Thrashers

By Bob

February 27, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Since we have so many UFA’s this summer, there is room to take on additional salary like a Cajanek who’s under contract for next year. My preference would be a right winger, but if we pick up Cajanek, could Tkachuk move to right wing since Kovy plays left on that line? I don’t know about that.

It would be very nice to have someone capable for right wing on Kovy’s line. Sim or Mellanby just aren’t going to cut it there.

I can’t see why the Blues wouldn’t trade Weight and then go to re-sign him this summer. I’ve heard a few analysts say that it makes the NHL look bush league that they allow teams to trade a UFA for a two month rental, then re-sign him in the summer. I disagree, why not allow it. It’s not like the team you’re trading him to is under some illusion that they get to keep him for the next year. If both parties agree, rent the guy out.

By Ryan

February 27, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Craig. like to see things start early this morning. It could be a big day around hockey. Renting players happens in the NHL. I’ve never really been a fan of these kinds of deals. I mostly feel bad for the rentee. He may come in to a new team where the jersey and then be shipped off the next day. One of those things I guess. I hope Waddell isn’t done yet.

By Vitamin Z

February 27, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Veteran wing Gary Roberts headed to Penguins…

By Brian

February 27, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

The whole “trade an UFA and then sign him back in the summer” has occurred very few times. What it really comes down to is teams that are out of the playoffs trading big name players to teams that are in the playoff hunt. No different than Jason Kidd going to the Lakers now or whoever the big name in MLB that moves this summer…

Bob - Tkachuk shoots left, Kovvy shoots right, now just put someone in the middle.

I wanted Smolinski too but as Thrasher_Ed said, Waddell might be out of bullets or have something else. Cajanek might not be bad, when you put a center between the great wings, anyone can step it up a notch. See Belanger & Savard. Getting a C for Kovvy & Tkachuk might be nice, move Mell down to Holik’s line.

If nothing else, it will be an interesting day today. I hope nothing happens, we will have a big edge then.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Roberts just waived his no-trade clause…

By Dink15

February 27, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Craig,

Your thoughts on this please….I have an opinion on whom on this team is choking.

His name is Bob Hartley. Who is feeling the pressure? Bob Hartley! Now i understand with new additions the first two lines will chnage but why break up the most productive line over the past few games? The checking line with Holik, Vigier and Bolton has been the hustle line that has played very well and what does Bob do? He puts Larsen (his boy) back on the checking line and even uses Slater on that line last night! What is he doing with the 3rd and 4th lines? Good God let the guys develop some sort of chemistry. The checking line with Larsen out there gave up a goal last night and Larson took a bad penalty. Bolton didn’t play after the first period. I really think Bob is taking the gas. Thoughts please.

By Lee

February 27, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

CC, great article as usual. Hey, I know it is early to ask a question like this, but what are the odds that the Thrashers will try and re-sign som eof these guys like Tkachuk or Belanger? And isn’t Slava a free agent tthis year? I would really like to keep Belanger, especially if he plays this way from here on out.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Brian, which way a guy shoots doesn’t determine if a guy is a LW or a RW. Tkachuk has been a LW all his career, until the Blues moved him to center this year. I’m wondering if Tkachuk could play right wing though, out of necessity. Also, I read that Cajanek can play wing, although he is a center. Only way I see Waddell making a move is if Dallas picks up Kapanen off of waivers, or if Waddell is able to trade someone.

Also, guys getting traded for a rental and re-signing with their previous teams in the summer does in fact happen. In fact, the Hurricanes did just that last year with not one, but two rentals that helped them win a Cup and then re-signed with the teams that traded them.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Bob - I totally agree with you on that, but if you have someone coming down the wing do you want the defenseman having open access at the puck or do you want your guy to be able to shield it? I do understand though that Kovvy is taking the feed pass from different angles and can warrant being on the other side.

Also Bob, my exact words were “The whole “trade an UFA and then sign him back in the summer” has occurred very few times.” You just pointed out 2 examples which to me = very few times. How many other examples do you have?

By Rawhide

February 27, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Good game last night, very exciting. I’m trying not to read TOO much into one game.

But a couple things I liked seeing:

1. Overcoming two separate 1 goal deficits, on the road.

2. 2 PP goals and perfect on the PK.

3. Kari looking very good, ecspecially in the last two periods.

4. (And this is a small thing I know but….) I liked seeing that big smile on KT’s face when he took the face-off last night. This guy has to feel like a million-bucks coming from the going-nowhere quick Blues into the thick of the playoff chase.

I’ll be listening to NHL Live on Sirius, as I always do from 10-12,…..but today’s show should be real interesting given the trade deadline.

If I hear anything, I’ll post……….

By Bob

February 27, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I hear you, Brian, on the wingers. I think having them comfortable where they’ve played their career is the most important, I think, especially with so few games left in the year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed Waddell can pull some kind of magic out of his hat to get us a right winger.

I don’t have the inclination to go search the archives for every time a rental returned to the team that traded him, but it happens, just not every the time, I’d guess it’s more than very few, though. Depends on what you think very few is I guess, two to one team in one year helping them win a Cup is a lot to me!

By Chris

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

Mellanby looked pretty good alongside Kovy and Tkachuk last nite, which was a little shocking.

Dink - there was alot of juggling and I think BH will use the next few days off to check things out in practice and develop some set combos.

A+ for Zhitnik whose presence really helped. Seemed to be an uptick for Havelid too, who won some nice battles along the boards.

By Tom

February 27, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Interesting stats

We are off the bottom of the penalty kill now 28th position with Tampa Bay in the cellar.

For power play efficiency we are tied for 20th with Nashville.

Not good numbers but moving in the right direction.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Bob - I am just going with the basics that wingers have their sticks on the outside (shield the puck) and D have them on the inside (skate back and don’t have to reach across their body). I am well aware that taking feed passes for wingers or playing the puck on the boards for D can reverse that. I do agree though that keep them playing what they’ve always played, although Tkachuk is doing nice at C this year.

As for the UFA’s, I will make it easy for you. Here is a link of all the big name trades that occurred over the last 12 years. With the UFA’s, they either stayed with the team that traded for them or went somewhere else the next season, not back to the original trading team.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Cajanek also plays RW, so I think he’s a definite possibility, St. Louis may have to put him on re-entry waivers before anyone will pick him up. (price is cheaper).

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Craig, I don’t mind if a team “rents a guy out” then re-signs him. It can be very much to their advantage. They get draft picks. They don’t lose the player. Is this not, precisely, what’s just happened with Peter Forsberg? Iffff Forsberg returns to the NHL, I suspect it will be with Philadelphia. So, the Flyers got Ryan Parent, Scottie Upshall, and a 1st and 3rd while retaining their player. Nashville KNEW GOOD-N-WELL what they were doing when they took a “calculated gamble” on Forsberg.

I don’t think there should be a rule against it. These GM’s know what the deal is.

