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"The Office": The 22 Funniest Pranks Jim Ever Pulled

Clocking in at a paper distribution company in Scranton, Pa., might sound somewhat dull, but with a serial prankster like Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) on the job, no two workdays are ever the same. Across nine seasons of The Office, it's clear the paper salesman has a lot of time on his hands, spending hours readying elaborate schemes to give his co-workers — especially his favorite and easiest target, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) — the ultimate mind-screw. Though it's hard to keep track of all of Big Tuna's tricks, we made it our mission to seek out his greatest hits, from the wildly creative (the garden party book was pure genius) to the hilariously mean-spirited (the Dwight impersonation was spot-on).

From here, see Jim's most memorable pranks at Dunder Mifflin Scranton.

01 of 22

Jell-Oh no, you didn't A stapler in jello on 'The Office'. NBC ("Pilot," season 1, episode 1) Say you've lost your stapler, or your calculator, or your "World's Best Boss" coffee mug. Someone probably borrowed it. Maybe you misplaced it. But if you work at Dunder Mifflin Scranton, your office supplies are probably encapsulated in a Jell-O mold, courtesy of Jim Halpert. While it's not his most elaborate or inventive hoax, Jim's inaugural prank is a classic, especially when he denies his guilt while innocently slurping on Jell-O. —Gretchen Hansen

02 of 22

Practicalitous-Jokitis John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Health Care," season 1, episode 3) Could someone in your office be suffering from Ebola? Mad cow disease? Leprosy? Flesh-eating bacteria? A government-created killer nano-robot infection? Or, perhaps most deadly of all, Count Choculitis? Dwight's in charge of selecting a new cost-efficient health insurance plan, but runs into some difficulties: How many insurance companies provide coverage for those suffering from hot dog fingers? Pam Beesley (Jenna Fischer) and Jim have contracted nearly every infectious disease under the sun, and some not yet discovered, according to the forms they submit to Dwight. FYI, if your teeth ever turn to liquid and drip down the back of your throat, chances are you're experiencing spontaneous dental hydroplosion. (Bonus disease: pretendinitis. Warning signs: high-pitched noises coming from the receptionist's desk.) —G.H.

03 of 22

Survivor tactics John Krasinski on 'The Office' (2); Jenna Fischer on 'The Office'. NBC ("The Alliance," season 1, episode 4) What do you do when there are rumors of downsizing in your office? If you're Dwight Schrute, you form a super-secret alliance with your archenemy, Jim; schedule covert rendezvous in the parking lot to discuss suspicious employee behavior; and volunteer to seal yourself inside a cardboard box to spy on co-workers. While Jim and Pam encourage Dwight's paranoia, this is one prank that Dwight pulls on himself...Right down to his disguise for spying on the Stamford branch: peroxide-bleached blond hair. —G.H.

04 of 22

Dude, where's my desk? Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("The Fight," season 2, episode 6) Dwight seems to have misplaced his desk. But, before he can whine to Michael (Steve Carell), Jim begins a game of Hot or Cold, which Dwight — a natural-born hunter, seeker, and ping-pong enthusiast — cannot resist. Dwight's miffed when he finally locates his desk in the men's restroom, but doesn't confront Jim about his new office space. What can you expect from a man who cried at the end of Armageddon (though he claims to only have cried because it was New Year's Eve and it started to snow at exactly midnight)? —G.H.

05 of 22

Friursday Dwight Schrute's desk on 'The Office'; Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Performance Review," season 2, episode 8) Dwight arrives to work on time every day, rain or shine, healthy or sick, showered or covered in beet juice and goose feathers. So, he's understandably upset when his perfect attendance record is marred thanks to Jim, who successfully convinces Dwight that it's Friday, when it is, in fact, Thursday. After a well-placed Apprentice reference, Dwight is completely convinced that he has the following day off. He arrives at the office on Friday, hours late, unshaven, and in rumpled clothes — all of which will be duly noted on his otherwise perfect performance review. —G.H.

06 of 22

Vending my-stuff Dwight Schrute's items placed in the vending machine on 'The Office'. NBC ("Booze Cruise," season 2, episode 11) When Dwight's desk paraphernalia goes missing, he probably thinks it's floating in Jell-O. But he's stunned to find his bobblehead, nameplate, and wallet showcased in the office vending machine. You decide which moment is more memorable: Pam buying Dwight's pencil cup or Jim handing Dwight a bag of change so he can buy his stuff back, one nickel at a time. Pencil cup? One dollar. Watching a co-worker buy back his own bobblehead doll? Priceless. —G.H.

