Antoine Vermette: Bringing 'constructive mindset' to team

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Antoine Vermette said Friday he is still pleased the Chicago Blackhawks acquired him at the trade deadline and is working to keep a positive attitude despite being a healthy scratch so far in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Vermette was considered one of the top players available at the trade deadline. The Blackhawks traded a first-round pick and a prospect to the Arizona Coyotes to acquire him.

He was a healthy scratch against the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series Wednesday and is expected to be again in Game 2 on Friday.

"We're in the playoffs, looking good," said Vermette, who couldn't recall the last time he was a healthy scratch in his 11-year NHL career. "We have a great team. This is a great opportunity. I'm excited. You know, the last time I checked Arizona, they're not playing hockey anymore.

"It's not a usual situation for me, but again I've through my career [taken] a lot of pride to bring an attitude and a positive and constructive mindset around the guys and the team. It's exactly what I try to accomplish here, and make sure [I'm] ready to go whenever I get the chance."

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said before Game 1 his decision to scratch Vermette was based on performance. Vermette had zero goals and three assists in 19 regular-season games after joining the Blackhawks.

Vermette acknowledged he would likely be in the Blackhawks' lineup if he had played better. He said he is 100 percent healthy.

"You can discuss [why I'm not playing]," Vermette said. "I don't want to make the story about myself. It's about the team right now. But certainly, if I would have been better, [Quenneville] and the coaching staff would evaluate my play better. It would be a different situation. It is what it is. I can control what I can control, and that's exactly what I'll try to do."

Vermette, who has played in 58 career playoff games, remained confident he will get a chance to help the Blackhawks, who lead the Predators 1-0 in the series.

"All I know is I'm not starting the series," Vermette said. "That's all. I'm sure I'm going to get a chance at some point here. I'll make myself ready regardless of what happened before. I'm not focusing on that.

"I'm just looking at one day at a time, try to build some good days and be ready for the game. I know it's repetitive, but that's my honest answer. That's how I feel. I really, truly feel bringing a good attitude and to be good around the guys and establish positive and constructive mindset around [them], it's going to be beneficial to everybody."