Gary Roberts is at the end of his career. It remains to be seen how much of an impact he can have. I haven’t heard or seen anything about it, but I thought Calgary’s GM (Darryl Sutter, who’s been very PROACTIVE) might have tried to acquire Martin Gelinas from Florida. In 2004, Gelinas scored two series clinching overtime goals for the Flames. One against Vancouver and another against Detroit. His OT winner in Game Six of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals also eliminated the Leafs, when he played for Carolina.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Oh, by the way… since I couldn’t get to a computer yesterday… I love the Zhitnik and Tkachuk deal. I heard that people were complaining that we gave up too much, but I disagree… in fact, I consider us very lucky to get Tkachuk for so little… Metropolit and a 1st round pick that will likely be a late round pick, in the mid to late 20’s.

Tkachuk is one of my all time favorite hockey players… great combo of skill and size.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Brian, you sure have a bug up your rear about this one, and I should just let it go, but you’re just plain wrong and that link shows nothing of the sort of what you say it does.

I clicked the link and on just last year alone it says nothing about Rechhi going back to the Pens, who traded him to Carolina, and it says nothing about Weight going back to the Blues, who traded him to Carolina. It happens more often than you think it does, Brian, and that link is proof of nothing of what you say.

I guarantee you that of the trades that have happened SO FAR, this year, not even counting the rest of today, Forsberg will go back to Philly and Tkachuk, from our own team, will go back to St. Louis.

Just because the Thrashers, in the past, have not re-signed the rentals they traded away, don’t let that fool you into thinking that’s the norm in the NHL, it just ain’t. And in the new Cap era, I think we’ll see it happen more often, which is probably why more analysts are talking about it, and why Craig brought it up today.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 27, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie

You don’t think we gave up to much?

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

All trends aside, I do believe Waddell will make a considerable effort to resign Tkachuk… he’ll be 35 yrs old next season and his price tag will probably be on the down swing.

However, we might see our roster littered with names like Bourret and Little next season as a result.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Buzilla, absolutely not… for a team that absolutely HAS to make the playoffs this year, you do whatever it takes… besides, according to most people on here (which I disagree with) Waddell is a horrible drafter anyway. Those late round picks are worthless… Metropolit is easily replaceable and if we make the playoffs, that first round pick will be a late first round pick.

Furthermore, this summer is going to be a huge free agency swap meet. Besides the big name players, you’ll have the Niko Kappanen’s of the world begging for a spot on a team. Those guys will be “pocket change” this summer.

By R. Stroz

February 27, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know a site which shows the players placed on waivers today? Second, it appears Kapanen is so bad that no teams even want him off waivers. Someone, please take Kapanen.

By Russ

February 27, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I would be shocked if the Thrashers re-signed Tkachuk considering it would add another first round pick they would have to give up in addition to the picks they already gave up to acquire him.

If they have any moves left, I hope it is a minor trade for a defensive d-man or a forward that can help out on the penalty kill. I think the personnel they have right now should be very good at even strength, possibly outstanding on the Power Play, but I still see the PK being a weakness, so hopefully they add one more depth player that can help out in this area.

By Daniel

February 27, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Although draft picks are absolutely necessary to maintaining a great team over time, especially now, I have heard that this upcoming draft is fairly low on immediate talent. It might end up being like the “Stefan Draft”. In that case it eases the pain of losing so many draft picks.

IMO, if DW is able to make a deal to regain a few picks I think it’ll be all good.

Hockeybuzz posted that Danius Zubrus is being offered. I know some of you think we should pick up a RW, and he is one, but we probably have no chance of getting him since he is a Capital. He’s got skill, but has some character issues.

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I am still very much riding the high of our whirlwind trade deadline moves. And I want to stay positive. And I hope this post will be seen in a positive light. But I got to thinking about the age of this club.

Sutton and Hnidy are 31. DeVries, Havelid, and Hedberg are 33. Kozlov is 34. Rucchin is 35. Holik is 36. And Mellanby is 40. Plus the new guys we just picked up, Zhitnik, 34, and Tkachuk, 35 in March, make me wonder if we have enough “youth and speed” on the roster as we head towards the playoffs? I’m not criticizing. I think this team is better than it was 72 hours ago. I’m just saying that our roster isn’t filled with spring chickens. It’s not like the team is filled with draft picks. Just Exelby, Slater, Lehtonen, and Kovalchuk. I guess Kapanen is here via Patrik Stefan (1999) and Hossa and DeVries via Dany Heatley (2000). I guess I’d better add Zhitnik via Coburn (2003).

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, if you go to http://www.nhl.com and click on “news,” it usually lists the daily transactions, such as players sent down to the minors, players who are re-called, and any waiver movement.

Russ, I agree that another d-man would be nice. And I also think Tkachuk is just a rental. But if he sets the world on fire between now and elimination, I would rule out him being re-signed in the offseason. But if I were a betting man, I the odds that he returns to the Blues next season.

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Several typos later… I meant to say “wouldn’t rule out” Tkachuk’s re-signing, (if he sets the world on fire as a Thrasher,) but I “take” the odds that Tkachuk returns to the Blues. I’m having an off morning. These new “mail order” fingers.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Biron about to be traded… article

Buffalo better hope Miller stays healthy.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Buffalo picked up Ty Conklin… bad move.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

That move by Buffalo must be to clear cap space…must be another move coming soon

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Phoenix claims Kapanen

By Ryan

February 27, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Heard Thrashers pick up Jason Krogg off waivers.

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Thrashers claim Krog — lose Hamel (Philly) and Kapanen (Phoenix).

By Darren

February 27, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Praise the Lord!

Also, Guerin to the Sharks for a 1st rounder and more.

That makes eight first-round picks traded this year.

By Ryan

February 27, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Sorry Krog

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Kap go as he wasn’t effective at all this year for us. Glad to see Krog back. I think Krog can do well here and BH and DW liked him, but they had no choice to send him to Chicago earlier this year and he had to pass through waivers to get there. Hamel wasn’t here long enough for me to care if we lost him or not. Now that the cap space is there…let’s see what DW has up his sleeve.

By Lee

February 27, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

YES! NO MORE KAPANEN!

By kracker

February 27, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

My 2 cents: No on resigning the rented player without penalty. Something like: All agreed upon draft picks drop a level, 1st round pick becomes a 2nd, 2nd round pick becomes a third, etc. If such a reduction along defined guidelines is not possible, then the resignng team transfers a pick to the other team. As it is now, a 20th place team could rent out two good players and reap a number of high draft picks at no cost to them - less cost actually for not paying those salaries for 6 weeks or so - then get their players back next year. That’s just insane, it’s bad business folks, being way too easy for two old-friend GMs to collude to the detriment of the league as a whole.

By BAF

February 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Is there a link or a listing of the Thrasher players and what their contract terms are? I would like to know who is signed for the upcoming years and how much is hitting the cap so I can make sense of all this movement and the possibilities of who might stay and who will leave. Thanks.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Try this for the salary numbers - nhlsalaries

By kracker

February 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

BAF here is a place to start on team salaries

http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=8645&hubname=

By Rawhide

February 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Kap get picked up,……I still think he’s a decent enough player,…it just didn’t work out here.

really, really, REALLY didn’t work,….

But good luck to him.

