Thrashers

By Thrashy Thrashy

May 31, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Great job, Craig. I’ll admit that I haven’t been as big of a hockey nut as a lot of people here, but I’m from the South and didn’t really have daily exposure to an NHL team in my state until my 20s. Getting to know the prospects coming up is helping me cement my identity as a Thrashers fan, so keep the great info coming. I know I’m not the only one that appreciates it.

By Brendan

May 31, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Great update, Craig. Thank you. I’m looking forward to reading up on Pavelec, as I see him as the future of Atlanta’s goaltending.

What? We can’t have a 1-2 punch like Anaheim, San Jose, or Nashville? What’s wrong with Lehtonen-Pavelec? Though, I like the Moose.

By xxx

May 31, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Savard, Tkachuk, how many solid players are going to come threw this organization. Good teams get better every year, our team completely retools and has a different look. Let’s sign more free agents who can be somewhere else in two years. The direction of this team stinks. I support the team, but if they can’t get past the first round next year Waddell needs to be held accountable. I will say this with an ownership group like the Atlanta anti-spirit this constant shifting of players is no surprise.

By dan

May 31, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Tkachuck was great in the regular season but did not produce in the playoffs. He has never been a clutch player in the playoffs. He is a winger and not a center anyway. Losing Savard was bad and the Thrashers need a playmaking center if they are to go anywhere in the playoffs. The Thrashers need to do a better job with drafts and prospects.

By True Blue Fan

May 31, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Craig for doing such a great job keeping us informed about the team during these slow months. I have really enjoyed all of the articles on the prospects and I am looking forward to training camp!

By Russian

May 31, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Craig! Thanks for updates. I do not worry about Tkachuk. He does not want to stay here. He is Blues and also he is damn Expencive. I am wondering, that Moose is not going to be in Team???

By LAC

May 31, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Craig… Why is waddell still HERE ????

By Tony C.

May 31, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Moose Hedberg is signed through the end of the 2K7-2K8 season. Calm down. Tkachuk not being signed before July 1st is the only sensible move regarding his future with Le Thrash IMO…Seeing what he would like after July 1st seems ok…but I would hate to see him signed to anything more than a two-year deal…and that is only if Rucchin (and his salary) come off the cap-counted roster.

Craig great work as always-any word on Kozlov?

I have to say what a pleasure it is to have a truly involved beat writer cover my favorite ATL team-keep up the great work.

By Scott

May 31, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Alot of draft picks were sent for him. But I knew he wouldn’t resign. He was a flop in the postseason anyway.

By The Falconer

May 31, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

XXX: anyone who thought Tkachuk wasn’t a pure rental simpley wasn’t paying attention. That 1st round pick was a intended to make absolutely certain he would not resign in ATL.

By fockerman

May 31, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Just as well. KT is an aging player and although he played well when he first came aboard, he was reconfigured by Hartley and then his play went down. But we need to get younger though. Talent is built by youth.

By doug

June 1, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

we can’t have lehtonen and pavalec. it’s too young and expensive. we have too many other needs, and a salary cap. we can have one of them and moose. if other teams didn’t undervalue moose we’d have to settle for a lesser backup.

By Jim

June 1, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Craig. A number of others have said it “Nice to have someone who hustles to get ‘real news’ out to us.” KT move a very logical one and we did not have cap space to satisfy Savard. In hindsight, it was too bad that we never did have a decent playmaking center for Kovy. DW continues to upgrade the talent level on this team and I am excited about next season.

By B. Thenet

June 1, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the division title KT. We wouldn’t have done it without him.

The NHL is full of successful teams who had two stellar goalies in their system. From Chicago with Hasek and Belfour, to right now with San Jose and until this year Buffalo.

Pavelec gives the Thrashers plenty of options, and who is to say that 3 years from now we trade Lehtonen and keep Pavelec.

While there are still many reasons to take DW to task, with these recent signings you would be hard pressed to take any shots at his drafting skills. Enstrom, Denny, and Pavelec are high quality assets.

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Russian, I don’t think Moose is going anywhere this season. He’s signed through June 30, 2008. I meant Lehtonen-Pavelec in the 2008-09 season. Pavelec just signed his rookie contract. I didn’t catch all the terms, but they’re capped. The last few rookie contracts around the league were $850,000 a year. I don’t know what the new rookie cap limit is. But I bet Craig does! So, Lehtonen and Pavelec is doable (without actually knowing Pavelec’s salary, terms are forthcoming,) until his rookie contract expires.

Remember, if Hossa and Holik walk NEXT Summer, that’s $10.25 million freed up in cap space. Certainly enough to go re-sign Lehtonen. The major goaltending decision comes when Pavelec’s rookie contract expires, three years from now. Lehtonen will either be playing for someone else at that point or still playing here, barring injuries. It’s at that point (2010) when the Thrashers must decide if they want Lehtonen as the primary goalie or if they want to trade him and go with Pavelec as the main guy.

All hypothetically, of course. Between now and 2010, DW could draft another goalie or sign some free agent to come in. It all depends on the performance on the ice. If Pavelec wins the starting job, then that’s what happens. Healthy competition usually results in a better product.

By Craig Custance

June 1, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Brendan: I’m guessing by the time Pavelec is ready, Moose will be gone. His contract is up after the 07-08 season. Ondrej will play in Chicago next year, then the team will have to decide if they feel comfortable with a young goalie backing up Lehtonen.

Fockerman: I’m interested in your statement — how was Tkachuk’s game reconfigured by Hartley?

Tony C: There’s some speculation coming from Washington that Kozlov might be a good fit for a young team looking for some short-term help.

By sisu

June 1, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Craig, I would be very disappointed if Kozlov was not brought back. He is “Slavamatic” in the shootouts…

Any word on X and what he might want for a contract?

