Thrashers

By RomansFriendBill

April 20, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I’m shocked the Thrashers team left with such a wimper. I’m not sure they will ever field a better team than the one we had this year. Let’s pray Scott Gomez signs with us.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 20, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

When does next seasons schedule come out, Craig? I know we go on the road to play the Central Division (Nashville, Detroit, Chicago, etc.) and the Northwest comes to Philips (Edm, Van, Minn, Calgary). Thanks for the great job this season. Bluelanders everywhere thank you.

By Brad

April 20, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

About the comment on Metro…I thought that was what Niko Kapanen said, not metro…Am I wrong?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 20, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard that Kozlov is considering retirement?

That may be part of the “I’m flexable” comment.

CC can you see if there is any truth to this?

The guy did just have a career year, so I really hope that it isn’t true.

(One of my clients is an usher at Phillips and he said he overheard one of the owners mentioning that Kozlov is considering retiring)

By luckydog

April 20, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

My guess is Holik will wear the C next year, assuming he stays. Then again, his leadership didn’t seem to carry much weight in the playoffs. But I can’t see it on Kovy.

I also think the #1 goalie job should be a jump ball at the start of preseason, if not Hedberg’s to lose. Unless I’m wrong, Hedberg isn’t so old that he couldn’t be a starter. Kari’s a great kid by all accounts and he shows promise, but he was too erratic and Moose was much steadier down the stretch and certainly against the Rangers.

Thoughts, Craig?

By luckydog

April 20, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, as far as i can tell Kozlov retired about 10 days ago.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

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

ouch…

don’t need any more salt in my wounds thank you

By Bob

April 20, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Craig, you did a bang up job on the blog this year, kudos to you (and IceMan who was also a huge improvement over last year).

zilla, I can’t see Kozlov retiring, he’s due a nice payday and still has plenty of game.

Captain Kovy? One bright spot in this short series was that Kovy came to play. He brought his game and stepped it up. His poor English may preclude him from having the C but his effort was there, that was great to see.

Kincade said Hoss is having surgery, unless my ears deceived me. And myself and a few other bloggers all noticed that he was a shadow of himself that last couple of weeks of the season, and obviously in the playoffs. If he wasn’t playing hurt, then somethings up. Didn’t the NHL have a new rule this year where they made clubs disclose injuries? Especially in the playoffs? No more upper body injury nonsense? So, if Hoss was really hurt but they chose to keep it quiet, it would make sense that they’re keeping it quiet now to avoid a fine from Buttman. No?

By Thrasher Ryan

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

Brad, Who really cares what Niko said? Don dumped Niko because he was pitiful and there are no free rides here in Atlanta. And for those of you pondering if he (Niko) might be back, he WILL NOT be back. I would not mind having Metro And Stefan back though.

By Craig Custance

April 20, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Buzilla — I just went through my notes, and here’s what Kozlov told me when we were talking about his plans for next season: “If I have to leave, I’m okay. I can go play for somebody else and come back here [later] if I like it here. I’m flexible in this.”

Luckydog: I’d be surprised if Kari didn’t start a majority of the games next season. Here’s Hartley on Lehtonen from yesterday’s exit day interview: “He’s our present and he’s our future.”

Brad: Niko might have said it too, but he didn’t say it to me. Metro did.

Ryan: Not sure on the schedule, I’ll look into it.

By AT13

April 20, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Folks….I have been a Flames/Thrashers fan from the beginning of both and been reading these blogs for over a year now….To me it is wrong to bash DW so much even though he is an easy scapegoat…..Do you think he is the only one making these trade/draft decisions? Take the Patrick Stephan trade….No one in Atl was that big of a fan of PS and DW trades to get a competent center in return in Kappaden (sp?) whom never developed as a Thrasher but played decent for other teams….Is that DW’s fault or maybe just maybe we could put some blame on Kappaden himself? Yes he has made some bad draft picks but find me a GM that hasn’t…. To me Don was right on the money with his 5 year plan…forget the lockout year and the year of Heatley’s crash (which I think affected the play of the entire team) and he is pretty much on target (we should have made it last year but goaltending killed us—-Which people blame DW for)….I would love to have his job and be in his position to take all the crap…but sometimes you have to go a little deeper than the person that is easy to blame and look at the BIG picture. If we quit venting and work together maybe just maybe we can come up with some ideas to help the team….We have a contact in Craig who can get the info to DW and Hartley…Long shot yes but ya never know…. Just my realistic 2 cents worth :)

Craig, you have been great this year….Please do at least one blog a week to keep everyone up to date.

By Wreckin' & Thrashin'

April 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

As crazy as it sounds, I would love to see Kovy be declared Captain. He has it all, and we’ve seen how much he’s grown to become an all around player in the last 2 seasons. And no one played with as much guts as he did in the series against the Rangers either. What the hell, why not Kovy?

By Wreckin' & Thrashin'

April 20, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

I also just wanted to thank Craig for his wonderful work during the season. You did an awesome job of keeping us informed of what was going on with our team. Don’t leave us, man, and if you can, throw a blog up once a week just so we can have something to discuss.

By Kari's Karpets

April 20, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah great job Craig you did a great job this year. You provide us with a lot of information and answer our questions when we need some insight. Keep it up man

By BAF

April 20, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Yes, great job Craig! It is a welcomed change when somebody in the “know” actually participates with the fans. Much information is shared that we wouldn’t get otherwise.

Looking forward to October already!

