AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTalking trade; Haydar called up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BLOG EDIT: THe Thrashers will be announcing shortly that J.P. Vigier is headed to the injured reserve because of a groin injury. He’ll be replaced on the roster by Darren Haydar who is being called up from Chicago. Alright, back to the blog.
Let’s take a second in this edition of the afternoon blog to overanalyze the Andy Delmore trade, because that’s what we the media do in the place of real news. And it beats talking about the Super Bowl.
First, let’s look at GM Don Waddell’s explanation for the deal. He said the AHL veteran rule, which says that AHL teams can’t dress more than five veterans (players with more than 260 regular-season games combined in the AHL, NHL, IHL or European elite league), was a major reason for the deal. Kyle Wanvig has been a healthy scratch a lot for Chicago because of the rule, and it was a better fit in Chicago to have a veteran defenseman (Andy Delmore).
A successful team in Chicago ultimately helps the Thrashers because the more games they play (playoffs, etc.) the more the young players get to develop. So if that’s all that comes out of this deal, it’s a minor plus for the team.
But perhaps there’s more. The team already has eight healthy defensemen in the NHL, and we know the Thrashers are looking for center help, so they could be dealing from a position of depth (defense). If another trade happens soon, say for an Andy Sutton or Vitaly Vishnevski (and we’re just throwing out names here), than this Delmore deal is a little more significant - if the Thrashers don’t get a defenseman back in the trade. It gives the Thrashers some more organizational depth on defense in case a defenseman is moved.
So I floated that theory past Mr. Waddell, and here was his (unedited for punctuation) response:
“You could read into it, but I don’t think if you go into the playoff drive here, the last third of the season - I don’t know if you can ever have too many defensemen. If we decide to make a move, end up trading one, — or I’m not even opposed to picking another one up at the NHL level. So depth in the organization right now - we felt like we had pretty good depth at forward, we wanted to add another veteran defenseman.”
So that clears things up, right? Okay, not really. But for everyone assuming the Thrashers are in the market just for a center (which is obviously a need), it’s interesting to note that Waddell isn’t against upgrading the blue line at the NHL level as well.
Comments
By Darren
February 2, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this
I noticed I misspelled Jozef Stumpel’s name yesterday, but my question still stands.
Do you think he would make a good addition to the team?
By CT
February 2, 2007 03:51 PM | Link to this
If the Thrashers are looking for defensive depth, Delmore isn’t the answer. There’s a reason why he spent all year in the AHL, when Tampa Bay has needed blueline help during various stretches of the season.
During his tenure in Nashville, fans took to calling him Andy Elmore — because he had no “d” in his game. NHL career minus-36, which doesn’t make up for modest offensive production.
By Bob
February 2, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this
I think Delmore is depth that is needed since Waddell is about to trade a defenseman away. The dman he trades away could be Valabik or Popovic in Chicago, so Delmore will be needed to fill their spot. Or it could be depth because he’ll trade one of our 8 guys up here now, and in case someone else gets hurt down the stretch or in the playoffs, then we’ve got a guy to call up.
By Craig Custance
February 2, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this
Darren — I think Stumpel would be an upgrade at center — he’s a good passer which would make Ilya happy. But I wonder how much trading within the division Waddell would be comfortable with (the minor league trade with Tampa Bay aside).
By Rob
February 2, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this
We need defense. It has been and remains the achilles heel of the franchise. Only 7 teams in the league have allowed more goals than Atlanta and conversely only seven have scored more. Offense is not the problem. In the playoffs skating, speed and puck possession will be key. Faceoffs we’ve now got. We must be able to clear the puck defensively instead of running around our own zone.WE cannot count on Kari carrying us. Everyone else will be a good team as well.
By Brad
February 2, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this
Bob, I do not think there is any way we trade Valabik. I really dont think we trade Popovic either. If we make a deal, we will make one with a defenseman already on the roster.
By Brian
February 2, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this
Yeah, move the pawns to get the King… I’m sticking with that analogy (and Bob better stick with it too). That’s what this comes down to hopefully.
By kevin
February 2, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this
I agree Rob, along with a center we need a good solid number 3 defensman. Sutton and Havelid are effective but the pairing of DeVries and Exelby is really hurting us. We could trade Ex or Vish since they are similar defensemen for a more skilled puck handling dman. Of course in a perfect world someone takes Devries off our hands.
By michael
February 2, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this
Like I said before Valabik isn’t going anywhere. I agree with Brad teams want roster players. The standings are too tight and teams don’t want a prospect to replace a roster player. I wouldn’t be suprised to see Wadell not make any move, he has stated several times that he is satisfied with our lineup. Also there is no pressure on him, his job is secure unfortunately.
“pawns before the king” those guys aren’t even pawns. That trade is horrifyingly reminiscent of our off season aqquisitions of Krog, Haydar, Brathwaite, and Wanvig. Totally useless. Read the 2nd paragraph of Craig’s blog.
By Tony C.
February 2, 2007 05:14 PM | Link to this
OOOH “Elmore” that’s bad.
Listen, I’m excited to hear DW say that he’s looking to deal-I think everyone from Moose Jaw to Kennesaw agrees that Le Thrash are that close to being a serious playoff threat. So if DW is just floating out the “Hey, ‘Dealin Don’ is open to offers” message-then I’m all for it. Action (even if mistake/bad luck) is better to me than standing pat. It shows the guys in the room that the organization, for all it’s ownership drama, is trying to do something positive.
Better than “no I’m just going to stay the course” , right?
Let’s hope this is the set-up move for some silly good deal that’ll blow our minds (like the mythical Datsyuk trade)!!!