By Brian

June 1, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Big surprise there that KT is not coming back. I just don’t think it’s a sure thing he’s going back to St. Louis. Unless they sign him to a multiyear deal (which few will give him) that’s not a Ray Borque type situation where you finish to win that elusive Cup.

Pavelec just finished a year in the QMJHL, what makes anyone think he would replace Moose this year?

Doug - as one of the Sabres transplants on this blog, Hasek was not the 1-2 punch with Belfour in Chicago. Buffalo got him for a bag of hockey pucks from the Blackhawks, left him unprotected in the expansion drafts, and no expansion team wanted him. He didn’t blossom until later, thank God Grant Fuhr was runover by the Bruins and hurt his knee otherwise no one may have ever discovered him.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

XXX: Are you new to hockey? Roster changes is not just a problem for the Thrashers, it’s an issue the whole league through. Every team, every year recycles their rosters. That’s why I’ve always said “Love the team, not the players” because the roster is going to change constantly.

Craig, in response to fockerman’s statement, we had a discussion not long ago about how guys who came onto the team had immediate impacts, but their play declined over time when Hartley’s “system” was imposed on them… Steve McCarthy, Jon Sim, Eric Bellanger, Keith Tkachuk… all made immediate impacts and then faded.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Brian… actually, St. Louis is supposed to be a major player this summer in free agency. John Davidson is doing great things for the Blues. Guys seem to like playing for him. Their late surge this season is a good indication of things to come.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

LAC is back to bash Waddell… perfect day for this argument as I’m looking at TSN.ca scouting report… look at the picture of these “kids”, literally… tell me which one is ready to step on the ice with Donald Brashear and Dion Phaneuf.

(http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209512&hubname=nhl)

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Brian, Ryan, and whichever poster’s wife is from Buffalo, I want to run a hypothetical by you to get your reaction. I’ve been reading up on prospects and came across an article stating that the Chicago Blackhawks have real interest in Patrick Kane, a south Buffalo native.

Stay with me, okay? Well, the Sabres have some salary cap issues with Briere, Drury, and Vanek all needing contracts. How would you feel about GM Regier moving Briere to the Chicago Blackhawks for the #1 overall pick, and then Buffalo taking their hometown boy, Kane, with that selection?

Hypothetical #2: Shop Briere to ANY of the teams drafting in the Top Five to continue to keep the Rochester Farm system well stocked?

Hypothetical #3: Trade Kotalik, Afinagenov, and Kalinin to a team drafting in the Top Five, throw in Paille, if it takes that, and keep both Briere and Drury, along with Vanek.

Any of these ideas grab you? I think the allure of moving Briere to a Top 5 selector is … control over negotiating. Without the trade, to get Briere, they’d have to outbid another team. This way, they get Briere without the bidding war. But, they cough up a coveted, prized draft position. Why would anyone in their right mind do that? Well, with Briere, you’ve got a PROVEN COMMODITY. And the guy’s not ancient, either. When you draft an 18-year old, you never quite know what you’re gonna get. Even with Kane. I mean, he’s a good prospect. But no one really knows for certain if he’ll be the next Lecavalier, Marleau, Thornton, Spezza, or Kovalchuk.

Your thoughts? Well, not just Buffalo fans, anyone. If you’re Darcy Regier, what do you do with Briere, Drury, and Vanek. You’ve got to keep two of the three. I’d keep Drury. No doubt about it. I might move Vanek, and keep Briere! Vanek’s contract might not come cheap. If he goes to arbitration … who knows what will happen. Maybe even $5 million. He did lead the league in plus-minus at 47, and has accomplished quite a bit in a short NHL career.

By Craig Custance

June 1, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Sisu - I’m curious if there is extra value for a guy who is a shootout specialist. Over the course of the season, that can be a valuable asset. Will that translate into $$$? I don’t know.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Brendan… how about none of those options? Briere and Drury are UFA’s, and if they were smart, they’d include a no-trade clause with any contract Buffalo put on the table this summer (the mistake Hossa made before the Heatley trade).

They’ll let Drury go, and resign Vanek (the future) and Briere (face of the franchise).

By The Falconer

June 1, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I see no reason why ATL couldn’t afford to carry both Lehtonen and Pavelec at the same time. Pavelec will spend next year in Chicago. Then he could come up. If Lehtonen signs a deal like the one Cam Ward just did he will make $2.66 a year starting in 2008. Pavelec was not a first round pick which means that his maximum salary will be LOWER than $850,000 a year during his 3 year Entry Level Contract.

So in the fall of 2008 Atlanta’s goaltending could be Kari ($2.6 million) and Pavelec (%.6 million) which is very affordable $3.2 total.

If you look around the a number of teams have two quality goaltenders ANA, San Jose, Nashville, Buffalo before they traded Biron. I see no reason why this is a big problem.

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

I agree, Falconer. It’s very doable, with Pavelec and Lehtonen, next season.

Hokie, I don’t know man. I’d keep Drury. He’s got 16 GWG in the playoffs, in his career. Buffalo’s biggest goals came from him in these playoffs. Briere, too. Briere had a big one, and one that was called off, vs. the Rangers, in the waning seconds. But Drury is only a few months older than Briere. But it was Briere who was getting knocked off the puck and on his derriere in these playoffs.

Now, I’d still want Briere. He’s a talent. If there was a way to keep them all, I’m sure the Sabres would try. But the only way that’s happening is if BOTH Drury and Briere agreed to take less money. And why should they?, will be the argument. Both stand to make beaucoup bucks this Summer. Dollars that are guaranteed.

But, another thought occurs to me. How much money is Buffalo, and markets like Buffalo, making in revenue-sharing? I can’t ever seem to find this information. Is it a SECRET?? Is there some national security policy in effect? If it’s $10 million that markets like Nashville, Edmonton, Buffalo, Carolina got, then they shouldn’t be hurting financially in terms of being able to re-sign RFA’s and retaining some UFA’s. But until I really know what they got, I guess I can’t say anything.

