Thrashers

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Man, do I wish Lane Manson could skate better.

I hope Don Cherry is more funny tonight than he is annoying… this could be a good move or a bad move. He better be thinking about the state of the NHL instead of going in there with an “America vs. Canada” fan mentality.

By Tony C.

June 4, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hrrm….defenceman converted to forward….who exactly thinks he looks better as forward Craig? If you can’t give a name, maybe you could use job description?

Also, what’s the word from the Wolves? How are the guys taking the loss? Does Haydar think he’ll make Le Thrash? Does LaVallee look forward to camp?

I also am wondering who, if anyone, we might look at going after in the RFA market.

Thanks again for all the good work.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

I think a line of Kovalchuk, Belanger and Nikolai Zherdev would be very fun to watch.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Tony C… they probably want to convert him because he had 65 points in 59 games this season for Lewiston… the year before that, 47 points in 62 games. They probably want to throw him upfront and see if he can still produce those numbers… it would be very valuable to have a guy of his size playing forward.

By B. Thenet

June 4, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Can anyone remember an already drafted defenseman who was moved to forward, and it worked out? My own personal opinion of Denny is dropping if they want to move him to forward this soon.

I know we have never had to deal with this problem in Atlanta, but there is such a thing as an offensive defenseman(and no Tremblay does not count, as he was incapable of playing defense to begin with)

I am a little nervous about the cap going up(to over $50 million some say), that would make us a small market team and we have plenty of talented RFAs coming down the pipeline.

By Craig Custance

June 4, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Tony C: I think GaVaHokie pretty much nails it as to why moving Denny to forward might be an option. I’ve never seen him play, but evidently he’s a big physical guy with a heavy shot. As for the restricted free agent market, I’m still not sure how viable an option that will be. I’m just saying, don’t count it out. Hockeybuzz.com at one point mentioned Atlanta as an option for RFA Pierre-Marc Bouchard, but I’d be surprised if that happened.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Ivanans, Belak, Lessard… off the top of my head… I believe Sutton went from forward to defense.

By Logan

June 4, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Quick- name the Thrashers young defensive prospects who will be fighting for spots over the next1-3 years:

Enstrom, Popovic, Oystrick, Valabik, Vannelli, Lewis and if they ever come over- Zubarev and Nikulin.

Name the forwards- Little, Sterling, LaVallee, Holzapfel…

That’s why trying Denny up front makes sense. There will be more hoes to fill on the wings than on the blueline, and if it works out Denny could play up at even strength and at the point on the PP.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I just took a closer look at Ivanans… that guy is 263 lbs!! That’s even more bizarre than moving Denny to forward, because Ivanans is only good for about 6 points a season. Also, to compare, Denny is smaller than Todd Bertuzzi, but slightly bigger than Keith Tkachuk.

Speaking of Hockeybuzz, Eklund says that with the increased salary cap, teams are going to target RFA’s a lot more. Pretty scary scenario which I’m surprised hasn’t happened already… once again, big market teams can steal good players away from small market teams. Say for instance the Rangers REALLY want Garnett Exelby… they could make him a $2.5 million offer sheet. The Thrashers would have to match it or let him go… this is exactly how Buffalo is going to lose their stars this summer.

By Logan

June 4, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

The Rangers would have to like him a whole lot to give him $2.5 million and give ATL a first and third round draft pick as compensation.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Logan… talk about a tailspin though. If Detroit gave Vanek a high qualifying offer and Montreal gave Briere a high qualifying offer… both very possible… the landscape changes pretty quickly in Buffalo.

By Jostin

June 4, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Don Cherry is a hoot! He’s already drawn almost as much attention to NBC as tonight’s game itself.

He’s well worth tuning in to. In Canada, the ratings during the first intermission actually go up when he’s on.

And, he knows his hockey, amazingly predicting the final four this season.

By Logan

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

Vanek would take a lot of draft picks assuming he’s asking for more than $3 million. If he’s looking for less than that I think Buffalo can afford to keep him.

You also have to consider that the players would want to leave. money talks, but if the difference between uprooting everything and staying where you are is “only” $200,000 or so…

By The Falconer

June 4, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

BTN: There have been some successful position changes: Mark Howe (very good NHL player) Mathieu Dandenault (solid NHLer) come to my mind.

RFA: Bidding wars for RFA are not in the interest of a franchise like ATL which seeks to keep salaries in check. Therefore I’d been very surprised to see ATL make an offer on someone else’s RFA.

By Aaron

June 4, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why anyone listens to Don Cherry anymore.

On the outdoor game, I had heard a while back that Detroit and Chicago could be a good matchup for an outdoor game. Could be played and Soldier Field or Ford Field.

And in the MSU-UM outdoor game, Jim Slater actually scored the OT winner for Michigan State.

And does anyone remember Francis Lessard? He was a defenseman his first season on the Thrashers, but converted to forward for the rest of his career.

By Craig Custance

June 4, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Aaron - Ford Field is a Dome, and it’s not retractable. But Soldier Field would be great.

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie raises a valid point of concern. What good is that cap if it rewards the larger market teams? I do agree that surrendering the 1st and 3rd round picks are undesireable consequences of signing an RFA, but I do think it comes down to … when you sign a PROVEN COMMODITY, you know what you’re getting. Whereas, you never know WHAT you’re gonna get out of a draft pick, unless it’s some “can’t miss, Top Five” prospect. And even then, it’s usually YEARS before the pick makes his way on the roster.

If we’re talking about pick #26 and #86 for Exelby, hypothetically, of course, what are you really risking? Provided that you really, really wanted Exelby and were “comfortable” paying him $2.5 million. Which is overpaying him, by a lot.

If this cap keeps on rising like this, it’s gonna hurt the smaller markets. And we fans, as ticket purchasers. Someone has to pay these players. And 76% of the revenue comes from ticket sales, largely because hockey doesn’t have a big time TV contract.

So, once again, the “blue collar fan,” and life blood of the sport, gets priced out of the arena, all while the smaller market cities once again are forced to scale the mountain. That’s a tilted ice surface … UNLESS the revenue-sharing is substantial. And if it is, I’ll shut right the heck up. Well, that is, provided the owners take their revenue-sharing dollars and re-invest them in the players’ salaries, and not, sayyy, transfer the cost of the escalating salaries on to the ticket holders.

Who’s gonna be able to afford tickets? What good is a sport that only corporations can afford to support? Believe me, I’ve been to Philips Arena A LOT. And never once have I heard those luxury boxes scream, “Let’s go Thrashers.” And when I gaze around the season ticket holders sections … I see a lot of empty seats. Those seats were sold, but nobody came. From a business standpoint, it might make sense to have a soldout arena, with an actual attendance of 5,212. But will the vendors like it? Will the fans who love hockey, but cannot afford to come to games, like it?

After the lockout, Brian Burke said the Ducks “break even” point was $36.5 million. Buffalo’s Darcy Regier said his break even point was $34.5 million. Maybe they’re not telling the truth? But if they are, these rising caps are cause for concern.

Craig, what was the lesson of the lockout? I don’t remember anymore. I think it was to regain control of the NHL’s escalating financial losses. To create 30 healthy franchises. And to reel in the GM’s who were spending like boozehounds on a bender. I remember quotes like, “Gone are the days of the $10 million contracts.” When Marian Hossa hits the open market in the Summer of 2008, he’s looking at $10 million, if the cap rises to $50 million. At least, potentially. If he repeats his 100-point season, and 40+ goals, his consistency and NHL tenure dictate a very, very large contract for the former 1st round draft pick. Enough for our GM to say, “I’d love to keep Hossa, but we just can’t swing it.” And he might not be lying about it either. A cap of $44 million isn’t as bad as it sounds.

By Craig Custance

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

Brendan — To fix what you’re saying, you’d need a salary cap this isn’t tied to revenues. I can’t imagine the players agreeing to that.

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Me either, unfortunately. And players will win the argument. They’ll say they’re entitled to their market value. If the NHL can squeeze the money out of its fan base, the players have every right to say, “gimme, gimme, gimme.”

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Don Cherry is a character! As long as you take him like the “All in the Family” sitcom character, “Archie Bunker,” you’ll be fine. And maybe even enjoy his schtick. ‘Cuz if you don’t, you’re going to be offended by something he says. There’s no one else like Grapes.

By GaVaHokie

June 4, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan, the cap is to keep teams from acquiring ALL the big name talent… otherwise, the Rangers would have already spent $70 million on salaries. The cap was to assure a good spread of talent across all teams at competitive salaries… the max salary being $7.4 million range.

There’s the question, if someone can answer it… does the maximum individual player salary go up with the cap, or does the max individual salary stay the same?

By Brendan

June 4, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

I can answer that one. The max salary is 20% of the cap. And the cap does rise. So, if the cap really is $50 for the 2008-09 season, and Hossa hits the open market on July 1, 2008. He can fetch $10.0 million, if there’s a GM willing to pay it.

By The Falconer

June 4, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

I doubt there will be a game at Soldier Field because the ice might kill the natural grass. The MSU-UM thing was a one-off because MSU was going to install real grass after that game. UM already had real grass. It seems that they need to find a football stadium with artifical turf, cold air and lots of seats.

I’m pretty sure the Cold War ended in a 3-3 tie, so no OT winnger for Slater. I believe he scored the game tying goal though.

By Aaron

June 4, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Ok, Slater didn’t score in OT that one was my bad.

Looking at the schedule for next year, the two most logical cities to host an outdoor game would be Detroit and Minnesota, but unfortunately, the only original six team Detroit gets to host is Chicago, while the only Canadian teams Minnesota gets to host are those in its division.

By Legion of thrash

June 4, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Hokie, sorry to rain on your parade but Kovalchuck needs someone that is a PLAYMAKER as a center, not a 3rd line scrambling center like Bellanger. He needs someone who can make a good pass for his one-timer. A 1st line center.

By The Falconer

June 4, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

RFA: As usual I think Eklund is full of **. In the entire history of the NHL there have been a total of three RFA who signed offer sheets if I recall correctly: Sakic (NYR-COL matched it), Fedorov (by CAR, DET matched it), Kesler (by Philly, VAN matched it). Maybe Scott Stevens too—not sure about that one.

By Sara

June 5, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Falconer, keep in mind that those RFA situations were primarily in the “old” NHL. For one, it almost never happened in the past for GMs to go cherry-picking RFAs. Two, with lots of money to throw around it was also easy to match offer sheets (I mean, like COL or DET couldn’t afford to keep Sakic or Feds). Landscape is different now. RFAs are younger players that are often (although certainly not always) cheaper players. Young and cheap is the nature of the beast with a salary cap. Competition is stiffer with UFAs - no team can afford more than a couple high-paid players. And almost no one is going to give up young, cheap, and talented players in a trade. So if a GM is looking to make an improvement to his team cost effectively, swiping someone’s RFA is definitely a way to go.

X is a perfect example. He’s a proven solid defenseman who is extremely physical and smart about it to boot. He’s made a name for himself around the NHL - plenty of other fans I’ve talked to know who he is and you can bet GMs do to. Atlanta is also in a tight pickle with its cap space this year, which means the club might not be able/willing to put up much of a fight for him.

Sports is a business like any other and when push comes to shove and the bottom line is looking ugly, GMs will start thinking outside the traditional box. Many will have to in order to survive, so expect anything and everything.

By mar1jdh

June 5, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

The natural grass isn’t an issue for an outdoor game provided its played after the NFL Playoffs. Wisconsin and MSU played agame last year at Lambeau without a problem, and Green Bay is interested in doing it again. Solider Field would work fine for a February game.

By Bob

June 5, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Cherry hit the nail on the head last night. Kudos to him. Mind boggling how inept Bettman’s leadership of the NHL has been. Perfect chance to open up the game to a new audience with ESPN having two High Def channels, they go with a contract with OLN/VS?!?! Moronic.

They want to open up the game to families and more fans by taking fighting OUT of the game. As Cherry correctly pointed out, what’s popular in the U.S.? The most popular sport by far, is NFL football. Guys smashing the crap out of each other. NASCAR is very popular, why? People love the racing on the edge waiting for the big crash. Mixed Martial Arts has taken over for boxing, why? It’s more violent.

Get the damn games back on ESPN in High Def and get fighting back in the game and watch the TV audience skyrocket.

And kudos to Cherry for calling out Hull for complaining about Alfie’s footie the other night.

Speaking of Alfie, I hope he gets his clock cleaned by Neidermeyer in Game 5 before he clown head is sent home.

By LAC

June 5, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Cherry is Drunk 80% of the time he is on the air on HNIC, he SUCKS like nobodys business, jeep the liquor cabinets closed and get the kids out of the house…He is NUTS, why in the HELL NBC would allow this is beyond anything I have ever seen.

Well looks like Chris Kuntz and Joe Depinta will have their names on THE STANLEY CUP… remember them, two guys we could use and would have mede us a better team, but THROWN away by Dumb waddell… the beat goes on !

By Brian

June 5, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Aaron - What’s wrong with playing a Canadian team in your own division for the outdoor game (your reason that Minny wouldn’t be good for it)? Make it an all day thing. Put Buffalo up against Montreal, Toronto or Ottawa in the afternoon, Rich Stadium can easily do it. Then put Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary at Colorado after that. I don’t see the problems, Buffalo & Colorado both draw well in national ratings even though they aren’t original 6 and you have the Canadian teams as well. Chicago might be original 6 but that teams has been horrible and won’t get the draw needed.

By GaVaHokie

June 5, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

While I like Joe Dipenta, he’s hardly the reason the Ducks are going to win the Cup… Chris Kunitz we stole from Anaheim off waivers, we tried to send him down to the minors for conditioning (through waivers) and Anaheim stole him back. I’d hardly consider them “throw aways”. Alex Bourret was a throw away, but not so much on Kunitz and Dipenta. If you’re trying to make Waddell look bad, you’re stretching.

By GaVaHokie

June 5, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Legion… what I like about Bellanger on that line is he’s a “net crasher”. Zherdev and Kovy would provide all the playmaking… Bellanger would be there to pick up the trash… And, not to mention, play defense for the other two. ;)

By The Falconer

June 5, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Sara: But the salary cap makes offers on RFA even less likely to work. Why? Every team needs to get talent for a reasonable price. If a team signs Exelby for a reasonable price than the Thrashers have the right to match—and they would do so.

The only circumstances in which a team is NOT likely to match is if a franchise pays them too high a salary or offers them an insance number of years (like the DiPietro contract). But if another team way overpays for Exelby that means they have fewer $$ for other players they need to fill out their roster.

That’s why I think Eklund is just full of it. With a salary cap it is not in the interest of any team to overpay for a RFA player, it hurts their ability to put the best team money can buy on the ice.

By GaVaHokie

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

Falconer… the difference would be with the superstars. Teams like Washington or Florida will probably have plenty of money to throw at Daniel Briere and they will aim for that magic dollar amount that puts Buffalo in a tight spot… say $5.5 million. Not much more than what Buffalo is paying him now, but enough to stick them to the wall if they choose to match.

By Brendan

June 5, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Bob, I couldn’t believe Alfredsson would do something like that to Niedermayer. He must have lost his mind. Did the pressure get to him? Maybe he was thinking, “Hey, we’re in a ‘must-win’ game. Pronger’s out. Lemme see if I can injure Niedermayer, too! Then we’ll win, for sure!”

