Thrashers

By Thrasher_Ed

February 10, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Craig, I certainly hope this is just a starting point for Don Waddell and the trading season. Look forward to more info.

By Bob

February 10, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

It was pretty obvious that Vish was the guy being traded, seeing how they’ve sat him out while Wad was working a trade for him.

But The Fiddler brings in Belanger? He is not our solution for an offensive center. He has 8 goals and 20 assist in 56 games this year and is a -2 on a great NashVegas club.

If that is the final answer from Waddell on our need for an offensive center, then Waddell is incompetent. I know, that’s beyond obvious to even the most naive fan, but I’m going to give Waddell the benefit of the doubt for now and whistle through the graveyard believing that it’s simply a plug in since Rucchin got hurt, and he’s still making a move for an offensive center. Yeah, I know, pipedream.

Forsberg? Belanger? Hey, they’re both centers.

By Rawhide

February 10, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

I’ve called this one for a week now. I think this is a good trade. It addresses a position we needed to improve upon. The 29 year old is 6’-0”, 188 lbs with 8 goals and 12 assist so far,….looks like we didn’t give up any minor leagers either.

Good 3rd line center….

Question is now what do we do with Kapanen?????

By Thrasher_Ed

February 10, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Eric Belanger is a 29 yr old center, has 8goals and 12 assists with an almost 54% faceoff win%. Still seems like an opening move to help PK or add depth not the big move Thrashers fans are hoping for! He is an UFA that is only making 1.3 million this year, slightly less than Vish was due $1.55million. Craig any idea why Vish wore out his welcome in the ATL?

By Thrasher_Ed

February 10, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can trade Kapanen or just cut him. I’d prefer to keep Haydar. Like what I see from him so far.

By Jenn

February 10, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

How many third line centers do we possibly need?

By T-Bone

February 10, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Heard Bill Clement yesterday on XM Radio and he mentioned Chicago’s Smolinski as a reasonable alternative. He thought a Forsberg deal to the ATL wouldn’t happen. He did say when your best scoring center is not even in the top 50 for scoring centers something has to happen.

By michael

February 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

this team has nothing but 3rd line centers, we don’t need another one. Wadell better do something better than this. This is not waht I was hoping for, what a crap trade.

By Craig Custance

February 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Busy morning — just got off the phone with Waddell, the team also picked up Denis Hamel off waivers (Ottawa).

By Bob

February 10, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Aren’t we past waiver wire pickups?

I just realized Belanger played on Carolina this year, and was just traded to NashVegas, so his numbers are from his play for the Canes.

But we don’t need another 3rd line center, we need a center to skate with Kovy.

Please, please, please let this not be it, mabye Waddell is picking up some pieces to make another bigger move. Please?

I’m hoping that at least they’ve finally thrown the towel in on Kapenen and Belanger is to replace him, but we still need a Smolinski or someone to skate with Kovy and run the PP.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 10, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Craig, What is the word on Rucchin? How badly was he hurt? Seemed only minor! I don’think fans will understand either of these moves, what will Hamel do go to Chicago, kill penalties, is Vigier hurt worse than we thought? Be nice to have an article where Waddellworth explains why he made these moves!

By michael

February 10, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hopefully this is so we don’t have to play Kapanen. Surely this is not it. Hamel is another grinder. F*ck this is reminding me of our off season moves. Wadell is really p** me off. He better get a top six forward.

By Moberg

February 10, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

So, what gives? Great. Belanger. Now we have another “…eh” center. Not that he’s necessarily a bad player. He’s just not what is needed…and Hamel? Looking at his numbers it seems to me he’s just another body. Not sure what role he’ll play, if any.

Like all Thrashers fans I am a little anxious and would love to see an upgrade @ center, but maybe we’re all buying into the “BIG TRADE” hype a little too much. Regardless of what happens between now and the 27th, this team will do well during the regular season and make a good run in the playoffs.

Go Blue! Spank the Canucks!

