Thrashers

By Kari's Karpets

April 23, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Yeah i agree although i would like him to stay he likely wont. I read a while back on TSN’s website that the Thrashers would pursue Mike Comrie in the off-season. I would like it if the Thrash got him, he is a good player and him and Kovy would be good together. What do you guys think about Comrie??

By Thrasher Ryan

April 23, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

CC, Isn’t Rucchin signed for next season? Tkachuk is gone. Go with the youth movement. Look at Buffalo and Pittsburgh. You CAN build a winner with young guys.

By Russ

April 23, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk’s as good as gone. I thought the Thrashers gave up too much for him in the first place, they don’t need to make it another first round pick by re-signing him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign a one year contract with St. Louis. That would make him more attractive as a rental player at the deadline next season if the Blues fall out of contention and are looking to sell again.

By Legion of thrash

April 23, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to sign a big name center, but it would cripple us for filling out the rest of the roster. We have 8 players signed at almost 30 mil. I think Wadell will let Kozlov walk just as he let Savard walk, and then he will tell us he never had a chance to match the offer. Tchachuk also doesn’t exactly fit the youth movement that we are all of a sudden going with. Although I do think Kovy and KT have good chemistry. I hope that Little is ready to go and compete highly at the Nhl level, I think he is the only realistic chance we have.

For the bloggers on the last blog—- Drury and Briere, one will resign with Buffalo, they will not let both walk. Drury will never play under Hartley, as he was one of the players that got his @ss fired from the Avs. Do you really want Hossa to be traded? If he would have had a legit center all year he would have been right there with Crosby for the scoring title. With a legit top line center, a playmaker, him and Kozlov would probably have done better in the playoffs. His playoff stats from Ottawa are not that bad 51gms 34 pts, not the best, but not bad either. Dany Heatley is being criticized right now for not showing up and he has 4pts in the first series. People in Ottawa blame the stars there for not showing up because they didn’t win the cup, last year it was Alfredsson.

By Legion of thrash

April 23, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Kari’s Karpets— Comrie would be nice. He is young, and not too expensive.

By Matthew At The SLC

April 23, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk is gone. Wow. I wonder how, with all of the money we have tied up in the 8 players we have signed, we are going to be able to put together 4 lines. There is no way this team is as good next season as it was this season. The money just isn’t there. We need a frontline center. Belengier played well, but was among those who disapeared in the playoffs. We need to jetison Andy Sutton and let him be someone else’s puck-handling liability. We need guy who are fast on defense. We need a second-line center.

This team has way too many holes, and Don Waddell is just not that good of a GM to fix it all. I’ll be buying a season ticket package for next year, because I love hockey, but I’m not excited about the prospects for the coming year. I like most of the 8 guys we have. I like the coach. I don’t like the GM. All in all, we’d be lucky to make the playoffs next year I think.

By Kari's Karpets

April 23, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash- My thoughts exactly

By Tony H

April 23, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure exactly how the RFA works, but I assume that the team has the option of matching an offer and/or receiving compensation if another teams signs a RFA after they have given him an offer. All that was said to say that there are a few RFAs out there that look really interesting and would probably be worth taking the draft hit if we could sign them. One of the most intriguing possibilities(and least likely to happen) is Zach Parise. What a young stud that guy is and is only going to get better. New Jersey will probably let Gomez walk before they let Parise get away though. My personal opinion on Tkachuk is that he would be a great one to have back, but not at the cost it would involve including salary and #1 draft pick.

By UpperDeck4Life

April 23, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Rucchin is signed for another year, but it is looking like the team may be buying him out from everything that’s being put out there.

With Little signed and Sterling being brought up next year. I think that 4 of the top 6 forwards for next season are already with the team.

As for Tkachuk, the team can’t sign both him and Kozlov. I am curious as to if the team is going to resign Belanger and if so that only leaves one spot on the team and I would rather see that go to Kozlov. He won quite a few games for us this year by making his shootout shots. So I think it’s time to say thanks Tkachuk for helping us make the playoffs and good luck with (insert highest bidder here) next season.

By R. Stroz

April 23, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I have a slightly different take on resolving the cap issue. Here are my suggestions

1) Get rid of Holik. He costs 4.25 million a year produced 11 goals and 18 assists. In the playoffs, he hit hard but failed to win face offs. I’d rather win face offs. There is no reason that the Thrashers should keep a slow third/forth line center if he can be moved.

2) Keep Hossa. If given the choice of tying up cap space, it’s stupid to trade Hossa and keep Holik.

3) Convince Rucchin to retire. He should never have been signed.

4) Get Comrie.

The eliminated players above create 6.6 million in cap space. Comrie shouldn’t cost more than 4 million. I would rather have Comrie at 4 million a year than Holik. Anyway, if we can eliminate Holik and Rucchin from the payroll combined with Rat retiring, we have 7.6 million to spend on a decent center and some younger defensemen.

By R. Stroz

April 23, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Next solution and only DW can make this happen.

DW needs to refuse to re-sign any of “Hartley’s boys.” Force Hartley to work with the younger players. No more old, slow favorite players. If Hartley doesn’t like the idea of teaching and coaching younger talent, then I hope the door doesn’t hit him too hard on the way out.

By Brian

April 23, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - big difference between getting rid of Holik and Hossa. Hossa will command bigger interest, Holik won’t.

I like the way that UpperDeck4Life is thinking. Most of our lineup is already set, we just need to fill in the occasional hole. And if we resign Belanger & Dupuis that plugs 2 spots. If Little and/or Sterling make the team, even better. I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone thinks.

As for the Hossa debate, I wonder if it is better to have a good center to go with Kovy or a good winger to balance that 2nd line?

Bob - I will post my picks tomorrow. Obviously I want Dallas to lose but after 3 shutouts I don’t think you can blame Turco this year…

By Brendan

April 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

There are two chances of Keith Tkachuk coming back: (1) slim and (2) none. And “slim” just got up and walked out the door. But, c’mon now, folks. You KNEW KT was a “straight up” rental. If he re-signs with St. Louis, he’s actually helped that team tremendously. He got them a mid-1st round pick and mid-3rd round pick, plus they could re-sign Metro. So, the Blues came out of “renting” Tkachuk pretty well. In the process, they darn near finished .500. I think, but won’t swear, that the Blues finished with 81-points.

Kinda makes ya wonder if St. Louis couldn’t have had a better October if they could have at least been in the hunt for a playoff berth in April.

I’ll end on this note. Columbus, Chicago, and L.A. own favorable 1st and 2nd round draft picks. If you’re thinking about trading Hossa, then these are the three Western Conference ponies to bet on. There’s a guy named “Kane” in this upcoming draft that’s worth getting. Also, Chicago, Columbus and LA have decent prospects and young NHL players that could be had for a deal involving Hossa. Chicago owns the #1 pick in the draft, having improbably won the draft lottery, from the #5 slot. Good for them!

I doubt they’d trade it for Hossa. But, you never know, right? Jonathan Toews and Tuomo Ruutu are recent draft picks of theirs who might be worth asking for. Chicago has drafted better in recent years, so their farm club is kinda worth raiding now.

But, I as I posted, I think L.A. is the most ideal trading partner. They have a top 4 pick, plus a high 2nd rounder, and Center Mike Cammalleri, Alexandre Frolov, D-man top prospect Jack Johnson, and Anze Kopitar. There’s enough ways to make a combo outta that to make it worth it to trade Hossa.

People won’t like hearing that Hossa might be traded. He’s fairly well liked here, and is our most complete player, by far. People will think we’re “nuts” to shop him. But, the truth is … we need younger players who are good. And the only way to get that is to DRAFT IT. Ummn, yeah. We tried that. Won’t review it. Moving on. Next option is to trade for it. And that involves sacrificing Hossa, Kovalchuk, or Kozlov. Maybe you could move Havelid or Zhitnik. But then you must get young, talented D-men in the return.

Getting Belanger and Dupuis back does make us a bit younger, on average. I hope they want to return.

By R. Stroz

April 23, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Brian - I understand Hossa brings considerably more in trade than Holik. The best reason to move Holik is to procure current cap space. I don’t think we would be able to get anything better than a third round pick for him,; but, who cares as long as we can free up cap space for a more productive player.

I think the idea of dealing Hossa would go over about as well with Atlanta fans as when the Flames moved Lysiak. That deal went over like a lead baloon.

By Thrashy Thrashy

April 23, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget that the cap is projected to go up to 47 or 48 million next year AND that the Thrashers have to go younger (and cheaper, but not just because of the cap…this team desperately needs younger blood) at certain positions. They should have the money to keep Kozlov and add players like Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth or Comrie and a true leader on the blue line. The big question is whether the Thrashers could move Havelid/Holik/Rucchin and clear up even more space. I personally think they’ll keep Holik for the final year of his deal. It’s just a damn shame they’re paying him so much. I believe Havelid will be traded. Zhitnik is a better player and the Thrashers need to get younger and more physical on the blue line. Valabik, Stuart, Popovic and Enstrom should all get their opportunity to make the team. Exelby will be back…and I could see Hnidy being re-signed. The Thrashers need a complete reconfiguration back there.

As far as Rucchin goes, they should make him an offer he can’t refuse…

By Ron

April 23, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

The question on the table is Keith Tkachuk. No way he comes back. Don Wadell can’t claim he wants the team to go younger and then sign a 35 year old to a 3 year contract. This team is going to be very different next season and Keith Tkachuk can’t possibly be in the plan.

By Craig Custance

April 23, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan: Good catch, I’ve made the correction. I forgot about Rooch.

By Tony H

April 23, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Brendan,

I would love to see the Thrashers try to make a deal with LA in particular. Unfortunately, I doubt that they would be particularly interested in trading some of their young talent for someone like Holik (vastly overpaid and an underachiever) or Hossa who is only under contract through next year. I think they would have to be able to sign him to an extension before any deal could be made. Koslov will soon be able to go make his own deal without the Thrashers getting anything. We would have to sign him first and who is to say that he would sign and/or if he would require a no-trade clause so he couldn’t be shuffled off somewhere he didn’t want to go. I guess at this point I just don’t have much confidence in Wadell and his abilities. Also, there are plenty of quality UFAs out there who won’t come to Atlanta because of Hartley. Seems to me that Atlanta would be best served with complete new management - GM and coach. Bring in an enthusiastic coach who enjoys coaching younger players and building and a GM who won’t sit on his butt until he feels the heat. We all know that is not going to happen, so let’s suck it up and realize that we are pretty well stuck where we are. But, let’s hope that Wadell can pull a miracle out of his hat and get rid of the Holik and Ruchin salaries and put that cap room to good use. And signs Hossa to an extension so that we can either enjoy his performance or get something for him.

By polskidawg

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

To address the main topic – Tkachuk. It seems like he was never intended to stay beyond 06/07. His age is a negative factor, but for me the main factor is his style of play. I feel that Kovy needs a playmaker at center (similar to Comrie, though I don’t care for him – Brendan, what do you think about him?) and a power forward with speed at right wing (like San Jose Shark Ryan Clowe).

As always, there are several suggestions that merit – but many are not probable or even plausible.

I’ll do back flips if Drury were possible, but as said earlier, he will likely pass or the chance to play for Hartley again. He would solve two pieces of the puzzle – topflight center to play line one and a Captain.

Like Brendan and others, I think there is compelling reason to trade Hossa, not the least one being his value as a player. LA would be a great partner from the Thrashers standpoint – Johnson and Frolov would work for me.