Also, maybe if DeVo got a bit of rest maybe he could regain his lost step…loosing X and Sutton for such an extended time really wore he and Vish down…just my thought…Who really thinks we could get Morrison without loosing one of the guys we’d want him to pass to???
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Dr.Doom
February 2, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this
All of you Hockey Homos need to find a real sport to blog about.
By Brian
February 2, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this
Tony C - nice cliche up there, but what does Medicine Hat rhyme with around here?
Michael - Call them pawns or not, the moral of the story is that we hope this is trade 1 that sets up trades #2 - #n. I think a lot of other folks here share that mindset with me from what I read.
Tony C - I have already stated that some of those phantom trades (Morrison namely) will be too difficult to pull off. Others have stated that it is going to take something to get something and we aren’t being realistic if we are dreaming of hoodwinking some other GM for a bag of pucks.
By Brendan
February 2, 2007 05:36 PM | Link to this
Darren, I’m philosophically opposed to any move within the division that isn’t utter highway robbery. I’d welcome Stumpel if the cost were one of the minor leaguers (Baby, Wanvig) Don just traded. I welcome trades, so long as we’re not giving up a piece or pieces that will be missed in the playoffs. If the Panthers offered us Stumpel for a 3rd round pick, I’d say we should do it. Are the Panthers shopping Stumpel?
By michael
February 2, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this
Brian, I want a trade as well. We need one. But I also am very familiar with our gm and his political bs. I really don’t think these guys have anything to do with more than the wolves.
By Brian
February 2, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this
Brendan - the entire Panthers team has been being shopped since Halloween. They have nothing under 33 that they will give up with ease though. I wouldn’t mind Jokinen or Horton, but again, it will take too much to get those guys vs. say Nieuwendyk.
By Brian
February 2, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this
Michael - let’s be real here. Do we really even know what’s being offered to us? Is it smart for DW to tell CNN, ESPN and every other sportsnews outlet what he is thinking? How do we even know if he is BSing us or not? Can you say right now what is on the table by every other GM in the league?
By Brendan
February 2, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this
Hold on there, Brian. I’ve long viewed Doug McLean as utterly able to be “hoodwinked, bamboozled, schysted, fleeced and hornswaggled.” Though, not necessarily in that order. His acumen has landed the Columbus Bluejackets well … exactly where they are: 13th place. In Year Seven. Granted, Columbus is far from hopeless, hopeless, utterly hopeless. They have pieces around which to build. But I bet we could get Federov for LESS than what everyone thinks. The “reasonable exchange” for Federov is probably too much. Though, Federov’s departure would save Columbus some money—money that they’re not going to “recoup” with playoff revenue. Lest something miraculous happens.
Look, I don’t really think a deal with Federov is going to happen. But we’ll never know if Columbus is feeling “froggy enough” to jump, unless Waddell asks. He might laugh heartily at what McLean proposes. Or he might just think, “McLean’s even stupider than I thought! Charles Wang (Islanders owner) has nothing on him!”
By Brian
February 2, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this
Brendan - so how do you know that DW hasn’t already asked and already laughed heartily at what they asked for? Fact is, we don’t know, so to say he is BSing us just doesn’t hold with me.
Look, anyone who has read any of my posts knows that I want a trade, and a “younger” center more than a Dman or rental player. But I am not going to make the claim that we missed something because none of us know.
By Brendan
February 2, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this
I haven’t thought to obtain the requisite court order to tap Don’s phone, Brian. So, you’re absolutely right. None of us, (unless you’re FBI or something,) knows what Don discusses with other GM’s around the league.
Then again, maybe Don’s already leery of the FBI, so he’s talking in “code.” And phrases like, “Nice sunny day” actually mean “1st round draft pick.” So, a seemingly benign conversation between McLean and Waddell could come off like this.
Don: “How’s the weather in Columbus?” Doug: “It’s a nice sunny day.” Don: “I understand completely. Nice chatting with you.”
By Thrasher_Ed
February 2, 2007 06:25 PM | Link to this
Ok, Haydar gets a shot!! How many think he will do well?
By luckydog
February 2, 2007 06:26 PM | Link to this
Nice to see Slater net one last night….maybe he’ll get a little hot down the stretch like he did last year.
Anyway, we better put the wood to Philly this weekend. Then again it’s another dreaded weekend home game and a big crowd. Look out…
Go Thrash!
By Brian
February 2, 2007 06:31 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Ha, that’s funny. Glad you can interject some humor while at the same time saying that none of us know whether or not DW is BSing anyone and thus we should not make the claim that he is.
Go Haydar! Not sure what to think of his call up.
By michael
February 2, 2007 07:00 PM | Link to this
Haydar will be a scratch, Boulton will play.
By pondscum
February 2, 2007 08:49 PM | Link to this
Your probably right about Boulton.Hartley wouldn’t dare give Haydar a cup of coffee even if he rode in on the back of Jaun Valdez’s donkey.Speaking of jackasses,wonder if Hartley will bench Devo some like he has Vish?
Havelid-Sutton McCarthy-Hnidy Excelby-Vishnevski
Roll with that defense for a few games and see what happens.
How long is Vigier down?Is it gonna be awhile?
And really it would be dumb for Waddell to act desperate and overpay.Maybe the asking prices of other GM’s is just to high right now,but as their team gets closer to the deadline they will come down once they figure out if they wanna sell or buy.
By pondscum
February 2, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this
Dr. Doom- Sorry,we’d blog about the rec. sport known as your mother,but their might be kid eyes here.