By Kari's Karpets

April 20, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has just signed Bryan Little. Its on the site. I love it he is freakin unreal and should be a good player, i look forward to him playing with Kovy

By Russ

April 20, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks Craig.

By Tony H

April 20, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks,Craig!

You do a great job!!

By Kari's Karpets

April 20, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Craig you were right like usual Little was very close to signing. Everything is routine for you.

By Jason

April 20, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks for all the great insight during the stretch drive Craig!

Looking forward to an interesting offseason.

By Thrashersfan33

April 20, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks Craig for all your hard work.

See…that is my problem with Hartley. I think he has too many of “his” guys and too many guys worried day in and day out of how thin of ice they are on with Hartley. I can understand getting into a coach’s dog house for a bad performance and being sat for a game or two (just ask Kovy. Every athlete knows that is a possibility and that consequence should exist. But I think if you have too many guys worried they are going to sit A LOT of games (i.e. MacCarthy) because they are not one of his guys, you don’t get their best performance on a nightly basis. Mentally any mistake they make compounds itself when they have this fear and before long, they are playing horribly and good guys are being traded or sat when they could have been contributing big time to the Team’s success.

Again, I think Hartley needs to think “new” NHL and the type of guys the THRASHERS need to be successful long term and if those guys aren’t “his” usual type, then I think the Coach needs to change, NOT a whole organization.

By Legion of thrash

April 20, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Little being signed is good, but he can still be sent to the wolves.

If Kovy was made captain Hartley would not be able to bench him. I like it, Kovy for captain!

Craig Custance— you have done an amazing job! I look forward to yuor articles, blogs, and all the info you keep us updated with. Thank you.

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Craig - I greatly appreciate your efforts and insights all season. Mostly, I appreciate your willingness to communicate and show respect for the bloggers, even P&S who didn’t deserve any respect. Please keep your ears open for us during the off season.

Last, I truely appreciate your dedication and passion for the job which included, but was not limited to, driving in dangerous conditions between the western Canada games as well as being stuck in Philly for I don’t know how long. Hopefully, the team will be kind enough to let you bag a ride on the plane next year.

By David Lee

April 20, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

I know for certain there were more people talking about ATLANTA hockey than ever before - by making the playoffs. Now after the Thrashers got everyone’s attention they wet the bed.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 20, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

bye the way, you did an outstanding job this year Craig.

…and no way you make Kovy a Captain. He isn’t mature enough. It will be Holik. He just has that type of make up.

I have an internship opening for Sutton. $11 an hour. That is probably more than you will get on the free agent market…

sorry…I’m still p*ssed about getting swept

By Thrasher Ryan

April 20, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Kari’s Karpets, See, day 2 of our offseason and Don is already working his magic! Oh Yeah!

By Thrasher Ryan

April 20, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Here’s a novel idea: Let’s Re-Sign Kozzie and make him the Captain.

By Kevin

April 20, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig

Thanks for a great job and when does training camp open !!! Tkachuk needs to stay in the ATL as he is a larger Essa Tikannen in my book !! In other words he is a pain in the a* but much better than Tikannen. Thanks again for a great season of blogging and I am sure you enjoyed just as much as I did.

Kevin

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Ryan - I don’t think Don is working any magic. I think he is reading the boards and letting us do his job for him.

By Andy

April 20, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I’ll agree with everyone that CC’s blog was great for keeping up to the minute on the Thrashers, looking forward to next year.

My guess for captain will be someone that we sign in the offseason. Holik isn’t captain material I’m guessing, based on his playoff comments to the press. Kovy isn’t there yet. He’s great but still needs to learn from a captain, not be one. Hossa maybe?

I’d like to see a new look to our blue line, but I’d hate to see Ex go. His contract is up, but I don’t think he put up any numbers that take him above the cap as far as re-signing. Devo and Sutton have to be let go due to their salaries, but I bet that Hartley will pull for “his guy” Devo to be back anyway.

The new forwards, especially Dupuis and Belanger (the cheaper ones), are more than welcome to stick around. Dupuis was a hellacious player during the playoffs and I’d love to see him paired with Holik again, and Belanger brought balance and consistency to Hossa’s line.

Despite the dismal playoffs, I look forward to next year, with the hope that we can follow in the Rangers footsteps after their dismal playoff year last year.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 20, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

My guess for captain would be Holik. If Tkachuk were coming back, he would be it, but I think it’s almost certain that he isn’t. The other option currently on the roster is Kozlov. If he comes back, he has just as good a chance as Holik, I would think. Hossa doesn’t really strike me as captain material. Moreso that Kovy, I guess, but there’s still something about him that does not scream captain.

I’m relatively new to hockey, so I don’t know if goaltenders are made captains or not, but given the amount of respect everybody has for him, we could make Hedberg the captain. Maybe that’s a little too flaky, though, I dunno, especially since he will not be playing in the majority of our games.

By ZAvalanche

April 20, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

CC, thx for all the info. A captain Kovy? Good and bad things about it, IMHO. I think the added pressure to be a leader would be good for him. MAKE him have to lead the team in stead of feeling like a one man band the way he was when he came in. I know he commands the respect of his fellow players as far as skill is concerned, i just don’t know if they will look up to him, attitude-wise, especially the older guys. I would take Holik or Kovy, Holik because he has the experience and grit, Kovy because he has been here longer than just about anybody on the team. I do not know how Bob feels about this as his first NHL team already had an incumbent captain.

