Thrashers

By mw

December 5, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

This entire organization is awful. I have absolutely no hope the team will make the playoffs. I think it is time for Waddell to go. He has now been here 6 years and this organization hasn’t even sniffed the playoffs. the team has no chemistry. We are the the new New York Rangers. Just what I always wanted. a team with no heart. They stink. I sold the remainder of my season tickets to some SUCKER last week. THAnk god I am done with this crap. the only time I will see the ice again is when someone good shows up to play. they are embarrassing.

By Matt

December 5, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season, I was really excited about the signings and for the most part, I still am. However, the lack of chemistry and the inconsistancy has been extremely disapointing. I don’t Waddell as much as I blame Hartley for not getting the job done. I also blame the trainers and strength/conditioning coach for not getting our goaltenders ready for the season. Two goaltenders down, both with groin injuries. That’s just not a coincidence. I’m not going out on a limb and say there awful and they suck, because in reality, they don’t. The Thrashers have a ton of talent and if they can put the pieces together, I think they’ll be fine. But Hartley has got to right the ship. He’s got to get these guys playing together. I’m sick of Kovalchuck skating around and thinking he has to do it all. I think we are still a season or two away, but when it comes, it will be worth it.

By JB

December 5, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

We need to get to 500 and not lose anymore ground. Until this happens….the playoffs aren`t a reachable goal. December is so important.

Carolina will need to come back to earth along with the Rangers. We need a lot of help..I just don`t see it unless there is a shakeup of some kind.

By Iceman Joe

December 5, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, but in the games I’ve watched the Thrashers they seem to be a step slower than the really good hockey teams…I think we’ve been sold a bill of goods on just how talented this hockey team really is…

By Russ

December 5, 2005 04:54 PM | Link to this

Right now Tampa is on pace for 97 points and eighth in the Eastern Conference. I don’t believe there will really be eight teams that go as high as 97, I would think it will take more like 90-93 to get into the playoffs. If it were to take 93, the Thrashers would have to go 35-20 over there final 55 games. To do this they would have to go on a big streak of winning 8 out of 10 or something similar to that at some point. The effort they put forth from game to game is way too inconsistent to think they can ever go on that kind of run. Plus, the goalie situation is still a mess (although Berkheol and Garnett are both playing much better) and the defense is terrible. Those two factors put way too much pressure on the offense to score 5 goals every game to sustain a long winning streak. I hope I’m wrong, but at this point when you really look at what would have to happen it seems like a minor miracle is needed for the Thrashers to make a playoff run.

Please fire Waddell. It may not all be his fault, but he must have something to do with it since he is about the only one that has been hear since year 1. Someone has brought up that Lombardi, who used to be with San Jose is looking for a job. I don’t know much about him, but I know the Sharks have built through the draft and haven’t gotten too involved in free agency. They seem to have about as good and deep group of young players as any team in the league right now. He might be someone to seriously consider.

By John Crawford

December 5, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

When the goalies come back, the points will come easier. The second half will be better than the first. Even the 8th seed and a first round exit against Ottawa or whoever would be so very exciting to watch! I have been an Atlanta hockey fan since the Flames, and will be a Thrashers fan for as long. Stop jumping off the ship so soon….

By Brendan

December 5, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this

If we exchanged records with the Ottawa Senators, I don’t think we’d make the playoffs.

Too far? Probably. :)

Okay, let’s revise it. If we swapped rosters and KEPT OUR RECORD, I’m not sure we’d make the playoffs.

Then again, the Heatley-led Senators are pretty good.

Hey, I bet Senators’ GM John Muckler would be happy to fleece us yet again, and take Marc Savard off our hands at the trade deadline. Do the Sens have $2.28 mill in cap room? Actually, it’d only be a fourth of that, at the most. Atlanta would have paid him the remainder throughout the course of the season.

Hey, I’d be happy for Savvy. He and Heatley could sip “congratulatory champagne” out of the Stanley Cup, while laughing it up about their time in Atlanta.

Their chant, “From the outhouse, to the penthouse!” Followed, I imagine, by a chant of “OT-TA-WA! OT-TA-WA!! OT-TA-WA!!”

Why not? It’s happened BEFORE!!

It has?