By LAC
February 2, 2007 09:16 PM | Link to this
Just does not make sense to broadcast our intentions, I agree Brenden.
I wonder what will happen, Vish is one of BETTER Defensemen… deVries, should be sent away along with Colburn.. He has shown nothing to date, and the give away goal in front of the net against the Pens, was THE worst play this season… He needs to be traded.
We need two better centers and another winger… Let’s hope something happens… for the better !
By thrashersfan
February 2, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Well, for all of us who have complained about Vigier, we’re going to see whether he’s to be missed. Let’s give it 3 games and see how the rest of the grinders perform. We might actually miss him, but I’m hoping we won’t.
I still think there’s a chance DW doesn’t make a trade, a real trade that is. Then again, this one could easily be the precurser to the big one. We’ll hope & see. I think we’ve all learned in the new NHL, trades, contracts and the various levels of free-agency are very complicated processes. Regardless, this is what DW gets paid to do, so please Don, assuming you’ve been given the green light from the ownership, find a way to put this team over the top,
LETTER TO BOB HARTLEY
PLEASE PUT A FORK IN DEVO. THE OLD MAN IS DONE! FOR GOD’S SAKE, AT LEAST GIVE HIM A REST. SURE, HE PLAYED PRETTY WELL LAST YR, BUT NOW HE’S A YR OLDER AND CLEARLY COSTING THE TEAM MORE THAN HE’S BENEFITING IT.
TELL YOU WHAT, I’LL EVEN STOP BASHING KAPENEN & JP, WHICH IS REALLY BASHING YOUR INSISTANCY IN PLAYING THEM, IF YOU SIT DEVO. IT’S ABOUT THE TEAM, MAN, AND WINNING! PLEASE!!!
LOVE, THRASHERSFAN
Craig, unlike my feeble attempt to get a point across, will you tactfully ask BH, or comment to him, that it “appears” Devo is having a tough time lately and see what his response is? Thanks.
By Chris
February 3, 2007 09:07 AM | Link to this
I love the idea of Stumpel being acquired. He would be a great fit in between Hossa and Kozlov. The price would be right, and the deficiencies in Stumpel’s game can be overcome by double shifting Holik or Rucchin if more of a defensive presence is needed.
Good point made above about DeVries being worn down. He doesn’t look like the same player he was last season. Which also means of course he won’t fetch anything in trade.
By Brendan
February 3, 2007 09:21 AM | Link to this
I do what I can, Brian. I do what I can. Through the years, I’ve learned not to take Don Waddell “at face value.” I do understand that GM’s have to be a lot like politicians in an election year. At this point with Waddell, I close my eyes … and hope for the best. He’s gonna do … what he’s gonna do. And there’s virtually nothing any of us can do about it, except “pray.”
Even when the day comes that Waddell is no longer the GM, I’m still not sure we’ll ever really hear the full “truth” of the Waddell years. Though, I’ve always been “open” to hearing HIS SIDE of things. So, for now, I hope Don picks up the horn and dials Ohio. And Doug answers, “Hello.” And Don asks once again, “How’s the weather in Columbus?” But this time Doug says, “It’s cloudy and overcast. With a chance of showers.” Translation: “I want a player off your roster, maybe two, with a conditional 2nd round draft pick.”
By Michael
February 3, 2007 09:37 AM | Link to this
Dear hockey gods please bring us a center before the trade dealine that will put this team over the top.
By Tim
February 3, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Well I don’t think we will ever heard DW shout: “I am looking for a center. Name a price, it doesn’t matter. We need a center and I’ll pay whatever price you ask me for”. That would be pretty dumb right. We all know that we need a centerman. DW know that too but he can’t go public about that, or else, he would have to pay huge for that centerman.
By Michael A.
February 3, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
The Braves are one of the most clandestine organizations in baseball when it comes to trade and free agent speculation, but they are also one of the best. Nothing wrong with DW being tight-lipped or elusive with potential moves.
By mb
February 3, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
As much as I’d love to see us pick up the perfect player for the perfect price that allows to make a strong run through the playoffs, I just don’t see it happening.
There seems to be a consensus that we need at least one top line center and a strong defenseman, which I would argue needs to be a top line dman. We all love Nic and know he’s had a tough year, but he is not, in my opinion, a true #1 dman.
Now, to go with our wish list, we only want to give up some prospects, Devo, Kapanen, and Rucchin. There’s a little bit there to entice some rebuilding clubs, but we’re not really dealing for a position of strength. A player that would likely draw interest though is Holik. While I would hate to lose him, he would certainly have value on the market and would free up a nice chunk of cap room for us. And just maybe Rucchin could be more effective on that line than he is with Kovy (he couldn’t be less effective!)
Of course, if we happen to get lucky and DW finds the right players before the 27th, that’s great. But given our weaknesses already exposed in the regular season, I think we’re much better served gaining experience in the playoffs this year and working to build the team now and over the summer for a stronger run next season.
By michael
February 3, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this
Wadell doesn’t beleive in paying high dollars for defensemen.
By sisu
February 3, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this
It is spelled Kapanen
By thefan
February 3, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this
i’ll see you all at the game tonight .bring on flyers.revenge
By LAC
February 3, 2007 05:42 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope for a ROMP tonight for a change… say 8-1…
We must aquire a strong center or two, a good winger before the western swing starting next thursday… Plus BUFFALO is here tuesday… Best in the East so far…
Another game or two like thursday night and we will be back in the pack quicker than you can say don waddell…
By Frustrated
February 3, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this
BRUTAL!!! This is like watching the expansion team. These guys couldn’t find the net with a map!
