Thrashers

By Mac

April 19, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Do you know when Don is going to sit down with the guys to talk about re-signing? I don’t remember from last year when contract talks began.

By Russ

April 19, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Craig - Do you know which players currently playing in Chicago and/or prospects playing elsewhere DW expects to be on the Thrashers roster for next season? Thanks.

By Thrasher Ryan (AKA Hnidy's Knights, Boulton's Bruisers)

April 19, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Man, what a year. So when does next seasons schedule come out? Don and Hartley should definitely stay. I am proud of them and the team. Awesome season, full of highs and lows. SE Division Champs! Sure, we all would have liked to go deeper into the playoffs, but at least we got there. As for Tkachuk, I would LOVE to have him back here. I hope they give the prospects a shot next season. Can’t wait to see Sterling, Valabik, Oystrick, Schell, Manson, Little, among others. Someone mentioned on Iceman’s blog about Stefan possibly coming coming back. Not a bad idea. Out of all Don’s moves, that was the only one I thought was bad. Can’t wait till next season!

By Shane

April 19, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Craig, I would really like to know if Waddell thinks all the acquisitions were worth what the team gave up. In the end this team is no better off, has a more depleted farm system, fewer veterans and fewer youngsters on the roster, and even fewer draft picks. Not much to build from. But then again, it’s my opinion Waddell has done a horrible job of building the franchise in the first place.

By EAVBlue

April 19, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Craig - is there a date for the ownership issue to be resolved? I know there have been some interesting rumors concerning the fall out of the coming verdict circulating and was wondering when that will be addressed.

By Kari's Karpets

April 19, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I also would like to know which prospects have a good chance at making the team next year. I think Valabik will and i think Chad Denny and Nathan Oystrick will impress and that one of them will make it. And Craig just wondering if there is any chance that Bryan Little will be joining the Chicago Wolves, or if he is even eligible to.

By MassHole

April 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I know I am going to get crucified on this, but oh well. I would not be surprised to see Andy Sutton back next year. I know everyone is going to say he will want too much money, but I believe he is one of the few players left that will take a cut to play with a team they love.

We the fans give this man some much $h!t (when the other teams fans say something you know you are being hard on a player) that I find it amazing when I watch him interact with fan at practice or warm-ups he is smiling away. He loves this team, he loves the fans, he loves his teammates, and most of all he loves the game.

Has it not dawn on most of us fans that Sutton is a semi-superstar? No, he is and maybe never will be a household name in other cities but here in Atlanta he is a household name.

When a team looses people put it on the Stars of the team. Which in the case of the Thrashers would mean Ilya and Hossa did not score, had a bad game, or something else. But that is not true 9 times out of ten we put it at the feet of Sutton and say you f’d up. You did not hit [Insert player here], How could you turn over the puck to [insert player here], How could you take such a dumb penalty in the 3rd?

How many games has Sutton won for us? Sutton has save more goals whether it is blocking them off is ankle, leg, arm, chest, or playing goalie when the goalie is out of the net than we give him credit for. How about some play from this season such as setting up Belanger’s goal against Carolina, saving a goal against the Maple Leaf, or more amazing enough scoring a break-away short handed goal all the people that crap on him want to jump on his bandwagon for the time being. People come out and say, “hey, I am sorry for all the crap I gave you.” Face it without him there would have been a good chance that we would not have been Division Champions or at least the last game would have been for the Division Title.

Is there a list of things he needs to improve on? Yes, but even Hossa and Ilya have a list of things they need to work on as well.

I know we all want him to hit more, we have seen that he can hit and when he does people can and will get hurt. I love seeing him hit I just hate that since he is so big sometimes a clean hit looks really bad. I believe that next season we will see Sutton hit more, he just needed to “feel out” what the refs will call ugly and what they will not.

Does he need to work on his shot? That is up for debate there are games were he can get a nice hard shot on net every time, and there are games that heck he could not hit a barn if he tried. The problem is how can you tell when a blueliner is trying to get a shot on net and when they are trying to ring it around the boards? He is not going to score 20 goals for us, because that is not our system.