It’s a totally classless move to drill another player with a slapshot at 5 feet. It’s inexcuseable. He should be suspended. Ottawa fans who scream, “You cost us the Cup!” But, were Ducks fans doing that when Pronger was suspended? Either time. Each time, it was at a critical juncture in the series. If you’ll recall, the Red Wings were up, 2-1, after a 5-0 schellacking of the Ducks in Anaheim when Pronger was suspended. The Ducks responded by winning five straight games. (Three vs. Red Wings and two vs. Senators.)

Heatley scored last night. Got his seventh of the playoffs. It was a BIG GOAL, too.

By The Falconer

June 5, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Hokie: Of course Briere is an UFA not a RFA. But I get your general point. But it is supposed to work that way—once you’re a UFA the market sets your salary. Briere has paid his dues and he has been underpaid now it his term to cash in on his performance. You only get to underpay your talent so long and then they get to reap the benefits of UFA.

But here’s the thing. If some team goes and grossly overpays Briere and Buffalo doesn’t match, the team that is most hurt is the team that overpays for Briere. Why? because they can’t afford to fill other needs on their roster.

Under the CBA the WORST mistake you can make is to overcommit in either dollar terms or years to a player who isn’t worth it. Because it creates holes in your roster. That is why I continue to maintain that the single worst mistake of DW’s tenure is the Holik contract.

He grossly overpaid Bobby and that’s why we spent all last year playing the “Who will Center Hossa and Kovalchuk tonight?” game. If we hadn’t overpaid our 3rd line center we would have a real bona fide passing center on our top two lines.

So to come back around to the RFA topic again. If some team goes nuts and offers Exelby way too much money and the Thrashers let him leave, the team that overpaid would be the one that is most hurt. Why? Because the Thrashers would still have money with which they could go after another defensemen at a fair price.

By GaVaHokie

June 5, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I agree… I’m just playing devils advocate.

However, teams like the Rangers will DEFINITELY spend to whatever the cap value is, while teams like the Thrashers won’t. The Rangers could totally mess with our payroll by stealing away our bargain bin players, like Exelby. Then the Thrashers have to compensate by going even deeper into the talent pool, or signing the Kiril Safronov’s and Tomas Kloucek’s of the league.

By Brendan

June 5, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll be the first to admit that Holik’s contract was bad. But for my money, the worst ever contract DW signed was his very first one: Damian Rhodes. He played 81 games over 3 years and was paid $10 million. And the last year, he barely played at all. And we were left paying him not to play for us. I think he played in the minors, for his NHL salary.

The NY Islanders, I think, were very foolish to sign any player to a 15 year deal. Unless there’s a way out of it. I’m not sure there is. I suspect the money is guaranteed. Probably the only way out is … if DiPietro files his retirement papers early. (But why would he? He can ride the pine for $4.5 million a year.) Or if he should suffer some career ending injury, then the insurance kicks in. But I still want to know … does that $4.5 million still count against the cap? I think the answer is no. It’s a longterm IR situation, so the salary doesn’t count against the cap. It just has to be paid to the player. Which, if you’re an owner, you’re not too thrilled about. But at least it’s not hitting your cap, and preventing you from winning, making the playoffs, and raking in playoff revenues. Hypothetically.

By The Falconer

June 5, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Brendan:

Rhodes. Well I’m pretty DW wanted the team to stink to get high picks. Damien didn’t prevent us from making the playoffs, while Holik’s contract has held this team back the last two seasons.

No way out of it for the NYIslanders, but if they send him down to the minors he doesn’t count against the cap. They still have to pay him his millions but he’s off the cap then.

By Sara

June 5, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Falconer, I get your point and to a large degree it does make sense. However, it’s possible a team could snag a talented RFA away from a nearly maxed-out club than pay for an equally talented UFA. There’s also a matter of a derth of UFA talent. For example, this off-season there aren’t that many centers available on the UFA market and bidding for them likely will go high. But let’s say, by comparison, that Crosby was in an RFA contract year. Maybe Pittsburgh is nearly maxed out in cap space so someone comes in and offers Sid $6 or $6.5 a year when they would have to spend at least as much on Briere or Drury - a player not as talented and older as well. If Pittsburgh can’t match that offer because their own cap space is too tight, they might lose Crosby.

Anyway, the point I’m trying to make through the hypotheticals is that there could be definite reasons to pursue RFAs now more than ever. Stealing an RFA could still be cheaper than the open market and garner a young talented player.

Personally I can see X being worth a $2.5-$3 mill contract easily to someone, which might be tough for DW to match given the sheer number of players this club needs to sign plus the fact that he needs to sign some considerable talent while he’s at it (ie top-line center).

Btw, as for Alfie - that was complete horse manure and I’m really disappointed in the League for not doing something about it. Darn good game though.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 6, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

You are all making very good points. The more I think about it, the more I feel we need to dump Holik. We could use that cap money to secure Exelby for a few years.

Gotta dump Rucchin, Slater.

Re-Sign the following: Larsen, Hnidy, McCarthy, Belanger, Dupuis, Vigier, Exelby. Then work on getting the prospects signed. Then we can see what we can do about about Slava.

Hey GaVaHokie, what have you heard about Lane Manson? I haven’t heard very much scouting info on the dude. Thrashers media guide lists him as a big dude, just wondering if you knew some info on him. Where’s he been playing at? Gwinnett?

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Sara… well said, exactly what I was “trying” to say. :) It’s a great chance to steal quality players from cash-strapped teams. It’s a pool ball effect… one problem runs into another… somethings gotta give somewhere.

I’ll give you a prime candidate! Zach Parise in New Jersey, a player the Devils definitely want to keep. Let’s say Waddell swoops in and makes him an offer sheet of $2 million (currently making $700,000). That certainly puts NJ is a bind… they’ll either match it or let him go. If they match it, someone else will have to go to make cap room… cause/effect.

By Craig Custance

June 6, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

TSN.ca released their Thrashers off-season game plan and in it suggests that the Thrashers might look at the following forwards in free agency: Dainius Zubrus, Mike Comrie, Tyler Arnason, Petr Sykora, Robert Lang, Bryan Smolinski, Michal Handzus, Jan Bulis, Ladislav Nagy, Kyle Calder, Owen Nolan and Nikolai Antropov. Defensively, TSN suggests the Thrashers look at Anders Eriksson, Jaroslav Modry, Brad Lukowich or David Tanabe.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Ryan… I’m sure someone who follows the Gladiators could tell you better, but my understanding of Lane Manson is he’s a bad skater. I think Waddell took a shot in the dark at him because he was the biggest guy in his draft class, but he hasn’t developed.

On your resignings, I’d drop Larsen and Vigier. Both would be due raises based on tenure. Larsen’s only purpose is to QB the Penalty Kill, which was one of the worst in the league, so I don’t see what purpose he’s serving. Vigier, while good defensively, definitely lost his speed burst after his knee surgery… he used to be good for a few short-handed goals, but he just doesn’t have the breakaway speed anymore. Those are the two prime candidates to make way for the “youth movement”.

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

MODRY!?!? Did TSN watch Modry play with the Thrashers two seasons ago?? I think the editor was drunk when he let that pass through…

Speaking of drunk, Thrasher Ryan, why Vigier????

I think I agree with Hokie again, I definitely don’t think Vigier needs to be resigned (even at the league minimum), and I think the PK ineptness this past season can be taken out on Larsen (though undeservedly so). Larsen’s role on Holik’s shutdown line was very important, and extremely useful, so his loss might be felt a bit more than Vigier’s. After all, Vigier played how many Playoff minutes??

RFAs — Do remember Brendan, that to sign an RFA away from a team is not only costly based on the inflated salary you must offer in order to keep the team from matching, but also it will cost the new team draft choices as compensation…a double-whammy of sorts. Spezza was a RFA last season, and my friend and I pondered (to Craig I believe) why the Thrashers wouldn’t offer Spezza an exorbitant contract to force Ottawa to make a decision, which could’ve in effect (Hokie’s point) made them drop Redden and/or Chara in the resigning process. The problem stemmed from the fact that they would easily match, and if they didn’t it would cost the Thrashers something like 4 first rounders over the next 5 seasons. A player like Exelby might not be worth it to a team like the Rangers, when his level of talent can EASILY be found in UFA, and anything inferior can be balanced by the fact that they don’t lose draft choices by stealing a RFA.

I just don’t agree with your opinion for this discussion.

TSN did mention some of the names I like though…namely Zubrus, Comrie and Calder. I’d be happy with a Sykora or a Nagy, but who really thinks the Thrashers will get any of those players??

Finally…Holik’s contract is the only problem, but his production in the playoffs showed why his signing was important to this team. He’s a shutdown center, who can log valuable minutes and line up on faceoffs against the top takers in the league. Rucchin’s contract is the most painful to swallow, maybe that will be remedied soon enough.

By Russian

June 6, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Yashin is OUT. What do you think about him? He is only 33 and he is in market.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

I still think Jeff O’Neill could be a viable option… he’s a hard-nosed, Bob Hartley type player and would only cost around $2 million. Michael Peca is the best Penalty Kill Forward in the league… grab him, and drop Larsen and Vigier.

If Michal Handzus is healthy, I like that idea A LOT!! He could play with either Hossa over Kovy… take your pick. He proved to work well with speedsters after playing with Martin Havlat.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 6, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention, I’d probably re-sign Jonathan Sim too. As far as Larsen/Vigier, my point in re-signing them is because they are role players. Based on what I’m hearing, the Thrash are gonna be looking long and hard at our prospects, so if we’re gonna have a lot of youngsters on the roster this year it might be a good idea to keep your role players intact, instead of trying to form new lines all over from scratch. Modry? No! Nolan? No!

By Thrasher Ryan

June 6, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Russian—Yashin? Heck Yeah!

By Legion of thrash

June 6, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Handzus played 8 games last year, so how does that translate to playing well with Havlat? Besides the fact that O’Neill, Peca, and Handzus are old! We have 15 -16 roster spots to fill and about 16 mil. to do it with. That is not a good scenario.

By Legion of thrash

June 6, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I do like Zubrus, although he will easily get 5 mil a year. Comrie I don’t like him as a center, he has never put up imressive numbers.

I think Wadell already has his mind made up that Colin Stuart will be on the team, and will probably take Vigiers spot.

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

In 8 games last season, Handzus had 3 goals and 5 assists…he WAS showing his abilities could be carried over to a less powerful offense. 8 games isn’t a great body of work, but Chicago definitely suffered a big loss when his ACL tore. Handzus is a useful center, and his injury last season could be a good way to get him cheap (relatively)…

Handzus is 30, O’Neill is 31, Peca is 33 — Handzus and O’Neill are one and two years older than Savard (29), or one and two years older than Sutton (32) and Hnidy (31). That’s not old, that’s average. They have plenty of production left in them (Peca being the only POSSIBLE exception due to the wear and tear his playing style dictates).

Kozlov is 35, and I’d take him over all three of those players…in fact, I bet most teams would.

By Aaron

June 6, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Handzus might be a good center for Hossa. They are both Slovakian, should be some chemistry. Maybe they could pick up Marcel Hossa, and there would be a line that should have instant chemistry despite all the changes.

Jeff O’Neill is coming off of two bad seasons. His price should be low as it would be kind of a gamble. There is nothing to say his scoring would increase, especially when he’s no longer playing with a ood center.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Ok, that article was fun to read, but keep in mind it was what TSN thought the Thrashers should do, not what the Thrashers think the Thrashers should do.

Russian & Thrasher Ryan - No way on Yashin. He is getting paid $7.5mm!!! Are you kidding me???

GaVaHokie - Peca hasn’t been at his peak in awhile. His +/- is dropping every year and he was injured for 1/2 the year with Toronto. Getting up in age too, he will be turning 34 next season. Since we already have Holik he wouldn’t be used as a defensive forward either…

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Legion $5 million for a 60 point winger? Kozlov had 80 points last season and will not likely garner $5 million (unless Detroit REALLY REALLY wants him). Though Zubrus is young, his playing style is that of a gritty power forward with the ability to score in front of the net. To compare player contracts from last year:

Spezza was signed for $4 million last season, after a 90 point season, and 5 years younger than Zubrus. Position differences aside (I’d argue a scoring C would make more than a power forward RW) Brian Gionta (same age, same position) made $4 million last season…I believe he was signed out of RFA, but I can’t recall right now.

My point being, Zubrus is a good player, but I think your predicted $5 million is overvaluing his abilities.

By ranallo10

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

Brian, once again I’m in agreement with you. Peca would be taking up a roster spot for more useful players. Rucchin was a facoff specialist with defensive abilities and able on the PK…$2.5 million later he’s useless to the team. I’d see Peca on that same boat.

If Yashin took $2.5 million, maybe, but coming off a $7.5 million contract I don’t think he’d take that kind of cut, especially to play in Atlanta.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

ranollo - the only thing I am thinking about Yashin is that since he is still getting 2/3 of the buyout from NYI, would he be willing to take a pay cut? Craig or Brendan - how does that work? Back to Yashin though, if he is getting that $$ still, and getting some $$ from us now (if we sign him), knowing what we know about the guy will he get lazy or be unmotivated?

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

I think no matter what contract he signs, he’ll be overvalued. Lazy or unmotivated aside (it’s hard to determine that, but didn’t he play the same way in Ottawa??), would you want his skill sets for over $3 million a year? 66 points two seasons ago, 50 last year (in only 58 games). It’s a fine point total, but is is better than re-signing Kozlov?

I don’t think so — I’m a Kozlovaholic though.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

The plus side is Yashin is getting bought out of his contract. He might be willing to take a lot less to go elsewhere… the Islanders are giving him $17 million to walk away. Not sure what the guarantee is on that money, what happens to that money if another team picks him up, for instance.

Legion, you’re showing your age when you think a 31 year old player is old!! Most players are still reaching their peak at that age.

By Brendan

June 6, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Where was I advocating that we should raid other teams’ RFA’s, Ranallo? We don’t even own the requisite draft picks to give up! I think it was (poster) Sara who was mentioning the RFA signings.

There is only one guy out there aged 34+ that I could support signing at this point. And Renallo, you and I will agree on this one, it’s Slava Kozlov. But, I don’t want to overpay for him. If he could be had for $3.0M a season, on a two-year deal, I say we take it. But his market value is more than that. So, unless DW can find us more bargain bin players to fill out the roster, (and I’m not saying he can’t—he might just swing it!,) I suspect we have to let Slava walk.

My point of contention about free agency is … the GM’s still have control over contracts through June 30th. Even UFA’s. It’s historically not popular to sign-n-trade in the NHL. There’s an overwhelming belief that it’s better to just take your chances on the Open Market for the player you want. If DW could find a GM out there who doesn’t want the bidding war for Kozlov, and would “cough up” his LATTER ROUND pick, say #29 overall. Then at least Don got something for him.