By Diego

June 1, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

The goalie situation is fine with Kari and Moose between the pipes. Where we need to upgrade is on defense, otherwise our goaltenders don’t stand a chance. We need a star defensemen to anchor the backline. Thanks KT for giving us the much needed spark to make the playoffs but I wish we still had Marc Savard running the point. A general like him helped Kolvie and Hossa do their thing.

By Tony H

June 1, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Drury has already said publicly that he would like to stay in Buffalo. I also think he intimated that to accomplish that he might consider less. On the other hand, the ESPN and SI rumors indicate that he is very interested in the Rangers or a California team.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Well, Buffalo will certainly lose one of them… it’s a shame, we could look back at this year as the missed “window of opportunity” for Buffalo to win the Cup. Vanek is going to demand a lot of money, Briere a lot of money, Drury a lot of money… Pominville’s next contract, a lot of money. Kind of like Toronto in 2002 when they had Mogilny, Roberts, Belfour and Sundin. They got upset by Carolina who went on and got swept by Detroit. The team fell apart after that, and looking back, that was their last big chance.

By Brian

June 1, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - although I agree with 99% of what you post, your last one falls into the 1%. Briere hinted at taking a hometown discount because he likes the area. Drury has said he wants to stay too but hasn’t heard yet that he is wanted back. And most important of all, Briere is by no means the face of the franchise, Drury is Mr. Buffalo as far as anyone in that town is concerned.

Brendan - why would Chicago give up a #1 pick when they can go pluck Briere out of free agency for nothing? They are not concerned with stocking Rochester right now, they’ve been doing that for years and the window is open right now. As for Buffalo bringing in hometown talent, there is a D-man (in Pitt maybe) and a forward in NY that they would rather have first. Can’t remember either of their names. Kevyn Adams from Carolina is also hometown talent too and there are some other prospects and players around the league. Unfortunately that’s not something you can count on. I’m just mad that some local prep star went to Michigan St. instead of Niagara (yes Craig, that was a cheap shot at you).

Falconer - Pavelec is staying in Chicago the entire year in which he won’t count a dime against the cap.

By GaVaHokie

June 1, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Brian… I suppose Ryan Miller is a good argument to that sentiment as well.

If Gary Roberts can leave Toronto and Forsberg can leave Colorado, than Drury can leave Buffalo. Popularity aside, they’re staring at atleast $11 million to resign those 3 players.

They shouldn’t have taken on Spacek and his salary.

By Tony H

June 1, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Glen Wesley re-signed with Carolina for one year

By Brian

June 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Yeah, Ryan Miller really is a great argument there too. As for Roberts though, he is an Ontario guy, Forserberg spent his whole career with the Colorado franchise at that point (yes, I know they started in QC). Drury on the other hand is not synonymous with Buffalo, so in that aspect I think it is easier for him to leave.

As for Spacek, yeah hindsight is 20/20, but his salary was a big discount considering what it would’ve taken the Sabres to resign McKee.

By LAC

June 1, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

GaVa… I only ask WHY are we waiting to sign existing UFA’s we have ?

I believe we could save some $$$ if… we act now rather than later… Look how FAST Boston scooped up Savard lastseason while waddell did NOTHING… That is where I simply do not understand his thinking.

I just would like us to be a bit more PROACTIVE… and not sit back. The UFA’s we got last summer were not a very eliete group for sure.

So, I simply want to see us do things now rather than risk losing a player.

What if we could sign Slava for$2.5 now, then Detroit makes a $3.0 offer andwe end up either spending $3.5 or lose him… MAKES NO Business sense for sure.

I am NOT a waddell fan, as everyone knows, but his policy of not doing anything until everyone can make offers. Just would look to be better dealing NOW rather than later.

Don’t you agree GaVa…?

Let’s hope Slava comes back for sure…

By Brian

June 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

LAC - what if DW offerred Kozzy $3.5 million and he said “I can get $4.0 million from Detroit”. DW says no to the $4.0 million. The Detroit offer never comes. DW now offers only $3.0 million and saves money by waiting. Sounds like good business sense to me. Don’t you agree LAC?

The fact is that no one on this blog knows what is being done and what isn’t being done. We can come up with scenarios like the one above to promote our own theories all day long but in the end no one has proof that DW is or is not making offers as we speak. How is it that you know he is doing nothing?

By Legion of thrash

June 1, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Slava more than likely will have on another teams sweater next season. He will be too expensive for the thrash. Unless we can move Holik and Rucchin’s salary we are gonna get $hit.

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Brian, Chicago would avoid the bidding war for Briere if it made the trade with Buffalo, signing him for terms they are comfortable with.

In other words, Buffalo re-signs Briere for the dollars Chicago agrees to pay him. Then trades him there, assuming he doesn’t have a “no trade clause.” If Chicago wants Briere without the trade, they’ll have to compete with 29 other clubs for his services.

Now, you’re right, Brian. Chicago could still win that bidding war, and keep their 1st overall selection. But in that scenario, they cannot control the terms of his salary. It depends on what other teams offer him. If the price gets too high, they must bow out or pay it. But the trade scenario prevents the bidding process. It blocks all the other teams access to Briere’s contract.

By Tony H

June 1, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Brian - you are absolutely right that none of us knows what has been done or not done. However, if history is any guide, we can safely bet that not much other than the prospect signings announced the other day has been going on.

DW is not known as a pro-active GM. And I believe that he indicated that he would be meeting with ownership in June. So, he probably hasn’t done much of anything and won’t until he meets with them.

Wonder why they couldn’t meet prior to June?

By Craig Custance

June 1, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

The team announced the Enstrom signing.

By Brian

June 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Tony H - So you can say for a fact that DW has not talked to one other GM in the league, one agent, one UFA or RFA, has not talked to any of his scouts or staff, has not been calculating this whole time where his cap dollars are going to be spent? How is it you can say that he is not proactive? Have you worked with DW, have you ever worked in a front office for any sports team of the NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB?