The days immediately after the game 4 loss were tough and I do not know about anybody else, but I was quick to question the Tkachuk deal. Now that i have had time to consider it, perhaps he was worth gaining if only to help get us there. Made some great plays down the stretch. He also had the highest points total on the team in the playoffs if i recall correctly. And he did have 15 pts in 18 games at a +8 for the thrashers. Not bad considering. I am certain he wont return, salary would be high, but he wouldn’t hurt us.

By Thrashy Thrashy

April 20, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Craig, I want to add my thanks to the blog for the work you’ve done since you took over the beat.

Holik should be the captain…and let’s make Kovy and Exelby assisting captains. Put a letter on Kovy’s sweater and maybe he’ll grow into it. Exelby’s not the greatest player in the world, but he certainly showed the discipline it takes to be a big hitter in the league and not get goaded into fights. That counts for something. Besides, Kovy and Ex have been Thrashers for a long time. It would be nice to have some of that organizational representation leading the team.

By ZAvalanche

April 20, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

I think X is RFA so if we want him we can have him.

By Brendan

April 20, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Craig, outstanding job this year. The “in pressbox updates” just … were so much better than anything anyone could have hoped for. Truly outstanding.

Nicholas Irwin, the Captain needs to be someone who is out on the ice, as a skater. I don’t think there’s ever been a goaltender Captain in the NHL. Can someone double-check that?

I suspect it will be Holik, except that he tends to be quite “polarizing.” That is, you either love him or you hate him. And if the guys hate him, they might jus’ tune him out. Hossa’s got one year left on his contract. And maybe in his tenure with the Thrashers. Captain for one year? It’s not unheard of. Then, there’s the possibility of a Kozlov re-signing. Kozlov could be Captain. If Tkachuk is re-signed, (not gonna happen,) then he’d be the strongest choice, perhaps, to be Captain. Tkachuk is 35 years old. If Atlanta is going with a youth movement, then his re-signing strikes me as odd. I have the feeling that Kozlov is gone. But, Don often surprizes me.

By ZAvalanche

April 20, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Brendan, there used to be Goalie captains, but there haven’t been in many many years.

By R. Stroz

April 20, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Brian or Brendan - 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 Lee

April 20, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Craig, Fantastic coverage of the team this year, I love your features and the blog is terrific. I look forward to next season.

By thrashersfan

April 20, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Another kudos to you Craig. I’m certain the effort you put forth here was well beyond what you were asked to do. I think it goes without saying how much everyone appreciated that.

In particular, your passing many of our questions along to players, coaches & management really stands out. It was greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much and have a great summer.

By hairyheckler

April 20, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

If Kovy skated out with a C on his chest, I’d probably puke on the guy in front of me. Kovy is talented, but I think he lacks the maturity, control and respect of the other players to be an effective C. It will either by #16 or someone who hasn’t arrived yet.

No one else has the right mix of experience, talent, respect and a bit of p** and vinegar to get it done…yet.

If goalie’s could be captain, Brodeur would have been it a long time ago. HH

By Lee

April 20, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Bryan Little Signs. Holik for Captain…Or we could sign Ryan Smith…just a thought…

By mj

April 20, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Craig, you did an incredible job covering the team this season. Thanks for everything! I’ll be with Buzilla B.B. awaiting news on Kozlov…

By robert

April 20, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

I can not see Holik as captian.I think he has turtled to many times in his career to demand respect.He is more of a back door bandit than an in your face battle to the end leader.I still rember him being chased by corson,while he was one of the biggest players on New Jersy,but smaller guys came to his rescue.He also hit Brashear from behind,and refused to answer to it.I really can not see how he is respected amongst his peers.

By Brian

April 20, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Here comes the Don Cherry in me. I can’t believe I am about to say this, but the only European that would make a good captain is Holik and I don’t like that for the whole season. Call me a traddy but you have to have grit to be a capt. Forseberg was that kind of player from Europe that played with grit but Sakic outranked him.

Just to settle the argument, I’d take Messier as the captain over Gretzky on those Oilers teams. It’s not just about scoring, it’s about leading. Not that Gretzky didn’t lead, but I’d take Messier if I had to choose.

As for the goalie scenario, a goalie isn’t going to get the team to grind it out in the corners, he’s not going to skate down to the middle of the ice and work the officials. I watched Hasek in his prime and no one even considered him even though he was on the ice every game almost. That team would relate to Peca making a big hit a lot better than Hasek making a big save, because their hussle is more like that of Peca’s. That’s even though both plays can motivate the team.

R. Stroz - I think it depends on what the roster looks like before we can say what he will do vs. what he’s forced to do…

By Brendan

April 21, 2007 1:17 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 Nicholas Irwin

April 21, 2007 3:21 AM | Link to this

I thought Holik conducted himself pretty well this year. And other than Hedberg, one could be mistaken (if one didn’t know better) for thinking that Holik was the only player who gave a full effort the whole playoff series. As such, I would have no problem naming him captain next year, I’m not sure what comments people are referring to, but I thought he was the best leader this team had in the playoffs.

I would think the guys with the best chance of becoming captain are the guys who were alternate captains this year. The guys I remember seeing with an A on their jerseys at varying points this year were Holik, Kozlov, Hossa and Havelid. I think we can immediately nix Havelid. Anyone who has as many crappy giveaways as he did this year should not be captain, although it’s good to have at least one defender as an alternate, I would think, so either leave that with Havelid or give it to Zhitnik, doesn’t really matter. Hossa, as I stated earlier, doesn’t seem to be captain material to me. That leaves Kozlov and Holik. If you go by seniority, it would be Kozlov (at least from a team perspective), but if he’s gone, I think you’re left with Holik, probably even if you sign someone else, given that Holik will have been with the team longer.

