Thrashers

By LAC

January 29, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

Colburn does NOT need to go back to Chicago… He needs to go to Edmonton for Lupal, a young right winger who can score, EMD needs defense bad.

Slater to Detroit along with number #1 and something else for Daysuzk, no it’s spelled wrong, but that would be a steal.

Then we have Brathwait and Garnnett, easy to trade them, devries, has to go as well. Then waiver rucchin/kappenan and HOPE someone takes them, reduces salary and opens up space for some winners.

But most of all before this season is LOST… don waddell MUST BE FIRED !

By matimbo

January 29, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

If Coburn gets sent down does that mean he will have to clear waivers? I don’t think he would make it do you?

By Barry

January 29, 2007 02:31 PM | Link to this

Vish gets benched? If any dman should be benched it should be DeVries. His bad play and mistakes with the puck should put him on the bench.

By sisu

January 29, 2007 02:48 PM | Link to this

So any news on how soon the team may make a move or are they in the wait and see mode?

Coburn will need to keep playing so he will go to Chicago…

By Jenn

January 29, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

Coburn does not have enough years/games at the pro level to be subject to waivers.

Yes - Devo should be sat/waived whatever. But he won’t, because he was on BH’s team in Colorado.

And we don’t need a winger that can score - we need a playmaking center. Period.

By LAC (as in " LACking Intelligence " )

January 29, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

LAC should be fired for wasting his employer’s time by posting such ill-conceived ideas.

Leave Don Waddell alone, you simpleton.

Why don’t you and that rude, obnoxious, self-centered idiot with the tacky, white helmet and the Stanley Cup on his head go stickhandle each other?

By Tom

January 29, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

If I was Don, I would

• send Slater and Coburn down. Slater to learn to shoot, Coburn to get experience because that boy is not ready for prime time.

• or trade the two for a center that has a clue. Every day we hear about Rucchin centering great lines, but at the end of the day he and Kolvy are never on the same page. You have degraded the center position on Kolvy’s line by 60 points.

The Thrashers have turned into a team of 4 stars and a host of C level players. When the difference is that glaring, teams are able to focus on the stars and IGNORE the others. Outside of Kovalchuk, Hossa, Lehtonen, and Kozlov, only #16 is carrying the water.

Our defense is not stepping up at critical times and teams never feel out of the game when they play the Thrashers. Witness the Islander game, we go up 3-0 and Jaffe is optimistic calling the game because he tells the NY audience that the Thrashers are unable to put away other teams. And boy was he proved right.

The team needs a leader right now. Mellanby is a great captain, but his wheels are not good enough anymore to carry the team. Kovalchuk and Hossa are skilled players, but their style is not going to inspire a team to charge up the hill.

The ball is in Waddells court right now. Last year he promised the playoffs, this year the team has put them in position to be a playoff contender if and only if Waddell steps up to the plate and makes the moves the team needs to.

Otherwise, the playoffs will look interesting to watch again as an outsider on Versus.

By kevin

January 29, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

We need a center before the trade deadline, if Waddell waits to long any playoff position will be jeopardized. This team depends too much on four players, we have no scoring depth. When J Sim and G Metropolit are your 4th and 5th leading scorers you have to question your offensive capabilities. If the team were to lose any of the big three or Kari the season would be gone.

Perhaps the biggest question is how G. Devries stays in the lineup. I haven’t come across a single person who believes this guy brings anything to the table except for Kamal and Odgers. Slow, out of position, no physical presence whatsover, no offensive presence. Time for Hartley to quit playing favorites and play the best six. I’d try to move Devries and picks for a second center but his salary might kill such a move.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 29, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

Hot Damn! Sutton’s Back (Never thought I’d say that)hopefully Sut’s can re-vitalize the PK and the POWERPLAY!!! MEMO TO DON WADDELL: It is now time to trade some of our depth at the Blueline for a 1st Line Center! Get in the action, PLEASE!! I am sick of losing when we have no business losing AKA to Philly twice, Phoenix, and a few other where we lead and blew it. Time for Mellanby, Holik to earn the big bucks and step up in the lockerroom and call out some of these guys who are playing so lethargic!

By The Falconer

January 29, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

This log jam will take care of itself as the trade deadline approaches in my opinion. There are ALWAYS teams looking for defensemen and we need a center.