How does Krog fit back in here??? Maybe takes Metro’s spot???? He’s a hard worker and looks to have a good feel for our game, so I welcome him back.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Bob, your words were: “I don’t have the inclination to go search the archives for every time a rental returned to the team that traded him”

So, I made it easy for you by providing a link that showed all the big trades over the last 12 years. “As for the UFA’s, I will make it easy for you. Here is a link of all the big name trades that occurred over the last 12 years.” That link was not to prove my point, it was to help your lazy @ss come up with some proof since you don’t want to do research a la Brendan or others. Unless of course it doesn’t exist…

Now you say “you sure have a bug up your rear about this one, and I should just let it go, but you’re just plain wrong”

Bob - if I am wrong, please show me. I even made it easy for you, yet you have no other examples other than the 2 that everyone already mentioned. Funny how when you are wrong you just want to “let things go“…

If you know of no other examples why have you been making these statements in the first place then? Why accuse me of being wrong then? Come on Bob, we’re all waiting…

By DownTownThrash

February 27, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

TSN is saying we are done working on trades in Atlanta. I think I will wait until 3 though to believe them.

By Matt H

February 27, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Terry Frei with an article on this very subject I happen to agree with, over at espn.com. It just kinda seems like… cheating to me.

I’ve been Ausente for a while, so I’ll try to do this “Micro-Machine” style-

I love that we have Krog back, I wish Kapanen well (lord knows he needs it), and alas, Denis, we hardly knew “yis”. I hope we can re-sign Keith this summer and if Zhitnik continues to play at the level he did last night, we may finally have our #1 d-man. Hooray for Belanger, and Sutts needs to sits, because McCarthy is no dummy (get it?). I don’t care how unbalanced it may be, I want a Tkachuck, Kovy, Hossa line because then we have a line we can call “Chuck-Chuck-Hoss”, and that’s awesome. Also, Lehts get with the program, Kari- it’s time to wake and make the grade. We need some heroes to step up. Capture the room, and you capture the game. This team can make it into the playoffs, and probably will.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 27, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Gotta to admit I like getting Jason Krog back, hope Bob Hartley can use him better. Bryan Berard or Cajanek might be good waiver pickups??? I am enjoying looking at all this trade activity, fun stuff.

By Zecklar

February 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Brian, I have to agree something is up your butt. Get it out!

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

As far as rentals go — I don’t have an issue with it. Something about it seems dishonest, but if nothing is agreed upon ahead of time, then I guess it isn’t. The Blues, if they plan on re-signing Tkachuk, are running the risk that he comes to Atlanta, wins the Cup, then doesn’t want to leave. But then again, they protected themselves a little bit with that conditional first-rounder.

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if any of you guys mentioned it, but Boston picked up Aaron Ward, in a deal with the Rangers.

By Rodney King

February 27, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

“Can’t we all just get along”?

By Rawhide

February 27, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Well said, Rodney King…..

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Anaheim picks up winger Brad May from Colorado to add some grit, according to TSN.

By Jsmooth

February 27, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Craig,

What is your feeling on the possibility that Cajanek could be picked up off waivers? Do we have the cap space now?

Would really round things out on the 1st line and give added depth if Rucchin’s return is iffy.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Also, Oleg Saprykin goes from Phoenix to Ottawa for a 2nd round pick

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Todd Bertuzzi to Detroit, per TSN

By michael

February 27, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Bertuzzi to the wings

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth, Krog was the only guy the Thrashers got off the waiver today. I don’t know if another team got Cajanek or not.

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Cajanek clears waivers according to Hockeybuzz.com

By Tom

February 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

61 Pascal Dupuis Left Wing 6’0” 199 Laval, Quebec

From Rangers to Thrashers. Via TSN.ca

By Tom

February 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

What wonderful news that Kap is gone. He was never on the same page as members of the team. Glad Krog is back in the system.

By kracker

February 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Pascal Dupuis 27 yr old 3rd line winger traded from Rangers to Thrashers…

By DownTownThrash

February 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

We make another trade. According to TSN we got Dupuis from NY Rangers. http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8466393

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Unconfirmed, but TSN reports Pascal Dupuis coming to Thrashers from New York.

By Tom

February 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

If you are looking for Salary numbers this is a very good site.

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/

By Blueliner

February 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

TSN say we get Pascal Dupuis for an unnamed prospect

By Brian

February 27, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, nothing wrong here, but if you are going to make accusations be ready to back them up. I made some and Bob repeatedly called me wrong yet can’t back them up. I’m not the first guy he has done this too…

Glad to see that we have new bloggers “Zecklar” and “Rodney King”. Or is that just you Bob using other names? :)

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Sabres pull the other half of the deal…Zubrus to Buffalo

By kracker

February 27, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Brian/Bob, kindly take it outside to the alley, please :) It’s trade deadline day.

By Jsmooth

February 27, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for taking the time to reply to my question and for the update on Pascal Dupuis. Perhaps we should form our own French Connection with Vigier-Belanger-Dupuis!

Okay, maybe not.

You da man, keep up the good work!

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Cajanek cleared waivers.

By Rawhide

February 27, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Guilty on Rodney King….

By Darren

February 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

TSN reporting it’s Alex Bourret leaving.

Ouch.

By Tom

February 27, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Dang, the TSN guys are ripping “Donny” Waddell for panic’ing.

By Batch

February 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Leafs jumped in and got Perreault…

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Do we need another 3rd liner? Another left wing at that? Just curious. Also, Krog was assigned to Chicago. CC..is this a temporary move by DW to keep cap space open until after the deadline?

By Jason

February 27, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

TSN is saying we gave up Alex Bourret for Dupuis. Hmmmm….too much if true?

By michael

February 27, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Dupuis for Bourret? Is Wadell silenty saying Bourret is a bust?

By Bob

February 27, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Brian, let it go or not, but I’m not spending hours showing you what I already know. Weight last year with Carolina. Recchi last year with Carolina. Both went back to their teams. That’s two on the same team, same year, just last year. This year Tkachuk will go back to the Blues, why do you think they put the poison pill in the trade of our 2008 1st if it never happens? Forsberg will wind up back in Philly also.

Now to real hockey talk, great news on Kapanen. Phoenix continues their ineptness. I am absolutely shocked that they picked him up, huge win for us and another GREAT move by Waddell waiving him.

Krog will go back to Chicago. Hamel, no loss.

Here’s the big news, watch Pascal Dupuis. He will play for us, an excellent pickup by Waddell, my Fiddler got off the snide and is on a roll here the past couple of days. Our PK just improved. Pascal DuPuis is an excellent 3d liner and PKer and has nice wheels. My guy in MN has this to say about why he wound up in the outs with LeMaire up there and why they just traded him to the Rangers, who just waived him: a good player, one of xxxx’s favorites. Great on the penalty kill. He got in the doghouse when Lemaire was p** off one day and said if the team didnt want to practice they should get off the ice…….and he left. OOPS.

So, this either moves Larsen or JPVJ off of our third line and PK, and our PK just got even better (it’s been improved ever since JPVJ got back and Coach changed the scheme up to pressure the puck). Keep an eye on Dupuis, you guys will like him. I watch a lot of Wild games as my guy up there and I have some good back and forth about which franchise is doing better.

