Thrashers

By Nate

June 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

My biggest thing about the Q & A was the comment about finding a center. Waddell said “absolutely” when asked the question if the team had the money to sign a guy for $6 million a year. But then said it might be in the best interests of the team to sign 2 $3 million guys or 3 $2 million a year guys. I’ll never understand that logic. How is it better to have 2 or 3 mediocre players that maybe total 50 points combined than one great player that can get you 90 points and make the players around him better? We saw first hand what happend with that this year. Did the team miss Savard’s production? Yeah. Did Kovy miss Savard? A resounding yes. I understand Waddell wants depth because of injuries, but depth is in Chicago and mediocrity doesn’t win hockey games. Injuries happen and you just have to deal with them the best you can. Don’t fail to acquire greatness because of “what-ifs.”

By Craig Custance

June 14, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Nate — That’s an interesting argument. Do you try for the home run in free agency or build depth?

By ranallo10

June 14, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Nate, it’s the eggs in a basket argument. The team already has two players scoring between 80 and 100 points per season. Both players are not on the same line. To obtain a big/great name (i.e. a $6M player) for one line weakens the rest of your second line. But to obtain two above average/good names (i.e. two $3M players) or three average names (i.e. 3 $2M players) is spreading the production across the team. Ottawa had ONE big offensive line, with each player making $4+M. They lost to a team that had ONE big offensive player, and many above average players. They focused their money on defense and two-way players, instead of a single high scoring talent to bolster one line. One player is more easily shut down than two or three players.

Savard was missed, true, but he was extremely extremely expensive, and not really worth all the money he was asking for (and received from Boston). His production was missed, but he scored those 90 points while making less than $3M. If you can get that sort of production out of one of those two new $3M players, and then 40-50 points out of the other, you’re ahead of the production ANY $6M player can give your team.

Dainius Zubrus had 60 points making $1.85M last season. Maxim Afinogenov had 61 points (in 56 games) while making $3M last season. Combined, they had more points (121) for less money ($4.85M) on one team (eventually Buffalo after Zubrus got traded) than Savard did for Boston (96 points, $5M). Obviously those two are good players, and Zubrus was a bargain of sorts, but my point can be made for that example.

I know, I know, there are many players who make more or less money with more or less production…but the above example is what GMs HOPE for. And you never know, that $6M player could get injured…

The Thrashers don’t need three $6+M forwards. They could definitely use two more $3M forwards, or one forward and one defenseman.

By War Eagle

June 14, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

The one thing the Thrashers need is someone to get in front of the net. Thta is what I saw missing while attending 6 games this past season. They are around the perimeter waiting for the rebound but they need a screener or the goalie will stop it with his glove. Build through the minors-don’t pay for superstar free agents. That is how you blow your cash on 1-2 yr and out “stars”. Develop the minor team and bring them up. That way, you can have them around for a while. Just an opinion.

By Aaron

June 14, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Yes, they will really need to find a winger who is going to crash the net and get rebounds. The only players who did that this past season were Tkachuk and Mellanby, but now they’re gone. Maybe if Kozlov is gone, give his money to a winger who will actually go to the crease.

By GaVaHokie

June 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Well, you have to consider that THIS summer those three $2 million players could land you the likes of Jeff O’Neill, Kyle Calder, Tyler Arnason, Radek Bonk, Richard Zednik, Yanic Perreault

…or two $3 million players could get you the likes of Bill Guerin, Keith Tkachuk, Petr Sykora, Viktor Kozlov, Alexei Yashin, Mike Comrie, Michael Handzus, Ladislav Nagy

… or one $6 million player gets you ONLY Daniel Briere, Scott Gomez or Chris Drury.

I like the two players at $3 million.

By GaVaHokie

June 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Excuse me… Viktor Kozlov only makes $865,000… that’s crazy. I thought for sure he was making more than that.

By icemansucks

June 14, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Nagy and Hartnell are the most attractive available wingers and Zubrus along with Comrie seem to be the best fits at center for the price.

Aaron, if I’ve heard or read anything on Brett Sterling it’s that he likes to crash the net from the boards and score dirty goals. His 55 goals will likely not transfer up to the NHL, but if Brett chipped in 20-25 and 40 or 50 points, that would be a good ole fashioned, front of the net point producer.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

June 14, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Did Bonk and Hossa play on the same line in Ottawa?

By NASCARfan

June 14, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

So here’s the question guys: what center do you want us to get? I agree with Nate whole-heartedly. We need a great center to play with either Hossa or Kovy (most likely Kovy, as Hossa can make his own shot better than Kovy seemed to be able to do last year). This is where I’m sick of Don Waddell. This is the kind of thinking that makes you not make the playoffs for the first 7 years of your team’s existence. Don Waddell is a play not to lose kind of guy. I guarantee you that making the moves to get Zhitnik and Tkachuck made him puke because they were so counter to his play not to lose way of thinking. He made those moves to save his own butt, pure and simple. They worked to get us there, but here is talking about once again reverting to his crappy decision making once again. He thinks he’s bought himself time. But if this team doesn’t make the playoffs this year, I don’t see how even the complete and utter idiots that comprise our crappy ownership group can not fire this guy. Then again, these are the same morons who refuse to fire Billy Knight. We’re talking about geniuses like Bernie Bulls—t Mullin, who is the best spin doctor / excuse maker on the face of the planet.

We need a great center. The problem is, who’s it gonna be and will Don Waddell have the balls to sign him?

By ranallo10

June 14, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight doesn’t deserve to be mentioned on this blog…watch out what you say about him though, or Terrence Moore will come on to tell us we’re all racist.

By Thrashers27

June 14, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

If that’s all the more KT is gonna cost after free agency starts, then I say we bring him back and pick up Yashin. Again I say, we should do our best to snatch up Marcel Hossa and play him on a line with his brother. Those two have to have incredible chemistry! Not to mention, Marcel really seemed to come into his own during the post season.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Yeah, but the uniform would look weird…they’d have to put their full name or else it’d be “Marc Hossa” and “Mari Hossa”.

How well would “Mari Hossa” go over in Tampa Bay or Carolina???

By Nate

June 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - You are talking about diamonds in the rough. And don’t you think those guys will get a bigger payday when their free-agency hits? Of course they will. Finding guys that produce like that for that kind of money are EXTREMELY hard to come by.

Craig - You go for the homerun. After seven seasons, the depth should already be within the system.

By Tim

June 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

I there is a player I would like to sigh for 6M$, it wouldn’t be on a centerman but on a first class defencement. Yes, having a big name in the center will help you qualify for the playoff easilier, but it won’t help you win a championship, and this is true in every pro sport. Anaheim didnt win because they have a big name offense, it’s because of Pronger and Niedermayer.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

How many homeruns did Anaheim have? I believe they won The Cup for their first time, 13 years into their existance (probably had at least one “5 year plan” during that span), with one player over 80 points for the season. Atlanta had two, and Kovalchuk surprisingly wasn’t one of them.

GaVaHokie named enough “diamonds” that would easily help this team. Kovalchuk and Hossa are enough “homerun” players for this team, now they need supporting characters.

The “homerun” players don’t fit into a salary cap era on a small market team. So, if you want to see Drury or Briere in Atlanta, tell 4000 of your closest friends to buy season tickets, and private boxes.

By GaVaHokie

June 14, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Buzz… it was either Bonk or Smolinski, but yes, I’m sure they had some playing time together. Bonk had 44 points and Smolinski had 46 points in 04-05 playing with Hossa and Alfreddson… no Atlanta Center had over 30 points this season… getting two guys like Bonk and Smolinski even make a huge upgrade… I’ll even throw Josef Stumpel out there with 57 points.

By GaVaHokie

June 14, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

In summary, the only thing better than a $6 million home run is a $3 million home run… there are plenty of guys out there for $3 million that can come in here and light the roof on fire.

My two leading candidates… Yashin and O’Neil.

By GaVaHokie

June 14, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Worth noting… look at Yashin and Hossa’s point production the last time they played together.

http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000542001.html

By ranallo10

June 14, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I’d rather a disappointing or injury filled season from one $3M player than from one $6M player.

And as Tim said, for this team one $6M player for this team would be most useful as a defenseman.

By Brendan

June 14, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Here it comes. I go with “depth.” I’d rather have 3 guys at $2.0 million. That is, provided I’ve already got Kovy and Hossa. I need something other than one line, or components of a line, for the other team to “shut down.” I want my 3rd line to BEAT their 3rd line. I want my 4th line to BEAT their 4th line. The whole equals the sum of its parts. If ya feel what I’m saying.

If by getting some $2 million a year guy, like a Belanger ($1.5M actually,) you bolster your 3rd or 4th line with some production and speed, it makes you a better overall club.

In short, NOWWWW who do they “focus on” to shut us down? Is it just Hossa? Or Hossa and Kovy? Go ahead. Double-team them. Triple-team them. My $2.0 million guy is going to be open and score. Two million a year type players do have “some value” in this league. Look what Jon Sim brought to the table ($610,000)? He scored nearly 20 goals. Belanger, who now looks like a longshot to return, is someone who could net 20 goals if he played a whole year with Hoss or Kovy.

If DW went after Briere, he better hope that he doesn’t get hurt. And that his regular season production doesn’t trail off when a physcial team like Anaheim or Ottawa or the Rangers bangs his frame all around the rink. Now, Briere’s a skilled guy. He’s your regular season guy to get you to the playoffs. But then the other team’s grinders hit ‘em and shut ‘em down in the playoffs. It takes depth to win. Anaheim was NOT just Niedermayer and Pronger.

Yes, that’s a BIG PART of it. How could it not be, when two of the three best blueliners in the game play on the same team? But if that were ALL that the Ducks had, it wouldn’t have been enough. Pronger got suspended, TWICE, and the Ducks won BOTH games. Why? They had depth on defense, like Beauchemin. And others. Okay, don’t say DiPenta. I wasn’t going to! Chill!! He barely played.

The Ducks had MacDonald, Penner, the other Niedermayer, Selanne, Getzlaf, not to mention two stellar goalies, in Bryzgalov and Giguere. That’s depth. And they drafted a few of those guys. Actually, Ottawa’s Coach did, Bryan Murray. Getzlaf and Penner were his, I believe.

I hear what Nate is saying. Great players make the players around them better. But it’s risky and it’s easier to shut down, come playoff time. It’d be far better to have four lines that can all produce, and force the other team’s coach to figure out how he’s going to shut down your 3rd and 4th lines, who keep killing his 3rd and 4th lines. He can’t play his “checking line” for 40 minutes.

Someone is going to say, “You mean you rather NOT have Briere than have him?” Such a question is missing the point. If you must go down that route, ask the question this way, “Would you rather have Briere or Hossa?” “Would you rather have Kovalchuk or Drury?”

Imagine if you had eleven 20-goal scorers, all making $2 million apiece. What that means is, only one (1) guy out of your four lines isn’t a 20-goal scorer. How do you shut such a team down? They have a “balanced attack.” Everybody’s pretty good. Everybody’s got speed. They only eat $22 million of your $44 million cap. That’s 220 goals. Your blueline chips in another 20 among the six to seven of them. Now you’re at 240 for the year. Plus that other guy nets 10 goals. You’re at 250 for the year. Plus whatever production you might get out of “call ups.” Maybe 10 more, over the course of a season. That’s 260 goals.

The “old” blueprint for a Stanley Cup Champion was scoring 250 or more goals while surrendering less than 200. Any team doing that … had a fairly good chance at going deep in the playoffs. These aren’t hard and fast rules, mind you. But they’re “generally true” for a reason. We haven’t had enough “sampling” of the new NHL to have a new blueprint. Carolina gave up 260 goals in 2006, yet still managed to win the Cup.

By Nate

June 14, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah, and how far did the “bargain” players carry the team this year? Swept in the first round, that’s right. And since when is Atlanta (the 8th largest city in the U.S.) a small market?

By Brendan

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

Atlanta is probably a “medium-sized” market. But the hockey interest pales in comparison to college sports for the entertainment dollar competition. Atlanta’s hockey fans tend to be hardcore. It’s a very loyal group. But it’s a small percentage of the metropolitan-area’s population.

HNIC would jump in at this moment of a debate to argue that “Winnipeg’s hockey crazy population is 3X that of Atlanta’s ‘hardcore’ fan base.” I don’t know if that’s true. Maybe it is. But they also have to cough up the money when the SQUEEZE is on. For a market like Toronto, that’s no problem. They can charge WHATEVER they JOLLY WELL WANT. The fans and corporations in Ontario will PAY it, no matter WHAT it is. Is that really true in Winnipeg? Is it really true in Atlanta?

I have the feeling that the NHL cannot SQUEEZE that kind of money out of the fan base in Georgia. The corporations will always be able to afford it. But your hardcore fan, and family plan season ticket holders, can’t absorb a 33% raise in prices, hypothetically. So, how much smaller did the Atlanta market just get, despite its robust population?

This debate kinda, sorta ties in with a larger debate that I hear EVERY YEAR. Which one is that? “Atlanta doesn’t care about championships, since hardly anyone is from here. They just want to see ‘star players’ play.” Uggh.

I hope that’s not true. If Atlanta could win a Stanley Cup with a bunch of “no names,” while rolling four lines, and playing a disciplined brand of hockey, I’d take it in a heartbeat! I care more about wins, and “quality product,” than I do about high visibility players. (If this helps any, think Jeremy Roenick. No thank you.) I suspect that wins put rumps in seats as much as, or more than, ‘star players’ do.

By Brendan

June 14, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Tim, tu es enfin de retour. Bienvenue. I agree completely that “defense tends to win hockey championships.” And I agree with Ranallo that iffff we’re to spend $6 million on a player, (which is a bad idea,) it should be to pick up a quality defenseman. Russ and Red Light and Bob have been telling us this very point for YEARS. We’ve never really had a true Tier One defenseman.

There are several UFA names out there. But is Sheldon Souray or Hannan, from SJ, really worth it? I hear others screaming, “Take Rafalski!” I was sorry to hear Nikulin did not sign. He was a 2nd round pick from very early in the franchise history, who has, thus far, opted to continue to play in his native Russia. It’s a bummer to draft a guy who won’t come and play in the NHL. Unfortunately, if that happens, the league doesn’t give you your pick back.

By Brendan

June 14, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Mike Keenan is in Calgary??? Is that true?