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

My friend at the FBI is working on a court order to tap Don Waddell’s phone. He’s before a Magistrate as we speak, pleading that Waddell’s actions as GM border on “criminal.”

Once the Federal Magistrate reviews the Holik/Rucchin contracts and agrees that probable cause has been established, the wiretap is a GO! And then we’ll all know what he HAS and HAS NOT been working on. So I urge you all to stay tuned for an update.

…

…

…

I tease. I kid. That was a joke. Geez, it’s Friday, for Pete’s sake. I’m happy about these prospect signings. Let’s see if any of them crack the starting lineup this October. I hope some do. :)

By The Falconer

June 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Brendan: revenue sharing info is not public. However, an educated guess is that the Thrashers are probably not too far behind Nashville in the amount of money they receive. Even with that revenue sharing the Thrashers lost money with a $44 salary cap. That’s why it was such a terrible thing to have them swept out in the 1st round of the playoffs. If they Thrashers had advanced it would have generated more interest and season ticket sales next season.

Brian: I was talking about Pavelec being up here in the 2008-09 season after Hedberg’s contract expires.

My guess is that Drury will be cheaper than Briere and he will return to Buffalo while Briere goes elsewhere.

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Craig, there was something curious in your blog post up top. Did Don Waddell really say that he wasn’t against doing some negotiating after July 1st (re: Tkachuk) with the quote, “I won’t rule anything out,” he said.

If so, ummn. Why would he do that? If he really wanted to negotiate with Keith Tkachuk, what prevents him from picking up the phone and doing that right now, while he still retains exclusive rights to him? The only thing I can think of … is … if the “re-signing clause” get negated so long as it happens after July 1st. But, I suspect the Blues would still demand that 1st round pick if the Thrashers signed KT after July 1.

Stupid question time … is it possible … for Waddell to land Keith Tkachuk AFTER July 1, without having to surrender Atlanta’s 1st round pick in 2008? I think the answer is “no.” But it’d be nice to know, definitively.

By Tony H

June 1, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Brian - I said that DW is not known as a pro-active GM and he is not. He has never been one of the GMs to sign his own players early like many others have nor has he this year.

Pro-active does not imply that you aren’t doing anything. It implies that you haven’t gotten anything completed like several other GMs have.

Sorry you are so sensitive on the issue.

By Brendan

June 1, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Falconer, that’s a bummer about the Thrashers losing money. AJC’s Tim Tucker wrote an article last year about how the Thrashers had lost an estimated $20 million in the post-lockout season. To hear they’re still losing money is a sad contemplation. I would have thought that, perhaps, with the revenue-sharing, that the team saw some profit, especially by hosting two playoff games.

Has anyone heard anything from the Belkin camp? I thought some announcement was allegedly forthcoming about the ownership situation. Seriously, hasn’t this thing dragged on long enough?

By Zecklar

June 1, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Brian does seem sensitive about wadell.

By The Falconer

June 1, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

re: $$ I don’t know exactly how much they lost this year, but I’m pretty certain they were not profitable.

re: ownership situation. I expect it to go a while yet. When the decision comes down the loser will likely appeal.

By LAC

June 1, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Brian, that is a very GOOD senario, but other teams could jump in the mix too. That is why, in my mind, between now and 7/1/07, only Atlanta can talk with Atlanta UFA’s, so WHY not take advantage of the position and at least do something… That is my point, get it done, IF you really have those plans,if not… so be it.

I simply feel waddell’s way of doing this is a cluster—— period and that he is not a proactive GM… I hope these signings are better than last summer’s group, which all in all was less than steller to say the least.

By Brian

June 2, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Ok guys, many of you have stated over the season that Buffalo is in such good shape with their farm system and that Darcy Reiger is a very good GM. Amazingly though, Briere, Drury, Vanek and others are not resigned. Are you going to start saying that Reiger is not proactive? Say that he just didn’t sign them because there is no cap space and that’s why Darcy isn’t doing anything, but then why haven’t any of all these other proactive GMs signed one of them in a trade deal?

Funny how I just state that no one here knows anything that actually is going on but everyone is an expert as to what is happening and when the best time to sign someone is. And if you ask for facts then you are sensitive? Keep crying & whining then, Pucks n Snot will be here soon to keep you company. You can all play fantasy GM even though none of you have any facts and amazingly none of you brilliant hockey minds worked in the NHL.

Has it occured to anyone that there is this thing called the draft and it doesn’t happen until June 23? Maybe there is something that can happen via trade. Maybe the fact that free agency doesn’t start until July 1 has something to do with things. Crack all the jokes about the FBI wiring DWs phones, but did it occur to any of you brilliant hockey minds that he may have a plan that can’t work until that period begins? How nice to be in your shoes where you get to call the play after it happens…

By David

June 2, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

I have mixed feeling about Tkachuk. To be honest, he didn’t play any worse then anybody else on the team. The TEAM played badly. I think it’s important to keep that in mind.

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

Not that it’s a huge stat, but Tkachuk did lead the team in scoring, with three points in four games. Those aren’t horrible results. That’s almost a point a game. But pointing that out probably isn’t going to sell a lot of fans on him.

Darcy Regier probably is contemplating a Draft Day move. But is DW really looking to move Dupuis and Belanger on Draft Day? I guess time will tell. If he doesn’t want to re-sign Larsen, Bolton, Vigier, Sim, Hnidy, McCarthy, Slater, Exelby, DeVries, Tkachuk, Sutton or Kozlov … fine. And if he wants to try to trade them all on Draft Day, he’s gonna be a very busy man.

It’s not easy to be a GM. We’ll have a much clearer picture of his intentions by July 15th. DW might re-sign Vigier just before training camp. As long as he’s paying him the league minimun, fine. Although, try selling that one to Renallo10!

