The great Tyler Kennedy

Tyler Kennedy, 27, who for a time played on what very likely was the top third line in the NHL, returns to Pittsburgh as a member of the San Jose Sharks. Kennedy, who was traded on draft day for a second-round draft pick, has three goals, 11 points in 27 games. He practiced with the Sharks at Consol Energy Center today and then held court with reporters. He gave a strong, well-rounded interview.

Here's what Kennedy had to say:

On being back: It’s an emotional rollercoaster. I was here for six years. It was a great six years. I really grew as a person and as a player. Pittsburgh was like a second home to me. It means a lot to be back here. I’m excited to be back here.

On the Sharks: I’ve been really fortunate to go to another great team and another great coaching staff. There are lot of comparisons from San Jose to Pittsburgh. They have a little bit different style. It’s a different atmosphere in the [locker] room. They’re both good. Playing out West is a little different style than the East. I think it took me a little bit of time to get used to the Western style. I wouldn’t say bang and crash, but it’s a little bit more physical. I’m really happy in San Jose. I couldn’t ask for a better spot to be.

On being healthy scratch at times last season: Not playing kind of hurts you, but you’ve got to remember who you are and know that you know how to play hockey, but obviously it was frustrating when I was sitting out there. That was their decision and something they had to stand by, but I’ve moved on. There are no hard feelings. Dan [Bylsma] was always up front with me, and so was the rest of the coaching staff. Even Ray [Shero], at the end-of-the-year meetings, he was always straightforward with me. There’s a lot of respect for those guys. I don’t think there are too many hard feelings.

On that great third line -- Matt Cooke, Jordan Staal and him -- now being on three different clubs: It’s pretty crazy, but that’s hockey. Not too many guys stay with the same team their whole career. Maybe it was that Taylor Swift [jinx] thing. I don’t think I’ll be going to any concerts in San Jose with Taylor Swift, that’s for sure. But I thought we really came together as a line, and I think we had a great two, three years. We really became close as friends. Maybe that’s why we did so well on the ice. The biggest thing was, we just played well together.

On whether he will hang out with some Penguins tonight: I have a fiancé now from Pittsburgh. It would be nice to visit her family. There’s a lot of great friends over there, a lot of guys that we went through the wal for each other. There’s a lot of respect there.But tomorrow’s a hockey game, and like the old sayng, there are no friends on the ice.

On helping the Sharks prepare for the Penguins: Obviously, I know all the restaurants. [As for the building today], the ice is not very good. It’s just another game at the same rink.

On who his linemates are: Martin Havlat and [Joe] Pavelski. I was up and down through the whole lineup, and I think we found some chemistry there. Pavelski’s such a good playmaker. He makes a smart play. He’s kind of like a [Jordan Staal], being in the right spot, talking to me, and he knows how to get me going. Martin Havlat is just a great player. He’s got, I think, eyes in the back of his head. It’s a good line, but we know we have to work to be successful.

On switching from No. 48 here to No. 81 with the Sharks: I just thought after being traded I needed a new start. I didn’t mind 48, but why not change?

On the trade: I think it was building up through time. When I was getting a healthy [scratches], I knew it was time for me to move on. When I got traded I kind of knew it was coming. My agent informed me. Even at the end of the year, the meetings Ray was pretty straightforward. It was a pretty emotional day, leaving Pittsburgh, leaving a lot of good buddies over there. Pittsburgh is such a great city. The fans are passionate. They’re great people here. Just walking around, people are like, ‘Hey, Kennedy, what’s up?’ It’s nice to see, and something I’ll hold close to me for a long time.

On the weather in San Jose: Guys are saying it’s the best weather. I’ve never seen weather like that. Right now, it’s 75, 70 degrees, sunny every day. We come anywhere and I’m freezing. I’ve got a hoodie on today. This is hell here. Everyone has cars. I’m the only guy with a big truck. Everyone is like, ‘What are you doing with this truck?’ It’s so funny. Maybe I’m getting soft. I don’t know.

On Sidney Crosby: I think Sid’s always on his game. I haven’t seen him too many times where he’s off his game. When Sid’s on, he’s on. He does that little bit extra, like last night with that last goal [in overtime against the Islanders]. That’s Sidney Crosby in a nutshell – just that extra little poke to get the goal. We’ve got to make sure we’re ready. I think we have the guys in here to stop him. It should be a good challenge for him and our team.