Jeff Schultz gives first interview back in LA

In advance of the Kings-Ducks game in Anaheim tonight, we spent a few minutes with defenseman Jeff Schultz for his first interview since arriving back in Los Angeles.

Since signing with LA as an Unrestricted Free Agent last summer, he’s played 41 games from their AHL affiliate in Manchester. Known primarily as a stay-at-home guy, Schultz has chipped in with a goal and six assists for the Monarchs. Most nights he was on the second pairing, playing with Colin Miller.

Here’s what he had to say earlier today…

On his experience and leadership role in Manchester:

“When I first got down there, I didn’t realize how young of a team it was. I think it was a good opportunity for myself to kind of step up and help some of these first and second-year guys coming in and kind of getting into the routine of practice and game days and just kind of helping them out in anyway I can.”

On Tyler Toffoli, Linden Vey and Tanner Pearson’s growth:

“I think the biggest thing is just confidence. Being up here is such a big step from down there. You can see when they do come back, they’re playing with that much more confidence and times of each game, they control it that much more. It really shows with the development that they do get when they come up here.”

On how tough it is to go back down to Manchester after being in the NHL:

“It was hard. It was a bit of a surprise, but that’s part of the business. I think it’s been good for my career. I’m getting to play a lot and play in different situations. I’m just being one of the guys again and having fun out there.”

On getting the call:

“I was a little surprised yesterday. They didn’t really say much, they just kind of said pack a bag, you’re coming up. I just look at it as another opportunity to, if I do get a chance to play, show what I can do and kind of go from there.”

Follow @WestCoastHky

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please include a link to www.MayorsManor.com