07 of 22

Channeling Mussolini Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Dwight's Speech," season 2, episode 17) When Dwight receives the highest honor that a Northeastern Pennsylvania-based midsize paper company regional salesman can attain — Salesman of the Year — Jim is more than happy to give him public speaking tips, including a copied speech by World War II-era dictator Benito Mussolini. Jim's prank backfires, however, when Dwight's impassioned speech is a big hit with his audience. ("I say, salesmen...And women, of the world, unite!") The combination of Dwight's fist slamming, arm waving, and mechanical laughter make this botched prank one of the funniest moments in Office history. —G.H.

08 of 22

The Nickeler! John Krasinski on 'The Office'; John Krasinski, Steve Carell, and Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Conflict Resolution," season 2, episode 21) No one can truly appreciate the magnitude of Jim's high jinks until taking a look at Dwight's complaint files. Jim boasts an impressive rap sheet: He's paid off his co-workers to call Dwight "Dwayne," replaced Dwight's pens with crayons, put a bloody glove in Dwight's desk, and tried to convince him he was a murderer. But, perhaps the most elaborate prank in the hefty complaint file is Jim's alleged tampering with Dwight's telephone handset. Jim is charged with incrementally increasing the weight of Dwight's phone with nickels, and then abruptly removing the change. The result? Dwight nails himself in the face with his phone. —G.H.

09 of 22

Fax from the future Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'; Rainn Wilson and Leslie David Baker on 'The Office'. NBC ("Branch Closing," season 3, episode 7) When Jim steals some of Dwight's stationery and sends Dwight faxes from "Future Dwight," Dwight isn't the only victim. Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker) loses a perfectly good cup of coffee when Dwight bats the "poisoned liquid" out of Stanley's hands. To: Dwight From: Future Dwight Subject: Office coffee Dwight: At 8 a.M. Today, someone poisons the coffee. Do not drink the coffee. More instructions will follow. Cordially, Future Dwight. —G.H.

10 of 22

Highly classified pranking Jenna Fischer on 'The Office'; Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("A Benihana Christmas," season 3, episodes 10 and 11) Pam gives Jim the ultimate Christmas gift: classified plans for a long-term prank on a completely oblivious "CIA operative," otherwise known as the assistant to the regional manager, Dwight Schrute. Dwight's mission, as determined by Jim, is to report to Langley headquarters via helicopter for training, followed by an ice cream social. Upon discovering he has been compromised, Dwight aborts the mission and destroys all evidence. In this prank, Dwight not only loses his dignity but also throws a perfectly good cell phone off the roof of Dunder Mifflin. —G.H.

11 of 22

"Rockin' Robin" John Krasinski on 'The Office'; Ed Helms on 'The Office'. NBC ("The Return," season 3, episode 14) Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) never misses an opportunity to remind everyone of three important facts: He went to Cornell University, ("You ever heard of it?"); he was drunk all the time; and, most importantly, he was a member of the a cappella group Here Comes Treble. When Andy records his own ringtone — a four-part a cappella version of "Rockin' Robin" — Jim decides enough is enough. With the help of Pam, Jim hides Andy's phone in the ceiling and then calls it repeatedly. The prank sends the Cornell alumni into an enraged spiral, and straight into anger management classes. ''Tweedly-dee. Tweedle-de-deet-deet....'' —G.H.

12 of 22

Yes, Dwight, that is the real Ben Franklin Rainn Wilson and Andy Daly on 'The Office'. NBC ("Ben Franklin," season 3, episode 15) When Jim is assigned to hire a stripper, he calls exactly who you'd think: the Scholastic Speakers of Pennsylvania. When Ben Franklin (Andy Daly) arrives, Jim reveals to Dwight that the man is not an impersonator; he is the real Benjamin Franklin. After trying unsuccessfully to stump "Ben" with a series of historical brain busters, Dwight raises his fists and yells at the sky. "I don't care what Jim says. That is not the real Ben Franklin," says Dwight. "I am 99 percent sure." (Bonus Beesly burn: When Ben tries to flirt with Pam by mentioning that he invented electricity, she reminds him that the real Ben Franklin had syphilis.) —G.H.