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

It might be that I’m on fumes right now, after a very long day, but Don Waddell controls Slava Kozlov’s contract on Draft Day. Ifff there’s a way to pluck a draft pick in the first round without moving Hossa, maybe that’s the vehicle? Where is Detroit drafting? 28th overall? It’s still a 1st round pick.

Folks, I hear ya screamin’. Why give up Kozlov for such a crapshoot pick? Well, if your options are lose Slava for nothing or lose him for a 1st round pick, albeit a late one, which would you choose? Hey, I wish we could keep Slava, too. Maybe we will. But if we don’t, something as opposed to nothing wins every time.

Oh allllriiiight. Yes. Atlanta would reclaim what?, $2.3 million in cap room for Slava’s departure. I think that about covers it. There’s more? Ohh, yes. I only picked Detroit because others were talking about linking Kozlov with the Red Wings. Don doesn’t have to limit himself to talking to Detroit. He can shop Kozlov to any team in the draft. Night, night “tout le monde.” Sleep tight.

By Zecklar

June 2, 2007 3:37 AM | Link to this

Brian is a terd!

By The Falconer

June 2, 2007 3:37 AM | Link to this

Brendan: I think those fumes must be making you crazy. Slava will become an unrestricted free agent BEFORE the draft, so DW will not control Kozlov’s contract at that point. The only thing he can do right now is make an offer of an extension. H

re: Is DW pro-active? It is very hard to know since they don’t make contract offers public. We don’t know if they have extended offers or not to Dupuis or Belanger.

Even if the Thrashers did that I’m willing to bet their unless ATL overpays, their agents would advise them to wait and test the free agency market. After it only takes one crazy GM to offer you Martin Lapointe money and you’re set for life. Why would any UFA sign an offer sheet before free agency? I wouldn’t unless I got an offer I couldn’t refuse.

By SQUAD

June 2, 2007 5:05 AM | Link to this

I have been a hockey fan for years starting with the Rochester Americans. I have been a Thrasher fan since the beginning.Here are a few thoughts about the 07-08 team. DW should keep the following: Exelby,McCarthy,Zutnick,Kozlov,Kovy,Sim,Dupuis, & Belanger. The defense is due for a new look, time for the young prospects to be promoted. The past defense was slow and couldn’t move the puck out of our end. Belanger and Dupuis made an impact upon their arrival and can be counted on to continue to contribute. Belanger made the difference in the 2nd line and Dupuis greatly increased our pk with his speed and tenancity.

If DW is able he should consider a trade/signing a playmaking center for Kovy, someone like Scott Gomez. Kovy scored 43 goals w/out a good center no telling what he could do with a good playmaker. Sim provides the grit for the line. It is time for Ruccin to retire. Don’t let Kozlov go!

Another thought, what about our coaching. When KT & Zut came to the team our power play started clicking. Then DH over coached and changed the way Zut and KT played (especially Zut) and the pp went dead. With Zut on the first pp unit and McCarthy on the 2nd pp team we would have a decent 1-2 punch at qb for the pp. It is time for DH to let the players do what they do best.

Here’s looking forward to the draft, FA market and next season.

GO THRASHERS!

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

No, I think Don owns the player’s contract right up until July 1st. The Draft is June 23rd. So, if Don wanted to talk to teams about their draft intentions, for the purposes of shopping Kozlov, I believe he can. Well, unless Slava has a “no trade clause” in his contract. But I digress.

If there’s a team that wants Kozlov, they’ve got to tell Don what the acceptable “re-signing parameters” are … before they’ll agree to the trade their draft pick(s) to Atlanta.

On July 1, any unrestricted player who doesn’t have a contract, hits the open market. So, why cough up the draft pick for Kozlov, when you can get him via Free Agency? Again, the trade EXCLUDES the possibility of another team negotiating with your desired player (Slava Kozlov), and potentially driving up the cost, via bidding.

Remember when DW signed Holik?, right after the lockout. This was his argument when asked why Bobby Holik was his first contract signing of the post-lockout era. He said, “We wanted to make sure we got our man, before the price really went skyrocketing.” Hopefully, by now, Don has taken the approach that … he has a set dollar value in mind for a player. And if the player he’s targeting goes HIGHER than that, he looks elsewhere. Otherwise, he’s got to pay it, and trade, or not re-sign, another player he wanted to keep, forcing him to go still DEEPER in the bargain basement bin of free agency to fill out the roster. Now, I think Don’s good at that. He finds these low salaried players. And that is a “skill.” I do credit him for that.

I think Falconer asked why any UFA would sign a contract before hitting the open market. That’s a very good question. I believe the answer is, “because he wants to remain with his team or because he’s not really sure he’ll get any offers from an NHL team.” Maybe his family is happy where he is. And he decides that that’s the overriding factor. He doesn’t want to move 2,000 miles away for an extra $100,000 a year. Some guys, like a Vigier, will be sweating it out right up to training camp. That can’t be a “fun” feeling, waiting to hear if you’re still an NHL viable player. For a player like him, maybe he tells his agent, “tell Don I’m willing to sign right now.” Just to avoid the uncertainty of the coming season. Meanwhile, Renallo10 prays, “No!! Don’t do it, Don! I beg you to reconsider!! Not even for the league minimum.”

Well, what if you’re Belanger? Well, you’re a 3rd line center who, if you stay in Atlanta, will see time on the 2nd line, and plenty of it. Maybe that’s why you re-sign with Atlanta before hitting the open market. That extra ice time might pad your stats enough to land an even better contract next Summer. Who knows, Belanger might wants two years. Or he could take one. I hear what you’re saying, though. He could wait, just to hear what other teams offer, then re-sign with Atlanta. Nothing prevents that. He might even fetch a higher price. Then again, DW might have offered him an extremely fair and responsible contract already … he’s just thinking it over. I haven’t seen the wire tap reports yet.