Pack it in and see if you can cost to the playoff boys. There’ll be no post-season glory.
This game ruined my dinner.
By Thrasher_Ed
February 3, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this
What the hell are these guys playing? Cause it sure ain’t Hockey. No Passion, no hustle to the puck, dumb passes up the boards when guy is wide open with the cross ice pass, failing to push the puck in deep and attack for Goodness Sakes! Somebody anybody please get Hartley and Waddell to make some changes. Last wek or so reminds me of those no effort final 2 weeks last year. Note to the Atlanta Thrashers: The fans truly want to get behind you and believe in you show us some spark and passion please. PUT UP A FIGHT!!
By Tom
February 3, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this
If this homestand does not wake up Don Waddell, then nothing will.
The team is in disarray. When the Flyers win their first game going into the 3rd period down, and do so going away, is there any question that there is a major issue?
When Philly scored to tie it early in the 3rd period, I got that sinking feeling in my gut. Now it is pure bile.
And the beauty of it is that ticket renewals went out this week. With very optimistic pricing on the packages.
I have a feeling that if this continues the money going into my childrens college fund is a much better place to put it.
By LAC
February 3, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
This was THE END of the season for all accounts. This team has given it up…
Losing TWICE in a week to THE WORST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE and the Islander team that is not that good… Now our 8 out of 9 homestand stands at 3-4 and Buffalo next… I guess Buffalo 6 Atlanta 1 is about right.
If THIS MESS DOES NOT WAKE UP STUPID DUMB waddell, then nothing will.
With this 6 games road trip coming up out west and then at Ottawa and then Carolina… I am very, very afraid we may even be out of the playoof picture entirely upon the return home.
Where is our defense ? Our Goaltending is now VERY, VERY AVERAGE… and where are we getting goals from ???????
5 goals in the last three games ?????
I have been saying we need more offense and there in lies the entire problem…. Forsburg just skated around us to tie the score and led to two other scores, some VERY, VERY weak goals too…
People can blast me, but wait until the west coast trip is over… we will be lucky to be in third place in the SE and likely 11-12th spot overall and another playoffless season…scoring is the problem…
By thrashersfan
February 3, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
I figured it out guys, we have to stop going to the games , particularly on the weekends helping them sell-out. The Thrashers obviously have performance issues in front of large, “home” cheering fans.
Assuming they still make the playoffs, how will they play well in front of standing room only crowds? Hey Smoltzee, please call & give the team the number of your former sports psychologist.
One positive tonight, actually this week, Slater. Ever since I threw in the towel on him he’s transformed into a goal scorer. Three goals in 2-3 games, right?
And one more thing, before Kamal signed off to head to the post-game show, did he say the Thrashers have “five” regulation wins in their last 26 games!? Not good….
By Bob
February 3, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Waddell fiddles, while Atlanta Burns
By Bob
February 4, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Alright, it’s beyond obvious that Waddell needs to quit fiddlin’, and the jig is up. Even the most naive of fans have finally seen through that last 7 years of nonsense.
But some of this current streak is on Coach. I think Kari just started his 11th or 12 in a row. Moronic. You have Moose. Moose should be starting every 6th or at most 7th game.
If Lehtonen never came out of the net to play a puck again, that would be too soon.
Haydar looked ok. Kovy should be shot. What a moronic play, once again, he makes while we’re on the PP for cryin out loud, that broke our back, again. Thanks, Kovy.
Stop fiddlin, DW, and do something proactive, for once.
By dj
February 4, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
If vigier was healthy, we would have won.
By Hanson Brothers
February 4, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
That was an embarassing 3rd period display against one of the weakest teams in the league. Craig, I don’t blame Waddell for saying he might want to upgrade the blue line. Having a glut of defensemen doesn’t mean we have a great defense. We don’t. And it’s showing up lately. Even those some of the goals Kari has given up the past couple of weeks have been weak, most of the goals have been because of lousy defense, not good offense of the other teams. Not clearing the puck, not covering on the weak side. That’s basic stuff that we are not doing. And DeVries can’t clear anyone from the front of the net. Another comment is that it is way past time to give Kari a rest and give Moose a couple of starts. Not because Kari needs the physical rest, but the mental rest. He is still very young. He is not Brodeur that can handle 15-20 consecutive starts. He is having mental lapses and needs a mental vacation to get refocused. Plus Moose needs to stay sharp if needed down the stretch. Definitely not time to panic. We still have a good lead in the SE and only Tampa is charging now. The Thrashers have been a good road team this year, and I fully expect them to at least come away with a point per game average on the road trip. And realistically that is all we need the rest of the season to make the playoffs, a point a game, and it is a lock.
By Russ
February 4, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
The six game road trip can’t start soon enough. The six game homestand was a complete failure regardless of what happens against Buffalo Tuesday.
I’m not sure at this point if I’d make any major move before the deadline (at least not one giving up much for the future). This team looks more like a non-playoff team than a serious cup contender so why give up too much? If they can get a top four defensman that they could sign long-term and a decent rental center for Coburn and a mid-round pick that is about as agressive as I think they should be. Another top four d-man to go along with Havelid, Sutton and their log-jam of borderline AHL/NHL d-men they currently have would be a significant upgrade. I think Coburn can officially be labelled a bust at this point. They say d-men take a longer time to develop, but a number eight overall pick not able to crack a line-up consisting of one of the weakest group of d-men in the NHL four years after he was drafted is ridiculous. When he does play he struggles against third and fourth liners. Maybe some other GM is still holding out hope for him to live up to his draft status, if so I would jump at the opportunity to dump him for a proven NHL d-man if I was Waddell.
