Thrashers

By Hip Czech

March 16, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I’ll contribute $50 towards coming up with 6 million:

Belanger & Kozlov

Any warm body would be better than the UFA defenseman we have.

I kind of like Dupuis, though last night’s game he kind of had the Jimmy Slater syndrome - created lots of chances but could not convert. I suppose to stay within 5M I let Kozzy go and sign Dupuis (ouch). That leaves .5 mil to add to the Hossa coffer.

By JayBird

March 16, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

I would resign Andy Sutton for $6 an hour to wash jocks and clean bathrooms.

I would love to see Belanger, Boulton, and Dupuis signed. I love Slava but not sure what kind of salary demands he will make. As much as I love Sim, $2 million is too much for him.

By Jenn

March 16, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Slava Kozlov and Eric Belanger.

So that’s my first $6mm….

By Ed Gordon

March 16, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I guess with only 5 million, I take Kozlov and Sim. Super tough call though. I hate to image going back to a pre-Tkachuk Thrasher team. Tempted to make Belanger work too.

By Bob

March 16, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Good idea, but the salary demands are out of whack, Kozlov will get $3.5, but no way those other guys command those rates. Also, we’re going to have tons more cap room than $5m to spend, and budget room, I would assume

I’d sign:

Kozlov at $3.5m per year, then spend $1.5m on Belanger and $1m on Dupuis. Yeah I know, I broke the budget, I’ll kick in the extra $1m in case Belkin wins.

By Snoman

March 16, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I agree, it should be the first 6 mil for Kozlov and Belanger. You need to keep that line intact.

By Thrashers too old

March 16, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Belanger, Dupuis, Kovlov in that order. This team needs to get younger and Kozlov is getting on up in age. What is sad is that with all the prospects in the minors that the Thrashers have and there are no top 6 forwards in the bunch.

Don Waddell you are one of the worst drafting GMs in the league.

By Tony C.

March 16, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

CC I’m ashamed of you-even putting Cap’n Rat’s name up there. We all know he’s going to retire after Le Thrash bring home The Cup.

duh

Seriously though, I think he retires either way after this season.

Also, do you really think Simmer would ask for that much? he signed for 1/3 of that this year…so even if he got a 30% raise, we’re still only talking about a $1-1.1M salary….

But anyway you slice it, you gotta figure out a way to keep the Hoss line together. It’s hand’s down Belanger and Slava-Matic.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. does Eklund cheer during games??? I’ve wondered what sort of guy he is…I have a mental pitcure of somewhere between “comic-book guy” from the Simpsons and Christopher from the Sopranos

By Rawhide

March 16, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Too much math to do this early,………..

I will say that Jaybird is going to overpay Sutton for that job, though.

By Jessica

March 16, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I’m going with the general consensus and saying Slava and Belanger should be the top priorities right now. Everything that I have heard about Tkachuk points that he is heading back to St. Louis after the season and if we’re not going to get to keep him, we HAVE to keep the Kozlov-Belanger-Hossa line like it is.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 16, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

why would you even put Sutton on the list?

I’ll give Sutton $2 an hour to pick the dingles out Kari’s taint

By Craig Custance

March 16, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

My flight was pushed back again — anybody available to cover the Rangers game for me tonight?

On the bright side, plenty of time to comment.

Tony C. - You’re probably right about Mellanby.

Bob — Way to negotiate those guys down, you’re a tough GM.

Ed Gordon — Remember, by letting Tkachuk walk, you have flexibility to try and win (like they did this year), then make another deadline deal. That way you have an impact player, without paying him a years worth of salary.

By JayBird

March 16, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

CC, I totally agree about letting Tkachuk go and having salary cap room to add someone at next year’s deadline. You definitely need that flexibility.

I am available to cover the game for you tonight. HAHA

By BAF

March 16, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t get the “have to sign Slava” attitude.

With that limited budget, can’t afford Tkachuk who I would like more than anyone. So I think Belanger is the most important. We need a young top first or second line center more than anything. I have been impressed with Dupuis so I would fit him into the budget. Then I would pay $500 dollars for a plane ticket for Sutton to get out of town and use the rest for others.

By UpperDeck4Life

March 16, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I agree with everyone else, Kozlov and Belanger are at the top of the resign list. I don’t know if staying within the 5 million to resign our own free agents is going to be reallistic. We don’t have a lot of guys signed after next year; wish Rucchin didn’t have another year….there’s 2 million we could add to signing somebody else right now. If I had to put a priority on who to sign, here is who I would sign.

Kozlov Belanger Dupuis Boulton Larsen

If cheaper:

Sim JP VJ

Mellanby retires

Cut bait Sutton Hnidy deVries Tkachuk (would love to sign him, but we can’t afford him 1 and 2 I don’t want to give up another pick)

On more thing that hasn’t been brought up yet is Brett Sterling. The kid is leading the AHL in scoring and is second in points. He has nothing left to prove in the AHL next year. He is a top 6 forward. He can not play on the 3rd or 4th line and have his game work, he has to be on a scoring line and next year I think that is who you will see with Kovy. Craig have you heard anything from inside the organization about him? Everything I have heard from people on the inside says they are really high on him and he will probably be on the team next year. Have you hear same or different?

By Brian

March 16, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Belanger would be a great value at a price like that if we keep him and Hoss together (BH likes 2’s).

Kozzy is getting up in age, but how much is a shootout winner worth? Think about all the points in the standings we got because of Kozzy alone in the shootout. Granted it took the whole team to send it to a shootout and we should be winning in regulation, but something to ponder…

By Brian

March 16, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

BAF - you’re too kind. I was just going to give him cab fare so he could get to the Amtrak station…

By Craig Custance

March 16, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

The $5 million is just for your priority free agents, I’m not saying more money won’t be spent. I just didn’t want to make it too easy to pick everyone. Wanted to make this a challenge.