Regardless, any trade of Hossa would require multiple assets and a focus on younger players, hopefully with a couple years of NHL experience. It better work and well because as R. Stroz mentioned (I’m still p** about Lysiak!), because there will be some backlash from the hockey community due to his personality and effort.

By Bob

April 23, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk is going to re-sign in St. Louis, there was never any doubt that he was a straight rental goin back to the Blues.

There are tons of holes on this club that need to be filled. Waddell’s strength is making trades of NHL players. I think it’s folly to think that all of a sudden 4 to 6 of his draft choices are going to playing on this club next year, in fact, that’s not folly, but pure fantasy. If they were that close, we would have brought some of them up this year to get looks. Making it worse, Waddell is sticking with Hartley who cannot develop young players. Let us hope he can pull off some miracles this summer, it’s the only way this roster will improve over the past two year’s rosters.

Speaking of Hartley being kept, does anyone think that the Spirit has said “keep the team together” for now to show strength and unity to the courts while they decide who to award the clubs to? Think about it, if they went and fired Waddell and/or Hartley, the judges may look at that and say, well the Spirit boys are a fiasco.

By Brian

April 23, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - I wasn’t trying to say Hossa would get more, I was trying to say no one is going to want Holik…

I totally agree on your concept of just “free up space”.

By EAVBlue

April 23, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

No way on resigning Tkachuk. Maybe I missed something in the playoffs , but running around punching people after the play doesn’t really count for showing up. He scored one goal on Kovalchuks brilliant pass. Other than that what did he bring? I am not a scout for our farm teams, but I thought that I had read that Valabik needs to work on his skating… a lot before moving up to the NHL. If that is the case I certainly would not want to bring a guy up who might end up being worse than Sutton. I can’t wait to see him at Blueland laying the smack down, but I don’t want him up here if he is just going to get penalties and give away the puck. We have had enough of that already. I am actually kind of excited to see a big youth movement next year. It will hopefully be a lot more fun to watch than the old guys dump and chase. Nothing drove me more insane than watching Kovy and Hossa fly up the ice only to have the rest of the team chugging behind. It will at least be interesting.

By Aaron

April 23, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

I definatley think one of Rucchin/Holik, or both will be traded.

Rucchin retiring will not help anything. People who retire over the age of 35 still count against the cap. If he gets bought out, that still counts against the cap.

One of them will have to be moved.

I’m not sure if we’ll see Hossa getting traded as sad as it sounds. He will definatley be gone by the deadline anyways if the team is out of the playoffs, and he’d have more value now, but he is too valuable to this team. Without him, they’d have no shot at the playoffs.

I don’t think trading for draft picks would be wise either. Waddell traded away this year’s picks because this is supposed to be a weaker draft class, plus Waddell sucks at drafting. Trade any of those three players for cheap young studs and that would be a good deal.

By AJ

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

I AM GONNA BE SAD TOMORROW WHEN THE CAPTAIN ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT!! I DO UNDERSTAND THOUGH, A PERSON KNOWS WHEN IT IS TIME-AND HE SAYS HE KNOWS!! HOW I WISH THE GUYS COULD HAVE TAKEN HIM A LITTLE FARTHER IN THE PLAYOFFS IF NOT THE WHOLE WAY!! HE IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN A CLASS ACT!! I WISH HIM AND HIS FAMILY ALL THE BEST!! I KNOW HE WILL BE BUSY WITH HIS AUTISM FOUNDATION AND SPENDING TIME WITH HIS FAMILY. I HOPE HE DOESN’T STAY AWAY FROM PHILLIPS ARENA TOO MUCH NEXT SEASON!! GOOD LUCK CAPTAIN-THE THRASHER’S, THE FANS AND THE CITY OF ATLANTA WILL MISS YOU!!

By Brian

April 23, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Bob - who said that 4 to 6 of his (DW’s) draft choices are going to playing on this club next year? We already brought up Popovic to get a look at him. Enstrom was in the Swedish Elite League, but he seems ready. Maybe Sterling makes it, that’s 2-3. I don’t see where people were calling for a 1/2 dozen to make it though…

By Legion of thrash

April 23, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Brian— there was an end of the season article where Wadell was quoted as saying as many as 3 defensmen and three forwards will be given a shot at roster spots. Bryan Little, Colin Stuart, Brett Sterling. Boris Valabik, Mark Popovic, Nathan Oystrik, and Tobias Enstrom are the ones he expaects to possibly be on the roster. This is what he was talking about with his youth movement.

By Bob

April 23, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Most of our lineup is already set

I guess when I read you write this, I assumed you were buying into Waddell’s story about getting younger and assumed you figured he was plugging in his draft choices, after all, that’s all we got.

So I guess I need you to explain to me how the lineup is “pretty much set” when the facts are that we only have 8 guys signed for next year, that played on this year’s club, and there’s 23 on a roster?

By R. Stroz

April 23, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Craig - Could you please clear up the debate concerning Rucchin as to which circumstances he is a future cap liability and which he is not?

By R. Stroz

April 23, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Brian - I agree with you that it is highly doubtful that any team will take Holik with his salary and current talent level . Then again, DW was goofy enough to sign him to a multiyear contract in order to sell tickets, maybe there is another GM that is equally goofy. I can always hope!

By Russ

April 24, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Vancouver just won, so here we go with round 2 predictions:

Buffalo over N.Y. Rangers in 5.

Ottawa over New Jersey in 7.

San Jose over Detroit in 6.

Anaheim over Vancouver in 7.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Legion of thrash - “given a shot” and “making the team” are two phrases that I would say are far apart from each other.

Bob - if we just resign a lot of our own people (and not sign some of our own people), we have a decent lineup. The signings that I would see includes Belanger, Dupuis, Sim, Slater, Larsen, Boulton, Vigier (these 2 for 4th liners), McCarthy & Exelby. That’s 9 players right there. Now throw in the callups of Popovic, Enstrom and either Sterling or Little. That’s 12 players with the 8 we already have. Of all those players, the only 1 I expect to be over $1mm is Belanger.

That’s a total of 20 players for a 20 man active roster. As well, by my calculations that’s only $37.5mm in cap. That leaves almost $7mm in cap space. Throw in the fact that Rucchin might be permantent IR, cap is going up, someone big might get traded and that means we have room to manuever.

Now we can go out and get a big name back on the blue line and sign Kozzy up front or get someone else up front instead of Kozzy.

With this strategy that’s why I would rather go out and get the big name center instead of having Hossa. That gives us this lineup of:

Kovvy - FA Center - Sim

Kozzy - Belanger - Sterling

Dupuis - Holik - Larsen

Boulton - Slater - Ruchin/Vigier

Zhitnik - Havelid

Exelby - Enstrom

McCarthy - FA D-man

Lehts/Moose

Obviously with this lineup the cap number has changed, it’s 21 players since I added the extra FA d-man, but we have a good foundation to work with. We can rid ourselves of a lot of the blueliners we all complain about.

If you keep Hossa, you can lose Kozzy or not promote Sterling, but then you have a big gap for the 1st line center. Either way, look at that foundation up there, plug in the holes anyway you like. Who would you add/subtract? Again, most of our own free agents that we could sign are less than $1mm and guys like Belanger & Dupuis give us nice depth…

By Brian

April 24, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Russ - thanks, I almost forgot that part as I had a long posting. I have to disagree with you on 2 (actually is 50%) as I am going with:

Buf - NJD

SJS - Van

Brendan - what are the rankings?

By Sara

April 24, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

DW had better order his 6 cases of Excedrin now cause he’s gonna need it this off-season. I’ve only spent the last 30 minutes looking at the numbers and my head hurts - and I’m an accountant - I like numbercrunching.

Few things first - KT isn’t coming back but we all knew this when he signed on. For the money, we could do much better - certainly younger.

Rucchin needs to be resolved by either a) retiring or b) getting bought out.

Hossa trade - need to think on that. My first instinct is no heck no but after numbercrunching, I can see the argument for it.

As for Holik - yeah his salary bites the big one but frankly we need him here as a leader if nothing else. There are going to be a LOT of younsters on this team next season to develop and Holik is the best one for that position. We aren’t guaranteed keeping Kozzie, so we can’t afford to ditch all of our vets.

As for the roster…Assuming worst-case scenario with Rucchin, he’s bought out at $1.4 mill, leaving 3 forwards, 2 D and 2 G under contract for a total 27.089 mil cap hit (that includes Rucchin’s buyout). So, as for D, you re-sign X and Hnidy (keep reading here), bring up Pop, Enstrom, Valabik, Oystrick in some combo of 3 and plan to go sign one more experienced D-man.

Forwards - you re-sign Dupuis, Sim, Larsen, Boulton, Belanger, MacKenzie, and Slater (think injury protection on those last two along with Hnidy) and plan for D-Mac to spend time again in Chicago. Krog and Haydar are up on the one-ways (although not prevented from a trip back down) plus we have Little. Bring up Haydar with him. You re-sign Kozzie but it’s gonna have to be at a $2 mil cap hit, however you work that out. I’m not dropping all the numbers in here but we are assuming nominal raises here and low starting salaries.

Now, you have about $3.3 mil under current cap space to sign afore-mentioned d-man plus the center we all long for and need. Good luck with that one. You can borrow some against the increase, but you have to leave pad. We’ll argue a $4 mill increase, borrow $2 mill, so $5.3 to go shopping with. A good defenseman we can have plus a good center - but there will be no SUPER center for that money. But a good one could be had. Could work.

Biggest problems - someone makes better offers to Kozzie (possible but at his age…not so sure, we might could win on years if DW will ride it out and front-load the money now and still get a $2 mil hit). Bigger problem…I’m factoring in X at $1.2 mill which is a helluva raise for him but I gotta think someone else will be willing to pay more for him and we can’t get into a bidding war with anyone and still get what we need. So cross fingers.

Biggest bonus could be if Rucchin just retires because then we get $6.7 mil to shop with and could take a run at a Comrie for $5 mill cap hit contract and a $1.7 mil defenseman. So call Guido to start doing some convincing. ;)

It isn’t going to be pretty, but it could all work out well. Given the right mindset, work ethic, and system, the team could do well with that roster.

By Sara

April 24, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Brian - about the $1 mil thing. Dupuis will likely be right at $1 mil (he made basically $800,000 this season). Slater too as his qualifier has to be at least $1 mil since he’s at $900k. But yeah definitely a lot of these kids are cheapies and that matters.

DW is going to HAVE to plan on putting a number of those kids into the line-up next season - the money isn’t there otherwise.

By Brendan

April 24, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

Okay, I’m groggy from a fine sleep after the Canucks game. Not the best time for me to make a post, but I’ll start with the 2nd round matchups. Remember, you get “rich” by doing the OPPOSITE of what I say. I bring my whopping 4-4 record to the table.

New Jersey (2) over Ottawa (4) in 7. Brodeur over Emery is the difference. By the way, this is a rematch of the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals, won by NJ late in Game Seven. Buffalo (1) over the Rangers (6) in six games. This series will be closer than most people think. But Buffalo wins on depth.

Anaheim (2) over Vancouver (3) in six games. Too much defense for the Ducks. I hope I’m wrong. I’d much rather see Vancouver win this series. I feel happy for Luongo. He stole Game One with something like 70 saves in that 4OT game. Turco has nothing to hang his head about. Allright, I like San Jose (5) over Detroit in six games. So, my final four is Buffalo, NJ, SJ, and Anaheim.