On a positive note: I thought Haydar looked pretty good tonight. Metro, Slater, and Haydar produced the most scoring chances.
I hope Hartley gives the Moose a game or two on this road trip. Lehtonen hasn’t necessarily played that poorly, but why keep putting him out there to get lit up if the team is going to continue to play so poorly in front of him? Atlanta’s record since they ended Buffalo’s winning streak to start the season is 21-17-5…if not for the “loser” points this is a sub-.500 hockey team over a 43 game stretch…very disappointing to say the least. Sorry to be so negative, but the frustration that comes with being a Thrasher fan gets the better of me sometimes.
By Pucks n Snot
February 4, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
I’m tellin ya - they aint gonna make it. 7 points out of the 8 spot with over 2 months still to go. Get rolled at home twice within a week by a down & out bottom feeder. Goals against are once again about to overtake goals for - what happened to the revamped blue line?? Dissapearing scorers - where are the “we got the better of the Heatley trade” horn tooters now that Heatley has more points than Hossa and Ottawa is about to blow by Atlanta like a Lamborghini past a Yugo? Clown owners that spend more time in court than at the games. Bumbling GM that sits on his a$$ while needed pieces like Conroy slip away to other (and better) teams. This aint no hockey sqaud - its a collection of wannabes! No wonder the Canadian prix on XM Home Ice refuse to even mention Atlanta - no one who plays bytch to the Islandscurge & Filthydeathofya deserves to be discussed with the big boys. Western roadie comin up? The beginning of the end folks….Attention relocation cities - please have your bids prepared and ready to submit!
By Pucks n Snot
February 4, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
Relocation candidate cities include: Milwaukee - never understood why you would put a hockey team in Georgia before Wisconsin to begin with. Winnipeg - never should have lost the Jets to begin with. Pittsburgh - if they lose the Pens they still have great hockey fans that need a team. Quebec City or Halifax - the Canuck Frenchys should have a team to represent a true hockey region. Salt Lake - if they’ll support thugball NBA then they’ll go nuts for a real mans game like hockey. Seattle - they need a new arena, but what a great rivalry that could develop with Vancouver up there.
By Brendan
February 4, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
Obviously, the quality of play needs to improve, but I’m not panicking just yet. I don’t think we should think the playoffs won’t happen. But if they don’t have a good Western road trip, watch out for Tampa Bay and Carolina to make up some ground on Atlanta. Without that “buffer zone,” it’ll be a real dog fight right to the end. With not much margin for error.
I’ve always said that when the playoffs start, it doesn’t matter what you did in October or December. That’s not when you play for the Stanley Cup. What matters is how well you are playing at the end of the season, along with how “healthy” you are. Luckily for the Thrashers, the playoffs don’t start tomorrow. And I also think this is not the final roster.
I realize that DW’s track record has not filled us with confidence, but I have to believe that he has something up his sleeve. No matter what he says his intentions are. Don knows good and well that (1) this must be a playoff year and (2) his team has got do something “memorable” once it gets in. Even if it’s a seven-game series loss. That’s a step forward. That’s something to build on. It will sell season tickets next year.
By Bob
February 4, 2007 01:05 AM | Link to this
Waddell fiddles, while Atlanta burns.
By Tony C.
February 4, 2007 01:17 AM | Link to this
BOOOO!!!! BOOOO!!!! BOOOO!!!!
How messed up is it that when my team draws a penalty, I say “uh-oh”???
BOOOO!!!!
P.S. I thought the Slater-Metro-Hades line looked good.
P.P.S. BOOOO!!!!
By Tony C.
February 4, 2007 01:20 AM | Link to this
BOOO!!!!
By Tony C.
February 4, 2007 01:31 AM | Link to this
Also, WTF is up with Cap’n Rat being your best player over the last two periods??? the guy’s 40 F%$#@^% years old!!!
here’s a piece from the NHL.COM recap:
*Atlanta led 2-1 entering the third period.
“We’ve lost two games out of the last four to the worst team in the National Hockey League,” said Atlanta’s Bobby Holik. “It’s not just the third period. We’ve got problems.”*
Amen.
BOOOO!!!!
By kevin
February 4, 2007 01:36 AM | Link to this
PP is horrible? No need to put Kovy in the slot after in worked Tues. I’m starting to give up on Hartley! So predictable.
By R. Stroz
February 4, 2007 02:19 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers have serious problems with home games on weekends. Someone needs to figure out what is going on before home weekend games and put a stop to it. They seem to play fine at home during the week.
On another subject, I stated several weeks ago that in order for the Thrashers to become a top rate team that Kovy needed to 1) stop taking one timers on power plays 2) get back and play defense and 3) pass better. Nearly everyone disagreed. Kovy’s play has improved but not enough for the team to reach the next level. I concur that Kovy could use a center to help set him up. I’d like to see Slater moved up with Kovy. At least Slater has the speed to keep up and is willing to do the dirty work to get the puck. We could rent a center for the rest of the season; but, the rent a center has to be able to keep up with Kovy. Rucchin doesn’t have the wheels to fill the void left by Savard.
Next, Hartley needs to see that DEVO is a major liability. Everytime I look up it seems that DEVO has lost his mark or watching his mark score. Either DEVO can cover his man or knock him on his backside, instead, DEVO looks completely lost. I would like to see Hartley bust DEVO’s chops in the press like he does Kovy. Both players are screwing up, but at least Kovy can put the puck in the net and thus fix some of his mistakes.
The power play needs to be completely revamped. Everyone knows the setup. If the fans know what the system is, you can surely bet the other teams know the power play setup. Not only is the power play not scoring, the other teams are getting better scoring chances short handed.
