Thrashers

By ranallo10

June 25, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

What makes you no longer rule Nikulin out? Have you been hearing something mentioned, or heard his name in hushed overtones with a “don’t tell the bloggers” hint??? Don’t hold back Custance!

Any word on what player the Thrashers were looking to land in the first round?? Or perhaps what team the trade was being discussed with? I imagine the player was Esposito or Cherepanov, as once those players started dropping I assumed many teams were chomping at the idea to trade up to grab them.

By The Falconer

June 25, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Nikulin is making less money over there than many of us expected. Very interesting.

By Bob

June 25, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

ranallo, you getting the picture yet that Kozzy ain’t coming back? I keep trying to keep you ahead of the curve, my young grasshopper.

Falconer, the way I read Craig’s comment re. Nikulin is that he does make a good penny (ruble?) over there, but mabye Waddell has finally realized how much we need to improve the D and is willing to pay the boy enough to get him over here.

Now that would be a refreshing change and see a kid Waddell drafted on defense years ago, come in here and play quality minutes.

By Jim

June 25, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Gonna be an interesting UFA season. Seems to me that with two solid goaltenders and an improved defensive corps that we will be better regardless of who we end up with as complements for Kovy and Hossa.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 25, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Come on Waddell, pay the dough, let’s get Nikulin to Blueland.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 25, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

The only one of those players I think Don should have made an offer to is Brad Schell. A scoring center. Hmm, maybe Don is targeting a free agent. Hopefully he is not age 35+.

By Brendan

June 25, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Craig, any word on Derek MacKenzie? He is also an RFA. I didn’t expect a qualifying offer, but perhaps Don hopes to retain him as a UFA, in Chicago.

Sad to see Michael Garnett not get an offer. I thought he played pretty capably in December 2005 for Atlanta. His points-percentage was identical to Lehtonen that year. Kari only played 38 games, due to injury. Adam Berkhoel is elsewhere in another team’s farm system. Might even be Buffalo’s. Berkhoel and Garnett were pressed into service when Lehtonen, Dunham and Shields all suffered groin injuries at about the same time.

By Legion of thrash

June 25, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

I kind of agree with Bob and Falconer about Kozlov. I hope Wadell proves us wrong!

Renallo- Do you think Hossa will command more than 8mil a year with the extension? The reason I ask is because Drury, Briere, and Gomez are projected to get 6-7 mil a year with less production than Hossa. Hartnell just got 4 mil a year and his production was less than Kozlov.

Kariya is a free agent, but will probably stay at 4.5mil or go up to 5mil. I really hope we can get Nikulin here this year, he would give us a #1 dman that we desperately need.

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers weren’t going to make an offer to Garnett, why didn’t they trade him at the deadline and get something for him, like a draft pick? After his first few games, he didn’t look that bad at the NHL level, some teams should have been interested.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Legion, based on the fact that Hossa is making $7M this season (cap hit is less), and Kovalchuk will be making $7.5M next season, I do expect Hossa to command about $7.5-8M annually in whatever contract he signs next. I think Hossa is a better point producer than both Drury and Briere, and a more capable two-way player than Briere. So thus, I think that whatever contracts they sign, coupled with his current contract, will help US determine what Hossa will make.

I stress “us” because Waddell has stated in the past that he doesn’t use other players’ contracts when negotiating (he said this most recently during Kovalchuk’s hold out, in reference to Nash’s contract). I’d assume Hossa’s agent will say “we’re starting with our current contract, and basing our raise based on Briere’s contract (or another similarly styled player who is making a max contract in the league).”

Whatever, I’d love to be able to hear those conversations…negotiating at that dollar amount is unfathomable to me.

By Legion of thrash

June 25, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

I really am suprised about Garnett. I agree with R.Stroz, why didn’t we at least get something with a trade.

By moo

June 25, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

I think Burkov scooped Custance on the Nikulin possibility. It’s on the team forum and translated from Russian to Thrasher by our biggest Russian fan.

By Thrashersfan33

June 25, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with Brendan in the disappointment that Michael Garnett was not tendered. I think he proved that he can play in the NHL and if Moose or KL got hurt next season, I would have rather seen him get called up than Freddy. I also agree that he could have gotten some kind of draft pick for him. Hopefully no one else will want him and he winds up back in Chicago.

I also hate to hear that Pascal and the Thrashers are far apart. I think he brought energy and speed every night, which the Thrashers need. Work some magic DW and get him and Belanger resigned.

By moo

June 25, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

I’m very disappointed we can’t meet Dupuis’ numbers. We could really use his talent. Too bad everything has to be on the cheap. It’s painful that we lost 2 number ones for a couple of rentals…..

Bourret for Dupuis, #1 to St.Louis for Tkachuk. Tsk, tsk.

By Bob

June 25, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

They have to sign DuPuis, right? Oh wait it minute, it’s Dealin Don here, he can get someone cheap(er), what was I thinking.

Dupuis was one of the few bright spots towards the end of the year, and we really need his speed on the PK.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Eh.

If Dupuis really wants to be somewhere else, then h’ll go elsewhere-even if he has a reputation of being more than a little precocious and “un-coachable”. Certainly, he Holik and Larsen formed our best line in the playoffs and I would like to see them make someprogress together over a full season.