Now, I haven’t mentioned this yet. But here’s why GM’s should NOT especially want to do that. Well, they don’t exactly have the “blessings” of the player they just acquired. Think Hossa, when he found out he was traded for Heatley after being re-signed by Ottawa. The player “thinks” he’s just re-upped with his team. Now, some GM’s might be willing to say … “we’re trying to trade you to Detroit, do you want to go? They’re offering 3-years at $3.5 million each.” If that’s the case, then everybody’s “happy.” Well, provided Slava likes the value of the contract. He might fetch even more on the Open Market. But you get the point. Without the trade, Detroit doesn’t assume control of Kozlov’s contract. They’ll have to enter that bidding process. And who knows how high that will go? Now, it’d be different if Kozlov is “resolved” to going to Detroit. Then he’ll ignore another teams’ offer, for slightly more. That’s the other “benefit” of being UNRESTRICTED. You can CHOOSE your next team, provided that they’re interested in you. Maybe five teams want you. Maybe you’re not interested in Phoenix’s offer, no matter HOW MUCH it is. Maybe you want warm weather and no state income tax. So you tell your agent, I want Nashville, Florida, Tampa Bay, and Dallas. Just hypothetically. The UFA is free to place priority on whatever he jolly well wants. Maybe the Lakes of Minnesota hold particular charm and appeal. Shrugs. Etc., etc., etc.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Brian, Peca also doesn’t command the salary he used to either… his +/- is always going to be bad when he’s playing short-handed on the Penalty Kill.

Look folks, don’t start mentioning names of players that garner more than $2.5 million a season, it’s just not gonna happen. So, start looking at players like Handzus, Peca, O’Neill, etc… there will be no Zubrus, Drury, Briere or Yashin on this team.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

In my dream scenario I guess it would be that Yashin keeps collecting from the isle, we give him an incentive laden contract that has a base of league minimum. He signs since he will be getting paid by two clubs and the only way we pay a lot is if we get good production out of him. If we did get that production the bonus can also be partially deferrred to next year. I like the idea of him doing well with Kovvy.

He was always about a point/game player, the problem with Ottawa is that he wanted so much money they decided to let him sit out a year instead of overpaying him. Thus, he was traded to Wang who took him and Peca who sat out a year for the same thing.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie +/- doesn’t figure into the PP or PK… Face it, he’s losing a step.

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I must’ve misunderstood your point on the RFA situations, my apologies.

I think Scott Gomez is the typical UFA, and to expect a player to act differently is just holding on to hope. A healthy UFA knows he’s due money, unless he’s 40+ and not a Hall of Famer. Not many healthy UFAs will resign to their old team without testing the market. Kozlov will likely test, and if he doesn’t AND RE-SIGNS, the Thrashers got lucky (or Waddell is good).

Hokie — I think most people here are assuming the Thrashers have room for one second tier player up to about $3 million per. I don’t see Zubrus being in the Drury, Briere tier, or even in the Yashin tier…refer to above post for my reasons.

Does anyone think Sopel will be re-signed by Vancouver, and if not, how much he would garner?

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Brian sorry, but +/- does figure into shorthanded situations…doesn’t make sense why, but it is counted.

I still agree that he’s not the right fit, no matter how much he costs. I’d rather Sterling.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

ranollo - actually, you are thinking of shorthanded goals, in which case I think it does make sense. If 5 guys get scored on by 4 guys, that should be a minus.

Either way, it doesn’t matter because my bone of contention is that Peca’s +/- is slipping. So even if it did count in penalty kill situations, the last couple of years his +/- total has gotten worse and worse. 4-8 years ago he would have a +/- that was much better than the last 2-3 years. Thus, he’s not the same player he used to be.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t even like Peca, so I don’t even know why I brought him up in the first place. :)

Ranallo… my point regarding salary, we have 8 players taking up $29 million with $13 million left to sign 16 players… there’s NO ROOM!! If we resign Kozlov at $4 million, that leaves $9 million for 15 players.

By Legion of thrash

June 6, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hokie, I can tell you and Wadell think alike. You want to bring in players that you think can be signed at a discount and they do nothing for the club.

Ranallo, someone will throw a 5 mil a year contract to Zubrus. Gomez and Drury have similar numbers and many think they will get 7 mil contracts.

Plus minus only counts at even strength.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash - even strength and shorthanded goals.

By The Falconer

June 6, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Sara You can always create salary cap space for a young star—look at what NJ did to get Elias under the cap. If sometime signed the Penguins to a big contract they would automatically match it. If they were up against the cap they would move some other player’s salary.

Let’s imagine for a moment Kovalchuk was a RFA this summer and some team signed him to $7 per year deal. DW would match. He might have to trade away Holik and give up a high pick to find a taker for Bobby and his big contract, but faced with a choice of losing Kovalchuk he probably would do that.

RFA are already getting big $$ contracts without bothering with signing offer sheets from other teams. Just look at the $$ Nash and Kovalchuk got with their RFA deals in the summer of 2005.

The only way a team “steals” a RFA is if they grossly overpay and the team with matching rights refuses to match it. Then the team that overpaid is the one that puts themself into a bad spot with the salary cap.

By Brendan

June 6, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Brian is correct here. Minuses only count against you when you are playing at even strength or are on a powerplay. If you are scored upon while killing a penalty, it is not counted as a minus.

Ranallo, (I’ll get this spelling right yet!), I can’t support going after RFA’s, except in extremely limited situations. Like? Well, let’s say the team the RFA is with doesn’t give a qualifying offer. Thennnn, he becomes UNRESTRICTED, and Atlanta can sign him for whatever both parties find mutually acceptable. THINK JON SIM last year, when Florida refused to offer him $500,000 qualifying offer. DW swooped in to offer $610,000 and Sim took it! Probably because he’d get to STICK IT to his former team eight (8x) times a year! It was one of DW’s better contract signings, I must say.

Brian, Yashin and the Thrashers can come to any terms they wish. It’s to Yashin’s benefit to sign with another team. He gets paid by both. But the 2/3rds of his existing contract counts against the Isles’ cap. In other words, $2.2 million is eaten up from the Islander’s cap, for a player who isn’t even on their roster.

Think BONDRA, for the Thrashers, this year. (It was his incentive bonus that hit our cap last season.)

Now, if the Thrashers are actually interested in Yashin, it’s to their benefit to “lowball” him on the contract offer. Call me crazy, but I’d actually consult Kozlov and Kovalchuk before making this deal. They probably know Yashin very well and can advise about him, personally. Nothing would EVER be made public about that conversation, however.

If, for example, there were a “personality conflict” between Kovy and Yashin. Or a re-signed Kozlov and Yashin, that’s the sort of thing I’d want to KNOW ABOUT in ADVANCE. But if they both said, “We love him! Try to sign him!” That’s the sort of thing I’d like know about, too.

That said, I don’t want Yashin. Things haven’t worked out for teams that had him. I’m not saying “he sucks.” I’m saying, “I’d pass on him,” barring a drastically-reduced, one-year contract. In essence, it puts Yashin back into a “contract year” type mode. That should motivate him to do his very best. Even if he’s still being paid handsomely by the Charles Wang-led Islanders.

Sorry, I just like saying Charles Wang. The guy deserves all the publicity he can get. Heyyy, I’ll give him credit. He got his team into the playoffs. Truthfully, I had them pegged at #15 in the conference. He needed a “miracle” to happen at the end of the season. And he got it! Toronto defeated Montreal in regulation time, and the Isles won their last three games of the season. The Isles overcame injuries during the stretch run, including to starter Rick DiPietro. They did it with a 3rd string goalie named Dublowiecz (sp??). I actually felt bad for Mike Dunham. There was his chance to PROVE his was still a capable starter. And he let yet ANOTHER team down when it mattered most. (Think Thrashers vs. Washington, April 2006.)

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

“A skater gets a +1 if he is on the ice when his team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal. He gets a -1 if he is on the ice when his team allows an even-strength or shorthanded goal. This does not apply to goalies.”

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?page=statistics/glossary

I couldn’t find it quickly on NHL.com, so used ESPN.

By Brendan

June 6, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone would take Holik at $4.25 million. No one. Not for the WHOLE YEAR, anyway. Maybe you could move him at the trade deadline. Maybe. If Kovy were an RFA this year, and Don were backed into a corner to match, by some LARGE MARKET TEAM, as Sara points out, then he’d pretty have to match it. At that point, DW’s options are pretty much … buy out Holik. And iffff someone wants him for the league minimum, or close to it, they can sign him without penalty. It’s that or … get the other team to commit to Holik’s full salary, but throw in Slater, Exelby or whoever ELSE they want to complete the transaction. Maybe they want prospects? “Give us Pavelec, Popovic, Slater and Enstrom and we’ll take Holik at full price.”

Now … for all the Kovalchuk detractors out there … you’d LOVE THIS VERY SCENARIO! Why? Some team just paid (hypothetical) RFA Kovalchuk $7-8 million, and in the process, handed you something like five (5!!) first round draft picks, three (3!!) second round draft picks, a smattering of 3rd round picks, etc. (Not entirely accurate, but you get the OVERALL CONCEPT.) In short, they OVERPAID for guy who has glaring defensive lapses and gave up the entire future of the team’s draft picks to do it!

There’s your “youth movement!!” You’re now STOCKED with draft picks. And if you want players now, you deal those picks for players off someone else’s roster who are already under contract. Or do some sign-n-trade for them, if they’re Restricted.

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

After posting and re-reading the stat definition, I realize I mis-read originally. I was wrong, Brian (and others) were right.

In order to save face, I’ll fall back to my original point — Peca is not a good fit.

Brendan — If memory serves me, Jon Sim was signed as a UFA after not being tendered a RFA offer by Florida. He wasn’t given an offer sheet as an RFA, then declined to sign it by FL. It was a typical UFA signing basically, where a GM “gambles” on a role playing talent. Waddell may have even overpaid for the guys market value, but felt he’d fit. It was a good signing in my opinion.

Hokie, I do agree that Kozlov at $4 million is excessive, and puts too much emphasis on signing young cheap players to make up the difference, but Waddell has already admitted to allowing plenty of room for those young guys. Enstrom, Sterling, et ali, will be no more than $875 per year (depending on their recently signed contracts), and will be part of the “bargain” players they need. There can be room for a top 4 D-Man (read: $2-3 Million) OR at least one top 6 forward (read: one at $3 million, or two at $1.5+). There is enough wiggle room, especially if Rucchin is considered medically ineligible.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Legion… it’s the discounted players that have been working out the best. It’s the Holik’s and the Rucchin’s that have been hurting the team… actually, I’ll say I have no problem with Holik. He plays his role on and off the ice.

Havelid’s the guy that isn’t living up to expectations (and his salary) for me.

By Legion of thrash

June 6, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Hokie, please name me the discounted players that have worked out the best.

By Brendan

June 6, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10, you memory does serve you correctly. He was an RFA who simply fell out of favor in his camp, was NOT tendered a qualifying offer, became “unrestricted,” then was signed by Waddell for $610,000.

What I meant by “targeting RFA’s” in that instance was … making a calculated assessment, league-wide, about which teams might have “Jom Sim situations” out there. That is, players who MAY NOT wind up with qualifying offers.

This is where Don might earn his money. If he’s paying close attention to the bargain basement, and he usually does, and waits to see who got offers and who didn’t, thennnn … the early bird gets the worm. Waddell can swoop right in and take a gamble on a “league minimum” type guy who’s worth risking $550,000 to $675,000 to sign.

Yes, Ranallo is right in that regard. Florida didn’t think Jon Sim was worth $500,000. They figured, according to the article, that Sim would take them to ARBITRATION and be awarded $800,000. Or thereabouts. Let’s put it this way, MORE than $500,000. And that’s ALL Florida was willing to pay him. Not a nickel more. They couldn’t RISK binding arbitration. It is, after all, “binding.”

So, when Waddell swooped in … and MAYBE DID “overpay” for him in the strictest sense, it was a good gamble that Sim’s production would be worth the additional $110,000 it took to sign him. And, in my opinion alone, I think it was.

Now, I have not DONE the studies of players salaried at $610,000. But I’d bet that Sim was at or near the top of such a list in goal scoring and points for UFA’s signed in that range. Obviously, we can’t compare ALL $610,000 salaried players. Some of them are essentially rookie prospects, drafted from a very respectable position. And 17 goals might be expected or attainable for a good prospect, especially playing with quality linemates.

What I’m saying is … when a GM reaches out into FREE AGENCY for a forward in this pay range, ($610,000) and gets 17 goals out of him, he’s gotten his money’s worth. The guy was headed towards 20 goals, when he got hurt. Now yes. I’ll agree with ANYONE who said his production trailed off after October. Sim had five goals before Kovalchuk got his first.

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

McCarthy, Sim, Savard, Hnidy, Kozlov, Audette, Brunette, Bondra, Hedberg… were all bargain basement players when we acquired them.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Brendan - if the games in Oct count just as much as the games in Apr, shouldn’t the same be for the goals? Now as for the games/goals in May…

Here’s an oddball question. How many picks will we have on the first night of the draft?

By GaVaHokie

June 6, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting list for everyone to check out… Top 30 Free Agents this summer, who’s interested and what they’re projected to make.

http://thefourthperiod.com/topfas.html

I still don’t understand the big deal about Scott Gomez. How does he deserve League Maximum money? The only guy on that list I would even consider giving the league max to is Sheldon Souray. Even that is questionable.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - I would give it to Giguere. The fact that Sutton is on the list ruins all credibility…

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Can anybody tell me the compensation scale for signing a RFA from another team?

By Legion of thrash

June 6, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Hnidy, McCarthy, and Sim are not and were not our best players as you stated.

I will give you credit for Savard, Kozlov, Audette, and Kozlov. But in no way can you compare these guys to Handzus, O’Neill, and Peca. Bringing in one of these guys would be just like the Rucchin signing. The other guys were young except Kozlov, and all in their prime. Those other three goats are injury prone and will not produce.(Rucchin)

By Tony C.

June 6, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Dude. A healthy Handzus feeding #17??? Really?

I say run it.

By Tony H

June 6, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie** - That was an interesting list. I’m not quite sure how Sutton made their list, but whatever.

They listed teams which they felt had an interest in a given player on the list. Any idea how they determined that list of teams?

By Brian

June 6, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Let me be the first to give congrats to the uh, Los Angeles Ducks of Anaheim on the Cup victory. If trends continue, I predict these scenarios for next year’s finals. It will be either Atl/Fla over Van or Nsh/Phx over Mtl. Also possible is Dal over Tor. I like this southern expansion/relocated team beating the Canadian team trend.

By Brian

June 6, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

ranollo - it is based on how much you sign the new player for:

$660,000 or below None

Over $660,000 to $1 million Third-round choice

Over $1.0 million to $2.0 million Second-round choice

Over $2.0 million to $3.0 million First and third-round choice

Over $3.0 million to $4.0 million First, second-round and third-round choice

Over $4.0 million to $5.0 million Two first-round choices, one second-round and one third-round choice

Over $5 million Four first-round choices

By ranallo10

June 6, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brian

By LAC

June 6, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Made me SICK, Mark Hartigin, Joe Depinta and Kris Kuntz ALL skating with THE STANLEY CUP tonight….

While you can argue, these specific players may or may not have worked out here, It CLEARLY tells me one thing… don waddell SUCKS worse than any GM in professional sports… NO eye for talent, no common sense on signing players BEFORE 7/1 and simply NO game plan for the future… PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE owners FIRE WADDELL WHILE WE CAN STILL RECOVER FROM HIS MESS !

Have a Great Summer ALL…

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Brian, I look for consistency in players. If a guy gets 17 goals, and 11 of them happened in Oct/Nov, I do wonder why? What happened to make him trail off like that? An injury? Different linemates? Different ice time? A new system implemented?