Polskidawg, I think Comrie’s got potential. He’s 25, costs $3.0 million, and has 262-points in 386 games. He’s “even” in his plus-minus rating for his career. In 17 playoff games, he’s 4G, 3A for seven-points and is a +3. He’s scored 20 or more goals in four of his six (4/6) seasons, and he’s had two (2) 30-goal campaigns. But would he accept $3.0 million? Gotta to be more than that. He could get priced out of our budget.

Anybody interested in Left Wing Jeff Friesen? He’s $1.6 million, but is unrestricted this Summer. Friesen was instrumental in the Devils 2003 Cup win. He’s 29 years old.

I looked at some D-men with a “passing fancy.” Do any of these guys grab you? T. Presissing, 27-years old, Ottawa, $600K, UFA this Summer. Steve Montador, 26 years old, Florida Panthers, $500K, RFA. Montador’s biggest achievement was helping Calgary reach the Cup Finals in 2007. Bryan Allen, $1.55M, RFA this Summer. A bit of a longshot there. Brad Lukowich, $1.0 million, 29 years old, UFA this Summer. Last played with NJ. And finally, Paul Martin, $2.0 million, RFA with the Devils. He’s 25 years old.

Anything worth pursuing? By the way, former Thrashers Vitaly Vishnevski, $1.55 million, is a UFA this Summer, if Don wanted him back. If he re-signs him, he can do a little victory dance, provided he also re-signs Belangers. He could say, “I rented Vish and still got Belanger.”

By B. Thenet

April 24, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

The 2008 Draft is supposed to be terrific, the Thrashers have too much money tied up in too few players to commit any sizeable chunk to a guy as old as Tkachuk, and he is too slow to be of much use with Ilya on a line long term.

While certainly not worth the price due to the short playoff run, Tkachuk gave us a couple of months of solid work and got us a division title. I certainly will give him a healthy cheer the next time he returns to Philips.

I advise anyone who thinks the Thrashers will get a premier UFA to give it up now….it is not going to happen. We have our big money players already, I doubt the Thrashers sign anyone for more than $3 million this offseason…which sort of sets me up for where I think Kozlov will be next year.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

B. Thenet - I think most people here are under the same logic that I am that the way we get the big money free agent up front is to give up Hossa, so with that said it is feasible. What people have to understand is that you can only have 2-3 of these guys on 1 team. We have Kovvy and Hossa. The centers that Brendan was mentioning like Comrie are not the “big money” free agents but can still fill that hole. Ditto for the d-man if we add one, it’s not going to be a $5mm+ player we add.

By Hip Czech

April 24, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I was looking for a good explanation of ‘Restricted Free Agent’…I guess this is the best one out there (from USA Today of all things).

Restricted free agents - Group II: Players who have been tendered a qualifying offer by their respective clubs are subject to draft choice compensation and right to match by their previous club. The draft choice compensation scale is based on compensation offered by the new club.

OFFER COMPENSATION $551,076 or below None

Over $551,076 - $757,729 Third-round choice

Over $757,729 - $895,498 Second-round choice

Over $895,498 - $1,102,152 First-round choice

Over $1,102,152 - $1,377,689 First-and third-round choices

Over $1,377,689 - $1,653,227 First-and second-round choices

Over $1,653,227 - $1,928,765 Two first-round choices

Over $1,928,765 - $2,342,071 Two first-round and one second-round choice

Over $2,342,071 Three first-round choices

Each additional $1,377,689 One additional first-round choice to a maximum of five

So it seems the first thing would be for Waddell to tender offers to our RFAs (X, McCarthy, et al)…then if another team beats that offer we have the opportunity to match it or receive compensation if we don’t.

nhlnumbers.com lists our RFAs as X, McCarthy, Slater, and Mackenzie.

I say sign X and possibly McCarthy, let the other 2 go. I love Slater’s hustle, but the guy has been given every chance to contribute and so far has not proven he can score.

By john

April 24, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

CRAIG can you list the players that are signed, RFA and URFA? I am not sure who is what so let me know please.

By B. Thenet

April 24, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Why on earth would you want to give up Hossa?

With Ilya and Hossa we have two solid top lines, and that is before we add anyone to them.

I think DW needs to focus on resigning Hossa at the start of training camp.

By Hip Czech

April 24, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

john, go to nhlnumbers.com….here is the list of UFAs:

Kozlov Tkachuk Sim Vigier Boulton Larsen Belanger Dupuis DeVries Sutton Hnidy

Plus the RFAs mentioned in my previous post

By polskidawg

April 24, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Brendan – thanks for your thoughts on Comrie. I’m still a bit iffy on him. He may be the recipient of unfair criticism – selfish, not a “team” player, slack defense. There is no denying his offense talent and that he could blossom with a linemate like Kovy.

I think a few of your suggestions on D-men are quite good – especially Priessing and Martin. I’d really like Hartley to work in at least 2 young guys (Oystrick & Pop?) to start the season and give them 25+ games. Keep X, Zhitnik, Havelid, then add Priessing/Martin with 2 young guys – 7 that would improve our defense speed at least.

Zhitnik/Martin – 25 mins. X/Preissing – 20 mins. Oystrick/Havelid – 15 mins. Pop – extra man

Preissing and Oystrick appear to have PP QB potential along with Zhitnik.

Of course, all of this would require Hartley to alter his style, which is not likely. Just fun to speculate on and play GM.

By Bob

April 24, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Brian, I think you’re conservative with what you’re paying the guys that need to be signed, I can’t see how we can do anything more than sign some plugins and still get to $40m, and our roster won’t be as good as next year.

We need Mr. Waddell to work some serious magic this summer.

What is up with Rob Shick last night (and his goofy partner in that game)? Ridiculous calls, they completely took over the game, let the freakin boys play and decide it themselves! EJ Hradek was beside himself on Sirius this morning and I totally agree with him.

2nd round picks (I like Russ’ picks, but we need to switch it up some so I’ll take the Rangers):

Rangers over Buffalo in 6.

Ottawa over New Jersey in 6.

San Jose over Detroit in 7.

Anaheim over Vancouver in 6.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Bob - things could be worse. We could have a self imposed cap of $40 million like Tampa Bay for next season. They are looking at spending half of their cap on their big 3 if that happens.

Keep in mind that the cap is going to rise again for next year, so it’s not going to be $44 million, but somewhere on the high end between $45 - $50 million. What I don’t understand is how Tampa Bay can claim they are losing $$ when they only spent the cap amount, had a couple of home playoff games and sold out every game this year.

By Matt H

April 24, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk topic- I liked his grit and character, but for the money he doesn’t bring enough to the table. The Thrashers need to be getting younger and faster. You can coach grit (or, at least, you should be able to).

Trading Hossa- I won’t lie, I’ve lost faith in him as far as playoffs are concerned. If he has been playing hurt, why hasn’t he come out and said it? Why hasn’t the team addressed it?

Consider the following statement: The Thrashers cannot achieve more success next season without trading for new players at key positions.

Pretty solid fact, right?

Well, who do we have to trade?

We have four players who could net us the talent we need: Kozlov, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen (maybe) and Hossa. If someone else were coaching the Thrashers, would I trade Marian Hossa for Chris Drury? You bet. Why? Drury’s got more grit, he’s a captain, he can score, he’s a center, he’s a proven playoff leader. How many birds is that with how many stones?

Look, I love Hoss. But he’s a playoff question more than an answer. So’s Kari. Both of them moreso than Kozlov and Kovalchuk. I think the Thrashers need more answers now, if they can get them. That’s not to say they necessarily can.

Tampa’s in the same bind. Jay Feaster p** away Freddy Modin, and now he’s either gotta accept the team will be one-and-done wonders for the next five years or move a big piece to be contenders again.

Four world-class players do not the playoffs win. A team does that. The right pieces in the right places.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Matt H - I agree on all points except that we don’t have Kozzy to trade, he is an UFA.

Although I agree that Lehts is more of a question than an answer, he still has time to develop. The Rangers was his first series ever in the NHL, Hossa has been in the battle of Ontario on numerous occasions and lost. I know, I know, it was the whole team that lost, but still…

By Bob

April 24, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Brian, we did have a self imposed cap of $40m this year, no? I just hope the Spirit win and spend that again this year.

By UpperDeck4Life

April 24, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Everyone is trying to figure out where the team payroll is going to come from to pay for players. My thought is that the team is going to get younger and there will be plenty of entry level contracts on the team next year. I could see Sterling and Stuart brought up to be on a scoring line and checking line respectively. Little is coming up to either center Kovy or Hossa. Has anyone else seen this kid’s stats this year? 57 GP 41 G 66 A 107 PTS +31 I honestly think he will be given every chance and then some to come up and center Kovy’s line rather than Hossa’s next year. I can see Belanger being resigned to a reasonably priced contract and paired with Hossa since they have already played together. That leaves 2 wings in the top 6 and Sterling will be given every chance to play on Hossa’s left of Kovy’s right. I personally wouldn’t mind seeing him play with Hossa and Belanger. Here is a thought though to play with Kovy and Little. I tried to find a forward who could be had for around 4-5 mil or less, is gritty, has some wheels, is solid both ways, and has a track record of scoring. The name I came up with….Jason Blake. I know Blake is a LW and shoots left, but maybe he could be moved over to the right side and be OK shooting left from over there as well. Heck Kovy is a LW that shoots right.

As far as the trade Hossa thing. It makes sense to free up money. But it makes no sense from a franchise standpoint. Trading Hossa for younger players and/or prospects sends a message of rebuilding and for a team that just made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history….that is not the message that it wants to send to it’s fans after all the waiting we have endured to get there.

By Matt H

April 24, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Brian- Yeah, Kozlov would have to be re-signed then traded. I think I stated in another post that I felt the Thrashers “offseason”, so to speak, will really extend well into January. With so many UFA’s, such a poor playoff showing, and ownership troubles, I think all the components from the top down are on probation until this club is winning in a consistent manner.

New talent coming in to flourish would be an incredible boost. But I really think, now that the playoffs are history, they need to look outside the organization to get one or two key leadership elements they need.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 24, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

When is Mellanby night?

Does number #19 go up to the rafters with our first SE Division Banner?

By Brian

April 24, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Bob - our cap hit this year was $43.6 million. We only had $383 thousand that we didn’t spend.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - I don’t think people think of Scott Mellanby when they hear Atlanta Thrashers. No disrespect, but I think you have to have a bigger and longer impact to get your number retired.

UpperDeck4Life - we’ve been preaching that all along. We are going to have a lot of resigned FA’s who are $1mm or less and then some callups.

By Tony H

April 24, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Matt H - I don’t think we need to spend much time thinking about Drury. Unless my memory fails me (which is quite possible), he and Hartley are not the best of buds.

I’m not at all sure that we can expect much activity in the FRA or UFA market until we find out from the courts who owns the team.

I still really like the idea of trying to strike a deal with the LA Kings.

By Matt H

April 24, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

I know. It seems like it would be a great trade, though! But, what do I know?

I think making a deal with the Kings is a good call too. I mean, maybe I’m wrong, maybe we don’t need to trade one of our big guys to get what we need.

I just can’t see how else it’ll happen.

By drew

April 24, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Does anyone see a spot on the roster for Haydar?

By drew

April 24, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

anyone see haydar in the line up next season?

By Legion of thrash

April 24, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

drew— NO!

By Tony H

April 24, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

drew - I don’t have any great knowledge about Haydar except what little I have seen and read. But, I don’t think that Wadell and Hartley see him as an NHL player. He has always done well in the minors but has never quite made it in the NHL and he’s been at it quite a few years now.

By Brendan

April 24, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Hipczech, Thank you. Thank you, thank you. I was just looking for that RFA compensation data last week, got distracted, and never found it. You’re timeliness is PERFECT.