That being said, I think there’s more than a few guys that would fit the bill-Oleg Saprykin was mentioned in the last blog for instance.

I see that Eklund has Hnidy leaving town along with Kozlov (not to the same destination)….I haven’t seen or heard a thing regarding Bellanger-wonder what his market is like?

What do you guys think is a fair salary for Handzus???

I’m not just talking about what you’d like to see DW sign him for, but what you think is “market value” for Handzus.

GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

June 26, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

oh yeah WTF is up with not offering Schell? that guy has been looking decent.

By Brendan

June 26, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

My goodness! How much money does Dupuis think he’s really gonna get? $1.0 million is about his value. If he wrangles $1.25 million, he should take it! But Bob is right, we need his speed. He’s got wheels. He can help our PK unit.

R.Stroz, you raise an excellent point about a draft pick for Garnett. But, perhaps DW will re-sign him as a UFA, for less than what the qualifying offer would have been. And if that happens, I support that. Anytime DW can get a player who can contribute, for LESS, it’s probably a good thing.

I doubt many thought Garnett was the “heir apparent” to either Nurminen or Lehtonen, but certainly he’s worth retaining, at a “fair price.” I don’t know if Garnett would have fetched a 2nd rounder. Definitely a 3rd rounder. Let’s see what happens. When the Thrashers drafted Ondrej Pavelec with their 2nd round pick in 2005, I think Garnett saw the writing on the wall. Still, it’d be nice to have him in the system.

By Brendan

June 26, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Tony C., I’m think Handzus should be in the viscinity of $1.7 million. He’s got to take that paycut, since he’s coming off a knee injury. But he’s got good plus-minus numbers and has been a 20-goal scorer three times in his NHL tenure. But he hasn’t had a 20-goal campaign in quite a while. Seems like he’s expect back in camp with the Blackhawks in the Fall.

He made over $2 million last year. He had eight-points in eight games and was a +4.

By The Falconer

June 26, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Bob I’m pretty sure that DW is limited in how much money he can offer because Nikulin would need to sign a entry level contract. Nikulin was not a 1st rounder so that puts him in a lower salary maximum. If I have this right it is not as simple as offering Nikulin more $$ because the CBA limits that.

By Blueliner

June 26, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this

So how much is Nikulin earning in the RSL?

By Bill

June 26, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this

If the Thrashers don’t sign Pascal Dupuis, or at least get nothing in return for his departure, does that mean that the Thrashers gave up former first round pick Alex Bourret (to the Rags, nonetheless) to have a guy play in about 15 games then leave after doing nothing in the playoffs? C’mon…..that’d really suck.

By Bob

June 26, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Falconer, what year was Nikulin drafted? I thought it was ‘99 or ‘00. Wouldn’t he be exempt from entry level contract status due to his # of years as a pro? Or would his Russian pro status be lost in the cluster of having no transfer agreement with the Russians?

By Thrasher Ryan

June 26, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Bob—Nikulin was our 2nd pick in the 2000 draft, after Dany Heatley. He is the only remaining draft pick of that 2000 draft that still has a possibility of playing in Atlanta.

By Legion of thrash

June 26, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

the penguins did not qualify Michel Ouellet, might be a good pickup for the right price.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Legion… Hartnell is much younger than Kozlov…that’s about the only difference. I think Kozlov easily makes $4 million on the open market. If Don gets him at $3.5 million he’s a magician. I can’t even fathom how that’s possible.

Let’s not forget Turple as well… looks like Atlanta is going with Pavelec and Turple as prospects. I guess it’s only fair to let Garnett seek out his own best senario. He’s 24 years old, not exactly prospect status anymore and we didn’t do him any favors throwing him on the Thrashers with a terrible defense… 3.45 GAA.

By The Falconer

June 26, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Bob: That’s a good question. I assumed that all players were grandfathered into the new CBA entry level contract rules but I don’t know that for a fact. I’ll try to find out.

By Legion of thrash

June 26, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Hartnell had 39pts in 64 gms this year, last season he had 48 pts in 81 gms. To me this does not justify a 4mil a year contract, maybe 2.5 - 3 mil max.

By The Falconer

June 26, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

OK I asked some people who know the CBA better and I was wrong. Nikulin is not bound by the new entry level salary limits and he could sign a deal for more money. So perhaps the Thrashers could offer him more than the sum he is making over in Russia.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Wow… I just noticed that Kyle Calder made $2.9 million this season… horrible!

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Calder was definitely overpaid…hence why he was traded twice over the past two seasons.

However, for 56 points in Chicago, $2.9M isn’t TOO much. Cut that amount in half, and I’d take him in a heartbeat.

By Legion of thrash

June 26, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

So Hartnell who had 39 pts this season and 48 pts the season before is not overpaid at 4 mil a year, but Arnason who had 49 pts this season is overpaid at 2.9 mil?

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Who said Hartnell was not overpaid??

By Craig Custance

June 26, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Brendan — MacKenzie is unrestricted. No word on whether or not he’s in the plans for next season.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Legion… we said Calder, not Arnason.

By Bob

June 26, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

That’s what I figured, Falconer. He’s been a pro too long to be bound by entry level rules.

I’m reading Craig’s comment as alluding to some knowledge of Waddell willing to throw enough at the kid to make him come over, Craig?