Yes, he gives up the puck more times than we would like to see. This is true of all our D-men. It does not matter if it was Coburn when he was here or Zhitnik (who I think is way overrated) they all give it up way too much. I do not think it is the players’ fault as much as it is the Front office on this one. There really has not been a Defensiveman that the others could learn from. At the beginning of the season or the end of Last season someone mentioned the idea of sign Brian Leetch to a 1-yr deal. I think that would have been great he was in the twilight of his career, but he could have helped our young defensive team. I think the front office has let the players down on helping them be better.

Lastly I want to touch on another topic that I have heard Holik as the captain?? VERY VERY VERY bad idea. Holik was a good player, he has the knowledge that will be helpful to younger players, and he can be a good leader. But I think he has a hard time relating to the younger players and he does not have a very personable personality. Through the play-offs I feel is has been very critical of the team without saying what they can do to improve to the media. I think is the same way with the players, and that is not what this team need. He definitely should be an assistant/alternate captain as he could be a great help but I think giving him the ‘C’ would just hurt the team mentally.

Who would I say should be captain? On the current roster Tkachuk. He a good mix between old school thinking of everything needs to be serious and the new movement of being loose and just have fun. With the leadership of Tkachuk, Holik, and Hossa/Ilya (start grooming to take over the ‘C’) I think this team will become mentally tough, still have fun, and play better.

This is my 5 cents, take it for what you want.

By kevin

April 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

There is going to be some serious turnover. I would like to see Sim,Belanger,and Dupuis back. The biggest need which has to be addressed is the blueline. Let Sutton and Devries go, they make too much and we desperately need to upgrade our speed and athleticism at this position. Come back with AZ,Havelid,Ex,and Hnidy. Outside of the defense we need a #1 playmaking center, If KT stays move him back to the wing opposite Kovy and put a number #1 center between them.

By R. Stroz

April 19, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Masshole - I think you may need to change your prescription.

By Lee

April 19, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

What Kevin said

By Bob

April 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Yep, there is going to be some serious turnover. Which is Reason #297 why a new GM could come in and get this ship headed in the right direction quick.

Sutton’s fine to come back, at $1.2m per year and play 2nd line minutes, he’s well suited for that. Unfortunately his agent is talking about $4m, so nice to know ya, Andy (I agree, he does have heart, and that’s a big plus in hockey).

Check out all the holes to be filled and $30m already committed and we need a new #1 center to play with Kovy (let’s pray that Rucchin retires, but I doubt it when he’s due $2.4m next year to limp around out there), Kozlov needs to be replaced, we need new dmen, and $10m total to do all that? It’s going to take some magic, don’t be suprised to see a big trade at the draft (one of our big guys leaving to open up cap room).

By AT13

April 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Craig, Think KT will stay with the Thrashers?

By Bob

April 19, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk isn’t staying, there’s no cap room for him and we’d have to give up another #1 pick to keep him, I have a better chance of skatin for the Thrash next year than Keith.

Look at the #’s guys. It’s the Cap world now and our ownership is in turmoil. There’s no room for more big money guys, there’s only room for role players and rooks, mabye one mid-level signing.

By Legion of thrash

April 19, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Craig, if you get a chance can you please ask Wadell how he feels about garauteeing the playoffs last year and not making it. Also how he feels about saying he felt this team would go deep in the playoffs and didn’t. And trading so much for impact guys and we get swept.

By Bob

April 19, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Oh, paging ranallo

You were wrong again, but I don’t expect you to admit it. I told you a month ago Hossa was hurt, it was obvious, but that was met with more blather from you.

Kincade just reported on 680 that Hossa is going to have surgery on his left shoulder.

That’s why he’s been a shadow of himself at the end of the season, and in the playoffs.

By Russ

April 19, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

If Hossa is having surgery on his shoulder, then I have to apologize for using him as a prime example in the previous blog of the Thrashers star players not showing up in the playoffs.