13 of 22

Pavlov prank Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski on 'The Office'. NBC ("Phyllis' Wedding," season 3, episode 16) Inspired by Pavlov's experiment, Jim trains Dwight to expect an Altoid at the sound of a computer log-in bell. After weeks of conditioning, Jim boots his computer, and Dwight immediately extends his hand. When he doesn't receive a mint, Dwight smacks his lips and wonders aloud why he has such a bad taste in his mouth. Turns out that paying attention in psych class pays off, and Dwight is successfully brainwashed. —G.H.

14 of 22

Scransylvania Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski on 'The Office'. NBC ("Business School," season 3, episode 17) Something's wrong with Jim. He feels all tingly. He can't touch garlic bread. His teeth feel...Sharper. He's sensitive to sunlight. When it comes to mythical creatures, Dwight has more experience with werewolves, but he can't deny the telltale signs that poor Jim is morphing into a vampire. Besides, as Dwight astutely points out, if a vampire was in the U.S., it would obviously "come to a '-sylvania.' Like Pennsylvania." Obviously. —G.H.

15 of 22

Dwight squared John Krasinski on 'The Office'. NBC ("Product Recall," season 3, episode 21) Question. Which Dwight is best: Dwight Schrute or Dwight Halpert? While it's less of a prank and more of a direct insult, Jim's impersonation of Dwight is too memorable — and dead-on — to leave out of our Office prank countdown. With a pair of $4 drugstore glasses, $7 for the rest of the ensemble, a calculator watch, and an unfortunate hair part, you too can become a Dwight look-alike! To be even more convincing as a Schrute, be sure to ask a series of nonsensical questions. Dwight's revenge: A messy hairstyle, a few goofy smirks, and some unabashed flirting with Karen Filippelli (Rashida Jones) — in other words, an equally hilarious impersonation of Jim. —G.H.

16 of 22

Do not open it till Christmas John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Moroccan Christmas," season 4, episode 12) Jim Halpert, always thinking of what to get his bullpen-mate for the holidays, decided to wrap Dwight's desk, chair, lamp, computer — basically everything — in Christmas wrapping paper. Or, that's what it looked like. It was the gift that kept on giving...Provided you watch it over and over again. —Marc Bernardin

17 of 22

It's 5 o'clock somewhere John Krasinski on 'The Office'. NBC ("Company Picnic," season 5, episode 28) Michael falls into a deep food coma after devouring an entire family-sized chicken pot pie for lunch, sacking out on his desk. So, naturally, Jim rallies the rest of his office mates for a simple yet effective prank: They fast forward the office clock to 5 pm to trick Michael into thinking it's quitting time. But they don't just stop there. Jim and Pam stealthily change Michael's watch without waking him, while Dwight — who needs to leave early for a horse doctor appointment (don't ask!) — dashes to his boss' car to adjust its clock. When Michael wakes up, he doesn't question a thing, packing up his briefcase and driving off. Free half-day for Dunder Mifflin Scranton! —James Mercadante

18 of 22

Self-sabatoge Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Murder," season 6, episode 10) Once a year, Dwight hosts an office seminar on the latest in martial arts — a 1,000-year-old practice that...Doesn't...Change. When no one volunteers to help Dwight demonstrate a defense move, Jim quickly seizes the opportunity to convince his co-worker that the only worthy adversary in the office is himself. With a series of well-placed questions and fake scenarios, Jim expertly leads Dwight into a full-on self-attack — one that ends in a punch to the groin. —J.M.

19 of 22

Dwight and the Beanstalk Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski on 'The Office'. NBC ("Garage Sale," season 7, episode 18) Dunder Mifflin Scranton is holding a public garage sale, and Dwight is on a mission to trade his way from a thumbtack to the priciest item there. At Jim's table, Dwight's eyes lock onto a mysterious package labeled "Professor Copperfield's Miracle Legumes." Jim claims they aren't but they keep reappearing every time he tries to destroy them. With an elaborate backstory and bogus demonstrations, Jim convinces Dwight that these magic beans — sorry, legumes — are legit, ultimately trading them for Dwight's telescope. (To keep the prank going, Dwight waters these seeds in a pot, which Jim swaps out with fully grown plants.) —J.M.