And quite frankly, for me, of the players who ended the season with us (other than Mellanby, obviously), Tkachuk would be my No. 1 choice and Holik would be my No. 2 choice. Given that Tkachuk is gone, that makes Holik No. 1 choice unless we sign somebody who would outrank him during the offseason, and even then, Holik may get since he’s been with the team.

By Brian

April 21, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Brendan - when looking at everything that must go on in an organization, there’s no way that DW goes.

However, I don’t know if BH is actually off the hot seat. I’m not saying he’s going, I’m not saying he’s staying, I am just saying I don’t know and thus I think anything can happen between now and when we drop the first puck next Oct (and raise the banner!).

ZAvalanche was telling me about Ken Hitchcock being available in the fallout in Columbus. As much as I don’t think he ever actually won that Cup in Dallas (he’s only up 3-2 in a series that never ended), I would dream of him coming here. Thoughts on that one?

Nicholas Irwin - I think Holik has the best attributes on our team to be a captain, but he steps it up for the playoffs, he’s not as high gear in the regular season. I don’t mind that but I’m just not sold on him being the captain for the whole season.

As for Tkachuk, he’s going. If he was staying, I would say definitely. When he stood up in that Montreal game I wanted to put the C on him right then and there.

By Roswell Ed

April 21, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

What do the Thrashers and a Hooker have in common?

When something big comes along they both know how to blow it.

By Tony C.

April 21, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Goalies are not allowed to be a Captain/alternate…the Captain/alternate must be a skater….and if we could get David Poile-I say get him! The cupboard is bare here in Blueland, and one thing Poile has demonstrated is the ability to build through the draft. Just look at the Nash-Vegas blueline….all those guys can skate and hit, and I think they’re all homegrown except Vish, who didn’t see any TOI to speak of.

Please Get Gomez

By Tony C.

April 21, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

By Legion of thrash

April 21, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

We really can’t afford any big name, big salary players. Hopefully, since we are still stuck with Wadell, he has finally learned from all his mistakes. We need help at center and the blueline badly and we need a rw for Kovy’s line.

Here are a couple guys that are young and RFA this year. Pierre Marc Bouchard- RW. and Matthew Lombardi- C. lIKE i SAID BOTH AR

By Legion of thrash

April 21, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry, stupid cat walked on the keyboard and hit enter.

Both guys are young, have tons of upside in their offensive game, and are great two way players.

By Brendan

April 21, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Tony C., I think Gomez is a total longshot. We just don’t have the cap room for a $5+M guy. We have too many open slots, 14-15 I believe, and only $14M in cap space. And that’d be … leaving NOTHING in reserve for the trade deadline. Anyone who saw the Thrashers in ‘05-06 knows how painful it was to be hamstrung at that time of year. Imagine if Don hadn’t learned his lesson, and left some room for “flexibility” at the deadline this year? Answer: We don’t get Tkachuk, Dupuis, Belanger, or even Krog back, … and, more than likely, we miss the playoffs, too.

Anyone WANT that? I didn’t think so. That’s why getting Gomez, I would think, is off the table. Basically, we have $1.0 million to spend per player, on average, to fill the roster to the MAX CAP. Which again, is a horrible idea.

Okay, what would it take to get Gomez? You won’t like it. But, if you’re the curious sort, it involves letting Kozlov walk, trading Hossa, watching McCarthy leave for a 3rd round pick, and finding some way to remove Rucchin from the payroll. Now, if he’d just retire, that’d be great! If Don could put him on longterm injured reserve, his cap hit won’t be applicable. That’s Saves $2.0 million in cap room. Even if Kozlov, cap hit $2.3 million, left and Rucchin left, that’s only $4.3 million in savings, and not enough to land Gomez. You can’t add in McCarthy’s salary since it hasn’t been applied to the $30M total, since he is unsigned for next season. Same goes for Kozlov, too. So, remove that $2.3 Million for Kozlov.

I might be calculating wrong, but I’ve got our cap at $28.75 million, not $30M. They must be counting Popovic’s $500,000. But Mark hasn’t made the roster yet.

Havelid’s cap hit is $2.7M and Zhitnik’s is $3.5M. It would be an unpopular move to trade one of them, especially Zhitnik, but both blueliners are in their mid-30’s, and that’s not really a good direction to go. A shrewd GM just might find homes for them while getting young blueliners in exchange, from the other team’s farm system. Before you say, “never, dude!” Some GM’s on are the hot seat and can’t wait for their D-men “prospects” to come up and save their bacon. Ask GM Rutherford, who didn’t have the time to wait for Jack Johnson last season, and traded him to get immediate help. (Think Zhitnik!) Zhitnik would be “immediate help” to any team that needs it. Yeah, well … Atlanta needs immediate help, too, and Zhitnik might be our best D-man. I hear ya. So, what do you think of trading Havelid? I still think the guy is capable. He was just recovering from his mom’s loss. I bet he comes back strong next year. He won a Gold Medal with Sweden at the Turin Games in ‘06. Moving him removes $2.7 in cap room, but must be filled by someone capable. I think if Don re-signs Hnidy, McCarthy, and Exelby, along with Popovic and valabik, our blueline is complete with Zhitnik. And it’s a lot younger too. Exelby is 26, so is McCarthy, and Popovic is 24. Valabik’s in his early 20’s. **How confident are you in the blueliners? Again, it’s Zhitnik, Hnidy, Exelby, McCarthy, Popovic and Valabik. With Oystrick or possibly Tobias Enstrom, as a call-up.