On the goalie front, Kari is staring to make the same mistakes he made before Moose replaced him for several games earlier this season. Kari is allowing way to many rebounds and dropping to the ice prematurely. He probably needs a rest for a few games again. Kari could also use a defender willing to clear out anyone in front of the net. Right now, our defenders are letting the other team pitch a tent in front of the net.
This team is in need of a veteran center that still has the speed to produce and the leadership skills to motivate and refuses to except third period meltdowns.
Let’s hope something is done soon before the negative momentum overtakes the team. This team is beginning to believe it can’t finish other teams off, and worse, other teams never feel that they are out of the game due to the number of third period meldowns.
This team doesn’t feel like it is going in the right direction as the playoffs loom.
By B. Thenet
February 4, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this
Hey Craig, next time you talk to DW please remind him that our PP stinks.
In addition, inquire as to why when the PP had success with Ilya on the side boards Bob Hartley immediately moved him back to the point.
By Dave
February 4, 2007 09:49 AM | Link to this
Oh oh, just 6 points up on the Lightning and they have a game in hand, with the lowly Kings(despite that lopsided win against the Panthers last night) coming up next.
By Bob
February 4, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
And Waddell fiddles, while Atlanta burns
By BG33Brown
February 4, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
The trouble with this team today is that Hossa is not himself. Ever since he got hurt sliding into the boards he hasn’t been able to carry this team.
The D is flat out poor.
The lack of a face off winning center is embarassing.
And we need to give Moose a ligitament shot at winning the #1 job b/c Kari just isn’t ready!
By Michael
February 4, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Interesting that everyone thought Savard leaving was a good thing. Last year power play with Savard,7th in the league. This year no Savard, currently 24th in the league.
Funny how people blame Kovy for losses, but nobody else on the team gets blamed for their stupidity. Kovy is not the problem.
By Brendan
February 4, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Tim, it’d only be stupid if Don actually did pay whatever the the asking price was for a center. Waddell can make whatever statements he likes. As long as he doesn’t sign an absurd contract or make a stupid trade, perhaps his words would at least make the other GM’s around the league pick up the phone and make him some offers. Yes, Brian! I hear you SCREAMING, “How do you know that isn’t already happening?!” Absolutely right. We don’t know. But Bob also has a point that … gee whiz, it’s been awhile that this problem at Center and on Defense has not been addressed. Why the procrastination?
Sadly, I have some theories. Theory #1 says … Don can’t really get the money out of the Atlanta Spirit group for the trade deadline. Theory #2 says … Don’s been given the green light, but he’s been told to wait right up ‘til the Feb. 27th deadline to do it. Theory #3 says, “Well, Don’s finished as GM if Belkin gets the team. And if Belkin doesn’t get the team, then there’s no need to panic about his job next year. So why do something “rash” like giving up a 1st round pick for Federov, in some lame attempt to create a “legacy” for himself? There’s no way the Atlanta Spirit Group will fire him, even if the Thrashers don’t make the playoffs. I can hear Bernie Mullen now, “Don did a ‘masterful’ job. The team was in 1st place from October through mid-February. Things didn’t go our way. Oh well. We’ll start again next year.” Now, I don’t think we’re gonna miss the playoffs. Even if we do absolutely nothing. Although doing absolutely nothing will probably land us at 94-95 points, and 7th or 8th spot. When clearly, a move NOW might keep Atlanta atop the division, and bring an automatic playoff berth no worse than 3rd.
Now, what d’you think Waddell should do?
By Brendan
February 4, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Michael, do you really believe that? I doubt anyone was “happy” that Savard left! I think they thought $5.0 million dollars was too much to pay for each of the next four seasons. And that’s right, in my opinion. We all wondered why Don didn’t attempt to re-sign Savard in November 2005, when the cost might have been around $3.6 to $3.75 million, over sayyy, five or six years. Instead, Savard successfully got his big contract elsewhere, 4-years/$20 million. Good for him. But look how that contract, and Chara’s, ($7.5 million-per-season,) has handcuffed the Bruins. And there’s no relief coming, as Boston’s on the hook for that for three more seasons. Four more for Chara. In this era of salary cap, how many “Tier One” players can a team really carry? Tampa is struggling mightily with St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Richards. They lost Khabibulin. And they’re gonna lose another one this Summer. Probably St. Louis. But, who knows. I blame Don for not negotiating during the season with Savard. But I don’t blame him for passing on the “bidding war” that started at $5.0 million. If Savard could play better defense and been more disciplined, (he was 2nd on the team in penalty minutes, while not being the team “enforcer,”) then I’d say he was worth $5 million. GM’s today look at “one aspect” of a player, like offense, and assign a dollar value to it. I think it’s a mistake to do so. You must look at the “total package.” You manage your budget and give yourself “flexibility” for the trade deadline. But, what do I know?
By michael
February 4, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Brendan, I absolutely think Savard is worth 5 mil a year. He is 3 pts behind Lecavalier who makes 7 mil a year. Briere who makes the same is 1 pt behind Savvy. Savvy is playing on a new team and has 66 pts, leading team. How many more pts. do you think he would have if he was still playing with Hoss and Kozlov, let alone Kovy on the pp. How many more pts would our guys have with Savard. Our pp was 7th last year with Savvy, this year it is 24th. We wouldn’t be looking for a center right now if he was still here. Even Kovy stated at the beginnig of the season that Savard always knew where to put the pass for a great shot.In the offseason we are gonna have to pay that much if not more to get a center, unless we sign another Rucchin or Kapanen. Do you think Rucchin and Kapanen are better than having Savvy?