To me the more disturbing thing was reading that the players think they need more “patience” on the power play. This team already stands around too much on the PP.

By sisu

January 29, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Conroy is gone…went to Calcary

By Tony C.

January 29, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Ok

That was bad. I think that the other people on here have nailed it as far as what is needed to take this team “to the next level”…..It was interesting to hear the announcers comment on Rucchin “now he gets to play with the next generation of great scorers”…that’s the nicest way to say “Boy does that guy look old and slow” that I’ve ever heard.

The money DW gave him still rankles. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a perfect 3rd line center….only problem is we have three other 3rd line centers!!!!

ugh.

Positive notes: Kappanen is getting more comfortable with Hoss and Slava-Matic…Coach needs to massage this guy’s ego or something…that flip in front of the net was his best O-fensive play in weeks…send him to the hypnotist or something.

Trade DeVo?? man wouldn’t I like to?

LAC: Slater plus #1 for Datsuyk??? Don’t we wish!!!

I wonder if Vish is on the block-he has a middle-of-the-raod salary, and a good rep as a hitter…might be able to trade quality-for-quality with him….Although I do feel that DeVo would be the “most logical” choice to cut bait on….

Nittymaaki gets up for games against The Kid…but still I think Le Thrash lost much moreso than the Flyers beat them.

Coach needs to get off of his player’s @sses and onto DW’s….a team of 3.5 scoring wingers and a bunch of 3rd-line centers aren’t going to make much noise in the playoffs…and the fans will NOT show up at the ticket window this summer after a 1st-round sweep.

also the ‘08 All-Star logo looks pretty tight huh?

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By GaVaHokie

January 29, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Vishnevski has always been the liability on Devo’s line pairing. I don’t even find him to be that electrifying of a “checker” for being out of position so much. Why is Devo out of position? Because he’s having to cover too much ice because of Vish.

Datysuk is a free agent at the end of the year. Trading Slater for Datysuk is not as far fetched in the NHL as it used to be… it would bring Detroit way under the cap and a huge player in the summer free agency market that will include guys like Ladislav Nagy.

By LAC

January 29, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Gee Thanks don for your comments… You MUST be a uga grad…, like they say…Can The Big Dog Read ?????

You know nothing about NHL hockey or the like… you should read the other great posts here rather than showing you are what you are…

Oh Yes…BTW, Not a work, too rich for that any longer, I let simple people like you make ME money !!!!

By GaVaHokie

January 29, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not too concerned about Conroy going to Calgary… I know people knock our Centers, but we have good role-players at that position. Rucchin and Holik are great defensive forwards and excellent in the face-off circle. Metro and Kappanen aren’t really being paid that much, so you can’t be too upset with that.

What this team really needs is a big body to stand in front of the net… currently holding this position? 41-year old Scott Mellanby. And Kudos for him for putting his body on the line every night!

By Thrasher_Ed

January 29, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

Interesting read on ESPN.com under NHL rumors has the THRASHERS looking at Jason Cullimore or possibly Bryan Smolinski? I like the sound of the fact that we had scouts there looking or possibly Wadds is talking trade?

By michael

January 29, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

The Flames have traded to the Kings for Craig Conroy.

By GaVaHokie

January 29, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info Thrasher_Ed… I hadn’t heard that one yet. I was just thinking about that possibility earlier today.

Cullimore is HUGE… 6’5 244 lbs and moves good, however a lethargic player… just picture a mirror image of Sutton… for better or worse.

Smolinski is another face-off guy, goes into scoring droughts and hasn’t put up great playoff numbers.

By Brendan

January 29, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

I hope we do not get Cullimore. Chicago’s been looking to unload him and his contract since October! He’s not really a “new” NHL kind of defenseman. Craig Conroy had one (1) even strength goal all year. I think he could have been an “improvement,” perhaps. But I never saw him as “the solution.”

I wonder what Hartley says he wants, ya know? Colorado is a potential Western Conference trading partner. I wonder if Hartley has presented his “wish list” to Don just yet. They probably “talk” all the time. But I wonder if Hartley really has said, “here are the guys I think would be a ‘perfect fit’ or ‘good fit’ here.” Don should ask him for input. And if not, Hartley should nudge his GM anyway!