I mean, what if a player scored his 17 goals over the span of the first 10 games. Then didn’t have another goal for the remainder of the year. Ohh alllriiiight. If he’s a defenseman, I “let it go.” I don’t expect my blueliners to be 20 goal scorers! I’d settle for 10! But if he’s a forward, even on a checking line, I expect “some” production between games #11 and 82, assuming he’s healthy and not scratched for games.

Final thoughts on the season. Congrats to ALL of you. When I polled you last Summer on which teams would be back to the Conference Finals, you guys nailed it with Buffalo and Anaheim. And many of you, especially Tony C., said, “I don’t see anyone topping the Ducks. They did the MOST to improve their chances next year.” Well put, Tony. A+. We knew that when GM Brian Burke got Pronger, it was a MAJOR MOVE. It may have been the best offseason move made by any GM. With two of the best three D-men in hockey on your starting roster, plus two “proven commodities” in net, and “defense winning championships in hockey,” the Ducks were an excellent preseason choice to take home the hardware. They did it. There was nothing “cheap” about the way the team was constructed, strategized orimplemented its game plan.

I don’t have a love for the Ducks. But they EARNED it. My heart goes out to Chris Phillips. But he, and his miscue, are hardly the reason the Senators failed to claim the Cup. I shall be quite disappointed to see media blame Phillips. That’s just “misplaced.”

Before we leave the topic entirely, it also goes to show that if you’re Edmonton or Carolina, you’ve GOT TO WIN when you get the chance. Neither team returned to the playoffs this year. Ouch.

Thoughts on next year. (Laughing) Yes, only I would begin to think about next year’s Finals now! LOL. RE: Anaheim, I wouldn’t bet on them repeating, nor would I rule it out. I loved the way Pierre McGuire looked at Lauren Pronger, and their two kids, with a “don’t even think about horning in on this interview with Chris” look!

Go ahead. Review the tape. NBC on ice correspondent Pierre McGuire wasn’t going to give her the time of day, after essentially forcing her husband’s exit from Edmonton last season. He’s right, it’s not about HER. Why should she get “face time” on National Tv? She’s the last thing the Stanley Cup Finals are about.

Okay, “revenons a ces moutons,” next year … I kinda like Pittsburgh’s chances. They’re young, fast, talented, deep. Those are pretty good things to be. The question mark is … can young Fleury really be their “man” in net? If not, I’m not sure Jocelyn Thibault is the answer, either. Perhaps goaltending might be a surprize move this offseason by the Penguins. Either by drafting one or reaching out in free agency to get one. Don’t Hasek and Belfour, assuming they don’t retire, become UFA’s? Maybe even Curtis Joseph, as well. Does Cujo have a year left on his contract? Cujo desperately wants a Cup. He’d have a far better shot at it in Pittsburgh, than remaining in Phoenix.

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

LAC, I don’t know that I’d credit the Ducks’ Stanley Cup win with DiPenta, Kunitz, and Hartigan. I’d be more inclined to cite Pronger, the Niedermayer Bros., Selanne, Bryzgalov, Giguere, Beauchemin, MacDonald, Penner and Getzlaf.

LAC, as much as I think some “new blood” at the GM position might turn things around, I just don’t see it happening with the Atlanta Spirit in charge. We’re just gonna have to hope Don Waddell continues to improve as a GM. While I think “championship teams” are built in the offseason, not at the trade deadline, I’d welcome whatever works at this point.

I still say … had the Thrashers lost the season-ending shootout, drawn Tampa Bay as a first round opponent, Atlanta would have won the series. Now, after that? I’m not too sure. We did pretty well against the Devils. We did well vs. the Rangers during the season, too. But with some “breaks,” maybe the Thrashers are the Cinderella entrant in the Conference Finals? Yes, I’m hallucinating. But it’s not entirely impossible, either.

Stay with me. Buffalo (#1) beats the Islanders (#8). NJ (#2) tops the Rangers (#7). Thrashers (#3) best the Bolts (#6). And the Sens (#4) oust the Pens (#5). That sets up Buffalo (#1) vs. Ottawa (#4), with Ottawa winning. If the Thrashers defeat the Devils, (improbable iff,) then Atlanta (#2) HOSTS the #4 Senators in the Conference Finals. Imagine how “pumped” this city would be for that? Think of the money the Atlanta Spirit might have had?

“That’s a ‘right, pretty speech’, Brendan. But we got swept. Those were the results.” Well, it’s hard to argue with factual results. But it’s still “fun” to speculate about what might have been.

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to rain on your parade Brendan, but where’s the use in speculating?? The past is for learning, the future is what’s important. If you’re gong to waste 2.5 paragraphs of your normal posts on “could’ve beens”, warn me before hand please.

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this

LAC — Thanks for your opinion, however misguided it seems, but your point is understood (though not agreed with).

Of those people, Kunitz is your only “valid” argument, and he wasn’t even around long enough for you to remember his uniform number on the Thrashers without looking it up. He played maybe 10 games (4th line minutes mind you — which is the coaches assignment, not the GMs), had a few points, and was sent to the minors for an injury replacement at D (Popovic I believe). He was claimed off waiver, then reclaimed by his original waiving team. There is no way YOU can claim you knew he’d score 60 points the next season…nobody did. It was a good fit for Anaheim’s offensive style, and it worked out for them. But he’s a borderline third line talent, who shined due to his opportunities given on the first and second line in Anaheim.

Like I said, misguided anger.

DiPenta and Hartigan…DiPenta was Anaheim’s 6th defender (look at his minutes in the playoffs — 124:37, behind the Huskins by 100+ minutes), and Hartigan played 3:34.

Your argument is weak, but you got your point across — you don’t like Waddell.

See you next season for the daily “fire Waddell” posts. But in the mean time, Waddell is why we were able to enjoy being swept in the playoffs this season, as opposed to watching the playoffs from home. I know I enjoyed attending those games (loudest hockey game I’ve ever witnessed).

By Bob

June 7, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Couple quick reality checks here.

1)Waddell has $29m locked up in 8 players. You guys can sit here and speculate about all these big names, reality check time, it ain’t gonna happen. We are in ownership hell (when’s that going to be resolved), let’s assume they let Waddell spend MORE after the last 2 year’s clusters (ain’t gonna happen) and let him go to $42m to open the season. That’s $13m to sign 16 players. Forget about the big names, guys. This year’s lineup will pale in comparison to the last two years, same GM and Coach at the helm, don’t worry about saving any playoff funds, fellas

2)So Waddell spends $44m this past season, makes the biggest splash at the deadline time (which was a good move for him) and all we have to show for it that we got swept by the Rangers, who got beat by Buffablow, who got beat by Ottawa, who got schooled by Anaheim. How far away are we from being truly competitive?

Oh, and ranallo, that’s why Brian Burke is the best GM in the game. And we couldn’ve had him a couple years ago if our owners were bright enough to see how inept Waddell has been. All those wasted words and venom out of you, take a look at the scoreboard, numbnut.

Anyone shedding any tears for poor Dany today? Didn’t think so.

By Lord Stanley

June 7, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Ranallo: I gather from you posts that you are a fan of DW; correct me if i am wrong. Though i read this blog daily I have yet to see a convincing arguement for why anyone would have that position. If you could give me your opinion. Here is how i see the situation.

The strength and success of a GM is constant growth of a team hopefully culminating into a championship or in the case of a team like Ottawa the repeated chances at hoisting the cup.

DW himself set out a 5 year plan. You cant argue that worked out. The only thing we had after 5 yrs was the firing of Frazier and 3 talented guys in the system who were derived from #1 & #2 picks. Ok i will concede we have Exelby who appears to be a solid asset moving forward if/when resigned. Considering our expansion status and slew of low draft picks in our early years, where is the depth of talent that should comprise our core. We have no core of talent. You cant call Hossa, Kovy and Kari the core of a team. They are the only faces staying constant. DW’s 1st strike in my book is his lack of success in the draft.

Now ignoring the Damian Rhode’s contracts of the early years and not signing Jiri Slegr who was a proven commodity at a good price lets look at the signings that took place to get us to our heralded playoff birth. First we have the overpayment of Holik. While the little things he does in hockey are important you cant pay a guy 4+ million to put up less than 40 pts and play on the checking line. Next we have Rucchin; enough said. Then Kapanen; waived. So after we beat up on the SE division before it got its feet under it in the beginning of the season. We had to make drastic moves to finish our playoff push. We brought in Dupuis (who is great) because we had no one in the system to bring up. And we signed Zhitnik to shore up the blueline. Zhitnik is a good defensemen but considering our prospects are much deeper on the D side I dont see why we have the two highest paid salaries in franchise history going into our youth movement. We would be better to have that 3.5 to sign a top center and force Oystrik into the lineup. I could go on about the contract situation but my summary point will be the fact we have about 15 mil to sign 15 guys. Strike 2 for DW is contracts.

I will make strike 3 short and sweet as this post is a essay already. Hartley should be fired. Kovy doesnt like him. Hossa doesnt seem to agree with his style. Our special teams have been getting worse each year. And he doesnt develope young talent.

I will pray every night as I have since witnessing the brooms in hand at MSG to end our season that my outlook for next season is incorrect.

By Brian

June 7, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

LAC - Ok, I know there are going to be supporters and haters of DW. And then there will be a supporter and haters for Sutton. But to call out those 3 players and point to DW is ludicrous. Just to make me laugh even harder, are you saying if we held on to those 3 players we would’ve beat the NYR? Are you saying if the Ducks had 3 other utility players they would not have won the Cup? Please answer that. Your logic is showing your bias.

As for the rest, let’s see what happens in the offseason. We all know something is going to happen, we are just speculating on what. Some of you seem to think that we are only going to have 10 players on opening night. Some of these callups just might work out, or maybe there is a trade on the horizon, I don’t know. I am just going to enjoy the ride like I did this season.

By Brian

June 7, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

To the person who incorrectly calls themself “Lord Stanley” - Your first line is “The strength and success of a GM is constant growth of a team” Perhaps you should look at the Thrashers record every year in the league and look at the growth before you write something. Everyone on this blog sees constant growth.

By GaVaHokie

June 7, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

LAC… yep, Mark Hartigan, Chris Kunitz and Joe DiPenta had EVERYTHING to do with the Ducks winning the cup (sarcasm). Scott Niederemeyer, Chris Pronger, and Teemu Selanne were just along for the ride.

By Brian

June 7, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Was it Hartigan, Kunitz or DiPenta that won the Conn Smythe?

By GaVaHokie

June 7, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Don’t feed the trolls…

By Bob

June 7, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Brian, not to take up for LAC, but the tripe you write is what’s ludicrous. To say the Thrashers have improved each year is just playing with numbers. When you’re the worst team in the league (each of the early years), there’s nowhere to go but up.

there’s one thing that matters, the current state of affairs and they are this:

1)We have 0 playoff wins in our entire 7 year history under Waddell’s tenure

2)We had the oldest lineup in the league last year, from a GM who’s stated goal was “to build through the draft”!!!

3)Our illustrious GM has $29m tied up in 8 players, for a team that was supposed to be “built through the draft”.

4)He wants to go young next year, have a “youth movement”. But he retained a Coach who can’t handle youth and every young player he’s had here or in Colorado has bucked his style. Why didn’t he fire him and bring someone in that can manage young guys and bring them along??? Call this the Curt Fraser syndrome

The guys incompetent, that’s clear to anyone that’s been around the game for a while, to try to argue otherwise is just silly.

By Bob

June 7, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

You jokers look like lame Waddell apologists trying to diss guys that carried the Cup over their head last night.

Hockey is a team game. Each skater is an integral part in winning a Cup.

That’s why a quality GM like Brian Burke is the first indispensible cog in building a winner. That’s why last preseason, I picked the Ducks to win the Cup. Burke built a winner, a well rounded winner with key guys at every position.

And why a guy like Waddell (no eye for talent, in the draft or when deciding who to sign or who not to sign) is the anchor that will continue to hold this club down until he’s gone.

I’ve said that every offseaon, and it will remain true until he’s gone: Nothing meaningful changes here until the real problem, Waddell, is gone and a real GM is brought in

By Brian

June 7, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Bob - the statement revolved around “constant growth”. If this was just an example of an expansion team that had no where to go but up, wouldn’t it have teetered off around year 3 or year 4? But no, it is still constantly growing after 7 years and who knows what will happen in year 8?

You can play with the numbers over a 3 year span but not over a 7 year span that may go into an 8 year span.

Thus, you cannot make the statment that DW is incompetent based on the logic of “The strength and success of a GM is constant growth of a team”

Those were his words, not mine.

By GaVaHokie

June 7, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Last time I checked Dan Marr was the head of scouting.

By Lord Stanley

June 7, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Brian - My post refers to the bigger picture about the status of our team. Your response points to our standings alone as if they tell the entire story. I will concede that Don improved every year in standings. His baseline was the botton of the league. I will not concede that those improvements equal constant growth of the team as my post articulated. This offseason we have to sign 15 players with roughly 15-17 mil which means both Kovy and Hossa will likely have equal or weaker players at center and wing. Our only proven commodities through the draft are Kovy, Kari and Exelby. Look at the teams in the conference finals this year and you will see they were built through the draft with worse draft postion each year in comparison to your boy. He also doesnt exactly have a great free agent accuisition record as of late with Rucchin and Kaponen being his great moves of last year.

Do you honestly think that we will improve again next year? (speak to my other points and your justification of his performance related to them)

By Hi Def

June 7, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

From above wrting -

To the commentary regarding VS and Hi Def - Games were available with VS broadcast on HD channel if you had DirecTV.

Ducks have been around 13 years - weren’t a factor for the 1st 9. Thrash franchise moving forward

Laughable comment on MA Fleury being replaced by Cujo in Pittsburgh.

Hossa, Kovlchuk and Lehtenin can’t be considered “core” of the franchise? Um Ok.

D’men conversion - Perry on the Ducks? If not him then the 3rd member of the Getzlaff line.

Vanek is worth the draft choices to pry him away from the Sabres. Exelby … C’mon.

By Russ

June 7, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

It should be pointed out that the Thrashers were in a complete free fall out of playoff position at the trade deadline. There’s no way to say for sure, but it certainly seemed like had DW not mortgaged the future on a proven regular season force and playoff non-factor like Tkachuk there wouldn’t have been improvement this season.

I am not a DW supporter, as many of you already know, but I respect the opinions of others execept in one case. The one argument I find completely absurd that I have seen on these blogs from time to time is “If we fire DW the new GM could be worse”. Hopefully nobody still subscribes to this way of thinking because it makes absolutely no sense. If the main goal of professional sports is to not be the worst team in your league, then DW might just be the man to lead your team, but if winning championships is your goal, then I’d say he has brought this franchise to the brink of mediocrity at best… for better or worse it seems like it is time for someone else to guide this ship.

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Hi Def, where did I use the word “replace” and Marc Andre Fleury?

By Bob

June 7, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hi Def, I was on vacation a couple weeks ago and the place had Comcast (I assume here that Comcast has more more homes in the country than DirectTV). NO VS in High Definition on Comcast. Crap, I couldn’t even find VS on the Comcast guide, do they even carry them?

That’s just plain pitiful and shows how inept Bettman is to take the game away from ESPN to show on Comcast. Crap, I even watched women’s college softball last night because it was in high def on ESPN (where do I turn in my man card?).