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I must admit, I really don’t know much about Nikulin. Beyond the fact that’s he’s playing in Russia, and is 6’2 or 6’3, 220ish, and a defenseman…what’s the excitement, and why do we assume he’d be a number one defenseman (as Legion said)?

I’m always excited about a good young prospect getting a chance to play…but that’s Valabik, Popovic and Enstrom, is Nikulin that much better than them?

I’d really really like to watch Valabik rag toss some Olli Jokinen’s and Darcy Tucker’s to his heart’s content.

Damn, I really do hate Darcy Tucker…his name IS DARCY!!!!

By Brendan

June 26, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks Craig, re: MacKenzie.

By Brendan

June 26, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers made a serious attempt to move into the first round of the NHL draft and had a deal in place that would have sent next year’s first-rounder away, but the player they wanted was selected so the trade was called off.

Craig, was that player Charepanov, Gagner, or Esposito? Was it a player who went in the Top 5 or Top 10? If you can divulge that much, it’d be great. Thanks! (What? I’d like to know, even if the point has been “overcome by events.”)

Hey, I’m grateful for the news Craig has reported. It’s nice to know Don was trying to get something in the 1st round. But truthfully, I’m kinda glad he didn’t make any MAJOR splashes. Huh? Well, stay with me. I keep hearing how next year’s draft is much DEEPER, in terms of talent. In that regard, I’d rather the organization keep a 1st round pick in 2008. I think we lost that 2008 2nd rounder in the Tkachuk rental. No pick ‘til the 3rd round in a “reportedly deep” Draft would be far worse than the draft we endured this year (not picking until #67 overall). Hopefully, we don’t lose that (2008, first round) pick at the trade deadline again this year. Although, I have to say … it depends on who the “rental” is … or if the trade deadline acquisition still has time left on the contract, and is being paid properly and is within an age group that makes sense for the future of the franchise.

Sometimes, I feel I have to couch my remarks enough to be an attorney. I’d like to just say, “I hope we get a great player at the trade deadline if we have to cough up our 1st round pick in ‘08.” But I know … that just won’t pass the “scrutiny factor” here.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

The only issue I have with Valabik was the same exact issue I had with Exelby when he started with the team… over-aggressive and fights too much. As soon as Exelby got those two things under control he became a major fixture for this team… I hope Valabik can do the same.

What’s worse is Valabik doesn’t even fight that well. You can go on to YouTube.com and find a million clips of Valabik getting his a* kicked… he definitely needs to take that out of his game.

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Just state what you think without concern for the scrutiny factor. Non consensus ideas get people to think outside the box.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

…and it will make your posts shorter. ;)

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve got plenty of clips of Valabik handling players, but he also does have a tendency to lose his balance during a fights, making it seem as if he “lost”. I’m not considering myself a professional evaluator of hockey fighter talent, but Valabik has a few tools that rank him up there with the other new big boys (Ivanans, Koci, etc)…those tools being abnormal size, strength, above average balance, and punching power. There’s one clip floating around that has Lavallee get into a scrap after Mackenzie gets leveled, and in the background you see Valabik going after one player while holding another player off him with his opposite arm. The strength to have two players at your will is pretty amazing…plus, if he wants to make it as a fighter he simply needs to take boxing lessons, which aren’t THAT hard.

Another nice future fighter from the Thrashers system is Desbiens…he’s a quality entertainer. He’s not big compared to Valabik, but he’s easily as good a fighter as Boulton (who isn’t a contender in NHL standards). I’m looking forward to watching those two (Valabik and Desbiens) become future “enforcers” for this team.

However, Exelby isn’t a good fighter. I know, he had two good fights early in his career, and can throw a mean body check, but that doesn’t make him a good fighter. Watch the tapes, read the reviews, decide for yourself…he had two well timed but lucky punches, and several seasons, a couple fights, and a concussion later he’s become extremely hesitant to fight (some call that “maturity”, others call it “avoiding punishment”).

Valabik’s biggest issue hockey wise seems to be his positioning, and his over enthusiasm to push after the whistle (as Hokie said). He’s a solid big man, and I think scouts have a great point that he’s further along with his foot skills than Chara at his age. With the right training, you all will become a Valabik fanatic.

By Craig Custance

June 26, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Thrashers have traded Tkachuk’s rights back to St. Louis.

By Craig Custance

June 26, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

In return for Tkachuk’s negotiating rights, Thrashers no longer have to surrender first-round pick in 2008 draft if they sign Tkachuk after July 1st. The still will have to give up a fourth rounder in 08 or third rounder in ‘09 if they sign Tkachuk.

By dj

June 26, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Wow. Waddell sucks. He just got a first rounder for someone we weren’t going to sign. Gosh, he is horrible.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

And you forget dj, he also opens the ability to sign the player again…so in essence it’d be another trade of Keith Tkachuk (if re-signed) for a 3rd or 4th rounder.

Horrible GM, just horrible.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Custance, any ideas to the condition of the “conditional fourth round pick” traded with the rights of Tkachuk? Possibly based on them signing him??