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Dupuis? I’m guessing he is coming in as a PK specialist. Man… we have a TON of left wings now, still have 7 NHL defenseman, and 3 at the AHL level that could fill in (Oystrick, Popovic, Delmore), plus an extra goalie prospect… could we seriously be done? How are we going to fit all these wingers on the ice? Are we going to have to waive a couple 3rd/4th line guys?

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me! Bourret leaving for some schmuck? DW what the heck are you doing?

By Bob

February 27, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Whoa, I thought we picked Dupuis up off of waivers. You guys will like him, he is an excellent 3rd line guy and very good on the PK.

But, if we traded Bourret for him, that’s just crazy wild overpayment. I don’t believe it, TSN always gets some stuff wrong every year at trade deadline, let’s wait for the Thrashers or Craig to confirm who we gave up for Dupuis.

By silverpork

February 27, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

I have always heard that Dupuis is a tremendous under-achiever. We gave up Bourret for a 3rd line under-achiever? We already have a few of those, don’t we? Wow, DW, way to wrap up at the trade deadline! Give away more of our future for nothing! And to think that DW was actually earning points in my book up until now…

By Brian

February 27, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the Bourret move but I love everything else. No other big names moved other than what we already discussed. No news is big news there.

By J

February 27, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

The conditional draft picks in the Bertuzzi deal seems alot like the Tkachuk deal The Detroit Red Wings acquired Todd Bertuzzi from Florida just before Tuesday’s NHL trading deadline, adding the tough forward they wanted for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Panthers acquired forward Shawn Matthias and up to two conditional draft picks in the deal. If Bertuzzi signs with Detroit when he becomes a free agent after the season, the Red Wings will part with one pick this year and another next year.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I like Dupuis, but question the need there. If he were a RIGHT wing then maybe. Seems he probably could have been had for a draft pick though, maybe not.

Why Bourret? Why, oh why couldn’t it have been Sutton?

From the few Minnesota games I have seen Dupuis does seem to have some wheels. I guess he is now the 3rd line LW.

By Jason

February 27, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Well, one things for sure….Friday nights game should be helluv a lot of fun. Hope all these changes translate into a solid showing on the ice starting this weekend. Cause, there’s not really any room left for error and DW’s put everything into the final 17 games and hopefully a quality playoff run.

You guys think I should pay the Thrashers to take my wifes’ ticket back for Friday night, and tell them not to sell it? Starting to feel a little supersticious with this sellout record. They would have to win for sure, to offset moving into the doghouse for the night.

By Russ

February 27, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I like the Dupuis trade. It seems like there was a roster spot basically set aside for Bourret in training camp and from all reports I read he performed so poorly that he was unable to take advantage of it. I said earlier I would like to still see an upgrade in the PK unit, and I think this does it.

Other than over-paying for Tkachuk I think Waddell did quite well in the time leading up to the deadline. I’ve never been a big DW fan, but I would give him a solid “B” with the moves he has made starting with the Belanger/Vishnevsky trade through today’s deadline.

By Tom

February 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

hugely unconfirmed report of Ryan Smyth to Isles

By Rawhide

February 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Jason,…I am beginning to have the same supersticion.

I have a friend of mine who works at Philips. I told her they shoul find a seat,….say in Section 407 row D,……never sell that ONE seat,…always be ONE shy of a sellout.

By J

February 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

They should just hold on to one 400-level ticket and never sell it! It’s only $10 a game.

I just got an email from a friend that said Straka got traded to the Lightning? can anyone confirm that?

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Bourret is a bust guys. I posted that about a week ago. I realize he is young, but the kid doesn’t appear to have heart or work ethic. I’m glad DW saw writing on the wall and got something before he had ZERO trade value. That having been said… what does this say about the Thrashers scouting department? Maybe we should fire all our scouts and go exclusively off of Central Scouting Service’s annual report. Remember that Bourret wasn’t rated as highly by Central Scouting as he was by our own scouts and that is why we took him when we did. I truly believe scouting is the weakest area in our entire organization. DW has proven he has the balls to make some big trades (Heatley for Hossa/DeVries, Tkachuk deal, Zhitnik deal) and make some really smart moves (Savard for nothing) but his drafting leaves much to be desired. I think this comes down to poor scouting. We have to fix this as an organization- but that is long term. For now… I am excited b/c the team on the ice is MUCH improved over the team that was skating at the end of January. Let’s see how far we can ride this train and then worry about the consequences in the summer.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Jason - we were talking about this last night. Even if they just chose to not sell that last $10 ticket, they would much rather want to boast of “1 more sellout”…

By Aleem

February 27, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

TSN is saying that we gave up Bourret and a third rounder. Talk about overpaying…

By silverpork

February 27, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Geoffrey Paul, your point about scouting might be valid. As everyone knows, we DID pass over Phaneuf for Coburn.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Geoffrey Paul - wasn’t Heatly undervalued when we chose to pick him higher? Same for Lehts, he wasn’t supposed to be an overall #1, but the jury is still out on him I think…

By J

February 27, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

OK, I think the Straka thing was BS.

So what do our lines look like now?

Here’s my guess:

Hossa-Belanger-Kozlov Kovalchuk-Tkachuk-Sim Dupuis-Slater-Mellanby Boulton-Holik-Vigier

By Lee

February 27, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

TSN confirms Isle’s get Ryan Smyth

By Russ

February 27, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Where’s Pucks N Snot - he made fun of me for suggesting there was any was the Oilers would ever let Ryan Smyth go…well Smyth is now an Islander. Truthfully if I had to guess I would have thought the Oilers would have resigned hime too, but Doan signing for around $4.5 mil per year put Smyth’s demands high enough that you had to think it was at least a possibility that Smyth would be let go.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Re. scouting, we also passed over Kopitar and Mark Staal to take Bourret. TSN saying we gave up Bourret and a 3rd for Dupuis? That’s crazy, I still don’t believe it, let’s let Craig confirm it.

By drew

February 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DW should be barred from anything that remotely resembles scouting and drafting talent. The only ones he’s gotten right are the obvious one - Heatly, Kovy and Kari. The next time he gets near the microphone on draft day to make a pick, someone should hit him in the head with one of Kovalchuk’s broken sticks.

By kracker

February 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Well for one thing, Dupuis is moving from a team selling off to a team going to the playoffs. That should put some jump into his step. As for Bourett, a bird in the hand is better than one in the bush league.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t want Smyth in our conference

By Tom

February 27, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Either there is a major defect with Bourret or we got our pockets picked.

TSN boys were commenting on Waddell panic’ing or Waddell was told he better get into the playoffs or he is gone and is selling the farm to get us in this season.

I have heard that season tix holders are slow to renew this year, even with the All Star Game guarantee. Think that has anything to do with Waddells panic?

By Lee

February 27, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I hope DW made a last second deal that hasn’t surfaced yet. Hey, what are the rules for trades after the deadline?