Craig or any bloggers - The last I heard the NHL expected the salary cap to go up again next season. Do any of you know if this is still the case, and if so how much it is going to go up? I think at one time they were thinking maybe 2-3 million, but that was a while ago.

By Brendan

April 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry Mellanby retired without a Cup. At least he played in two (2) Finals (1987 and 1996). You were a good Captain, Mellanby. If there hadn’t been a lockout, who knows what might have happened in ‘05. Maybe Waddell wouldn’t have thought it necessary to sign Holik for 3-years/$12.75 million. You will be missed, Mellanby. Enjoy retirement. Or will you be joining the broadcast team??

By UpperDeck4Life

April 19, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Other than Popovic, there is another Thrashers d-man prospect you will see before Valabik, Lewis, Denny, and Oystrick; and that is Tobias Enstrom. He tore up the Swedish Elite League this season. He is a small, smooth skating, puck moving, PP QB type of defensman ala Rafalski. He lead the playoffs over there in assists and was the highest scoring defensman in the playoffs over there. He has also been named to the Swedish team for the World Championships. I think all of those other guys are good prospects and will make the team eventually, but I would be willing to bet that Enstrom is on the team next year.

By CM

April 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Dang and I thought I was depressed before I read this blog. Gee whiz..

So Hossa’s having surgery, I suppose that explains a lot. Get well soon kid, we need you!

RH - so there you have it!

By Brian

April 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Russ - I expect Sterling, BV & Popovic will be here next year…

By Legion of thrash

April 19, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

If wadell remains GM of the thrashers, I am scared we will take a step backwards next season. God forbid he brings another Rucchin and Kapanen in here.

By Matt H

April 19, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Get well soon, Hoss. We need ya, buddy. Next time, tell us you’re hurt.

Scott Mellanby, I salute you. A fine career by a seemingly fine man. Best of luck to you and yours. I grew up hating you on the Panthers and loving you on the Thrashers. Congratulations are in order.

CC keep writin’ the hits…

By doug

April 19, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

i have heard some comments that holik would make a bad captain because he scares people. well, most of the people on this team need to be scared. he might make a great captain.

By B. Thenet

April 19, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I just want to add that Sutton catches tons of heat around here, and he was without doubt, our best defenseman to start the season before he finally got one blocked shot too many in the leg.

Plenty of time to talk about roster moves, but the idea of replacing 50% of the roster…and still making the playoffs is pretty dicey. It will take until December for the team to come together, and that is if Hartley magically decides not to mix up the lines every 2 games and commit to playing rookie defenseman.

By R. Stroz

April 19, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

All APBs on Hossa removed.

Since he couldn’t use his left shoulder to lead with, now we know why he couldn’t drive to the net.

My hat is off to the guy for playing injured instead of ducking out of the playoffs like Rucchin.

By GSU-Lee

April 19, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

ANYBODY, what are the rules on RFA’s in hockey? And as far as D-men go, what about Popovic? Is he worth anything?

By Lee

April 19, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

DOUG, I agree with your assessment of Holik, i think he should be the captain. Although, if Tkachuk stays, I think he would be equally capable.

By Thrashersfan33

April 19, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

The only guy I think the Thrashers would bring back would be Metro. Stefan and Nikko are not coming back.

I agree that getting rid of too many players would make getting to the playoffs difficult. Sometimes you have to bring back players not everyone might agree upon (ie. fans) but you need some stability and cohesion from the start.

Hopefully Rucchin will retire, but I am afraid that he might not just because of all the money he is owed. He shouldn’t be centering Kovy’s line. They need someone who will back-check but have the speed to break out with Kovy when they win the puck.