By Bob

June 7, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Russ, the owners would be hard pressed to do worse than Waddell.

Look, Waddell is a nice guy. A good guy in sports. A guy to root for.

But he was the perfect guy to lead this ship the first 5 years so we could stink and get the high draft picks. The right move (3 years ago!, or now) next is to get a real GM to take us to the next level (of being truly competitive).

In hockey the regular season is meaningless. It’s fluff. The real season just ended last night, that’s what hockey is all about, the playoffs where 16!!! teams get in, and we have 0 wins in the history of Waddell’s tenure to show for it. Pitiful.

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Russ, do you “trust” the Atlanta Spirit Group to make the decision about a new GM? Leadership starts from the top. Would they really be capable of finding a replacement? What would their “search parameters” of a new candidate include? (Who just said, “a neck and a heartbeat.”)

I’m still waiting for Ron McLean, of Hockey Night in Canada, to say, “Today I caught up with Scotty Bowman. And he told me something very interesting. He said he misses the game of hockey very much, but there’s only ONE post that interests him—and the Atlanta Spirit Group just won’t return his phone calls.”

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Bob, in fairness, some of those girls were really cute. What was the final score, 5-0? I caught bits of it. I saw the 2-run single anyway.

Bob, you were right all along about Brian Burke. I have a very healthy respect for him. He’s got to be a Top Five GM in the NHL. Lou Lamoriello is slippin’ a lil bit. I think he slid down to #2. Ken Holland got the #1 position, I think. Jay Feaster was … like 4th? I think that’s a little “high” now. Maybe the Top 10. Waddell was #19, I believe. Lou’s taking some heat for the Claude Julien firing 79 games into the season.

Speaking of taking heat, will the NHL now consider a suspension for Alfredsson for that slapshot at Niedermayer? There’s no place for that kind of behavior. I heard Alfie’s interview with Pierre McGuire. He made a total denial of the accusation. No one on the NBC crew “bought it.”

Well, the draft is now two (2) weeks away. If DW is going to allegedly “reclaim” his lost draft picks, we’re gonna see some trades. If not, we don’t draft until the 3rd round, which won’t be televised.

Patrick Kane might be the 1st overall selection, made by Chicago. They’ve expressed some interest in him.

By Bob

June 7, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Hi Def, check out how badly Bettman screwed up putting the games on VS, he’s killed the sport amongst the casual fan (the lowest rated prime time program in HISTORY):

*National ratings were due later Thursday, and this year’s Stanley Cup finals were on track to set a record low for TV viewers.

Game 1 on Versus was seen by 523,000 households in the United States and Game 2 on the cable network was viewed by 446,000 homes.

When the series switched to NBC, Game 3 was seen in 1.2 million homes and produced a 1.1 national rating, matching a July 2005 rerun of “The West Wing” as the lowest-rated prime-time broadcast in NBC history. Game 4 had a 1.9 national rating, which translates to 2.1 million homes.*

By Russ

June 7, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Brendan, as I stated previously I think a change needs to be made and I acknowledge the possibility (albeit slim) that the change could be for the worse. However, when the reward could be great and the risk is going from being a pretty bad organization to a really bad one I think that is a chance you have to take. In my opinion the Thrashers will probably be a team that goes to the playoffs about 1 out of every 4 years with Waddell as GM and will never be a serious Stanley Cup contender. If, by chance, a new GM only gets the team to the playoffs one out of every five or six years…is that really that much worse??? … and maybe, just maybe a new GM builds Atlanta into a model organization with young talent constantly coming up through the pipeline to fill spots as aging, more expensive players leave via free agency.

So, here is my proposal, compile a list of all current NHL assistant GM’s, currently unemployed former NHL GM’s, current NHL Heads of Scouting, and current AHL GM’s…tape the list to a wall…step back 10 feet…throw a dart and see who the new Atlanta Thrashers GM is. My argument is that the risk/reward compared to the status quo is off the charts in a positive direction. And, yes, I would trust the Atlanta Spirit to throw the dart.

Unfortunately, all this talk is futile because there are clearly no changes on the horizon (sigh).

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I think in the 2001-02 season, the Thrashers actually took a step backwards, in terms of points. Look, I got threatening letters from P.E.T.A. from bangin’ the drum on the GM position. They claimed I was whipping a dead horse. It got to the point where even I was sick of hearing myself complain about it.

Look, this might be a very unpopular opinion, but I don’t think this team has EVER had good ownership. Was Ted Turner a hockey enthusiast? Was AOL-Time-Warner dyed in the wool hockey supporters? Or was it a tax write off? The spectre of David McDavid had nothing to do with hockey. He was a basketball guy, and always will be. And then, in swooped the current ownership group, at the 11th hour, to claim this team. Now, some of them had prior NHL experience with the Capitals. But I think their main objective was getting the Hawks and being able to tell others that they’re pro sports team owners.

In their defense, this ownership has committed money towards their stated goals of making the playoffs. That’s a good thing, in general.

But as Russ, Bob, and many others, (Perhaps even Lord Stanley,) have pointed out, time and time again, ya know … more than HALF the teams in the NBA and NHL make the playoffs. In the NBA, pfft, they make it with LOSING RECORDS!!

Is “making the playoffs” really the goal? I hope not. As Bob has pointed out, the only season that matters is the playoffs, and what you do in them. I would hope that the REAL goal … is to win the Championship. Obviously, only one win does that, while 29 or more fail.

It’d be one thing if the Thrashers lost Game Seven of the Conference Finals. I think that would placate many area hockey enthusiasts that the team is on the right path. Stay the course. Especially, if it had a core of young stars, like the Penguins do, including seven 1st round draft picks in their starting lineup, from years worth of successful drafting. (For the record, I don’t think the Penguins should abandon MA Fleury!!! It wasn’t a stellar playoff for him, but give the kid a chance!! Some “insurance” as a backup might be appropriate, however.)

But is that the case with the Icebirds? This team faces an annual roster overhaul. That’s why, as some have pointed out, a new GM really could get a clean, fresh start, towards molding and reshaping the team.

But I don’t think that’s even remotely in the cards. Unless there’s a change in ownership. This ownership LOVES Don Waddell. Adores him. And has given him their FULL CONSENT on all team moves. If the Atlanta Spirit Group retains ownership of this team, Don Waddell stays. Probably for a good while longer. They believe in him.

Now if Belkin wins, I suspect he’ll sell the team right away AND clean house in the process. Before you say, “Good! That’s what I want!!” Hold up. It’s only good IFFFF he sells it to “competent hockey enthusiasts.” Does this even remotely sound like Arthur Blank?? God, I hope not. Keep that man as FAR AWAY from my hockey team as is possible. His 1st move will be to sign Federov to a 10-year deal, at the league max, … just to show us all how committed he is towards winning, citing all the marvels of the 36-year’s career. (Think Peerless Price’s $10 million after being a secondary receiver in Buffalo, here. Vick’s $130 million deal, trading away Schaub, moving Duckett for John Abraham, etc. “Ready, shoot, aim!”)

Bring in some rich Canadian owner, for all I care. That sounds okay. But if we’re gonna keep the Spirit Group as owners, the best you can do is hope for improvement from Waddell. Some of these prospects could work out. Sterling, Pavelec, perhaps even Valabik, might make it to the show and do allright. These guys are young and inexpensive. What kills us are these “30-something” greybeard contracts. If DW actually signs Jeremy Roenick, I’ll have a stroke.

Sorry for the novel.

By Hi Def

June 7, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Ratings were well documented as abysmal. I would doubt Hockey will ever return to Network TV prime time. My response to this - Who cares? Hockey is not a growth sport in the US. Why a sport with speed, skill and violence does not play to an American audience is something I will never understand, however - it is what it is. So it stays the course as a niche sport with an extremely rabid and loyal core audience. There will always be room for the telecast somewhere in the vast expanse of channels on cable and via “center ice” season subscription or something as such. As any of you who have ever played can attest - nothing is easy with hockey in the bulk of the US - whether it being travel time to games or playing in the middle of the night due to limited ice sheets. Couple this with expensive finite equipment and it is a burden on parents to get kids playing. I make this point because inevitably fans will be paying for TV access to games that are becoming increasingly expensive for for the average family to attend. Just? No. Suck? Yes. Ducks sold out 38 straight in SOCAL so geography is not the primary issue. Thrash get a few seasons of consistent “”success” and they will keep enough fans in the seats to keep the team in ATL. If not successful, there is a silver lining to the potentially poor next 2 seasons (particularly if they move Hossa for young talent) Tavares might be on the same level as Crosby.

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I’m trying to compile a list of players who requested to be in Atlanta. Uhhh. It’s a “thinker,” isn’t it? I suspect Exelby wants to stay. Keith Tkachuk was happy to be here, when he was here. Genuinely. Slater might want to be here.

Slava allegedly wants out. Lehtonen and Kovalchuk are frustrated by their recurring “benchings.” Zhitnik didn’t “ask” to be traded here. Havelid re-signed of his own volition. Okay, count him on the “want to be here” list. Hossa didn’t request to come to Atlanta. These pending UFA’s can go wherever they please, so long as they get contracts.

Coach won’t play McCarthy, so I suspect he wants out. Popovic might want to be here. The guys we’ve drafted … didn’t choose Atlanta. It was either sign with us, do the time, or stay with their college, Junior or minor league team. Or play in Europe. Think Ilja Nikulin in Russia.

Is Atlanta thought of as a place that players want to come? Or, is it more of a place to come … when you’re in the twilight of your career, and no one else will take you?

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Russ, Bob, what would you guys think of Neil Smith, as a GM? Seems like he never got a fair chance out on Long Island. Although, in his 41 days, he did intelligent moves. I don’t think he was part of the DiPietro contract. And he didn’t “choose” Ted Nolan as Coach. Though, he is a good coach.

Neil Smith has a Cup ring from his days with the NY Rangers. He’s working somewhere. I forgot where and in what capacity. But I’d bet he’d like one more crack at a GM job.

If the Sabres don’t re-sign GM Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff … rubbin’ hands together. No, I won’t even allow myself to “think” about it here in Atlanta.

By Russ

June 7, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I would like Smith, but as I’ve stated I would pretty much be welcome to giving about anyone a shot at the job. The possible replacement I really liked was Lombardi last off-season, but the Thrashers missed the boat on that one. I thought he did a tremendous job putting together a lot of the core that currently makes up San Jose’s roster and in one year with the Kings I feel like they trail only Pittsburgh with high quality young NHL players (not all drafted by Lombardi, but I believe he will have them molded into a power in the Western conference in the not too distant future).

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing how incompetent the discussions become once a certain person returns from vacation.

Maybe I got spoiled because people who think a little more logically and a little less emotionally (Brian, Brendan usually, Hokie, Sara, et ali) were the main posters. Occasionally the opinionated posts would poke their heads up, but typically it was “I like _ player for _ reason”.

Bob, thanks for bringing the intelligence bar of the average post on this blog back down to “Door Knob”…we were all getting too accustomed to being cordial with eachother.

Re: Burke — I’ll admit now, Brian Burke has personality issues that I don’t agree with, so I always have a hard time saying he’s a good GM, but I can’t argue with his success. However, how long did it take him to win a Stanley Cup though? How well did he lead Vancouver?? Just because the Ducks won The Cup, doesn’t mean that Burke is the best in the league. Just because Vancouver never won The Cup doesn’t mean he was a failure in that city. Look at the prior two Stanley Cup champion teams…would you rank those GMs as Top 5? I wouldn’t.

COACHES WIN THE CUP, GMS PUT THOSE COACHES INTO POSITION TO WIN.

It’s clear that I disagree with those who say the Don Waddell isn’t putting the team into position to win. But I noticed something new in some of your latest rants about Waddell…something that I mentioned in February and was subsequently told how ignorant I was. In early February I had the audacity to claim that Waddell wasn’t to blame for the on ice ineptness that was coming out, but rather the coaching staff (not just Hartley, but he’s the easy scapegoat).

As I stated then, the same team was in first place before Christmas, handily. The same group of players began slumping, and teams began adjusting to their “system”. The system DID NOT ALTER (except for the one memorable game where Kovalchuk actually played wing on the PP, instead of point) and everyone witnessed the team subsequently falter in February. The trade deadline comes around, and the GM makes several moves (most of which were disagreed with by some all-wise bloggers — Bob, do you remember telling everyone how Belanger wasn’t an answer, and was “another 3rd line center”?? Probably not.) You people were calling for players like Forsberg (yikes), Brewer (didn’t get moved), Camalleri (didn’t get moved), and even Visnovski (how’d that move work out…oh wait, he wasn’t moved either). Waddell, as the GM, made several moves to put his coach back into position to succeed. He made what he saw as necessary moves, and the team responded by taking back first place, and eeking out a CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP by beating the last two Stanley Cup Champs in the standings. The team made the playoffs, and lost to a hot team with a hot goaltender. In fact, most analysts (Barry Melrose included) considered the Rangers the most likely team to surprise the NHL and be a contender for The Cup, ala Carolina of last season.

This is fact, right? I’m not making things up, am I??

My point? In February, most people were calling for Waddell’s firing, blaming his “incompetence” as the reason for the Thrashers slump, and failing to realize that the coaches were the more correct people to blame. A system is built by coaches, not by GMs. A coaches job is to make due with what he’s given, and lead his team to victory. Now that the season is over, and people have been able to watch a very good Stanley Cup Championship team, you same people (you know who you are) decide to say it’s now Waddell’s fault for keeping Hartley, and it’s evidence to his ineptness as a GM. Circular logic, solid.

I understand your gripe with Waddell’s personnel decisions, but didn’t those same decisions get the team into the playoffs?? The 5 year plan was said how many years ago?? Have you ever worked for a company that altered it’s strategies or goals midway through a year?? It happens, usually due to unforeseen factors. Scratch the “5 year plan” off the list — maybe swap it with his playoff guarantee, because that was actually recent in comparison. Scratch “build through the draft” off your list as well.

Final question for you…why are we people who speculate on Free Agents stupid, where you people who speculate on the teams future failings due to future moves (or lack thereof) are smart? If you’re only going to complain about your team, become a Maple Leafs fan.

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Holy novel Batman! My bad.

By Bob

June 7, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

ranallo, you’re so clueless, it’s not even funny.

Yep, I said Belanger is not the answer for a top 2 center. Guess what, he’s not. You want me to list out all of the litany of losers that came in here and looked great for the first few games or weeks on the new club? Dean Sylvester anyone?

Belanger isn’t a top 2 center, and if he’s a top 2 center on this club next year, it’s a mistake. Notice how he disappeared after his first month here and was invisible in the playoffs? The majority of the club was, but still.

Speculating on free agents now is stupid because WE HAVE NO CAP ROOM. get it? probably not, but I try with you, ranallo, I try.

At least you finally admit that you have blinders on about Brian Burke, but you look like a moron (like you need more help looking that way-lol) dissing him the morning after he wins the Cup.

yep, Burke is a Grade A A-hole. Waddell is a Grade A nice guy. I get it now, you don’t like Burke cause he’s an a-hole. You like Waddell because he took the time to talk to you at a meet and greet. That’s some in depth analysis there, Ranallo. lol.