Based on those numbers, Don Waddell gets a 2nd rounder for tendering a qualifying offer (About $850K) to McCarthy. He gets a 2nd or 3rd round for Exelby ($752K, I think is what’s required.) I would think Don Waddell makes a qualifying offer to “X” of $757,730, just to ensure the 2nd round pick as compensation, if outbid by another team. Slater’s qualifying offer will be right about $990K, good enough for a 1st round pick as compensation, if some other team shows interest enough to sign him. And MacKenzie, unfortunately, fetches nothing in a qualifying offer. So, I think we wave g’bye to him.

Slater has disappointed this season. If Don makes him the qualifying offer, I strongly suspect Slater will sign it. Well, that’s only good iffff Slater produces next season. If not, Don OVERPAID for him. An argument can be made that says this: Don’t tender Slater with a qualifying offer, instead let him become unrestricted, then sign him at $600-650K. Which is a paycut. Well, look at his numbers. Does he deserve a raise or a demotion? I think he’s gotta take the salary hit. I don’t think some other team will take Slater at $900K to $990K. If I’m wrong about that, then Don missed out on the chance to force some other team to cough up a 1st round pick, as compensation.

So, should Don play “Slater roulette?” Really think about it. There’s a lot at play. First, is he worth $990K next season? Couldn’t we find better in this price range? Or, do we think Slater is ready for a “break out” year, and we’d be wise to re-sign him, if for no other reason, than to ensure ourselves of a 1st round pick as compensation? And if Slater turns into a 20-goal scorer, then he’s priced about right at $990K. Not so easy of a decision to make, is it? There is a chance we still get him, just as a UFA, for a $300K pay cut. Even then, there’ll be those who just plain don’t want Slater back. Keeping Slater’s salary low also helps Don in a trade situation. Another GM won’t mind Slater as a “sweetener” for $660K, ya know? That’s not breaking anyone’s bank.

Okay, long post. Sorry. But I want to end with this. Belanger, Dupuis, and Hnidy should be the 1st three guys signed. None of these guys are breakin’ the bank. I know that I’ll take a spitload of heat for this, but I don’t think Kozlov is priority #1. I mean, it’s okay if there’s “dialogue” going on. I say let Don get the rest of the roster figured out, and thennnn … IFFFFFF there’s enough money, to go land Kozlov. I want Kozlov back. I do. But he can command upwards of $4 million. Unless we move Hossa, I can’t see there being enough moola left for that. And frankly, Kozlov should go get his market value. He’s earned it. If we can’t be that team, then let’s not be angry at him for pursuing his best options. He is 34, ya know. And not getting any younger. What if he goes “ice cold” in shootouts next year? What if he gets hurt? He’s at that age now. And in this year’s playoffs, he might not have even gotten a point, in four games. You want to go spend $4 million for a guy not to score? Again, I like Kozlov. For the right price, and duration (1-2 year deal), I’d like him back. I don’t want some 4 year/$16 million contract. This team needs to get younger and faster.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

drew - I don’t see him making it, especially when there are other younger guys who are going to be given more than their fair chance to make the team. I think McKenzie might still have a shot, but he will definitely be held on in Chicago if nothing else.

For all those calling for Krog, he is going to be 31 and if he hasn’t made it by now he won’t.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I think they might have plans for McKenzie. I don’t buy that they just brought him up during the playoffs for “an extra body at practice”. They wanted him to feel what it was like. He’s only 25. Maybe they know something we don’t. Either way, I just don’t buy that they gave up on him yet.

Can we get burned by playing the Slater roulette game? Oh yeah. How about this? Do we go out and bid on another team’s RFA knowing they are going to keep him but just to drive up their price? I don’t think so, but it can work out that way. One guy I would like them to bid on is Nathan Horton of the Panthers. I know we won’t win his rights (they will match), and I would gladly pay if we did, but if nothing else at least we can drive up their payment and lower their cap room…

By Brendan

April 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

I have to say “no” to Haydar. I suspect Krog may be moved as “sweetener” in an offseason deal, if there’s no way to pay him a minor league salary.

Matt H, the following utter HALLUCINATION is the best deal I see for Hossa. Don asks the Kings for Kopitar, Cammalleri (unsigned RFA) and Johnson, plus their 2nd round pick, #34 overall. That’ll get rejected. Don counter offers for Frolov, Cammalleri, and Johnson, and a 2nd round pick. That simmers for a while, but is rejected by LA. Then Don offers Hossa for the Kings’ #4 overall pick, their #34 overall pick, Jack Johnson and Michael Cammalleri. That probably gets accepted. Now the Kings have Hossa, Frolov, and Kopitar, which is really, really good. That’s 100 goals right there between those three players. Don only makes that deal if he’s found a suitor for the #4 overall pick, possibly Columbus. Columbus also has a lottery draft pick. So, this would be their chance to let their new GM pick TWICE in the top five. A pretty nice situation, really. But, Atlanta demands Gilbert Brule or Nicky Zherdev, or both, for that #4 pick. Pfft. Probably not both. Let’s say DW plucks Gilbert Brule, himself a former 6th overall pick, from 2005. Throw in two more players from their 2nd and 3rd lines, with some potential. That’s three (3) players for the #4 overall pick, via the L.A. Kings, for Hossa.

The net result is … Center Gilbert Brule (6th overall, 2005), plus two more from CBJ, and center Mike Cammalleri (49th overall, 2001, RFA this Summer) and blueliner Jack Johnson (3rd overall, 2005, 1st defenseman of his draft year,) and the 2nd round pick, #34 overall in 2007, for Hossa. I believe Columbus’ RW David Vyborny is 32, and a UFA this Summer. He could be part of a deal with Atlanta, if it snatched that lottery draft pick from the Kings. D-man Bryan Berard, 30-years old, hits the open market this Summer. Again, if these were “reasonable sign-n-trades” I could see Columbus moving them prior to July 1st, as sweeteners for a high 1st round pick. But, again … who wants 30-something year old players on Atlanta? Berard is “okay.” Just “okay.” And Vyborny, I don’t know too much about. But he’s 32, and probably will cost too much against our cap.

Pretty much, no matter what Waddell gets in return for Hossa, people won’t like it. They’ll say, “This is our Heatley substitute. He’s gotta stay, as a franchise player.” Well, he’s priced to stay one more year. That’s it, folks. After that, he’s gone, unless he takes a discount. Like 5 years/$40 million, cap hit $8.0-per-year. And he won’t need to. If the cap reaches $47.5M, as it’s been reported, Hossa gets the league maximum, $9.5 million. For markets where “talent, rather than wins” fills the stadium, Hossa’s an ideal fit. But you won’t see Buffalo go after Marian Hossa. Why not? Can’t roll four lines with that guy gobbling up cap room. It’s off the table.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I like your whole LA Kinds scenario, but I’m putting the kibosh right now on Berard. Tell me more about Brule.

By Bob

April 24, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

We only spent $43m this year because Waddell went wild at the deadline bringing in Tkachuk et al. And we were eating some Cap money this year from the bonuses Bondra earned last year.

I think we started out the year with a payroll of just under $40m, not counting the hit that we took because of Bondra.

I’d love to think that they’d raise the roof to $45m or so, that would put us in much better shape, I just don’t see them doing it seeing how they’re already losing money hand over fist with a $40m payroll two years in a row and nothing to show for it.

By Brian

April 24, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Bob - isn’t that why you leave some room and avoiding maxing out the cap, so if you have to make trades you have the room to do it? Don’t you think DW learned his lessons from the goalie injuries the year before? What if a few players go down at one position and we need to go get someone? You can’t do it if you max out your cap in Oct. I hope he doesn’t max out the cap this year either for that very reason. You need to have room just for the callups if they spend more time up here than expected.

As for Bondra, guess what, whether it was this year or last, it still counts against the cap and you’re not allowed to spend that money. So you can’t say that “we did have a self imposed cap of $40m this year“…

By Brendan

April 24, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Brian, Gilbert Brule had a terrible year for a top prospect, registering just 11 goals and 12 helpers for 23-points, and was -23 for the year. He makes $850K. He’d be an RFA in 2010. Taken 6th overall in 2005, much better was expected than this. He hails from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He’s just 20 years old. No one should be quitting on him just yet.

Nicholai Zherdev makes $2.5 million, and will make $3.25 next year. He’s an RFA in 2010.

David Vyborny, from Czech Republic, has six NHL seasons, including three (3) 20-goal campaigns. He makes $2.2M and will be a UFA in ‘09. Nearly a third of Vyborney’s 106 career goals have come on the Power Play (34). He’s 32 years old. He’s played in 477 games, 106G, 185A, 291-points. He is a -40 in his career, which was all with Columbus.

Michael Cammalleri has three (3) NHL seasons, 220 GP, 74G, 84A, for 158-points, and is a career -12. Last season, he scored 34 goals, with 46 helpers, for 80-points, in 81 games played. He’s from Ontario, Canada. He makes $1.7M. He’s had two (2) 25 goal campaigns. With 35 career PPG’s, almost HALF of his goals come on the Power play. Can Atlanta use this guy, or what? He’s an RFA this Summer. He went to college at Michigan. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs 185-pounds.

Alexander Frolov is from Moscow, Russia. He is 25 years old, makes $3.0 million, and will be a UFA in 2011. In 307 career games, he’s got 94 goals, 110 assists, for 204-points, including 20 Power Play goals. With three (3) 20 goal campaigns in the NHL, he is a find.

Anze Kopitar, a former Yugoslavia nati was a rookie this season, at 19 years old. He played in 72 games, with 20 goals and 41 assists, for 61-points, and was a -12. He makes $850K, and will be an RFA is 2010.

By B. Thenet

April 25, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this

Name the last NHL RFA signed away from their team by another…..

So on to the next topic.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 25, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Do you think Florida will retire Rat’s #?

By Brian

April 25, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

B. Thenet - maybe I’m misunderstanding but I don’t recall anyone state that we are going to win another team’s RFAs or that another team will take ours. Most of the talk hear is revolving around trades or UFAs.

By Brian

April 25, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Buzilla - I think they have moved on from that playoff run, it was only 1 big year if I recall correctly. I don’t think you’re going to see anyone retire his number. Think about it too, if we retired every number for a guy that made his contributions on every team they played on, how long would it be before we ran out of numbers? Number retiring has to be reserved for only the best of the best, or someone who had some other significance. In Buffalo, it is only the French Connection & Tim Horton. They put a big statue of Hasek in front of HSBC so maybe one day he will get his retired. With that said I only see Snyder’s retired in the short term, if Ilya or some other young guns live out their expectations, maybe them, but that is awhile down the road.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 25, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Rat does still hold most of the franchise numbers for the Panthers. And he was extremely popular player. Ken Danyeko #3 got retired for New Jersey. I loved the guy but I would hardly say he was “best of the best”. He was a really good stay at home d-man. [Little trivia for you guys. Ken Danyeko scored the first goal in NJ Devils playoff history] But he was beloved by the fans and teammates. (I’m sure it helped that he helped get them 3 rings) but the point is its not always the great players that get their numbers retired.

I agree that the Thrashers shouldn’t retire Rat’s number. I think we should honor him with a night at a home game though (Please bring rubber rats to chuck [chuk] on the ice)

But I don’t think it is out of the realm of possibilities that Florida retires #19.

Kovy’s # will be in the rafters someday. Along with Lehts I hope. That is if Hartley didn’t squash his confidence.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 25, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

oh..and if Hartley and Roy are so freakin tight…why hasn’t he come to a training camp to teach Lehts some stuff? Why isn’t he an assistant coach? I know Roy is coaching in some small po-dunk team in Canada.