By Ryan

March 16, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Belanger seems like a smart choice. Dupuis would be nice to have.
Tkachuk will be able to walk. Mellanby will retire. Have to keep Hossa. Go out and make a good offer for Briere. He’s worth the money and will earn it daily.

By Craig Custance

March 16, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

UD4L: Not hearing much right now on Sterling, although pretty soon here I’m going to start working on an organization analysis-type project and I’ll get into Sterling there.

By UpperDeck4Life

March 16, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Ok Craig, I would sign Kozlov and Dupuis, but if I get that 2 million from kicking Rucchin’s rearend to the curb I use it to help sign Belanger.

I doubt we could sign Briere, I agree he would earn whatever he is signed to…but I doubt we could afford him, Tkachuk will probably be cheaper than Briere.

By Ryan

March 16, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, on Briere. But it is nice to dream!

By Rone

March 16, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig, Please let us know if you asked Bob Hartley about Sutton and his overall lack of hockey skills.

By R. Stroz

March 16, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Craig - If Rucchin retires due to injury sustained while playing, are the Thrashers on the hook for his 2.4 million salary next year?

For my first picks, I’ll take Belanger, Dupuis, and Sim, speed and guts. I spent an extra million, which comes from the rat’s retirement.

By R. Stroz

March 16, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I think we should take up a collection to send Pucks and Sutton to Detroit.

By Craig Custance

March 16, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz — Yeah, they still are on the hook, although I’m sure there are ways around it.

By kevin

March 16, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Kozlov and Belanger are the main priorities. Dupuis,Larsen,Sim,Boulton would be nice. Mellanby will retire, Sutton is gone, Devries is gone at that price. Who besides Sterling had an opportunity to make the team in training camp?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 16, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

So Melrose thinks Kari is a choker huh?

I knew I didn’t like that dink

By R. Stroz

March 16, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Kevin - Monthe ago, I heard Coach liked LaVallee. I’m not sure who athe source was though.

Craig - Thanks for the info. If you can free up Rucchin’s 2.4 million, I can spend some more money.

To All - Does anyone think Holik is worth keeping at 4.25 million/year. If not, how do we free up his money? Trade him for a draft pick?

By Bob

March 16, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Mullet man just thinks Kari needs to prove it, that’s ok, he does. Anything that keeps him focused is all good.

Let the Moose loose, we need a win tonight! Green beer at the Phil tonight? Shots of Jameson? shot, beer, shot, beer.

We need these two pts tonight, fellas. This is a big game, if Tampa beats Buffablow and we lose, Tampa has a game in hand and the division lead, that would not be pretty. Must win tonight.

By BG33Brown

March 16, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

First thing I would do is TRADE 17. Yes, he is probably the best shooter in the league and is playing better but you can’t win with 14mil plus tied up in 2 players and we must do whatever it takes to resign Hossa now.

I’d use Kovy’s about $7mil/season for the next 3 years and resign Tkachuk for $5mil-I love the way he is stepping up and saying the things that need to be said. And while were at it, slap the C on his sweater.

So by my math I have 7 mil left.

I’ll take Belanger, Dupuis, and Sim. 13 is great, but he is old and we must get younger.

As LAC and Brendan love to point out. We are the oldest team in the league and we are only 7 years old.

By michael

March 16, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I would buy Havelid a new mom so he will play good again. Kozlov will sign with Atlanta for a discount, his dogs like it here. So Kozlov and Belanger. Isn’t XLB going to be a free agent as well?

CC, will the team not let you fly on their chartered plane?

By JayBird

March 16, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Holik is definitely not worth $4.25 million. He is a 3rd or 4th line player, at best. Yes, he has been good on the face-off but with Belanger, we are okay in that department. I believe in other leagues, like the NBA, you get an injury exemption for someone who retires due to a career-ending injury. Either way, Rucchin should not be back. It may be time for us to tap into our farm system and get younger. With a core of Kari, Kovy, Hoss, Exelby, Slater, and Belanger, I think we will be okay. Hopefully some of the minor league guys can come up and help us next year.

By LAC

March 16, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Slava for sure, sutton NO F’ing WAY… He better not be in the lineup tonight…

Remember we have Boris and Chad Denny coming on Defense and another guy as well… Do not remember his name.

Cut Larsen/DeVries/Moose, have other cheaper goalies available..IE Garrnett.

But Hossa MUST BE RESIGNED…

Get a good PP Dman and some solid forwards, Is Brian Little ready yet?

Holik is with us another year then GONE, same with Rucchin, there is close to 6 Million right there.

Resign Hnidy he has done a good job this season and is our ONLY right hand shooting defenseman… gee if we had a couple more, bet we could score more goals by keeping the puck in the zone and by not having to turn and skate to the middle to shoot.

Mellenby retired… We could alsosave by dumping don waddell, That would be THE BEST MOVE OF ALL !!!!!!!!

NO MORE sutton… Why was he NOT placed on waivers this morning ????

RELEASE SUTTON NOW !!!!!!!

By five_hole

March 16, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

It’s not a fair question. You need to sign at least 8 forwards and 4 d-men next year. I figure the budget to do that will be roughly $15 Mil. You will also need to shell out money to Exelby (RFA).

IMO, the biggest bang for the buck in the list is Sim. I also gotta pick Belanger. No way DuPuis will get 2M; he’s only getting like $.7M now (Belanger is also overpriced in your list). I’ve been impressed with Boulton’s play; for $.75, he’s probably a good buy.

I’ve been a Sutton fan & appologized for him after he came back from injury. After last night’s game, I’ll buy his ticket to which ever team wants him.