By LAC

June 2, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Brenden… Why would anyone be trading for UFA’s ?????????

Sutton/deVries are UFA, would you trade a pick for them, when all you have to do is wait about 10 days….

NO GM, except waddell, would ever do something like that…

Since this years draft is not a high rated one… for us to “trade up” is of no value…

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

They would be “sign-n-trades” LAC. And the reason a GM might do that would be to prevent the pending UFA he wants from hitting the open market. If he doesn’t like the offer, he turns it down. And then he bids for the player on July 1st, along with all the other interested GM’s.

With the sign-n-trade, the GM who holds the contract of the pending UFA re-signs the player, at the terms the acquiring GM wants, then trades him there. If the pending UFA has a “no trade” clause, then it’s not possible to do a sign-n-trade. Unless the pending UFA agrees to waive the “no trade clause” because he wants to be traded to that other team. If the pending UFA just wants to hit the open market, he’ll reject all offers prior to July 1.

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

LAC, I couldn’t tell ya if there’s a GM out there who wants Sutton and DeVries. But if there is … and they actually think they might wind up in a bidding war for either of them, they I’d bet they’d cough up a “throw away pick” for them. Of course, I think a GM could get them for the price they’d like on July 1. And not give up anything. If DW could get “anything” for them, even throw away picks, It’d be a victory. It’ll be interesting to see if deVries and Sutton’s next contracts are larger, the same, or smaller than what they were paid this past season.

By Brendan

June 2, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ve reviewed that Alfredsson goal a few times. “Operation Prolong the Series” is in full effect. Even Bret Hull and Ray Ferraro agreed that Alfredsson tried to score a goal with his foot. The league is going to have to more strictly define what a “distinct kicking motion” is. For the Rangers goal to be called off vs. Buffalo and this goal to stand, makes no sense.

What’s the venue of the reviewing City? Toronto. Located in what country? Canada. Where was the game being played? Canada. Was the ruling in favor of a team trailing 2-0 in a series? Well, I kinda want to see a seven games series anyway.

By Legion of thrash

June 3, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

That was a terrible call by Toronto. Clearly a call by Canadians for the canadians. Also what about the phantom hooking call on Scott Niedermayer? I didn’t even watch the rest of the game, the officials ruined it!

By Brendan

June 3, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree more, Legion of Thrash. But I did “monitor” the third period. It’s the sort of thing that become the focus of contentious debate. Ultimately, the argument becomes, at the time the goal was allowed it opened the door for Ottawa to seize the game. Which they did. Pronger inadvertantly put the puck in his own net and then, the Sens added another goal in the 3rd period.

Some will argue … Ottawa would have won anyway, 4-3. Perhaps they’re right. But having a “free goal” added to their total, in a Stanley Cup Finals game, sure didn’t hurt their chances to win any.

In recent years, we’ve been spoiled by long series in the Finals. But I’m sure there are those on the message board who remember when the Finals were “sweeps” for a string of years. Devils over the Red Wings in ‘95, the Aves over the Panthers in ‘96, the Red Wings over the Flyers in ‘97, and the Red Wings over the Capitals in ‘98. By 1999, folks were anxious for a competitive series. They got it in Buffalo vs. Dallas. If you remember, the game score of all six games was either tied or one team lead by one (1) goal, 98% of the time.

I’m happy this series will at least go Five games. I get this “feeling” from the national sports media that … covering Ottawa vs. Anaheim has been an inconvenient “blip” on their radar. It’s the biggest NHL event of the year. It’s seems to be treated like a “hiccup.” Before you say, “Yeah well, what’d you expect?” Had the Finals turned out to be the Rangers vs. the Red Wings, (and there was a time when that was still possible in these playoffs,) I bet it would have received more attention. Detroit and New York are major American markets, who were both “Original Six” franchises. Even Buffalo vs. Detroit probably would have generated more attention from the print media. Not to mention being a couple of #1 seeds who actually made it to the Finals. But I digress.

One alleged hockey fan in my office was surprized the learn the Finals had started, when we talked on Friday. I had to tell him Game Three would be on NBC on Saturday night. Maybe getting back on board with ESPN, for the NHL, is the answer. Even if the contract is for less money, initially.

By The Falconer

June 3, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Brendan: OK you’re right about being able to trade the rights before UFA starts. I was thinking that the draft happened after the start of UFA like it did the during the summer of 2005.

I can’t remember seeing a sign and trade deal done in the NHL other than Hossa’s and he wasn’t about to become a UFA anyway. Nor did Hossa consent to the trade. It is hard for me to imagine why any GM would give up a pick just to talk to a player 8 days before everyone else. After all if the PLAYER really wants to go to that city, they can sign him on July 1st without giving anything up in a trade.

re: Holik. His single worst decision as GM in my opinion. He rushed to sign Holik and worried the “price would go up” and he simply hasn’t delivered anything close to a good return for their financial investment. His big contract meant that Savard had to leave and was never really replaced.

By Legion of thrash

June 3, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

I think the Mike Dunham signing was the worst move by Wadell to date.

By Brendan

June 3, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Falconer, the “sign-n-trade” isn’t a big item in the NHL. I believe there are rules, not sure how well they’re enforced, that a pending UFA and his agent aren’t supposed to be able to talk to ANYONE except the team they are current on. So, if a pending UFA has been contacted by another team’s GM, I think that’s a violation of the rules. I know. I know. Prove it!!

But, again, the reason a GM would do a pending UFA sign-n-trade, is to BLOCK the other NHL teams’ GM’s from ever getting at a crack at the player. I gave an example, earlier, when Darcy Regier, (GM of Buffalo Sabres,) may move a pending UFA, like Briere, prior to July 1st. Why would anyone take Briere, when they could just wait until July 1st? Answer: Control. I’d wager that there’s a slew of teams eyeballin’ Briere. Imagine how angry they’ll be if they NEVER EVEN GET A CRACK AT HIM. Well, there’s absolutely nothing those other GM’s can do about it, if Darcy Regier does a “sign-n-trade” prior to July 1.