By MDNathan

February 10, 2007 01:10 PM | Link to this

Checking in from Los Angeles, to let you know that although you may have a glut of 3rd line centers, Belanger actually REALLY suits that role well. Having a very strong year on the faceoff, and is a relatively good guy on the PK when motivated. I’m a big supported of the Thrashers, and look forward to a long run in the post-season. Waddell’s NHL game experience came with the Kings (literally “game” experience) and he’s been a source of amusement to me long before you ever heard of him :)

By Ryan

February 10, 2007 01:13 PM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for the updates. I am also very pleased with the knowledge of the fans today. Another 3rd line center is not what is needed, but I will wait and see what Waddell continues to do. Bob thanks for the background on Belanger. Lets just hope that the Thrash give us a great game tonight.

By Bob

February 10, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

MDNathan, well, I’m glad that you’re amused with Waddell. Imagine how we feel after 7 years of this nonsense out of him. It’s like 1 step forward and 2 steps back, continuously.

Thanks for the info on Belanger, we do need the PK help since THE JPVJ is out longer than expected and I will stick my head in the sand and believe that Belanger is here to replace Kapanen and I am not reading those words CC just wrote quoting Waddell that Belanger will play on one of our top 2 lines, that’s gotta be posturing for the selling GM’s trying to hold him hostage for their top line centers.

I must believe that the major tweak is still to come, and if yes, then this is a good move and for once Wad is being proactive since Rucchin is out and JPVJ is out, so we needed a center and a PKer and quick, or we might get run over during this road trip.

Wad gets us a top line center by the 27th and all is good. Belanger takes Kapanen’s spot (and Kapanen is waived after Rucchin is back), and the new center takes Kovy’s line. If this is it, then we’re screwed.

By Bob

February 10, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

Ryan, that’s right, the boys need a good game tonight. I’m nervous though, Kapanen is going to be back in, mabye they’ll put Slater centering Kovy?

Any word on that CC from the practice out there today? Metro centering Hossa and Kozlov still? Mabye Slater on Kovy’s line? Kapanen 4th line duty?

By michael

February 10, 2007 03:03 PM | Link to this

Bob where did you read that wadell said he would be playing on one of the top two lines?

By michael

February 10, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this

Bob,nevermind I just read it and almost puked. This sounds like what he was saying about Kapanen when we traded for him.

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

Belanger is not going to fix our scoring center problem but he might be better than Niko and with Rucchin and Vigier out he could help out the PK unit. DW mentioned wanted to improve the PK. Vishnevski was doing nothing for us in the press box. I’m still hoping we see Smolinski in an ATL uniform.

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this

FYI: I have a trade breakdown up on my blog now.

By Russ

February 10, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

Current facts - 1)The Thrashers are #6 in the NHL in goals for. 2)The Thrashers are #22 in goals allowed. 3)Kovaluchuk is currently on pace for 45 goals and is only 3 behind the league leader.

I’ll repeat what I have said before…this team’s #1 priority should be a top four defenseman and not necessarily an offensive center for Kovy. Do I think Rucchin is a great offensive center? … of course not, but Kovy is obviously getting his goals regardless…and actually a larger percentage of them are coming at five on five (with Rucchin) than on the PP compared to last season. I am hoping that Belanger is a good penalty killer (right now the most glaring weakness of this team) and if so I can live with the centers currently on the roster…but like many of you I hope this isn’t the last move. I hope the last move is to solidify a blue line that beyond the top pairing is made up of lots of healthy scratch/AHL type of talent.

By Craig Custance

February 10, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Bob — With Rucchin out and Belanger not joining the team until Edmonton, Slater will center the Kovalcuk/Sim line, while the Hossa line will stay the same. Mellanby still filling in for JP on checking line and fourth line will be Kapanen, Haydar and Boulton.

Ryan — I think you’re right not to jump to any conclusions after this trade. The Thrashers are still under the cap, actually when all is said and done these moves might give them a little bit more room. So this trade won’t prevent the team from making another for an elite player, it all depends on who is out there as the deadline gets closer.

By Bob

February 10, 2007 04:34 PM | Link to this

Falconer, Smoke would be a good fit on Kovy’s line, he distributes the puck well and can play on the PP. That would be a nice move. What do you mean do you mean about your blog? Where?

