AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USObservations from Dallas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry about the late blog today, it’s been a busy day in Dallas trying to attend all the All-Star festivities. I flew out of Atlanta this morning on the same flight as Marian Hossa and Kari Lehtonen, which was interesting because I was curious to see how much recognition there was from the people at the airport.
Basically there was none. The two players representing the Thrashers were able to travel in anonymity - Kari’s name was even called over the loudspeaker when he was getting his seat assignment, and even then I’m not sure anyone recognized him. It’d be a little different, I imagine, traveling with Chipper Jones or Michael Vick, but if the Thrashers make a run in the playoffs, it might be harder for Lehtonen and Hossa to get around without shaking a few hands and signing some autographs.
We spent most of the afternoon here interviewing the different All-Stars - it’s obvious a lot of attention will be paid to Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, and for good reason. The two were the only active players to get their own press conference. But a big crowd of media surrounded Hossa when the rest of the players were brought out to talk.
It was interesting chatting with Dany Heatley. He said he still follows Atlanta pretty closely and misses playing with a lot of the guys. But obviously things are working out for him in Ottawa.
All right, I have to head to practice and make sure everybody gets through it okay. It’ll be interesting to see who Hossa skates with from the Eastern Conference.
Comments
By Ricardo in Snellville
January 22, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this
Danny WHO?
By Ricardo in Snellville
January 22, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this
Danny WHO?
By Brendan
January 23, 2007 01:15 AM | Link to this
Why would Heatley still follow Atlanta very closely? Ottawa’s in the Northeast Division. UNLESS he’s been monitoring, hoping to draw the Thrashers in the opening round of the playoffs. Of course, he and Ilya Kovalchuk are still friends who reportedly talk on nearly a “daily basis.”
Everyone is thrilled that Marian Hossa has worked out so well for Atlanta. And that Greg DeVries has contributed some, also. But another truth is that last year, Dany Heatley was a 50-goal scorer for Ottawa, and has already reached 30 this year. What’s good about a trade like this was that both teams benefitted from it. It took a while for Atlanta to feel that way, since Heatley took off from Day One in Ottawa last season, whereas Hossa took off like a rocket on January 2, 2006. The part of the deal that has always irked me is that … well … Heatley signed at a discount. His salary cap hit is $4.5 million, compared to Hossa’s $6 million. (Ummn, Kovalchuk’s cap hit is $6.5 million, to compare Heatley with a player of similar caliber and identical NHL tenure.) Ottawa’s economizing allowed last year’s Senators to have a lot more depth and talent. Depth and talent that they were FORCED TO SHED this year (Chara, Pothier, Smolinski, Havlat and others.) Last year, the Senators were the “overwhelming favorites” by most hockey website polls to win the Cup last year. I suppose I’m guilty of “shadenfreude” (German term, meaning “shameful joy,”) that it never materialized for Ottawa.
By Bob
January 23, 2007 08:16 AM | Link to this
Exactly. Dany who? I haven’t thought about Heatley in forever. Getting rid of a punk like him and getting a much better player in return, Hossa, will do that to you, I guess.
By Chris
January 23, 2007 08:45 AM | Link to this
I’m glad to see the AJC sprung to send Craig out to cover the action.
If the Thrashers end up holding on to the SE lead, we could be looking at a Sens-Thrashers 3 v 6 first round matchup.
Intriguing.
By MzScarlet
January 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
This is a bit off topic, but I just wanted to say that I had reserved judgment when Craig took over this position because I felt like his predecessor did an excellent job of reporting on the Thrashers. I have been pleasantly surprised and have thoroughly enjoyed Craig’s coverage. Thanks, Craig!!!
By Wayne
January 23, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
The NHL just can’t seem to catch a break…On the eve of the All-Star game in Dallas, what’s the big news there? Parcells retires.
By Bob
January 23, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Wayne, I just checked eBay to see what people were paying for All Star tickets, especially since it’s here next year and I want to go.
Guess what, tons for sale, there are buyers, but at BELOW FACE VALUE! I am shocked. I guess all 142 of us that want to go, will be able to go next year when it’s here.
By Thrasher_Ed
January 23, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this
What was the going rate for All_Star tickets Bob?
By Daniel
January 23, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this
Check out which locker Hossa’s is next to… Here I wonder why Heatley is wearing #16?
I realize the locker is assigned in alphabetical order, but just thought it was funny anyway.
Here’s to Hossa making MVP of the game!
By Bob
January 23, 2007 07:34 PM | Link to this
The ones I saw trade were $185 face value and they sold at 1/2 of that. Go to eBay right now and search NHL All Star Game tickets, there are tons for sale, and few bids.
By Paul
January 28, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this
AJC you are a bunch of censoring m******* g******* c********. I have you f*** bastards so bad. I hope you all rot in hell you c** pussys. Eat s** and die you retarded m*******. Get it.