Give a job Waddell

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 25, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

and I disagree with retiring Snider’s number. Having him as the first number to be retired doesn’t set a very good tone for the future in my humble opinion.

By Matt H

April 25, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

See Brendan, that’s why you make the big bucks. My mind for math is not very adept. But I like to think I have a decent eye for team chemistry, and I just don’t see our guys accomplishing much next season without at least one big shakeup.

By ZAvalanche

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

NJ retired Ken Danyeko’s number!!?? I am not so sure that he is “Number Retiring” quality in my mind. As far as I am concerned, the thrashers dont need to be puting anybodys number in the rafters.

Round 2 series predictions: Sharks over the Wings, 5 games. Buffalo over the Rangers in 6 (Lundqvist is on a tear, as we saw…). Anaheim over Vancouver, 5 games. NJ over Ottawa, 7 games.

By Lee

April 25, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Everybody, Hossa isn’t going anywhere, and he shouldn’t. He is the best player we have. I think it is kind of a rule of thumb that you don’t trade your best player, isn’t it? And you guys are spending so much time griping about how he didn’t show up in the playoffs, but then you talk about why we need Kozlov back. KOZZIE DIDN’T DO SQUAT IN THE PLAYOFFS EITHER!!! NOBODY DID!! So quit throwing out terrible Hossa trade scenarios, it should not and will not happen.

Also, what should we expect ouut if Bryan Little? And when should he be in Atlanta?

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Matt H, I agree. There needs to be a “youth movement.” The trouble, as I see it, is that casual fans now expect there to be a slew of playoff appearances, believing that the team is now very close to reaching the Conference Finals, and possibly winning it.

Such fans wouldn’t begin to understand why an essential piece like Hossa were being traded? They would be VERY UPSET and think that the team was now “getting cheap” as some form of backlash against being swept in the playoffs. Or, that the ownership is OVERREACTING to the 1st round exit.

Perhaps they think that our “growing pains” are over. And that our years of investment in this team, via finishing in the bottom third of the conference from 1999 to 2006, are now bearing fruit, with a farm system stocked to the roof. I don’t expect a “casual fan” to know this roster, top to bottom, much less what they make, where they’re from, when their contract runs out, what year they were drafted, or their RFA or UFA status, etc. Chances are, a “casual fan” couldn’t name any player drafted from 2004. I’m not SLAMMING them. There’s nothing wrong with being a casual fan. And if someone implies that there is something wrong with it, tell them to try pulling their lower lip over their head, and swallow.

I’m jus’ saying that casual fans may be operating in the mindset that, “We took our lumps like an expansion team should, but now we’re good to roll for the next few seasons.” Ummn, yeah.

Now, that’s not this message board. This message board is largely filled with die-hard fans, many of whom have been here since Day One, and are extremely knowledgeable about the cap, contracts, draft picks from 1999-2006, and trades Don has made. They’ve not forgotten that we got Belanger for Vishnevski. A casual fan doesn’t care how we got Belanger, or what his contractual status is. Such a fan just knows Belanger helped us make the playoffs, and assumes he’ll still be here next season. I hope the casual fans are right. But I suspect that a casual fan would be shocked to learn that only 8-9 players on the roster are signed for next season. Now, this doesn’t mean anyone should go push the “panic” button. But it does mean that Don should act quickly to lock up his “inexpensive depth” for next season, before the price gets higher. What’s the WORST that can happen? If Don then has to move some of his inexpensive depth, as “sweeteners” in some trade, they’ll be affordably priced for the other GM. In other words, we won’t be “stuck” with them. Keeping Dupuis, Belanger, Sim, Hnidy, Exelby, Larsen, and McCarthy are probably pretty good moves. Especially if Don really is trying to re-sign Kozlov. Sorry for beating the dead horse.

By B. Thenet

April 25, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Ken Daneyko was a career New Jersey Devil, from 1983-retirement. In addition he was very close friends with the former owner, and lived in NJ year round opening up a restaurant.

It wasn’t just for his skill that he got his number retired.

By Rawhide

April 25, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Just checkin’ in,….

Nice discussion on cap money, available players, at. al. My only input is that we get 2 top flight blueliners,….and then another center to replace Mel. keeping Duprius and Belanger would be a plus.

Fill out the rest of the roster with young talent. I’ll let the BRIANS and BRENDANS of the site deal with “the numbers” :o)

Hossa stays,….has to. The post-season was a disappointment, but that’s no reason to ditch a 100 point star.

ZAv - I agree with your prediction of Sharks over Wings, (although I say in 6).

I’m still saying Ducks vs. Sabres in the finals.

keep up the good discussion guys…

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

In 1991, the Quebec Nordiques were in shambles. Their best player was regarded to be their 1st round pick: Eric Lindros. To trade him would be utter folly, right? He was a “Can’t miss” prospect, occasionally likened to various Hall of Famers. Well, Lindros refused to play in “La Belle Province,” and was moved for Peter Forsberg, Steve Duschene, Kerry Huffman, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, and the Flyer’s 1st round picks in 1993 and 1994, plus $15 million in cash.

Those moves alone would have been “acceptable” for the Nordiques. But Quebec parlayed S. Duschene, via many trades, into Claude LeMieux and Uwe Krupp. Mike Ricci was moved to San Jose for Alex Tanguay. Ron Hextall was moved for Adam Deadmarsh, and later Rob Blake. Chris Simon was moved for Sjohn Podein and Scott Parker. And the 1st round pick of 1993, Jocelyn Thibault, was moved to Montreal for Patrick Roy. The ‘94 pick was moved for Nolan Baumgartner.

So, what’s the lesson? Well, only trade your best player (Hossa) if you get a “windfall” like this in return. That’s called, “managing.” If the Thrashers actually got the Kings to cough up Kopitar, Frolov, Cammalleri, Johnson, and that #34 pick in this Summer’s draft, I’d say Don did very well in “managing his roster.” Especially for a player he probably can’t keep beyond next season, without a discount. Now, if Hossa agreed to some 6-year/$42 million (cap hit 7.0 million) deal, take it! Take it! Even if you want to trade him later on, at that price, he’s priced to move.

By Brian

April 25, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Lee & Brendan - I’ll just throw this out there. The Edmonton Oilers traded the best player in history and won the Cup the following year without him…

Buzilla - I clearly stated that “Number retiring has to be reserved for only the best of the best, or someone who had some other significance.” Again, I go to my example of the Sabres, they retired the numbers of the French Connection & Tim Horton. Not that the 2 had equal numbers…

With that said I threw out the example of Dan Snyder as someone who might have significance other than the “best of the best” quality. In Buffalo Rob Ray is as popular as Pat Lafontaine, please don’t compare the two statistically though. I still think Kovy’s number will be up there one day.

Rawhide - I thought there were 4 series? Where are the rest of your predictions? And where were your first round predictions. Sorry man, I have to give you a hard time…

By Brian

April 25, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Hey Brendan - I just have to throw this out there. You were talking about the casual fans that we picked up with this division crown. I think I have proof that you are right. I just went to the Thrashers homepage on the AJC in a long time and they have a poll up as to who is the #1 priority to be resigned. Keith Tkachuk has 21% of the votes right now. How can that be?!?!?!

Ok, maybe you don’t have to be a casual fan to think he is a big force in the middle on the #1 line, but still, do they really think he is worth it and that it is what is best for the team at that asking price (salary + #1 pick)? Does he even want to be here after that playoff series?

By Rawhide

April 25, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

BRIAN - As for the current series:

Sharks over Wings in 6 Sabers over NYR in 6 Ducks over Vancouver in 6, (5 if the Canucks can’t muster up more offence). Ottawa over NJ in 7, (my upset special).

As for the first round I had:

ATL over NYR in 5, (ouch). Buffalo over NYI in 4 Vancouver over Dallas in 6 Ducks over Wild in 5 Wings over Flames in 6 Ottawa over Pittsburgh in 7 NJ over TB in 6 Preds over Sharks in 7

6 outa 8,…3 on the nose. Not bad.

By Rawhide

April 25, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Oh,…and for what it’s worth,….

I would love to see KT back in Blueland, but he would eat up too much cap money, keeping us from addressing the blueline. That is where we need to get things done first.

If our top two centers are Belanger and Holik, great,…then pick up a decent #3,…..open the 4th center spot up to whomever earns it from Chicago during the preseason.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 25, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I hate to burst your bubble, but Hossa is not going anywhere. End Of Story.

I got: VAN over ANA in 7. SJ over DET in 6.(And we all rag on Pucks N Snot). OTT over NJ in 7.(Heatley plays major role). BUFF over NYR in 6. (And we all feel a little better seeing the Rangers get taken down).

By Wayne Gretzky

April 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Brian— you are kidding when you infer to the Oilers that won the cup after the Gretzky trade in comparison to The Thrashers? That has to be a joke.

By Brian

April 25, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

To whoever called themself Wayne Gretzky - the analogy was not that the 2007 Thrashers are similar to the 1989 Oilers. The analogy was that any player can get traded and the team that gives up that player can still have a great year. As for right now, the only thing that will convince me that Hossa isn’t getting traded if he is still in a Thrashers uniform after next season’s trading deadline. Thus, nothing can convince me otherwise right now. I don’t even buy the statement by DW that BH is our man at the helm going into next season. What else is DW going to say at this point even if he is looking at someone else? If BH is our man why doesn’t he have a new contract yet? Too much time to negotiate at this point? Maybe, but until the dotted line is signed…

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Wayne Gretzky, Brian would have to “imply” for you to “infer.” Brian did not imply. He cited a “for instance” rather than a set of analogies comparing the Thrashers to the Oilers. I’m reasonably certain Brian didn’t “imply” such a set of circumstances ever existed (between said Oilers and our 2007 Thrashers).

By Legion of thrash

April 25, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

The only way Hossa gets traded would be at the deadline next season, which means that the thrashers would be looking at missing the playoffs by alot. Even then I see Holik getting traded before Hossa. Wadell stated in his end of the season statement that Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, and Hossa are the cornerstones of this franchise. The trading Hossa scenarios are frankly getting old. There are other things concerning our thrashers to discuss. Hossa is a thrasher and will remain a thrasher!

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Just a few years back, the Senators moved some big names, including Yashin, for the #2 overall pick in the draft, Jason Spezza. It worked out for them, amid cries that trading their “franchise player” was organizational suicide. They wound up being the #1 seed in the East, lead the East in GF and GA, and were at or near the top of the league in PP percentage and PK percentage. What if GM Muckler had listened to those who said, “You can’t move Yashin! Are you nuts?”

That said, I suspect Hossa will not be traded. Don Waddell is going to ride him right ‘til the end, like Savard. I’m not saying that trading Hossa is a mistake. Trading Hossa could be fantastic, depending on the return. That return must include young, fast, smooth skating players and prospects. And at least one of those players or prospects must be a high profile defenseman. Zhitnik needs help.

Here’s why I think Hossa stays. Sigh. This team is in the midst of a custody fight. It needs all the revenue it can get. It needs a “perception of continuity” for its fan base and investors alike. This team is just coming off a division title and a playoff berth, led by Hossa. Most goals: 43. Most points: 100, I think. Maybe more. To trade him sends a “confusing message” to the fanbase, who sees Hossa as a “staple” of the coming years.

