Catching Up With Kinkaid: Devils Prospect Working To Reach Next Level

Keith Kinkaid, who spent last summer travelling across North America participating in NHL development camps has been able to rest a bit easier this summer.

Instead, Kinkaid, , has been working to get into the best shape of his life as the Devils' Prospect Camp looms in mid-July.

The Devils new acquisition sat down with Sachem Patch to discuss Friday's NHL Draft, where New Jersey will be selecting fourth, the Stanley Cup Finals, and other musings around the league and at home.

Mike Salerno: So you signed with New Jersey in April, but you don't really have to go to work until July. Must be nice. What have you been up to in the mean time?

Keith Kinkaid: I've just been training. Getting ready for camp to be in the best shape I've ever been in.

MS: Any time for friends in between?

KK: Oh yeah, plenty of relaxing time during the day.

MS: Friday's a big day for the Devils. Got any big plans for the draft?

KK: I'll probably just hang out with a few friends and watch the draft at someone's house.

MS: Now the Devils had a very uncharacteristic first half of the season last year, but will benefit from it with the fourth pick in this year's draft. How much do you think that player will help the organization in the long run and is there any player that stands out that you'd really love to see them take?

KK: I think the Devils just got off to a slow start [last season], but second half were one of the hottest teams in the league. Now with an opportunity to pick a top first-round player, it can only help the organization for the future. I haven't been paying too much attention to who is in the draft but from what I can see a really good defenseman seems reasonable.

MS: A goalie wants to see them grab a defenseman? That's unusual.

KK: Defense wins championships.

MS: Just ask Tim Thomas, right?

KK: Exactly right.

MS: Thomas was certainly well deserving of the Conn Smythe, but what did you think of Luongo's performance in the playoffs?

KK: I thought Vancouver looked worn down. He didnt really get much help in game seven. His play at home wasn't the problem, it was his play on the road that may have caused the series to go Boston's way. But you cant put all blame on the goalie. There were many odd man rushes against Vancouver. Boston's speed and fight were too much for Vancouver.

MS: Were you rooting for one team over the other? Perhaps for another NHLer from Long Island, the Canucks' Chris Higgins?

KK: I was rooting for Vancouver because I am not a fan of any Boston team and also because I went to their prospect camp last year.

MS: Not a fan of Boston? Sounds like a Yankees fan to me.

KK: Wouldn't root for any other team. And my dad is a Mets fan which makes a little rivalry when the Subway Series is on.

MS: What do you think of the direction the team is going right now, and of Zach Parise's ongoing contract negotiations?

KK: I think the team is going in the right direction and will end up signing Parise. They will be a good team next season just like the second half of last season.

MS: How soon do you see yourself contributing at the NHL level and what are you doing this summer to prepare yourself for those steps?

KK: I'm not too sure about the NHL but wherever I am put, I just want to contribute to the organization in any way possible. I have been training at a local facility that works with athletes from all sports and skating with a few ex-coaches.