AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 19
Monday, March 19, 2007
Let’s make (one) deal
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta has never looked so good. No, not the Thrashers, although they looked pretty good against Buffalo, but the city. You get a whole new appreciation for home when you’re stranded in Philadelphia. But with a little help from Hertz, we got back in time to see the Thrashers beat the Sabres. Big win right there.
So with Eric Belanger, Alexei Zhitnik and Keith Tkachuk all scoring, Jeff Schultz (good column on Lehtonen today, by the way) and I were debating which of Waddell’s trades have been most important to the team. So anytime it makes a good discussion in the real world, I like to bring the discussion to the beat blog. The team is off today and Tuesday, and so am I. But let’s start a little debate: If you could only make one of the four trades (Zhitnik, Tkachuk, Dupuis, or Belanger) which one would you make?
I’ll even throw in their stats as Thrashers to help you make your argument, also take into consideration what the Thrashers had to give up when presenting your argument:
Eric Belanger (for Vishnevski) - He has 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) since joining the Thrashers, and has been instrumental in turning around the penalty kill. Has brought stability to the middle of the Hossa line. He’s an unrestricted free agent after the season, and a good postgame quote (hey, this stuff is important).
Alexei Zhitnik (for Braydon Coburn) - Has scored goals in the last two Thrashers games, and has 12 points in the 10 games since coming over from Philly. Huge special teams guy, especially on the power play where he has been outstanding at the point. He’s signed for the next two seasons and $3.5 million per.
Keith Tkachuk (for Glen Metropolit, and a bunch of draft picks) - Brings needed swagger to the dressing room, and is a huge presence in front of the net. He has nine points in 10 games since joining the Thrashers, and has helped Ilya Kovalchuk’s production increase. He’s also a UFA after the season.
Pascal Dupuis (and a pick for Alex Bourret) - Speed guy has really helped the penalty kill and gives a scoring boost to the Bobby Holik checking line. Another UFA on July 1st.
Alright armchair GMs, you can only make one of those deals. Which one would you make?