Yes. Jiri Slegr won a Cup with Detroit in 2002. And Pascal Rheaume won a Cup with New Jersey in 2003. Don traded Pascal Rheaume to the Devils for a draft pick. Which, he later gave BACK to the Devils. For reasons that still remain a “mystery” to me. Can anyone tell me why that happened?

There’s a rumor going around the league offices that Don Waddell’s name can be chiseled into the Stanley Cup as an “honorary GM” for the Ottawa Senators.

When the NHL produces its annual Stanley Cup Championship video, the following can be written on the back cover: “The Ottawa Senators would like to extend ‘Special Thanks’ to Don Waddell, who made all of this possible. Thank you for Brian Pothier, Dany Heatly, and Marc Savard. What’s more, thank you for relieving us of the burden of Damian Rhodes, Shawn MacEachern, Marian Hossa, Greg deVries, and Peter Bondra.”

Although, if Ottawa could have landed Bondra for his reported $505,000 in base salary, they SUUUUURE woulda kept him.

Look, folks. It’s time to think about draft picks. It’s time to think about whether we want to keep Slava Kozlov at 30-what? Can we keep Bondra? Would he re-sign for $505,000? Can we keep Marc Savard? Savvy’s gonna come looking for $5 million, especially if he outscores Marian Hossa, who makes $6 million next year.

I’d keep Savard. I don’t know that I’d go up to $5 million for him. There comes a point of diminishing returns. I’d try to lock him up long-term, four years, $15 million. That’s just short of $4 million-a-year. But, he’ll probably get better offers.

Then again, Savvy’s how old? In a league that emphasizes “youth movement.”

It’s time to think “long term.” The Thrashers “house” was built and furnished without a roof, on a shaky foundation.

It’s time to repair the foundation. And if need be, repour the cement.

It starts at the trade deadline. Then the draft. Then free agent fishing.

My advice? Teams with cap room will be struggling to make the playoffs. Pick a Western Conerence Team that you think will “fail,” even with the player you’re handing them, then take their 1st round pick next year. Better still, take their 1st and 2nd round picks.

Go get some young talent that’s just “thrilled” to be in the NHL, “no matter where.”

By kracker

December 5, 2005 05:36 PM | Link to this

You’re way to full of your self, dude.

By jimmy

December 5, 2005 06:27 PM | Link to this

totally agree with kracker. brendan, why don’t you just publish your own newspaper or maybe the thrashers will consider you for the next g.m.

By Matt

December 5, 2005 06:49 PM | Link to this

Some of you are like the UGA fans who spout “fire Richt” if the Dogs lose a game. Fire Waddell…if you’ve been watching the Thrashers for any length of time, it’s clear that we have far more talent that at any other time in franchise history.

Enough to make the playoffs…we’d have to get much better goaltending and much more consistency for that to happen. Definitely a longshot, but not out of the realm of possibility.

I think it’s more likely to require 85-90 points to make it into the playoffs…nearly all teams have slumps, and that will happen to most of the ones ahead of the Thrashers. To get there, they’d have to win 30-35 of their remaining 55 games, +/-. Tough, but doable.

Brendan, repeat after me…Heatley asked to be traded, Heatley asked to be traded. Maybe if you ask real nicely the team will refund you the $75 you spent on your #15 jersey. And yeah, Slegr and Rheaume won Cups…but the water boy did more for both of those teams than either of those guys, who were both close to worthless for the Thrashers and needed to be traded. And if Ottawa DOES win the Cup, it would be about time…they’ve been the preseason team to beat for years and besides, you could go around crowing about how your doomsday scenario of Dany sipping from the Cup came true and how Brian Pothier is the next coming of Bobby Orr.

By Bob

December 5, 2005 07:04 PM | Link to this

10 points out is 5 games. If this were any other league, 5 games out with 55 to go is nothing. Tampa was 9 points behind us after a victory at Christmas and went on to win the Cup. Get the goaltending stable with Kari and we’ll go on a run barring any other key injuries.

By old toothless hockey player

December 5, 2005 08:07 PM | Link to this

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This blog thing has sure changed since the start of the season.

People here began the season by boasting about the Cup somehow ending up in Atlanta.