By Sara

January 29, 2007 06:17 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows what the problems are - they’ve been the same for a while. The question is what to do about it. As far as the PP goes - while there is much talk of finding a PP quarterback, our PP was working quite well with the current roster earlier in the season. They need to re-tool their strategy more than they need to find new blood to play on it.

A new center - a better center - is a must. We need two dangerous lines, not 1 and 1/3. DW has said several times he is looking. Conroy was one option. Forsberg is another. However, he is going to have to hurry to get a deal done or there won’t be anything left. Lots of teams need an upgrade at center, with not enough centers to go around. If he can’t get someone decent, he might need to consider getting a higher quality winger to put with Kovy. But something has to be done to improve that line.

By Bob

January 29, 2007 07:16 PM | Link to this

Forget about Forsberg, he’s a shadown of his former self. The way he “skated” yesterday showed me a guy that just physically can’t bring it anymore.

Conroy will do well back in Calgary, would’ve liked him. Smart of Calgary to make the move early, reminds me of what Rutherford in Carolina did last year.

Waddell has a chance to erase much of his 7 years of ineptness if he can get it right and bring us a center and PP QB.

By Craig Custance

January 29, 2007 07:25 PM | Link to this

After seeing Forsberg here in Atlanta, do you guys still think he’d be a huge upgrade - considering the risks?

By michael

January 29, 2007 07:57 PM | Link to this

If Forsberg can get his boot fixed he will be an updrade to any team. More than likely he will go to the rangers, canadiens, or red wings. The rangers have already cleared the cap room for him by putting Kasparaitis on waivers. They will likely give philly alot for him just to please their fans and bring in the big name.

By Daniel

January 29, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this

There’s probably know way we could snatch Perrault out of PHX could we? I don’t know why we didn’t sign him as a free agent. The other day I was looking through the Thrasher’s Media Guide and flipped to the part where it lists the all time leaders in stats(pp, goals, assists etc.) Savard was listed all over the place. Granted he’s was playing for a team that had been around for a couple of years, and he has his faults, the guide listed him as one of the most penalized Thrashers in history, but seeing his PP numbers made me salivate, and p**. I spent most of the summer hoping that we could replace Savard, its almost February, and we haven’t.

Seeing Conroy going to Calgary, for basically something we could have offered LA, just made me more mad. Not necessarily for Conroy, because I still think there are other guys out there we can use, but more so for the fear that DW won’t make any move at all.

By sisu

January 29, 2007 09:05 PM | Link to this

So maybe there is no interest in a center, maybe all DW is looking for a PP QB?

By Brendan

January 29, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Craig, I just don’t think Forsberg is worth it. Could it pay off? Yes, certainly it could. But there’s just too much risk involved. Why take unneccesary risk? What about the cost? I don’t just mean his salary. Philly will want a pick. They’re just waiting for a team to be desperate enough to do it. I’ll credit Waddell to stay away from Forsberg. For that money, and that high of a draft pick, he might as well try for Cammalleri! (Not gonna happen, and I know that.)

I still think McCarthy can quarterback the Power Play. He’s just got to get back in the swing of things, after the layoff. I also think that Eric Brewer, just 26-years old, is a D-man worth pursuing, depending on what the Blues demand in return. At $2 million, prorated, it’s certainly “doable.”

By Brendan

January 29, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Atlanta Thrashers draft pick Brett Sterling for being the MVP of the AHL All-Star game. He and Darren Haydar represented the Chicago Wolves admirably.

By Moberg

January 30, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Anybody else thinking that Sterling and/or Haydar might be a good shot of “positive” for the boys here in Atlanta? If nothing else, these boys can find the net and provide some energy. I say give ‘em a shot in “The Show”.

By Rebound

January 30, 2007 05:42 AM | Link to this

What you saw in the Philly game is how the playoffs will go for us. No power play will make us “one and out.” They talk about being more patient on the power play! How patient are you already when you average 1 shot on goal per power play? No traffic in front of the net for rebounds. If we put the net in the corner our power play would be one of the best in the league! A team with “C” players won’t go deep and we’ll keep seeing those 3rd period leads vanish. Still no main man on “D” and no centerman!