By JP
February 4, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
A few observations that trouble me.
I think Hossa is hurt, he is just not the same. You see him losing the one on one battles he ussually wins. Thursday night he had a penalty shot and he just seemed so flat.
Andy Sutton is really weak. I do not see why he gets so much playing time. Last night he should have fought that Flyer that squared off with him. This team needs to show some fight!
I think Kovy has way too much pressure on him. Especially on the PP. The insesant passing to set up the huge one-timer is not a system. Something has to change.
I really though Vish was playing great. He is one of our most physical players. Our team needs to be more physical right now. Hopefully they hiding him from a trade. I’d love to see Sutton go for a good centerman.
Kari is playing pretty good. I’d hate to see him lose his confidence with these loses.
By sisu
February 4, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
So another sorry loss, perhaps this is due to some team having anothers number no matter what!
The team is struggling, Sutton is getting back t game shape…Haydar looked great a few times, hopefully he can play a little longer here to see what he has to offer.
Maybe the road trip coming up will bond this team and show if there is a reason to believe this team can make some noise in April.
By thrashersfan
February 4, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this
I’m in no way giving DW a pass here, but much of the blame for the teams poor play of late should be go to on Hartley. He refuses to sit DeVries who is “clearly” struggling and “clearly” hurting the team; Lehtonen has played pretty damn well, but give the man a rest once in a while; more importantly, however, is to give Moose a game occasionally, he needs real game time to stay sharp, he’s not some lame backup, what if Lehts gets hurt?; and finally, what happen to the quite “successful” PP on Tues night, was it that bad (3/6) that Hartley just through it out the window!? What the hell!!
I miss Savard’s assists too, but his irresponsible & untimely penalties were unacceptable. I know, does the good outweigh the bad? Perhaps, if the team was winning consistently, but that’s not this team, nor was it last yr’s.
I noted above it’s particularly nice to see Slater coming through on offense. Good for him.
By BG33Brown
February 4, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this
We all miss Savard, but last year was the first year in forever that he made it through a season injury free. If I were DW, I wouldn’t of paid 5mil/year for a tier 1 injury prone guy.
By Tim
February 4, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this
Michael, should we have kept Savard at 5m/season, there is a chance we let Hossa go next season. So it is not a bad think actually that we let go of Savard.
Brendan - You forgot to mentin Bergeron salaries under the Bruins payroll. That make 17 mil tied on 3 players alone. Hockeys is a team sports. Not much left for the rest of the roster.
By Tony C.
February 4, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this
On the Savard thing:
It will be a moot point if DW sgns Gomez this summer (Or someone of that caliber-he’s clearly the peach of the lot IMO).
Now about this here PP….why not just set it as a motion-type??? Most of our guys on the unit are good at the breakaway/skill move stuff….plus it’ll tire out the D faster than the current play:
One man dump, then chase it himself, half-wall to Kozlov, low right to Hoss, back to Kozlov, to the right point, to #17 for one timer, Kozlov @ the half-wall, to Hoss for shot or pass to Cap’n Rat in the crease.
If I’m some yokel from Jawja and I can predict your plays, surely some guy from The Great White North who’s Job is hockey is gonna have it figured out too.
Do yall really wanna call up Sterling??
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
February 4, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Michael brings up several good points. One is, perhaps $5 million issss Savard’s market value. I wouldn’t have thought so, but if your compare him, as Michael did, to comparable players, he’s earning his money. The second point is … I wouldn’t have signed 35-year old Steve Rucchin unless he was a “sweetner” in a deal, and even then, I’d demand that the former team eat some of his salary. And truth be told, I’d have rather paid Stefan the $900K and kept him. Yeah, I hear ya. The “qualifying offer” would have been $1.1M for Stefan. I might even go so far as paying him that over the $800K we do for Kapanen. I have been underwhelmed by both of them. But, in the beginning, and by that I mean October and early November, “team defense” was really working for the Thrashers. If they could get back to giving up 2.0 goals per game, Atlanta might start winning games, 3-2.
Now, I don’t know what to think. Seems like the old strategy of “unbridled offense” is the only way to save this team. Actually, if they could just go back and review their defensive efforts from October and November and replicate them, perhaps they’d have better success.
I’m embarrassed to admit that, at moments of weakness and desperation, even I’ve thought trading Slater, Popovic and a conditional 2nd-round pick to Columbus for Federov sounded good! Throw in Hnidy or Brathwaite, if it takes that. But Federov is what, 36-years old? And $6+M, with a year left at that price? Not really the way to go in the “new” NHL. We’d have been better off with Savard, 28, at $5 million, if we were thinking big $$$ for a center.
This Summer, Slava Kozlov hits the open market. Unless he WANTS to stay, I don’t know if Don can re-sign him. Andy Sutton is almost certainly gone. And Hossa hits the open market in the Summer of 2008, the same time when Don must “attempt” to re-sign Lehtonen. And I think he will, but it’s gonna cost him mega bucks. How could Don possibly keep Savard at $5 million, Kovy at $6.5 million, Hossa at … probably $8+, as a “floor” for his new contract, and Lehtonen, in the viscinity of $4-5 million? And maybe Kozlov, too? Everyone else on the team will have to be making league minium, just about.
By Dave
February 5, 2007 09:31 AM | Link to this
Hey B, it’s interesting you mentioned the Lightning ‘big 3’ because GM Feaster just said that the Lightning are shooting for 1 year ONLY contracts for everyone, from here on out, so that they can keep the ‘big three’. No trades in sight, that is old news since the current strong run. By the way, they aren’t struggling mightily anymore (6 points back of us) as the goaltending, mostly the surprising Holmqvist, has been decent.