By Brendan

April 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

I’d bet a month’s salary that Kapanen doesn’t come back. The trouble with brining Stefan back is … I suspect he’s a regular-season success type for Kovy’s line, but he lacks the grit to hang in the playoffs. Many on this message board call him “Patricia.” I think we’re seeing a relaxation of the rules, at least a little bit, in these playoffs. The NHL seemingly wants to reward “some” grit. But during the regular season, it’s tailor-made for your less than scary but still skilled players to succeed. At least Stefan had the speed to keep up with Kovy and some half-way decent play-making insticts and abilities. And at less than $1.0 million, he’s within ANY team’s budget. I don’t think he’s solidified on Dallas’ roster. And if he has to start a league-wide search for a roster spot, I suspect Don’s phone just might ring. If Stefan agreed to $750K, Don would have to think about why he shouldn’t do it. We’re weak at Center. We lost Metro. We lost Rucchin to injury. Holik will only continue to fade as he ages (36 years old). Belanger is not re-signed yet. And Tkachuk is a “longshot” to return. So … DW will have to scour the ranks for affordably-priced Centers. Before you say, “C’mon, man. No chance.” Well, Who drafted him? Answer: Don Waddell. GM’s, for whatever reason, feel a compelling loyalty to bring back players they once drafted. ‘Canes GM Rutherford went out and reclaimed Vasicek last season, amid some raised eyebrows. Perhaps it has something to do with not wanting to admit having made a mistake. I’m not saying Stefan is coming back. For all I know, Stefan walks around muttering, “If you EVER see me back in Atlanta, you know I F’d up, bad!”

By David

April 20, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks for coming to ATL Mellanby, you were an asset and we’ll miss you.

So, I know a lot of you won’t agree with this, and maybe you’re right. I know if Holik stayed he’d be a good choice for captain (he was the obvious leader of the team during the playoffs), but I personally think it’s time to have a new kind of team. Not with an older captain, but with the heart and soul of the team being the leader. If you asked me who the heart and soul of the Atlanta Thrashers are, I’d say hands down it’s Ilya. Despite our poor play in the series, I was quite pleased to see Kovy skating hard the entire time. He often seemed to be the only one who cared (besides perhaps the holik line). A prime example to me is his altercation with Avery. In my mind, he earned the right to wear the C for that. FINALLY somebody showed some emotion and acted like they cared about losing. I mean, if you’re gonna lose, at least show that you care about winning.

I would like to see a younger team next year. Make Kovy the Captain and build around him. Keep KT. He’s a good fit for this team. I honestly think a healthy ruchin would be a great fit for that line. He’s a defensive minded center, KT is a physical force, and Kovy a skill player.

I agree about the post of Sutton taking too much blame. Personally I think havelid has been the worst dman this year anyways. But it’s a team sport.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with goaltending over the summer.

Oh, and can we please get rid of boulton?

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

I like the idea of bringing Metro back.

As far as a possible youth movement, I enjoyed watching the Slater-Sim-Haydar line, even if it was only for a few games. When they came over the box, I thought I was watching a yellow jacket swarm. Hartley didn’t keep them together long, but they busted their a*******es while they were playing. However, since Hartley has a thing against younger players, Haydar was sent back down and Slater didn’t look the same the rest of the year.

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

I think the organization should throw a retirement party for Rat at Philips and open it to the public. It would be a classy thing to do and end the season on better note.

By Tony C.

April 20, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Ok kids, you all know my opinion of DW’s draft accumen (for those who don’t-it’s a “challenge area” to be very kind)….but based on KT’s performance reular season and playoffs, no he isn’t worth this year’s # 1 and next year’s #1 picks. Plus the high-dollar contract he will undoubtedly command.

As for him being awarded the “C” …are you serious? You don’t just give a guy the “C” not unless his name is on The Cup, and the other guys who won it with him all (or damn near all) agree that he showed the type of leadership - both what he said as well as leading by example with what he did. Yes, Ronnie Francis was given the “C” in Hartford/Carolina, but wasn’t he fresh from sheparding Super Mario and Jagr to The Cup (yes trots probably also has a claim to that, but francis also)?

Yes, Slather named Messier Captain upon arrival, but, showing why he is THE standard by which NHL Captains are measured, Messier (allegedly, but you see the respect his teammates have for him and I don’t doubt it) went to each of his new teammates and made sure they were “OK” with the move.