By danlmac

January 30, 2007 06:45 AM | Link to this

Didn’t Hartley try Sutton in front of their net during the power net (last year)?

Seems to me that might be worth taking another look at.

By Jim

January 30, 2007 08:15 AM | Link to this

I see where Hossa commented that they need to be more patient on the PP. SNOOZE. Their strategy is so predictable that anyone can stop it. Try to free Kovy up on one side for a one-timer or have Kozlov try to open a spot for Hossa to move laterally toward the goal. SNOOZE. No flexibility, imagination. CHANGE IT UP FOR HEAVENS SAKE. Someone pointed out recently that the Thrash are the first team that he could remember who doesn’t have a bonafide center on their first PP unit. There is a crying need for a playmaking center.

By Hip Czech

January 30, 2007 09:11 AM | Link to this

Let’s hope Waddell stuns us all (in a positive sense).

There is no excuse not to make a move, we have the cap room, we have trade material (excess D and 2 goalies and throw in a draft pick or two).

I hope the reason they are waiting is because of wanting to make sure Sutton is 100% and they are busy evaluating talent. If that is true then let’s hope something is done in the next week.

If they are waiting because of paralysis then no deal is going to happen, or it’s not going to be an upgrade because other teams will have beat us to the punch. Then it’s time for the axe to fall.

Funny listening to the NBC commentators talking about the Rangers need for a center (while doing the Thrashers game for cryin’ out loud!). I can’t believe any other team out there needs a center worse than we do.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 09:15 AM | Link to this

Craig, no way we take a flyer on Forsberg, he’s a shadow of his former self. A Flyers fan told me at the game that they short shifting him and he’s not going all out in an effort to keep himself healthy, but that’s not the Forsberg I know. He’s done, he should probably retire, but I guess there’s $6m reasons keeping him around.

If there is a choice to be made, between a top center and a PP QB, we must go with the playmaking center. It’ll help tremendously at even strength, and it’ll help on the PP distributing the puck.

Good to see that big lug Sutton back tonight. He will help things out.

From the quotes from Waddell in today’s paper, it sounds like he’s saying that if Sutton comes back and is healthy and the rest of the week ends with all of our dmen healthy, then look for him to make a move by sending a dman off to someone for a center.

So, who out there is in need of defensive help and also has a center they want to move?

By michael

January 30, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this

According to the last article Craig wrote, Don is looking to upgrade to help our penalty kill and he is satisfied with the power play. Doesn’t sound like he wants a center. Has he been watching the games? Does he think Rucchin and Kappanen are getting it done? Our pp is in a terrible rut and he doesn’t think a playmaker will help? I wonder if he thinks Kovy is having the time of his life with Rucchin as his center? Hossa and Kozlov must just realize they are not going to have a center this season.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Well, Atlanta is being associated with some of the best available defenseman. That being Eric Brewer, Aaron Miller and Brad Stuart. Any one of those three would be huge.

I still think we could use a big RW who can stand in front of the net… Bill Guerin is on the block, making only $2 million. Shane Doan would also be a great addition.

By Sage of Bluesland

January 30, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Now that the Thrashers current lineup has been completely figured out by the opposition, we’ll start to see the remarkable slide as we head down the stretch.

Win the Southleast? Not a chance. If we even stumble into the playoffs, we’re one-and-done.

We simply have too few serious, consistent weapons to be a force. Add to that our defense is still generally pathetic. Only Kari has exceeded expectations this year—and without him, we’d be vying for the top pick next year. I’m glad I was wrong—SO FAR—about him…

It’s year seven on Don’s infamous “five-year plan”…How much longer will the incompetence continue???

By LAC and Sage are same person

January 30, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

or live next door to each other

By yellowjax

January 30, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

The constant call for the firing of DW never ceases to amaze me. Is Don the best GM in the league? No, but to fire a GM who’s team is leading their division and is second in the Conference would be rediculous. If the Thrash would have repeated last year’s effort I am sure Waddell would be looking for employment elsewhere but that’s not the case. We are a good team that is a couple of pieces away from being a really good team. We have to understand that DW and all the GMs had to deal with a year off and major changes to the rules in the last few years. That can really derail a “five year plan”. I am sure that Don has moves planned but needs to see if Sutton will be healthy enough to help the defense before he can pull the trigger and move a d-man for some help at center. And keep in mind that he has to deal with a semi-dysfunctional ownership who must get thumbs up from 2 groups that agree on very little. Stay true! Stay Blue!

