Back in Inglewood, California
July 5, 1983
(J.T. arrives at the Forum in the afternoon. Rogie VACHON greets him.)
VACHON: "Good to see you back. Still jet-lagged, huh?"
"Good to be back. As much as one can be, I think."
VACHON: "Just to let you know, Eldebrink and Ohling agreed verbally to their deals while you were on the flight back here. We're just going to report that they've signed, but they obviously won't be putting pen to paper for at least a couple weeks."
"Good deal. Is George not around?"
(There is a yell from the break room, where George MAGUIRE is requisitioning a couple of slices of pizza from the box on the table.)
MAGUIRE: "I'M HERE! WHAT'S THE WORD, YOUNGSTER?"
"Did you hear about McSorley?"
MAGUIRE: "I did ... I like him already. Also heard about you getting Engblom. Not too bad at all."
"I have another deal in the works that I think you'll like."
MAGUIRE: "HOLY SH*T! That's more like it. You've read my mind!"
VACHON: "Very nice, indeed. Have to think our guys will be happy to not have to go against him."
"But I also have a deal I want to make that you guys might not like."
MAGUIRE: "For who?"
"I want Steve Bozek back here."
VACHON: "Hmmm ... I suppose I'm alright with that."
MAGUIRE: "That guy gave up on the team last season! He just didn't want to play! Ask Perry!"
"I don't want to ask Perry. Steve was legitimately injured, George. I've read the trainer and doctor reports. He had a sprained shoulder and a sprained knee. I don't buy that he was malingering."
MAGUIRE: "Pfft. He scored 27 goals in his first 36 games, and after that he coasted! He's only scored 19 goals in his last 88 games!"
"I think the goal-scoring run at the beginning of his career was a bit of a fluke. And, I'm not necessarily getting him to score. He has skill, but I think there's a lot more potential in him to be a defensive forward who can chip in 10-15 goals a season. We have enough scoring on this team, don't you think?"
MAGUIRE: "Ah, do what you want! Blow it out your arse!"
(MAGUIRE stomps off to requisition some more pizza.)
VACHON: "I guess he's not your friend anymore."
"Maybe I should go back to calling him 'Mr. Maguire' again?"
(VACHON smiles faintly.)
"Look, Rogie ... I believe in this guy. And, he got it done in the '82 playoffs. No one can deny that."
VACHON: "A defensive forward, though?"
"Yeah, that's my plan, anyway. But he has enough skill to not look out of place in the top six in case one of those guys go down. He can adjust; he's a good player."
VACHON: "Alright. I can see your mind's made up on this. Make your deal."