That’d be one way to clear room for Gomez, Tony C. But remember this, Gomez’s $5 million was LAST YEAR’S PRICE. He’ll get more this year. We simply don’t have it. Don likes “older guys” for free agents.

By Brendan

April 21, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Wishful thinking on my part, but I would so love to get RFA Michael Cammalleri, from the Los Angeles Kings. Not gonna happen, unless he’s part of the Hossa trade. Actually, the Kings ARE a good trading partner. Look at what they’ve got that would look real good here. Alexander Frolov, 30+ goals, Anze Kopitar (PFFT! Forget about it, he’s their franchise player, taken 11th overall, 2005), Michael Cammalleri, (20-something goals, but I didn’t check his end of year totals,) Jack Johnson, top D-man prospect of his draft year (3rd overall, 2005), and don’t forget something else. What? The L.A. Kings own a high 1st round and 2nd round pick—either of which should be plucked in a Hossa trade to the West Coast. Now, admittedly, that’s unpopular. We all love Hossa. But we’re only gonna have him one more season. These players, Kopitar, Frolov, Cammalleri, Johnson, and whatever draft picks … are the road to getting younger, faster, more talented and more balanced than retaining Hossa for another year.

Well, what if Don could re-work Hossa’s contract for a discount? Well, we’d all probably like that, but why should Hossa accept anything less than the league maximum? He’s earned it with seven or so 40-goal campaigns and 80-points seasons, including a 100-point season this year. Hossa can command “maximum trade value” if moved now. He’s only 29. He’s arguably the league MVP, but won’t win it. Since Atlanta faltered in the playoffs.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit … the L.A. Kings should hang to the players they’ve got. They’re building something really good out there. Hossa would help them sell tickets, but I don’t know that the Kings are really that close to a playoff berth, and they’d have to re-sign Hossa in the Summer of 2008, at huge dollars. Columbus will have a new GM. They’ve got some young players, like Nikki Zherdev and Gilbert Brule. Derick Brassard, Center, was selected 6th overall in 2006. Columbus is, at least, a WESTERN CONFERENCE TEAM. If Hossa is traded, it better not be to an EASTERN CONFERENCE TEAM. Especially New York or New Jersey. I don’t want to see Hossa 4X a year after we trade him.

Again, no one says he’s getting traded. Kincade mentioned that he “wouldn’t be surprized” if one of Atlanta’s big names got moved this Summer. Maybe he meant Kozlov? Or Holik? I don’t know. All I know is … investing $9.5 million a player, even the likes of Sidney Crosby, really hurts a team’s balance and depth of roster.

By Brian

April 21, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I do have to laugh that the complaints are out again about DW not building through the draft, then how we got beat badly in the first round, and then that the solution is to go get the GM from Nashville, a team that just got beat 4-1 in the first round, couldn’t get out of the first round last year, had to go out and buy the big rental player this year, etc.

Here, let me paste the latest posting from the Preds blog here: “There has been talk of how SJ built a team through the draft. Then lots of talk about Nashville trying to buy stars to make a team. It was obvious from games I watched, that SJ played as a team instead of individuals. We did not. It is pretty easy to see from what other folks have posted that the Predators took the wrong course hoping for short term results - which didn’t materialize. Hopefully, the team can stabilize enough to build some unity next year.”

Sound familiar? Maybe Poile isn’t the end all people here are claiming.

By Brian

April 21, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, even funnier, I forgot to add that over 1/2 the Preds are free agents this summer. Still think Poile is the answer?

Flames game is starting. Anyone who reads this blog knows by now I have just adopted this city as a transplant, but I’m still rooting for those Flames.

By Tony C.

April 21, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Oh I think it could be done. Cheap Lou is going to have to choose tokeep either Gomez or Rafalski-and that’s a heck of a choice! The NJD system is dependent on having an excellent 1st-pass, skating D-man (See Neidermeyer). Fleet-footed D-men like Rafalski don’t grow on trees, in fact the only other guy I would put in that Rafalski/Neidermeyer class is maybe Liles from Colorado.

On the other hand, while gritty heady playmaking pivots like Gomez aren’t exactly commonplace either, generally they’re a bit easier to find than that “mobile D” type that NJD uses.

Nobody is a bigger Slava-Matic fan than I, but if it means letting Kozlov walk and getting somebody to feed #17 for the next 4 years, GET HIM…other wise you open the door for what we saw this year-#17 making nifty rushes while the rest of his line slowly-painfully pulled on their ears hoping for a “PoP”

I know it’s a long-shot, but seriously, how can you afford NOT to upgrade #17’s line? Tkachuk showed exactly how productive putting another quality scoring threat on #17’s line can be-if nothing else, it frees Hoss from the checking line for a few shifts. Now let’s factor in some “chemistry”…..yeah a true 1-2 punch a pick your poison situation.

Admitedly I’m a fan of the NJD mindset-why not? it’s been pretty succesful these past 15 years! But I truly believe that Gomez has the grit and headiness that would help #17 thrive, not just with his plaaymaking ability-but the way the approaches the game-as opposed to the old warrior telling how to do it, perhaps a peer leading by example???

Ultimately Gomez is the class of the UFAs this summer and will be an ultra-hot commodity. I understand it’s an outside shot, but hey, take a shot.

By Tony C.

April 21, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Flames play grown-azz man hockey.

My point on Poile is that the guy can draft beyond the top 10 consensus picks. as far as UFAs go look at our roster.