By Jennifer

March 16, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Stuck in a Philly Airport? Yuk. Just for entertainment value why not have the paper send over one of their football guys for tonight? At least we could have a good chuckle in the morning.

Kicking Sutton to the curb would be priority one. Given your constraints I’d put Bellanger, Sim and Larsen in my $5mill shopping cart. Without cap issues I’d make Slava number 2 on the list and and throw Hnidy in at the end.

By CM

March 16, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with BG33Brown on Tkachuk and Hossa. Kovy is super, but Hossa is a must have/keep and Tkachuk, as we’ve all seen, brings a whole different level of play to this team. I think that although he may end up being too expensive and costly with the draft pick and all, it could be in the team’s best interest to keep Tkachuk and sure, why not make him Captain, he’s defintely a leader.

By BG33Brown

March 16, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

CM, i am sure we can recoup at least a #1 and some defensive help for Kovy. Although is DW is the GM, I’m not going to be to worried about draft picks, b/c of our ineptness with them.

By bartdunwoody

March 16, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Agreed that Kozzy is getting too old to match minutes with Hoss. If he comes at a resonable price he could add a lot to 3rd line and still be available for SO. If Belkin wins this whole exercise goes out the window. He won’t shell out for anyone over $1m.

By moo

March 16, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

I’m going to the game tonight and will visit the bid lists on the green jerseys. AND I’m writing WORTHLESS across Sutton’s bidlist.

Tell his agent to go shove it too.

By Bob

March 16, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Most excellent idea, moo. I’ll be write behind you writing -$100 (they need to pay me to take that sweater).

By Brian

March 16, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Too many opinions going around here on too many different things, so I will just say this:

R. Stroz - great line there. Forget the “chuk” line nickname, we have to make Pucks n Snutton stick, that cracks me up. Like did you see last night when Pucks n Snutton gave it up in the zone so easy? Get rid of this guy already. Why is Pucks n Snutton in the lineup when we have McCarthy ready to go?

By polskidawg

March 16, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m drawing outside the lines, but what about this:

Sterling (400k)- Belanger (2.5m)- Hossa (6m) -– no one can replace the Prof, but Hoss & Belanger will lessen the blow.

Kovy (5m)- Drury (5m)- Sim (1.5m) – I’m probably dreaming here, but Drury would be the new Captain and would finally bring the Thrashers a true 1 center.

Vigier/Boulton (750k)- Rucchin (2.35m)- Dupuis (1.75m) – assuming Rucchin is healthy and Holik can be traded. I’ve also discounted Dupuis slightly.

Vigier/Boulton (750k)- Slater (900k) – Larson/Other (500k) – This could be very fluid, but BH is a big fan of Larson and Vigier.

Zhitnik (3.5m) – Havelid (2.5m) – looks good, especially if Nic rebounds.

Exelby (700k) – Oystrick/Other (450k) -– X is already a solid #2 line D-man and will require a raise soon. Pairing him with a player like Oystrick (young Zhitnik like player) can work if BH can handle having a rookie on line 2.

Hnidy (1.5m) - Popovic (450k) – positionally sound players for 7:30 minutes a game.

That takes us to $36.5m or so, without factoring guys for depth that could be another 4m, taking us to $40m.

Gives us room for next trade deadline and other deals if needed. What do you think?

By Rawhide

March 16, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

OK, I think I got it:

First I sign Slava Kozlov - $3.5 million

Then, because I think he has been a GREAT addition to the squad, I ink Eric Belanger - $2.5 million

Then I demand $1,000,000 back from Andy Sutton.

There,…..that comes to 1-mil.

By Tom

March 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

polskidawg you did a great job.

The only change I would try to make is keeping Kozlov if at all possible. He is 36 and has a great flow with Hossa. We had to lose Savard over money and it hurt Kolvy this season big time.

If we hamstring Hossa for half a season I think that we are hurting our chances.

By Rawhide

March 16, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

errrr,…I mean, $3.5 mil plus $2.5 mil minus 1 mil back from Suck-un would be 5 mil…..

By Brian

March 16, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Sto lat polskidawg

By BAF

March 16, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

polskidawk did do a good job with a few comments.

But I don’t see signing Drury for $5m and give up on Tkachuk for the same amount of money. I know he is a true winger but he is doing fine at center and he is a TRUE leader. We will need that next year with Mel gone. Furthermore, he gives us grit and not afraid to stand up for the stars from the frontline. We need that as well. This team is totally different now with Tkachuk than before especially how others are acting on the ice. Holik’s been a disappointment in that department.

Let Vigier go and keep Boulton. I think X is going to cost more than $700k but I don’t know how the RFA system works so I am probably wrong.

By Bob

March 16, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Nobody said there’d be math here, my head hurts, will someone just buy me a shot?

By Brian

March 16, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

BAF - aren’t you worried about signing Tkachuk for longer than a year at this point in his career? You know he’s going to want something more than 1 since this will be his last big contract. Although I do think Holik is going to show his worth come playoff time, I don’t know how many of these older guys I want on the team. I think I might like a younger guy up there who is a true #1 center.

By BAF

March 16, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Brian - I agree that Tkachuk will want at least 3 years. And I think he has 3 good years still ahead of him. Furthermore, he is the type of player others want to play with and that will help in resigning Hossa which will need to happen.

I like Holik as a defensive center and agree with your statement about playoffs. However, I am disappointed with his lack of desire to protect the stars and to light the fire under the youngsters in the clubhouse. He isn’t worth the money he is making and wouldn’t lose sleep if he is traded in the offseason. We get rid of his salary, we can afford a Drury. I personally believe we have a few other minor leaguers we can fill out the third and fourth lines and possibly Sim’s position if need be.

By Kari's Karpets

March 16, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Bob the only thing involving a shot that i would buy is a bullet, so you could go shoot yourself.

