, to kinda get back into the shape I wanna be in and kind of roll into camp ready to go, and I think that's kinda been the plan the last four or five years, and that'll be my plan going forward.
It's kinda interesting, your, your teammate's again with, with Barclay Goodrow.
what, what's your relationship like w- with him?
Obviously, he's, he's been a help here in San Jose.
Have You guys are pretty close in New York too?
Yeah, he's great.
Mm-hmm.
I already talked to him this morning.
but yeah, v- very excited to be back with him.
I think we had, some good, good times in New York, good seasons.
played on good teams, and I think he's one of those guys that, that brings a lot of the intangibles that you want in a hockey team.
Um- You're gonna be around a lot of young D-men here.
not only the guys, maybe the guys they just drafted in a couple years, but you know, a guy like Sam Dickinson too, a left shot they just drafted a couple years ago.
How do you How can you help these, some of these young guys, in their careers?
yeah, build, build relationships with them, I think.
build trust, be there to, to answer questions, to, I guess, lean on.
There's, there's ups and downs.
There's hard times, throughout the season, throughout young players' careers.
I went through them.
I think everybody goes through them.
And just being there for, for someone to, to talk to, go out and get dinner, do whatever you need to do to, to kinda help them through it.
I think that's, that's probably the, the biggest thing is just the relationship and, and having someone that, you feel you can lean on and trust and rely on.
All right.
Thank you.
Yep.
Max.
Hey, Jacob.
Max Miller from Sharks Hockey Digest and NHL.com.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
another guy that you played with, although brief, was, Alex Wennberg, in that, that playoff run.
What, what can you tell us about him and, and just how important he was as a centerman in that, in that playoff run with the Rangers?
Yeah, obviously brought him in, at the deadline for, for that season.
and he was a huge part, and he scored some, some big goals for us, in that playoff stretch.
he fit in great.
I think he was a guy everybody kinda gravitated towards and, and wanted to be around, and came in and made an impact right away, and I think he's gone to San Jose and done pretty well, so, happy to join him again.
for yourself, being a captain in the NHL, especially in a market like New York, and, and then going to, to Anaheim with a young team, what have you learned as a veteran player with leadership ability and a- how that can, you know, you can communicate with younger guys on a team with maybe no playoff experience like this one?
yeah, I mean, I think I've, I have learned a lot just through, through experience, I think, throughout my career.
yeah, I think it goes back to, to building the relationships and earning the trust of, some of the younger players and being there for them with questions and just kinda how you carry yourself in the day-to-day at the rink and during games, how you react to certain situations.
guys watch that, so just kinda be yourself, be genuine, and, start building the relationships now.
You, you've been in the league a long time.
You know, the Shark Tank is starting to fill back up.
what do you remember about playing in San Jose when, you know, early in your career, when the place was full and hard to play against, and, and how excited are you to, to join the Sharks as that is really returning in a big way?
Yeah, very excited for that.
I think, I mean, when I first started playing in the NHL, that was probably one of the more daunting places to go into.
I guess, really that whole California swing back then was- was pretty tough.
but yeah, I think you go in there and it's energy, it's loud, it's chaotic.
I think that, that was definitely a draw too, for sure.
When you look at the young core, as a hockey fan, and now you get to play alongside of it, I know you kinda answered this, but just what about the Sharks young core excites you the most, I guess?
I think just the, the talent and the skill.
I think Celebrini as a, as a player and how he plays the game, and it's not just the, the high-level skill and talent.
He works hard.
He's on pucks.
He's kind of a dog out there, and I think that's, the kinda guy you want dragging everybody into the fight on your team.
and I think they have a lot of those pieces in place, and how they grow and mature and work together, I think over the next couple years is gonna, gonna be telling.
Awesome.
Thanks, Jacob.
Yep.
Go to Marco.
Jacob, Marco Yakovlevich, Bay Area Sports Wrap.
welcome to San Jose.
w- how excited are you that you're gonna be able to provide that veteran leadership to help this team get over the hump and make a playoff run?
Yeah, very excited.
I think that's something, you know, I enjoy.
I think also, you know, I can, can add a lot playing, playing hockey and be a, a big piece on the back end moving forward for this group, and someone they can rely on.
so I mean, that's, that's my goal is obviously contribute on the hockey side as much as I can to, to help push this team over, over the hump.