Who knows DW has done a much better job past 2 years…Then again how many non 1st round picks are on the team? Projected to even be considered for the team come camp? That’s all I’m sayin

By Brian

April 21, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - I know about our UFAs on our roster, that was my point about the free agents. Everyone complains that we have so many people to sign this summer, yet over 1/2 of the Preds need to be signed by Poile this summer as well…

By Aaron

April 21, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

What if the team trades one of Kovalchuk or Hossa for some top notch young defensemen, then instead of building around offense, they build around defense/Lehtonen.

By R. Stroz

April 21, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Sorry I took so long to get back.

I don’t think I would pick up any of the possible management from Nashville. I have watched Nashville a few times and they seem to play alot of goon hockey and, as Brian pointed out, they seem to have UFA issues as well.

As a different possibility, the former Devils coach is an intriguing option.

I’m not in favor of changing any management or coaching unless a better choice is available that fits the Thrashers potential youth movement.

By Brian

April 21, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I’m not worried at all, look at most the guys we have to sign. Sim, Slater, Larsen, Exelby, McCarthy, Dupuis & Belanger. Dupuis gets a raise to an even $1m, Belanger goes to $1.5m, the rest don’t even break the $1m barrier. Bring up a few guys from Chicago at $.5m and things are looking fine.

As for Hossa, I say trade him. I know his point total is fine for playoff production, but he just doesn’t get the big goal in Apr/May when you need it. He’s appealing too because his cap hit is less than his salary. I don’t mind seeing him go, I don’t want an Ottawa syndrome down here. It makes room to get Drury between Kovy & Sim. Sterling comes up and plays with Belanger, Holik-Dupuis-Larsen stays together and we still have Slater-Boulton on the 4th line. Fill in the missing pieces, there’s room to do it.

And if Rucchin is not physically able to come back, that leaves room for more.

We have Zhitnik & Havelid (who will come back to his old form next year). Ex & McC come back for less than $1m each. That leaves 2-3 spots for Popovic, Enstrom, also less than $1m each and make a run for Souray so you only have 1 rook back there.

By Bill

April 21, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers have much to be proud off and can really build on next season from their accomplishments this season,the playoffs are a do or die situation, if you suddenly go into a slump your season will end before you know it, what the thrashers have to do is not go into these 4 and 5 game skids like they did this year, sure your going to lose but if you hit 3 losses in row than you need to make some adjustments so you don’t go to 4 and 5 or 6 losses in a row, I believe the tharshers will be in the playoffs again nxt season and will go further because of the experience they got, alot of teams are going home after the first round and more will follow before a the stanley cup is one, so I salute the thrashers on a season well played.

By raindawg722

April 22, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

One thing that inflates Kozlov’s value to the team is his ability to convert in the shootout. Where would the Thrashers have ended up this season without that almost automatic first goal in the shootout?

By Brian

April 22, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

raindawg722 - I posted that with a stat on a previous blog and I think it was of the 6 shootout wins we had, Kozzy scored in 5 of them…

By Bill

April 22, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Well Tampa Bay was elminated in the first round,so thats good for the Thrashers they are the South East divison champs and that even looks alot better now that Tampa Bay has been elminated and Carolina didn’t makes it,next year it will been tougher Florida seems to be coming on.

By MiddleGA

April 22, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Just adding my thanks to Craig for a job well done this season.

By Pete

April 22, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

what’s the story on the assistant coaches coming back for next season?

By Brendan

April 22, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Couple of thoughts. I share Brian’s enthusiasm over the signing of the players he listed, for the prices he mentioned. I just want to add, “one year deals” for those “fillers.” By fillers, I mean Larsen, Slater and Boulton. Belanger, 2-years, for $1.5mm is right. Dupuis, 2-years for $1mm each year sounds right. McCarthy … I’d say at $850K, to at most, $900K, for two-years. Remember, if we have to “ditch” these guys down the road, they’ve got to be priced to move. This is why we can’t move Holik. No one will take on $4.25mm. XLB should be a 2-year deal, at $840K per season. Again, two years protects us. If “X” should falter, we’re not on the hook for “too long.” If he succeeds, it’s only right to allow him to pursue his “market value” as a UFA in the Summer of 2009. If we want to keep him after that, we’ll have to cough it up, or watch him go.

For Sim, I think we offer one year, at $900K. That’s a 50-percent raise. I wouldn’t go over $1 million, though. I like Sim. I hope Don keeps ‘im. But if Simmer wants big bucks, I think he goes elsewhere. People have to realize how he got nearly 20 goals this year: Playing with Kovalchuk.

I have no idea about Metropolit. If Hartley stays, Metro isn’t back. If Hartley goes, maybe he does return. If JPVJ is back, it’s at the league minimum. For the league minimum, it’s not that horrendous of a move.

If Hossa is traded, a D-man must be part of the return. And I don’t mean Rob Blake. Jack Johnson, okay.

By Brendan

April 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Brian, I don’t think Nashville will fire either Trotz or Poile. I’m not calling for either Hartley or Waddell to be fired this offseason. Well, I’m still sitting on fence with Hartley. Let’s see what the Rangers do with Buffalo. If the Blueshirts come out of that series, Hartley doesn’t look so bad. And if the Rangers win the Cup, you can be sure Hartley will remind everyone, “No one could stop them either.”

Actually, he’d say, “Well, ya know. Uhh, like … the Rangers were … a very good team to win a Championship like that. So, like, uhh … ya know … uhh, I think it, like shows, that … it is a full vincation for our excellent season to have ended at the ‘ands of the Stanley Cup Champions. ‘ad we not drawn them as our first opponent, like … uhh, who knows how far we would have gone?”