I think Scott Burnside said it best. “When it comes to Mike Keenan, there will always be SOMEONE to act like the ink from the press coverage of his 1994 Stanley Cup win were still fresh.” Okay, it’s not an exact quote. But I paraphrased it pretty close.

I knew Jim Playfair was feeling some heat. If anything, I thought Darryl Sutter would come down from the press box to coach, as he did in the past. Think 2004, when they lost Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, by one goal, to Tampa Bay.

By Brendan

June 15, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Okay, Craig said we should post the news. So, here goes, in no particular order. Dany Heatley was selected to the All-NHL first team. He joins Sid Crosby, Alexandre Ovechkin, T. Lidstrom, Scott Niedermayer, and Martin Brodeur. Brodeur won the Vezina Trophy again. Crosby became the youngest player since Gretzky to win the Hart, in a no-brainer. The Calder went to Evgeni Malkin. (East Coast bias? Or did he truly “win” it?) Lidstrom won his 5th Norris Trophy. Brind’Amour won his 2nd Selke Trophy. Pavel Datsyuk won the Lady Byng Trophy for Gentlemanly conduct. The King Clancy humanitarian award went to Saku Koivu. And Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault won the Jack Adams “Coach of the Year” award.

In case you’re curious, there is no award for GM of the Year. You can pencil in Don Waddell, if it makes you happy. No one can dispute your claim, anymore than they can dispute who would have won the 2005 Stanley Cup. (I say Tampa Bay would have repeated. Boo! Hiss! Happy it was cancelled now? Bygones.)

Free Agent news … Antero Nittymaki, Flyers, re-upped with Philly for two more years to be the backup behind Marty Biron. Buffalo re-signed Lindy Ruff to a 3-year contract, with an option for a 4th year. (What? No “National Security” secrecy?) Also, Buffalo’s GM, Darcy Regier, was inked to a 2-year deal. (They’re Not supposed to reveal the duration of a contract!! Where are the lawyers??) Reportedly, both took Less than market value to remain on the payroll. (Source: CBS Sportsline.com.) www.cbs.sportsline.com/nhl.

Dominek Hasek hasn’t re-signed yet, but indications are that he wants to return to Detroit for another season. And finally, the Columbus Blue Jackets found a successor to GM Doug MacLean. (Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Halleeee-lujah!) The new guy met their qualifications of 1) a neck and 2) a pulse. Actually, he’s Scott Howson, an A*’t GM with the Oilers who has now realized his dream of being the General Manager of a NHL franchise. Good for him!

And last, the Sabres GM Regier is reportedly having contact with both Drury and Briere in an effort to keep BOTH of them, before either one hits the open market on July 1st. No signings to report on that front, however. Is it “wrong” to be rooting for or against a Free Agent signing elsewhere in the league?

Tag! You’re it tomorrow. I was it today.

By GaVaHokie

June 15, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

I estimate the Thrashers could put this roster together for $46.9 million

Kozlov Yashin Hossa Kovy Holik O’Neill Dupuis Rucchin Slater Sterling Krog Haydar

Havelid Zhitnik Exelby Enstrom Hnidy Popovic

Lehtonen Hedberg

By ranallo10

June 15, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Hokie, will you break down that roster by dollar amount, I’m curious what you’re estimating for all of the UFA/RFAs. I could figure it out by delving into all of your past posts, but I’m too lazy.

By GaVaHokie

June 15, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

I made estimates… I’m not sure the total dollars that Kovy and Hossa are due this year. Just went by what they made last year.

Kozlov ($4 mil) Yashin ($4 mil) Hossa ($6 mil) Kovy ($6.5 mil) Holik ($4 mil) O’Neil ($2 mil) Dupuis ($950K) Rucchin ($1.8 mil) Slater ($1 mil) Sterling, Krog and Haydar ($650K)

Havelid ($2.5 mil) Zhitnik ($3.5 mil) Exelby ($1.5 mil) Enstrom ($1 mil “?”) Hnidy ($800K) Popovic ($700K)

Lehtonen ($1.5 mil) Hedberg ($850K)

Again, these are estimates… if anyone knows the actual $ amounts, let me know.

By Brian

June 15, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Krog won’t stay up here. AAAA player. Switch Sterling & Slater. I would like to have Larsen instead of Haydar. Other than that, the D & G’s look good.

By Cooter

June 15, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

nhlnumbers.com will give you the salaries. you are off on several.

By GaVaHokie

June 15, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Cooter… thanks, I was using www.thefourthperiod.com … if you go onto each team page they have the salaries of each player. I’ll check out the other one!

By GaVaHokie

June 15, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Brian… I agree, I’m not a big Krog fan either, but I figure that line had so much chemistry, you might as well give it a shot on the Thrashers 4th line… see what they can do.

And before anyone critics my Kovy Holik and O’Neil line, here’s my reasoning. So much is said about having a speedy player to keep up with Kovy, but Kovy seems to have a lot of success with big guys on his line (ie. Tkachuk)… one’s that can create space for him, slam home rebounds, and cause chaos in front of the net. We all know Kovy brings the puck up himself anyway, he’s not gonna pass it.

As for Yashin, like I said earlier, he had his best numbers playing with Hossa, plus he’s played with Kovalchuk (2002 Olympics/Team Russia).

By cooter

June 15, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I think Yashin played with Alfie. I would rather see Zubrus with Kovy, he works the boards very well, causes chaos in front of the net, can set Kovy up, plays the power play and penalty kill. Yashin is not known for his defense. Holik can play with Hossa and Sterling. Kozlov is gone, face it!

By ranallo10

June 15, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I could live with O’Neill, but Yashin seems like a stretch to me. I’d rather Zubrus for either the center on Hossa’s line OR the RW on Kovalchuk’s.

I personally prefer NHLPA.com for salary numbers, as that’s a bit more official than the previous sites you mentioned. Granted, it doesn’t show EVERYTHING about contracts (Cap hits, etc), but I feel it’s more accurate than the conflicting websites I’ve seen floating around with no official ties to the NHL or NHLPA.

As far as Krog, I appreciated his hustle. He scored a goal on his first shift for the team…not like that’s indicative of NHL success, but it was nice to see for him. He may be a AAAA player, but he’s definitely earned a chance to play at the big level, much like Haydar. Both are little players, who have plenty of speed, and have obvious offensive talent. I think they’re perfect for a fourth line, unless you’re bringing in rookies for experience minutes. The AHL wont help them any more, they need NHL time to TRY to make a team.

Look at Kunitz for an example of how a AAAA player can impact a team with the right opportunity.

Larsen was great on the checking line with Holik, but I’m curious how much of that was Larsen riding Holik’s coat tail. Vigier rode the same guy (Holik) to fleeting success in the early part of the season, but Vigier is worse than Larsen. Basically, I’m still undecided on Larsen’s worth…

By GaVaHokie

June 15, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Cooter… the top line in Ottawa was Alfie, Yashin and Hossa… McEachern was also in and out.

I’m fine with Zubrus… Zubrus or Yashin, but I still like the idea of O’Neil.

By Bob

June 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Yashin’s a cancer, keep him away from this club, at any price.

I’d love to believe that this club will have a $47m spending ability this year, but it simply ain’t gonna happen. We went into last year with $40m committed and the owners approved another $4m at the deadline panicking as they were in a free fall and going to miss the playoffs losing any goodwill built up. But they lost money with that $44m number last year, and the ownership situation is in a state of disarray.

I am guessing they give Waddell $40m again, that’s $10m to spend on 12 players.

So, Waddell can’t sign Kozlov. He can’t sign any $6m center. He is going to do his standard bargain shopping and fill the roster out with this year’s Metropolit’s et al

Savard is worth every penny of the $5m he now gets.

By Tim

June 15, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I thought we want to get younger this season…, O’Neil? Yashin?

I also believe Krog has a NHL only contract this years as well as Haydar. I might be wrong however.

By ranallo10

June 15, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Yeah, it’s obvious Savard is worth his money…Boston did so well with him and his 96 points. Not to mention his career low -19 +/-, and second highest penalty minutes (96). Savard is defensively inept, more so than Kovalchuk. He’s a turnover machine, who can’t finish two periods without hooking someone. His offensive ability is wonderful, but he’s a defensive liability. I guess that’s someone you want on your team, but I don’t think think $5M is best spent on that type of player. For this team, I’d take 80 points and a two-way presence at $5M before I’d take 96 points and a defensive headache.

Bob did inadvertently bring up a good point…with high priced salaries and homerun type players, how well did Boston do this season??

(76 points and last in their division is the answer)

By ranallo10

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

Wait, I get why you think “[he] is worth every penny of the $5M he now gets” … he’s eye candy, and for such nice eye candy you think a $5M price tag is JUST RIGHT.

Tim — O’Neill is 31…

Do you consider “younger” and “young” synonymous? If so, I’d say you’re right, those two options are the wrong choices. If not, I think 29-31 is a fine age, where the person could still have a few productive years ahead of them.

By Brendan

June 15, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

My Leafs friends tell me O’Neill is lethargic. Sometimes he puts in a great game or two, but he rarely sustains the momentum. Then he gets caught out of position by back checking too late. They say he’s slow. Or, let’s put it this way, “not fast anymore.”

Tim, I think you’re thinking of Marc Popovic, with the “NHL only” contract. It’s for $500,000. And I agree with Custance, I do think Popovic makes the starting lineup on D this year. For $500,000, I think he’s worth it. I wonder if we’ll keep Hnidy? He made $600,000 last season. He started off a healthy scratch in the pressbox, and wound up on the top pairing at the end of the season. That’s about as far as a player can go in one season.

By Jameson

June 15, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Actually, I’m pretty sure I heard that Haydar does in fact have a NHL-only contract this season, but I don’t think that Krog does.

By Brendan

June 16, 2007 4:15 AM | Link to this

Bruins fired Head Coach Dave Lewis and assistant coach Habscheib. Lewis remains on with the Bruins and has three years left on his contract. GM Chiarelli said he “wouldn’t stand in his way” if Lewis received other coaching opportunities around the league. Overall, Lewis does have a winning record as a Head Coach in the NHL, largely due to his tenure with the Red Wings. Boston won 35 games last year, well below .500. But I think they finished 1-10-1 over their last 12 games. Granted, a lot of that is actually trying to fetch a higher draft pick. When you’re in that boat, with 9 or fewer games left on the schedule, you call up your draft picks and see how they do. At that point, it won’t count against their years towards free agency. Ten or more games, and it does count against the players’ eligibility for free agency.

By Brendan

June 16, 2007 4:44 AM | Link to this

Okay, what do you guys think about Jim Balsillie’s taking deposits on season tickets for Hamilton, Ontario? He allegedly took in 7,000 season ticket purchases. Pure posturing on his part? This way, he forces Tennesseeans to pony up the dough to keep their club in Nashville? Or is he just “head strong” that he will move his new club, pending NHL-approval of transfer of ownership, to Canada?

If the Preds do get the 14,000 seats sold, meeting their lease requirement, then it’s a “black eye” for the NHL and Bettman if the team then relocates.

Hamilton?, an NHL city? Do you see that happening? I would think the Leafs step in with some “territorial rights” issues. And maybe the Buffalo Sabres, as well. What’s next? A team in Niagara Falls? (This is sarcasm, talking. Relax.) If so, at least the travel budget sure would be light! Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo. Do you even need a bus? I tease. I kid. It’s what I do. sometimes.

Final thought … it was just 1998 when Nashville entered the league. I’m sure that pundits and detractors would lay blame on the NHL for selecting this market if it relocates this quickly. There were “furrowed brows” when the four cities of Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus were announced as the latest expansion cities. Ohh, no one was questioning Minnesota, a hockey Mecca. I remembered thinking, if hockey was coming back to Ohio, why not Cleveland? The NHL likes to give its former cities a second chance (Atlanta, Denver, remember the Rockies?) Whenever “expansion” gets mentioned, Kansas City gets mentioned. This is where the Devils started out, as the Kansas City Scouts. Yes. It’s true. Then they moved to Denver, as the Rockies. Then to NJ, as the Devils. From the “Did You know?” segment, I report this. True or False. In 1975-76, the Scouts endured a 44-game stretch where they went 1-36-7?

….

….

Answer: True. Kinda makes the Curt Fraser years look a whole lot better!! Yes, they do!

Anyone remember the Cleveland Barons? The NHL-version of them, anyway? For my undying admiration, what NHL team traces its history to them? For a bonus point, name the “original” city of the Cleveland Barons.

Stop cheating by looking it up! Fine, I’ll just tell you. The orginal city was Oakland, as part of the 1967-68 Expansion. And the current team … is the Dallas Stars. Oakland (Seals, later renamed Calfornia Seals and California Golden Seals,) relocated to Cleveland. Then folded in a merger with the Minnesota North Stars, who then relocated to Dallas. And today are known as the Dallas Stars.

Useless information, I realize. It’s the offseason. Toss me a frekkin bone here.

By Tim

June 16, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 with the way free agency work in the new NHL, we can even target player in the 28-30 range. That was the range I am looking for. I didn’t have time to scan the free agents list yet but am pretty sure we can com up with better option then O’Neil or Yashin. I also have to admit I never was a big fan of O’Neil nor Yashin.

By Oh...Canada

June 16, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Hey, anybody have an interest in Ryan Smyth? Not sure what $ he will fetch,..but he would be a presence in front of the net.

By Brendan

June 17, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

Mats Sundin signed a 1-year deal with Toronto. If the Leafs tank, he’ll be moved to the team with the highest need. I heard it was between $5.5 and $6 million.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

Brendan I don’t think Sundin can be considered available, especially to this team. He’s the heart and soul of Toronto, and although Edmonton got rid of Smyth, I don’t think Toronto would do that to their fans. Yes, Sundin came back under the guise of winning a Cup, but Toronto is typically in that playoff hunt until the end of the season. I think it’s a bit preemptive to assume he could be available. That’s just my opinion.

Tim, I agree, both are older than what I’d look for in a Free Agent. I wasn’t a fan of O’Neill because he played for two teams I’m not fond of (Toronto and Carolina), and Yashin was the overpriced primadona I have come to hate about players in today’s sports…so I think I’m in the same boat as you.

How about Samsonov’s trade to Chicago?

Cullimore (35 - $1.9M - D) Salmelainen (25 - $650K - LW) —for— Samsonov (28 - $3.525M - LW)

Cullimore was all over the rumors of being an Atlanta target in February…I’m glad to see we didn’t grab him though. Samsonov had 26 points last season for Montreal, and 37 the season prior for Boston…obviously a bit overpriced. Salmelainen is a Finnish talent, who played well in Finland two seasons ago, and made his NHL debut last season, scoring 17 points in 57 games, and a -3.