Anyway, I don’t think KT has earned being “just given” the Thrashers C. An A certainly, but he’s only been a thrasher for a month and a half. Out of availible choices, I vote (in this order) Kozlov, Holik, Larsen/#17.

However it shakes out I think #17 earned his A during these playoffs. He showed heart, desire and yes a little too much passion. But I would much rather too much passion than not enough.

Too soon for this debate? Probably. But I felt like chiming in.

By Tony C.

April 20, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Als a retirement party for Captain Rat wuld be a class touch…I don’t know about Phillis (availibility), but somewhere nice for sure-good idea Stroz!

By Geneen

April 20, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this

The burning question for me is: Will they re-sign Slava Kozlov? (I hope so, despite his playoff disappearance — I mean, it seems like everyone disappeared, so it wasn’t just him!)

CC: Thanks for the Kozzy story. I enjoyed it! It left me wanting more, more, more! There just aren’t enough articles about Slava if you ask me. :-)

By Red Light

April 20, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

You like that Zhitnik move now? Totally invisible during the series. $3.5 million for two more years for a soon-to-be 35-year-old defenseman. Last eight games of the regular season he had two assists and was -4. He took a total of five shots in the playoffs and was -4.

As a result, Zhitnik and Havelid will be paid $6.2 million, and you have to re-sign or promote five new defensemen next year. Valabik is likely one of the five, and he is scheduled to make $858,333 if he makes the roster.

deVries, Hnidy, Sutton, McCarthy and Exelby total salaries were roughly $6,068,000 this year.

Denny will not be ready, so can you sign four other quality defensemen for $5.2 million? Doubtful!

By ZAvalanche

April 20, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

GSU, the way the RFA thing works is as follows: the player can sign with the team before the July 1 deadline without competition from other teams. After the deadline other teams can make an offer. The amout of the offer depends on the current contract, and cannot be less. If the player signs the offer then his current team has a chance to match the offer or lose the player. Hope that clears it up for you, and ppl, if i get this wrong please let me know.

By MassHole

April 20, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I agree it looks like next year we are going to have a youth movement next year. This is not necessary a bad thing, but I am worry about how it will effect the franchise. It will be tough to make the play-offs with a team that is 35% rookies, we may not have a winning record next year, and with the backlash from the playoffs this could be a huge step back for the franchise as a whole.

Every team goes through a rebuilding stage(s), but I think most of us feel that the past 7 years have been that. Build a team to make it to the playoffs and hopefully deep, well we made it only to get knock out way too quick, now we have to scrap most of the team and start again, hopefully we can make it back to the show in less time.

For those of us that want Waddell fired this could be the year. We all know that his drafting ability has been less than brilliant, and what he gave up for Tkachuk will have a long lasting effect on the team. This year’s draft has more depth than drafts in the past and we have very little draft pick left. Hindsight being 20/20 this was not the year to give away a lot of draft pick for a rent-a-player. Tkachuk may not be going back to the Blues, but he will not be playing for the Thrashers either. Waddell painted himself into a corner that I am not sure he can talk himself out of. If next season is a bust the owner(s) may feel that his gamble this season hurt the team he could be gone by this time next year.

There is always going to be fair-weather fans that jump on and jump off the bandwagon for any team, and there is plenty of room on the wagon for the Thrashers. That is the problem, this was a HUGE opportunity for the team to bring in more fans and due to just bad timing I think the team lost more fans than they gained. If the team does not pick up where they left off or does not make the playoffs how many more fans will fade away? It was sad that people were saying that if there had been a game 5 tonight that they were not going to go; or that they are not going to go to the home opener. That is just sad!

With everything that is going on behind the scenes like in the courts it is important to show the NHL that the Thrashers are loved so the league may try to stop the move of the team. Please excuse my ignorance on this topic, but does anyone know of a reliable source that is keeping up with the court case? I would really hate to see the Thrashers be moved and named something else.