By Lee

February 27, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Watch out for the Isle’s guys, they are ready to make a SERIOUS push now

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Exactly Bob. At the time I was pretty POed we didn’t take Staal. I belive in precedents… and that family is the new Sutter family. Bourret was a HORRIBLE pick. Seriously, take the scouting budget and instead use it to get better weight room equipment for strengthening groins, and then just strictly follow Central Scouting’s ratings.

Our PK is a million times better now boys, but we have way too many skaters and I seriously wonder what we are going to do with them all. Are we about to release several guys?

By Zeklar

February 27, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Brian, did you ever get it out of your butt?

By Bob

February 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

GP, we waived Kapanen and Hamel who both got picked up. We picked up Krog, but he’ll go to Chicago. So, Dupuis is the only guy that came anew today. He replaces Kapenen’s slot.

If Bourret was a total bust, then sure, bring Dupuis in now. But man, did Waddell ever get off the snide these past few days but from the looks of the trades made, we overpaid on almost every one considering the picks given up and the guys that were traded were first rounders. But, we already know that Waddell couldn’t draft, those of us that have been around have been saying that for years. So, why not sell off our Coburn’s and Bourret’s? I’d still like to see confirmation from Craig on what we gave up for Dupuis.

We have a completely new club fellas. PP is fixed, and Dupuis helps our PK immensely. Lehtonen gets his act together and this club can win a couple of rounds.

By Craig Custance

February 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

It’s Dupuis and a 3rd round pick this year for Bourret.

By kracker

February 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

RE the deadline, TSN said something like a notice of intent had to be filed by the 3PM deadline and the actual deal could be completed a little later. Something like that.

By kracker

February 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

RE the deadline, TSN said something like a notice of intent had to be filed by the 3PM deadline and the actual deal could be completed a little later. Something like that.

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Brian- I believe you are right about Lehtonen’s draft position but not Heatley. Actually, Heatley should have been the #1 pick but we were lucky to get him b/c the Isles stupidly picked DiPietro at #1.

By michael

February 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Atlanta gets the 3rd round pick, not the Rangers.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

WOW…Smyth to the Isles. Unbelievable. It really stinks because not only is it an Eastern conference team but it louses up my fantasy team, what do I do with Horcoff and Hemsky now? ;-)

I am happy to see that McCarthy wasn’t moved. I was dreading the ‘healthy scratch’ scenario, thinking maybe he was gone. Now if only they would sit Sutton instead.

It will be interesting to sort all of this out once the dust settles, who got the most bang for the buck?

Does Tkachuk/Zhitnik equal Smyth/Zednik for the price? What about Vancouver getting Sopel and Smolinski for basically a song?

I think the Thrashers are definitely a better team now. I give DW some credit for at least making some moves. Let’s see how it plays out.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the confirmation, Craig. Just wow. Absolutely, positively, wow!

Can you interview Waddell this week while there’s no games and ask him why he paid what he paid for all these moves he’s made? I mean, I’m on board and excited for the run now, I think we have a club that can compete for more than first round and out, but just wondering if there isn’t something deeper at work here?

By Tom

February 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

thanks Craig…

us getting the 3rd with Dupuis makes a lot more sense.

By kracker

February 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Oh so WE got the 3rd round pick, Craig? Not too bad then.

By sisu

February 27, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

WHY??? Why would we want Dupois? Can you tell us what he brings Craig??? And why give a gifted young player up so easily????

By Bob

February 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

oh, we get the 3rd, that makes more sense.

You guys will like Dupuis. Great wheels and good on the PK, we needed that help there.

By Matt H

February 27, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Wow. Exciting times. Let’s see if Hartley can make it work. :)

By Bob

February 27, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

sisu, Dupuis is great on the PK, you will like him. Great wheels too. We need the PK help, had to do it to make a run. GP says Bourret was a bust and I do remember him showing up in camp fat and out of shape.

TSN always screws up some of these deadline deals, the first reports of us giving up Bourret and a 3rd just made so sense to me, thanks to Craig for getting us the skinny!

By Ted

February 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Don has effectively let 3 former 1st round picks go in 48 hours. Coburn, Stefan (Kapanen) and Bourret. Coburn is the ONLY one we rec’d any value for. Saprykin has more goals this year and went to the Sens for a 2nd rounder. Anson Carter got traded for a bag of pucks. One of two things, Either our scouting sucks or Don has lost his mind.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

So, anyone care to grade Waddell for what he’s done in terms of bringing Belanger for Vish, Zhitnik for Coburn, Tkachuk for the kitchen sink, Dupuis for Bourret, and losing Kapanen and Hamel?

I give him an A+ for effort, a C- for execution (he overpaid, but he had to do it to save his job and seize the moment to re-energize the fan base and get this town psyched about a playoff run), an A for the resulting lineup as he improved the PP, PK, and our defense, and a D for timing (if he’d made these moves a while ago, we’d still have a comfortable lead, but better late than never).

Overall grade for his deadline deals = A- (hey, like my Calculus prof used to say “it’s my curve” and I overweighted how he improved the club, cause now we make the playoffs and can make some noise once there).

Good job, Fiddler.

Better late than never.

Let’s have fun with this run, kids.

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Ok…whether DW overpaid or not, he has improved the Team. The future is now, not only for his job and Hartley’s but also for the franchise’s longevity in this season. They need to make the playoffs to get new season ticket holders and to hold onto as many current ones as possible. Honestly, they are going to lose me because of the price hike whether they make the playoffs or not. Anyway…we won last night…let’s just hope it is the start of a nice streak. Like they say…the team who gets hot right before the playoffs is the one everyone is afraid to play.

By Hip Czech

February 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s put it another way…who got fleeced the most?

I think it’s a toss-up between the Forsberg deal, Tkachuk deal and the Guerin deal. Buffalo gets an honorable mention for losing Biron, but I understand that move is needed to free cap for Zubrus, and they need forwards with all of them dropping like flies.

The Tkachuk deal had to be done…besides Forsberg he was the best center available (whatever happened to the Florida deals - Stumpel, Jokkinen?). I think he is a better player than Perrault and exactly what this team needs. The price was probably too high, but I much prefer having Tkachuk now instead of the draft picks later.

The Dupuis deal is OK…give up a minor leaguer for a guy who has some playoff experience and can help on the PK (maybe Ranallo will appreciate that he takes Vigier’s spot). Plus get a draft pick back.

Zhitnik for Coburn was a little puzzling. Sopel it seems could have been had for less. But, we seem to have a glut of D coming up so losing Coburn is not that bad.

So apart from a draft pick too much for Tkachuk, not bad.

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

oops…meant to say longevity in this “city”

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

LOL Drew. I laughed my posterior off at your post. Well, let me add to that. If the Thrashers miss the playoffs and Don Waddell is fired, the new GM can’t say he’s “saddled with Don’s lousy picks.” Don’s given them all away!!