By Tony C.

January 30, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Do you get the feeling DW is maybe just maybe poo-poo’ing talk of trading for a center because That is his plan??? (Here’s hoping!!)

Smolinski might work out-good on draws, which cannot be overstated in imortance..one thing that I always thought Savard could really improve on (as well as working on controlling his temper)…so let’s see where DW goes with this…he certainly has the room and the pieces to move.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Rone

January 30, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Yellowjax,

I’m with you on the “Fire Wadell” ridiculousness. The reason they keep calling for his head is because they are too stubborn to admit that he may finally have things together.

I’m as skeptical as the next guy, but you have to appreciate this season.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Waddell has done the most with what’s been given to him… AOL never wanted to spend money on the Thrashers. Now that we have an ownership team that cares, we’re starting to see results. However, throw in the Belkin issue and Waddell is still dealing with distractions.

By michael

January 30, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Not a thing got better until Hartley came here! Hartley is responsible entirely for the success of this club. If you think Wadell is so great where is all the talent and draft picks before Hartley besides the obvious first overall selctions. Why has this team had to be constructed of free agents rather than our farm.

By yellowjax

January 30, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this

Michael,

Point taken on Hartley but who do you think brought him here. Yep, DW. As far building from the farm goes, the Thrashers are still a young team by NHL standards and the farm system is understandably weak in areas. There aren’t that many “homegrown” teams out there right now. After the strike, everything changed and most teams made major overhauls with free agents to re-mold their rosters to fit the “New NHL” and the Thrash were also faced with a change of ownership during that period. If we would have stayed with the AOL plan of “nope, can’t spend money on veterans” (look at the Braves)we would still be competing for the first draft pick. The Spirit Group (with all it’s flaws) has done a good job and this team is a reflection of them, Waddell and Hartley.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this

The NHL draft is the biggest crap shoot in all sports… I would never hold that against any GM. Tell me a GM that has “consistently” picked top notch late round picks?

By michael

January 30, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

Lindy Ruff, Scotty Bowman, Lou Lamoriello. Would you like me to continue?

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell is under contract through ‘08 and nothing but total catastrophe would “unseat” him. This ownership group LOVES him. ADORES him. And wouldn’t have the foggiest clue how to replace him. He might well be the lesser of the evils.

I’ve always been critical of Don, but at the same time, I’ve always been “open” to hearing HIS SIDE of the story? If DW were to say, I let Donald Audette and Andrew Brunette go because I couldn’t get money out of the owner, it’d change my view of previous seasons of the Atlanta Thrashers. But I don’t want to talk about the past. Now isn’t the time. That was then. This is now. Don’s got a job to do. The truly “great” GM’s, like Lamoriello, always find a way to make like Houdini and pull a rabbit out of a hat. Look how Lou got under the cap this year! And he’s still got issues with players returning.

Don Waddell is one of the world’s most “fortunate” men. I’ve always thought so. He’s “teflon man.” Nothing sticks to him. He’s always got an out. Plausible deniability. I believe Don Waddell is blessed from above. Somebody up there likes him a whole heckuva lot. And if the Thrashers miss the playoffs again, he’ll still be the GM. He won’t get discouraged. He’ll just start over. Not a whole lot of returning players, contract-wise, next season. Lots of RFA and UFA’s this Summer.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007, marks the final game of the six game road stand. We should know, by then, if a horrendous collapse has occurred, or if there was no need to panic, we’re still 13 or so games above .500, and on pace for the playoffs. Especially with 13 of the final 20 games at Philips Arena, and six of the remaining road games vs. teams that, currently, would not be in the playoffs. If the worst should happen, look for UFA players like Sutton, Vishnevski, Exelby, and even Sim and Kozlov, to be potentially dealt before the Feb. 27th trade deadline.

But I don’t really think any of that will happen. I suspect Hnidy and Slater … and maybe another blueliner, or even goalie Fred Brathwaite in Chicago, might be sacrificed in trade deadline deals to better Atlanta’s playoff horizons.