I suspect it’s Regier who must do the contacting. Though, it is a “murky” area. Let’s say the … uhh … fumbling here, Los Angeles Kings contact Regier to shop their 4th overall pick. Regier’s allowed to listen to their offer. He says, “Whattaya want for it?” The Kings say, “Briere, at $6.0 million, for the next five years.” If Regier can re-sign Briere within those parameters, and Briere doesn’t have a “no trade clause,” the deal can be announced on the morning of the Draft.

The result? Briere never hit the Open Market. He never became Unrestricted. He got a contract prior to July 1. The Kings get a proven commodity, for the next five years, at a price they can live with. Buffalo gets the #4 overall selection in the draft, as opposed to NOTHING, potentially, for Briere’s loss. The Sabres can then shop that pick for a player or players off someone’s roster who can contribute right now for Buffalo in their bid to return to the Conference Finals and beyond. Or, they can draft someone they like. And go shopping for free agents on July 1, just like everyone else. The “sign-n-trade” doesn’t have to be for a draft pick. Let’s say the Sabres want Mike Grier back from San Jose? Or they’re interested in the Sharks’ pending free agent blueliner, Hannan. They can do a “sign-n-trade” for Hannan and Grier. Or Goc. Or whoever, okay? Buffalo would have to be happy with the terms of Hannan’s new contract, or the deal is off. Why do it? Again, if prevents the other teams from ever getting a crack at either Briere or Hannan, who are pending UFA’s.

By ranallo10

June 4, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

I love you Brian…

word

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Speaking of the Alfreddson goal… I thought it was very funny they asked Brett Hull, of all people, wither he thought a controversial goal should have counted in a Stanley Cup final game.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

While it makes sense to say we have the rights to players like Tkachuk and Kozlov up until July 1st and through draft day… the chances of trading those rights are slim. It’s pretty widely known that Tkachuk is going to only one place…St. Louis. For any another team to trade for those rights with only 6 days to sign him after the draft, would be stupid.

Same with Kozlov… he’ll either resign with Atlanta or go to Detroit. If any other team wants to trade for those rights, they better bring some serious cash to the table to change Slava’s mind.

Kozlov should have been extended last summer. We probably could have kept him for $2.5 to $3 million… now it’s going to be around $4 million. It happens to every team though… Buffalo with Briere and Los Angeles with Lubormir Visnovsky.

By Brian

June 4, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Darcy Regier has contacted every other GM in the league about a sign-n-trade for Briere. The problem is that no other GM in the league is proactive so there will be no takers. Come to think of it, has any free agent of note besides Cam Ward been signed yet? It must be true then that every GM in the league is not proactive…

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Still lots of time before July 1. How do we know that Slava is going to Detroit? Has his camp made a statement? If the Red Wings have talked to him, they’ve violated the rules.

By ranallo10

June 4, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Brian, I’m offended. I make a long overdue appearance on this blog, send you some blog-loving, and you leave me hanging…

not cool dude, not cool.

Brendan, I’m disappointed you mentioned me twice in this blog, and both times spelled my name incorrectly (can’t blame you). However, I love that I’m associated with all things bad on the Thrashers roster (read: Vigier).

Word on the street is that Washington has interest in Kozlov (yikes), and everyone knows about Detroit’s interest, but it’s just rumors obviously.

I’ve read about Zherdev wanting out of Hitchcock’s system, I’m curious who might go after him (and what Columbus would ask for in return).

Some names I hope Waddell might target (in order of usefulness to the club): Mike Comrie Tom Preissing Dainius Zubrus Viktor Kozlov Kyle Calder Niko Dimitrakos

Craig, what would the compensatory picks be for any team signing Vanek? I can’t recall the equation…but I’m guessing several high rounders. What about players with slightly less impact on their team (aka, less scoring, lower salaries, role players), like Jussi Jokinen or Mikko Koivu??

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I wish we’d have signed Selanne two years ago instead of Bondra… it actually did come down to those two options.

If Kozlov goes, I’d hope Waddell would target Selanne or possibly Ladislav Nagy.

Three other names I like… Michael Handzus, Petr Sykora and Scott Hartnell.

By Brian

June 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

ranollo10 - I was going to add some sarcastic “welcome back from the dead” comment but forgot…

GaVaHokie - correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you have your Ducks mixed up, or maybe just not in a row. I thought the two options were Bondra or Kariya, Kariya went to Nashville for more money ($5 million) and we got Bondra instead (for $500k). Am I not remembering correctly or what??? Not that Kariya would’ve been a bad option but the price difference was there. Selanne was already signed up for Anaheim and not even in the fold.

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10, sorry for the mispelling. I like your target/wish list. I’d agree with all but Dmitrakos. But still, that wouldn’t be so horrible, either.

I don’t see where I linked you to anything or everything horrible with this team. I merely pointed out that you would prefer that Don Waddell not re-sign J.P. Vigier. I don’t think that an unfair assumption. I do not suspect you wish to see him don the Thrashers uniform again. But I could be wrong.

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie brings up another painful memory. Not intentionally, of course. But DW was targeting Teemu Selanne, who was coming off an injury that some thought might tamper his remaining years in the league. Ultimately, Waddell opted for Bondra, instead. For a while, there was even talk of “both.” But Selanne wanted to go back to Anaheim. And that’s what happened.

By ranallo10

June 4, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry, my “everything horrible with the roster” statement was in regards to Vigier…and only Vigier. I’m not stating you’re slandering me.

