Conversation with Tyler Seguin

I caught up with Bruins rookie and second overall draft pick in 2010, Tyler Seguin, today to get his thoughts on how his rookie campaign is going.

RLD: How would you describe how your rookie year has gone?
Tyler Seguin: There’s been lots of ups and downs… you can’t really put it into one word. I’m definitely glad that I’m on a team right now that’s chasing the Cup. It’s a great experience to be in. As a rookie, it feels good to be a part of something special and I think that’s what we have here in this room.

RLD: When you made the team, did you expect to have some of the growing pains that you’ve had?
Seguin: I didn’t try to have too many expectations when I came in, because I just didn’t have an idea or didn’t talk to too many NHL players. So, I didn’t come into the year with too many expectations.

RLD: With all of your success last year in juniors, what has the mental adjustment been like to the NHL and playing a smaller role, etc.?
Seguin: Well I think I’ve had more success (as a team). I was in fourth place, fifth place, and we got out in the second round. This year I’m on a team that has a shot to win the Stanley Cup. I think that’s any kid’s dream.

RLD: Not too many high draft picks get to be on a Cup contender in their first year. What has that been like?
Seguin: It’s been a surreal experience and it’s great to be a part of something special. I’m trying to chip in any way I can. Obviously I’m not going to be putting up points like I did last year in juniors or anything like that. Just being on a top team for as young as I am, it’s hard to contribute like that. In the end, I want to contribute in any way I can and help the boys win.

RLD: Was there any moment this year that it hit you that you were in the NHL?
Seguin: I don’t know. My first game in Czech and my second game… it felt pretty awesome. But I don’t think anything really hit me in that way. I know where I am now and know where I want to be, too.

RLD: You guys have been on the road a lot lately; what’s been your favorite part of the road trips with the team?
Seguin: Obviously it’s a great time to bond. We’ve been on the road a lot, but we just had the trade deadline and picked up a few players. It’s been a good opportunity to meet those guys and see what they’re all about. You know, we had that long streak a week or two ago on the road, and now we’re trying to start a new one here.

RLD: Have you been the subject of any pranks on the road?
Seguin: (Laughs) Maybe not pranks, but yeah, sometimes just little rookie things you get to do at a couple dinners.

RLD: What was it like to go up against Taylor Hall a couple weeks ago for the first time at this level?
Seguin: It was pretty cool. Speaking for both of us, it was just… you know, last year chasing each other for whatever it was – scoring title, championship, draft, whatever it was – it was always him and I. We were both on the ice at the same time, and that felt good and we’re both finally at our dream. We did all that hard work last year and now we’re facing each other here. There is some competition there but I respect him and he’s a great player.

RLD: Was being a part of the All-Star Game festivities an eye-widening experience for you?
Seguin: Yeah, absolutely. It was cool. It was fun to meet all those guys. I was just a fan last year, but seeing those big-name players and the Ovechkins and such – it was a surreal experience for me. I got to meet them all and was able to watch them and see how they handle themselves and see where I want to be.

Photo credit: Getty Images