By michael

January 30, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

Sorry I meant Darcy Regier not Lindy Ruff.

By mb

January 30, 2007 01:23 PM | Link to this

Sara’s right, the needs are fairly obvious…the question is does DW try to address them before the trade deadline for this year’s playoff run or try to fix things in the offseason.

With so many teams still in the playoff hunt, there isn’t a lot to choose from right now, aside from the Dmen GVH mentioned and maybe renting Sundin.

A lot can happen over the next few weeks, but this year DW and the Spirit might be satisfied with making the playoffs and seeing how we do with what we have, +/-, and then trying to make a stronger run next season.

That might make the best sense…and with a higher cap (presumably) and more $$$ from departures (Mellanby retires, ship Devo, Vish, Rucchin?), we might be able to land a real top line center rather than hoping a third liner miraculously finds a new level here.

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Look at the Devils, Red Wings, and Hurricanes draft record. Lamoriello, Holland, and Rutherford have some of the greatest draft history in the NHL. The Islanders tend to draft well, then mismanage their assets. Look at all that has come and go from them, through the years!!! With the Isles draft history, they should be a dynasty! Muckler, Lowe, and Burke have decent histories.

I agree that the rule of the draft is picks 1-10 are “solid players.” Picks 11-30 are a “crapshoot.” And Picks 31 and beyond are “a shot in the dark.” But look at who consistently finds those good players? Picks 31-49 are still fertile ground for an organization with excellent scouting.

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this

Let’s not forget Darcy Regier, in Buffalo.

By Russ

January 30, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers aren’t “a young team by NHL standards”. Someone a while back posted a handy link to NHL team’s salaries. The average age of each team’s roster is also listed on this site. The Thrashers are currently the third oldest team in the NHL.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

Darcy Regier hasn’t had a decent (outside the first round) since 2001… he hasn’t had a good “deep” draft since 1998.

By thrashersfan

January 30, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

If DW doesn’t make a trade he should at least waive Rucchin and give the boys, Sterling and Haydar, a chance. Of course, we weren’t impressed with Krog either. I think we sometimes forget the huge step it is from the AHL to the NHL. There are so few Prongers, Boumeesters, Nash’s, and Crosby’s for that matter, that can step right in.

The disappointment in Rucchin is well beyond his lack of production. Has anyone seen one ounce of passion from this man?! No drive, no hussle, and certainly no grit as he has stays well clear of the crease. Look at Mel, the crease is where the old man lives! Crazy, sure, but isn’t that what hockey is all about? The man has heart and that counts on every team.

Now, we all know Slater has heart and hussles more than anyone, but as you know, I have finally thrown in the towel on him. It’s a shame, actually, but Slates just doesn’t have the other necessary skills to succeed, at least not yet. Rather than trade him I’d like to see him in Chi the rest of the yr.

Whoever mentioned McCarthy on the PP is correct. I’ll argue he was key, even the quarterback, on the PP earlier in the season. He just needs a little more time since returning from injury. I think speacial teams will turn it around, but we clearly need a good center…Rucchin has got to go, sitting, waived, whatever!

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Brendan…The Hurricanes??

The only guy they’ve drafted in later rounds that plays for them now is Wallin… woopty doo.

Take a look at the first round of ‘98… Jeff Heerema?! Look who went immediately after him… Alex Tanguay.

The draft is a crapshoot!!!

By Bob

January 30, 2007 02:10 PM | Link to this

Just to make sure that all fans understand the facts, Waddell did not “bring Hartley here”. In fact, Hartley had to call up Waddell and say “Hey, Donnie, I want that job, you gut dose two kids Kovy and Heatley, I can work wonders”. Ok, I don’t know if he said exactly that, but it’s well documented that Hartley came after Waddell for the job.

Just sayin

The facts also are that Waddell has been inept and has made many, many poor moves, letting quality players get away for little to nothing in return.

I am willing to blame that on the old ownership, since the common demoninator here is that the new owners upped Waddell’s budget (how much he can spend on players) and Waddell went out and built this club.

But he didn’t do it through the draft, and he didn’t get it done until the new owners gave him the cash to do it.

