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“My first year in Utica (2014-15), I met with him and he told me that exact thing,” Gaunce recalled Thursday. “We did the exact same things and have the same qualities. You have to tailor your game to what the team wants. I accepted that and feel very comfortable playing that way.

“I also know he trusts me defensively and it was just a step to take.”

Photo by Claus Andersen / PNG

There was a time when some in the organization weren’t sure that Gaunce had a game that could translate to the highest level. He was a natural centre, but a move to wing was made to get more aggression in his game and take advantage of his size and skating.

“He has to play a heavy game to be responsible,” said Green. “He’s a young guy still trying to find his way, but he’s smart and he can kill penalties.

“We’ve got to push him to be the best player he can be and we’re not sure what that is yet. I’m convinced that he has it in him but it’s up to him.”

With Markus Granlund sidelined by an upper-body ailment, Gaunce meshed seamlessly with Brandon Sutter and Derek Dorsett in his season debut Tuesday in Calgary during a 5-3 victory. He logged 16:54, had two hits, two blocked shots and a shot on net.

“The first period I was pretty excited and wasn’t focusing on anything but getting my feet moving,” recalled Gaunce. “But when I was out (injured), I watched games and looked at how Sutter and Granlund were playing and who they played against and how we have to play against top lines.”

THE PAT-CAST

Jeff was in Anaheim. Botch was at home. The owner spoke, but not to these guys. What to make of it?