Based on money, and young talent gained, I’d say Montreal took the better part of this trade.

Your thoughts??

By dj

June 17, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

We need Alf. He could pass the puck to kovy.

By Brendan

June 17, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, the Blackhawks shopped Jassen Cullimore all season long with no takers last year. The knock was that Cullimore wasn’t a “new” NHL kind of defenseman. But with the Habs “possibly” losing Souray this offseason, Cullimore may be seen as a “patch job.”

Ranallo, I mention the Mats Sundin signing only “as news.” I didn’t mean to imply he was there for the taking. Though, this deal does make sense for Toronto. If the worst should happen for them, and the Leafs are out of it at the trade deadline, Sundin will be highly sought after, even at his age and remaining salary. Plus, I would think he’d like a crack at a Cup. Being loyal to the Leafs is great, but he doesn’t have a lot of time left in his NHL career to win a Cup. I’d bet he’d waive that “no trade clause” to go to a contender. Nothing compliments an Olympic Gold medal like a Stanley Cup ring.

Why does this benefit Toronto? Well, if they’re in it, they need Sundin. And they didn’t especially “overpay” for him. If they’re out of it, they’ll be in full rebuilding mode, and will welcome the draft picks that come from “renting” him. Sundin can always opt to return to Toronto and retire in the Leaf jersey.

[I saw rumors out there]http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/nhl about John Muckler being relieved of his duties as GM. I would think those are quite unfounded. Ottawa’s team has been very intelligently constructed, via the draft, timely trades, and free agent signings in the offseason. What does it say about “accountability” to fire a GM of a team that’s been a “100-point” team for six of the past eight (6/8) seasons, and just appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals? The Sens also went to the Conference Finals back in 2003, losing Game Seven, at home, “late” in the 3rd period. Not exactly the resume, including a Cup win with Edmonton back in 1990, that screams, “Fire him! Fire him now!!”

By Brendan

June 17, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Quick food for thought here, as we head into draft week. If Marian Hossa’s contact can be “reworked” now, why can’t the same be done with Lehtonen? He also reaches free agency, albeit “restricted” free agency, in 2008.

I believe Hossa’s contract, a $6.0 cap hit and $7.0 million salary, would remain in effect for this coming season. The “new” contract would extend the old one.

This is going to start some controversy, but let me just throw it out there. Ummm, do you want Marian Hossa, at a minimum of $8 million cap hit, for the next 5-7 years?

Before you say “Of course!” or “Heck no!,” we’ve got to look at his track record. I hear ya, the detractors will say, “the guy disappears in the playoffs. Which can’t happen when you pay him that much.” The supports will argue, “Look, you can’t make the playoffs without regular season production. And look at his production!!” Folks, that’s a great track record there. We know Hossa’s good for 40 goals and 80-points, year in and year out. Barring an injury. There’s no denying that much. You all saw what he did in a “non-contract” year. That’s his natural worth ethic.

Maybe more than anything, we’ve got to know … does Marian Hossa WANT to be here? He was traded here after being re-signed by Ottawa. Does he want to rejoin his brother, Marcel, in New York? That’s a much more visible hockey market than Atlanta. Maybe DW can acquire Marcel? (Chill, that’s casual musing not a rumor. I don’t even know Marcel’s contract status.)

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Tim and Ranallo, do you actually read what you’re saying or are you just openly being contradictive?… First of all, most hockey players are in their prime at 28-32 years old… why do you think teams scramble for those guys at the Playoff deadline?

Second, keep in mind O’Neil will only garner between $1.5 and $2 million… for that, he is a bargain. I’d much rather take my chances with him than a Kyle Calder or a Tyler Arnason. Don’t look at him in the same light as a Scott Gomez or a Daniel Briere… O’Neil certainly has flaws, but at the price, he’s a steal. Most of his problems the last two years was from depression (his brother died in a car accident).

Yashin is still an elite player… he had 50 points in 58 games last year. The Islanders are idiots! They bring over Yashin from Ottawa and throw guys like Parrish and Peca on his line and he still racks up 75 points… and now that they finally have guys like Blake and Ryan Smyth, they want to buy out his contract?? (And let Blake and Smyth go to free agency…idiots)

So now, a team like the Thrashers can get Yashin for $3 million on the Islanders wallet. We paid Holik $4 million and he only got 29 points. Rucchin made $2.5 million and scored 21 points… we’re talking $3 million for a guy who had 54 points in 58 games last year, and when he played with Hossa, had 94 and 88 pts… and is only 32 years old.

Now that Yashin has guaranteed money in the bank, he’ll go to the best situation for little money… the grapevine says he wants to go back to Ottawa!! Probably to get back on a line with Alfreddson to reclaim the glory days… but if Ottawa doesn’t want him back, then I would think Atlanta is a natural choice. Get on a line with Hossa and STILL reclaim your glory days.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Brendan… you hit the nail on the head, the key word for Lehtonen is “restricted”. They certainly won’t extend his contract this summer. I think they’ll take another year to “kick the tires” a bit, especially when you got Pavelec showing signs of greatness as well.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Yashin played with Hossa in what, 1999???…I think what little chemistry they may have had then is now long gone. Just because they played together, and scored points, doesn’t mean they have this undying chemistry that will make them score points in their sleep on a new team.

“First of all, most hockey players are in their prime at 28-32 years old”.

You gave an age range…one that I’d agree with. Most players hit their prime at those years. But the tail end of a players prime, based on your range, would be 31 and 32. If you were to put money into a player on Free Agency, wouldn’t you want to get one who is on the earlier end of those prime years, so you can maximize your dollar spent on said player?? If you had the option between two players, one being 28, one being 32, wouldn’t you already have a slight tendency to sign the younger of the two?? If all else was equal or comperable, I would.

For a one-year or half-year rental player (i.e. trade deadline players, as you mentioned), most teams look for a proven commodity that has point production historically and currently. Most players who fit that category, and are available, fall in the 31-34 year old range. Most teams do not trade away 28 or 29 year old players cheaply, because those players have a higher return value BASED ON AGE.

The COMMON trend is to go younger when you have the opportunity, like a team has during Free Agency. If we’re talking option 1, I think O’Neill and Yashin aren’t the wisest of choices. If we’re talking option 3, Yashin and O’Neill would be solid additions that could be worth the money thrown towards them.

I was agreeing with Tim about them not being the best option 1 for this team, but also expressed my dislike for both players on a personal level…Yashin for his complacency on the ice and off, and O’Neill due to my emotional allegiances (he played for Carolina and Toronto, I’m a Thrashers fan, and thus dislike both teams…Darcy Tucker is a douche).

And by the way dj, Alf rocks, put him on Kovalchuk’s line…

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Brendan, I could’ve sworn you were the advocate for signing Lehtonen to one year contracts due to his “health concerns”!

Though I’m a huge Lehtonen fan, I’m with Hokie on this one. It’s smarter business if you keep him around that last season, and see what sort of professional hockey production Pavelec has. Don’t bind yourself with a potentially debilitating contract when you have an obvious potential successor in the AHL. If Pavelec can’t handle it, and Lehtonen continues to show his solid play and competitiveness, then re-sign Lehtonen. If Pavelec shows he deserves a chance, but you don’t feel he can start for this team, see what return you can get for him. If Lehtonen tears it up and wins a Vezina…good for him, but damn, he’s gone via free agency.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I don’t think we’re in any harm to lose Lehtonen with RFA status… I think Waddell’s willing to give him $3 million a year if he shows he’s worth it. I don’t think any major market teams will want him without a good playoff history.

By Brendan

June 18, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Ranallo and Hokie, I definitely AGREE that DW should wait ‘til the Summer of 2008 to make an offer to Lehtonen. I was merely “musing aloud” that ifffff contracts can be renegotiated a year EARLY, which was news to me when Craig announced it, then it changes the “landscape” of Don’s options. Namely, that if he wanted to, he could also try to renegotiate with Lehtonen. Wait. Let me stop now. I really don’t know that. Hossa is a UFA. Lehtonen would be a RFA. Maybe the rules are different for renegotiating contracts based on “status?” If Craig, or ANYONE, can find that out, it’d be great to know.

But I’m with you both on … holding off on Lehtonen’s contract. I’m told he bought a house here. Does that automatically correspond to him wanting to stay here? I’d like to think so. But I cannot say, definitively. House purchases are financial decisions. So are stock options. Just because you purchased some shares, doesn’t mean that you love the company and will never sell them off. But I digress.

Hokie, I know you’re enthusiastic about Yashin and O’Neill. Truthfully, Don could find far worse players. But I don’t see either one winding up as a Thrasher.

By Brendan

June 18, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Aaahhh. My post was lost again when it “timed out.” Allright, I’ll try to resummarize. I definitely AGREE with Ranallo and Hokie that DW should WAIT ‘til next Summer to renegotiate Lehtonen’s contract. But what I was getting at in my earlier post was … that ifffff players’ contracts can be renegotiated ONE (1) year in advance, it changes the landscape of the way a GM can choose to operate. But, truthfully, I do not know what the RULES are about that. For example, does “status” matter, RFA vs. UFA? Maybe it’s only UFA’s, like Hossa, who can have their contracts renegotiated a year in advance. I only found about that via Craig’s column. I thought, erroneously, that GM’s had to wait ‘til January 1 of the year the contract expired before it could be renegotiated. But, I think I may be confusing that with “salary arbitration decisions.” In other words, let’s say DW tenders a qualifying offer to Exelby. Exelby doesn’t like the offer, takes the Thrashers to arbitration. The arbitrator then gives a “binding” salary decision. The Thrashers must now pay it, or trade the player to another team who will AGREE to pay the arbiter’s decision. I believe in the instance of the team paying the player’s binding arbitration decision, they get to start renegotiating any FUTURE contract on New Year’s Day. An arbitrators’ ruling is good for a one year contract only. GM’s don’t like to take players to arbitration because they must argue AGAINST the value of the player, by citing uncomplimentary things. Buttttt, the GM is “guaranteed” to still own the contract of the player by going to arbitration. Arbitration is no longer a “friend” to the GM’s. They’ve tended, post-lockout, to favor the players.

We talked about this earlier, but that’s where shrewd GM’s might find some “Jon Sim-like situations” (last season) out there. What are those? Those are situations where if a GM winds up in arbitration with an RFA player, he’s not likely to be pleased with the salary decision. So… he lets the player become UNRESTRICTED.

We do have a couple of players in this category, ourselves. Jim Slater comes immediately to mind. Also, Derek MacKenzie will probably be allowed to become unrestricted, and can sign anywhere. “X” and McCarthy will probably be tendered offers … or get traded. Maybe as early as this Friday’s Draft. I didn’t mean to exclude Slater and MacKenzie from that list, either. The Draft occurs before the final date for tendering qualifying offers. So, for these players, they’ll know their fate in the next 7 days or so.

By UpperDeck4Life

June 18, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I think that the D and goal are set for next season even though 2 of the mentioned are a RFA and a UFA, I still think the club will resign them.

1st pair-Havelid/Zhitnik 2nd pair-XLB/Enstrom 3rd pair-Popovic/Hnidy

Goalie tandam-Lehts/Moose

That takes up roughly 13 million and I am just guessing but am putting that as a rough number, it could be closer to 12 but it will be between those 2 numbers.

NHL only contract doesn’t mean they have to play in the NHL….it just means that they will get paid the same salary weither they are in the NHL or AHL.

This leaves roughly around 27mil for the forwards, I can’t see the team going over 40 million. With roughly 16 million tied up Hossa, Kovy and Holik, that leaves around 11 million to sign the other 9 forwards. I am going to guess that Belanger, Dupuis, and Slater get resigned for around 5 million total. Sterling will make around 500 thousand which will help. I also think that Bolts will be resigned for the 4th line for around 500 thousand as well. Which leaves a spot on Kovy’s line, and a spot on the 3rd line and 2 spots on the 4th line to be filled with around 5 million. I would like to see Zuburs signed, but I think it will take between 2-3 to get him, so I’ll go consertive at 2.5 million. That leaves us 2.5 million to sign 3 players, more than enough.

Sterling-Belanger-Hossa Kovy-Holik-Zubrus Dupuis-Slater-RW Bolts-C-RW

I have 3 ideas to finish out this roster. How about 1 million for Darren McCarthy to play alongside Slater and Dupuis. Bring up Colin Stuart from Chicago to play a wing on the 4th line for 500 thousand and Scott Nichol from the Preds who finished the season with a 57.9% FO wins, +7.

So what do you think. I think that’s 4 solid lines, 3 good pairings and a good goalie tandam for around 40 million.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Upper, my opinion:

Sterling-Belanger-Hossa — I’m not sure if I like having Belanger centering these two. He doesn’t seem to be the best center to help a young player improve. Actually, I could see Holik here because his defensive abilities would override his offensive inabilities, and would help Sterling be more of an offensive minded player. However, Belanger’s resigning might be hinging on Rucchin’s health.

Kovy-Holik-Zubrus — I like. I’m a Zubrus fan, like his style of play, and I like his tenacity. He’s a big boy, so he can muck the front of the net, and grind the boards. He’s also a good distributor, so he’d be helpful here. Maybe Ruchhin (if healthy, and as mentioned before) would be a better fit, as he’s SLIGHTLY more mobile than Holik. The balance of this line would make it my favorite of the 4 you mentioned.

Dupuis-Slater-RW — Slater, in my opinion, is not the right option for the checking/shut down line. However, depending on the person playing RW, this line could be used differently. If you put a player like Haydar, Metropolit, or Krog here you can have a lot of speed on one line, and all players are decent forecheckers. This could be a hungry line, with defensive responsibility brought by Dupuis. They wouldn’t shut down a number one line, but maybe that’s what OUR number one should be doing. McCarthy would be extremely effective, and is an interesting name that I haven’t heard thrown around yet. I’m going to think on that one, but I like his grittiness, it could fit. Staked up against a number three line for most teams, I think it’d be a good matchup. However, Slater against Chris Gratton (recently signed 3rd line center for TB) would be a big mismatch, as Gratton is a much better player. Since they’ll face eachother often, I think Slater would be the person to move off this line first.