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

That would be me, Thrashersfan. I like McCarthy. At $775,000, this season and NEXT, I think he’s a steal. He’s that “inexpensive depth” that today’s GM’s absolutely need to have. Plus, he’s offensively minded. Perfect??, that he is not. “Trade bait?” Maybe. I would think McCarthy does have decent trade value for a GM in the Western Conference. But I think DW should hold on to him. Unless he hears an offer that’s too good to be true.

We don’t have a lot of returning blueliners next year. Havelid, McCarthy and Coburn. We assume Valabik will make the team. We also believe Mark Popovic will be a Thrasher next season, barring a trade. That’s five. Maybe. UFA’s are Hnidy, Exelby, Vishnevski, Sutton, and DeVries. Don’s got some decisions to make.

By Brian

January 30, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

The job of the GM is not just the draft but also trades and free agents. Why doesn’t anyone mention that we got Kozlov for a bag of hockey pucks? What a steal! And we took him from Reiger. Keep DW, please do.

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

Rutherford’s recent Draft History (This is how it’s done, folks!!)

1994: Jeff O’Neill, forward, 5th overall, Hnat Domenichelli, 83rd overall, forward, still plays in the NHL today. (A former Atlanta Thrasher, as well. I think he was last with the Minnesota Wild.)

1995: Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Goalie, 13th overall. (Need I say more?? 2003 Conn Smyth Trophy winner for playoff MVP) 87th overall, Sami Kapanen. (PFFT! Not bad, for 87th overall, “n’est-ce pas?”)

1996: 223rd overall … Craig Adams. You’ve got to be kidding me, right? 223rd?? Adams played every year in the NHL until this season, I believe. A very productive and capable player. He might still be in the league.

1997: 80th overall, Francis Lessard. Okay, Lessard didn’t set the world on fire, but for a late 3rd round pick, this is allright.

1998: 71st overall, Erik Cole. (O…M…G!!) What a steal!!! 71st overall. This is a real GM. But he wasn’t through. 91st overall, Joseph Vasicek. He’s scored some big goals for Carolina over the years, including overtime winners.

1999: 16th overall, David Tanabe. A good, capable player. He wound up in Washington, with the Capitals. Don’t know where he is now, but he played in the NHL for a number of years.

2000: 97th overall, Niclas Wallin. (Holy cow!!!) Wallin was a big part of the 2002 Cup Finals run for the Hurricanes, scoring key goals, and an overtime winner.

2001: Nothing significant.

2002: 25th overall, Cam Ward. Yep, the “Rookie Sensation” backstopped Carolina to the 2006 Stanley Cup. He was drafted 23 spots after Lehtonen.

2003: 2nd overall, Eric Staal. (Need I say more???) Staal was a Conn Smythe Trophy candidate for Carolina.

2004: 4th overall, Andrew Ladd. Ladd is on the current roster. Good player.

2005: 3rd overall, Jack Johnson, defenseman, top-rated U.S. Program prospect. A hard skater, good decision-maker, Johnson was the top rated defenseman in the 2005 draft. He wound up traded to LA for Gleason and Belanger, a move Rutherford felt he “had to do” to give the ‘Canes a shot at a title defense.

Okay, a lot of those picks were high 1st rounders. But there’s a clear pattern of success. While I don’t like to attach too much success or failure to high first round picks, as generally-speaking, they are consensus “no brainers,” there’s little doubt that Rutherford has been able to successfully build his team through the draft. So, yes, add the Carolina Hurricanes to the list.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

People also forget that it’s hard to recruit free agents to an expansion team in a town not known for hockey. That’s what Waddell had to deal with the first 2-3 years… quality drafting of Kovalchuk, Heatley, Lehtonen and signing a coach like Hartley has certainly put Atlanta on the map… now we have guys like Holik, Hossa, Havelid and Kozlov. Waddell has gone out and got some great prospects like Haydar, Krog, McCarthy, Kunitz (briefly), etc.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

So, in ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘00 and ‘01 Rutherford got no one of quality in the first round.

When you get Erik Cole at the 71st pick, and your first rounder (usually highly regarded) was a bust it just shows how NO General Manager knows for sure what they’re getting on draft day. They certainly don’t deserve to be called geniuses for getting lucky on the 221st pick of the draft.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

Waddell’s stated goal at the beginning of the 5 year plan was to build through the draft.