By Russ

June 26, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Basically this is a nothing trade. That first round pick was going to be the Thrashers anyway since they weren’t going to sign Tkachuk. Waddell gave the Blues exclusive rights to negotiate with Tkachuk for nothing. Tkachuk would have probably signed with the Blues after July 1st anyway. The only possible advantage from a Thrasher standpoint is if you are hoping the Blues sign him before he becomes unrestricted, therefore he doesn’t go to a competitor in the Southeast division. Possibly the lamest trade in sports history…a first round pick that was going to belong to the Thrashers anyway for a player that was probably going to sign with the Blues anyway. Whatever?????

By The Falconer

June 26, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

ranallo: I assume Nikulin is a top 4 defenseman because he plays lots of minutes on one of the top teams in the Russian Superleague which is 2nd only to the NHL in terms of the quality of the competition.

Just look at where his teams have finished the last three seasons: 1st overall 2nd overall 1st overall

By tox

June 26, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

The trade opens the door for us to sign Tkachuk, which was an impossibility before at the expense of a 1st round pick. This is a smart move: if we can’t resign Kozlov because he’s offered $4m, then by all means sign Tkachuk at $3-$3.75.

I suspect Keith respectfully says no to anything St. Louis offers him in the next few days. I really think DW is going to resign him, and I can’t believe STL fell for this: the only teams that were going to sign Keith were St. Louis and Atlanta anyhow (Boston can’t afford him).

By ranallo10

June 26, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Falconer — Nikulin breakdown Decent points, nice size, interesting analysis on his game by the site. I’d say he’s a bit further along than Valabik, with more mobility, and a good frame to work from (6’3, 210+). Top 4 immediately is pretty easy on this roster. Him next to Enstrom could be very interesting to watch…speedy small dude next to bigger stay at home d-man. Or, it’d open the possibility of defensive lines based on nationality…

Havelid - Enstrom (Sweden) Zhitnik - Nikulin (Russia) Exelby - McCarthy (Canada)

I could live with that too.

I agree with tox, this seems to be Waddell setting up the POSSIBILITY for the Thrashers to re-sign Tkachuk for a 3rd or 4th rounder. Is it likely?? I think we have just as good a chance as St. Louis, but if the family chooses for him, I think Atlanta loses.

By Brendan

June 26, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Hold on a minute. I’m not sure I understand this. But I’m gonna take a shot at it. Atlanta wouldn’t owe the St. Louis Blues “anything” if it chose not to re-sign Tkachuk. Re-read that a few times.

If Atlanta re-signs Tkachuk as a UFA, they must now, as a result of this trade, give up a 4th rounder in ‘08 or a 3rd rounder in ‘09.

Ummn. Okay. But did Atlanta have to give St. Louis anything if it re-signed Tkachuk as an Unrestricted Free Agent after July 1? If the answer is “no, it didn’t. The condition of the 1st round pick expired on July 1st.” Then what did Atlanta benefit by coughing up a 4th rounder in ‘08 or a 3rd rounder in ‘09? If the answer is “yes, the Thrashers must give up a 1st rounder in ‘08, no matter WHEN the Thrashers re-signed Tkachuk, then this certainly softens the blow of a Tkachuk reacquisition.

Hmmn. If that’s the case, then this is a better move. In the unlikely event that DW does re-sign Tkachuk, now it costs us something close to nothing, in terms of draft picks. But it does “cost” us something. It costs his salary and it puts yet another “mid-30 something” year old player on the roster of a team trying to establish a “youth movement.” Tkachuk will almost certainly ask for three years, probably four. Is this the sort of thing the GM should pursue?

Now, a one-year deal is a fish of another color. At a “reasonable price,” KT isn’t that bad of a move. But why should KT do a one-year deal with us, when he can probably get 3-4 years out of whichever team wants him the most, and has the cap room to sign him?

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that KT thinks it would be easier to get back into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference instead of the Western Conference.

I don’t see where the cap space is available to sign KT and Kozzie, unless Holik is sent packing.

By Craig Custance

June 26, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

The conditional first-rounder was due to the Blues if the Thrashers signed Tkachuk at all - before or after July 1st. This trade still means the Blues are the favorite to sign Tkachuk, but if they can’t get something done then it makes his return a possibility, which it really wasn’t before today’s trade.

By B. Thenet

June 26, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I like the Tkachuk move. It does make it easier for the Thrashers to bring him back, and he did well the short time he was here.

Craig: This is the first time I can remember where Don Waddell has not really come out and said what exactly he is looking for on the free agent market.

Do you get the feeling he is comfortable with his center by committee approach(since there is no point in lines having any chemistry with Hartley behind the bench), and is still hoping he can luck his way into another Savard?

Is he seriously considering heading into the season with 2-3 rookies on the blueline, praying that Havelid will return to his first half form?

With the Thrashers current cap situation, and assuming they won’t be near the max cap figure, I am dreading what DW thinks he can get away with centering Ilya or Hossa.

I get the feeling based on last years play(especially the weeks leading up to the Tkachuk deal), that if Ilya is stuck with another scrub who can’t pass or shoot centering him he might just request a trade if the season turns sour.

By Bob

June 26, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Goodness you two boys just can’t help yourselves, can you?

The 1st was ours, we didn’t get a 1st back today in this trade.

If they didn’t sign him, they didn’t give up anything. All Waddell did was give up the exclusive rights for the rest of this week to the Blues, who gain the ability to sign him before Sunday’s bidding war breaks out, and they likely will sign him.

Nikulin is the most experienced and reportedly most talented d prospect we’ve had, has been for a few years.