You go from one young talented core in Anaheim to this young talented core here in San Jose.
w- when you look at, you know, what they have defensively, j- just how much are you gonna be a big influence, and not just on the blue line, but for everyone in general?
yeah, I, I think that goes back to the, the building relationships, getting to know guys, earning their trust.
and I think having some term on the deal is, is pretty big for me in that sense of you wanna put down roots and build these relationships and grow with this group.
so I, I mean, I look forward to, to meeting everyone and getting to camp.
And lastly from me, y- what's, what's your nickname?
Is it Troubadour, Troubs, or Trouby?
Usually just Troubs.
Thank you.
Depends who you ask.
Cheng.
Hi, Jacob.
Cheng Pang, San Jose Hockey Now.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Did you speak a lot with, Mike Rivera about sort of what your role might be in San Jose, or?
not a ton.
I think, I mean, I know the, the player I am at this point in my career, and what I bring to a group, and where I fit in here I think is, I mean, I don't think many words need to be spoken of what's expected of me.
so yeah, I think I, I already know.
There not much really has to be said there.
I just wonder because, last year in Anaheim, you, you're back on, on the power play.
Been, it had been a couple years since you were kind of a power play regular, so is that something that you're expecting or hoping to do in San Jose, or that's not, you know, im- important, or that doesn't kind of, it's, it's not essential kind of to, the, the- I mean, it's whatever the, the coaching staff wants me to do.
if they feel I'm the best option, obviously I would welcome that.
is that, like, gonna make or break my, my season or what I wanna do?
Not really.
but yeah, I mean, I think, I had an opportunity last year to play a little bit and welcome that, and would obviously welcome that again.
how important was it, knowing Mike from before?
I believe Mike was there with the Rangers, you know, earlier, so how important was that kind of relationship?
obviously a little familiarity.
I guess he probably knows me in, in the rink setting, I guess the practice rink and all that kinda stuff a little bit better than, than other people.
But, obviously good, good to have that, relationship built a little bit and familiarity and what we went through in New York.
So, definitely think it helped.
there were rumors previously that the Sharks were interested in you in previous years.
So is that something that, that you had heard too, and was, is that kinda nice that, a team that maybe has been looking to acquire you for a while, you know, that they've wanted you for a while maybe?
yeah.
I mean, like, obviously it feels good to, to be wanted and go to a place where, where you're valued and think that you can make an impact and help the organization, so yeah.
what did, Barkley tell you about, San Jose?
he spoke very, very highly of it.
spoke highly of the group, of the organization.
living in San Jose he enjoys.
he didn't have many, many negatives to, to say, if any, so, pretty excited.
And, finally for, for me, when you, left, New York, you know, there was some talk that, you know, you wanted to stay out east at that time and that sorta thing.
did coming to Anaheim just kinda make it comfortable for you to kind of, you know, you got familiar with California and the West Coast, so it makes the, kind of the transition to San Jose, you know, maybe almost seamless in a way?
definitely a little bit easier just being, being out here for a year and having a little bit of the familiarity or not moving all the way across the country again.
so yeah, I think that, that helped.
probably a little, little bit different, different organization.
but yeah, I, I think being in California's been great for, for me and my family, and we're excited to stay for a couple more years.
All right.
Thanks a lot, Jacob.
Congratulations again.
Thank you.
We'll finish the call with, Eric.
Yeah.
Hey, Jacob, just wanted to ask you, we, we talked about it a little bit, before, just the effect of joining the Ducks, had on you, espec- especially after, leaving New York and, and how that ended.
how much did, Was this a tough call to leave Anaheim, considering that it, it kinda, they kinda breathed, I don't know, breathed u- some, some new life into your career at that point.
Was it a tough call or was it not really that tough a call?
not really that tough a call.
I didn't really have an option, that was, I guess, I would have to, have taken.
Um- Okay but le- coming back to San Jose I think is obviously the, the place that I'm very happy to end up, and similar situation with the young core.
And I did enjoy last year.
I enjoyed being part of that group and kinda growing with those guys, and hopefully can grow with these guys for a long time.
It sounds like it wasn't that hard of a push that they made.
No.
Okay.
and, last thing from me.
Just, so i- is, are, are we cutting the lettuce now finally?
Y- you said you were, uh- I don't know.
I actually kinda like it now, so it might stick around.
All right.
Thanks, man.
Appreciate it.
Yep.
Thank you, Eric.