By Chc4

March 16, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I know this is blasphemy but is trading Ilya such a crazy idea? He eats up $7 mill and I don’t think he’s worth it. We could do so much w/ that $$. Especially w/ Hossa’s contract up after next year… we need to pay him. He’s much more valuable than Ilya.

By LAC

March 16, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

RIGHT ON RAWHIDE, PEEEEEERFECT!!!!!!!!!

We do need X resigned and Hnidy I believe,I hope Boris is here next season… He can whip anybody, and I mean anybody,have simon hit Hoss with a stick and I bet like hell he would get it stuffed down his throat… and Boris CAN DO THAT.

Bring Garnett in and trade this Moose cheaper and just as good…

And as MANY HAVE SAID… sutton signs for 3 million… but that is he is paying US to play, reverse contract and sells popcorn between periods and parks cars before the game…

Gee I hope like HELL he is NOT in uniform tonight… at 20:00 of first period NYR 2 Atlanta 0 with him around… HE HAS TO GO RIGHT NOW HARTLEY !

By Craig Custance

March 16, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Still in Philly - there’s only a million of us trying to get rental cars since the flights are all canceled.

Managed to catch Hartley on the cell. Holik is in tonight, got a pretty bad cut last night - a half hours worth of stiches.

Hedberg is the only lineup change.

Re: Sutton - Hartley basically said everybody has off games sometimes. At no point did he consider benching him for tonight.

By Bob

March 16, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update, Craig.

So Sutton had an “off game” last night? lol.

More like an off 2007.

Paddy’s Day game, we need 2. Off to get the pregame in, let’s get a win, boys.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 16, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

thanks for the update Craig…

whats Hartley’s cell number?

By Matt H

March 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

The first name on any contract after this post-season has to read “Marian Hossa”.

Then, I think it’s important to keep some guys in the system whose families live in the area, so I’d make that community involvement a priority. The Thrashers need to ride the wave their first post-season appearance will give them, however big or small it may be.

I think Mell is based here, right? If Mell wants to come back, we need to re-sign him, or at least keep him in the fold if he wishes to retire.

Sutton’s had a dismal second half… The game he had last night was utter crap. I don’t think I’d resign him.

DeVries’ play has improved, but I’d probably rather try and rear some talent from the farm at the blueline(if there’s any left) and use his salary to resign other key players. The team needs to get younger and stronger on D.

I want Belanger back.

I want Dupuis back if I can get him.

Keith Tkachuk would have to do a LOT this post-season to be worth 5 million a year. I don’t think he’s worth it now.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s been a great addition to the team thusfar, but “Winnepeg-Phoenix-St. Louis” is not a resume which makes me want to “duck-duck-goose” over other big-money players like Kozlov, Hossa and Kovalchuk who are already filling that upper cap space.

I’m hoping he’ll prove me wrong.

And -because these things do happen- depending on Kari’s performance this post-season, we may have to start sniffing around for a new #1.

But more important than any of this- extending Marian’s contract, Lehts’ performance, Tkachuk’s impact- is that the good folks at Atlanta Spirit LLC get their s** together and decide what’s what.

Ownership is where success, or disarray, starts and stops.

By Matt H

March 16, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Off-games sometimes? Does this guy have pictures of Hartley and his wife doing Cosplay or something?

I mean, I’m a Sutton supporter and even I think he needs to sit tonight.

By Brendan

March 16, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Craig, I agree with (poster) Jennifer. Given the salaries listed at the top of the blog, I go with Belanger, Sim and Larsen, for $4.75 million. At least this way, I get three (3) players. If permitted to stay UNDER $5 million, using the figures above, I go with Belanger for $2.5 million and Dupuis for $2.0 million, and bring up Brett Sterling for the $0.50 million.

Of course I think Kozlov can and should be re-signed. Or, at the very least, an ATTEMPT should be made. But I’m not in favor of some 4-year contract. I know. I know. Craig said not to mention “length” of contract. Mea culpa. Tkachuk would probably want 4-years, too. No way, Jose! If he were 30, then maybe it’d be worth doing. Don should offer Kozzie a 2-year deal, then re-evaluate the situation.

Also, Hossa should be presented with a new Contract on New Year’s Day, 2008. I’d love 5-years/$40 million. But I’m clearly hallucinating. He’ll be able to command the league MAX, which will be, if reports of a $47.5 million are accurate, $9.5 million-per-season.

Talks of trading either Kovy or Hossa are a “last resort” sort of situation. If Hossa cannot be re-signed, it ISSS better to trade him than it is to simply watch him skate away, for nothing. I’d rather see him re-signed than traded. But the economic realities of the game are what they are.

I agree with (poster) Bob. The salaries listed above are wayyy too inflated. Jon Sim makes $610K. I’d say a 50% raise would be the most he gets, putting him at about $915K. No way Hnidy makes $1.5M next year. That’s a $900K pay raise!! Hnidy’s lookin’ squarely at $750K. $800K at the very most. Belanger will not get $2.5 million. Perhaps he’ll get $2.0 million. He’s a 3rd line center. They don’t command big money. Don Waddell could find pah-lenty of 3rd line centers for less than $2.0 million. For $2.5 million, he could probably find two (2) third line centers. (Stefan only costs $900K; we could get him back, if you’re into “nostalgia.”)

I’ll give Don credit. He found inexpensive depth. And that, folks, is one of the keys to managing the cap in the post-lockout era. Exelby, McCarthy, and Hnidy are great for the money. Sim is great, for the money. Slater can be re-signed cheaply, too. J.P. Vigier can be re-signed at the league minimum, as can be Larsen and Boulton. If they find better offers than that, they should TAKE THEM!!! And we should not “counter offer” what they get. Thank them for their service and wish them well.