By Brendan
February 5, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
It’s probably wise to keep contracts to two-years or less, unless we’re talking about someone who is very young and could be described as a “franchise-type” player. GM’s have a tough task, Dave. The sales and marketing staff want a GM to lock in a “big name” to ensure season ticket sales. (See Kovalchuk.) But on the other hand, isn’t it a pretty good strategy to have a lot of inexpensive depth that contributes in a meaningful way? This way, you can roll four lines and hope for seven or eight (7-8) twenty (20) goal scorers. Who should your opponents focus on when you are getting “balanced” scoring from all lines?
Well, that’s all easier said than done, I think. How do you find young, fast “inexpensive” depth? I think you have to draft it. Especially in the latter rounds. If you can’t, you’re forced to go get help from the free agent market. And that usually drives up the price.
Last Summer, when Don signed Wanvig, Haydar, Krog and Braitwaite as FREE AGENTS, only to stick them in Chicago, all I could think was … how did this “reality” happen? Isn’t it true that the Thrashers, in the entirety of their history, have never held a draft position WORSE than 12th overall? (Yes, I know Alex Bourret, 2005, was taken 16th overall, but Don actually owned the #8 pick, and traded down, twice, to land at #16.)
Ya know, now that I think about it, shouldn’t a minor league team filled with “FREE AGENTS” be kicking everyone’s posterior in AHL? Laughing their way to a championship?
By Brendan
February 5, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Tony C., Don can only bring up Sterling for nine (9) games. Any more than that and Don loses a year off of Sterling’s eventual restricted free agency. That’s why Coburn only played nine (9) games or less last year. And why Lehtonen only played in four (4) games in 2004. I think Sterling, a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, was one of Don’s better draft picks.
By JP
February 5, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Does anyone think Hossa is hurt?
By David
February 5, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
JP, yes.
By JP
February 5, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
David…I do too. Maybe he should sit a game or two. What are some other good chat boards about The Thrashers?
By Luckydog
February 5, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
I’ve wondered about Hossa….he’s a splendid player but has been a nonfactor for big stretches lately. Maybe he’s hurt, maybe he’s wearing down a little, maybe the league’s just getting onto his game…
On the plus side, nice to see Slater starting to catch fire a bit…
Paper today sez if we stopped now we’d play Pittsburgh. What a fun series that would be…
By Russian
February 5, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this
I heard a rumor. NY Ranger think to trade or rent Brendan Shanahan. He is 37 and his contract expired on this summer. Our GM keeping eyes on Brian Smolinskiy, but I think we are not winning this deal. He will be in Montreal or Edmonton. Play with Pittsburgh in first round PO, it will be intersting idea, because they are young and most players never been on PO situation. About Hossa, I do not know. It looks like he is not a same person thet before. I guest he is just get tired. I think to give him a rest to couple game will be great.
By ranallo10
February 5, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this
Rest a player tied for 6th in league scoring with 66 points on the season??? What game are you all watching?
A player should not be expected to score 2 points every game, but the last few posts make it seem like Hossa is in a slump because he’s not “playing like himself” (whatever that means). I swear to doG, some of you posters get more and more stupid as you watch a few games.
Brendan, 9 paragraphs with 0 direct responses…do you feel better though? I’m sure it’s like ripping a shot (be it in any sport) — it may not be completely productive and may be a little off mark, but it feels better to let it all go than to hold it in.
By Bob
February 5, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
JP, I think he’s hurt, his speed is off and he isn’t wheeling like he normally has. But he’s not hurt badly enough to sit, let’s hope he gets back to full strength quickly.
Waddell fiddles, while Atlanta burns.
By ranallo10
February 5, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this
And for the record, Federov is not worth the money. I loved him in his Detroit days, or even post Kournikova days, but he’s just a bit too expensive to consider a viable option. It also doesn’t help his case that he’s 36.
Also, why would Columbus want Brathwaite BACK? Do remember, he’s played there before, I’m sure they would’ve tried to resign him if they felt he was worth it.
By Midfield
February 5, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this
The team does not show up to play the entire game. Something is going on. Hartley is losing control - could it be because he is playing favorites?
By JP
February 5, 2007 03:33 PM | Link to this
Why is Vish sitting and Sutton is playing? I just don’t get it.
As for Hossa I am not as worried about his lack of points but it just seems he is losing a lot of the 1 on 1 battles I am used to him winning.
What is going on in the locker room? Is it lack of leadership?
By ranallo10
February 5, 2007 03:59 PM | Link to this
It’s sooooooooooooooooooooooooo nice to see Vigier out of the lineup. That fourth line looked pretty good with Mellanby back there, almost as if Vigier is replaceable. And by Haydar being on the third line with Metropolit and Slater, the line was infused with a little more energy (amazingly enough). It was too bad Haydar couldn’t slam home that one goal from the door step, it would’ve been a great way for him to introduce himself to the Atlanta lineup.
Over the next few weeks I can only hope we see more of Haydar on the ice, and more of Vigier signing autographs.
By luckydog
February 5, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this
the other thing about hossa is that it may have more to do with his supporting cast — when the power play is a disaster, you’ve got mediocre centering and a defense prone to lapses, it gets easier for other teams to keep a lid on your scorer….
i also don’t think Ex has had much impact since coming back, but some of you iceheads would be a better judge. sutton needs another game or two before we can judge, imho.
btw, i guess everyone noticed that TB is back in 2nd, with a bullet.