20 of 22

Face the fist Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager," season 7, episode 24) Dwight's temporary stint as the (acting) regional manager goes straight to his head: He installs vintage punch clocks, mandates a morning recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, inserts a piranha tank, and more. Jim — having declined the interim role and thinking it unnecessary — decides to counter these new practices by doing what he does best. Posting flyers, Jim launches a mock social club called "the Fist," excluding Dwight because, you know, they got the whole "Operation Overthrow" and everything that day. Now paranoid about his reputation, Dwight tries to reassert his authority by sporting a belt holster...Carrying a loaded gun. Needless to say, his promotion didn't last very long. —J.M.

21 of 22

Host hoax Rainn Wilson on 'The Office'. NBC ("Garden Party," season 8, episode 4) When Andy decides to host a garden party at Schrute Farms, Dwight goes all out to ensure it's a full-blown, upscale affair, and he has one secret weapon: The sole copy of The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Garden Party, a rare internet find for two bucks. Following the manual's detailed instructions — loudly announcing guests, performing courtly dances, and ending with a grand fire ceremony — Dwight is blissfully unaware that Jim is the true author of this exclusive manual, hiding behind the alias "James Trickington." The jokes write themselves...Literally. —J.M.

22 of 22

Dwight gets Truman Show-ed Randall Park on 'The Office'. NBC ("Andy's Ancestry," season 9, episode 3) Having a morning dentist appointment, Jim does not take a day off from pranking and hires his Asian American actor friend, Steve (Randall Park), to fill in for him at work. Immediately on the defense, Dwight is the only one who seems to notice (or care). But as "Jim" confidently shares company secrets, casually kisses Pam (who's in on the conspiracy), and swaps out a family photo with one depicting him and Pam with their biracial children, Dwight has to wonder: Has he been living with racial colorblindness the whole time? —J.M.

How To Winterize A House

  • Working time: Varies
  • Total time: Varies
  • Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate
  • Project cost: Free if completely DIY; contractor costs will vary by task
  • Whether you are closing up your beach house after Labor Day or getting your primary residence ready for the cold season, winterization is an important process that homeowners should not neglect for their property.

    The purpose of winterizing a home is to avoid higher energy costs and any damage caused by cold weather and snow. Here's how to winterize your home properly so that it can weather the season.

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    When To Winterize A House

    While the onset of the cold season will vary depending on your region, it's a good rule of thumb to begin the process of winterizing your home in early fall. If you decide to DIY it, this will give you plenty of time to do it at your own pace. However, if you are hiring a pro, you will need to schedule service appointments as soon as possible—perhaps even request them during the summer—so that you can get any necessary work completed before the weather turns for the worse.

    Tools and Materials

    Tools

  • Ladder
  • Telescoping gutter wand
  • Door sweep
  • Faucet covers
  • Furnace filter
  • Materials

  • Snowblower, shovels, and other snow removal tools, including de-icing agents
  • Caulk gun
  • Window film
  • Door sweeps
  • Instructions

    Winterizing your home means preparing it both inside and out for the cold weather. The following tasks don't necessarily have to be completed in order, but they should all be completed by the time the cold weather arrives.

    1. Clean the Gutters

    Gutters are the workhorses of your home's exterior. They direct rainwater and snow away from your roof to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. But gutters can't do this very important job when they're clogged with dead leaves and other debris. Whether you hire someone to do it for you or climb a ladder yourself, make sure your gutters are clear before the first snowfall.

    TIP: A telescoping gutter wand makes it easier and faster to clean your gutters.

    2. Inspect the Roof and Attic

    Now's the time to make any repairs to your roof so that it won't leak in the rain or the snow. If you have an attic, replace or add insulation to keep drafts out.

    TIP: Be sure to wear gloves whenever you are handling fiberglass insulation.

    3. Check the Chimney

    If you have a fireplace, you'll want to make sure the chimney is clear of any buildup. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so hire a chimney sweep to ensure it's clear and you can build fires safely all season.

    TIP: If you don't actively use your fireplace, inflate a chimney balloon and plug up the space to keep out the cold.

    4. Weatherproof Windows and Doors

    Cold air can creep in through windows and doors, so be sure to replace any weatherstripping around them. Apply caulking to seal any gaps around windows—you can also do this for any cracks in the siding, too. Unless you have newer, energy-efficient windows, you can apply window film to keep out the cold. A door sweep installed on the bottom of your door can keep drafts out, too.