I’d say that re-signing Pascal Dupuis should also be an offseason priority. He’s still relatively young, and is very fast. I bet Don keeps Dupuis for $1.0 million.

Sorry for the long post.

By Brendan

March 16, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Matt H., that was such a good post. I applauded through the whole thing. I wanted to add something else. You hinted about in your previous post. By 2008, we might ALL be singing the praises of one Ondrej Pavelec. I think he’s a goaltender out of the Czech Republic. Or Slovakia. It’s one of the two. But, in any event, he was a high 2nd round pick than Don traded down to get (2005 draft). (Yes, bypassing Anze Kopitar in the process. Let’s not go down that route. Not now. It’s not the time for that.) I still say trading Bourret (16th overall, 2005) to the NYR was an acceptable trade for Dupuis. Don must re-sign Dupuis. I’d really H8 to think Dupuis is just a “rental.”

But I digress. Back to Pavelec. I see nothing preventing him from being a very capable NHL goaltender in the future. A little “healthy competition” between he and Lehtonen can translate into a better Thrashers product on the ice. Kari is under contract until the Summer of 2008. At which time, I believe, he’s still restricted. Someone double-check that. But irrespective of that, philosophically, a decision must be made regarding Lehtonen and his “cap value” to this Thrashers team. If he’s setting the world on fire, then I’d say you pay him his market value. If he’s been a playoff bust, or the dredded groin problem persists, then that changes things. Doesn’t it? That’s all I’m saying.

By Christy

March 16, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Oh boy. Here goes the humble opinion of female hockey relative neophyte (i.e. started seriously following hockey only 6 or so years ago)… BG33Brown and ChC4: Trade Kovy? R U Kidding? He’s TWENTY-THREE!!! (twenty-four next month) how good do you think he’ll be in another year or two when he has Hossa’s maturity and level of experience? I know his salary is high, but come on…. Cap’s going higher. Assume that the Maryland judge is not a complete idiot and Spirit will win. Kovy’s contract will not hurt us cap-wise or purse-strings-wise… As for the rest, Kozlov because Mel will be gone and I don’t see KT staying, Belanger and Dupuis. And yes - I’ll be happy to cater Sutton’s going away party. And I’ll have plenty of tissues on hand for those with the urge to weep with gratitude.

By pondscum

March 16, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Belanger and Kozlov for me first as well.

Then offer guys like Sim,Hnidy decent raises.

Sutton it’d let him walk.Mellanby is goona retire.So I’d take his salary,slice it down and give Boulton,Vigier,Dupuis,and Larsen each a raise.I’d alos hold some roster spots open for guys like Sterling in Chicago to have a shot.

Slater and McCarthy only have to be tenderd since they are already under contract…..and I just don’t see how they’d get alot or any from an arbitration hearing.

This team for the most part can be held together,it only takes some good descions.Heck,if you let Sutton and Devo both go…..theres your money for a Hossa extension or keeping Walt around.

Mixing in some younger guys like Sterling ect. is gonna have to happen also,so your cap space isn’t to “eaten” up,just in case you wanna make a move on into the season.

By random dude

March 16, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

polskidawg, I like it, but I think its gonna be awfully hard to win without a goalie (or is there enough room in there for Lehts/Moose??).

Although, if you spend your cap on skaters, Forbes will probably still name you the #2 GM in the NHL.

By Brian

March 16, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Brendan - you’re right, in the summer of ‘08 Kari is a RFA. Also, Moose is an UFA as well. The goalie you are talking about is getting rave reviews in the QMJHL…

Kovy’s cap hit is only $5.5m next year and we have him for 2 more years after that. Stop the blasphemy.

By Lee

March 16, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Um, Craig, I will cover the game for you…Anyway, I would keep Belanger and Kozzy or Sim, but DEFINITELY Belanger.

By polskidawg

March 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Random Dude: good point. I guess that would make my salary a bit higher. You must admit, though, that it wasn’t too bad for a guy who had a stroke in June!

There have been many excellent ideas (Brendan, others), but I completely agreed with Matt H that the first priority is Hossa and making him happy.

By Tony C.

March 16, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Good action tonight…I have got to say, the steady improvment in X’s game is a real pleasure to watch. He has really come a long way since we first saw a raw kid from Manitoba hit the Flatscreen ice.

3rd period is coming up, looks to be a great finish

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By yellowjax

March 16, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Who suggested we trade Hedberg??? What a great night in goal. 2 points and Tampa trailing Buffalo.

By random dude

March 16, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

polskidawg: yup, I’d say that’s a pretty impressive comeback from June. Still rehabbing? Good luck with it if so.

The Rangers (Jagr in particular) were talking highly of Marcel Hossa tonight. Any idea when he’s eligible for UFA status? Want to play with big brother for a discount?

HUGE game from Moose.

3-2 Sabres beat the Lightning. Final.

By Brian

March 16, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

So does this break the weekend jinx? We have to get rid of that before the playoffs. Tampa lost, but so did the #9, #10 & #11 seeds tonight (NYR in OT albeit, Tor & Mtl). Our grip just got tighter.

By Sara

March 17, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Great game tonight - got to enjoy it from the Nest!

As for this topic - Belanger is a must, Kozzie if at all possible. However, either Don’s gonna have to convince Walt to stick around, or he needs to make a run for Drury/Briere. If we don’t have Walt then we are back to square one with no #1 center for Kovy. That’s a problem - big one. BUT an even bigger problem is going to be having to re-sign Hoss, Kovy, and Kari after next season as well (note to Don Waddell - do NOT wait until June 2008 to start on those). Gotta keep our fingers crossed that the cap keeps going up, that we make some deep playoff runs this season and next to make more money, and Spirit wins and court so we have mgmt willing to shell it out.