Boulton-C-RW — Not like it matters, but I thought Boulton was more of a RW. Anyways, this seems like an interesting match, but Boulton seems like an odd re-signing to pair with a rookie and a free agent. I would think Larsen would be re-signed for that role, if necessary. Larsen is more defensively sound, has shown some offensive abilities, and has a use on the PK. Boulton is a little too raw, and gets silly overaggressive penalties (running the goalie). I don’t think Boulton would be the right choice to help a rookie. Nichol is another new interesting name to bandy around, but I find it strange to think a fourth line center would be signed from Free Agency, rather than from the system or re-signings. Who knows, he could be another Kapanan for this team. I’m fine with Stuart.

You asked, I responded.

By Adam

June 18, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I get really tired about Savard. ranallo hit it right on the head.

We got LESS production as a team without him here last year and made the playoffs! Yes we had 111 less points as a team but there were 247 less PIM’s as well, along with 15 better on +/- at +33.

We you look at those numbers remember the fact that of the 4 teams in the conference finals only Anaheim was under +250 @ +131.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Upper Deck… did you mean Darren McCarty?

While I like the guy, one issue is his finances. He declared bankruptcy last season. He’s not doing something right. I’d be nervous signing him.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

News:

1 — Muckler “resigned”, Murray is in as GM of the Senators.

2 — Flyers acquire Hartnell and Timonen from Nashville for the 23rd pick swapped in the Forsberg trade. Flyers then sign Hartnell AND Timonen for 6 years each. Hartnell signed for $25.2M ($4.5M annual cap hit), and Timonen signed for $37.8M ($6.3M annual cap hit).

My reactions:

No surprise on the Muckler front, it’s just too bad. He’d have been a good candidate in Columbus, but probably needs a team that has the ability to spend near the cap. We’ll see if he decides to go elsewhere, I think he’s in his 60s and close to retiring. Good for Bryan Murray, it’s nice to see him take over the team he helped lead to respectability (meaning, they finally won in the playoffs due to his coaching).

Philadelphia made a clean sweep of the Predators, I’d look into some form of collusion. They definitely made out like bandits this season AND last, by grabbing Upshall, Hartnell, Timonen and Ryan Parent, along with gaining a third round pick THIS YEAR, for an injured player who only played in 17 games for his new team, and was basically a side show to the leagues biggest playoff flop. Poise (Nashville GM) looks like a moron now, but it’s all due to a lacking corporate fan base, and grim financial situation in Nashville. Good for Philadelphia for being able to sweep up two important pieces for their future.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

And the draft frenzy begins…

By Shoot it

June 18, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

I would like to work off of GaVaHokie’s prior roster with just a few changes to help with defense.

Kozlov ($4 mil) Holik ($4 mil) Hossa ($6 mil) Kovy ($6.5 mil) Zubrus ($3.5 mil) Sim ($1 mil) Dupuis ($950K) Belanger ($1.2 mil) Slater ($1 mil) Sterling, Ruccin ($1.8) and Haydar ($650K)

Havelid ($2.5 mil) Zhitnik ($3.5 mil) Exelby ($1.5 mil) Preissing ($2.5) Enstrom ($1 mil “?”) Popovic ($700K)

Lehtonen ($1.5 mil) Hedberg ($850K)

By Bob

June 18, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

You jokers make me chuckle.

Uh, there was this little issue about us NOT HAVING A FREAKING GOALIE in Savard’s contract year. Yet, you don’t want to point that out, you want to blame missing the playoffs on Savard’s 100 pts, not from having to play Berkhoel and other pylons who’s names I’ve forgotten in NHL games.

But yeah, the reason we missed the playoffs was because of Savard putting up 100 pts, not because we had to play 5th and 6th string goalies that belonged in the ECHL.

And people wonder why southern hockey fans get no respect (I’m looking at you, ranallo).

By UpperDeck4Life

June 18, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

ranallo thanks for the opinions. I tried to find guys that hadn’t been mentioned but could fit HiBob’s style of play. McCarty is defensively responsible, would add grit, add would be another guy who has playoff experience for next season. Not a big Belanger fan, wouldn’t mind to see Comrie in that place instead, but I was trying to work within the 40 mil, and I think the team would have to go above that to fit Comrie into the plans. The reason I put Nichol could play on the 3rd line…but I wasn’t ready to put him there. He played in only 48 games last season at around 600, so 750 or so wouldn’t be to out of the rehelm of possiblities and would be decent for that amount. Bolts played both wings last year but is listed as a LW with the team. As far as Philly-Preds thing, I think it was a smart but sad move by the Preds. It signals the white flag being attached to the pole…but not run up yet. The Preds knew they were not going to be able to resign these guys….but did get a 1st rounder for them and I really don’t think they could have gotten a better return considering they were resigned to losing these 2. I think they are really going to miss Timonen. And I think Philly really overpaid. Heck next thing you know Andy Sutton will be asking for 4 million over 4 years….wait that did happen; yup love that financial responsibility there NHL.

GaVaHokie I knew that as well, but saw 2 different interviews where he talked about trying to keep his focus on the ice and not about this stuff. I would still be willing to give him a chance though.

Shoot It the more I hear about other teams talking to Kozy, the more I am coming to terms with losing him. I really don’t see how this team can resign him at over 4 million a season and if Hartnell just got 4.2 a season, Kozy will get more. Hartnell is 5 years his younger…but Kozy doubled his points 80 to 39. Hartnell’s contract just got Kozy’s agent rethinking about his demands and priced him out of the Thrashers hands I believe.

By five_hole

June 18, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I like the lineup Shoot It suggested, but as I add up his numbers, it takes us to the $45 mil cap on only 20 players. It leaves no room for a bench, mid-season callups or adding anyone at the trade deadline next year. The other consideration is resigning/extending Hossa’s contract. Plus, I think DW is planning closer to the $42 mil mark.

This means you should figure that we’re not going to resign Slava and we’re going to have a couple more rookies in that lineup.

By Brendan

June 18, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Before the lockout, the NHL’s biggest spenders were Detroit, Philly, Washington, Toronto, Colorado … then teams like Dallas, Boston, etc. If these markets look at the rising caps and revert to their old ways of overpaying, they will prevent the smaller markets from getting the Brieres, Drurys, Sourays, Hannans and Forsbergs. But they just may handcuff themselves in the process. They better find a way to snare “bargain basement” talent, too.

I really don’t like the idea of a “tilted ice surface.” Before the lockout, the smaller market teams had to draft flawlessly and win the Cup before any of their top guys reached FREE AGENCY. That’s ridiculous.

How many of us still think the owners won the lockout? With free agency at 27 with 4 years of NHL tenure, and a cap tied to ever-increasing revenues, it’s going to be tougher and tougher for the smaller markets and “non-traditional” hockey markets. I do wonder, in 2011, when the CBA expires, if the owners will still want a cap tied to revenues.

I suppose the answer is “yes,” provided that the revenue-sharing is sizeable enough. No one really knows how much it is. Look folks, it’s one thing is the owners are getting buckets full—and lining their pockets with it. It’s quite another if the revenue-sharing is “marginal” and is being reinvested into the team payroll, as it should be.

By Brendan

June 18, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe Muckler really left of his own accord. What did Muckler do to be fired? Okay, he wasn’t fired. He didn’t quit. He resigned. Boy, what a woeful record he leaves behind, huh? Takes the Oilers to the Cup in ‘90. Gets the Sabres there in ‘99 and the Sens in 2003 and 2006. If he wanted to retire, fine. Fine. Is that what happened?

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Upper — I agree, I believe Hartnell’s contract will be the trend setter for this offseason. Apparently Philadlphia thinks a young powerforward winger with a high ceiling (potential), plenty of experience, and relatively low point production thus far = $4.2M a season. Seems a bit pricey to me, especially since every rumor I was reading was saying he’d barely push $4M, most likely garner $3-4M range. Timonen is overpriced as well, though a solid defender. I wouldn’t have paid him $6M+ annually, but he’s proven he can handle today’s NHL.

five_hole and Shoot It, etc — I unfortunately am becomming a realist when it comes to Kozlov. We’re all aware the financial impact that signing him would put on this roster, so if he prices himself out of our budget, I only want to see Detroit pick him up. I do however feel that most of the $3M+ earmarked for him should go towards someone like Zubrus or Comrie. Both are young, could get several years or solid top line production, and could HELP this team (not just FIT). Tough stuff ahead for Waddell though, obviously.

Bob — have you ever noticed how the majority of people here don’t agree with your philosophies?? Despite what I’m sure you’re used to hearing from girls (or boys, don’t want to be biased) from back in your heyday…maybe that should make you think it’s not [us], it’s you. Keep plugging away though, I appreciate your differing opinions, though I don’t agree with some.

Bob — as for Savard. You stated he was worth every dollar of the $5M he’s being paid, to which I disagreed. I further substantiated my claim with the showing that a $5M high scoring OFFENSIVE center is not necessarily what the team needs, and evidence is in the fact that WITHOUT Savard the team made the playoffs.

(pause, let that sink in)

I never said “Savard was the reason the Thrashers didn’t make the playoffs in 2005-2006”, I simply stated that the TEAM was fine WITHOUT him in the lineup. I still think $5M is not worth a one dimensional athlete. His production on the PP is of great benefit, which if you read my first post from the blog where Craig asked for QA questions, you’ll see my response. Berkhoel (9), Garnett (24), Shields (5), Dunham (17), Lehtonen (38)…those are the goalies from last season, and the games they played. Everybody stated that goalies and defense are the reason the Thrashers missed the playoffs last season, with most fans blaming Dunham for the PIVOTAL loss to Washington. Savard had 100 PIMs, second on the team to Andy Sutton (144), and more than the team “enforcer” (Boulton - 87). That’s a lot of time on the PK because your number two scorer (points wise) is in the box.

I don’t blame Savard, but for any more than $3.5M per year, he can play in Boston in my opinion.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan — To my understanding, Muckler was getting too close to retirement, but not making a quick enough decision. The fact that Murray is READY to take over as GM of Ottawa, and could feasibly be taken from Ottawa by another team in need of a GM, most likely forced the hands of the Senators owner(s). I would be willing to bet they sat him down, said something to the effect of “we want Murray for our future, but you’re in the way of him staying here”, he responded “well, at least let me resign, and I would like to stay with the team in spirit unless something else comes along for me”, to which they responded, “perfect, we don’t want to FIRE you, but we really really want to hang onto Murray while we can.”

It’s too bad for Muckler, not always the way someone wants to end their career (if it’s over), but I think if he’s still interested in managing, anybody will give him at least a “consultant” title for this season. It’d be interesting how he could help a team like Phoenix, Atlanta, Philadelphia, etc.

By i just took a dump

June 18, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

I am wondering why Nashville didn’t ask for more than their first round pick back. Why not a first and third or something like that. I gotta take another dump. The last one looked like ALF!

By B. Thenet

June 18, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Over $10 million/year for 5-6 years for Timmonen and Hartnell?

No matter what you think of DW, just remember there is always someone worse out there.

By Tim

June 19, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

i just took a dump Main reason why is that both player will be free agent once come july 1st. The Flyers were giving out the 1st pick with no garantee that either players will sign. Should both players said no to the Flyers, Nashville still got the 1st pick. And no sane GM will give out more just for having the right to negociate.

By Brendan

June 19, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

I have forgotten. Is Holgren the “permanent” GM in Philly? I think Bobby Clarke is still there in some advisory capacity. And … the wisdom of that would be, what? I feel bad for Nashville. I realize they’re a geographic rival, and we should probably take some measure of delight in their downfall, but I truly don’t feel it. I watched that club make pretty good moves, up to the point where they gambled on Forsberg. It seemed like a needless gamble, and that’s what I posted when it happened. They had a team good enough to go, theoretically, but they wanted to “stack the deck.” If you roll the dice, they can come up “snake eyes.” And now with Balsillie taking season ticket deposits in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It looks bad. Is this the kind of owner the NHL wants? The Commissioner promised that the team would stay in Nashville. The owner, who hasn’t been formally APPROVED yet, is looking for every loophole he can find to relocate the team to Canada, his home and native land, as they say. Man, if I were a season ticket holder in Nashville, I’d be plenty riled right about now. They have been rallying to sell 14,000 season tickets to keep the team in Tennessee. I suppose there’ll be those who say and feel that “hockey never belonged there.” Whatever. That organization and its fans didn’t do anything wrong. They build a solid club and made the playoffs the last three years, impressively.

By Brendan

June 19, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, do you think the Sens will bring in Claude Julien to Coach? That is, if B. Murry is to be the new GM. Well, I guess he could be both Coach and GM. Segue. Julien didn’t really do anything to merit being fired by the Devils’ GM, Lou Lamoriello, 79 games into the season, where they led their division and were the #2 seed in the Conference. Somebody ought to give Julien another chance. French-Canadian coaches aren’t anything new in Ottawa. They had Jacques Martin for years.

Well, the draft is coming on Friday. Our RFA’s may be moving on that day. Stay tuned. I had really hoped McCarthy could stay. But I just don’t get that “warm, fuzzy feeling” that McCarthy’s contractual rights will still belong to the Thrashers on Sunday. If he does escape the draft, Don’s got to tender him an offer to retain his rights. Then face the possibility of binding arbitration. Which, perhaps, he fears, seeing the direction of how contracts are now moving. (Hartnell, Timonen)

I can see Waddell’s argument already. “We had to trade him. He would taken us to arbitration for way more than we were willing to pay. And if we let him become UNRESTRICTED, we lose him in a bidding war, with no compensation whatsoever. If we had tendered him an offer, and some other team outbid us, we would have gotten a 2nd round pick as compensation. Which is what we just got from (supply team name here), but we would have had to wait ‘til next year to go Draft that player. (Deadline for tenders is June 25th, I think.) By doing a ‘sign-n-trade,’ we get to make our draft selection THIS year.” How’d I do? Am I ready to work in DW’s press release department? I can actually hear Don utter EVERY syllable of that explanation.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope we keep McCarthy. But, I feel compelled to say, “for the right price.” DW’s hypothetical explanation actually has merit. Who knows what an arbitrator might give as an award. “Oh c’mon, it would be that much.” I’d like to believe that, too. I really would. But the truth is, none of us really know. McCarthy can make an argument and projection for the games which he was a healthy scratch. If the arbitrator agrees to the projected numbers, had he played, or based on the production for the games that he ACTUALLY played, he might get more than $900,000. I think the qualifying offer has to be $880,000, to ensure a 2nd round pick as compensation for his loss, if signed by another team. For my $0.02, I’d keep McCarthy at $880,000. If I had to go to $900,000, so be it. If the arbitrator says $1.5 million. Yikes. At that point, DW might as well look at UFA Tom Preissing (Ottawa).