Russ, you may be on to something. As I recall, we don’t have a lot of defenseman under contract for next year, a move could be made to send another D away for a Brewer. We could spend a little money there, even pick up someone with year’s left on their contract. I was hoping for Visnovsky, but apparently the Kings want to keep him to build upon.

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 05:04 PM | Link to this

Bob said: Falconer, Smoke would be a good fit on Kovy’s line, he distributes the puck well and can play on the PP. That would be a nice move. What do you mean do you mean about your blog? Where?

http://thrasherstalons.blogspot.com/

By Chris

February 10, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this

DW got a servicable center for a guy who hadn’t been dressing lately…and hadn’t been playing that well over the last couple months. I see this as a nice deal with very limited downside risk.

Belanger definitely is not the sure answer we are looking for but its become painfully obvious that we need someone else to throw in the mix on the top two lines.

Rucchin and Niko are doing absolutely zero. I have a hard time believing Belanger will do worse. And if DW can’t pull the trigger on the big one at least there has been a minor upgrade.

And the insider info from having spent 5 months with the Canes can’t hurt…

By Jason

February 10, 2007 05:11 PM | Link to this

Bob - Here’s Falconer’s blog url: http://thrasherstalons.blogspot.com

It’s always a good read.

I’m going to the game tonight, as I’m a huge Thrasher fan and they are in my city! Looking forward to seeing the boys in action… live!

Go Thashers Go!

By Jason

February 10, 2007 05:13 PM | Link to this

D’oh! Falconer beat me to it!

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this

Chris, I like the way you think: And the insider info from having spent 5 months with the Canes can’t hurt

Jason: thanks for kind comments!

By LAC

February 10, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

A worthless trade, why is colburn NOT gone to Edmonton for Lupal, a good young center, This guy is as worthless as kappenan/rucchin, but border line minor leaguers.

But with DUMB waddell, this IS the best he can do, stiffed again, devries is BAD, Sutton is just too slow and Vish was solid, period, but this is great, just great… I expect to see Hossa go to St.Louis for a third or forth round pick, to clear cap space, seems most Atlanta teams are NOT willing to go for the gold, esp the Thrashers, we have a good team, but a couple BIGGER names would solidify and make us a REAL threat, but Eric Belanger ???? Oh NOOOOOOOO… Stiffed again and a waiver claim, just what we are accustom to with THE NHL’S WORST GM…DUMB waddell !

By Thrashersfan33

February 10, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe how everyone jumps on DW like they do. Yes, we all wish we had tasted the playoffs before this year, but lets see how Belanger works out….give the D time to be consistently paired like they were at the beginning of the year now that everyone is healthy (and hopefully same great results will occur like the season started)…and be happy that he is being active and is out there looking to do what he can. Vish has made bad decisions probably one too many times for Hartley and that is why he is gone. I know my patience won’t be liked by many on this blog, but oh well. Let’s just hope we win today and tomorrow and take things one day at a time. If DW fails to do more moves and the Thrashers begin to take a nose dive, then I will get p** like everyone else. But until then…let’s see what this team can do.

By sodapants

February 10, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

For BOB’s sake! Let the women come out and wail!

Belanger is a great pick up… Where’s Rucchin again? This guy works… and if you’ve ever seen him play you’d like him.
The typical cry-babies are out in force becuse Don didn’t get Sakic for the league minimum. heh…
Forsberg?? Why in the hell would you want Forsberg? He spends more time on the IR now than anything. Then these dopes would whine about paying a guy top dollar who never plays. And he’s not the Forsberg of old anymore…. stop playing fantasy hockey. A center that’s relatively young, has produced at this level and is cheap is a good d@mn deal. And who cares what other trades Waddell makes? This trade should judged on the players involved… duh… and we got a good trade. What if your fantasy trade isn’t available? What if most teams are keeping their players since so many teams this year are in the race? than what?

FIRE DON! He didn’t mkaes other teams deal away good/great players for peanuts! ‘Cauae we obviously have so much to trade away… We’re that deep! lol

By sodapants

February 10, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this

This is my point… LOL!!!