    TIP: To find the source of a draft, hold a lit candle a couple of inches away from a window or door. If the flame is extinguished, apply caulking or weatherstripping to that spot.

    5. Protect the Pipes

    Frozen pipes can burst during the winter and cause major problems for homeowners. Here are some things you can do to avoid this wintertime nightmare:

  • Know the location of your main water shutoff so that you can access it quickly in an emergency.
  • Drain the water from outdoor sprinkler systems and garden hoses. Disconnect garden hoses from faucets and store them in a garage or shed. Cover the faucets.
  • Fix or replace any broken windows so that cold air can't get into a room and freeze pipes, particularly in the basement.
  • Walk the perimeter of your home and close off any other vents that you might have opened during the warmer weather.
  • TIP: If you're going to be away from your home during the winter, be sure to keep your thermostat set to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to keep your house at the right temperature so that your pipes won't freeze.

    6. Service the HVAC system

    Replace your furnace filter and schedule a service appointment so that your heating system is ready to go before you need it. This might mean scheduling a service call when you've got your AC pumping during the summer because service appointments can be hard to get during the height of the season.

    TIP: If you live in a climate where there are four distinct seasons, have your HVAC serviced twice a year so that it runs well in both the cold weather and hot weather.

    7. Prepare Your Patio and Deck

    This is particularly important if you live in a region where snow is likely. Cover patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, if possible, store it away in a garage or shed. If your deck is wooden, a fresh coat of sealant will protect it in wet weather.

    TIP: Some patio furniture can be left out in the cold weather without being damaged. It all depends on the material used in making it. Teak furniture, for example, can stand up to winter, though furniture made from other types of wood cannot. When in doubt, cover or store your outdoor furniture.

    8. Ensure Snow Removal Tools Are Accessible

    It's one thing to have a gassed-up snowblower ready and waiting in your shed. But it's another thing when a snowstorm dumps a foot of snow and you can't get to it. Well before there is even a single flake in the forecast, be sure that all of your snow removal tools, including shovels and de-icing agents like salt and sand, are out of storage and easily accessible when snow starts to fall. This might be a small task on your winterizing list, but it's an important one.

    TIP: Need new shovels or a snow blower? Buy them any time of year except during the winter, when supplies are low and prices are high. Your best chances to catch a sale will be before or after the snowy season, but know that inventory will likely be limited if you wait until after the winter.

    When to Call a Pro

    Winterizing a home can be a DIY project, but like with many home improvement projects, a professional like a general contractor can do it more quickly and easily. If you decide to prepare your home for winter on your own, allow yourself plenty of time before the cold weather arrives. If you discover any issues that could pose a hazard to yourself or your property, you should call in a professional right away so that you aren't left out in the cold in your own home this winter.

    Adding insulation around your plumbing pipes can help them avoid freezing during the winter. It's a simple DIY project that can be done in a few hours and doesn't cost much.

    — Johnathan Brewer II, expert general contractor, Advisory Board Member

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    From Pranks To A 'personal Assistant': How Flyers Are Welcoming Matvei Michkov

    VOORHEES, N.J. — With so much outside attention focused on one particular young Russian taking part in Philadelphia Flyers training camp, it was another young Russian who stole the show Friday in his session with local media.

    Egor Zamula, who has spent as much time as anyone with Matvei Michkov, including as his temporary roommate last month, detailed an innocent prank played on the rookie that morning. While the specific details are a bit difficult to glean — after all, Zamula, 24, is still learning the finer points of the English language himself — the gist of it seemed to be that a message was displayed at Michkov's locker, written in both in English and Russian, questioning, in Zamula's words, "Did you already find a U.S. Woman?"

    "I'm like holy … right away I'm like, it's too soon, guys, focus on hockey," Zamula said through a chuckle, before giving up that it was veteran defenseman Erik Johnson who was the brains behind the operation.

    They're just trying to make the 19-year-old feel comfortable. Having Zamula around, as well as goalie Ivan Fedotov, will, naturally, help. Zamula spoke about how they, along with Michkov's mother, Maria, and Fedotov's wife, Nadezhda, have been spending nearly every day together for the last few weeks, from visiting New York to watch the U.S. Open tennis tournament to cooking up various Russian cuisines that evoke feelings of home.