Btw, Brian, Kovy’s cap hit next season is still $6 mill - the cap amount is based on the average annual price of the contract. IIRC without looking, his deal was 3 yrs/$18 mil total - $5.5, $6, and $6.5.

By Brendan

March 17, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

I hope everyone realizes that Moose’s cap hit is only a paltry $1.0 million. ($850K this year, and $1.15M next year.) Tell me, again, how Waddell was supposed to find better talent and value in a backup goaltender?

Okayyyy … yes. Hasek and Belfour’s base salary was $750K. But the incentive clauses push those salaries much higher. For the money, there’s only one backup goalie with better value than Hedberg. Who? Curtis Sanford, in St. Louis. He’s Legace’s backup and makes $492K. He’ll get a substantial raise this year.

By Brendan

March 17, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

Sara, I love the idea of Don chasing Drury in the offseason. Buffalo, I’m almost certain, will re-sign Briere. If they cut one loose, which still might not happen, I think it’d be Drury. Everyone will want him. We could hear Drury’s name in a trade as early as this June’s Draft day. I imagine that Darcy Regier, (GM of the Sabres,) has been eyeing the hometown boy, KANE. Kane could go 1st overall, but appears to be headed for somewhere between 2nd and 7th overall. I wouldn’t be entirely shocked to see Regier trade Drury for Kane.

Drury appears to still be suffering some lingering effects of his concussion. Not physically, but in his play. Physically, I think he’s fine.

If Rucchin is lost on a prolonged/extended IR situation, his salary does not count against the cap. But, the Spirit Group still has to pay him. The contract is insured, of course.

Ilya signed a 5-year/$32.5 million contract in October 2005. It expires in the Summer of 2010. The cap hit is, officially, $6.5 million per season. In time, it will appear to be a “bargain” of a deal. At the time it was signed, it was overpaid by about $1.5 million. Nice work by Kovy’s agent. Actually, we have to give an “assist” to Columbus’ GM, Doug MacLean, for OVERPAYING for Rick Nash. A move that raised the ire among the “GM Fraternity.” It opened the door for Kovy’s “holdout” and missing of training camp back in 2005. Of course, had Waddell made Kovy’s re-signing priority #1, he could have locked up Kovalchuk BEFORE Rick Nash got his over-inflated contract, thus driving up the price of players across the league. Instead, Don made Holik his #1 priority and first move of the post-lockout. Holik got 3-years/$12.75 million. His agent must have spewed out his coffee when he heard Don’s offer. Then DW negotiated with Bondra, unsucessfully. Next came the Heatley trade. Then Waddell made a 2nd attempt at Bondra, this time signing him to 1-year, $505K deal, plus up to $1.5 million in incentives. Those incentives are still hitting our cap as we speak. And finally, Kovy was signed after missing the 1st three games of the 2005 season. Sorry for the trip down memory lane. In retrospect, the cap hit of $6.5M doesn’t seem so bad. If you count the 75 or so goal posts Kovy’s hit this year, he could be RUNNING AWAY with the Rocket Richard trophy if a third of those went in. And that’s without a pivot for most of the season. I cringe when people say Kovy’s having an “off year.” He’s doing REMARKABLY well.

By RobZ

March 17, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

Your team mortgaged its future for a quick fix and your defense is still horrible. TB is a better team.

By R. Stroz

March 17, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

The playoff jinx is broken. Pucks n Slutton didn’t give away any goals. DEVO actually pushed someone face down in the goalie crease. The moose didn’t let any pucks loose. Now, we need to win against Buffablow’s figure skaters. Their players take more dives than the U.S. Olympic dive team.

By R. Stroz

March 17, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

RobZ - Our team dealt some draft picks that weren’t working out as planned. By the way, in the future, we are all dead. Sometimes, you have to take care of business in the present to have a future.

By R. Stroz

March 17, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

Brian - Thanks for the compliment earlier in the day.

Pucks - Where are you? I know the Thrashers won so you have to crawl back into your hole and hide. I hope you drowned in your Kool-Aid after the game.

By Tony C.

March 17, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this

speaking of pucks…did anybody see the ghost-town that was Joe Louis Arena the other night when the deadwings hosted the Predators? You’d think such a hockey-savvy, rabid fan base in an “established” market would draw really well against the team they are locked in a Texas cage match for 1st place in the division…nope, Blueland actually outdrew the deadwing faithful by 1500 (announced)…and by the looks of the stands it was probably more than that in reality.

Huge win tonight, was awesome to hear the crowd drown out the ref’s whistles a coule of times…The Flatscreen could be quite the rockin barn come April…

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Sara

March 17, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Brendan - thanks for the correction on Kovy’s contract - I had forgotten it was such a long deal. That’s a good thing.

The Drury/Briere situation in Buffalo is going to be interesting. No doubt Regier wants to keep both, and maybe can. I think they are both due to be UFAs this year - TSN had posted a list by team of upcoming UFAs and RFAs and unfortunately the UFA center market is going to be bleak this off-season. So unless Don can pull another rabbit out of his hat, Kovy may be hurting again next season.

Two other points - CC can you find out what happened to Hoss at the end of the 2nd period? He left the ice when Mell got the boarding call, went to the bench, the trainer went straight to Hoss and about a minute later Hoss went to the locker room. Obviously he came back in the third so it isn’t too serious, but inquiring minds still want to know. It looked like he was holding his wrist so…

Secondly, I don’t know who exactly is responsible - I’m guessing the advertising dept for the Thrash - but there is nothing like logging on to AJC.com and seeing a big ol’ ad for Thrasher Playoff Tickets right there on the home page where no one can miss it. Wake up Atlanta and smell the ice!!