Allegedly, supposedly. That’s not been confirmed. I guess Dupuis is 28. At least he’s not another 30-something “grey-beard.” I saw at http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/nhl in their “rumor mill” section that WEEEKS ago, Minnesota was shopping Dupuis for a song. They just couldn’t find anyone interested. Then the Rangers came calling. Didn’t we trade with the Rangers on Draft Day, 2005, to move down from 12th to 16th to go get Bourret? Don was stockpiling 2nd round picks, which 680TheFan said was, “brilliant” on the part of our GM. Well, not if Kopitar’s there!

It’s now clear to me that Don’s beholden to his 1st round picks beyond the 1st overall or 2nd overall pick. Well, he did trade Heatley and Stefan. After this season, DeVries (Heatley trade) will probably be gone. We got Kapanen for Stefan. He’s gone now, too. Braydon Coburn is gone. (Zhitnik is here for 2 more years.) Bourret is allegedly gone, but Dupuis is here. But for how long? Is he a UFA or RFA? What’s left on his contract?

By Brad

February 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I hated the Vishnevsky/Belanger trade at first, because I really like Vish. I liked his toughness, and while we had numbers on defense with Sutton getting healthy, I’d have rather kept Vish and gotten rid of Sutton, but I imagine other teams felt the same way. Belanger has done nothing but impress. He fits almost perfectly between Hossa and Kozlov and has made that the most complete line on our team.

Coburn for Zhitnik, I think was a thing of beauty. Coburn wouldn’t even make much of an impact for our team even next year. Maybe the year after that, but Zhitnik is not a free agent (right?), and he can be effective for us for a couple of seasons, not only this one, but most importantly we needed a guy like him for the PK and PP.

Tkachuk, yeah, we gave up a lot of draft picks, but Tkachuk is just the kind of player Kovalchuk needs on his line. Tkachuk is a big body who can create traffic in front for Kovy’s blasts, and he is also one of the best at cleaning up junk in front of the net, which Ilya leaves quite a few rebounds.

Dupuis, not a bad pickup at all, as he can be a responsible forward on that penalty kill, thus keeping some of the star guys on the bench and not wasting their ice time when we are not in attack mode. Hate to see Bourret go, but we got one of those draft picks back as well.

Losing Kapanen and Hamel means nothing. We were able to clear up some salary space at a minimum. I like it. Those guys weren’t going to play. When Rucchin gets healthy, he completely makes Kapanen worthless.

I give Waddell an A-… only because I wanted Peter Forsberg. I thought we needed a guy who is a true center/playmaker a la Mark Savard. Savard brought out the best in Kovalchuk, but looking at things now, I think Tkachuk can fill that role fairly well. If Forsberg ends up hurt by the end of the season and doesn’t play a full schedule for the Preds in Nashville… I’ll bump Waddell to an A from an A-.

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Till Rucchin comes back:

Kovy-Tkachuk-Sim Kozlov-Belanger-Hossa Dupuis-Holik-Mellanby Larsen-Slater-Vigier

After Rucchin gets back is when it gets interesting. BH has a TON of options, and that is exciting. Does Rucchin go from being our #1 center before his injury, to our #4 center when he returns? Wouldn’t that be something? What if you put him back at #1 and move Tkachuk out to the right side? Would you then drop Sim to 3, Mellanby to 4, and scratch Vigier? I don’t think so b/c Vigier is one of our better penalty killers, although maybe we don’t need him to play that role now that we have Dupuis… What else could we do? Surely we wouldn’t put Tkachuk on the 3rd line would we? Although, a line of Tkachuk-Holik-Melanby sounds like a very effective shut-down line with offensive upside. The question would then be whether 3 lines where one is a premier scoring threat (Kozzy line), and 2 are so so scoring threats (Kovy and Tkachuk lines) is better on the whole than having 2 elite scoring lines (which is what you have if you leave Tkachuk with Kovy). I’m sure you can think of several other creative options as well. The possibilities are making me gitty… Now if we can only get Kari hot…

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

That’s right, Thrashersfan. What matters is who’s healthy and playing hot when the playoffs begin. In December, the Ducks were 25-2-3. Look at them now? And they’ve got Giguere and Pronger back.

Bob, I give Waddell an “A” for effort. I’ve never particularly cared for Waddell’s draft acumen, or our scouting, so … if he converted ZERO’s for HEROES, I’m ALLL in favor of that. We’ve got some proven commodities now. I’m just a little concerned for the age of this club.

Does anyone know how long Dupuis has left on his contract, and how money his salary is? (Yes, I should look it up. But the board is ACTIVE right now. Someone’s probably already got it.)

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Till Rucchin comes back:

Kovy-Tkachuk-Sim Kozlov-Belanger-Hossa Dupuis-Holik-Mellanby Larsen-Slater-Vigier

After Rucchin gets back is when it gets interesting. BH has a TON of options, and that is exciting. Does Rucchin go from being our #1 center before his injury, to our #4 center when he returns? Wouldn’t that be something? What if you put him back at #1 and move Tkachuk out to the right side? Would you then drop Sim to 3, Mellanby to 4, and scratch Vigier? I don’t think so b/c Vigier is one of our better penalty killers, although maybe we don’t need him to play that role now that we have Dupuis… What else could we do? Surely we wouldn’t put Tkachuk on the 3rd line would we? Although, a line of Tkachuk-Holik-Melanby sounds like a very effective shut-down line with offensive upside. The question would then be whether 3 lines where one is a premier scoring threat (Kozzy line), and 2 are so so scoring threats (Kovy and Tkachuk lines) is better on the whole than having 2 elite scoring lines (which is what you have if you leave Tkachuk with Kovy). I’m sure you can think of several other creative options as well. The possibilities are making me gitty…

By andy

February 27, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

mortgaging the future…

this is the formula for disaster unless the thrashers are deep with prospects. Getting all these big-name players makes this a mid-season overhaul, disrupting team chemistry.

Unless there’s talent stockpiled in the minors, the thrashers have traded away all of their draft picks and in 5 years, Atlanta will be at the bottom of the league (a la St. Louis when THEY acquired Tkachuk).

By Lee

February 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Andy, I understand what you are saying, but if we re-sign Hossa, and we hang on to Kovy (who is locked up for a while) then we got a chance, no matter what.

By The Falconer

February 27, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

I didn’t mind dealing Coburn because I don’t see him as a top pairing guy. I have no problem moving picks in the weak 2007 draft. Bourret may not make it either, but I can’t believe all we got for him is a Dupuis rental. Ugh.

If Bourret and Coburn are busts then at least we got something for them. But if they are busts our scouting department needs to re-evaluated, simple as that.

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Sterling, Krog, and Haydar may all be with the big club next year. Also, I would be surprised of Oystrick isn’t with Le Thrash, and Popovic may be as well. I think we will re-sign Kozlov and Belanger but let Tkachuk and Sutton walk. Slater may be ready to be relied upon as one of our top 2 centers next year, and the year after that Little will be ready to occupy one of the top 2 spots. Valabik may see some NHL minutes next year but probably won’t stick till 2008, and I think Holzapfel (sp?) will be with us by then as well. Andy, given the infusion of young talent that is expected over the next 2 seasons, I don’t think we have mortgaged the future. Time will tell. Oh, and don’t forget about Pavelec, who may be backing up/pushing Lehtonen by the 08 season.