The time for what should have been, could have been, and would have been is over. Now we have to look to the future and get ready for another season that will be here before we know it, 5 months is a very short time. The coming season will be exciting no matter what the team looks like or how they play. This is our team that we love, hate, scream at, cheer for, and everything else. As fans we must remain strong and know that some day we will see a Thrasher team raises the cup over their heads!

By Legion of thrash

April 20, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Enough with the thrashers being moved! It is not going to happen! Even if the team is sold the thrashers have a 20 year agreement with phillips arena. Bettman will not let the thrashers be moved. He wants a team here, the market is here.

By AT13

April 20, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Interesting article on the Thrasher’s prospects http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9477

By ZAvalanche

April 20, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Nice link AT, thx. Good to see that 8 of the 14 are D. Anybody else having issues with the boards today?

By Thrasher Ryan

April 20, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Brendan, Thrashers have 2 prospects currently playing for Univ. North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Michael Forney (2006 Draft) and Andrew Kozek (2005 Draft). We were talking about it a few weeks ago, but the link that AT13 verified it for me.

By ThrasherGator

April 20, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

MassHole - 5 cents? More like $1.50

By Jsmooth

April 20, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Why in the heck does KT need mapquest directions to his own house in St. Louis?? Has he been hit so hard in the playoffs that he is suffering from amnesia!!?

By Brian

April 20, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

AT13 - I posted a similar article like that during the middle of the season and I said the Thrashers have one of the best group of prospects in the NHL.

What all the DW haters don’t realize is that this isn’t the NBA or NFL where a player gets drafted and plays immediately. DW has been having some good drafts, but in hockey you don’t see the results for 3-4 years many times. I see at least 3 guys making the team next year.

By Legion of thrash

April 20, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Brian— Then where are the prospects from 99,00,01,02? They have had time to develop. The article that at13 posted doesn’t get me too fired up. Except for Little and he may play in the Ahl next year. It has Popovic as a bottom line d man and Valabik as well. It seems to me these guys are still developing and really questionable as impact players in the Nhl. Sterling looks like he will have an impact.

By Rawhide

April 20, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

ZAv,…thanks for the link!

BRIAN - I agree that 3-4 of these guys are skating in Atlanta next season,,,but there are still some deals to be made in the summer. Specifically I think we need 1-2 more vet blueliners.

Who,….? I haven’t had the time to look into that. Have you?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but given the players who you would assume will not be back next season, (Mellanby, Sutton, KT, etc.),….I think we are looking at somewhere in the $13-million in cap space to work with..??????

By Bob

April 20, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Brian, there ya go again. To bring you back to reality, that article at Hockey’sFuture is written by a girl who’s just a fan. Think Ice Princess (remember her, the fan blogger from last year that IceMan took over for). I’d give more credence to an article written by you.

Waddell has not been having some good drafts That’s simply not reality.

But what you say is absolutely true about prospects taking 3 to 4 years to develop and to make the team. So, riddle me this, Brian? Why were we the 2nd oldest club in the NHL this year, and why did Waddell have to go at the deadline to bring in 4 new guys for rentals, if he’s so good at drafting? Hmmm? Rangers went to their AHL roster and brought up Callahan for their run, a guy who potted two goals on us. Shouldn’t Waddell’s draftees from years 1, 2, 3, and 4 (when he was drafting at the top of each round) have been filling up this roster? But no, we had the 2nd oldest team in the league, and we’ll have to go to free agency, again, to fill out a roster next year.

Out of the necessity that Waddell already has $30m in Cap space tied up in relatively few guys for next year, and lots of holes to plug, they’re going to have to plug in some cheap rookies. But that’s out of necessity, not because these guys are NHL ready, if they were, Waddell would’ve brought them up this year (like the Rangers did Callahan), not had to mortgage the future to bring in 4 new guys to simply get the playoff.

Next year does not bode well for the Thrash, the past two years were the best lineups you’ll see us ice for a while-these past 2 years were the window. Which is why it’s so frustrating to get knocked out so early and so thoroughly, and only get 2 home playoff games, both losses, after 7 years.