My affinity for Dimitrakos stems from his production with Philadelphia and San Jose. Unfortunately for him he fell out of favor, purportedly due to a lazy pass that almost killed a teammate during the playoffs. This past year, after being waived, he tore it up (relatively) in the minors, and played well (on loan) for the Wolves in their stretch run. I think he is a player who has had success in the NHL, fell from favor, hit some bad luck, and could be a relatively cheap solution as a second or third line winger. His offensive upside is there, his age is low, and his experience in the professional “majors” is extensive.

If I were a GM (doG, I can’t wait for that day) I would easily ponder the cost to gain his services…and if Waddell tested out Sim, I don’t see why he wouldn’t ponder testing out Dimitrakos.

Obviously this is just my opinion, and I knowingly have an affinity for San Jose talent (they seem to have a great system in place there), but I think he could be useful for the right team.

By Tony H

June 4, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

The Toronto Sun says that Montreal is going to be among the big bidders for Daniel Briere and may have a real shot at him since his hometown is reasonably close to Montreal.

The other SI scuttle is that Forsberg probably won’t sign anywhere until August but may be leaning toward returning to Colorado.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

I’m 100% sure it was Selanne… the media even interviewed his wife during talks… she said, “Looks like we’re going to be living on the East coast this year.” We signed Bondra, Selanne went back to Anaheim.

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Tony H., that would be very interesting to see Forsberg back in Denver. Last I heard, Forsberg wasn’t even sure about retirement. If you were a GM, would you spend the money on Forsberg? Can you really count on him? For a huge salary cut, the answere may be “yes.”

Ranallo10, I like your reasoning on Dmitrakos. Again, if Waddell pulls it off for minimum cost, and it all works out, great! If Atlanta got 17 goals out of Dmitrakos, like it did from Sim, for around $610,000, I’m all in favor of that.

I have the feeling the Sabres will re-sign Zubrus. Many teams will come looking for Tom Preissing. I’d love to get him, if the price is right. Comrie might actually be able to pick where he signs next. I have no idea about Kyle Calder.

Hey, no one’s mentioned the possibility of Glen Metropolit returning to Atlanta? At the time he was dealt, it was very “open-ended” as to where he’d go in the Summer. Anyone want him back? I haven’t bothered to check if St. Louis re-signed him. I’m sorry for mentioning it, if they had. I didn’t do my homework. This is just meee musing aloud.

By Tony H

June 4, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I wouldn’t sign Forsberg unless it was a huge pay cut. Primarily because of health issues that have been beaten to death.

I was just passing along the latest info on the Sports Illustrated rumor section.

I also agree with you re: Zubrus and Preissing. I would like to see us at least make an attempt at Preissing.

By ranallo10

June 4, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

No offense to what Metropolit brought to the table, but I feel signing a talent like him would be hampering the young talented centers or possible wingers. Haydar and Krog deserve as much a chance as Metropolit was given…with the right amount of chances (read: 2nd and 1st line stints similar to what Metropolit received, not 4th line “scraps” that Hartley gives all young players) I believe either Haydar or Krog can produce as good or better than Metropolit. They’re already signed, so why not give them the shot?

If not those two “fringe” talents, why not give the young guys a chance?

Basically, my opinion towards Metropolit (and similar fringe talents) is that you must improve upon those players, not re-sign them. If you cannot stay on a NHL roster, there might be a reason to it.

I too think Zubrus will re-sign with Buffalo, but they’re at such a conundrum you never know. I also agree that Preissing would be at high demand as a top 4 D-Man, so he’d be tough to get. Calder and Comrie, who knows? This is why it’s my personal “wish list”.

Just my $0.02

In all honesty, I’m extremely excited about the prospect of the Thrashers going young this off season. With a few re-signings I would like to see (Kozlov, Dupuis, et ali), I really hope SEVERAL of the young talents (Sterling, Valabik, Enstrom, etc) would get a shot to show what they’re worth. I don’t need a Stanley Cup caliber team, I need a team that can advance to Round 2.

Baby steps…

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if Haydar and Krog are still NHL-caliber players. I’m willing to say they could have been given more chances to play. But they kept being sent back down. Some say, “too good for the AHL, but not good enough for the NHL.” Krog was lost on waivers, then reclaimed off waivers.

Well … we also need a Coach willing to give young guys a chance, not play Greg deVries and Nic Havelid until their 33-year old legs fall off. Same with Zhitnik, who is 35. God love him. He’s probably the best we’ve got. Here we stand, with the opportunity to let Exelby, McCarthy, Enstrom, Valabik, Popovic, etc., grow into a corps of defensemen for the coming years. But, what will we do?

Will we trade them away for more 33-year old blueliners that Hartley feels he can “trust?” Now, I want to be clear, I’m not pining away for Braydon Coburn. Atlanta had to have an experienced guy come up to the top pairing, and Zhitnik turned into that guy. But he’s not getting any younger. He’s got two more years left and eats a good amount of cap ($3.5 million—though that’s the “proper price” for Zhitnik, given his NHL tenure, minutes played, production, etc. I’m not complaining). Do we really expect him to remain on our top pairing for ALL that time (Spring of 2009)? Or do we hope to bolster the blueline with a Hannan, Preissing, Souray free agent acquisition? Can we really count on Enstrom, Valabik, and Popovic to play larger minutes on average? Time will tell. I’d keep McCarthy. But Coach won’t play him. I think Exelby ought to be retained, so long as we don’t overpay for him. I’m a little bit worried that he could be one of the guys traded to “reclaim some lost draft picks” from the trade deadline moves. Perhaps that fear is completely unfounded. But with DW, you never know what he’ll do.

What if DW dumps Exelby for a decent 2nd round pick, say #36 or so overall, and collects Preissing from free agency? Is that a win? Or a loss? I’m not sure. Depends. How much did we pay Preissing? And what salary did DW sign-n-trade Exelby for? If he got a “great price” on “X,” he shoulda kept him. He did draft him. GM’s tend to try to keep their own picks, whenever possible.

Whatever’s gonna happen is going to happen. All we can really do is sit back and wait … watch … and hope it all works out.