“The Leafs will not make the playoffs” I have read on many occasions. “The only teams that have a chance in the East is Philly, Ottawa and Atlanta” I have read. ( Hee Hee)

Pretty sad down there right now.

I maintain my past views. I have said since the start of the season that Atlanta is nothing but a bunch of floating. lazy Euros who do not care about defence and will somehow be AWOL when and if the Thrashers make the playoffs. (Toronto has Euros too but they are mostly Sweedish or they are not soft, defensive liabilities.

Atlanta is like the Ottawa Sens of old, although even the Sens would win some games in the reg. season.

Have fun done there guys. Perhaps the manager is not so much the problem as the coach is. You may need a task master type guy on the bench.

Either way, too bad the Leafs will not get Atlanta in the playoffs. We have already outscored them by 18 to 2 over three games.

By Mark

December 5, 2005 08:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Slegr won the cup with Detroit. But only through the grace of Bowman who had no choice but to play him in game #7 after Slegr played his way into Scotty’s doghouse. If not for that, he’d not have his name on the cup.

By Mark

December 5, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this

Sorry, slip of the keyboard. Not game #7 but game 5 was Slegr’s reprieve.

By BarryJ

December 5, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt, I want YOU to repeat after ME: “Restricted Free Agent…RESTRICTED FREE AGENT”.

Learn it and truly understand what it means, as it applies to our former cornerstone in one Dany Heatley.

Well, I hope you’re happy as the nightmare is coming true—and I hope you’re happy in that he went to a CONFERENCE RIVAL (which should never happen under any circumstance short of extreme extortion). That alone is grounds for dismissal for your apparent neighbor or relation in one Don Waddell.

Serve up the next round of EXCUSES, if you please…I’ll be looking forward to them with baited breath…

Now, back to the alleged beat-writer’s question concerning the viability of the Thrashers’ playoffs hopes.

John, is this even a serious question? You can do better than that, can’t you?

(Oh, and by the way, Jason Spezza was the SECOND player taken overall in 2001—behind one Ilya Kovalchuk. Maybe you’ve heard of him? I can’t be certain, but he does play for the team you, again, allegedly cover for the AJC. Check your AJC article a couple of weeks ago and forgot to mention to ya’…Actually quite embarrassing, but that’s not the first time now, is it?)

We deserve much better on many, many counts…

By Stan

December 5, 2005 08:57 PM | Link to this

Speeza… Yeah that guy that got sent down to the minors 2 years ago after not cutting the mustard and everyone in Ottawa wanted to trade him. Yeah I heard of him. He is on a line with two all-stars. Stick Lessard on that line and he will produce.

By Stan

December 5, 2005 09:04 PM | Link to this

Also you guys who want Waddell fired… imagine two years ago Michael Vick getting into an accident killing teammate Rossum. Taking your cornerstone and arguably best special teams guy out of the equation. Somehow you have to figure out how this guy is going to be when he returns and how the team is going to be without him then with him not being the same again. And have a fundemental rules change, institution of a salary cap, & ownership change to adapt to as well. I’ll give Waddell a pass until next year.

By BarryJ

December 5, 2005 09:14 PM | Link to this

Stan—Not a terrible analogy to Vick/Rossum, but I dare say that the organization would NOT then trade a ‘potentially’ damaged Vick to the Washington Redskins…Wouldn’t it be wiser to send him to the AFC, so we won’t have to see him repeatedly???

The risk is simply too great to trade someone to a conference opponent (and that is certainly not a revolutionary concept—it’s actually pretty basic and some teams live by this motto when making any trades at all)…

But we have a nice guy who has others’ interests at heart BEFORE the organizations’ or the fans’ interests…and that is simply unacceptable. Period.

Feel free to subsidize the incompetence. Don’t blame me when we’re into Year Seven of the original Five-Year Plan without any real chance of making a serious run in the playoffs…

By Brendan

December 5, 2005 10:24 PM | Link to this

I would like to believe that Atlanta is a playoff team, or could be one. But I’m not really “buying” that goaltending is our problem.

Certainly, it has “contributed” to the troubles. But I think the real trouble has been trying to win games while playing shorthanded. The reason we take so many penalties may reside in our team being too slow. Teams just can’t get away with cluching and grabbing anymore.