By Jason

February 27, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

I think our biggest need to fill this off season should actually be in our scouting dept :), wheather DW is here or not. If we can’t consistantly get better at evaluating talent in the higher rounds, or arguably any rounds, I would love to steal some scouts from teams like New Jersey(Gionta) and LA(Kopitar). Good homegrown examples there besides just those two. And I know, LA has stunk so bad, they have better pick position at times.

By Tony C.

February 27, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

I would say that the scouting dept. should always be at the forefront of staff upgrades and be an area of “special attention” not only for identifying up-and-coming talent but also to evaluate competition…look at most successful sports teams and the scouting department is always an area of strength.

I would say that it seems that our developmental-area QMJHL-etc scouts could use some bolstering. However our European scouts seem to be doing a decent job (Stefan excepted-but then he was highly touted by everyone).

It does seem to be a “challenge area” that I would love to see addressed in the near future.

Dupuis is UFA??? if so, then what would the chances be on re-signing him at reasonable rates???

Also, who do yall think is the #1 target player for Le Thrash this summer in a stocked FA class???

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By LAC

February 27, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Finally JUSTICE… Colburn is wearing #5 tonight for Philadelphia.

First shift he falls down, collides with his other Dman and NYI scores… Just WONDERFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He looks AWFUL and out of place… Glad he is gone, just another WASTED pick for our team !

By farthammer

February 27, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Craig - great work these past couple days and ever since you took over. take a day off, come back thursday, and let us know what don was and is thinking

By Lee

February 27, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

I think they should re-sign Belanger and Kozlov NOW. Also, if Tkachuk plays out well, I wouldn’t mind seeing them run after him, depending on the price. But Belanger-Hossa-Kozzy are really clicking, I would love to see them together next year.

By Lee

February 27, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

By the way, how awesome was Zhitnik last night? I hope we see a lot of that from here on out.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

LAC - nice post.

Jason - are you kidding me? Los Angeles has 3 good picks to speak of (Kopitar, Visnovsky & Cammarelli) and you want to emulate their entire scouting dept? Only 6 of their active players were actually drafted by them, and that’s counting Rob Blake who was drafted by them a long time ago by a different scouting department and is in his second tour with the team.

I’ll give you New Jersey, but they are one of the exceptions in the league, not the standard.

I apolgize if I have offended any of you bloggers by referring to facts in this post…

By Hanson Brothers

February 27, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Interesting how casino night is one day after the dealing deadline. Will be nice to meet some of the new guys. Hope they are all there. Craig, you going?

By UpperDeck4Life

February 27, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Dupuis is a UFA after this season so he is a straight rental.

By Brian

February 27, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Stars just saved us a point, although Turco should’ve never let in that goal…

By Thrashersfan33

February 27, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Well, most of the scores are in our favor tonight. Nice! Let’s hope this trend continues until we hit the ice on Friday.

By j nes

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

I am sick of these so called fans complaining about how Wadell has destroyed the (distant) future of the franchise. These must be the same people that built bomb shelters and stockpiled toilet paper for the Y2K.

For the pessimistic doubters, haters,and idiots—Here is a reality check

The Thrashers are not contenders for the 2012 Stanley Cup, neither are the Sabers, Devils, Predators, or any other NHL team. The Thrashers are competing for this year’s Cup. Enjoy the ride or step off and shut up. I will be happy to listen to you people say “I told you so” in 2012, but I have a feeling you will be to busy whining about the hypothetical 2017 squad.

And for those of you that are emotionally distressed because Don Wadell paid “too high of a price” for our newly aquired stars (TK and Zhitnik), relax. The last time I checked, the Thrashers are not operating off of your tax dollars. If you are that upset about how the Thrashers choose to spend their 40 million, then don’t contribute, don’t buy tix, don’t be a fan—You will solve both our problems and you won’t be missed.

Can I get an amen…..

By Zecklar

February 27, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Brian, did you take care of that problem in your butt?

By Brendan

February 27, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Dallas won, but am disappointed that Tampa managed to extend its Southeast Division lead on our Icebirds.

By the way, if Bob Hartley fails with what Don just got for him, he won’t get a contract extention. And probably shouldn’t. This team is BETTER than what he had before. He’s got to step up with the strategy and coaching. This is his “contract” year. He’s got to be thinking about his coaching future in the NHL, as well as any UFA.

By Bob

February 27, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

I got an Amen for ya, J Nes. I just roll my eyes when I hear these goofs talk about “we got to build for the future, we got Coburn, Bourret, Little, Pavelec, coming, you just wait and see how good we’ll be in 5 years”. Whatever. Lame. We have a club now, and this team can make a run. If Lehtonen gets as hot as he did early this year, we can go deep.

The Oilers took it to Game 7 last year after barely sneaking in. The Canes last year traded for the rentals of Recchi and Weight after they had hit a wall after a fast start (sound familiar), they switched their goalie out at playoff time! and they win a Cup. I will gladly trade 3 years of misery for that ride and that chance for the right bounce of a puck to bring a Cup. I would suspect those that pine for these “hopefuls and the future” have never been to a Stanley Cup final game, much less a first round opener. You think a Sat. night 3-2 Thrasher game is exciting? You ain’t seen nothing yet until you sit on the edge of your seat for every pass, every shot, every save, every faceoff for 5 periods of hockey ending in a 4-3 win by your team. Nothing like it.

There are a ton of good UFA’s available next year, and we lose dead weight like Sutton and DeVries as they become UFA’s this summer, this club can be rebuilt quickly, no problem.

Great job by Dallas holding Tampa to 1 point, and Carolina goes down in regulation. No need to watch anyone else, those are the 2 clubs we’re competing against and Tampa is now headed out on a 6 game road trip.

Giddyup.

By R. Stroz

February 28, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Finally, DW decided to quit building for the future. In the future, I will be dead as will everyone else. I would like to see playoff hockey in Atlanta before 2010 and now that looks like a good possibility. DW decided to be a GM, take his chances, and removed his backside from the toilet.

GO THRASHERS!

By Brian

February 28, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz - he held on to what counts. Sterling is the real deal, Bourret isn’t. Too many other D-men coming up to worry about Coburn being gone.

By Tony C.

February 28, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Ok!! So the ‘Canes lost and TB only got 1 point. Pretty cool. I am looking forward to these last 15 games or however many it is. I feel lots better about a division win now, and in fact I look forward to springtime hockey.

A run at The Cup??? Do you believe so? really?

Should The Kid get it together, we have the pieces (on paper) that should be able to make some serious noise this spring. A lot of luck plays into it but also a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice that’s something that Big Bobby can tell you about…or even asst. coach Weeks…get yourself a picture of him from when he won The Cup with the flames…also if you can find it, his interview in the room immediately after winning it all. He says that word sacrifice about 6 times in two sentances.

I am just trying to make the point that the guys on the team must know that they have as good a shot as anyone to make a run this year right now…it’s coming down to coach pressing the right buttons and finding the right combinations (not just what he thinks should work) and “the boys” wanting it more than the other guy.