    "When I came back in August, into September, is when (Michkov's mom was) cooking some borscht soup, dumplings. I was (like), 'Thank you so much,'" Zamula said.

    Zamula — labeled by Johnson as "Michkov's personal assistant" — has embraced what seems to be a mentor role. He can recall his days as a teenager in the WHL when he didn't have any countrymen with whom to converse about hockey, life or anything else, so he can easily put himself in Michkov's shoes.

    Those lonesome days early into his time in North America left him "almost crying."

    "It's very hard when you're going home after good games or bad games, you want to speak with somebody, and you're talking with TV or your chair," Zamula said. "(The) boys helped me a lot, and I tried to understand them. I started growing, so now it's my turn because I understand how hard (that is). I try to do my best to help (Michkov) get comfortable here. It's different for him, for sure, but he will be fine."

    The Flyers naturally want to ensure that Michkov, like any young player they bring into the dressing room, forms bonds with all of his teammates, not just those who speak his native tongue. He's currently seated next to Johnson in the dressing room, which is probably by design as Johnson, now in his 17th NHL season, commands as much respect as anyone on the roster. After he was re-signed to a one-year contract in the offseason, Johnson, who shares the same agency as Michkov, mentioned that he had reached out to the youngster via Instagram.

    Several Flyers have mentioned that Michkov is attempting to acclimate himself as much as possible and as quickly as possible. Johnson sees that, too.

    "I'm sitting next to him in the locker room so I'll try and work with him on his English, but I think he's really working hard at it," Johnson said. "You can tell he's getting better. He's outgoing and personable, which is not something that you see all the time with new Russian players, so I think that's super encouraging for us and for him. I think he's got an appetite to get better at that. He seems willing to work and learn.

    "Super nice kid. Comes with a smile on his face, which is important for a young guy. I'm going to help him as much as I can, joke with him, have fun with him."

    Cam York echoed his teammate.

    "It's been impressive," York said of Michkov. "To be able to learn the language as quickly as he has, it's been fun to watch."

    Coach John Tortorella has enjoyed Michkov's presence so far, too, and not just because the winger could potentially give a needed jolt to the offense.

    "He's got some personality, right? He played with some personality out at the rookie game. So yeah, I like players with personality," Tortorella said. "I think it's boring sometimes in this league where there's no personality with guys. You can see the puck follows him. He's skilled. You can see that."

    It didn't take long for Tortorella to witness that camaraderie between Michkov and his new teammates. On Thursday, during the coach's notorious skating test, Michkov "fought through it. It wasn't easy for him. Guys were trying to help him out through the skate."

    Not that Tortorella was surprised to see that. He mentioned over and over last season how he felt the dressing room was especially strong in the tight bond that was formed among the players after some subtractions were made the previous offseason.

    That's vitally important now with a potential franchise cornerstone taking up residence.

    "I'd put (this) room up against any team in this league as far as how that room conducted itself last year," Tortorella said. "It's one of the better rooms I've been in. For young guys coming in — especially, I know all the stuff going around (Michkov), I know there's a lot more around him. They'll help him. That's very important for a 19-year-old kid."

    Still, Tortorella also suggested he's going to try and protect Michkov if he can. He doesn't want the team to turn into a one-man show in which the spotlight is always shining on the young winger.

    "I'll tell you right now, the hype is going to be controlled by me because he's 19 years old," Tortorella said. "You guys (the media) aren't getting him every day. It's not going to be the Mich show because I think it's unfair to him."

    Tamping down the hype, though, might be difficult, as Michkov's arrival has noticeably jolted the fan base. One team executive suggested that attendance for Saturday's season ticket holder event at the training facility was approximately double what it was last season. Orange, No. 39 Michkov sweaters were abundant.

    The player noticed.

    "I've never seen so many jerseys with (my name)," Michkov said through an interpreter Saturday.

    There could be many more already in production, but in the meantime, Michkov's teammates seem determined to ensure his path is as smooth as possible.

    "He's got those hands, that vision, he can make plays it seems," captain Sean Couturier said. "We'll see. I think we've got to be careful also to not judge right away. He's only 19, and he's coming to a new country. We've got to be patient and let him grow into the player he can be."

    (Photo: Brian Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images)






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