Uhh, don’t be too sure of that. Without a deviation of a standing and publicly stated non-negotiation policy by the current GM, Hossa won’t be offered a contract during the season or get re-signed until the Summer of 2008. And it might not be the Atlanta Thrashers that signs him. Though, if Don is “thinking about renewing Hossa,” he ought to break his own policy and “get ‘er done” as soon as the CBA permits it to be attempted.

I suspect that season tickets are being renewed because of Hossa … and Kovalchuk. Hossa is a big part of the PR and advertising of this club. To bring in Kopitar, Cammalleri, Johnson, and Frolov is a great, from a “hockey perspective,” but these players are unknown to the greater Atlanta masses. None of those guys are on AirTran billboards off I-85, I-75, or anywhere on I-285. (Then again, neither is Hossa, right? It’s just Kovy and Lehtonen on them.)

But I feel that Waddell has successfully sold Atlanta on Hossa as the Heatley substitute. Many fans think Hossa is an improvement over Heatley. Then they’ll say, “Would Don ever trade Heatley?” outside of the mitigating circumstances of his trade to Ottawa. (Car accident/Snyder tragedy.) Probably not. But it’s hard to say, definitively.

Folks, this is what we’ve all got to realize: We’re in an era of salary cap. The days of holding on to players until they’re no longer viable or desireable … IS GONE. Every team in this league, at some point, is going to watch a healthy, capable, well-liked player … walk out the door. That’s just how it is. It’s about “managing your roster.”

There are those out there, right now, I assure you, who think that if this team could just be report in October, AS IS … that the Thrashers would be headed back to the playoffs, repeat as division champions, and perhaps go to the Conference Finals.

Uhh, do any of you think that’s gonna happen? Don only paid a “fraction” of the salaries of Dupuis, Belanger, Tkachuk, and Zhitnik. He didn’t swallow the whole enchilada. This team, as it, would be OVER the salary cap, for the whole season. And that’s before you “renegotiate” any of these players contracts … for MORE MONEY. Sorry. But there it is.

That’s precisely why people, several people I might add, are talking about a prospective Hossa trade … a trade that may never materialize. And if it doesn’t happen, and the Thrashers should falter … NO ONE, and I do mean NO ONE can say that Don Waddell didn’t have options during this offseason … in managing his roster. That said, things could still work out fairly well next season with Hossa on the roster. Maybe some other player gets traded? Shrugs. Who knows. The FBI won’t tap Don’s phone for me. They need evidence of a crime, or at least “reasonable suspicion” enough for a Federal Magistrate to agree that suspicion is warranted. Say what you will about Don Waddell’s managerial accumen, you cannot call it “criminal.” It lacks the requisite “intent” to violate some statute of law.

And in case anyone forgot, it’s not against the law to be stupid or make bad decisions, iffff you’re thinking along those lines. If anything, Don’s improved up to #17, overall, among GM’s in this league. Sorry for another long post.

By ZAvalanche

April 25, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

We can all speculate on DW’s actions over the off season, but i sure hope he is figuring out how to ditch Rucchin’s obligated $$. That would be a HUGE asset in our dealings this summer, of course. I am not a 100% knowledgeable with the CBA so can anybody answer me this: what is the max percentage a player can make under the new CBA? I think it is 20% of total cap, so that would be 9.3Mil. Anybody know if this is correct?

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

ZAvalanche, the current maximum salary is $8.8 million. That’s 20% of the cap limit, $44.0 million. I read, in numerous websites, that the cap will rise to $47.5 million. That’s still unconfirmed. If that figure of $47.5 million is correct, then the MAXIMUM SALARY permissible would be $9.5 million.

You’ll become more and more familiar with this figure when Marian Hossa’s contract is signed, by whichever team signs him, in the Summer of 2008.

Marcel Hossa, Marian’s brother, just scored for the NY Rangers. Sabres lead, 3-1, with 9:16 left in the 3rd period.

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

ZAvalanche, the current maximum salary is $8.8 million. That’s 20% of the cap limit, $44.0 million. I read, in numerous websites, that the cap will rise to $47.5 million. That’s still unconfirmed. If that figure of $47.5 million is correct, then the MAXIMUM SALARY permissible would be $9.5 million.

You’ll become more and more familiar with this figure when Marian Hossa’s contract is signed, by whichever team signs him.

Marcel Hossa, Marian’s brother, just scored for the NY Rangers. Sabres lead, 3-1, with 9:16 left in the 3rd period.

By Lee

April 25, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Brian, I know you were just throwing that out there, but weren’t those circumstances slightly different? And I honestly do not think we win the division next year without Hoss

By Brian

April 25, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Just watched a great Buffalo team, I would be surprised if they don’t take the Cup this year (yes, I’m biased).

Brendan - I respectfully disagree with your Alexi Yashin reference. Here’s why: Yashin was already sitting out the entire season and in Switzerland with his supermodel girlfriend (who was that again?) when the Sens traded him.

Don’t you remember that? They HAD to trade him at that point. What are you going to do, let him sit in Europe another year and not get anything at all or pull off the deal of the year? (it was the deal of the year btw) Not only did Yashin sit out the season, but they also had the history with Alexander Daigle (previous year’s #1 overall pick) who they gave too much too soon to and didn’t want to repeat that mistake. Talk about a gun to your head for a GM!

The Thrashers are in no such situation with Hossa. No one is sitting out the season, there is no history of the superstar #1 pick causing a contract hemorage like the Sens had with Yashin & Daigle. Just as a sidenote the Islanders traded Peca to free up room for Yashin and it was Peca who sat out a whole year from Buffalo in a contract battle.

With all that being said I will not complain about Hossa being traded, especially if he pulls off a coup like you described with the Kings. I’m just disagreeing with the Yashin reference…

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I made two mistakes in previous posts. First, Steve Montador played for Calgary in 2004, not 2007. Second, Columbus will not draft in the top five. They will instead draft from the 7th spot. Still, any team would want two selections in the top seven.

Here is the top 10 draft order. (1) Chicago, (2) Philly, (3) Phoenix, (4) L.A. Kings, (5) Washington, (6) Edmonton, (7) Columbus, (8) Boston, (9) St. Louis, and (10) Florida.

In 2006, the Blues drafted Erik Johnson, defenseman, 6’4” and 220 lbs., with the 1st overall selection. I think the Blues still have Barret Jackman, former 2003 Rookie of the Year, and Eric Brewer on Defense. With Keith Tkachuk probably coming back to the Blues, I wonder if KT tries to convince the St. Louis GM to swap their #9 pick this Summer and Erik Johnson for Marian Hossa? Allright. Wayyy too much speculation. KT isn’t signed by anyone yet. And a #9 pick is hardly can’t miss territory. And Erik Johnson is still an “unknown commodity,” even if he was a 1st overall selection. Mea culpa.

By Brendan

April 25, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

You may be right, Brian. But I swear I remember Yashin coming back in 2001 from that suspension in 1999-2000. I thought that trade of Yashin to the NY Islanders for Chara and the Isles’ #2 overall pick (Spezza) in 2001 was after Yashin played in the 2001 season (for Ottawa)? I thought that was a 2001 DRAFT DAY deal? I could be wrong though. My memory of it is “hazy.” You very well may be right. Wasn’t Alexandre Daigle drafted in the early 90’s? I wanna say 1992 or 1993? If so, Brian, then a good amount of time had passed (1993 to 2001) since that flop of a 1st overall pick. I don’t think it was the previous year. Unless you meant that Yashin was drafted the year prior to Daigle, and the Sens’ fans didn’t want to see both former high 1st round picks utterly flushed down the porcelain. But I don’t want to split hairs, your point is made. We’re in no contract dispute with Hossa. Point of fact, Hossa’s salary, this season, exceeds his cap hit. So, it’s a bit of a “savings.”

Now, I grant you that Hossa isn’t a wasted draft pick. But he is our substitute for the #2 pick, overall, from 2000 (Heatley). And Patrik Stefan does not enjoy the same status as a former 1st overall, like say … Thornton, Lecavalier, Kovy or Nash do. In a way, people might argue, “If you move Hossa, without the “windfall” in return, then your organization has nothing to show for the 1st overall pick from 1999 and the 2nd overall pick from 2000.” Then they’d argue, “You wasted your team’s precious first few drafts. Those were SUPPOSED to be your “foundation” pieces. All the more reason to hang on to Hossa, some might say.

I’d say … “look at the BIG PICTURE.” Hossa is what, 29? His prime years are still ahead of him. But, if we got four “sensational” young prospects, 25-years old and younger, many of which are “affordably priced” and under contract through 2010 or 2011, I’d say it’s too much to pass up. Make the deal. As “unpopular” as that is, make the deal. It wouldn’t take long for Kopitar, Cammalleri, Johnson, and Frolov to make fans in Atlanta. That said, I think Dean Lombardi, Kings’ GM, would be out of his mind to make this deal. He enjoys a bit of a legacy as the guy who built the San Jose Sharks. And who is now re-shaping the L.A. Kings for good years ahead. Though, it must be said that Dave Taylor, Kings GM from 1997-2006, did draft Olli Jokinen, Joe Corvo, Matthieu Biron, Frantisek Kabele, Alexander Frolov, Andreas Lilja, Lubomir Vishnovsky, (who everyone confuses with Vitaly Vishnevski,) Mike Cammalleri, Dustin Brown, Jeff Tambellini, and Anze Kopitar. Not exactly a “bad crop” of draft picks.

By Boulton's Bruisers

April 26, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Sheesh, you are STILL talking about trading Hossa? Let’s talk about something else, please. Hossa is here to stay, at least until his contract runs out. We need to concentrate on getting Kozzy re-signed, dumping Rucchin (and possibly Holik), and getting our cheap $$ guys all signed up.

By Brian

April 26, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I think between the two of us we can do some patchwork and get the complete scenario. Now that you say it, Yashin did come back for one year, but I think he was still demanding the high contract. He was drafted the year after Daigle, but remember, Daigle wasn’t a bust in year 1, he was a bust a few years down the road which would bring him closer to the late 90’s. Daigle was the overall #1, Yashin the overall #2 the following year, so they were right next to each other.

Sometimes I get the Yashin & Peca situations confused because their scenarios were so similar and obviously I had close ties to the Peca story. But yes, I think Peca sat on his own (well, refused to sign a contract) for a year, Yashin was suspended for the year.

As for Hossa being that “foundation piece” - Heatley was the true draft pick, Hossa was traded for him. Thus, it would be much harder to get rid of Heatley whereas Hossa is “once removed” and easier to trade away from a franchise standpoint. No way you trade Kovy though given that argument.

Boulton’s Bruisers - I agree with you on all your points, but you can’t deny that Hossa leaving is a possibility this year and almost a given next year. Thus, it demands to be discussed…

By Matt H

April 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I’m just trying to do a post-mortem on the team, and starting with its best player. It’s like playing a game of Tetris which features one piece that fills about half the screen. Gotta see where he belongs before we put the rest of the pieces in place.

