Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, along with newcomer Kurt Sauer, understands why some fans are still not thrilled with the departure of blueliners Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton, despite the fact that the trade brought in front-line center Olli Jokinen.

Morris was the defensive partner of Ballard and he said the fan reaction doesn't get him angry.

"No, because you understand how good those people were," he said. "We understand how good those players were. We understand how good Bally was, but the good thing is we got a great player, and we brought in two other (defensemen), who I think are different players, but I think we'll surprise a lot of people.

"It may take us a little while to silence the critics, but that's the way it goes."

Sauer says he hasn't paid attention to the negative comments but does not mind fans voicing their opinions.

"I think the fans, they get attached to players, and especially when you trade away a couple of your best (defensemen). But I'm hopeful... (they) get used to us playing out there rather than them, and hopefully that bitter taste goes away."

Sauer said that he doesn't feel any added pressure coming in under these circumstances. He knows his role and his style of play, and he plans to stick to that.

"They're for sure big shoes to fill, but you got to do what you do, what they brought you here to do," he said. "So those are two big shoes to fill, and you know what, I'll do my best, and that's all you can do.

"I can play the way I can. I'm not gonna be Bally flying over and that kind of deal. I'm a more stay-at-home defenseman, so it's gonna be good."

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