By ranallo10

June 19, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Brendan — does it bother you more that Balsillie is taking ticket deposits in Hamilton, or that no matter what happens, HE WINS?? This is a brilliant move by him, because he either wins by being able to move his team to Ontario (a POSSIBLY more lucrative market), or he wins by locking fans in to 14000 sold tickets, thus allowing his new team to collect on revenue sharing dollars they so desperately need.

It’s win-win for Balsillie, I truly don’t blame him.

And besides, doesn’t it bother you that it takes the threatening of MOVING THE TEAM for corporations and fans to begin “ponying up”?? Where were these fans that cared last season, or the season prior?? The fans that care, have already purchased tickets, the fans that only care now, are the one’s that Balsillie is going to cash in on. Next year will be the same 14000 ticket fiasco, because this is a one year season ticket situation. It’s like only trying in a relationship once your girlfriend threatens to break up with you…by that point, it’s too late.

That being said, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a true Nashville fan, watching your team slowly creep towards the cliff’s edge.

By ranallo10

June 19, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Julien was reportedly hired as the Bruins head coach.

I think the possibility of McCarthy being re-signed took a hard hit when Enstrom was tendered a contract. Though I like McCarthy, Hartley doesn’t seem to. Though I think he played well for the team offensively, Hartley doesn’t seem to think he played well enough defensively. I don’t think McCarthy is back, and barring an unforeseen UFA/RFA signing (Preissing, etc), I think the best guesstimate for next season’s D was Exelby-Hnidy-Enstrom-Popovic-Havelid-Zhitnik

By Bob

June 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

The problem in NashVegas is not the individual season tix holders, it’s the lack of corporate support, and that’s because the Predator’s old management alienated the corporate base up there.

Sucks for the Preds’ fans, but that’s what bad management causes, entities to fail. It’s the same reason this club will never prosper with a bad GM at the helm. It’s a pretty simple equation, one that should make sense even in ranallo world

Philly overpaid in dollars for Timmonen and Hartnell, but not in assets (players). They robbed Nashville blind. Remember this, Philly has much deeper pockets than the Atlanta’s and other small markets of the world (and yes, this is a small market for hockey). With the Cap going up again, it’s back to the old days of the rich getting richer and the poor trying to keep up.

Any of you still think we a prayer of keeping Kozlov? I didn’t think so.

By Matt H

June 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Ah, man, good to see the boards kickin’ this time o’ year. I’ll try to stay closer to it, but honestly it’s about all I can do to keep from stapling my head to my desk at work; man I need a new job…

Ennywho, ya’ll really still goin’ on about ALF (ALexei F’in’-yashin)? Do you know how much money Long Island paid this man just to go away? And he was their Captain, dammit.

No more sloppy seconds in Atlanta, I say. No KT. No Bill Guerin. No sir.

Good pickup by Boston on Julien. I only wish the Devils were part of the NE Div too. Those would have been fun games.

Also, Mike Keenan… MIKE KEENAN??? That Mike Keenan? Luongo-Bertuzzi Mike Keenan? I have a lot of respect for Calgary as a hockey-town, which makes this that much harder to witness. But between this and the Calgary/Detroit series, I think we’re seeing what that organization is really made out of… b******.

By Brendan

June 19, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I don’t what bothers me the most re: Balsillie. I think it’s just that … he’s “pushy.” There’s an “h” in there. Everyone chill. My first priority is to side with a fan, who supports his or his favorite team. What did those fans do wrong in Nashville? They went to games. They bought merchandise. It was an uphill battle from Day One for hockey in Tennessee, but they fought the good fight. It seemed to be catching on.

Point #2, and I don’t want to DWELL on this, but just because someone makes you money … shouldn’t mean that you have to like him. Do we love Donald Trump? I guess some folks do. It’s safe to say Rosie O’Donnell doesn’t. Do we love George Steinbrenner (Yankees owner)? But I digress. If you’re an owner in the NHL, maybe you do support Balsillie. What’d he pay for the Predators? $239 million? I’m not entirely sure, but it was an OVERINFLATED amount, whatever the exact figure was.

So? So, theoretically, if the NHL actually did think about expansion, he just drove up the price of the cost of the prospective teams. Which lines the pockets of the owners, since that revenue doesn’t have to be shared with the players. Balsillie made money for the other teams. Possibly. Probably. I’m not sure it’s quite the same concept of … your next door neighbor just sold his house for $50,000 above the market value. Did he just make the value of your house go up, too? It probably depends on conditions, bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage, but perhaps the answer is “yes,” in general terms.

With Balsillie, yeah. He made a SMART MOVE. He’s going to ensure he gets what he wants, one way or the other. Stay in Nashville, on a year-by-year basis, and make money. Or move to Canada, which is what he ultimately wants most of all.

If he does move to Canada, why Hamilton? Won’t he run into territorial rights and wind up paying both Toronto and Buffalo in some measure? I would have thought Winnipeg might be the better market. It does have prior NHL history with a fan base that wants its team back. The NHL like seem to like to give its former markets a second chance (Denver, Atlanta, So. California, Minnesota).

By Brendan

June 19, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Bob, I completely agree that Philly overpaid. But they also got a lot better. What do we call them now? The Philadelphia Predators? Hartnell, Timmonen, Upshall, Parent, and they probably Forsberg back, too. Plus, what do they get now, 12 picks in this upcoming draft? The Flyers better find their own version of Andreas Karlson to fill out the roster. Did Karlsson renew with Tampa Bay? I think he did.

Hey Ranallo, maybe the Flyers scoop up J.P. Vigier? You can only hope, right? You’d still have to see him twice a year at Philips Arena, though. And twice more on cable.

Ranallo, good for the Bruins to get Julien. I wonder if Neil Smith will get another shot at a GM job this Summer. The time to have made a change at GM is BEFORE the draft, though. So, is Brian Murray both Coach and GM of Ottawa? On Long Island, this will be rookie GM Garth Snow’s 1st draft. For his sake, I hope all the influence that Mike Milbury has on Charles Wang is gone by then, or he’ll wind up going off the board to get some high school student from Minnesota. Last year, it was Neil Smith who did their drafting for the Islanders.

By ranallo10

June 19, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

I hope the Flyers keep signing players, and DO re-sign Forsberg, because I don’t think any of the big free agent centers would look right in orange, black and white. Maybe the upside of Philadelphia signing those two for big money is that Dimitrakos might become available. I’ve said it before, I know, but I’d like to see him get another NHL shot, and preferably here.

Oddly enough, I don’t believe the Bruins have officially announced Julien’s contract. Sounds strange, but whatever. As for the Flames, Neil Smith should’ve gotten a chance before Keenan, but I guess that Stanley Cup Finals appearance (it was him at the helm, right?) speaks louder to Calgary.

To be completely honest, I hope JP Vigier gets signed by an NHL team. The guy might irk me while playing, but he’s not a bad dude. Charity golf tournaments (dj can vouch on that one), pre-game appearances, etc…he’s not a bad guy. I do wish him the best — just not on the ATL roster.

By Brendan

June 20, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, how you feel about Vigier is how I feel about Sutton. Seems like a good guy. I wish him well. I just don’t want to see him return as a Thrasher. I have no plans on booing him. And I wouldn’t boo Vigier, either. Truthfully, and oddly, he’s one of the most senior Thrashers in team history, in terms of tenure. I wouldn’t boo Larsen or Boulton or Sim, if they wind up elsewhere. I don’t boo Modry, either. Or Stefan. Or Metropolit. Unless they bad-mouth Atlanta. Which I haven’t heard. The worst I’ve heard any of them say was Metro, “I wasn’t one of Hartley’s guys.” And that’s hardly a knock on the City of Atlanta or its fans. Or even Don Waddell.

Mike Keenan is a very, very fortunate man to have a friend in Darryl Sutter to pay back a “favor.” When Calgary went to the Cup in 2004, Sutter was both Coach and GM. Keenan went to the Finals with Philly and Chicago before winning it all in ‘94, when he had the benefit of 6-7 Hall of Famers on his roster, largely remnants of the Oilers dynasty of the 1980’s. (Messier, Graves, Tikkanen, K. Lowe, Glenn Anderson, Jeff Beukeboom, Craig MacTavish, etc. They also had Brian Leetch, Ed Olyck, Steve Larmer, maybe even Mike Gartner, as a fill-in, “Black Aces.” Plus other recognizeable names, like Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Nemchinov, Nick Kypreos, Jay Wells, and Joey Kocur, and Glenn Healy—backup goalie.) When Keenan won the Cup, who was GM of the Rangers? Answer: Neil Smith. I am still “stunned” by this move by Calgary. Sutter would have done better to coach the team himself! When he drafts and signs players, he’s obviously got a “vision” in place for how he wants things to be. Then he gets to coach them. That’s “total control.” When the coach also writes the players’ paychecks, it tends to be a huge motivator. I guess the down side is … if things don’t go well, you’ve only got yourself to blame. As coach, you can hardly blame the GM! When the GM is YOU!

By Sage of Bluesland

June 20, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

I read a very small blurb in yesterday’s paper which stated that the Ottawa GM (Muckler) was FIRED—with their coach (Murray) elevated to the position…WTF???

Waddell is an absolute joke compared to Muckler—and if the other silly joke known as the “Atlanta Spirit Group” had a pulse, they would replace our brilliant obfuscator and promise-maker with a real GM before it’s too late.

I, for one, am fed up with Waddell’s bluster and failed promises…Muckler even took a shot at our brilliant Donny at the trade deadline, stating that some teams (because they haven’t made the playoffs) were completely overpaying…Not too subtle, but how TRUE!

Enjoy the final blustering, Waddellites—the ride is coming to an end very, very soon…Enjoy the utter waste he feeds you and makes you feel better by saying “It’s Chocolate!”…After all, being a former port-a-potty salesman, it’s his true medium…

By ranallo10

June 20, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

NHL South Division Championship…you do realize that’s Atlanta’s alone, right?

I’m just curious Sage, and any other Waddell haters…what will it take from a GM for you to be happy (or for you to stop b***)? Do you want constant improvement from the team, getting better nearly every year? Do you want a Stanley Cup banner for 6 straight years? Do you want top caliber players to lace up their skates in Atlanta? Do you want a team of no-names playing integral roles? Do you want the team to be in Hamilton, Ontario??

What scenario ends with you being a happy fan who doesn’t b*** like a woman in her third day of bleeding?

By ranallo10

June 20, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

oops..Southeastern…

By Brendan

June 20, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to answer for Sage, but I feel confident that all ANY Thrashers fan really wants is to see a quality product and to have a feeling, deep in his or her heart, that the team is on the right track.

Now, I’m the sort who says, “look we need to tank every few years to rebuild.” I think those ups and downs are NECESSARY. No team, under this format, not even the Penguins, are going to win four out of six years. Or three-in-a-row. Or five out of nine. Sometimes it’s “right” to be a seller at the trade deadline, and sometimes it’s “right” to be a buyer. For us, last year, it was “right” to be a buyer. We are now feeling of the effects of that, but it was a calculated gamble and was worth the risk. I’m just sorry we didn’t get the desired result. But I don’t question the decision to make those trade deadline moves. Without them, our team is not as good and, maybe, doesn’t make the playoffs.

What many Thrashers fans are upset about is … this “perceived” turnover in roster. The overwhelming belief expressed to me in my dealings and conversations is … “But Brendan, shouldn’t all the pieces already be in place? Why is so much “up in the air?” Well, to be fair, I think just about every team is going to lose a certain percentage of its roster on an annual basis. What they’re “angry” about is … 8-10 players returning from 23 the previous year.

For me, I’m willing to wait ‘til I see a “finished product” to make any final decisions. There’s still a draft, RFA re-signings or trades, UFA signings, or a major trade, like Hossa would be, on the horizon. But there’s truly reason for “concern,” given the cap limitations and finances of this team. But if Don can find the bargain basement talent, like he has, or pull off a major trade, or if the kids come up and have great rookie campaigns, then I think all the negativity subsides a bit. It would certainly silence the draft history critics, if it happens. I have no problem with Sterling, Little, Pavelec, Valabik, LaVallee, etc, making the team and contributing in a meaningful. I think that’d be great, if it happens.

There’s also a “patience” factor, Ranallo. I won’t review it. It’s all fine and good to say it took Anaheim and Tampa Bay 13 years to win their Cup, but … be honest. They didn’t do it under the same Administration. Several Coaches and GM’s came and went. It “clicked” when the “right people” were brought in. Feaster and Torterella. Burke and Carlyle.

No matter what you or I think, there’s a “perception” out there that says, “Waddell’s not the guy.” One fellow in my office absolutely REFUSES to go to games, even when I offer free tickets ‘cuz I can’t go, with the explanation, “Not until Don Waddell is gone. Then I’ll buy a season ticket. Not before then. And until you “get that” that’s where I’m coming from, don’t bother offering me tickets.”

That level of FRUSTRATION is out there. It’d be improper not to acknowledge that it exists. If the Thrashers win a Cup with Waddell at the helm, will “that guy” come back into the fold? I don’t know. I would think, “yes.” But it’d take winning a Cup to silence him and his criticism of Waddell.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 20, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Perhaps I missed something? What’s the deal with Ilya Nikulin? Is he staying in Russia or coming here?

By ranallo10

June 20, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan I believe there is an older blog or article from Craig Custance that explains the specifics of Nikulin, but I believe he did not sign and decided to stay in Russia.

By him not signing, has Atlanta lost his rights yet?

By Thrasher316J11

June 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Ranallo: What are you expectations for our beloved Thrashers each season and what would it take to fire a GM is the better question?

I personally contribute a large portion of my income to this team each year. I support them at every home game as a season ticket holder and watch almost every road game on TV. I was in NC when we took your beloved SE Championship and I was also in MSG when the brooms were broken out.

Accountability has to come into play at some point. “I have a 5 year plan” oops scratch that but dont fire me; “I garauntee we will make the playoffs” oops scratch that but still dont fire me. “This season we will make a run at the Cup” oops i signed Rucchin and Kapanen and have to give up my top prospects just to make the playoffs.