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Bob - DW did give up the exclusive rights for the rest of the week to the Blues. However, if the Blues aren’t able to sign KT, the Thrashers could enter the KT bidding contest. Furthermore, if the Thrashers sign KT in the bidding contest, the Thrashers have surrendered a fourth round pick instead of a first round pick in the 2008 draft.

So, the Thrashers gave up a fourth round pick in order to enter the KT bidding contest if the Blues don’t sign him by July 1.

More than likely, KT doesn’t wear a Thrashers uniform again for two reasons. First, KT doesn’t want to move his children to another town. Second, the Thrashers don’t have enough cap room to sign him, unless Holik is moved to another team.

As a point of interest, if the Blues don’t sign KT, DW could run up the price for KT in the free agent market to screw with other team’s cap space. Whether DW is that smart or creative, I don’t know.

Last, as Brendan pointed out in an earlier blog, the cap space limits come into play at the start of the season, not before then. Therefore, the Thrashers could exceed the cap limit and then dump players before the start of the season and still be within guidelines. Once again, I don’t know if DW is that smart or creative.

By Craig Custance

June 26, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet — I hope to address a lot of what you’re talking about in a free agency story that is running in Sunday’s paper.

By Brendan

June 27, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Craig, thank you for that clarification on TK’s “conditional” 1st round pick. Folks, isn’t it great to have a guy who responds to our questions? And this is an OFFSEASON BLOG. Outstanding.

I think Bob is right. What DW just did was “help” the Blues to re-sign Tkachuk. Stop. That’s the truth. If DW doesn’t cut this “deal,” then the Blues have go get KT in the bidding war. Ummn, is that “good” for St. Louis? (Shaking my head from side to side, no.) Is this deal good for St. Louis? Yes!! On every level. They’ve got close to a week to go sign KT with “exclusive” negotiating rights. And if they can’t, then they must bid on him. If Atlanta “outbids” them, the Blues still get something in return for his loss, EVEN THOUGH Tkachuk is an UNRESTRICTED free agent. Most of the time, that situation applies to RESTRICTED free agents, where a team is due some form of compensation for the player signing elsewhere.

By Brendan

June 27, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

Craig, I’m looking forward to your article in Sunday’s paper on Free Agency. Before it begins … I just want to say … GM’s who rely “too heavily” on Free Agency are going to get themselves into trouble. Why? Because free agents cost a lot. Before all this FRENZY starts … ask yourselves this question. Which teams are going to go get 5-6 players in Free Agency?

Still thinkin’ about it. Let’s keep a running tally. Russ, I want to put you in charge of “spearheading” this intiative. When October 1 finally rolls around, let’s see who went out and got the most players from FREE AGENCY. Then, let’s see what it COST them. And finally, let’s see if there’s any direct correlation with such team’s ability to draft players into their starting lineups.

It’s my belief that the majority of teams who reach out into free agency, spending excessively, are the very same teams who cannot draft talent into their lineup with any sort of consistency. In essence, they’re FORCED into the FRENZY. What other options do they really have? Okay, there’s always trades, too. But keep in the mind, UFAs from the “bargain basement” still count in the running tally.

Last year, the Boston Bruins went out to get Chara (5-years, $7.5 million apiece) and Savard (4-years, at $5.0 million each). They signed some other free agents, too. They maxed out their cap, with a lot of HIGH EXPECTATIONS, and missed the playoffs. They also traded their goalie, Andrew Raycroft, a former Calder Trophy winner, for Tuukka Rask, a good prospect netminder, opting to go with the tandem of Tim Thomas and Hannu Toivonen. The result? The Bruins missed the playoffs. The lesson?

Anyone? Anyone at all? Don’t go looking to free agency to solve all your problems. Things like FREE AGENCY and the TRADE DEADLINE are there to “tweak” your roster. Not MAKE it or OVERHAUL it. The top teams in the East have built their teams through the draft. Who are the recent Conference Finalists? Buffalo twice (GM Regier, since ‘97), Carolina (GM Rutherford, since ‘94), and Ottawa (GM Muckler,since ‘02. Now Bryan Murray, since Muckler just got Quired/resigned). And I think it’s a safe bet to think Pittsburgh (GM’s Patrick, from 1990-2006, and Ray Shero, 2006 to present) will be in the Conference Finals next year, with no less than seven of its very own 1st round draft picks on the roster. And who knows? They just had Angelo Esposito fall right into their laps on Draft Day, at the #20 slot. Some teams have all the frekkin luck.

I taped the 2007 Entry Draft. TSN refered to Ottawa as “Draft Royalty.” Well … putting Canadian politics aside for the moment, Sens’ GMs Pierre Gauthier, Rick Dudley, and Marshall Johnston, from the years 1995 through 2002, deserve a lot of credit for the foundation they built. Dating back to the 1998-99 season, when the Nashville entered the league, the Senators have been a “100-point” or better team for six of these past eight (6/8) seasons. Not that they didn’t reach out into free agency, but their NUCLEUS of players came from the draft. It HAD to. This was a small market, Canadian team operating in a league without a cap until 2005-06. They only chance it had was to draft FLAWLESSLY. Well, the picture is starting to come “full-circle” with a cap rising to nearly $50 million. But I digress. This is how it’s done. It’s how Buffalo did it. It’s how Carolina did it. Let’s just see if the teams that do draft well … go NUTS in free agency. I bet they “tweak, not overhaul” in the offseason. Russ, I’ll be looking forward to your post come October.