Nice guys finish last

By Brian

June 7, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Just to follow up on ranollo and to point something out to all the DW haters. We did just win a division championship, didn’t we? Isn’t that improvement? And if we have as many young guys in the lineup next fall that we think will be there, isn’t that a show of good drafting? Before one more person makes the quote of 8 players for $29mm, let’s see what kind of team is actually on the ice for opening night when they raise a banner. The team is winning more, let’s see what happens in year 8. Caution: it just might get better.

By Bob

June 7, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

By the way, Ranallo. If we’d really won a Conference Championship our season would’ve just ended last night, and we’d all be pretty satisfied with that.

that’s a Division we eeked out, and I do agree with you that Hartley shares the blame for his mishandling of the players, goalies, and inability to change the system. Just remember who hires and fires the Coaches, yes, your boy Waddy. That’s reason # 189 he needs to go, inability to also make that right move.

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

First, “lol” is for 13 year old girls…stop dating yourself by trying to use lingo you think is “hip” and what the “young guys” would do.

Second, I’ve met Waddell once, at a hockey game, and shook his hand. That’s it. I’ve met plenty of players that way, Vigier included, that doesn’t mean I’d follow them to hell…it means they’re nice individuals to give me (a nobody comparatively) the time of day.

Third, point out my “diss” of Brian Burke(yet again with the youthful diction, I love your attempts at being younger than you really are…I’m expecting to hear “tubular” soon). I definitely said he is a good GM, I gave credit where credit is due. He’s a self promoting pompous prick, much like most old school players. I don’t agree with his tactics as a GM, and I’ve stated before that his complaints about the fight instigator penalty is ludicrous (his team lead the NHL with 71 major penalties…30 more than the next team). I would liken his style of GM to Steinbrenner’s style as an Owner/Executive A*****. Guess what, Steinbrenner was successful too, but is still hated by most of America.

Thirdly, Belanger was a more than capable number 2 center with this past seasons lineup. He showed that between two scoring wingers, he can elevate his game. He scored more points in his first two games as a Thrasher than any other player on the roster. EVERYBODY tailored in the playoffs, as you said, so why would you hold that against Belanger more than anyone else? Does that mean Tkachuk is not a top 6 forward because he didn’t produce for a week (4 games!!!)?? How about Hossa, did he lose “Best Thrasher” status because of his lack of playoff production?? Beyond pleasuring you, what didn’t Belanger do for you? He’s not a cornerstone center, nobody said he was, but to write him off before knowing how he plays is a bit ignorant…if you remember, you erroneously associated his lack of points in Nashville (he never played a game there) as your linchpin to your reasons why he would be ineffective. And you know what, I don’t agree with you that he’d be ineffective as a number 2 center between Hossa and a playmaking winger on the right side (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let it continue to be Kozlov).

Fourth, Belanger is a UFA, so why are you speculating on this team having him next season?? I thought Free Agent speculation was off limits for this team because there is no Cap Room (though, there is about $13 million floating around)?

Fifth, the “litany of losers” brought in…name them. Then explain to me how they excelled in the first few games they played, then went to crap. Then explain to me exactly how a GM other than Lamoriello has a hands-on impact on the players success on the ice. Finally, explain to me how a coach can have production out of a player for a few games, then not again after that. Your theory reeks of “bad coach”.

By Legion of thrash

June 7, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Brian, every year we hear that young guys are going to come up and play with the thrash. Last year it was Bourret and Coburn, they are no longer here and didn’t make the team. Guys may come up and stay on the team this year only because we have no other choice due to the amount of money we have available. It would not suprise me to see Little on the team when he realistically should play in the AHL for a year. It would not suprise me if only one of the guys we keep hearing about makes it this year.

And a division banner, whoopie damn dooo!

By ranallo10

June 7, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

My apologies on the “Conference Championship” gaffe. Thanks for the correction.

Hartley is too good of a coach to fire. He needs to learn to bend though, because if he doesn’t, his “good coach” title will eventually get him fired (most likely along with Waddell).

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with Russ that DW saved the day at the trade deadline. Let me translate that. Waddell covered up for Hartley’s deficiencies. Our PP is/was anemic. What worked in October and November was figured out and solved by December, with no adjustments made by Hartley.

Who’s to blame for that? I don’t think Waddell is. Coaches have to “coach.” And I’m not sold on Hartley as the guy to develop the young talent. If somebody said, “Someone has to be fired, pick one.” It’d be Hartley, first. If someone asked me, “what was the story of the Thrashers playoffs?” I wouldn’t answer, “We got swept.” I’d answer, “Bob Hartley, and perplexing goaltender decisions.”

Look, I know Waddell said he’s “100-percent behind Hartley.” He might even mean it. But he’s got to think to the future of this club and the development of its (young) talent. With Kovalchuk quote about “He’s (Hartley’s) the coach THIS YEAR,” and Lehtonen’s frustrations about the goaltender rotation, it doesn’t sound like the young talent is happy. Remember when Hartley challenged Kari to play better, then promptly sat him for three games? How’s he supposed to play better while sitting on the pine? I’m not saying that Hartley’s lost the room. But I’m not sure it’s not headed in that direction. I hope it isn’t. But if it is, Waddell cannot simply stand pat or idly by. He’s got to find a new coach. And crazy me says, “Please let it be someone who wants to be in Atlanta.” Yes, I want someone to actually WANT to be here. And not for someone to come here who thinks, “Well, this is probably my last shot at an NHL gig. I’ll take anything. Even Atlanta.” Think Mike Keenan! God, no!

If Ranallo10 is right, and there really is a “youth movement” afoot, I do welcome that. That’s why you draft players in the first place. Young talent tends to be faster, hungrier, and doesn’t cost much. All good things, in my book. But someone has to “coach ‘em up.” Look what Ted Nolan has done, historically, with even marginal young talent. If Hartley can be that guy, GRRREAT! If not, I expect Don to do something. Ya know, early enough to salvage the season.

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Okay, so what’s next? The RFA’s must be tendered qualifying offers by June 30th. Whoops. The next thing is the draft, June 22. Well, those RFA’s could be “sign-n-trades” for draft picks on June 22. I want to keep Exelby. But I don’t Don to overpay. If Slater isn’t here next year, I won’t cry about it. If McCarthy isn’t here, I won’t cry, provisionally. The provision being … that we get somebody better to replace him, at equal or lesser cost against the cap.

I do have the feeling that DW can keep Slater by letting him become unrestricted, by not tendering a qualifying offer, then re-signing him as a UFA, for LESS than what the qualifying offer would have been ($990,000).

By Brendan

June 7, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

While Belanger is still fresh on my mind, I really think it’s to his benefit to re-sign with Atlanta. I doubt he’ll get better ice time, elsewhere. $1.5 million ought to do it. Also, Pascal Dupuis shouldn’t just be a “rental.” He can be had for $1.0 million. Locking up those two for a combined $2.5 million, why the HECK not?

If Don Waddell doesn’t do it, then I have absolutely no idea what his “vision” is for this team. Why does he get these guys, only to jettison them? He thought they were only good for a few months? Tkachuk is different. We KNEW he was a rental. There were even “stipulations” put on him being a rental, like a 1st round draft pick, if we re-signed him.

No such conditions exist for Belanger and Dupuis.

By Brian

June 7, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

legion of thrash - you won’t be surprised if a lot of guys come up this year because we have no other choice. Yet you won’t be surprised if only one of the guys we keep hearing about makes the team. You really like to put yourself out on a limb, don’t you?

And if you’re not happy that we won our first division then stay home and quit your whining.

By Tony C.

June 7, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Howabout yer boy Teamu Seleanne?

16 years and he gets his name in Sterling Silver…good for him!

I just don’t see any team in the east being able to hang with whoever comes out of the west-too much size and speed. I mean Ottowa isn’t a crap team-mebbe they aren’t blessed with large amounts of heart, but, like most of the top-tier teams in the east (and yes, Sid & Co. qualify-watch out for next season) give up about 20-50 lbs. line-per-line with most of your western top tier teams

By Brian

June 7, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - After this year, does Ottawa shake the “no heart” label? I mean normally in years past I would agree with you, but I think Alfredson can shed that now especially.

By Aaron

June 7, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

I have never liked Waddell. I however would agree that Hartley would be my first pick if I had the choice to fire one of them.

I don’t think this team is in too bad of shape in the offseason. The team should have plenty of money to spend on the forwards for the top two lines that team needs, especially if they can dump Rucchin. The only question is what players will want to come here. If nobody wants to play here, then Waddell will be forced to overpay on many players, and he will be stuck with another Rucchin type of contract.

By Sara

June 8, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

Few points I’d like to make.

Re: Hartley - personally I got pretty sour on him after last year. Ranallo made some good points. The SYSTEM last season became flawed - the team lost its drive and focus after about December, no adjustments were made to a horrendous PP, and our young players made available on the roster were not well developed or utilized. Teams are going to rely more than ever on young talent and it’s going to require a coach that can assess/develop/utilize that young talent. I’m not sure BH is capable of that.

Moving on from there to DW. We do have some talented players coming available in the next couple of seasons in Enstrom, Little, Pavalec, etc etc so it’s not like he’s completely blown the show. However, his drafting does leave something to be desired. Overall however he hasn’t been horrible. I think too many “DW haters” look at the overall picture or certain specific events (I mean come on why are you still griping about Rhodes 8 years later?) and not looking at things more situationally. Everyone loves to bring up the five-year plan but forget what the first five years were like. A crappy ownership situation unwilling to make a financial investment in decent UFA talent, or the team in general. Had Spirit owned this team from day one I think we might have gotten the five-year plan accomplished because DW could have made some better moves and brought in more talented players. When AOL/TW owned us, the $28 mill or so we have invested in 8 players now is what we had invested in our ENTIRE roster. Let’s see what YOU could do with that - particularly under the old CBA. And other than the top picks in most years, young talent takes a few years to develop as well.

As for the moves this season - it does blow that we lost draft picks and some young prospects/players but then again, there is a reverse side to that. The fan-base was clamoring for a play-off berth and if this team missed it again this season, it would have potentially been disastrous (moreso than a first-round sweep). I can’t entirely blame Don for what he did at the deadline to try and ensure this club got to the next level NOW.

I would suspect that this year will be a decider for Don. He’s really facing his greatest challenge to put together a competitive team with some major salary restraints. Same will go for Hartley, who is going to have to prove that he can get a good system running and properly utilize young talent. If they can’t they may well both be history. Don’t think that the owners will keep both of them around forever. Nice guys or not, all owners (Bill Wirtz excluded) want a successful business and if DW or Hartley can’t make that happen, they’ll look elsewhere for someone who will. Too much money at stake and these guys don’t strike me as the type to overlook that detail.

BTW - another cheap player who performed well - Metro. I wish we could get him back this off-season. Not my choice for a first line center, but he’s got good work ethic and energy and he’s still gonna be cheap.

As for the Holik contract - yeah he makes too much money for what he does but we need him here and most GMs will overpay some players. Re: Rucchin - he was brought in for a very particular reason - to be a sensible two-way player to cover for Kovy’s defensive lapses. I mean, really, who knew Kovy would grow up so much last season? It made some sense at the time. Now of course, it’d be nice to find a way to get him off the books. Maybe we’ll get lucky there, who knows.

By Bob

June 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Somebody explain to me about dumping Rucchin. My understanding is that we can’t just dump him, without absorbing the Cap hit. I think the new CBA reduced the ability to buy someone out and be free and clear (I mean you still get the Cap hit, right?). That’s an albatross that we need to get rid of, I think the only way we avoid the Cap hit is if he retires, and why would he retire if he’s due $2m or whatever next year? That’s a problem right there.

Ranallo, come on, don’t be obtuse. It’s very common for guys to brought up or traded to a new team or whatever and have a great first few games or couple of weeks and tail off. Belanger is in that mode, looked unreal his first couple weeks. He didn’t only tail off in the playoffs (like they all did), but he tailed off the last 3 weeks of the season. That’s why I mention the Dean Sylvester syndrome (remember him, hattie in his first game brought up from Chicago? Where is he now?). It’s like when a coach is fired, the new guy comes in and the team plays great for 5 games, then it’s back to the same old.

The real news this off season, to me, is what is going to happen with the Spirit vs. Belkin situation. That, more than anything, will affect the long term situation of this club.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Sara - nice points. Really, why are people btching about Rhodes 8 years after the fact? The other complaint I am sick of is how certain bloggers determined that Atlanta is a team that no one wants to come to. Brendan used the logic that since a player was drafted to play here, they don’t want to play here. Thus, he dwindles the list down to only a select few who “want*” to be here. Poor logic all around. And since a player was traded here, we can’t say he wants to be here, so let’s get that list even smaller. Is the fact that you don’t know something proof of the opposite?

By Brian

June 8, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Bob - I think the trick to dumping Rucchin is to get him on IR. He gets the $$ and he’s not hitting the cap. I am not sure of the specifics, perhaps Craig can give some input.

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

I’ll further elaborate that the draft is a crap shoot… Zetterberg was a 6th round draft pic… Datysuk was a 5th round draft pick. Arguably the best players to come out of their entire draft class. You never know who’s going to develop.

Andy McDonald of the Ducks was an undrafted free agent… a bum off the street.

The hockey draft and the MLB draft are not guaranteed stars… I don’t think you can judge a franchise on it’s drafting history alone… only in football and basketball can you make that argument. You can definitely pin the underacheivement of the Hawks on their horrible drafting.

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Brian I think you’re right think about the IR situation…think about Mogilny in New Jersey. Is the phrase “physically unable”? I can’t remember the magic phrase they use to classify those players.

By Thrasher316J11

June 8, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Didnt like the attacks on my “Lord Stanley” handle so I will switch to something simple for this post.

Brendan: I dont know of anyone who thinks losing Slater would be that big of a deal. I was disappointed in his lack of improvement last season. I was really hoping he could step up his work ethic as you can see evidence of creativeness and scoring potential every once in a while in his game. But it never materialized in my opinion so letting him go float to UFA and then signing at a discount is likely our best move.

I like Bellanger because he is young, fast and hungry to prove himself so if his price isnt driven too high by the market i hope he returns and I can see him a bright spot for our season next year.

Dupuis is a must sign. I know other teams were supposedly clued into his talents and so the price should be a little higher than initially thought but still reasonable for the potential he brings. He stepped up huge in the playoffs and vastly improves our PK. I see him putting up a 40+ pt season if signed and used correctly.

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Basketball drafts…what an uncomplicated system right there. Two rounds, that’s it. Talk about boring.

Football drafts are a bit more interesting, because there are known players through the first 5 rounds, and sometimes further. The local interests in the NFL draft is amazing, just look at the E-A-G-G-E-S fans that show up every year (yes, I know I spelled it wrong, it is on purpose).

I personally find the first two rounds of the MLB draft interesting, and find it amazing that it can last the full 50-some rounds. One year I was bored at work, and watched the live ticker for the draft on ESPN.com. Kinda interesting, seeing players like Yunel Escobar get drafted, then watching them progress through the minor league system, and eventually make appearances in the MLB. The MLB draft is amazingly intricate, which makes it so interesting.