“A worthless trade, why is colburn NOT gone to Edmonton for Lupal, a good young center, This guy is as worthless as kappenan/rucchin, but border line minor leaguers.”

Why in the hell would Edmonton trade Lupal for Coburn?? I wouldn’t even consider it if I worked for Edmonton! What makes you think Waddell could talk the Oilers into such a retarded trade?

By Chris

February 10, 2007 06:08 PM | Link to this

Also - the Vishnevski of ‘06-‘07 did not lend himself very well to playoff hockey. In a low scoring game you can’t have guys taking 40 foot runs and missing. Every mistake potentially changes a series. Something seemed off about him this year, but he had plenty of time to work through it, and it wasn’t happening.

If the only downside of adding Belanger is now Hnidy has a spot locked down come playoff time, I’m alright w/ that.

By sodapants

February 10, 2007 06:08 PM | Link to this

why would Edmonton trade away a GOOD, young center for someone who’s “as worthless as kappenan/rucchin, but border line minor leaguers.” … as you put it?

Would YOU make that trade? hhah

By sodapants

February 10, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

Do you think about any of this stuff before you post it?

By sodapants

February 10, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

This is typical of this place… Lots of mindless whining but a ton short on thought and logic.

By sisu

February 10, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

So who put together the team for this season that sits on top of the Southeast at the moment? Wasn’t any of you guys here or me it was Waddel…I am so sick of hearing you cry a river about the moves or lack there of that DW has made. You have to have a trading partner and Belanger will be a solid pickup!

By Ryan

February 10, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

What the Thrash need to do NOW is get a good road trip going and let things happen as they will. Picking up guys during the deadline will only effect the team later. There is some cap room this time around lets just see what happens. If the rest of DW moves are horrible, then start the rapid firing. I agree with getting a solid blue line going, especially for the PK. We all know how the PK is these days. TSN had some info on Hamel stating that he had a serious knee injury in 00’-01’, and that he has not been very productive since….not very promising. Again, the Thrash need a solid game tonight regardless of trade talks. Van. is in a tight playoff race in the west…this game means a great deal for either team. We need 2 tonight.

By SnowDog

February 10, 2007 07:07 PM | Link to this

This is a bit off topic — OK way off — but does anyone know if there is anywhere in metro ATL where Thrashers fans can go to watch games together? Thought it would be fun.

By Michael A.

February 10, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

I agree with Russ. Sure it would be great to have a center that could skate with Kovy, but this team needs quality defensive players more based on the GA / GF differential. If Belanger can help out on the PK for a guy who wasn’t playing and gives us more room under the cap then this will be a good deal.

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 09:07 PM | Link to this

re: watching games.

TJ’s up in Alpharatta area is very hockey friendly since it is by a former ATL Flame. I’ve watched many games there.

In town Twain’s is a hockey friendly bar as well.

By Tony C.

February 10, 2007 09:20 PM | Link to this

Ok now this is a smart trade!!!

Vish was a decent 3rd-pair blueliner who really wasn’t living up to his rep as a hitter…Hnidy’s revalatory contract-year season made him emminently expendable….Belanger is solid. No, he’s not the O-fensive centre myself and others have been clamoring for, but he’s a great piece to plug in for the MIA Rucchin…and he may also actually go to the puck when he’s in the o-ffensive zone (something Rucchin seems to be having trouble with this year)…He made his living as LA’s PK guy before going to the ‘Canes-our PK can definitely use all the help it can get. His F/O numbers look pretty good something like 50% career, pretty good I’d say for $1.3M

Now is he the guy to turn that #17 line around? who knows??? but I do know that if I was a “serviceble” UFA-to-be center I would be salivating at the thought of having #17 to pass to.

On another note about this trade, I think it’s pretty darn good move by DW-it’s really a 3-team trade between CAR/NSH/ATL…tough trick to pull because you have the whole divisional-competition angle to factor in as well-he unloaded salary-space at the same time as well-this could prove crucial to landing the “big fish” we all want to see.

The winger they claimed off of waivers? depth to replace Hades in Chi???