I’m just no longer convinced it’s best for everyone involved (fans included, casual or not), that Hossa remains a Thrasher. Before the playoffs, I certainly was…

In other news, it sure was a great feeling to watch the Buffalo Sabres beat the snot out of the Rangers last night. Right now, I’d have to say a Sabres/Ducks Cup matchup is imminent. But the Sens and Sharks have also both looked very convincing. I think whomever wins game 1 in all these series will win out overall, with the possible exception of the OTT/NJ series…

By Legion of thrash

April 26, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the Boston Bruins a few years ago trading their best player, because the GM felt he couldn’t get them over the top, thats right Joe Thornton. Look where that got them. HOSSA IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

By wh

April 26, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I wanted to check back in because of all the hand wringing over the cap and Hossa. I was thinking about this for a few days, every quality team in the league has at least 2 - if not 3 guys that are getting max or near max $ - Detroit just found a way to give Zederberg 7M per while paying Lidstrom big $. Anaheim - Niedermeyer, JS and Pronger … there are many other examples but this is enough to make my point. Thrashers have 2 highly paid stars - Hossa and Kovalchuk, like many other teams. The problem is not them getting paid, it is the $ paid to others. I understand that cap space is a concern - Maybe instead of consideration for trading next years captain and best player in Hossa - A more radical approach would be to package well paid middle of the road talent with draft picks as incentive to take these cap killers off the books. Thrashers are not drafting in a position to have a guy step in and contribute in 1-2 years. In this way the roster could be retooled with solid players while maintaining the primary talent on the roster. Everyone BUT Hossa and Kovalchuk should be in play. These are irreplaceable parts. Ideally their will be an infusion of blood from CHI but from all I have read the farm is not bursting w/ talent.

By wh

April 26, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - re: Roy. Roy is the owner/coach of the Junior team he played for and has led them to a memorial cup trophy, extremely important and prestigious in Canada. Plus, they draw 8,000 per night - not announced 8,000 - actual people. He is a french canadian guy living in the province he was born in and loves. Why would he want to come to ATL?

By wh

April 26, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

sorry Roy did not play for the Ramperts - did play QMJHL league

By Tony H

April 26, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

WH - Your comments are accurate regarding teams having two or three highly paid stars. Unfortunately, your comments regarding the trading of mid-range players is a little off in my opinion.

We don’t really have any that we could trade. Holik? Who wants him and his 4.5 Mil price tag? Rucchin? Who else do we have under contract that fits that mold?

The talk about Hossa is kind of meaningless speculation at this point. He is only under contract for one year and, unless he signs an extension, he will be gone after the coming year. I think Wadell(unfortunately) needs to start the picture with him. Now, not later. See if he is willing to sign an extension. If not, then we have to shop him to get some value. If he will sign, then we start building around him and Kovy.

By wh

April 26, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Tony - Holik is a perfect example - package him with the ATL first rounder as incentive for a team that feels it is close with a valuble role player - frees up 4.5M that can be far better utilized - this buys 3 players. Ruccin - hope for insurance buyout appears to be the only strategy w/ him. I do not know what other Thrasher “assets” are under contract - Zhitnik? I do think that dangling the draft choice with the player would get some action. If Hossa doesn’t sign than he will be gone at the deadline with high value package returning. I wouldn’t see him leaving if $ are fair market value - Remember there are not a lot of other teams that can plug his $ in seemlessly.

By Tony H

April 26, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

WH - I understand your logic and would be quite pleased if our illustrious gm could pull it off. Unfortunately, I don’t think we have a first round pick this coming year. I think it went away with the Tkachuk deal. There really aren’t any other mid-range players under contract to dangle I don’t believe.

By Brendan

April 26, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers do not draft this year until the 3rd round (via NY Rangers for Alex Bourret). We have no 1st round pick with which to dangle. Now, that can change if Don Waddell makes qualifying offers to McCarthy, Exelby, and Slater, and they (all three) get signed by other teams. Then the Thrashers get two 2nd rouders, and one 1st rounder. But, realistically, that won’t happen. Once those guys get tendered offers, they will either (1) sign them or (2) request arbitration. If they don’t get qualifying offers, they become UNRESTRICTED and can sign with anyone, including the Thrashers, possibly at a discount. Slater, I’m looking at you!! I think Exelby will be re-signed by Waddell. He’s one of Don’s draft picks. Considering that Hartley won’t play McCarthy, there’s no point to Waddell signing him, unless it’s to get compensation or to trade him. Either of which would be “good options.” Of course, silly me, “I’d like to KEEP him!” And maybe dump Hartley. Someone has to cultivate this young talent.

The other possibility is that Slater, McCarthy and Exelby will be traded in various deals for either (1) players or (2) draft picks.

By Tony H

April 26, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I keep reading about other teams signing players and yet here we sit. Also, curious to me that although Wadell says Hartley is coming back there has been no announcement. I wonder if the lawsuit has something to do with that. I am in total agreement about keeping McCarthy but only if he is going to have the opportunity to play. I’d rather keep him and let Hartley go personally. What are your thoughts on trying to sign Hossa to an extension now instead of waiting?

By wh

April 26, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

I thought Slater would be a good player. So far I was mistaken - to me he doesn’t offer all that much - dude has stone hands. He should go and thrash can gamble elsewhere. X will stay because he showed strong improvement and should come pretty cheaply - if not he will have to walk. Hartley may have no choice but to play McCarthy if the AHL D prospects are not ready. Where is all the other cash tied up outside of Hossa, Ilya, and Holik - who continues his financially crippling legacy? Havelid and Zhitnik?

By Brendan

April 26, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash, the lesson of the Eric Lindros trade is to get a “windfall of talent” in return. In the Thornton trade you mentioned, the return was Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau, and Brad Stuart. If the return had been Marcel Goc, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Patrick Marleau, everyone would think the Bruins were geniuses for moving Thornton. Again, they got Sturm, Primeau and Stuart. Not exactly the “windfall” for which one might hope.

But there’s another point in your reference to be made. The Bruins “coaching” and “team philosophy” was off, so it all got blamed in Thornton. I’m willing to entertain that very notion is currently happening in Atlanta. Our team strategy or philosophy may be wrong. And Hossa may be being blamed for it. I’m “open” to that as a possiblity and reason to keep him.

In other words, bring in a coach to work with young guys and cultivate them. The GM then brings in younger and faster players in this offseason. Then maybe Hossa shines in next year’s playoffs, as the team tends to roll more lines more often, with a “balanced” scoring attack. As it is now, other teams “shut down guys” just focus on Hossa and Kovalchuk. And that’s fine, provided Kozlov, Belanger, Dupuis, Sim, Holik, Larsen and KT all consistently score. But if they don’t, it doesn’t work. And guys like Hossa wind up taking the blame.

Look at Buffalo. That’s the way to go. Four lines. Youth, speed, and skill.

By wh

April 26, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

The downside to NHL cap is that is is average salary of the length of the deal so player can’t structure a cap friendly deal ie: 4 years at escalating with extra year at max dollars to provide immediate relief vs.3 years at Max or something similar FYI - Bourret is +4 with 8 points in 4 AHL playoff games (tied for lead) after pretty solid AHL year.

By wh

April 26, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

The Lindros deal was a historical bad deal - like the Hershel Walker trade and 3 cowboy superbowls. Somewhere in between Lindros and Thorton is the more like outcome

By wh

April 26, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Also w/ Buffalo - how many forwards will be back - Briere, Drury and I think Afinogenov are all free agents

By Brendan

April 26, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

WH, Slater has wheels. But he can’t seem to finish. It was utterly disappointing for him. He knows he can do better. Slater is a former 1st round draft pick, taken 30th overall, in 2002.

Tony H, I’ve been calling for Don to restructure Hossa’s contract since December, little realizing there are provisions, apparently, against that. I can’t say, definitively, when a contract can be renegotiated. But I keep “hearing” that it’s January 1st of the year it expires. IFFFFF that’s true, I think Waddell should try to offer 5 years/$40 million and see if Hossa would take that, at the first possible opportunity to present it. That’s “reasonable” on all sides. Hossa remains “priced to move” should things fall apart, while Atlanta is given a savings of $1.5 million in “cap space” to go sign Hossa some help for his line.

That said, Hossa can, and probably will, get the league maximum in the Summer of 2008. If the 2008-09 cap is still $47.5 million, which is the unconfirmed, rumored Cap for the 2007-08 season, the league MAX will be $9.5 million, or 20% of the cap. Now, if the cap rises again for the 2008-09 season, Hossa might be the 1st contract of the POST LOCKOUT to reach $10 million, a figure that most GM’s denied that the NHL would ever see again, under the new CBA.

Pfft. See, these guys never learn. They overspend. And GM’s like Doug MacLean, formerly of the Columbus Blue Jackets, were the ones who did it, by offering a 3rd year player like Rick Nash a 5-year/$27.5 million deal. He opened floodgates. It drove all other contracts up. To the point where TB GM, Jay Feaster, winds up having to give Brad Richards $7.8 million, the league max, to keep him, last season.

Some GM will give Hossa the maximum amount. You’re allowed to be OVER the cap during the offseason, so long as you get UNDER it by Opening Night. This is what Lou Lamoriello did last year. A GM “manages.” Let’s say some team like Detroit targeted Hossa in 2008. Well, obviously they don’t have cap room. They can still sign him and then either trade him or trade the players they’ve got to make room for him. The Washington Capitals, last season, flirted with the “floor” of the CBA, $28.0 million. Every team MUST SPEND at least this much. A team like that … could easily add Hossa at $8-10 million, and be well under the cap. With 30 teams in the NHL, Hossa’s bound to find “someone” who will pay him his fair market value. I just hope it’s not a Southeast Division team like Washington!! We’d see him 8X a year!!

Don should try to re-sign Hossa as soon as its permissible by the terms of the CBA. If he cannot come to terms with Hossa, then it’s going to depend on how well the season is going as to what he does with him. If it appears the team is outside of the playoffs, he’ll sell him off right around February 15, 2008, to the highest bidder. Unless he thinks someone will go higher right on the day of the trade deadline. I suspect Don could pluck a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick among the spoils. Maybe even two 1st round picks and two second round picks, the latter of which being “conditional” to that team re-signing him during the offseason.

In other words, if the team that “rents” Hossa re-signs him for the next year, Atlanta would get another 1st and 2nd round pick from that team.

Now, if the Thrashers are right in the “thick” of the division title and the playoff hunt, he’ll just ride out the season with Hossa and hope like heck the owners, whoever they might be, will allow him to go spend the league max to keep him here in Atlanta. If not, he’s lost for nothing, just like Marc Savard was and Andy Sutton and probably Slava Kozlov are.

Option #3 is … what we’ve just discussed. Trade Hossa now, provided Don gets the “windfall” of talent in return. And not sayyy, what Boston got for Thornton.

By Brendan

April 26, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

WH, this is the price of success. I think, last year, the Sabres’ payroll was $28-$29 million. They came in at around $41-$42 million this year, just to re-sign what they had, and go get what they lost. Who’d they lose? Brian or Ryan, I bet you know. Guessing, I think they lost Grier to San Jose and McKee to St. Louis. I know they picked up … what’s his face … from Edmonton, when they went to the Cup. Jaroslav Spacek! That’s it. He was like 3-years /$10 million. Who else did Buffalo get in the offseason? Can’t remember. They added D. Zubrus at the trade deadline, but lost Goaltender Martin Biron. But in the process, gained the Flyers #32 pick, overall, in this Summer’s draft. And they got backup goaltender Ty Conklin from Columbus. Also, I believe, the Sabres brought up some farm talent in Drew Stafford and Clark MacArthur. Buffalo could do that since GM Regier drafts well. Well, now “nice” for them! I suppose.

By Tony C.

April 26, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Dude.

McCarthy is totally going to be re-signed…X May be given up for the draft pick (but I think that the front office knows what a fan fave he is - I say 70/30 he stays)… Slater will probably be given the qualifying offer, but don’t expect too much of a fight if another team comes caling.