And, at times, our powerplay just shuts down for an entire game.

Mark is correct about Jiri Slegr. Bowman was forced into using Slegr in Game Five, due to an incident involving Jiri Fischer, which didn’t allow Fischer to play the final game.

But it does bother me that Thrasher castoffs go on to success elsewhere, even if their roles are diminished. They still MADE THE ROSTER of a Stanley Cup winning team.

Just once, I want these “castoffs” to become “utter failures” and “cancers” on other franchises.

So we, as Thrashers fans, can say, “Boy we did the right thing dumpin’ that guy. Whew! We dodged a bullet.”

“Heatley requested a trade.” What if he’d requested urinal cakes? But not just urinal cakes, “pine scented” urinal cakes.

Does it mean he should get it?

Well …. He’s a restricted free agent. Atlanta owned him until he turned 27. And while he never ever had to re-sign with Atlanta, I doubt he’d opt to stay out of the NHL for two-straight years, and potentially damage his “value.”

He’d play for the Thrashers. And what’s more, he’d succeed. He’s a professional. And he plays the game with heart. He loves hockey. Hockey is, by his own admission, therapudic for him.

He’s not going to go out there and stink it up. Especially with linemates like Bondra and Savard. Or Kozlov. He’d manage. Maybe he plays with Kovalchuk again.

And if he still doesn’t want to play in Atlanta, we ship ‘im to St. Louis, for picks and players.

By Russ

December 5, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this

Well, the Thrashers just lost again. Garnett had been playing pretty well. He was brutal tonight. Now somewhere around 35-19 is needed the rest of the way to make the playoffs. As usual Thrasher fans can look forward to four months of meaningless hockey games and checking who the top prospects in the upcoming draft are.

By JB

December 5, 2005 11:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Tooth………Wait till you make the playoffs(which you will) before you brag. You are probably gonna draw Philly or Tampa in Rd 1…..Bye Bye………Our situation is starting to look bleak……We ain`t gonna make it boys……Just enjoy the game and hope for Lombardi or Fletcher.

By Matt

December 6, 2005 12:18 AM | Link to this

Okay, sure…restricted free agent…and still one who didn’t want to be in Atlanta. So I guess the big idea then is to force him to play for you and ask him to be the smiling face of your organization to the public. Good thinking. And by the way, if he had wanted pine-scented urinal cakes to stay here, I’d have bought them myself and placed them in there before every game. And I do think he would have stayed out two straight years, and I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t have harmed his value all that much. There were more questions about him this year than if he had played over in Europe and torched them.

So you didn’t want him traded to a conference “rival.” How brilliant of you! Of course an out of conference trade would have been preferable. No doubt the great Barry J. would have been able to to get Hejduk and Forsberg for Dany, because the guy with the third most goals and fifth most points over the past two seasons, plus a top 4 defenseman, isn’t good enough. Uncle Don says that’s the best he could get, though. But if we make it into the playoffs against Ottawa, and they boot us because Dany’s lighting us up, you cook the crow and I’ll eat it…smiling because at least we took the first step into the playoffs.

By the way, let’s not forget that Dany was on this team before and we were hardly world-beaters then, and he wouldn’t be the answer to all of our woes now. He’s just playing on a much better team and having a great season…good for him, now move on.

Meanwhile, we just collapsed in Phoenix, not doing much for my optimism that we can still reach the playoffs.

By BarryJ

December 6, 2005 06:46 AM | Link to this

Wow, Matt—if you believe everything you read in the paper, then I simply don’t know what to say and feel quite sorry for you.

I never said we could get three superstars for one—I would have been happy to wait half a season, target the likely lowest finishers in the WESTERN CONFERENCE (brilliant place to start, ain’t it?), and offer Heatley up for the all-time low price of their (likely) lottery first-round pick.

Now, how many teams do you think would have jumped at that? Funny, but we’ll NEVER know as some around here apparently believe everything they read in the silly paper. Sounded more like Donny targeted one team and put the proverbial blinders on. And if another (remember—WESTERN CONFERENCE) team wants to offer a first and second, then let the bidding war commence. I know one more thing—I’d rather have a ham sandwish from St. Louis in return for Heatley as opposed to helping the Ottawa Senators’ cap situation (1) along with giving them a great player with some concerns (2). We did both—go back and do the research—it’s true (even according to the all-knowing AJC).