Hockey is good for the first three or four rounds, then the names just become “Russian 17 year old [43]”, “Finnish 18 year old [4]”, “Canadian 18 year old [175]”. In my opinion, the European talent is usually the unknown. A player can drop to round 8 (like Zetterberg) because no team had seen him play. An article recently highlighted that the Wings scout saw him while watching another undisclosed player, and viewed him as a person of interest, hoping he’d drop in the draft. He obviously did, and look how it helped them. The unknown role players on European teams can make a big impact eventually…so the draft has SOME interest even though it’s a crap shoot of sorts.

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Lord Stanley… (don’t change for others)… I agree with Dupuis and Bellanger, but I also think we have to give Slater another year to see if his struggles this past year was just a “sophomore slump”. I personally think he’ll shake it off. I would think Waddell and Hartley agree, and I’d say you can go ahead and pencil him in for next season.

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, the other side of that is, hockey prospect players are pretty cheap… you get lucky with guys like Sterling, Nurminen, Exelby, etc. but if you miss on a few choices… well, just go sign Haydar, Krog, Popovic, Metropolit, etc.

I still say our biggest problems have been overpaying for established talent… Rhodes, Dafoe, Rucchin, Slegr, Holik… how much did we pay Uwe Krupp?

By Brian

June 8, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

To the poster who correctly refers to themself as Thrasher316J11 - sorry, but no one gets to call themself “Lord Stanley“… As for Slater, I think most agree on that, but the fact that he is only 23 would really bite us if he developed for someone else.

As for the draft, the other thing about baseball & hockey is that who you draft today won’t play for you for another 5 years possibly. At least 3 with the exceptions of the Crosbys and Ovechkins. Looking at Lebron James when he was 17 and saying he’ll be good is one thing, looking at an entire class of athletes when they are 17 and trying to figure out who will be the best among them is another. All the more reason it can be a crapshoot. All the more reason to get good farm coaches. Buffalo put a huge emphasis on that recently and look what it got them.

Ranollo - the one thing that makes basketball & football more interesting is that immediate need. Think when Portland passed on Jordan because they already had Drexler and needed a center instead. Do you pick the best player or the position you need the most? The top running back even though you have one already or that 2nd rank LB to replace the one you just lost in free agency? That never happens in baseball or hockey because who knows what you will need 5 years from now.

By Legion of thrash

June 8, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Brian, most of us know you come from Buffablow where they are used to dissapointment and a loser attitude. I can see how you would be happy with a division title and if the thrashers never won anything else. It is people like you that have that settle for mediocrity attitude that keeps Wadell his job. Maybe you and Wadell can sit down and pound a peice of new york cheesecake and talk about how great it is to get swept out of the playoffs. I would actually like to see a stanley cup banner hang from the rafters.

By Legion of thrash

June 8, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Hokie, if the draft is such a crap shoot then why are so many teams consistently good at the crap shoot. How is it possible that all the teams that were in the conference finals were built on draft picks? Some GM’s know how to draft deep and others just can’t draft outside the first round.

That bum off the street just won a stanley cup and had the most points on his team in the finals.

By Legion of thrash

June 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Lord Stanley, don’t change your name for brian because he likes to come on here and act like he knows everything about hockey and he is the allmighty blogger. He has no aspirations of ever seeing Lord Stanley’s cup, so that’s probably the reason he doesn’t like you using that name. You can scroll up and find one of his tantrums when he thought everyone on here was trying to be an armchair GM.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Legion of thrash - can you please refer to where I said I didn’t want a Stanley Cup? I would like to see that myself. Unless of course you are highly sensitive, overemotional and do not have facts. Which would make sense because rather than resorting to facts you brought in the name calling and Buffalo reference. Which is odd because earlier in this blog Brendan was hoping to get Regier and/or Ruff into Atlanta. What team are they from again? Perhaps Michael, or as you call yourself, Legion of Thrash (whiners always hide their names) you can tell us what you have won?

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Krupp was a weird situation, but yeah, that sucked. He won a cup in Colorado, and in Detroit. He was a hard nosed defender. He was tailing off in his career…then BAM, no more playing for him. He still lives in GA though, which is kinda cool in my opinion. A Russian pro hockey player decides to settle in Atlanta, get married, etc?? I would never expect that.

Rhodes and Dafoe were necessities, and weren’t overpaid when they first got signed.

Dafoe was coming off two straight years of sub 2.4 GAA in Boston, with his tenure having a low of 1.99 GAA in 68 games (98-99 season). That’s solid.

Rhodes was on the Tugnutt tandem in Calgary, and was a second choice by Waddell. I’ve discussed this situation before though.

Slegr just can’t stay healthy, or in a lineup, and since 2000, his most games played in the NHL was 38 with the Thrashers (01-02 season). Obviously people still thought highly of Slegr, as he’s made three different teams since leaving Atlanta.

Rucchin was brought in for a specific purpose, and had decent success point wise for most of his career. The problem with Rucchin’s signing was the role he was playing, and the age. He is a poor man’s Bobby Holik — a defensive center who can put the puck in the net occassionally. Ideal for a checking line, or MAYBE second line pairing. I didn’t understand that signing at all, but it seems to fit exactly what Hartley likes…and old “proven” player who is also a solid two-way player. I personally think Hartley had a little to do with that signing…Kapanen had already been locked up via trade, so Hartley probably looked and said “Kapanen is too young, and only played third line minutes in Dallas (though, he did score 35 points!)…I need a more proven commodity. Get me a veteran Don.” And Don obviously complied.

Finally, Holik — I think he’s simply overpaid, but I definitely think he’s worth maybe 3 of that $4 million. He’s a solid player, and helps this team immensely. I’d take Holik at $4 million and Haydar/Krog/Metropolit at $450,000 before I’d want Rucchin at $2+ million and Mellanby at $1-2+ million (can’t remember his salary).

My points being, each of those players you listed were proven/established talent, and were signed to contracts that their skill sets dictated. Maybe some were slightly overpaid for their PROJECTED effectiveness, but nothing like a Yashin contract. The problem is that each of those players you named, except Holik, were subsequently injured in the Thrashers careers. How do you plan for injuries?? You can’t KNOW that’s going to happen. Rhodes was unspectacular, but a serviceable goalie. He played 83 games over three seasons with the Thrashers…maxing out in 2000-2001 with 38. Him and Hnilicka did what they could with the team in front of them.

I don’t hold any of those signings against Waddell, personally. But I’m also a little more forgiving towards him then some. I take all the pent up blame I create through the season, and focus it on one horrible PLAYER. It was Modry last season, and Vigier this past season. I’m leaning towards de Vries (if re-signed, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t be re-signed), or maybe Bob.

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne…great draft choices by Anaheim. The heart of the team, all traded or signed. Good call Legion (note the sarcasm).

By the way, how many draft picks of Brian Burke’s held The Cup this season?? I can’t remember…

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Legion… first off, that “bum off the street” reference was exactly my point… nobody knew about Andy McDonald to draft him and he’s the top center on the Stanley cup team this year.

Second, I’m going to prove both your point and mine. Waddell doesn’t draft well (yours) and neither does anybody else (mine)… it’s a crap shoot.

Since Atlanta started in 1999 they have drafted 78 players of which 10 still play in the NHL… that’s 13%.

Compare that to Buffalo since 1999… they drafted 71 players of which 13 still play in the NHL… that’s 18%.

The difference comes with how many still play for the team (ability to retain your draft picks)… Atlanta only has 4 of their draft picks on the team while Buffalo has 8.

My point being, even a great GM will still bat .200 on their draft picks.

Going further, back to Detroit… in the 1998 draft, all 6 players drafted between Jiri Fischer and Pavel Datsyuk never developed. In the 1999 draft, Zetterberg was the ONLY player that developed for Detroit out of 6 draft picks.

By ranallo10

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

Brian and Hokie, you’re both right regarding the draft. The immediate impact is what makes basketball and football drafts able to be successfully televised, because those “kids” will be on the team tomorrow, and have a chance to make an immediate impact. You’re also right that as a team, it’s important to draft based on necessity, balancecd by the best players available.

Conversely, in hockey it’s important to draft based on the talent, and the projection for that player. Baseball is similar, but those variables don’t come into play quite so early in the draft (they have 50+ rounds, they can afford to take the best available player later, and draft for positions early). You don’t see Detroit looking to draft a goalie in the first round THIS SEASON because they need a replacement for Hasek next season…it’s not likely that player will be ready to play immediately, so you’re drafting based on your projected rosters, your projected needs, the expected maturing of the player, and also based on that player’s skills.

But yeah, I just repeated what you two said, but I’m in agreement.

Michael/Legion, I wasn’t aware Brian was from Buffalo, and honestly can’t recall an overly biased statement he’s made towards the team. As he pointed out, Brendan did recently talk about Buffalo, maybe you’re thinking of Brendan?

Is anybody else disappointed that Lindy Ruff is in the running for the Jack Adams Award (Outstanding Coach/Coach of the Year)? Is anyone else confused why Vancouver’s coach (Vigneault) is in the running?? I personally don’t understand how either of those coaches can be able to win the trophy over the Pittsburgh Penguins coach (Michel Therrien).

In fact, why is it that those coaches are chosen? Who chooses them?? Does that selection committee watch the development of a team throughout the season and base it on the teams success from previous seasons?? Yeah, Buffalo had the best record in the NHL, but they were a great team last year too. Meanwhile several teams, including Atlanta, made drastic strides of improvement, and were able to make the playoffs when they barely sniffed it the season prior. In my opinion, perennial powerhouses should not have a “Coach of the Year” candidate…i understand how hard it is to create a powerhouse, or to continue success at this level, but it just seems weird to me. Ruff a back to back Adams winner?? I don’t agree.

This makes just as much sense to me as it does to have the possibility of having two MVP candidates on the same team.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

ranollo - there are always going to be 2 debates every single year in every sport when the awards are handed out. Is the mvp the player that does the most for his team, or the best player overall? Is the best coach the coach that wins the most or the coach that does the most with the least amount of talent?

In the first debate, we have seen some Hart winners (think the goalie from Mtl a few years back - Theodore) who just did the most for their team. He wasn’t the best player in the league but without him Mtl would have dropped the most, whereas Colorado or Detroit would have still made the playoffs if you took Yzerman or Sakic away from them.

As for Pit, some might think no matter who was coaching them, they would’ve been good with all that talent. But Buffalo was a surprise in the playoff run last year and their best player - Briere, was on the verge of being cut from Phoenix and no one else wanted him but Buffalo. No other superstars on the team unless you count Drury who had been moved around a few times as well. In Vancouver I imagine the same argument is being made. It’s not the coach who won the most, but the coach who did the most with the least…

The thing that makes absolutely no sense with this is when someone gets nominated for the Hart but is not nominated for the best at their position (Vezina usually or Norris).

By Brian

June 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

ranollo - I forgot to add, the whole irony if Ruff does win is that last year he won because he did the most with the least, this year if he wins it will be on the back of a President’s Trophy…

By Sara

June 8, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Since we’re all having fun throwing around draft stats, here’s some more. Looking at the Western Conference finals here -

Anaheim had a whopping 3 players in their regular line-up this season they actually drafted - Bryzalov (2nd round 1998), Getzlaf (1st rd 2003), and Perry (1st rd 2003). And two of those as you can see were 1st rounders which are supposed to be those “easy” picks.

By contrast, the Red Wings - who frankly are the best drafting team in the NHL when it comes to late round drafting - had 10 players in their regular lineup that they drafted:

Datsyuk (6th rd 98), Filppula (3rd rd 02), Franzen (3rd rd 04), Holmstrom (10th rd 94), Hudler (2nd rd 02), Kronvall (2nd rd 00), Kopecky (2nd rd 00), Zetterburg (7th rd 99), Osgood (3rd rd 91), and Lidstrom (3rd rd 89).

Notice anything about those players? Aside from the fact most were drafted deep (FYI Fedorov was another late rounder they drafted - 7th rd I think), they are all European. Cause guess where the Detroit scouts spend most of their time? That’s the advantage they have over everyone else. They know who these guys are when no one else does so they can let them sit until later rounds and fight over the more well-known talented players early.

Btw, going back to Anaheim, in addition to MacDonald, Penner, DiPenta, and Kunitz were all undrafted FAs that they signed to contracts.

So anyway, technically we actually had MORE of our own drafted players in our line-up than the Stanley Cup winners. And frankly you can through Hoss in that mix because he represents Heatley who were still would have had if HE hadn’t requested the trade (as in one of our own drafted players we didn’t let slip away from us). And we still have good players coming up. Datsyuk didn’t crack the line-up until four years after he was drafted, Zetterburg 3 years.

Oh yeah, ranallo, Detroit wouldn’t be drafting a goalie anyway - they already have two bright prospects in Howard and Liv - one will likely be up next year as back-up to then take over from Hasek the year after (probably Howard) with the other up soon to follow as the secondary.

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

I also heard that Detroit might pick up Al Montoya from the Rangers since they seem pretty set with Weekes and Lundqvist.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - If you heard it I believe it, but Weekes is a perenial backup and if Lundqvist goes south, don’t you want some protection? Unless Detroit dangles something good…

By GaVaHokie

June 8, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

And to further elaborate on Sara’s point… Detroit had 7 players on their roster from 1999 draft and later… and actually, Kronwall was a first round pick.

The Red Wings have had only 2 first round picks in the last 8 years… they traded them for established players. Why?… the draft is a crapshoot and if you want to win cups, like they have, you gotta get “real” talent.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - If you heard it I believe it, but Weekes is a perenial backup and if Lundqvist goes south, don’t you want some protection? Unless Detroit dangles something good.

Sarah - nice stats on that, this just shoots down all the complaining about draft picks.

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Good analysis Sara, thanks.

The Detroit Goalie reference was just the first thing that came to mind. I’m aware of Howard, not so familiar with Liv though.

Brian, Thomas Vanek, Brian Campbell, Maxim Afinogenov, Ryan Miller…all four of these could be starters on any NHL team. Vanek was overshadowed by Ovechkin and Crosby, in an impressive rookie class. I know Ruff is a good coach (we’re not disputing that), but I think you hit it correctly when you mentioned the irony. His team was set, was one of the best last season, and was the best this season. He had really good players (getting Zubrus was a steal in my opinion, too bad Washington is in Atlanta’s division, ‘twould’ve been nice to see him here), and had two starting caliber goalies for the majority of the season. It takes a good coach to make a team continue their success, but it takes a better coach to turn a nobody team with no track record of winning into a playoff contender (in my opinion).

Like you said though, there are always debates about these things…it’s the nature of the beast that is award ceremonies.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

ranollo - I hate to say it but I disagree on 2 of those. Afinogenov was benched in the playoffs this year. A healthy scratch! Campbell is good but gets a lot of good pub and since he is the best defenseman on that team Buffalo fans voted him into the all-star game. I think he still gets a lot of fan fare up there for that hit against Philly in the playoffs last year.

By Sara

June 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks guys - too bad Ice Princess wasn’t this good huh? Making women hockey fans everywhere look bad, but I digress.

I went back and looked up the draft info from Ottawa, who one-upped Detroit with 11 drafted players in their line up - Alfie (1st rd 94), Phillips (1st 96), Spezza (1st rd 01), Schubert (4th rd 01), Eaves (1st rd 03), Emery (4th rd 01), Fisher (2nd rd 98), Neil (6th rd 98), Meszaros (1st rd 04), Vermette (2nd rd 00), and Volchenkov (1st rd 00). They’ve done well with their top picks obviously as well as some retention with Alfie, Fisher, Neil, and Phillips.