If he had been able to draft well, we’d be set for years with young guys that fit well into the new Cap world. but we’re not.

To make matters worse, the rookies that will have to play next year are going to have to play for a Coach Waddell just renewed for next year. A coach who is obviously biased against rookies, a Coach who doesn’t develop young players well, and young players have always seen limited ice time and bristled under his style (same thing happened during his time in Colorado before the players revolted and got him fired from there).

Rawhide, if the owners (let’s pray it’s the Spirit) use the same model as this year, we have $10m in Cap space to work with, and we need a #1 center, a #2 center (unless you’re going to hope Belanger is the answer there), a top line left wing (to replace Kozlov), a 2nd line right wing (unless you think Sim is the answer there again, didn’t work too well this year), and 4 new defensemen (to be brought in or re-signed), as well as a couple 3/4 line guys. Let me know how you’re going to improve this roster with $10m filling all of those holes.

The Cap situation is so bad, we may need to move Hossa and it wouldn’t shock me to see it done, if the return is right. In fact, it may be Waddell’s best move, if he can pull it off and get us some good return (top center, top dman, and a mid level guy).

Sounds more like welcome to the new 5 year plan

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Bob _ By the new 5 year paln are making the analogy of the kid that went off to college and procured a degree in a worthless field and then went back to college for five more years to get a degree in a field to actually make some money?

By Brian

April 20, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Bob - I forgot that the team lost and you went back to being a DW hater. I am sure when he makes a good move again you will be singing his praises like you were after the trade deadline…

By Brendan

April 20, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Look, it’s not about being a DW hater. Every GM has a different “vision” or strategy. For Waddell, I think it’s offseason free agent signings and trade deadline moves. I don’t know if that’s intentional or out of necessity. Either way, it’s the “reality” of the Waddell Administration.

Personally, I was happy that “something” went right for Don Waddell. The guy has been workin’ hard. He’s been tryin’ for seven seasons to get into the playoffs. And it finally happened. I’m just sorry that his “three year window” plan that he devised, post-lockout, hasn’t yielded better results. Honestly, it should have had better results. That’s why I feel bad for Waddell.

Don didn’t kick his goalies (Lehtonen, Dunham, Shields, Garnett) in the groin or sabbotage Pasi Nurminen’s knee. He didn’t know he wouldn’t have Dany Heatley in his lineup. But, he did get “acceptable value” in return, via Hossa and deVries. Bondra got hurt. Kovalchuk was a training camp holdout, missing three (3) regular season games. Sutton was not the player Don had hoped for. Modry stunk up the joint. Patrik Stefan “underwhelmed.” Bobby Holik showed his age during the ‘05-06 season. He had to play Havelid nearly 30 minutes a game.

Then this year, he lost Bondra. And he had to go get Metropolit, Sim, Haydar, Krog, Wanvig, and Vishnevski to plug in the holes. On paper, this year’s team was not as good as the ‘06 squad, that missed the playoffs by two-points. But, Waddell got ‘em in. Yes, I say Waddell. Because Bob Hartley sure wasn’t getting them there. That power play was anemic. And the PK wasn’t much better. If this club had a poor October, it wouldn’t have made the playoffs.

I’m not mad at Waddell for trading Coburn. Do I wish Zhitnik was 30, instead of 35? Yes!!! But, whattaya gonna do? Am I mad at Don for trading Alex Bourret? HAHAHAHA, no. And I suspect I won’t be. I’d much rather have Dupuis. Don better re-sign him. What about trading Vishnevski? I don’t think Waddell got hookwinked on that one. But he must now re-sign Eric Belanger. We are very weak at Center. Now, as for Tkachuk?

Well, I want you to imagine that this blog took a trip to Vegas. Are ya with me? go the champagne glasses. “Yep, I’m witcha Brendan.” Allrightee then. We’re at the crapps tables and Brian says, “Oooh, I’m not sure tossin’ the dice on a ‘rental player’ is the thing to do on this trip. We should wait for NEXT YEAR’s trip to Vegas.” I agree, but the rest of the onlookers say, “Man, when you’re in Vegas, you roll the dice! And you throw them RIGHT NOW!!” So, off flew the dice. And it was a “six.” D’oh.