I question your expectations above because I dont think you share the same opinion that I do when I say I think we should be contenders for the cup every season. Without that chance my investment is cheapened. I want a cup and Waddell is not getting us closer to that goal! If he is not the problem and you can argue something better than consant improvement which has been shot down then Hartley is and Don should be fired for not firing Hartley and Frazier early enough.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 20, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Brendan and 316J11 understand the very simple concept of acceptable performance, return on investment, and—most importantly—ACCOUNTABILITY…

Others don’t…Oh well, don’t complain or EVER wonder why we suck…

By Brendan

June 20, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

As it stands right now, I’d rather see Hartley fired first. Then Waddell. That is, ifff people are going to be held accountable. I kinda suspect the hands of the Atlanta Spirit are tied, even if they did want to fire Waddell and Hartley. They’d have to run it all by Belkin, get his approval, and as well as approval for the contracts of their replacements, etc. And who’s chomping at the bit to come to Atlanta in our current ownership turmoil?

Answer: Only some Assistant GM who’s long awaited his shot in the NHL, like Howson, from Edmonton, going to Columbus. Or some player, like Garth Snow, who always wanted a shot at a GM position, no matter what or how. At this point, (poster) Russ would say, “Fine! Bring ‘em on! Anyone can do better.” Is he right? He might be. It all depends on who it is. If it were Mike Milbury, I’d say, “No thanks! I’d rather have Waddell. Same goes for Doug MacLean. Or Bobby Clarke.”

I don’t think “accountability” is a horrible thing. I believe in giving someone a fair amount of time before firing them. Neil Smith’s 41-days as GM was a joke. But if things don’t work out, you point to the actual results as the reason for termination. Now, I’d certainly argue that if Sid Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Ryan Whitney, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jordan Staal were in my Farm System, or on my current roster, but that … as of three years’ after “the hiring date” of the GM, the hypothetical team owner wanted to hire said GM over “accountability,” that the firing was MISPLACED. I’d make that argument on the basis of … “Well gee, we appear to be on the right track. The future looks bright. Why fire the guy who built this team, just because we haven’t made the playoffs yet?” Yes, I’d make an exception for that situation.

Is that Don Waddell’s situation, as he enters SEASON EIGHT (8)? I’d say Waddell has improved as a GM since the lockout. He also enjoyed a much more robust budget since the lockout. He didn’t have much to work with prior to that. But the team was supposed to tank so that the farm system could be stocked to the gills with the best available young talent in the NHL.

Has that happened? Are the Thrashers on the verge of being an NHL Powerhouse? Are they a brewing dynasty? Are they one of the youngest, fastest, most talented clubs in the league? If the answer is “no,” then anyone who wants to use the term “accountability” may do so at will.

By ranallo10

June 20, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

You know, I typed a nice long response to all of Sage and Thrasher316J11 points, and of course in the midst of working and typing, I f*** f*** f*** f*** lost the f*** f*** post!!!!

That being said, I’m not going to retype that stuff, so I’ll keep this simple. I, as a paying fan, am happy with the progress the Thrashers have made as a team since the lockout (the most relevant years to this argument in my opinion). I personally believe that the direction the club has moved the past two seasons indicates to me that Waddell and Hartley can put together a competitive team. I think Hartley (as Brendan said) is the weaker link for this club, and that if any changes need to be made it should be on the coaches end.

However, I also believe that Hartley may be the best option out there, because it’s really hard to find proven success in a coaching position without putting your team at risk of slipping. I expect that if Hossa cannot be re-signed, Hartley might not last past his contract. In my opinion, the next best coaching option would be the Chicago Wolves’ current coach, John Anderson. He knows the system, he knows the young players, and he’s proven he can coach in professional hockey. In all reality, I wouldn’t mind seeing him coach the Thrashers NEXT SEASON!

Ok, since I know how you feel about Waddell, who THAT IS AVAILABLE would you rather have in charge of this team? Of the available GMs, who IS A BETTER FIT THAN WADDELL?? That’s the most important thing, as Brendan mentioned.

By dj

June 20, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Here is the deal with Waddell….The first three years are a wash b/c it’s the first three years. Then I believe it was the 4th year or maybe 5th (i’m too tired and still at work to look it up) when he hired Hartley. The next year is the Heatley incident. We had a first place team going into January I believe. Then, Exelby, Sutton, and Kaberle I think all get hurt in almost two weeks of each other. Also, Pasi was playing his heart out but my god facing 56 shots a game would make any one exhausted. During this time, The thrashers were trying to be sold so he couldn’t make any moves. Then this brings us to last year where we have a good team except for a goalie and that costs us. Waddell can’t help it that PAsi killed his knee and Lets groin goes to crap. So, he signs dunham. Which is really the best he could do. Dunham blows the game against Washington. So, to recap…First 3-4 seasons are a wash. Hires Hartley. Thrashers being sold and can’t make a move. Goalie issues. Southeast division champs. Honestly, not that bad.

By Tim

June 20, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

1999-2000 39 pts 2000-2001 60 pts 2001-2002 54 pts 2002-2003 74 pts 2003-2004 78 pts 2005-2006 90 pts 2006-2007 97 pts

anyone don’t like the steady progression the team made since incerption? If you can do better, do please apply for the GM position. It’s so easy to sit in a chair and say that we need this and this. Getting it done require more qualification though.

By Boner

June 20, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

I was under the impression that the wolves ran a totally different system than the thrashers. Until he was hired by Boston, I think Claude Julien would have been a great coach. The thrashers desperately need to improve defensively. Any team can be competitive in the regular season, like ours last year, but the postseason is what really matters. The thrashers were not competitive in the postseason, they were a joke!

By Merkin

June 20, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

I will say this about Hartley, if he is such a great coach why was the penalty kill almost last in the league. The only improvement was Bellanger and Dupuis, which shows that coaching didn’t have a factor in the improvement. The pp lost Savard, but where was the coaching. No reason a pp with Hossa, Kovy, Kozlov should be so bad. And what kind of coach has Havelid on a pp?

By ranallo10

June 20, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Boner — I think you’re right, what I meant by “system” was the developmental system.

By Brendan

June 20, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Tim, I understand the point you’re making. But the average fan doesn’t have the kind of patience that the progress in those increments reflects.

Case in point. The St. Louis Blues, two years ago, finished DEAD LAST in the league. They got the 1st overall pick at last year’s Draft. ONE (1) YEAR REMOVED for that nightmare, and AFTER SELLING OFF all the assets it could at the trade deadline, including Keith Tkachuk to us, St. Louis managed to finish one (1) point under .500.

Don’t ask me how they did it. But they did it. And with some breaks in one-goal games in October and November, they could have been in the playoff hunt right up until the end. Maybe, just maybe, they catch Calgary for the #8 slot. And I think the Blues fired their GM, Larry Pleau. I can’t remember anymore. (The St. Louis Blues aren’t on the top of my priority list.) But the point is made. That’s remarkable progress, operating from such an unfavorable leverage point.

In 2003, the Carolina Hurricanes finished DEAD LAST. By 2006, they won the Cup. In 2001, the Tampa Bay Lightning finished DEAD LAST. By 2004, they won the Cup. Tim, that’s how fast things can change for a franchise. I’ll agree that the Thrashers have steadily made progress. And I’ll even agree that there are legitmate excuses for Don Waddell. Some things really, truly weren’t his fault. There were bad breaks and bumps in the road. But every team deals with injuries, difficult contract negotiations, and matters of finance. Or “off the ice” matters with star players.

But in the “strict world of accountability,” after seven seasons, the Thrashers have one (1) playoff berth, and got “swept” when it happened. In seven seasons, the Thrashers have one (1) division title. After eight (8) years of drafting, the only guys in Atlanta’s starting lineup are Kovy, Exelby, Slater and Lehtonen. Throw in Hossa as the Heatley substitute, if ya want. Count Dupuis as the Bourret substitute, if ya want. Same deal with Zhitnik for Coburn. As of right now, Exelby and Slater aren’t guaranteed to be back. Nor is Dupuis. But I think a few more draft picks might make it to the starting lineup this year as rookies. We’ll just have to wait and see, and hope they work out, if they do wind up on the roster.

As optimistic as I am about some of our prospects, it’s times like these that I get drowned out by the sounds of groans and mentions that teams BELOW US rose above us while we were making “incremental progress.” The aforementioned ‘Canes and Bolts finished lower than Atlanta during these span of years, and yet, both won Cups.

After a while, no matter HOW VALID the excuses might be, no matter how GRANDIOSE the obfuscation becomes, folks grow tired of listening to it. They demand accountability. That’s the world we live in. Produce or perish.

By Jameson

June 20, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Re: Ilya Nikulin, The last that I read was in a Russian news paper that said he was coming over for training camp, but hadn’t made any decisions beyond that. The Thrashers haven’t signed him, yet, but don’t lose his rights due to Russia not signing that player exchange agreement.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 21, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Brendan keeps hitting the nail squarely on the head…The Waddellites view “progress” as minute increases in points every year…Yet when the big picture is looked at, the utter failures are obvious.

For instance, upon our arrival in the league, Buffalo participated in the Stanley Cup finals—i.e. they were literally on top of the conference. They self-destruct and completely disassemble the team, including experiencing embarrassing ownership troubles, where at one point, the league “owned” the team.

They dip below even the lowly—but “progressing” Thrashers—and completely rebuild and morph into a legitimate Cup-winning-potential team while we are still engaged in brilliant Donny’s “Five-Year-Plan”.

Yet, the Waddellites are happy upon FINALLY doing what over half the teams in the silly league do annually: make the playoffs. Then again, I don’t know how thrilled they are with the absolutely pathetic showing upon our “arrival” into the real season.

Buffalo had a truly successful “Five-Year-Plan”—we have a clown who blusters about it and makes promises every year (it seems) and talks of “building through the draft” while fielding one of the oldest, free-agent laden, teams in the league…

Ask yourself one final question Waddellites: Is the proverbial “Sun” setting or rising in the joke otherwise known as “Blueland”? Compare and contrast our recent, umm, “performance”, this past campaign to that of Pittsburgh and the juggernaut they are currently building. See the difference?

Then again, some are so happy with the second extension of brilliant Donny’s “Five-Year-Plan” that they will accept any excuse offered by the obfuscator…How sad!

By Bob

June 21, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

O playoff wins in 7 years. 0. The Wild made the Conference Finals in their 3rd year! What a ride their fans had. We’ve seen two playoff homes games, both defeats.

Waddell promised a 5 year plan. Oops. Waddell said he’d build through the draft. Oops. Waddell has signed a myriad of UFA dmen and drafted a further dogpile or inept dmen who can’t break out of the minors. Oops. He’s got 29m of Cap money tied up in 8 guys. Oops.

His top two dmen by year 8 should be guys he drafted, at least one of them, not guys we have to get off the UFA market and overpay for, when the GM in charge had a stated goal of building through the draft.

Our top center should not be an over the hill injured Rucchin who couldn’t put up over 30 pts playing with Ilya freakin Kovalchuk, when the GM’s stated goal was to build through the draft.

At least our top goalie is one that was drafted (#2 overall, can’t miss there, right?). After this playoff debacle and his previous injury prone years, anyone have confidence that he’s as good as Jiggy, Brodeur, et al (as a goalie drafted at #2 overall better be?). Didn’t think so.

What it would take to make me happy is to have a successful club, success is measured by your playoff runs, not winning meaningless October and November games. Despite what you newbies have swallowed from Waddell, the regular season means nothing other than your seed in the playoffs. There is only one season that matters in hockey, and that’s the playoffs. Real clubs use the regular season for one thing, to fine tune for the playoffs. 16 clubs make it, 14 don’t. We’ve never won one game in the real season.

A competent GM would have this club in year 8 stockpiled full of young well priced talent that he drafted and have plenty of Cap room for signing key vets this offseason to set us up for a Cup run. Not have to make the 4 biggest moves at the deadline last year mortgaging his club’s immediate future to simply scramble into a playoff berth only to get swept in the first round (every GM in the league including Muckler and Burke were raising their eyebrows at Waddell at the deadline).

I’ve said it for about 5 straight offseasons now and it remains true to this day:

Nothing meaningful will change here until meaningful changes are made at the top. We need a competent GM in here, and then you’ll see this club finally become truly competitive.

By ranallo10

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

Your opinions have been heard Sage and Bob, and I completely respect those opinions. You want victories in the playoffs. It’s understandable, everybody wants that. Obviously the difference between our opinions is that I’m content with making the playoffs for the first time, whilst you will be content once the team has a winning record in the playoffs.

So, now I’m going to take your position, and ask you a question. If a team, put together by a GM and lead by a coach, is good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win a game in the playoffs, where does the blame fall? Does it fall upon the GM, who after February has absolutely no impact upon the roster. Or does it fall upon the coach, who the entire season (unless you work for Lamoriello) is in control of the team, the output of the players, and the final product that hits the ice??

Possible answers I can come up with: 1 - The blame falls on the Coach. As the head of the team, he USUALLY is responsible for molding his roster of players into a playoff contender. If the coach can mold his team into the top 50% of the league, and grab a playoff spot, he’s done half his job. The coach is also responsible for “coaching up” his team for the playoffs, and should be held responsible (along with the players) for any failings in the playoffs. For teams that are simply not good enough to “fine tune for the playoffs” (as some of the anti-Waddell people assume every team has a guarantee to make it, you also assume all those teams that make it are doing so with great ease, and little time wasted worrying about those October wins), a coach should not be EASILY blamed, and some blame should fall on the GM for not putting a more competitive roster together for the coach to work with.

2 - The GM is to blame. I don’t need to explain this, as this is what Sage and Bob have been doing.

3 - The players are to blame. It’s their job to play, and to play well, if they fail in the playoffs, they are the first people who should be at fault for not “getting it done”.

4 - A combination of all three entities are to blame.

In my opinion, the correct answer is option 4. All entities have an impact on the final outcome of the season, be it through acquisitions (GM), system and player management (coach), and pure performance (players). However, I feel the majority of the blame should fall on the coach when it comes to playoff performance, as the coaching staff is the only group that directly influences the outcome of games past the trade deadline. From February to June, the GM can only sit idly by and make any waiver claims they might feel necessary. The game is in the hands of the coach and the players. If the team can’t win a playoff game, but were able to qualify for it, it can’t be the GM’s fault.

To take Bob’s point, the regular season is a tune-up for the playoffs. Well, if the coach can’t tune up the team for one (1) victory in the playoffs, whose fault is that?? THE COACH!! I can’t imagine how you can make it be the GM’s fault. The team isn’t guided by him, it’s put together by him. If the team succeeds, it’s not directly his doing. It’s always a combination of the three aforementioned entities.