Can’t wait to see how it unfolds

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. How is Guerin “cost less” than Tkachuk? Am I missing something? Just curious. I mean everyone in hockey knew what DW was going to call looking for s they had him over a barrel immediately, I still am pleased that he went out and did something very pleasent change. Good players too! We’ll see how the UFA season this summer goes, but I think with the cap room we have it could be a very good summer for Le Thrash (get Gomez).

By R. Stroz

February 28, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this

Brian - I was happy to see DW dispense with “some of the future.” The traded “future players” didn’t appear to live up to their initial draft appeal. DW decided to use his “future players” as chips for the present when it mattered most.

I’m not sad to see Coburn go. He actually reminded me of a prospect that the Flames had in Atlanta years ago, Brad Marsh. A lot of size and promise but not alot of brains. If he doesn’t play well in Philly, the Philly fans will happy to let Coburn know their feelings toward him. As far as Bourret, I understand that he is talented but somewhat lazy. Lazy isn’t a good trait for a hockey player. I’m looking forward to seeing Sterling, LaVallee, and possibly Valabik next year.

The draft is never an exact science, sometimes you get it right and other times you don’t. As long as the GM keeps the best prospects and uses the others as trade bait for somewhat proven players, the team is better off. I was happy to see DW finally implement this strategy instead of continuing to wait on the future.

I’m looking forward to Friday’s game.

By Ron Norsworthy

February 28, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

We didn’t have the money to resign Marc Savard. Yet we give up all those draft picks and will try to resign Tkachuk. Why didn’t we resign Savard and get a much younger player, without giving up the picks!

By Bob

February 28, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Ron, we won’t try to re-sign Tkachuk unless we go deep.

Plus, look at it this way, we didn’t have much cap room all year. We squeaked through the year and held into playoff position using cheap centers like Metropolit and Kapanen. Then, when we are at the trade deadline, we can go get guys like a Tkachuk and a Zhitnik and afford them, and stay under the cap, since we only have to pay them 1/4 of their salaries now. It’s a good strategery in the new Cap world of the NHL.

We couldn’t have afforded Savard this year and still have been able to make the moves we made at the deadline. What Waddell really did well this year was manage the Cap and that was part of the reason for his fiddling, so he could wait till the last minute and be able to afford these guys under the Cap.

By ron

February 28, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Those are good points. The amazing thing about the new NHL is once you get into the playoffs, anything is possible. Did anybody really see the Canes and Oilers in the finals before the playoffs started last year?

By ron

February 28, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Good points! I guess we need to keep the faith that once the playoffs start, anything is possible. Did anybody really see the Canes and Oilers in the finals before the playoffs started last year??

By Craig Custance

February 28, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Farthammer — Thanks, I’m in the process of re-introducing myself to my wife and kid right now. Although, I’ll be leaving shortly for practice to work on a Tkachuk feature for Saturday. That’s not your real name, is it?

Hanson Bros: I’ll be there tonight, where Hartley promised me nothing but aces and kings at the blackjack table.

Tony C: On the price of Tkachuk - Waddell is pretty convinced that had he wanted until deadline day to make the trade, it would have cost even more.

UpperDeck: Dupuis is a rental, or an Avis as Kamal likes to call them, but I think (if things go well) the team will make a serious attempt to re-sign Dupuis and Belanger after the season. I also think there’s a better chance of you guys seeing me in a Thrashers uniform next season than Tkachuk.

By Craig Custance

February 28, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Dink: I understand that Bob Hartley is hard to play for, he demands a lot out of his players. He admits he’s hard to play for. He also has to take some of the blame for the struggles over the last month, but I think the line shuffling had as much to do with personnel as it does coaching. His philosophy when it comes to lines, is he believes in duos — he likes to keep two guys together and have the flexibility to work a third based on how things are going. Like for most of the season you saw Kozlov-Hossa, Kovalchuk-Rucchin(now Tkachuk), Holik-Larsen. Whether or not you agree with his coaching methods, this team is in pretty good shape right now with the re-enforcements Waddell brought in, and the remaining schedule. If the team continues to play like it has over the last month, then the scrutiny will fall on Hartley’s shoulders.

By Bob

February 28, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Craig, you’re right about Tkachuk, he’ll re-sign with the Blues this summer, don’t you think?

Can you let us know where Coach is skating Dupuis? On Kovy’s line or on the 3rd? Actually, if you could report on all the lines, that would be great.

By Brian

February 28, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Ron - I heard a lot of whispers that Savard was a cancer in the locker room and that’s part of the reason why we let him go. Even if it’s only part, that can be enough to say that we won’t go over a certain limit for him which the Bruins clearly did. We also heard the same thing when we got him from Calgary, they gave him to us cheap.

As for the new NHL, we have always had a league that anything can happen. On one of the blogs Brendan and I spit out a whole bunch of stats on what really happens once the “second season” starts. Low seeds getting to the finals and #1s and #2s getting knocked out in the 1st round has happened since the day this format was adopted.

By Brendan

February 28, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I know that we WANTED Savard to stay, (if the price were right). And I don’t really know what the “truth” was. But Manasso had an article stating that Savvy was going through a divorce and his kids would be in Ontario, Canada. So, he claims, out of “family obligations,” he wanted to be somewhere up north, preferably out EAST somewhere. Allegedly, supposedly, he told his agent to land him a gig with Toronto or the NY Rangers. When Boston came calling with 4 years/$20 million, Boston became “close enough to Ontario” for his family situation.

I guess that’s possible. And if that’s really the truth, there was little Don Waddell could have done to change his mind. And who would be the one to “speak up” about it? Waddell can’t go around saying, “Marc’s personal family situation will take him out of Atlanta in the coming years.” And Marc’s not about to say, “Hey Atlanta. Thanks for the memories. This is my LAST SEASON.”

I don’t think either situation would have gone over very well. But what do I know?? Maybe Savard just wanted outta Atlanta and into a more visible hockey market? Or just wanted to get PAID. I’ll leave it for you guys to decipher.

By Brendan

February 28, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I know that we WANTED Savard to stay. And I don’t really know what the “truth” was. But Manasso had an article stating that Savvy was going through a divorce and his kids would be in Ontario, Canada. So, he claims, out of “family obligations,” he wanted to be somewhere up north, preferably out EAST somewhere. Allegedly, supposedly, he told his agent to land him a gig with Toronto or the NY Rangers. When Boston came calling with 4 years/$20 million, Boston became “close enough to Ontario” for his family situation.

I guess that’s possible. And if that’s really the truth, there was little Don Waddell could have done to change his mind. And who would be the one to “speak up” about it? Waddell can’t go around saying, “Marc’s personal family situation will take him out of Atlanta in the coming years.” And Marc’s not about to say, “Hey Atlanta. Thanks for the memories. This is my LAST SEASON.”

I don’t think either situation would have gone over very well. But what do I know?? Maybe Savard just wanted outta Atlanta and into a more visible hockey market? Or just wanted to get PAID. I’ll leave it for you guys to decipher.

By Brendan

February 28, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post. I think when one blog updates, it throws a “glitch” into any current post.