Now with all this Hoss trade speculation I’m surprised some of yall haven’t gotten onto the other prime tradeable assets we have; Nice-Guy Nic Havelid and or Msr. Alexi Zhitnik. Zhitnik’s a bit long in the tooth, but the shot is still there and we all saw that he can (and will) straight up EAT minutes….Havelid is the archetypal #2 Defenseman- Decent wheels, good positioning, Resonsible deciscions with the puck (if you overlook the 2nd half of this season when family issues and being run into the dirt caught up with him IMO), accurate shot & great “in the community”.

I wonder who/what DW could get for one of those guys???

Yes yes I know that’s our “Top pair” but I hate to tell ya kids-neither of those guys is a #1. Then again there are very few guys you can definitively say “He’s a #1 D-man” but by no stretch of the imagination are either of those two a #1.

So what/who do yal think we culd for one of those guys???

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S.

Only guy I’m trading Hoss for is Vinny LeCavallier-straight up. Which ain’t happening.

P.P.S.

Kenny Danyenko Is “Mr. New Jersey Devils”, He only played for that Organization - minors and up. He won 2 or 3 cups with them and, along with Scott Stevens, pretty much defined the expectation of what a NJD D-man is all about. Don’t be surprised if he comes out of retirement to coach once his girls hit college.

By Matt H

April 26, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Tony C You really think either Nic Havelid or Zhitnik would fetch that much on the market this summer?

By Tony C.

April 27, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this

Matt-

no.

But after reading some of the Hossa scenarios, I figured what the hell let’s see what yall can come up with.

By B. Thenet

April 27, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Havelid could bring back a middle to late 2nd rounder IMO, or perhaps an older prospect who has not lived up to expectation.

By UpperDeck4Life

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

Tony C McCarthy’s not going to be brought back. Hartley is not big on him and it was said there was a reason he didn’t play down the stretch and in the playoffs and it was not because of a “numbers” thing. They have several defensive prospects that are ready to come up and I think that he will be made expendable like Sutton and deVries. XLB will be kept because right now he is their only “physical pressance” on the blue line unless Valabik comes up as well.

As far as Havelid and Zhitnik goes here is my take. Everyone was happy with Zhitnik’s play down the stretch after he was aquired. It was in the playoffs that his play suffered, but to be honest who didn’t stink in the playoffs? After the season that Havelid endured, his mother passing and 4 different partners, I am willing to cut him a little slack and see if he can regain his 05-06 form next season. His play also stepped up after he was partnered with Zhitnik.

By Brendan

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

Tony C., my take on McCarthy is this. Don’s got to give him a “qualifying offer” or trade him. To just let him walk as an UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT, having NOT been tendered a qualifying offer, is utter lunacy. So, I agree with you, Tony C. Now, I don’t know if after he’s signed … that he won’t soon thereafter be traded.

I’m “okay” with any scenario, as long as it improves the team. If McCarthy is signed away by another team while coughing up a 2nd round pick, that’s “sort of” okay, as long as its a high second pick, and that Don actually drafts somebody decent with it. That seems unlikely, as far as options go. I suspect Don will “sign-n-trade” him, with the other team deciding his salary.

Of course, McCarthy’s all of what, 27 years old? A real “fossil,” right? He’s capable of quarterbacking a power play. He did it back in October, when the team couldn’t lose. I’d keep him. He’s fast, too. He’s that “new NHL” kind of defenseman. Perhaps he could benefit from some coaching by someone who likes to work with the young guys. He won’t get that from Hartley, unfortunately. He won’t even play under Hartley.

If there’s really a “youth movement” afoot, there needs to be a coaching change. And McCarthy needs to stay, to be PART OF IT.

Okay, you asked about trade value for Zhitnik and Havelid. I wouldn’t think either would be moved for draft picks. Picks take years to be ready. We just don’t have the time. So, Zhitnik, 35, and Havelid, 34, would need to be traded for currently unsigned RFA’s in their mid-to-late 20’s. Sigh, to pull that one off, there would need to be a team with a plethora of these mid-20’s RFA’s, who cannot be re-signed because of the constraints of the budget. But, signing Havelid, $2.7 million and Zhitnik, $3.5 million, isn’t going to alleviate any of such a team’s “budgetary woes.” Zhitnik and Havelid are being paid “properly.” I cannot blame Waddell for that. These guys have plenty of NHL tenure and play top line minutes, etc. We’re gonna wind up paying these unsigned, replacement D-men RFA’s the same money, if not MORE. If it were a “straight up wash,” DW would win. For the same money, he made the team younger. But the other team would have to consciously want to be “older.” Uhh, I guess it’s possible that … there’s SOME team out there that looks to VETERAN LEADERSHIP to bolster its blueline. Good luck finding them.

I think Havelid and Zhitnik will play in Atlanta this year. With Waddell’s history along the blueline, we’re lucky we have THIS MUCH! This is the VERY BEST top pairing the Thrashers have ever had!

You disagree? When was it BETTER? When we had Buzek and Tremblay? Tamer and DiPenta? Modry and Sutton? Tjarnqvist and Majesky? Kaberle and Exelby? … Actually … Imagine if we did have DiPenta and Karbele, along with Staios and Exelby, and Havelid and Zhitnik as our DEFENSE CORPS. That wouldn’t have been too bad. Seriously.

By Matt H

April 27, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Man, wish we coulda seen that Sens/Devils barn-burner last night instead of the Sharks game. I’m still inclined to believe San Jose, Anaheim, Buffalo and Ottawa make it out of this round.

By Tony H

April 27, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Brendan - To use the term “youth movement” with Wadell and Hartley still as coach is an oxymoron.

By JayBird

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

To all those a-holes who were critical of Atlanta during the playoffs, check out this article from the Detroit Free Press. I guess Detroit isn’t such a great hockey city after all. Let the Dead Wing excuses begin.

[http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/COL22/704270424]

By Brian

April 27, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Brendan & Tony C. - McCarthy definitely gets signed if only for the reason that Brendan stated that he is an RFA and we get his rights…

Tony H - Just because we didn’t do something while the playoffs are going on doesn’t mean DW isn’t working. However, I don’t totally buy that Hartley is coming back.

Brendan - That’s the beauty of Buffalo’s system. No one scores 50, but everyone scores 20. How much did they miss JP Dumont this year? Not much because they can just plug in a number of others into that role.

By Brian

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

JayBird - that was a great article that you posted. I heard that the Kitchner city officials are secretly rooting for the Red Wings to lose so that… sorry, I can even type it without bursting into laughs.

Maybe they are all at their pre-draft parties for this Sat. With Calvin Johnson being so highly rated, the Lions are sure that a wide receiver is a “can’t miss” in the top 5…

I feel good about the Sabres tonight, I think Vancouver will have a better showing after G1 which was after that G7 with Dallas, although I doubted that pick of mine from the beginning but still think Luongo has the best chance to be this year’s Ward/Giugerre. Hope to see the Sharks win again tomorrow and I think NJ definitely bounces back.

By Tony H

April 27, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, Check out the last paragraph in Linda Cohn’s article on ESPN “Weighing in on the Playoffs”. Thrasher fans got major kudos from her for their support of the Thrashers in the two playoff games here in Atlanta.

By Brendan

April 28, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

That was an excellent article in the Detroit Free Press.

By Thrashers27

April 28, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I think Waddell ought to lock up Marian Hossa for another four years and do whatever it takes to get his brother, Marcel in a trade from the Rangers. Marcel looks as if he’s coming into his own and those boys have played together for the majority of their lives. There has to be some serious chemistry there. Just like the Sedin twins of Vancouver.

By Brendan

April 28, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

I suppose, there’s also option #4 with Hossa. Remember, option #1 was re-sign him as soon as possible, preferably at a discount. Option #2 was move him at the trade deadline for some combination of picks and players, option #3 was trade him for a “windfall” of talent to a WESTERN CONFERENCE TEAM (L.A., Columbus, Chicago, St. Louis, etc.).

Umm, Brendan? Yes? What’s option #4? Oh right. Well, and this will be unpopular, DW lets him walk next Summer. Huh?? What??? Are you out of your ever-lovin’ mind? Look, I never said it was a “good option.” Sheesh. But some good comes out of it. If there’s a new GM, or if the current GM really has an epiphany, he’s just saved $6 million in cap room. And who’s still left under contract for 2008-09?

Well, yes. Ilya, at $6.5 million, cap-hit. And Havelid will have one year left, at $2.7 million. And Zhitnik will also be in his final year, at $3.5 million. That’s $12.7 million. The cap in 2008-09 will be AT LEAST $47.5 million. That leaves $34.8 million to spend on 20 roster spots, depending on what Don offers players this Summer. I suspect Exelby will be at least a 2-year deal. Probably at less than $1.0 million. Belanger and Dupuis I would guess are 2-year deals, if re-signed by Atlanta this Summer. Between them, I suspect there’s $2.5 million in cap hit.

So, add in the salaries of Dupuis, Exelby, and Belanger, along with Kovy, Zhitnik and Havelid, and we’re up to, roughly, $16.05 million. That leaves $31.45 million, and 17 roster spots for the 2008-09 season. Without a goaltender, mind you. Lehtonen would still be restricted in the Summer of 2008, but unsigned. Moose would also be unsigned. But presummably, Ondrej Pavelec is now installed in some capacity. I’ll guess his debut contract is $850k. That leaves $30.6 million, and 16 more roster spots.

If guys like Sterling, Valabik, LaValee, Oystrick and Enstrom really are here, they’d be rookie contracts also. If each made $850K to start, that brings the cap space down to $26.35 million, and 11 more roster spots left. Each of those eleven guys could be $2.0 million contracts, leaving $4.35 million for the trade deadline. Throw all that out the window if Lehtonen’s RFA contract is a $5+ million deal.

Okay, “pure honesty” time. Does this 2008-09 hypothetical roster fill you with more confidence than just retaining Hossa? Again, it’s Lehtonen, Pavelec, Kovy, Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby, Valabik, LaVallee, Oystrick, Enstrom, and Sterling. Maybe, maybe McCarthy and Popovic.

Well?

By Tony C.

April 29, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

That’s why I say McCarthy is “totally going to be signed”…Lord knows hiBob doesn’t dig the guy, but damn, you know that he will fetch quality in return.

UFA Guys that I would re-sign:

Hnidy

Dupuis

Belanger

Slava-Matic

Sim

maybe Larsen (depending on terms)

I would hope DW can get all of that accomplished for like,

What we need to be doing is finding out how ol’ Cheap Lou up in the Meadowlands did to get out of Malahkov’s contract. Then working said voodoo economics on Msr. Rucchin. Or get that man on some HGH (It helps with the healing they say)

Ok that last bit was in bad taste-sue me.

By Brendan

April 29, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I agree with your list, Tony C. So long as Kozlov’s deal isn’t for “too much” and “too long.”

I don’t think it would cost much to retain Larsen. He’s not the most dynamic of players, but he was one of the better Thrashers in the four playoff games that were played. He almost led the team in scoring. He finished 2nd, with two-points. Tkachuk was the leader, with 3-points.

By Brian

April 29, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan - you option #4 was what I’ve been preaching all along. Trade Hossa, then use that cap room to go get Drury or some other 1st line center. Regardless of what you get for Hossa in return, you just take a winger off of the 2nd line and add a center onto the first line.

By Brendan

April 29, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Well, technically Brian, option #4 involves Hossa playing for us next season, thennnnn walking away for nothing in the offseason. Trading Hossa is option #3. And option #3 involves a “windfall” of young talent in return, like Frolov, Cammalleri, Johnson, and Kopitar, for example. As much as I’d like Drury to be a Thrasher, I suspect he’ll get re-signed by Buffalo. He’s too important to that team to let go. If he and Briere would just take $6 million, each, they’ll be able to keep both of them.