I know what Bob, Sage, Brendan, et ali will say about me blaming the coaching staff. “Well, it’s Waddell’s job to fire the coaching staff for not producing how the fans expect them to, so therefore the blame falls on Waddell.” Here is why I disagree with that assumption — you’re talking about firing a coach who has won a Stanley Cup, and for 5 out of the 8 months hockey is played, he is a legitimate top tier coach. That is tough to replace. Couple that with in his three years of coaching the team, the team has constantly improved, and drastically improved each season (12 points after the lockout, 8 points last season).

I have a meeting, so I can’t finish this thought now, but chew on it and feel free to rip away.

By Craig Custance

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

Nikulin is making good money in Russia and it wouldn’t be cheap for the Thrashers to bring him over. That’s the biggest hangup. Because Russia isn’t part of the IIHF agreement, the Thrashers continue to hold his rights.

By Scrotum

June 21, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Craig, what about Andre Zubarev?

By Brendan

June 21, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I’d really like to hear Hartley comment on Waddell’s grocery shopping. We’ve never heard that. Not once. And we’re not likely to. If Hartley says words to the effect of, “This wasn’t the grocery list I gave Don. When he got back from the store, I had cilantro not parsely, like I asked for.” Hartley can’t say anything of the sort, especially while on a short-enough leash as it is.

But Waddell has handed him “pieces” of a playoff contender puzzle. I think Hartley has failed to make the picture out of the puzzle pieces. He keeps trying to make pieces that don’t fit interlock. That PP was anemic. And it’s HARTLEY’s fault. He kept on with the “one-timer” set up for five months! Gee, no one saw that one coming? It was the hockey equivalent of the Maginot line. Hartley’s got to show us that he can “coach up” young talent. That he can devise a successful powerplay, and to make adjustments to it in mid-season. And in the playoffs!! There’s nothing worse than watching the other team’s coach (Renney) get the best of us … when we’re at home, with the final line change. In one game, the Thrashers were on the PP, and the Rangers managed to get a 2-0 breakaway! How on EARTH does that happen? That’s total miscommunication from the bench to the players.

Look, Hartley’s not the worst coach in the NHL. And for my $0.02, I don’t know that there’s a coach out there that’s chomping at the bit to come to Atlanta, especially in our present ownership turmoil. So, all things considered, this is probably the coach, and GM, we’re gonna have … until the ownership situation is resolved.

Hey, did I ask any of you to like it? No. What I’m saying is … I think we’re stuck with it. And if we’re stuck with it, all we can do is hope the current Thrashers Administration can make improvements and try to put forth a competitive product. Bob, Russ and others and right to point out … “Success starts from the top. And the top is ownership.” It trickles on down from there. I have never seen, not ONCE, in all my years of watching hockey, a team full of players OVERCOME poor ownership and poor management to win a championship. It just doesn’t happen. Championship teams are put together by competent people. And they are also the beneificiary of some good fortune along the way. Like staying healthy! Like not having “off the ice” type issues and situations. (Think gambling ring investigations, indictments for drug trafficking, including steroids, money laundering, spousal abuse, child molestation, car accidents, DUI’s, ownership debacles, threats of relocation, etc.)

I’ll be the first one to admit that a owner might do EVERYTHING RIGHT, and still not win the Cup. I feel badly when that happens. That’s why I still say it takes some luck and good fortune along the way to make competent owners CHAMPIONS.

By Craig Custance

June 21, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Scrotum: There were some negotiations around the deadline to bring him over, but I also got the impression that the organization wasn’t against him playing another year in Russia. They retain his rights as well.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 21, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

No, I think the putrid stink goes beyond Waddell—absolutely no denying that. The players and the coaches share in the underperformance.

I’m not enamored with Hartley. Compared to the constantly-grimacing ape we had in there before him, Hartley looks like a genius. However, I think many could have success with a veteran Colorado squad loaded with top-end talent (including arguably the best goalie of his generation). Sheer brilliance, I’m sure.

I’m certainly not enamored with the roster, either. For one, if Havelid is our ‘best’ defenseman, then don’t even begin to wonder why we suck.

The players and the coaches (to a smaller degree) have changed—yet there is one constant in the figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”.

And yet a final factor not to be underestimated is the buffoonery exhibited by ownership (if you can call it that).

In sum, some teams serve as mere fodder for the real teams/organizations who exist to win titles. We are what we are.

By Boner

June 21, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

The Bermuda triangle Ownership, Wadell, Hartley

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Sage — so you dislike the ownership, the GM, the coach, and are underwhelmed by most of the players.

Why don’t you just stop being a fan of the Thrashers?? It makes no sense to me how you consider yourself a fan of a team that you don’t like any part of.

At the most, I’m going to assume you like the following:

Hossa in the regular season Lehtonen on two days rest Kovalchuk’s scoring ability Exelby’s checking ability Vigier’s stunning good looks

The rest, you dislike. You don’t seem like a Thrashers fan, you seem like a hockey fan. Maybe you should start watching Detroit, or become a bandwagon jumper (cough cough BOB) and go with the Sabres, Predators or the Ducks. As a Thrashers fan, with all the hatred/malcontent feelings you harbor, you’re just going to give yourself an aneurysm.

By Brendan

June 21, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, Craig. How was the trip? Memo to Iceman, time for a new blog, buddy. The draft is tomorrow! Okay, I realize that ICEMAN would say, “We don’t pick until the 3rd round.” But still, fans should be talking about the draft. By the way, the pick we lost for Tkachuk will be #24, to St. Louis.

Anyone think Waddell would have landed a prize at #24? Truthfully, his best option might have been to trade down for another 2nd round pick, if he’s not in love with the player he sees at #24.

There’s a world of difference between like and love if you’re a GM on Draft Day. Lots of times, GM’s picking “late” in the 1st round think there’ll still be overlooked players they want between picks #35-#49. Sometimes they have a position, like defense or goalie, that they want to augment with depth. So they trade down to let some other GM draft the forward they want, in exchange. It’s all in that “crapshoot” realm anyway, so it’s not nearly as disastrous as it might sound to trade down from a 1st round pick. Especially if a draft is DEEP at the position you hope to bolster.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

The things that interest me most about the draft are the trades. The players are unimportant, as beyond the first 10 or so, I don’t know them well enough to care.

Side note, why do people complain about Waddell’s lack of drafting ability, but yet complain when he trades away draft picks and say he’s “mortgaging the future”?

Welcome back Craig, the weather decided to get nice today, just for you.

By Bob

June 21, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

ranallo, you’re so lame. lol. Bandwagon. Me. Yeah, that’s why I’m a fan of the Thrashers. Do you even think before you post this dribble, ranallo? You goof.

I do agree with you that Hartley is lacking. His poor handling of the goalies was absurd. His inability to change up an ineffective PP was also telling.

And I agree with you that it’s the GM’s job to get the club to the playoffs, the Coach has the responsibility from there.

But riddle me this, ranallo. How many trades did Waddell have to make at the deadline and what did he have to spend in assets to get his roster to the first round to get swept in the first round? You get it yet, ranallo? I didn’t think so.

By Craig Custance

June 21, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Brendan, Ranallo - Thanks, the trip was great. Now I’m en route to Columbus where I expect the Thrashers roster for next season to start taking shape. We know Waddell likes to make draft day trades and he has plenty of holes to fill as it stands right now. Plus we’re nearing a deadline for the Thrashers to make qualifying offers to Slater, Exelby and McCarthy. Look for two of the three to get offers.

Brendan: As for your question about the #24 pick, I know the Thrashers feel like there isn’t a huge dropoff between who they would pick there and who they’re targeting with their first third rounder.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Waddell pulled off four trades (Belanger, Dupuis, Zhitnik, Tkachuk) to help ensure the team made the playoffs. He felt those moves were necessary, and he was right…that’s his job. He did what he felt was necessary to vault his team into the playoffs, and it worked. I don’t see what your knock on that is.

He traded assets, yes, and draft picks. Those assets are disclaimed by you as poor assets, and his draft choices are sub par (also according to you), so in turn, those trades actually HELPED the team more than it hurt. According to your philosophy, Waddell cannot draft (go back to your complaint about how many true draft picks are on the roster). However, when Waddell gets rid of those draft choices (which according to you will be bad picks), he’s a moron for giving away “assets”. That’s a ridiculous form of logic. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

So, Riddler, what about the Ottawa Senators? How many trades did they have to make, and how many assets did they lose, in order to make the playoffs?? Next up, the President Trophy winning Buffalo Sabres…how many acquisitions did they make?? How about Anaheim, how many did they make?

Finally, of the four teams I just mentioned (in case Alzheimer’s kicked in for you already, I mentioned Anaheim, Ottawa, Buffalo, and Atlanta), how many of those GMs complained about the price to acquire free agents, and used that argument about why they couldn’t acquire MORE pieces during the deadline??

You get it yet Bob? Wait, better yet, do you remember the questions?? Getting old hurts, I know, but re-read everything a few more times, you’ll remember eventually.

By Boner

June 21, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I’m unclear as to what you are getting at with Ottawa, Anahiem, and Buffalo? The only trade at the deadline for Buffalo was Zubrus, which due to injuries they needed help. Ottawa picked up Saprykin, and Anahiem did nothing As far as Wadell he failed to get the roster right at the beginning of the season and had to make trades to first save his a$$, and second to try and mend the gaping holes that were in our roster, again which he failed to do at the beginning.

I have never seen a team in the NHL make a trade deadline splash like Wadell did to just make the playoffs.

Do I blame Wadell entirely, No. I believe Hartley has alot of influence on Wadell with those deadline deals. The press conference about the Zhitnik trade, you could sense in Wadells voice and the expression on his face that it was killing him to trade Coburn. Whether it was because he had to get rid of the teams top prospect or because he was admitting that he didn’t get it right as a gm at the beggining of the season I don’t know.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

The trade deadline splash by Waddell was not simply “to make the playoffs”. Why do people assume Waddell just wanted to get that token playoff appearance, and then fold it all in?? He doesn’t have to worry about his job, and if he did, he’ll get hired elsewhere (I don’t care what you think, I guarantee it). He made the move for all four players to improve the club, which helped push them into the playoffs. He gave up a young defender for an experienced defender who had years left on his contract (not a rental). He gave up an underperforming (look at the scouting reports) minor league winger for a shut down PK specialist who could play on the top line—minutes wise (Holik’s line). He gave up a benched defender for a center that played on the teams first line. He gave up a constantly downgraded center (who quoted himself as not one of the coach’s guys) and a few picks for a point scoring winger who could improve the teams slumping PP, and also play with the highly talented scoring winger who was but defensively deficient.

That’s improvement, that’s not renting a playoff spot. If Waddell doesn’t try to re-sign Dupuis or Belanger, then maybe you can call it a rental, but those were moves that he felt he had to make to give his team a shot. No GM aims for a playoff berth and calls it good enough.

My point, Boner, was that Ottawa traded for Mike Comrie AND Oleg Saprykin. Comrie came at the price of a young talented winger who wanted to be in the NHL, but when sent down to the minors he didn’t report, and was put on the bereavement list or something along those lines. That’s a second line center, traded for, to help the team. He’s as much a rental player as any of the players Waddell traded for. The second trade by Ottawa, was for Saprykin…a winger playing minutes on the third and fourth line, and being a healthy scratch at times. A role playing rental winger cost them a 2nd round draft choice. They made minor swaps, nothing big (Hedlund for Nycholat, who played 1 game). So in all, they made 2 major swaps (based on what they gave up or received).

Anaheim traded away/for several players, namely Shane O’Brien, Doug O’Brien, George Parros, Brad May (huge in the playoffs for them), etc. Other than May, most were not significant trades. HOWEVER, Burke posted his own draft deadline blog/journal/diary about his trials and tribulations TRYING TO ACQUIRE A BIG NAME VIA TRADES. You see, Brian Burke, the illustrious GM of the now Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks, was looking to IMPROVE HIS TEAM VIA A BIG TRADE (GASP!). When this didn’t go through, and players got pulled from under him (I believe Gary Roberts was one of his targets, but I can’t remember exactly), Burke set about complaining about how the cost of such players was getting too exorbitant for his liking. Basically, he wanted players cheap, and other teams made it known they would give up valuable prospects for good players (Atlanta included). He turned his nose up on all of the NHL GMs who made trades, not just Waddell (as Bob insinuated).

Buffalo traded away for Zubrus (a steal in my opinion), and traded away Martin Biron to the Flyers. This is getting too long, so I wont go into too much detail, but basically the same point as Anaheim fits here…the eventual President Trophy winning Sabres, felt it was necessary TO IMPROVE VIA TRADES, in order to accomplish greater success in the playoffs.

Nashville…everybody knows what Nashville did, and how that worked for them. A team in first place, trading for the biggest name player available (and overpaying for him), and getting nothing in return in the playoffs.

To sum up, five teams, all playoff caliber teams, all made acquisitions at the deadline or before the deadline to improve their roster. One team (Anaheim), was not able to make the impact they desired, so complained about it. Another team, was not able to make as many improvements as desired (Ottawa), so they too complained. Two teams got bit by their acquisitions (Nashville and Atlanta), one underperformed and lost to a hot team (Buffalo) and the two complaining teams made the trip to the Finals.

My point, Boner, in case it was lost due to the length of this post (not poking fun at you, but admitting I got long winded), is that every GM mentioned made movements to improve their team, but yet only the Thrashers GM is seen as unintelligent for doing so. Teams mortgaged their future, and teams utilized their minor league system, and all teams made the playoffs.

I don’t understand the double standard with Waddell that you all hold…he’s considered stupid for “mortgaging the immediate future”, but those other GMs are not. People claim he made trades to keep his job, while the other GMs are not (funny to know that one lost his job…interesting twist). Waddell is considered to have “failed to get the roster right at the beginning of the season”, while the others are hailed as geniuses. Yet, all of the GMs made acquisitions that improved their roster, and all subsequently made the postseason.

Due to what I’ve now made more clear, I’m assuming you all (seems like Boner is in the grouping of Sage and Bob now) focus on the fact that Atlanta didn’t make it past the first round, nor got a win. The team made the playoffs, the GM can’t do anything beyond February. It cannot possibly be the GMs fault for putting a team together that can win in the regular season, but eventually gets swept in the playoffs.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

OOOH, do I win an award for having the longest post EVER??