I like this trade. I’ll really like it a lot if it sets up the “big fish” trade. Smolinski would be a good fit I think…I just would like to see someone who can keep up with Sim & #17 out there-it’d be a huge change….whoever said that #17 was doing fine 5-on-5 with Rucchin as his pivot-ummm wasn’t Rucchin out for a pretty long spell? I realize your pint is that #17 will get his goals regardless, but do honestly think Rucchin is enhancing #17’s ability to do so???

Would be nice to see the guys string some W’s together on the road….

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Nice to see soda back

By Brendan

February 10, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ahh, it’s my fault for getting here late, but Russ, Bob, Michael, Falconer and even Soda already posted what I intended to write.

Russ, I agree with you that I want DW to get a solid name on Defense. Bob, I agree with you that it should be Brewer. Well, depending on what we give up. I hardly think he’s worth giving up several draft picks over. But Brewer could help in a big way, without breaking the bank. He’s a UFA this Summer. So, think of him as a “rental.” Ya never know, DW could re-sign him this Summer, if the price isn’t egregious.

Falconer, I agree with you on the “insider aspect” of getting a guy who now has an ax to grind vs. a divisional opponent. In this regard, I don’t think this is that horrible of a trade, especially since it freed up a bit of cap space.

Soda, I agree that Belanger can help and that this trade won’t rank as of one of Don’s worst of all-time. I don’t know if Belanger is “unrestricted” this Summer or what. Yes, I should have looked it up before making this post. But with Rucchin hurt, Kapanen not producing, and Stefan in Dallas, Belanger could actually wind up being the “best fit” for the 3rd line. I don’t think he should be a 2nd line center. But hey, that’s what Bob Hartley gets paid for. He’ll find the right spot for Belanger. I really like that he came from Carolina. I hope he sings like a canary about undisclosed injuries in the ‘Canes lockerroom, as well as strategies to beat Carolina.

I also agree with Soda, and will praise Don Waddell, NOT to get Peter Forsberg. He’ll play nine (9) games here, then get injured, while maxing out our cap. And the cost will be plenty more than that, as we kiss key drafts away for the future. And worse yet, those draft picks will belong to a conference rival (Flyers). While we’re on that topic, if Vishnevski sets the world on fire in Nashville, it can only hurt us if Atlanta reaches the Finals … and the Predators are there waiting for us. Anyone putting $$$ on that scenario? Me, either. So, I don’t think this trade is such a miserable flop. Vishnevski has not lived up to his hype this season for Atlanta. I wish him the best in Nashville. At least he’ll get his chance to make the Ducks sorry they dismissed him.

I sincerely hope Don Waddell is not done with trade deadline moves, however. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt … that he’s going to find us a blueliner, as Russ suggests he should. Stay tuned.

By The Falconer

February 11, 2007 01:07 AM | Link to this

Brendan: It was Chris who brought up the insider angle, just wanted to credit him.

re: Brewer. I’m just not so sure he is the solution. He has looked pretty bad at times since he was traded from EDM to STL. Is it because STL is bad or was he just playing over his head in EDM? That’s the big question with Brewer.

re: Forsberg. I’d love to get the old Peter Forsberg. But I’m worried he just isn’t healthy enough to make a huge impact. I don’t want to give up a top prospect in exchange for a guy who may be watching our playoff game from the press box. If Sundin where available I’d rather target him but TOR is not out of it.

By Steven Katz

February 11, 2007 09:19 AM | Link to this

DW=not an overspender. In today’s NHL (salary cap) I think it’s imparative to have cap flexibility. Those teams that can take on additional salary, to assist a team who’s GM has overspent on mistakes, will yield you valuable picks or prospects. DW fits the bill here. He’s a heck of a lot smarter than most give him credit for, AND, he’ll never overspend for anyone, especially Peter the Great.
As much as I like Forsberg, and would love him being on the Thrashers, I hope DW dosen’t get him because in doing so, he’d have to overspend. Go Thrash!

By Brendan

February 11, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

Chris: Sorry. That “slight” I did to you was purely unintentional. I liked your insight into Belanger. It was a good post.