He didn’t get it done. He had to go out and make a bunch of signings in Years 6 and 7 to stock his NHL team.

Waddell was inept in building through the draft. Other GM’s are much better at it. To argue otherwise, in the face of all the facts, is just silly.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this

Well call me silly then, because Kovalchuk, Exelby, Slater, Lehtonen, Vigier and Coburn are all contributing. Not to mention we traded Heatley (our draft pick) for Marian Hossa. It was also during the draft that we traded for Kozlov.

Every team goes out an makes free agent signings… what a stupid thing to say… if Carolina was such a good drafting team, why did they go get Brindamour, Recchi, Stillman and Doug Weight?

Why did Buffalo go out and get Chris Drury, Jaro Spacek and Numminen? You can’t account for every position on every line through the draft… give me a break.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this

I guess is Don Waddell was a better GM then the Chicago Wolves should be leading their division… oh wait, they are… and the Gwinnett Gladiators should be leading their division… oh wait, they are… and the Thrashers should be leading their division… oh wait, they are.

By Russ

January 30, 2007 05:26 PM | Link to this

and if Waddell wasn’t such a good GM the Thrashers wouldn’t have been a perennial playoff team the last few seasons…oh wait , they weren’t…hopefully that changes this year.

Big game with the Devils tonight. The Thrashers need to get their special teams straightened out pronto…I know, no kidding right. I still don’t understand why they don’t take Kovy off the point and put him on the left wing to shake things up when the PP is struggling. I’ll be glad to see Sutton back tonight. I was unfortunately correct when I said the team would miss him a lot during his injury. Hey…I have to give myself a pat on the back for that one since I usually only hit on about one out of every 10 predictions. GO THRASHERS!!!

By Sage of Bluesland

January 30, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Oh wait, if he were a better GM, then we would have already made the silly little goal of even making the playoffs (where over half the teams make it in)…

Oh wait, hasn’t happened yet…Oh wait…

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this

And lets say the Thrashers make the playoffs the next 10 years, are you twits still going to be b*** about the “5 Year Plan”? I invite you both to ask Darren Elliot and Jeff Odgers at the post game show tonight what they have to say about the “5 Year Plan”.

By David

January 30, 2007 06:08 PM | Link to this

Russ you were in the minority when saying not having Sutts would be a problem. No biggie there. I was indecisive on the topic. He was slow as hell and not really a T.G. kind of guy. But, he blocked a hell of alot of shots. I’m just glad to see him back. For better or for…better.

By Brian

January 30, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - nice points on our minor league teams being in first place and DW’s drafts.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

Did you guys just start following the team this year?

Both the Wolves and the Gladiators have won their respective Cups, and are both at the top of their divisons for many years, while this club sucked every year. Correlation? I guess Waddell is a great judge of minor league talent.

Just sayin

By yellowjax

January 30, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

30 teams in the league and I keep hearing the same 3-4 names of GMs that are geniuses. Fine I’ll give them credit, they are good. In my original post I never said DW was the best. I just said that compared to most GMs around the league he was doing pretty good and all the talk about dumping him now is just plain stupid. You guys all seem to have all the answers and they all start with firing Waddell. I hope I never have to work at a business that you manage.
We’ve got a good core of guys and a few promising prospects on the farm. Enjoy it while we can cause, to quote mygood friend Ringo Starr, “It don’t come easy”.

By yellowjax

January 30, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

OK, I changed my mind Waddell should be fired for allowing Hartley to continue putting Kovy in the shootout. I’ll take his 2 regulation goals and the 2 points though. How did we get Kovy again? Oh yeah, DW drafted him.

By thrashersfan

January 30, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan, the web page, http://www3.telus.net/public/dreyes/nhl/ is showing McCarthy as a RFA after this season, so it’s not a given that we retain him, right?

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

I think Telus put a disclaimer that their info isn’t “100-percent accurate and to take their presentation with a grain of salt.” Though, I’ve found it to mostly be accurate.

I could be wrong. But I seem to recall last Summer that DW gave McCarthy a qualifying offer, then re-signed him for two-years, each at $775K. Maybe my memory is “hazy.” I hope we don’t have to have contract negotiations and arbitration with McCarthy this Summer.