By Tony H

March 17, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Hey RobZ, are you the obnoxious Ranger fan who sat across the aisle from me last night? The one who had all the answers. I especially liked it when you screamed at the Rangers players to ice the puck and get off the ice. Nice call.

Or maybe, you were the guy in the row in front, who threw all his garbage on the fans three rows ahead of you as you stalked out. Real class acts - both of you.

Whoever you are, why don’t you find something better to do than to jump on a blog in the middle of the night and try to throw cold water on Thrasher fans who finally might get into the playoffs.

I have always thought it was great that there were fans from other cities at the game rooting for their teams. It adds even more excitement to a great game. But there are, or should be, limits.

For the rest of you bloggers, thanks for all the info and opinions on the Thrashers roster and players. Where do you find all the information on who is going to be a RSF or UFA?

Thanks.

By Brian

March 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Sara & Brendan - thanks for adding the cap info on Kovy’s contract. BTW, his remaining years of ACTUAL salary are $5.5mm, $7.5mm, $7.5mm (and $5.0mm this year). But as Brendan pointed out, this is going to make Kovy a bargain in the future. That makes trading him now a move that is even more ludicrous. You want to give up on a top talent in the NHL when our cap hit is below what his value is? And the guy is in the top 10 in goals IN AN OFF YEAR where he played mostly with NO #1 CENTER!

Sorry for the rant, but DW will never trade him anyway so we don’t even need to discuss that move.

Not sure what to think on the whole Briere/Drury/Datsyuk talks going on here…

Tony H - I use various websites for various contract info. Are you only looking for free agency info or salary to boot (future or past)?

By Tony H

March 17, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Brian,

I had found this year’s salary info on several sites including NHLPA.com and TSN.ca. I guess I really was wondering what sites showed the salary cap implications as well as those players eligible for free agency.

Thanks

By R. Stroz

March 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Sara - I went on TSN and was too blind or dumb to find the UFA/RFA listing by team. Would you please provide the link?

Brian - The Research Guru - Not sarcasm by the way - would you provide a link to the upcoming UFA/RFA websites, which include salaries. I can go on nhlnumbers.com, but I’m too lazy to go team by team to compile a list. Is there a website with the list already compiled?

By Brian

March 17, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - first of all, that’s Brendan’s title, not mine. I am more the analyst type once I get my hands on the data, I like to slice & dice. Anyway, I just did a post for Tony H. Go to the 3rd link, and click on year. Unfortunately this is not “cap”. This will show you who spends the most which to me is the question more people ask around here when referring to guys like DW or Belkin. Click on the first link I posted and there is a team comparison for “cap” info which also comes in handy for these blog conversations. Pucks n Snutton, that still cracks me up… Thanks for that one.

By Brian

March 17, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

testing… Not sure why my posts with the links are coming through…

By Tony H

March 17, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Brian - I hate to be so stupid but I am new to blogging. How do I get to the links that you have indicated? Thanks

By Brian

March 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Tony H - we just posted at the same moment, I keep hitting refresh but the posts are not coming up. I did the first one and then you can see where I replied to R. Stroz. After I saw that the reply to him went through but not the original I did it again, so now I just posted that “testing…” one. Let me try one more time. If not, I will just spell out the important one here. It is www.nhlnumbers.com You will just have to find your way yourself through it, but it is pretty simple.

Craig - can you assist here? My non-link ones are going through but the others aren’t. I am trying to get Tony H & R. Stroz some links.

By Tony H

March 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Brian - Thanks for spelling out the nhlnumbers.com site. It gave me a lot of the information I was looking for. Still would like to see the other ones and learn how to send links if possible. I appreciate your help!

By Mac

March 17, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig - Do you know if any Thrashers are using the pink sticks tomorrow? I think last year a couple might have in warmups, but not in the game. http://www.tpshockey.com/pinkstick.htm

Thanks!

By Mac

March 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah - anyone know why Sim didn’t play the 3rd? I don’t think he played again after drawing a penalty by getting headlocked by Mara (I think it was Mara).

By Bob

March 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Great crowd last night, Philips was rocking. Finally broke out sellout jinx. Overcame not scoring on a 5 on 3 and letting in a last minute goal, both of which are usually backbreakers. Lots of good mojo last night. 4 pt lead is huge, as Tampa still has a game in hand. Should be another good one tomorrow, your turn to step up, Kari.

By MICHAEL

March 17, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Bob, we failed to score on the 5 on 3 that we had. We scored on a 4 on 3 in overtime. The other goal was even strength

By Sara

March 17, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - there’s an interesting story to that TSN list. It appeared on trade deadline day within the trade centre section. I followed the link and went down the team by team list. However, about 2 hours later when I went back to re-check something, the link was gone and I can’t find it via searching the site. So maybe they didn’t mean for it to actually be up yet??
[http://forums.sportingnews.com/viewtopic.php?p=1393673]

I have found this, which comes from a message board (my disclaimer) but the info looks solid though it’s a bit dated, but not bad. It’s a good breakdown - it’s listed by position, gives current team (at time of posting), the player’s age, and their salary this year. Some place to start.

It was about this time last year (late march) that the hockey media started putting out articles/lists of FAs for the coming off-season. So the info should be available soon.

Also, if you are looking for cap info, try looking [here(http://nhlsalarycap.info)]. It gives team by team info on total payrolls in actual cash dollars plus cap dollars, breaks it down by player and anything else affecting the cap (for example, it shows Bondra’s bonus). It also shows we’re over cap budget this season, which is weird.

Anyway, my contribution. Now let’s just see if I got the links done right to work!

By Sara

March 17, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, links didn’t work, but the urls are there. Just for poots and giggles…

[http://nhlsalarycap.info]

By Sara

March 17, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Nope - it’s official - I suck at posting links.

Oh well.