By N2Hockey

June 27, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Camping this weekend craig? Id rather see tkachuk elsewhere….

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I predict Toronto makes a huge splash in free agency… I bet they sign at least 3-4 players.

As for Tkachuk… I look at this more on the St. Louis side. They didn’t have the balls to wait for July 1st. They hit the panick button… he’ll get signed this week and the Blues will probably overpay.

By Legion of thrash

June 27, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

We got nothing out of the trade for them to be hitting the panick button. If we didn’t sign him we would have gotten our first pick in 08 back anyway. I think we will sign Tkachuck, it’s the only way the deal makes sense.

By Legion of thrash

June 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

The only other possibility is that Wadell has done this to make it look like we are going to try for KT just to appease the fans and say ” I tried”. Just like he might say with Kozlov. Funny that it is getting close to July 1st and we have heard nothing about Kozlov even being close to signing. The thrashers need fans and the last thing Wadell wants to do is p** off the fan base we have.

By LAC

June 27, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

The KT deal looks NUTS, but we havethe WORST GM in professional sports running OUR team. Oh Well…

Craig… Any truth to what I heard that it is back to WHITE jerseys at HOME next season ????

What would that do to BLUELAND ?

By Geneen

June 27, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I keep checking in hoping to read Kozzy has been signed. The longer we hear nothing, the more worried I become.

By N2Hockey

June 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

thats true for the whole league whites r home

forget blueland, think of something new!

By Thrashers27

June 27, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand what is so confusing about the KT situation. What happened yesterday is exactly what was expected to happen from the onset of the trade. It was merely the formality of our 2008 first round pick being returned to us since we weren’t planning on signing Keith before July first. What’s the hubbub, bub? It does open the door for him to be resigned at a reasonable market value and without costing us that first rounder next year.

Here’s hoping DW can pull it off. Sign KT, Koz and bring in another center, while keeping Belangier. I think there’s room for all of that, its just a matter of whether or not the owners will allow that much to be spent.

LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!

By buzilla baby blues

June 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Wear your colors at home.

Whites should be a away. Especally since so many teams have 3rd jerseys that are not white. I don’t think any team has a 3rd jersey that is white.

By Sara

June 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t get why some of you are up in arms over this KT trade? What does it matter? Does it hurt this club in any way? The answer to that is “no.” Waddell never would have made KT an offer as things stood. Now maybe he does. Maybe we get him, maybe we don’t. Either way, we don’t lose that first round pick anymore, which is a GOOD thing. Secondly, he just did the Blues a favor. Favors can come back to you in the future. Maybe at some point the Blues have someone interesting on the trade block and Don gets first crack at it because JD and the crew “owe him one” so to speak. Never hurts to place nice with others.

I realize Waddell isn’t perfect but you people that are nit-picking everything must truly be bored out of your gourds for hockey news.

Btw, as for finding centers and maybe taking a “crap-shoot” for another Savard - Don may have already done that by picking up Thorburn. He played on a line with Malkin and Sid the Kid for a while last season. Used the body to clear space and make room for the twin phenoms. So perhaps he can hang with the big boys after all. He comes well recommended to me by a buddy in MI who watched him play up in Saginaw for a while and followed him closely in Pitts as well so I’m considering this a good move on Don’s part and look forward to seeing him in a Thrashers uni next season.

By Craig Custance

June 27, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

N2H — No way, can’t sneak away right before free agency starts, just haven’t returned the camper to the garage from the last trip.

Thrashers27 — While this trade opens up the possibility of Tkachuk’s return, I think it’d be real hard to get both Tkachuk and Kozlov in under budget. I still think Tkachuk signs with St. Louis, but if he’s still available on Sunday things might get interesting.

Sara - The Thrashers are looking at Thorburn primarily as a right wing.

By Thrashers27

June 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

As I understand it, another part of the changing of the “unis” is that they’re doing away with the third jersey, as well as returning to the practice of the home team wearing white.

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Well, one positive that comes out of sending KT back to St. Louis, we’ll see how much he gets offered. If the Blues offer him $2 million and he shoots it down, then Waddell and everyone else will have a better idea of what Tkachuk is looking for.

By ranallo10

June 27, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Sara — Welcome back, and as usual, well said. Nit-picking peeps are going to find a reason no matter what, tomorrow it’ll be he’s the “worst GM” because his name has two double consonants in it:

“Who spells it W-A-D-D-E-L-L?? Brian Burke doesn’t use double consonants, that’s why he’s the best GM in the history of GMness. What a horrible obfuscating prognosticating GM.”

Re: White uniforms — Maybe it’s because I’m not one to hold onto “traditions”, but I really don’t like the white unis being home jerseys. I feel the best looking uniform should be reserved for the home team, and those best uniforms are the colored ones (usually). Hell, the only reason it really mattered in the first place was due to black and white televisions…we now have High Definition channels, and plenty of broadcasters, and a logo center ice telling you who the home team is (if you weren’t already aware). The color is irrelevant, so let the home team wear their nice pretty uniforms whenever they want.

By Legion of thrash

June 27, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Sara- Thorburn played on a line with Malkin and Crosby last year?