Well, I’m glad I brewed some coffee last night. At least it was an exciting finish. Good thing Carolina lost in regulation.

Falconer, I suspect every team in playoff contention will want Forsberg. It’s just the price that has GM’s concerned. And I don’t just mean his salary. Mortgaging the future for a “rental” player is hardly ever a good strategy. But, there are times when it’s worth trying. For the Thrashers, that time is not now.

By LAC

February 11, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

Some recent info on our “new” additions…

Hemel Not played in 11 games, nothing to show.

Belanger last five games (Carolina) 0 Goals & 0 Assists and a -2 to boot.

This is the problem I have with waddell.

He simply seems to have no hockey sense on exactly what this team needs, and Vish was a top 2-3 defenseman…

Just no reasoning, and a guy who was traded twice within 24hrs… Makes us look like bottom feeders.

Good game last night, just a couple miscues cost us…

Bur waddell has to get off his butt and get some TOP players not this waiver wire stuff, watch one or both of these two recent rentals be gone before the season is history.

Just no sense to these two pickups, when we need REAL help up front and a couple who NEED to be gone, kappenan and rucchin hang around… Too many teams can shadow our top players and then the bubble bursts…

If waddell does not get some FRONT LINE PLAYERS in SOON… our playoff and title hopes may be shot down for good… Really not happy with these two new players… on scale of 1-10 with 10 being #99 and 1 a BUST, they rate a high 2 or low three…

Gee Whiz… We need a NEW GM !

By Brendan

February 11, 2007 01:20 PM | Link to this

Well Steven Katz, perhaps Don Waddell will find a home for Bobby Holik, and his $4.25 million contract, which is owed to him, again, next season. Peter Bondra’s “bonuses” are still hitting our cap this year.

In the Summer of 2008, Marian Hossa will likely be able to ask for and possibly get the league maximum salary. Next year’s cap will “allegedly, supposedly” be $47.5 million. That makes the league maximum salary $9.5 million. Remember during the lockout … how GM’s, owners, hockey analysts, and members of the media said, “The days of the $10 million contracts are over. We’ll never see them again.”

Hmmn. $9.5 million isn’t all that far away from $10.0 million. And that’s if the cap doesn’t rise again for 2008. I see little evidence to suggest that GM’s won’t pay it. The GM’s will argue, “That’s his market value. What can I do? If I don’t pay it, someone else will.” Well, I still say GM’s have options and choices out there. If you’re sitting on a player who makes $6.5 to $9.5 million in 2008, you can trade him for a slew of depth. If defense is your team’s particular problem, tell me you couldn’t find 3-4 “serviceable” NHL-caliber blueliners for that salary ($9.5 million)? Hey, four d-men, that’s 67-percent of your defensive corps … for one player. Next order of business, finding three forwards who will each be 20-goal scorer, while not overpaying for them. This is how teams will find “balance and depth” while maintaining flexibility for the trade deadline. That’s the time to land a big-time player, at a pro-rated salary for March and April, when you’re making your playoff push.

By The Falconer

February 11, 2007 04:00 PM | Link to this

I tend to agree with Brendan that Forsberg isn’t worth the price (TSN says Philly wasnt to top young prospect and a high draft pick).

To be blunt I when I look at the Thrashers I see a team that will win between 0-8 games in the playoffs. I think the best the team could do is reach the East Finals. I don’t see this team as being one piece removed from winning the Cup. The club is too inconsistent and the defensemen too suspect.

The good news (from my perspective) is that we could see massive improvement in our defense over the summer. Sutton and de Vries are both UFA and I hope neither return. I would like to see Hnidy return. Coburn, Popovic could come up. We have two VERY promising European guys (Enstrom and Zubarev) who must sign this summer (they would probably need time in Chicago. I also really like the play of Grant Lewis who is done with college this spring.

The organization has great depth at the defense position and we only need SOME of this prospects to become solid NHLers.

But some above average D in front of Kari and away we go. Now that’s a team which might just be one or two pieces away from winning the cup. But I’m not so sure this current Thrashers club fits that description.