Yeah, well … Don Waddell took a shot. He gambled on Tkachuk. He did lead the team in scoring, I believe. (1G, 2A = 3-points). But it didn’t pay off. Not that ANYONE should blame the whole thing on KT. There’s plenty of blame to go ‘round. I start with Hartley, then it goes to Hossa, who was hurt. Kozlov was a no-show. Brad Larsen and Bobby Holik might have been our best two players. And, well … ya know. Do I need to really say it??

I’ll end on this note. Don Waddell is probably 17th-best in the league, among GM’s. He’s nowhere near the worst. But he’s not some upper echelon GM, either. He’s doing the very best he can. I’m convinced of that. The trouble is … he’s not progressing at a rate that, I think, most Thrashers fans want him to. If Don gets fired, still a possibility, I’ll be surprized. The basis of that belief resides in my perception of Bernie Mullin, Ed Peskowicz, Bruce Levenson, and Mr. Gearon’s utter adoration for this man. They love him. I don’t see them firing him. If I had to credit any ONE (1) person for the playoff berth this season, it’s Don Waddell. The irony is … if he gets fired, it’s AFTER HIS BEST SEASON EVER!! There are PLENTY of people who would tell you that Don should have been fired after the ‘03 or ‘04 season. That Don Waddell should not have been back after the lockout. Bygones. He’s here. And I don’t think he’s goin’ anywhere, anytime soon. If Belkin wins the suit, I think Don will resign before Belkin has the chance to fire him. “Family obligations,” I believe is the term. Belkin won’t have a lot of time to find someone. And whoever he finds is someone who DIDN’T hand pick Bob Hartley to be coach. So, don’t expect a new GM to keep Hartley around for too long. But, so long as Waddell is the GM, I kinda believe him when he says, “Hartley’s here, 100-percent.” Though, I’ve learned not to take Don at face value. GM’s are politicians. They’re paid to obfuscate and be ambiguous about their intentions. But a good time and victory they’ll always promise.

Uhh, sorry. I gave birth to another dissertation with this post. Forgiveness?

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan or Brian - Do either of you think Hartley will be willing to work with the younger players that will be brought up next year?

From what I have seen, Hartley just puts the younger players (McCarthy, Slater) on the bench and waits for kudzu to grow on top of them.

By Brendan

April 21, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, I suspect he’ll have to work with young players, whether he likes it or not. Believe it or not, when Hartley was first hired, back in 2003, he said words to the effect of, “I’m looking forward to coming to a young organization like Atlanta, and working with all the young talent coming through.” I suspect he was referring to Heatley, Kovalchuk, and Stefan. Possibly Exelby, Slater and Lehtonen.

Hartley is far from the worst Coach in the NHL. But if Nashville overreacts to their elimination tonight, and fires either Coach Trotz or GM Poile, I suspect many organizations would be chomping at the bit to swoop in and grab them. Would you support the Spirit Group if it brought in either Barry Trotz or David Poile?

By Bob

April 23, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Brian, no double standard here. Waddell is not good at drafting, that’s what I am pointing out to you. He’s also bad at signing UFA’s, but that’s another story.

Waddell’s strength is in making trades (pro NHLers for pro NHLers). I called all year for him to go make some moves for us to make a playoff run, and he did make the moves, and did a good job at it. However, that’s doesn’t fix the fact that he drafts poorly (and that he’s done a bad job overall).

I was willing to give him another chance, since he did so much better this year, but where he lost me is that we lost that 1st round due to Hartley’s ineptness, that’s pretty clear. It’s also clear that Hartley does not develop young players.

So, Hartley screws the pooch in the playoffs, and Waddell says we are going to go younger, then Waddell says he’s keeping Hartley?

Huh?

If Waddell can’t fire Hartley, then he needs to go also (moot point if Belkin wins, they’re both gone if he does).