Looking at the Thrashers #1 picks - Stefan (a bust altho he was ranked high), Heater (who was lost through no fault of DW) and Nikulin was picked up 1st rd that year also and could still be a possibility other than he likes the $$ in Russia apparently. Then there was Kovy and Slater 1st rd in 01 and Slater is still a bit of a toss up I think. Lehtonen, then Coburn (now gone, that was rather stupid I think but I blame Hartley for his lack of development more than DW for trading him), Valabik who should make an impact soon. Next two drafts are 05 and 06 which haven’t done much for anyone’s teams yet other than the very top players. There we had Bourret, now gone, and then Little, who we should see in a year or two.

Overall, it’s not bad. Not GREAT, but not bad. Plus we’ve had a few late0round gems ourselves (Pasi was working out pretty good for a late-rounder), X was a late-rounder also. Sterling and Enstrom are from the 2003 draft and as late round picks, coming up now isn’t surprising. And there’s Pavelec who will either be good enough to give Kari the boot or be some darn good trade bait himself - easily good enough as a swap for someone else’s highly talented youngster.

So I guess make of all that what you will.

By Sara

June 8, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I meant to make one other point. When you look at teams like Detroit and Ottawa that have “built through the draft” notice that a number of their players - including some of their top-calibre players - come from drafts that pre-date the Thrashers’ history. Ottawa has 4 players drafted from 98 or before. Detroit also has 4 players drafted prior to 99. So you take those 4 away and there isn’t THAT much of a difference. Leaves Detroit with 6 and Ottawa with 7 players in their line-up last year that they drafted in the time this team has been drafting. We had five up this season including Coburn, Derek Mac saw some time up here this year, and we coulda had Heater other incidents not withstanding. Heck Pasi could have still been here as our back-up if he hadn’t blown his knee out. So that would actually have been 7-8 players on the active roster this season.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

sarah - the only thing about Stefan was that EVERYONE had him as the #1 pick. Granted the Sedins turned out good for Van, that whole draft has very little to show for it. The only other name you might recognize from round 1 is Martin Havlat, Tim Connolly (who can’t play a full year) or Steve McCarthy (where’s he going to be next year?).

By ranallo10

June 8, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Maxim Afinogenov was injured until the playoffs, so was not exactly a “healthy” healthy scratch. But he only missed one game…finishing his recovery from a broken wrist.

He’s a high speed RW with a killer shot, a smaller version of Kovalchuk. The current rules play to his benefit, similar to Briere. Afinogenov would be Atlanta’s second best RW, Ottawa’s second best, Detroit’s best, Anaheim’s second best…basically, unless a team already has a superstar RW, he’d be on their top line. His speed is blazing fast. His shot is wicked hard (I love saying wicked). I’d deem Afinogenov as a very good player.

By the way, he played in 15 playoff games (out of 16), had 5 goals and 4 assists (one point ahead of Zubrus, one behind Vanek), and a +3 rating. Prior to his injury, he was leading the Sabres in scoring. In 56 GP he had 61pts, compared to Drury who played in 77 games and had 69pts.

Campbell led defenseman in scoring for his team, with 48 points. As we know from de Vries and Modry, putting points on the board doesn’t always translate to a “good” defenseman. But All-Star votes aside (it’s crap), Campbell had 42 assists for a good team — 15 more assists than the next D man on his team (Numminen), and second most on the team behind Briere’s 63. He’d easily be top 2 on the Thrashers, top 3 on Detroit, top 4 on Ottawa, etc. (just picked random teams).

I hate to say it, but I disagree with your disagreement of my opinion. How dare you have your own opinion!?

By Sara

June 8, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Brian I mentioned that Stefan was highly rated. The only question mark at the time was the number of concussions he had already suffered while playing in the IHL. And the Sedin twins wanted to be drafted together - the only reason we got the number one pick in the first place was because of Vancouver’s maneuvering to get picks 2 AND 3. Btw, out of that draft year I can also recognize Pyatt, Saprykin, Jackman (a Rookie of the Year candidate), Tanabe, and Boynton. They’re all NHL regulars. Not too mention Jordan Leopold and Mike Commodore in the 2nd round of that draft - also regulars.

It’s funny but I’ve always seen that draft referred to as not very deep but frankly there were a LOT of servicable players to come out of that draft - many better than Stefan.

By Brian

June 8, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

ranollo - Afinogenov, I’ll give you his speed and shot. But that healthy scratch, that was punishment for his turnovers. As well, the Buffalo faithful were turned off with his non-chalant attitude about getting beat by Ottawa in the conf finals. He reminds me of Alexei Kovalev, all the talent but what a headcase.

As for Campbell, I admitted he was good, but I think any team’s #1 defenseman can be any other team’s #4. Let’s get our definitions straight before we argue on that one. Besides, I just wanted to talk about him so I could put up a link to that hit from the Philly series last year…

sarah - Pyatt has flamed out for 2 teams already, but I’ll give you that. Boyton & Jackman I’ll give you those too, I thought about them but I was thinking the stars of the year, I wouldn’t call them proof of a “good draft”. I was thinking the big stars like the Sedins. Brendan can shoot me down on this but I think they are the only all-stars besides Ryan Miller in that draft. That should be a good indicator. I was speaking of round 1 only, if you go after that you have to mention X. Didn’t we get him in our first draft in round 6 or 8?

By Jameson

June 9, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

Re: Metro - I liked him too, and thought he did a decent job on Kovy’s right. I’m not saying we couldn’t do better, but assuming he came back, I think we’d wind up looking something like this up front next season:

Kovy-UFA-Metro Sterling-Belanger-Hoss Larsen-Holik-Dupuis Bolton-Slater-AHLer/UFA

I think that’s reasonable considering our salary situation, and could be quite competitive if our young puck moving d-men can step it up.

By Brendan

June 9, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Ranallo and I were talking about Metro earlier. I think in previous blog. Probably the one where I did a draft analysis of the Ottawa Senators. But anywho, it was his position that Metro didn’t have a major skill set worth bringing back. At the time he left, Metro said things like, “I wouldn’t rule out coming back.” But he also said, “I’m not one of Hartley’s guys.” And that’s probably true. So, I have the feeling … we won’t see him back. But we could do worse. One of Don Waddell’s strong suits is his ability, from his days as a minor league GM, to spot “bargain barrel” type talent. There are GM’s out there who can’t find it. It is a “skill.”

I want to see the kids come up. I just think Hartley doesn’t. He wants Greg deVries types, that he feels he can trust.

By Brendan

June 9, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Sara, Brian, et. al.: That 1999 Draft wasn’t an abject failure. I doubt any Draft year can fall into such a broad category. But if you compared, sayyy, 1998 to 1999, you’ll recognize a lot more names. And I’m not just talking about the 1st rounders. That was a fairly good draft year! How I wish Atlanta, rather than Nashville, was the first expansion team of this recent group of four, to enter the league. But I digress.

But yeah, I mean … 1999 produced players that are still in the NHL today, in varying capacities.

As for Stefan … well … I think 3/4 Draft publications had him at #1. It was “high risk, high reward” with him, due to his previous history with concussions. When people want to skewer Waddell on his Draft history, going with Stefan sort of isn’t the way to go. The way to attack him is to examine the body of his work through eight years. Throw out the high 1st rounders. Either everyone was right and these guys are “can’t miss prospects” or everyone was wrong, (think Daigle,) and they were busts. I have neither high praise nor scorn for those type of picks. Are you a great fisherman if you cast your line inside an aquarium?

The key is … what did he do with picks from 31 and beyond. This where those who have the knack for this sort of thing tend to shine. And you must look at a few YEARS’ worth of drafts before you assign “status” to them. A rookie GM might pick up three 2nd round picks and NAIL THEM ALL!! But what did he do the NEXT Year? Maybe he has some 12th overall pick, who never plays a day in the NHL, while overlooking a guy taken 20th, who finished among the Calder Trophy finalists. Hypothetically, of course.

Now, I know. I hear you. Don’t think I don’t hear you. You want to assign PRAISE for nailing these “Can’t miss” prospects. The argument is … well, what if it didn’t pan out? That’s a high visibility failure. Yes, there’s truth to that. But doesn’t EVERYONE have “egg on their face” in that sort of situation. It’s one thing … if the hypothetical GM goes off the board to select someone with that 1st overall pick. It’s quite another if the GM goes ahead and selects Sidney Crosby, the consensus #1, and the kid flops. Are you really ready to hurl slings and arrows at said hypothetical GM for his egregious BLUNDER? I’m not.

Why? Because we all thought Crosby would hang the moon, in that instance. But at the same time, how much would I really want to TRUMPET, “I nailed Crosby! I’m an UPPER ECHELON GM!! Look what the kid’s doin’!” Geez, do you hunt deer with a machine gun, too? And didja kill it? Well, hearty congratulations on a fine slaughter.

By Brendan

June 9, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Look, as for “Buffalo stuff,” how can we NOT be looking at them? Since the lockout, this has been one of the better teams. If it were not for injuries, the 2006 Sabres might have won the Cup. And who saw THAT coming? Not me. I had the Sabres ranked 12th in the Conference from the preseason of the post-lockout. In my defense, I had NO IDEA how the new rules would pan out, or if they’d truly be enforced to the letter of the law. Buffalo built a young, speedy team. Lindy Ruff “coached ‘em up.” GM Regier did a GOOD JOB. If the Buffalo Sabres really are thinking of dumping those two, they’re CRAZY! But if they fell into our lap, I sayyy, “Take it! Take it! Take it!!”

The other reason to be talking about Buffalo is their free agent situation. Every website I look at has Briere ranked #1 for most desired FREE AGENT. With Drury in the Top Five. And Vanek, the plus-minus winner and 40-goal scorer, is an RFA, who will cost a lot to keep. I doubt it’s just Atlanta monitoring the Buffalo situation. Hello, this is a team that just won the President’s Trophy and appeared in the Conference Finals in back-to-back years, and for the fourth (4th) time since ‘98. Obviously, they’re doing something right.

My team is the Thrashers. If my team can raid THEIR team … and get similar results, I’d be THRILLED!! And be honest, so would you. I think division titles are nice. Really. Truly. But I’d much rather finish 4th-6th, and win the Conference, to reach the Cup Finals. Who wouldn’t want that?

As (poster) Bob points out, the only season that matters … is the playoffs. And as (poster) Chris points out, from like 10 blogs back, a lot of Atlanta’s failure to deliver knock out punches resides with the coaching staff. Look, I’ll agree that our cap situation is exclusively the doing of our one and only GM in team history, Don Waddell. But at the same time, I think Don has shown improvement since the lockout. His biggest mistake was with the Holik contract. If he could undo that one, I’m sure he would.

C’mon now. Admit that much, will ya? In retrospect, Waddell’s very first move should have been signing Kovalchuk. Instead, he slipped down to his 5th move, and Kovy missed training camp as a hold out, and extorted, via his agent Jay Grossman, about $1.5M more than he was worth at the time. Now today, it looks like a bargain of a contract, considering how GM’s failed to actually LEARN anything from the lockout. They’re still spending like boozehounds on a bender.

As for this draft party at Jillians, I don’t see a televised draft pick for Atlanta in the 1st round. Unless Don makes a trade. We’ve all covered this, already. But there are a few names that “could” be moved. We have to look at our unsigned RFA’s. Those include Slater, X, and McCarthy. Then there’s that ever persistent speculation about Hossa. And thennn, however improbably, there are UFA’s whose contracts are still controlled by DW, and could be “sign-n-trades.” Those include folks like Slava Kozlov (Detroit, maybe?), Jon Sim, Greg DeVries, Shane Hnidy, Pascal Dupuis, Eric Belanger, etc. And then there’s Maude.

Sorry. I just had to do that. (Someone must watch re-runs of old shows, too.) Okay, what I meant was … Bobby Holik. I won’t hold my breath, either. We’re stuck with him. At least until the trade deadline. But if Waddell can pull it off, I’ll back him. He found a home for Modry. I thought that an IMPOSSIBLE TASK last year. But he did it. Maybe he’s got one more miracle up his sleeve. If he pulls that off, then we really can delve into Free agency for centers. Fine by me!!!

Have at it!!! Make it happen, DW!!

By Russian

June 9, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Yashin might be go to Capitals and play center with Ovechkin. It will sucks for us. :-( They played together in Olimpic Games and looked OK.

By The Falconer

June 10, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

re: Rucchin. We can’t “dump” his contract. We could buy him out in which case part of his salary counts against the cap. Or if he can’t skate we could ask for a Long Term Injury Exemption from the NHL.

Under a LTI Exemption Rucchin sill gets all his money, but the Thrashers are allowed to go over the cap by an amount equal to Rucchin’s contract—as long as Rucchin is unable to play.

But here is the problem. It looks like the cap is going up to around $50 million from $44-45 million last year. If the Thrashers get a LTI exemption for Rucchin they could spend up to $52 million. However, the Thrashers lost money with a $45 million payroll—are the owners going to choose to spend $52 million when that is almost certain to create a large financial loss? I have my doubts.

By The Falconer

June 10, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

re: 1999 Draft The Thrashers were going to choose between Stefan or Brendl. Stefan is a 3rd line player. Brendl is a bust, he is not even in the NHL anymore. Between those two choices the made the better selection. Could they have done better? Sure. But they also could have done worse.

By Tony C.

June 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Good point about Brendl-he’s not even good in videogame hockey.

Now as far as the draft….we’ll be picking far enough away from the top spots that I don’t know that we’ll miss that second-round choice but damn not having a 1st or a 2nd? that’s tough. I do believe DW will get one or the other back-at what rice I have no idea (not sure I want to know).

I am ready to see some major changes. I do believe that the organization owes us (the paying customer) at least one more year of #17 & Hoss as a one-two punch. That being the case, that means both of those guys need playmakers to feed them. Trouble is, unless Slava-Matic wants to be a super-duper nice guy and not get himself a raise, then we’re kind of screwed. At that point it’s get us one playmking pivot, put them all on the same line, and tell #17 he’s going to have to start being a little more evil and whup some a*. I say #17 because I just don’t believe Hoss has enough “mean” in him.

I’d love to be wrong. But we just watched an anaheim team (that yes is bigger faster stronger but don’t think that’ll stop someone who wants to see it thusly) with only one “true” scoring line (MacDonald line) and a superior checking line (think Holik line with Dupuis) win The Cup.

Ok yes, they have the #1 and #2a defencemen in the league, and Le Thrash have ummmm…Zhitnik & Havelid….solid but it aint Prongs & Scotty.

Comrie pretty much disappeared in the playoffs-this helps our position because he just got cheaper. Smolinski looked pretty good in the playoffs-even though his team got bounced, it wasn’t because Smoke wasn’t hustling. I’m not sure about how to address the cap-heaviness…I mean getting the LTI status for Rucchin only clears about 2M for the cap (perhaps this is Slava’s raise?)

I dunno. What I do know is that at long last I can curse someone else for pinching in too deep other than DeVo.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Aaron

June 10, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

I was looking into the retirement rules, and I saw that if a player retires who was signed after he turned 35, then when he retires, it will count against the team’s salary cap.

I then looked up, and found that Steve Rucchin signed on July 3, 2006, one day before he turned 35. If he is seriously injured, and retires, I believe he will be completely off the salary cap, which would be fantastic.