But, then again, I’m not the brilliant Don Waddell and it’s completely out of the realm of possibility…See, the paper said it was the ‘best’ he could do—therefore it must be true.

Uh-huh, again, if you haven’t figured out by now that articles are written by human beings who have personal biases and (GASP!) personal agendas, then you’ll simply have to live longer in order to grow wiser on the subject. I can do nothing to convince you except look forward to hearing from you years from now.

I do know one more thing: To even contemplate giving a (potentially damaged)recognized player of his generation to either a conference or division rival is borderline criminal—unless the terms were so outrageously favorable. Sorry, but I didn’t like the terms then and I absolutely detest them now. Now articles are appearing even in the precious AJC to attempt to deflect the avalanche of impending criticism (in my opinion). The hockey world has sure taken notice—and what do ya’ think they’re saying?

I would take LESS to ship a player that could HAUNT me for years as far away as possible—so that I only see him twice every three years (and ONLY more if meeting in the Finals)…Gee, that’s not so hard now, is it??? I know, I know—‘THE PAPER’ said it was the best deal Don could get…Or, wait a minute, did ‘Uncle Don’ say that? Yeah, that’s real credible and not SELF-SERVING, right? Go on believing everything you read—and then click your heels three times and wish for a playoff berth and maybe, oh maybe, it will come true and we’ll all be in Kansas!

No, only one conclusion can be drawn: Don made a terrible decision. It will haunt us for years. It has taken all of one quarter of one season for it to blow up literally in our face. Wow, can’t wait for the next DECADE! Hope you all have got your “Blueland” gear! (that’s another of Donny’s ideas, by the way)

Now, getting smoked by Ottawa in the first round is completely out of the question—if only we could be so “lucky”…

By BarryJ

December 6, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this

Oh, Matt, and one more thing—Our own esteemed local beat writer (Manasso) wrote a couple of weeks ago (in a Sunday ‘Inside the NHL’ column) that Jason Spezza was the top pick of the 2001 NHL draft.

Gee, I’ll guess we’ll have to revise history as ‘THE PAPER’ can never be wrong…

(p.s.—You see, the factual top pick of the 2001 draft was one Ilya Kovalchuk—only a prominent player on the team our brilliant beat writer is assigned to cover…I can see how that happens.)

That’s just a primitive example—but I hope it’s educational. We’ll get to deeper analysis at another time…

By Lars

December 6, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this

You guys are missing the point. You are arguing about who should close the barn doors now that all the horses have escaped. Don Waddell doesn’t need to be fired — if anyone needs to be fired, it is the conditioning staff (they should at least be sweating). When we lose games by scores like 9-1, 7-5, 6-3 you have to recognize that it is the goaltending that is lacking. Teams win games when they have scored just one goal, let alone 3 or 5. Our dependence on goaltenders that are, at best, second-tier NHL, and at worst second-tier AHL, is our achilles heel.

Garnett will get better (don’t forget he was taken in that 2001 draft more than 100 spots before we got that other goalie, Pasi Nurminen), and I know that is little consolation as we sit at third place in the worst division in the league — but he will get better. And, when Lehtonen gets back, and Dunham gets back, and even Shields gets healthy, later this season, this board will be suffused with complaints about our glut of goalies as we make our mid-season run at a playoff spot (laugh all you want, but teams with that kind of goal play harder than the ones trying to stay king of the hill).

And BarryJ, how about backing up your example with a link? I can’t find where Manasso ever reffered to Jason Spezza as anything other than “play-making center Jason Spezza” (see “Heatley’s strong start”, November 3). Or would you just rather we don’t believe anything YOU say?

By Bob

December 6, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

Another year, another same old junk. Last night reminded of watching games in Year 1. The players are different except for Stefan and he gets no ice time now, the coach is different, there’s one thing constant here. It’s Waddell. Jettison him and get a hockey guy in here that knows how to build a club.