Thorburn will be a good grinder/ 4th line guy.

By Tee

June 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

At least Waddell was able to get back the 2008 1st pick from St. Louis.

By chaka zulu

June 27, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Wadell wipes his arse the same as the rest of us?

By David

June 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m as big a fan of Kozlov as anybody. I feel like he’s really been one of the best, if not the best, veteran for our club. However, let’s say he doesn’t return. Does that not give us more freedom in regards to cap room and such? I honestly wouldn’t mind going out and finding a couple of good young players who we can affordably sign for a while. Along those lines, I was wondering who people think are the best young (under 27)players on the market.

By Tim

June 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

You right David. It would be nice to see Kozlov return, but then again, I can’t stress enough to say “at the right price”. People tend to forget that Kozlov is not that young anymore.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 27, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Well, one should look at the source of the silly “Five-Year-Plan” and how the Thrashers were going to “Build through the draft”…Oh yeah, and then there was that playoff “guarantee” which, well, it really wasn’t—according to some…

Those were Brilliant Don’s famous last words, not mine (or anyone else’s around here)…Some people here must be related to him.

It will be interesting to see which team(s) pass us (again) next year…

By ranallo10

June 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Ladislav Nagy (27); Brad Stuart (26); Ossi Vaananen (25); Scott Hannan (27); Kyle Calder (27); Jiri Fischer* (25); Mike Comrie (25); Tom Preissing (27); Scott Gomez (26); Maxime Ouellet (24)

Some of the better UFA options (Ouellet was not qualified, so he’s now a UFA). With the exception of one person, these are all NHL caliber players who have shown success (some fleeting) at the NHL level. Fischer was good, and still improving, before his heart popped.

By N2Hockey

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

there aren’t any 3rd jersey’s this year, get with it, lol some teams will have an old retro thrown in once in a while, but its back to whites as home, darks as away, If i had to pick between slava or KT, i’d pick KT, because of his size….time to move on and change things around,make something work for the long haul.

By Sara

June 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Legion - So says my friend who watched all of Pittsburgh’s games on Center Ice last year. He goes out to do the dirty work apparently.

Sage - I can respect that you don’t like the GM. However, could you please find an argument for that that isn’t as tired as the “Five-Year Plan” and “Building Through the Draft” cause to be honest I can (and have) blown holes in both of those arguments. Point being, some of you should work on seeing issues from multiple angles and also get a little more realistic about what the rest of the League looks like, how businesses function, etc etc. By the numbers, Don isn’t doing badly at all.

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

In my book, Slava is irreplaceable at his price… his skill, leadership and intelligence are very important to this team. I consider him a core player. He makes things happen… the team had more success even after losing Savards numbers. I don’t think the same could be said if we lost Kozlov… I see a major drop off if he’s gone.

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Hossa plays with skill… Kovalchuk plays with adrenaline… Kozlov plays with brain-power.

By ranallo10

June 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I agree. Kozlov’s fit for this club seems more integral than other potential losses. Tkachuk doesn’t play PK…Kozlov does. I’d take Kozlov over most other viable and affordable options out there.

By ranallo10

June 27, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Sara — word

By Legion of thrash

June 27, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Sara- if your infomant is correct, Thorburn had a total of 5 pts. Not very impressive when playing with Crosby and Malkin. Thorburn is a 4th liner!

Hokie- I agree that Kozlov will be missed very much. His shootout goals alone were vital in our points total. He basically got 14 pts for the thrashers. Without those shootout wins we would not have made the playoffs.

By Legion of thrash

June 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Rannalo- did you mean Michel Ouellet?

By LAC

June 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

If we did NOTHING with KT, the first rounder stays here, Just yet ANOTHER example of STUPID don waddell, He STINKS !!!!

When will he do everyone a BIG favor and resign, so This Team can progress and WIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

The fact that Kozlov is TOO important to this team is what got him 80 points this season and why he’ll garner $4 million on the open market… cause/effect.

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

I still fail to see how anything regarding the KT trade can be considered stupid!! If we signed him, we lose a first rounder… if Waddell thought he couldn’t resign him, then send him back to the Western Conference, get your first rounder back and see if something falls through with negotiations over the week.

I can understand an argument that it was a “non-move” considering we probably still won’t get him and will still get our first round pick, but why anyone would say it’s “stupid” is just Sofa King We Todd Did.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 27, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Hockeybuzz.com is reporting that the Blues have offered Tkachuk a multi-year deal at $3.5 million/year. No decision was made. Talks have ended for the day.

By ranallo10

June 27, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

I guess it’s safe to assume that if my post hasn’t been posted by now, it’s been lost.

So:

Legion — I did mean Michel Ouellet, thanks for the correction.

LAC — The trade gives the Thrashers more of a possibility to sign Tkachuk than they had before the rights trade. If St. Louis signs him, we get props for being kind to another team (as Sara and Brendan stated). There are a plethora of reasons posted previously as to why this isn’t a horrible trade, please refer to reading other posts…namely Sara’s, Thrasher27’s, or R.Stroz’s.

Thrasher Ryan — good find, it’s interesting to read a St. Louis fan reaction on the comments section of that article. I will however stress that Hockeybuzz.com is just a rumor mongering website. The accuracy of that site is so far off, I would never count it as a “credible” source. Yes, they can be true SOMETIMES, but more often than not Eklund and his pals are simply WRONG. I think this will prove to be right (Tkachuk signing at $3.5M with St. Louis or walking), but I’m just saying the credibility part for future reference.