By Thrasher_Ed

March 17, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

First off let’s go with who I would not re-sign. 1)Andy Sutton, 2)Greg DeVries aging vets who are slow and too long in the tooth. Mellanby will most likely re-tire and I can’t see him coming back again for 10-12 minutes a night. I think Vigier may be gone and possibly Sim though Simmer is welcome back at the right price.

Slava Kozlov can be re-sign for possible 3 million per year and Waddell should go ahead now instead of waiting. Belanger and Dupuis should be re-signed as well. Eric B. @ $1.5 mill and Dupuis only makes about 650-700K this year so let’s say 1 mill there. Easily within Craig C.’s budget restraints. Next years D-men = Havelid & Znitnik, McCarthy & Exelby, Hnidy & Popavic, which saves us money to re-sign Kozy and hopefully Hossa to a longer term deal. Gotta do a little research and I post my forward lines for next year.

By Daniel

March 17, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

This is very off-topic, but I was just thinking, this board has talked about traditions or lack there of (yelling knights! and other stuff) Well, I was thinking, other teams have songs, like the Red Sox had “Tessie” during their World Series run, and “Sweet Caroline”. What about “Thrasher”- by Neil Young, maybe it can be played after wins. Its got some good lines like “They can hear the Thrashers coming… ” Just something to think about. I guess you’d have to approach Young to let the team use it. Anybody have any other suggestions for playoff songs, or something else?

By Paul

March 17, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Just want to thank MOOOOOSE for a HUGE effort last nite. We were outskated badly but he refused to lose. Just a superb game the man played. We lose that game and we may go into a tailspin and who knows what happens.
As it stands now we look solid for at least a playoff spot. Kind of funny. Rangers really outplayed us and lost and Lightning outplayed Buffalo and lost. We really needed last nite after losing in Philly. Again, thank u MOOSE.

By Tony C.

March 18, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this

Yeah I’ve noticed that posts with links in them do not post right either…but as far as UFA/RFA numbers…

try here

And if that did not go through here is the site:

www.nhlnumbers.com

It’s not bad. not the pretiest site, but updates pretty quickly and is very informative.

big game tomorrow…just my $0.02, I’d rather have Drury than Briere, and Datsyuk or Gomez over either…although Drury does have “the glow”…see his GTG with 6 seconds left the other night, plus the whole little league world series, his heroics with Colorado…It’s just that Gomez and Datsyuk are younger, plus concussions often have lingering effects, so I’d be cautious about that.

Would love to see The Kid give us 1 GA or less tomorrow…which means we’ll need to see a much improved effort out of our blueliners-but I think that the confidence is swinging way up right now, so I am hopeful.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By R. Stroz

March 18, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this

Sara, Brian, & Tony C. - Thank you for your effort and information on the UFA/RFA sites.

Sara - in reference to your post on TSN on trade day, when I went to TSN earlier yesterday and ran UFA thru their search engine, it gave a listing of team needs and wants going into the 2006 draft. Quite possibly, you caught their 2007 draft day article a little early, so they pulled the article quickly. Just a guess.

By Lee

March 18, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Craig, are you still alive? Make it back from Philly?

By Tony H

March 18, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Super game today! I’m always amazed at how many Buffalo fans show up for their games here. The row behind our seats were filled with Sabre fans. They were rabid but nice and even shook hands and had nice things to say about the Thrashers after the game.

The boys need to keep it up. We are getting so very close now but it’s not a lock yet. Sure did help that Washington pounded the Lightning today.

By R. Stroz

March 18, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

New name for Tkachuk is Ka-Ching, or maybe we should give the line that name.

By Brendan

March 18, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Tony H., I definitely want to agree with that. The Sabres fans I encountered with enthusiastic, but friendly. I’d take Sabres fans over Rangers, Bruins, Flyers, and Red Wings any day. Buffalo’s fans should be fired up. They nearly got to the Cup last year (led Game Seven, in Carolina, 3-2, after two periods, with 4/6 starting defensemen on the shelf,) and everyone has been gunning for them this year. Their “Cinderella” factor quite having been shed.

I find Sabres fans to be polite and approachable, in general. Uhh, I have run into the drunken, obtrusive types, too. That’s been the exception, rather than the rule.

Daniel, speaking of being “fired up,” I’m kinda partial to the Pat Benatar song “All Fired Up.” There are no clear references to Thrashers, mind you. But consider these lyrics as potentially applicable to the Thrashers.

“I believe there comes a time, when everything just falls in line. We even learn from our mistakes. The deepest cuts are healed by faith. … Gotta feel the kick inside. All Fired up.”

What did you think of that, Daniel?

By Daniel

March 19, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Pretty good.

I remember a few years back, the Phillip’s people used Cake’s “The Distance” -(He’s going the distance, he’s going for speed) for a preseason game. I like that song alot, but it has a line mentioning someone else leaving with the cup. Can’t have that.

The Exelby files podcast on the official site has X giving his favorite songs for the Phillips crew to play, stuff like ACDC, System of a Down and the Rolling Stones. Its a pretty good interview, interesting to get an insiders look at the guy and the club.

Nice to hear the Buffalo fans were behaving themselves, I went to the game against the Rags and the fans seating behind me were obnoxious.

By Tony C.

March 19, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz I think you’re onto something…Howabout the “Chuk-Ching” line???

As far as a song…I dunno about Neil Young man-his stuff is good, but not so much sing-along-y. But that’d be cool if there was a “theme song”… I have no idea as to what…maybe CC could see what the guys in the room would like? I dunno.

Let’s get the next 2 in regulation.

LET”S GO BLUE !!!

By mike

March 22, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Tkatchuk… and Belanger… come up with the extra money beyond the 5 million by charging andy sutton and de vries for performing so bad