Matt, wake up and smell the coffee pal. What, do you like Waddell because he takes the time to talk to you at these breakfast and lunch blow smoke up your rear sessions? Please. This guy is so far out of his league, we need to send him back to the AHL. Guess what? He’s clear waivers too. We are the laughing stock of the NHL. This team is talent laden? Ok, the Rangers were talent laden too, no chemistry kills a hockey club. Overpaid and old hockey players like Holik, Bondra, Kozlov can’t cut it in today’s fast paced NHL. Ottawa dumped Hossa for a reason and added Heatley and bam, look at their fortunes. Muckler is laughing his rear off at “Donny”. Sure Heatley has the best young center in his league in Spezza and anyone would thrive on a line with Spezza and Alfie, but Heatley brings that hockey sense and will to win that changes teams. Should Waddell have stonewalled Heatley. I don’t know, but I do think that if Waddell has been proactive and would have signed Heatley and Kovalchuk long term back when the 2004 season ended, instead of jumping at the change to bring Slowdry in here, our fortunes would be much better. But that’s Waddell’s plan of attack and has been for all 6 years now, twiddle his thumbs and negotiate dollars instead of looking at the big picture and signing quality players that have chemistry.

the most damning thing for Waddell is looking back and all the crap dmen and goalies he’s brought in here and looking at his crap drafting.

Waddell will go, there is no doubt in that. Even he knows it’s coming, he’d be blind not to see it, he has failed completely. The key is for the owners to replace him with a hockey guy with proven success who knows how to find good hockey players.

I don’t think you’ll ever see Waddell in the NHL at the GM level again, everyone in the league knows it, we’re a laughing stock, once again.

By Brendan

December 6, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this

Another excellent post “by Bob.” Excellent points.

While I don’t think Waddell is the worst GM in the league, I have to agree what a lot of what Bob said. With Don sitting on the “rules committee,” he had to know changes were afoot with defensemen. And then he picks 6’7” Boris Valabik.

In 2003, he passed on Dion Phaneuf, 9th overall selection, in favor of Braydon Coburn, 8th overall. I really thought Coburn would be on this roster at this point, but I do trust Hartley’s judgement as to when Coburn is ready to play at this level.

Mark, I think Heatley would have come around. Heatley didn’t issue an ultimatum. He made a request. Now, the “truth” is anyone’s guess. I’m not the FBI, tapping phone lines. I don’t know what was said by either Waddell or Heatley.

Maybe Don said something like, “I understand how you feel, Dany. But won’t you just sleep on it. Or give it a week and see if you still feel the same. I’ll provide the best therapists that money can buy, Dany. IF you need a year off, take it!! We’re willing to work with you, Dany. But we can’t just ‘cut you lose.’ And we won’t deal you unless it benefits the Thrashers.”

All of the above is different from “forcing him to play.” I’m not 100-percent against trading Heatley. I’m against trading him to a conference opponent who will victimize us in the future, and potentially block our route to the Stanley Cup. I furthermore don’t think Hossa and deVries are “bad players.” I merely think they are “overpriced.” I would have even prefered taking 5-years’ worth of 1st round picks off St. Louis, in hopes that “one” of those picks might turn into a player of Heatley’s caliber. It also frees up a little “cap room,” doesn’t it?

St. Louis appears headed to the 1st overall selection, lottery results permitting.

I want to be clear about something else. I think Dany Heatley deserved a second chance. I think Dany Heatley was genuinely remorseful over what happened, was suffering over the loss of his friend and teammate. I think he’s a very fine hockey player. I just don’t see why we had to bend over and grab our ankles to ensure the prosperity of his hockey career by sending him to a legitimate Cup contender in the interests of a “feel good story” for the NHL.

Here’s the headline: “Heatley: From Vehicular Homicide to Stanley Cup Champion. Read about his amazing journey.”

Follow up story: “Don, the humanitarian.”

That sells newspapers.

Look, Don Waddell might be the best “next door neighbor” you could ever hope to have. But this trade didn’t really do the Thrashers any favors.

Maybe upon hearing the news that Don intends to ship him to the last place Blues, a team with “salary cap issues,” Dany decides “Atlanta’s not so bad after all.”