Now, as for David Poile. If he is fired, (probably a mistake, if it happens,) I doubt he’ll be on the unemployment line long. He did make some good draft picks and improved his club consistently throughout his years there. He took a “calculated risk” that didn’t pan out for him. How much of that was “horrendous decision-making” compared to being an “unfortunate matchup” with San Jose in the opening round? If the Preds hadn’t drawn San Jose, they might have met until the Conference Finals. And I would think that, in the minds of most Preds’ fans, that’s an “acceptable return” on the Forsberg trade, even if the series ends in five games, as theirs did.

If Trotz is fired, he’ll almost certainly find work next season. If both Hartley and Trotz are fired, both can make reference to unfavorable first round seedings. I know people will think that sounds “weak,” but the truth is, if the Preds had just won their division, that they lead periodically, they’d have been the #1 seed and not seen San Jose for a while. And had the Thrashers just lost that season-ending shootout to Tampa Bay, they might be in Round Two as we speak, with this town utterly “giddy,” dreaming of defeating the Devils and possibly reaching the Conference Finals to meet the Buffalo/Ottawa winner. Bygones.

By Brendan

April 22, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Tony C., I’d love to have Gomez. But the issue is money. Same goes for Drury. Drury will come looking for $7.0mm. Gomez will want $5.5-$6mm. Plus, they’ll want YEARS at that price. Sheldon Souray is intriguing, as an offseason move. But he, and San Jose’ Hannan, will be expensive. So will be Rafalski.

This is precisely why GM’s have to be able to draft players. Going out into free agency to get them is just so costly. Making a mistake can cripple your finances for years. Boston’s best chance to make a run at the Cup with the roster its got might have been this year. They committed a lot of dollars to just a few players (Chara, Savard, etc). They wound up moving Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau, pieces they acquired from San Jose for Thornton. I believe the Bruins did re-sign Marco Sturm, in a face-saving move, given the loss of Thornton.

By ch1355

April 22, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

I was just wondering, which side do we want to win in the Atlanta spirit lawsuit? And how will it affect the Thrashers?

By Brendan

April 22, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Ch1355, depends on the individual. If you’re the thrill-seeker, risk-taker sort, maybe you want Belkin. Belkin will probably clean house, removing Waddell and Hartley and, more than likely, all assistant coaches. Who knows what comes in behind them? Plus, it’s rumored that he’ll sell the team (to a local interest). Perhaps the sale of the franchise will be his first order of business. God help us all, if the new owner is Arthur Blank. People say Belkin is cheap. I don’t know that that is true or fair to say. Opinions vary so much on the Joe Johnson trade. I think Belkin was just trying to be prudent, not giving away too many 1st round picks, plus Diaw, more than he was being “cheap” about 5-years/$70 million for Johnson. Belkin has always maintained that the money was never the issue. It was the two draft picks that he felt were essential to the Hawks’ future.

But, if you go by WHAT WE KNOW, then you want the Spirit Group to prevail. In two post-lockout seasons, the ownership group has maxed out the cap both times. This shows committment to winning and to the fans, about the product on the ice. Don Waddell got the “green light” to go get Dupuis, Belanger, Tkachuk, and Zhitnik. Would that have happened under Belkin? Shrugs. I don’t know. I can’t say, either way. Belkin seems to like money. Investing in players that take the Thrashers deep into the playoffs would line his pockets full of green.

Also, if you feel Waddell has had long enough at the helm, and you want to see a whole new Administration take a shot at it, then you want Belkin. But, be careful what you wish for. What we now know of Waddell … is that he’s a better GM in these past two years. He’s improving. And, he seems to be taking “accountability” seriously. He’s felt the heat, ch1355. He’s still not out of the woods. But I think he’ll be back. And he says, “Hartley will be back.” If you like Hartley and Waddell to stay, you root for the Spirit Group.

By Bob

April 23, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting. Rumor is that Belkin puts the team up for sale if he wins, and a brand new owner, who loves hockey, might be a win for us.

As for Waddell, he’s got us in quite a pickle.

Yeah I know the blah blah blah we can re-sign Dupuis for $1m, Belanger on the cheap, blah blah blah. That doesn’t improve this club. We need to sign 4 new dmen, a #1 center, and a #2 center, as well as replace Kozlov on the top line. Waddell has us committed to $30m towards next year’s Cap. Assuming we have $10m to work with (which would about match last year’s budget that the Spirit gave Waddell), then how are we going to sign 4 new dmen, a #1 and #2 center and a top line left wing (in addition to signing the Dupuis’ et al for the 3rd and 4th lines)?

By Lee

April 23, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

8Brendan*, I gotta be honest, I can hear Hartley saying those exact words. That was pretty funny

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 23, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Through some shrewd trades..

thats how.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 23, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

and waivers….

I’m looking at you Ruccie.

By Hip Czech

April 23, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Brendan, “**How confident are you in the blueliners? Again, it’s Zhitnik, Hnidy, Exelby, McCarthy, Popovic and Valabik. With Oystrick or possibly Tobias Enstrom, as a call-up.”

I think that group would be a huge improvement over DeVries, Sutton and Havelid (but I doubt he’s going anywhere). X and McCarthy should be signed on the cheap and give Popovic, Valabik, and Enstrom every chance to make the roster.

That group should be good enough to get to the playoffs. IF the lineup needs tweaking for a playoff run then make a deadline move to get an experienced D in here.