By Brendan

June 21, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I think what some posters are getting at is the “dynamics” of the team. I completely agree that Waddell needed to make the moves he made. I posted that earlier in this blog. “Sometimes it’s right to be a buyer at the trade deadline.” I agreed with the moves that he made. Our team got BETTER as a result of those trades. I further feel Coburn will probably be, at best, a #4 defenseman. And I doubt Alex Bourret will much get off of the 3rd line, whereever he winds up playing in the NHL. We lost Vishnevski for Belanger. I think we even “won” that trade. Vishnevski wasn’t a major force here. Belanger came in and got the job done, from the trade deadline to the final game of the regular season. For Tkachuk, we gave up the #24 and #84 picks in this year’s draft. Pfft! That’s not really giving up anything. Now, we didn’t know our 1st round pick would be as low as #24 when we made the deal. It could have been #15 overall. We don’t know. It’s decided by a lottery. The Blues kinda got screwed out of a much better draft position.

Okay, that said … what Bob and others are getting at is this. The Thrashers roster is always “stretched” to the limit. This comes from overpaying for players, like Bobby Holik, for example. It’s about cap management. It’s about roster management and how it correlates to “overall strategy.” Some teams want to roll four lines, with something close to equal ice time. Other teams want to roll three lines most of the time, and barely play some of the other guys. Some GM’s want 22 guys each at $2M apiece. Others want six guys at $3 million, one at $5 million, and one at $7 million. And the rest at as close to the league minimum as possible. It depends on the GM’s “vision and strategy.”

Now, I feel compelled to say, Kovalchuk is being paid properly. Zhitnik, given his NHL tenure, is being paid properly. Marian Hossa, given his NHL tenure and consistency of 40 goal/80-point seasons, is being paid properly. Havelid, is probably being paid properly at $2.7M, given his NHL track record. Kari Lehtonen is being paid “fairly.”

Well, this all doesn’t sound too bad, then, right? Well, the issue is … these are “free agent” type salaries for veterans and superstars. What’s needed is for the rookies to come in at like $850,000 and tear it up. It’s the inability to draft young, inexpensive players into the starting lineup … that has caused all this cap limit concern. When you can’t draft consistently, you’re forced to reach out into free agency. Free agents cost a lot. Precisely because they are proven commodities. An inability to draft also forces a GM deep into the bargain basement of free agency to try to fill out the roster. It is a “skill” to be able to do that successfully. I give Waddell credit for his ability to find Shane Hnidys at $600,000. A Jon Sim at $610,000. Larsen, Boulton and Vigier at $500,000. But look what happened when he got a draft pick right? Exelby’s highest salary with our team was $684,000. Not exactly breakin’ the bank. That’s what “good drafting” does. Is Exelby a “greybeard” in his mid-30’s? No. He’s young. 25, I think. Or thereabouts. See the “effect” of what good drafting can do? The team is younger and faster … and doesn’t GOBBLE UP cap room. Instead, Atlanta’s been one of the OLDEST teams in the league, filled with free agent acquisitions, either by trade or offseason signings.

By freckle

June 21, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Craig Conroy is 37, not the youth movement type player we need.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

freckle — agreed

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

I see our current esteemed beat-writer continued the long-standing tradition of being a mere tool of brilliant Donny with today’s AJC article. One quote, in particular, made me literally laugh out loud:

“…He [Brilliant Donny] has roster spots to fill for next season, and the draft is a time in which he historically has filled them…”

‘The Tool’ then proceeds to list the scraps the ‘Obfuscator’ gave him…Outside of Kozlov (who Brilliant Donny just spat upon in another recent, shameless self-promoting article by The Tool).

Be still my heart! I sure DO miss the days and the trades for the likes of Lubos Bartecko and Per “Mr. Electricity” Svartvadet (who the other ‘Tool’ Darren Eliot referred to once on T.V. as “Smart-vadet”).

It all truly fits together when you look at things from a distance. We deserve what we get—from the paper’s coverage to the ownership to the lone constant from day-one of this franchise…

One day the fans will wake up and demand more. Well, if there are any left, that is…

By B. Thenet

June 22, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Up until the 2nd half of last year, you could make a case that Havelid has been the Thrashers best defenseman…in franchise history.

Last year, Hnidy was our most consistent defenseman and had a career year.

In addition, while trading down to get Bourret, DW picked the picks we used to get Chad Denny and Ondrej Pavelec(two very strong prospects)

There are many reasons to hate on DW, but his ability to get value in trades is not one of them.

If you want to rant about DW, at least get your facts straight.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Yeah, with the remarkable likes of ‘Hnides’ and ‘Havs’, it’s a real mystery why we haven’t hoisted the Cup yet…

Yeah, many truly DO need to get their facts straight…I refuse to praise “churning” (making trades for the sake of making them) just so the silly little label of “deal-maker” or “trader” gets attached to an incompetent fraud.

I’ve seen it from Ken Herock (he was a vaunted “trader” too) to Pete Babcock in this town—frauds protected by the paper and the poor sheep who believe everything they read.

Hnidy and Havelid? Don’t pass ‘Go’, don’t collect $200, and don’t EVER wonder why we suck, for Heaven’s sake…

By DB

June 22, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

SOB, what did DW do? Steal your lunch money? Girlfriend? Try reading a copy of Hockey GM’ing for Dummies or learn something about business in general. Or just seak professional help for your anger. It is not healthy.

By buzilla baby blues

June 22, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

I still think Purple Sage is Brendan’s alter ego.

This way they can through soliloquies at each other

By Pickle

June 22, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Havelid is not a #1 d-man, maybe a 2nd pair d-man.

I would have to argue that the best d-man that has been a thrasher was Jiri Slegr.

By buzilla baby blues

June 22, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Frank Kaberle

By ranallo10

June 22, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I personally thought Frantisek Kaberle did not fit the Thrashers, and was not an effective defenseman. He wasn’t a BAD defenseman, I just wasn’t completely pleased with his play. Kaberle (in my opinion) didn’t become a good defender until clutching and grabbing was reduced with the current NHL rules.

Yannick Tremblay lead the team in points as a defenseman, prior to the lockout, so he’d have to be a candidate.

In regards to watching, I personally enjoyed Daniel Tjarnqvist’s play, he was fun to watch. Tamer could light a person up, as could Buzek.

But based on points produced for the team, and role played, I’d say it would be between Kaberle, Tremblay and Havelid.

By ranallo10

June 22, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

And by the way, it is rather sad that those three names are in contention for “best Thrashers defenseman”, as none of them are a solid number 1 defenseman, but rather a number 2 or 3 dman.

By Brendan

June 22, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, talk like that and I’m not gonna name my 64 oz. beer after you when I found “Thrasherville Pub.” The lottery drawing is tonight, right? ;)

Honestly. Where did “that” come from? If Sage is angry, I say let him be angry. Opposing viewpoints are good for us. I firmly believe in letting EVERY Thrashers fan’s voice be heard. Even I thought it was a bit vitriolic. But he’s entitled to his opinions.

I am critical of DW where I think it applicable. But I “like” the guy. I root for him to get better. He’s the GM we’ve got. And I doubt it’s gonna change. He’s, by all accounts, a “nice, decent” man. I wish things could have gone better for him. Some of his misfortune isn’t his doing. And I recognize that. I give DW credit for his ability to find bargain basement talent and make trade deadline moves. I loved it when he got us, McCarthy, in the 2006 season. Got him for nothing, essentially. Sadly, I think he’s about to be traded. But let’s see what we get for him before anyone sheds any tears.

But my Goodness, Buzilla. I don’t have any “hate” in my heart for Don Waddell, or anyone else. I’m the sort who likes to “agree to disagree.” Different thoughts are good for us. I welcome diverse opinions. I’m a free speech advocate, not a “hate speech” advocate. Geez Louise, I have no “venom” for Don Waddell, or voodoo dolls stashed around my house. If Atlanta could win a Stanley Cup with DW at the helm, I’d be cheering right along with all my other Thrasher fans.

I also want to be clear … just because I may disagree with someone … doesn’t mean I think they’re an idiot. On the contrary, I want to know what other Thrashers fan think. That’s the beauty of this message board. We get a wide array of different thoughts and opinions about the Thrashers and their strategies, etc. I welcome that. I’ve only made something like 3,000 posts here. (Kidding. It’s 2,147.) But I challenge you to find one laced with loathing and venom. People have the right to be critical of their team, its management, and/or its ownership. It doesn’t make them a bad fan. I suspect it’s more a symptom of them wanting to see positive change. Which, to me, equals “caring” about the team. I think Sage DOES care about the team, he’s just fed up after seven seasons. His patience has worn thin.

I’m not going to blame him for how he feels. He has the right to his feelings. Everyone does. He just wants to effect change. But I don’t see it happening. Not this year, anyway. I’m not gonna stop going to games or hoping the team does well. I am reserving judgement on DW’s offseason moves until the training camp ends. That’s when we’ll see what the finalized roster looks like.

Are you feeling the “hate” of my post, yet? Laughing. Sorry for length. I do “go on.”

By GaVaHokie

June 22, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

One thing I can say for Waddell, is this team has never been cash-strapped or locked into a player it couldn’t get rid of or replace. The only one we got stuck with was the very first one, Damian Rhodes.

This team has always been in the position to make whatever changes it needs to every year… the argument, of course, is wither Waddell has done that (make the right moves).

Brendan… I could care less if Sage hates Waddell… it’s the way he says it that grates on my nerves. He’s a Monday Morning QB. I just skip over his posts now. I don’t even know what his last two said… well I do, just because they’re recycled, but I didn’t read them.

Ranallo… don’t mention the “Terrible T’s” when talking about the best Thrashers defenseman… let’s just say that Zhitnik is probably the best defenseman to wear a Thrashers’ jersey.

By Boner

June 22, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

” this team has always been in the position to make whatever changes it needs to every year…the argument, of course, is wither Wadell has done that(make the right moves)”

Case in point Having a 7 mil player in Kovalchuck and not having proper linemates to play with him.

“One thing I can say for Wadell, is this team has never been cash-strapped or locked into a player it couldn’t get rid of or replace.”

Really? What about Rucchin and Holik?

By GaVaHokie

June 22, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Holik is a contributor and has only one year left… Rucchin has only one year left. I wouldn’t call that strapped in.

By ranallo10

June 22, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Strapped in would be paying a goalie $5M annually over 15 years. Or paying a player $7M annually over 10 years. Or paying a powerforward winger, whose max point contribution in a season is 48, $4M annually over 6 years.

Hokie — you might be right though, Zhitnik could be “the best defender to wear a Thrasher’s jersey”…his tenure doesn’t qualify him for “best Thrashers defender in franchise history”, yet.

By buzilla baby blues

June 22, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

My apologies Brendan…

I was just kicking a bee’s nest in hopes for a response (which is what I think Sage does)

I have a feeling that a Clark Kent/Superman dichotomy are used by some of the posters here. I myself could be ranallo10 (kicking the hive again)

anyone going to Jillians?

By Boner

June 22, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Point is that we are tied up in those contracts, and even though there is only a year left, we can’t afford the centers we need, or a #1 d-man, or the wingers we need. So we cant get the proper replacements because we are bound by contract to these two non producing centers.

By ranallo10

June 22, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Your name is too original to be of my own creation…I’m not creative enough to possess an alter-ego, my creative process would have my other name be 01ollanar. There’s also that problem that I’d be arguing with myself until one of me passes out from exhaustion.

I think Sage is actually Custance, and he’s trying to spark things so that people will rush to his defense. You’re such a trickster Craig!!

By buzilla baby blues

June 22, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

maybe Purple Sage is the Ice Princess who was fired by Waddell’s connections at the AJC. That could be the sand in his vagina

By Russ

June 22, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Pickle - I hope that was a joke about Slegr. He had some offensive abilities, but was a train-wreck on defense. Any time he was on the ice it looked like the Thrashers were shorthanded.

By Brendan

June 22, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Apology accepted, Buzilla. By the way, I’m playing 14, 24, 38, 39, 46, with a Powerball of 9 in tonight’s Mega Millions. So “Thrasherville Pub” is still a possibility, and so is “buzilla brau.” Now, none of you take those numbers, because I’m not SHARING!

Okay, we draft 67th, 78th, 115th, 175th, and 205th overall. Crazier things have happened. Jim Rutherford got Craig Adams with the 223rd overall pick, and he played over 15 seasons in the NHL. An absolute fluke of a pick? Probably. But Rutherford has plenty of “outside the top 30” picks playing in the NHL, or who played in the NHL. Good luck, Don Waddell. Find us a “find.” Think about this. What if he does it? If in 3 years, or so, this 67th overall pick plays on our top pairing of defense or 1st line, for forwards, or turns out to be our “franchise goalie,” I would Waddell deserves a lot of credit for pulling that off.

I did just mention that I’m playing the lottery. So, right away, you know I’m bad at math. And equations of “probability.” I confess that, openly.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Oh ranallo, young grasshopper, I remember the question well, my son, very well. Come, let me take you on a trip down history lane…

The question a few months back was whether the 4 deadline deals were necessary to even get our beloved Thrash to the real season, my esteemed colleague from working somewhere in the Roswell area off Holcomb Bridge and can get to the game in 30 freaking minutes even in rush hour said nay, this was a solid club Waddell built this past year.

My poor Alzheimer’s degraded membranes said nay, young grasshopper, these moves were needed to even get us there. And get us there he just! Good move Sire Waddell! Without the moves, the Alzheimer’s patient blogged, alas, our poor Thrash would miss the real season yet again.

I keep trying to keep you ahead of the curve, grasshopper, but you just can’t see the forest for the trees.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Oh ranallo, young grasshopper, I remember the question well, my son, very well. Come, let me take you on a trip down history lane…

The question a few months back was whether the 4 deadline deals were necessary to even get our beloved Thrash to the real season, my esteemed colleague from working somewhere in the Roswell area off Holcomb Bridge and can get to the game in 30 freaking minutes even in rush hour said nay, this was a solid club Waddell built this past year.

My poor Alzheimer’s degraded membranes said nay, young grasshopper, these moves were needed to even get us there. And get us there he must! Good move Sire Waddell! Without the moves, the Alzheimer’s patient blogged, alas, our poor Thrash would miss the real season yet again.

I keep trying to keep you ahead of the curve, grasshopper, but you just can’t see the forest for the trees.