One on One With Rockets GM

• Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton says defenseman Luke Schenn will be looked at by team doctors this week as a precautionary measure before giving him time off after winning gold for Canada at the World Juniors. Hamilton says Schenn could play Wednesday against the Chilliwack Bruins, where a pre-game ceremony will take place celebrating Schenn's accomplishments. Hamilton says Schenn will then be sent home to Saskatoon for some rest, which means he won't play in back-to-back road games in Prince George this weekend.
  
• Hamilton spoke to me about the status of European draft pick Mikael Backlund, who played for Sweden at the World Juniors. Hamilton says he isn't sure how much time Backlund needs in junior after watching him play at the WJC. Hamilton says the Calgary Flames are interested in signing him, but he's uncertain if Backlund will even play with the Rockets this season. Hamilton isn't ruling out Backlund joining the team, but the general consensus is he may join the hockey club next season.
• Hamilton says while Backlund has been playing in the Swedish elite league, he hasn't been playing much. That is the reason why the Calgary Flames - a team that selected him in the first round of the NHL draft - would like to sign him, move him to North American where he could play with the Rockets.
• I asked Hamilton if he wants to be an innocent bystander at the WHL trade deadline. Hamilton says he always likes to be involved, but says only if the price is right will he make a deal. Hamilton made it clear he won't pay a huge price for a player that would be on his roster short term. I guess that leaves out the chances of acquiring a player like Prince George defenseman Ty Wishart?
  
• I addressed the situation with the Rockets goaltending heading into the trade deadline. Hamilton admitted to me he hasn't received one call about his goalies, so it tells you where the interest is - or isn't. Hamilton believes both Westblom and Jung are needed for his team to have success in the playoffs. He says Westblom can win a playoff series on his own, so if it doesn't make sense to move a goaltender he has no problem holding onto both guys. I love that theory.
  
• I spoke to Hamilton about the suggestion that 20 year-old injured captain James McEwan may be released to free up an overage spot for the team to make a deal. Hamilton says a decision will be made this week, and isn't ruling out the move. Hamilton says McEwan is out 8 to 10 weeks with a deep cut to his wrist, and if someone is available at or before Thursday's trade deadline to fill an overage spot, he would look at it. Hamilton informed me that he has met with McEwan twice about the possibility of the team releasing him , and both meetings have been rightfully emotional. If McEwan was released, Hamilton says the likable captain would be given a position within the Rockets organization . Hamilton says he has to do what's right for the team.
  
• If you want to listen to the entire interview with Bruce Hamilton, join me Wednesday night when the Rockets host the Chilliwack Bruins when the GM will have 7 minutes to address all of the issues stated above. That interview can be heard in it's entirety at 6:35.