I’ve just now gotten rid of the sack cloth and ashes…October can’t get here soon enough.

By Russ

April 23, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

How are everyone’s first round picks looking? A Vancouver win tonight would put me at 8-0 (although I can’t prove this because Craig’s blog(s) between 4/6 and 4/10 seem to have vanished into thin air. I think it was on 4/9 when he asked bloggers for their predictions.

By Matt H

April 23, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

[Brian and Brendan] -I think someone’s gotta be traded, or re-signed then traded- Kozlov, Hossa, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen. They’re all potential building blocks, but we really don’t have any defensive building blocks or playoff performers in their prime.

-I’m not convinced of Lehtonen, soup to nuts. Schultz’ “He Has Arrived” column came, I think, too soon. He may arrive, fully, but not for another season or so, I’d say. Or he could be a late-career renaissance kind of goalie.

-If Hossa wasn’t injured, I’d say trade him. His scoring coin is valuable, but we need leadership more in the coming couple years.

-I’m not a Scott Gomez fan. He doesn’t make great late season numbers and I feel he’s kind of a cheap player; but he is a decent playoff performer. I don’t see him answering enough questions to be worth $5 mil/yr for the Thrashers.

-Chris Drury, on the other hand, or Ryan Smyth, would be worth one of our big 4. Captain material, gritty, scorer, playoff performer, leader. Hell yeah.

-Lastly, I’d like to add that I think the Thrashers’ “offseason” runs from now until February. I think the entire team, from GM down, is on probation due to this postseason debacle. If the team is tanking two or three weeks into October, I think it’s bye-bye Hartley and/or Waddell.

I hope Spirit Group wins out. Belkin reminds me too much of the Lightning’s second owner, Art Williams. I think he just feels the Thrashers are another fancy car he can drive around.

By Brendan

April 23, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Russ, I can confirm you are 7-0 right now.

By Russ

April 23, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brendan, Can you find where we made our predictions or do you just remeber?

By Brendan

April 23, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Russ, I wrote them down. Maybe I put a date on them. Let me check. Nope, no dates on them. But, I did double check, and you are 8-0, pending a Vancouver win tonight. Scott Burnside is 5-2, and needs a Dallas Stars victory tonight to be 6-2. If Vancouver wins, he’ll be 5-3. I’m 3-4, and need a Canucks win to be 4-4. Sage of Blueland is 5-2, and needs Vancouver over Dallas to be 6-2. Bob is 5-2 and needs a Dallas win to be 6-2. I think Brian is 5-2, and needs a Vancouver win to be 6-2.

I took Calgary, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Atlanta. They all lost. So far, the only upsets by lower seeds are SJ over Nashville and NYR over Atlanta. If Dallas wins, that’ll be the 3rd. So, if you picked nothing but higher seeds, you’d be 5-2 right now, looking at 6-2 with a Vancouver win.

Picking the higher seeded team works for NBA playoffs, but it’s the sort of thing that can land you at 3-5 in the NHL playoffs. Sadly, I am looking at 3-5, if Dallas wins tonight.

By Matt H

April 23, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Oh yes and again, thank you Craig for your excellent work and dedication. I’ve never seen the likes of it and I hope to see it again.

By Brian

April 23, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I still say trade Hossa and use that cap room to go get Drury.

Yeah, I’ve been keeping track of myself. I’m 5-2. I picked the wrong lower seed going with the Flames though. And of course how could I pick against Le Thrash? Canucks were up 3-1, they better pull it out tonight at home. Best 2 words in playoff hockey: GAME 7

By Matt H

April 23, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Brian-I’d be behind that trade. What do you all think about Briere?

By Bob

April 23, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

That’s what I get for picking with my heart instead of my mind, picked the Thrash over the Rangers and Pens over Sens, both bit me in the a*.

I had a feeling that Turco would outplay Luongo in this series, Marty has been playing great this year and has a lot to prove. Not sure if the Stars can get it done tonight, but Marty has shown his worth and Game 7 should be great.

Everyone up for putting up new picks for Round 2 tomorrow after the matchups are set?

By Down and Out in Toco Hills

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

I like the Scott Gomez suggestion. Would love to see Wadell pry away Chris Drury from the Sabres as well. And wishful thinking Tkachuk will return. Fingers are crossed!

By Bob

April 23, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk is not coming back. No room for him. No room for Drury or Briere, they will both command $6 to 7m each, we cannot afford it.

Ok, we can afford it by moving Hossa, but that’s one step back and one step forward, you’re back in the same boat you started in talent wise and Cap wise. How does that improve us? Hossa only disappeared at the end of the year and playoffs because he was hurt, can’t control that. He put 100 pts, those guys don’t grow on trees.

By Brendan

April 23, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I’d like to add that the “rumored” asking price for both Briere and Drury are $7 million APIECE. And they’ll want YEARS at that price.

The only advantage over Hossa would be the coming years’ price. Hossa makes $7 million next season, but is a cap hit of $6 million. But every year after that, no matter WHERE he plays he will make the league maximum, $9.5 million, or very close to it. So, in that regard, Drury or Briere would be cheaper. But signing guys at this price tag still cripples your team’s depth, if you hope to roll four lines, rather than recycle three, with minor variations.

I still say it’s important to re-sign Dupuis and Belanger. They’re inexpensive, yet effective, “depth.” We still need that at Blueland.

By Bob

April 23, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, definitely need both Dupuis and Belanger. They’re both priced right and good players, I’d like a full year out of both of them on this club.