By sodapants

February 11, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

“Bur waddell has to get off his butt and get some TOP players not this waiver wire stuff, watch one or both of these two recent rentals be gone before the season is history.”

So.. the only thing keeping Waddel from getting “TOP” players is his butt?
And just who do you plan on trading away to get top players? Because that’s the only way you GET top players… ya dope.

According to this idiot… Don Waddel is the only person involved when player negotiations happen. The other team just sits there, smiles and nods. haha

By Bob

February 11, 2007 06:17 PM | Link to this

Falconer, I think it’s completely unrealistic to think that we can bring up Popovic, Coburn, and two other kids that have NEVER played in the NHL, and expect the defense to be improved. Ain’t gonna happen. I would like to see Waddell make a move for both a defenseman and a center before the deadline. Our defense can be rebuilt, and must be rebuilt for next year. But not with kids. At best, we could expect Coburn to take 3rd line minutes next year along with Popovic.

Waddell could make a move now for a veteran dman that could be kept for next year, even a guy that’s under contract for next or more years.

By The Falconer

February 12, 2007 06:22 AM | Link to this

Bob: very true what yous say about rookie D not solving all our problems. I’m thinking more long term that in the next 2 seasons we have a crop of guys who might step up and become contributors. We could also see a trade this summer where some prospects get moved for an experienced PP QB.

Next year we will have Havelid, Exelby, McCarthy Coburn and Popovic signed to play D. I would think DW will sign one free agent defensemen who could play in our top 4 and I could see a rookie making our third pairing. Enstrom might make the team as a power play specialist that we need so badly.

Potential Pairings Havelid-Coburn Exelby-FA? McCarthy-rookie (Enstrom?) Popovic (7th D man)

By Bob

February 12, 2007 08:32 AM | Link to this

Coburn on our top defensive pairing? my goodness, we need to improve the defense. He struggled in limited ice time on the 3rd pair this year and was sent back down, what makes you think he can come back on our top pair? That would be suicide for us.

By The Falconer

February 12, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Coburn has struggled. We have a coach that doesn’t trust rookies much.

By Bob

February 12, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Dude, you just lost some credibility with me, not to mention you still thinking Waddell has drafted some gems that hide down in the minors, juniors, or Euro, haven’t you seen his track record in choosing defensive “talent”?

Coburn was played by Coach 10 minutes a night against the other team’s bottom lines and got owned, in a bad way, several times. He looked completely out of place here. Cripes, even the Chicago fans showed up here when we sent him back down and said “no, please no!”

Like my old man used to say, you can’t make a turd shine, that ain’t Coach’s fault, it’s the guy downloading the turds to him.

By Brendan

February 12, 2007 01:17 PM | Link to this

Falconer, I don’t think Exelby is under contract next season. He’s unrestricted, as fas as I know. I won’t swear to it, however. But that doesn’t mean Don can’t re-sign him this Summer. The returning crew are Coburn, Havelid, McCarthy, Popovic, and it’s believed that Boris Valabik will make the squad next season. Don could also re-sign Shane Hnidy, if he doesn’t trade him before the deadline.

By The Falconer

February 12, 2007 02:55 PM | Link to this

re: Coburn. he struggled his first few games. After that I thought he looked better than de Vries and Vishnevshy. You’re welcome to your own opinion of course. If we can put Hnidy with Havelid and have a good pairing you can’t tell me that Coburn couldn’t do the same. I love Hnidy’s play this year but let’s be realistic he has had to fight to stay on a NHL roster his entire career.

re: Bob on defensive prospects. So you’re saying that because our defensive picks failed in the past ALL defensive picks for all time made by DW will also fail? That seems unlikely and unrealistic to me.

re: Brendan, true XLB is a RFA but I assume he will be resigned.

By Brendan

February 12, 2007 06:25 PM | Link to this

I could be wrong, Falconer, but I thought Exelby was unrestricted? Does he not have enough NHL tenure to be unrestricted? I’d have to check, but I think Exelby is 26, with four years of NHL play. Ya know, I’m not sure anymore.