By old toothless hockey player

December 6, 2005 01:04 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind guys that the Ottawa press was all over the Sens for trading Hosa for Heatly. Most fans were sitting on the edge of their seats hoping and praying that Danny worked out. Most did not think it would, and believed that Atlanta had won that trade hands down. They all knew that if Danny turned it around it would equal itself out but nobody predicted the chemistry that has evolved between Spezza and him.

Mr. Waddell did what he had to and got a great player in return. Hosa is dangerous when he is on his game. I do not think that you have seen the best of him yet.

Cheers,

By JB

December 6, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

Ok Barry J and Brendan……here is what I found on Dean Lombardi:

Last seen as super scout for the Philadelphia Flyers.

March 6 1996, the Sharks placed Lombardi in charge of the club’s hockey operations. Similar to the example set by Keith Allen in Philadelphia, Bill Torrey in New York, and Glen Sather in Edmonton, Lombardi surrounded himself with winners.

“One of the first things I did was take the approach that if you’re going to war you want a few guys around that picked up a gun once in a while,” Lombardi says. “If you look at my staff, you see people like John Ferguson, Doug Wilson, Darryl Sutter, Barry Long, and Wayne Thomas

Lombardi is the brightest general manager I’ve ever worked with,” Ferguson says without hesitation. “He knows players, he’s an extremely bright man, and he works hard.”

Assets are that he knows talent and believes in bringing a core of young players along at the same time.

He was also a meddling GM and constantly clashed with Sutter and ownership( somehow I like this)

Another problem percieved was getting the restricted free agents signed before the season starts. This was always Dean Lombardi’s Achilles’ heel — it seems like every season had key holdouts. (Uh Oh says JB)

At worse bring him in as an adviser……maybe DW will quit.

By BarryJ

December 6, 2005 03:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Lars, I encourage you to find the Sports section of the AJC dated 11/6/05. Our esteemed beat-writer spoke of Heatley doing well in Ottawa and that he is teamed with Spezza, who was the “first overall pick of the 2001 entry draft”.

Next question, chief?

Excellent comments and additions (by most, that is)—I’m picking up on the emotion of the group here…As in the ‘real’ world, the customer is ALWAYS right.

I don’t know much about potential GMs, etc. (but liked what was stated about Lombardi)…Heck, can it be too much worse? Wait, don’t answer that…

I’ve said it before and will repeat: I WILL go down the ‘rebuilding’ road again—BUT I will NOT go down this road with Don Waddell again. Those are my conditions. They are very simple and quite generous, don’t you think?

Do whatever else you will with the team, but I will subsidize his utter incompetence NO LONGER. Heck, I’ll even help him move.

By Brendan

December 6, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

Help him move! Chuckling. I like your feistyness, BarryJ! I can actually see you haulin’ boxes up the driveway. “Anything to speed your departure, Don.”

Okay, kudos to JB for finding the scoop on Dean Lombardi. Sounds like a bag of “mixed reviews.”

Okay, let’s face it. We’re never gonna hear these words: “I tell you, Ron McLean, there’s only one GM job in the league that I’ll even consider. And the Thrashers simply aren’t returning my calls.” — Scotty Bowman

By JB

December 6, 2005 04:53 PM | Link to this

I look in my crystal ball and:

It will be our luck that we will get red hot just after the Olympic break. But JUST miss the playoffs. Everybody will say….man wait till next year…we will be great..We will get a horrible draft spot…..Don will draft some Czech who stays in Europe. Come September, Kari will pull out his groin in training camp…..Everybody will start calling for Don`s head again and Cliff Fletcher will be down In Florida replacing Keenan and have Florida right behind Ottawa in the east.

Somebody wake me up….I`m having a nightmare

By Brendan

December 6, 2005 04:54 PM | Link to this

Russ, I remember you post something on an earlier blog about why TEAM USA picked Don Waddell to manage them. Something like, “They wanted someone who’d be available in February.” You may have been right!

I want to give you “proper credit.” You were the 1st to say it.

BarryJ has advanced the notion that Don Waddell puts everyone else’s interests ahead of the Thrashers. First it was Rick Dudley, GM of the Florida Panthers, in the 2002 Draft, over Jay Bouwmeester. Then it was Dany Heatley’s need to vamoose outta town. And now, Don’s focused on TEAM USA matters.

“A Waddell, divided, cannot stand.”

Or so says George Costanza.