By ZAvalanche

June 27, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Ok, i Know this is way off the subject line, but i have been out of the country for a month and just now watching the finals. After seeing most of game three i cannot believe that NBC aired that BS Brett Hull said about the the refs getting the call right on the kicking motion that lead to the Senator’s goal. Hilarious! BRETT HULL saying the refs are not able to be trusted for getting a non-goal call right in the Stanley Cup Playoffs! Priceless, deserves to be on utube.

Sorry, i have not finished reading all the posts from the last 30 days but had to chime in. Good to see and read all the comments, thanks a ton CC for sticking with the thrashers over the break.

By Bob

June 27, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Sara, Thorburn will be a 4th line right winger for us, they “may” try him out in Sim’s spot, simply because we don’t have the cash to spend to fill that spot with anyone proven, but he’s no Savard/diamond in the rough.

Sara, but I’m glad to see that at least one other person on here got the Tkachuk move. The only reason for this Tkachuk move was to give the Blues exclusive rights to sign Tkachuk before the bidding war came out. It was a foregone conclusion from the very day that we traded for him at the deadline, that he would re-sign with the Blues. Waddell did the Blues a favor, that he can call in later. That’s it. Despite what the dimwit twins dreamed up in ranallo world Waddell did not get a #1 back.

Tkachuk has almost no chance of re-signing here, I fully expect the Blues to announce the deal in the next day or two. And Kozlov doesn’t stand a chance of re-signing here either, unless he wants to take some big discount to stay here, and if that was the case, it’d be done by now. The sooner you wrap your head around the fact that there’s a serious Cap problem Waddell has this club in, the sooner you’ll realize there is no Kozlov on this club next year, there will be no Tkachuk. At best, he can sign a middling decent center like a Comrie and try to get by again until the deadline and make some moves then to eek into the playoffs again.

This year’s opening lineup will pale on paper when compared against the last 2 year’s lineups. And with the last 2 year’s lineups, and in our history, we’ve won exactly 0 playoff games, it ain’t changing soon with Waddell at the helm.

I still say the only real question out there this offseason is the ownership issue. Can we get the AJC to give us some coverage of that? Where does the case stand? Do we get the Spirit boys back or is it Count Belkin?

By moo

June 27, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

One other important note on the Tkachuk trade to the Blues…

The Thrashers didn’t actually OWN their ‘08 first pick as long as TK was on the open market. It was tied up with him as long as the Thrashers had a shot at signing him.

Therefore, if a good trade opportunity comes up and Tkachuk winds up as this year’s Jason Allison (unsigned), we would NOT be able to use our #1 pick as trade bait. It wouldn’t be ours to use unless and until Tkachuk actually signs with a team. It would sit in “escrow” as it is.

So we win whether St.Louis does or doesn’t sign him. We can now use that pick as trade material tonight.

By Tony C.

June 27, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

We can get someone much better for our team than Kieth Tkachuk….I think it was pretty cool move being able to possibly re-sign him and not give up the #1 in next year’s draft.

By Brendan

June 28, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

**Craig, is there any kind of “injury update” on Steve Rucchin?

Moo, I would think that if Keith Tkachuk went unsigned, as this year’s Jason Allison, that the Thrashers could petition the league to declare a binding “non-intent” to sign Tkachuk—to get back the rights to that 1st round pick. In essence, the Thrashers would agree to ban themselves from contract discussions with Tkachuk in order to use its 2008 first round pick in the manner it chooses. And I strongly suspect the league would acquiesce to Atlanta’s request. No?

On what grounds could St. Louis protest? They “object” to the Thrashers legally handcuffing themselves from signing Tkachuk? They DEMAND the pick remain in ESCROW?? Even after the Thrashers surrender their right to contract negotiations with him? That seems a bit much. Though certainly not what you advanced in your post.

I’d have a hard time believing that draft pick would just sit in “escrow” in perpetuity. If Keith Tkachuk isn’t re-signed in this upcoming season, I suspect there would a medical reason behind it. That, or he opted to retire. And why should he do that?, without a medical condition or “extenuating life circumstance.”

I seriously doubt any GM in the league would utterly dismiss Tkachuk as a signing opportunity because he didn’t shed the label that he disappears in the playoffs. Even if he had zero (0) points, (he led the Thrashers in playoff scoring,) Tkachuk netted some 27 goals last year. And can probably replicate those numbers next season.

By R. Stroz

June 28, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

I have an idea which may be totally off base, but here it goes.

Do the Thrashers already know they aren’t going to re-sign Kozlov so they make a deal with St. Loius that gives them an outside chance at bringing KT back to appease the fans.

In other words, can KT be signed in the free market at a lower price than Kozlov, so the Thrashers take a gamble that they can get KT back cheaper than they can get keep Kozlov.

Just a thought.

By ranallo10

June 28, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Why must you come up with a “what if?” scenario to show another side of every point? moo’s point was solid…the first round pick was not ours to trade IF Tkachuk went unsigned. He never said it was likely, he was making a point. We all understand that Tkachuk wont go unsigned, we don’t need the explanation of how it’s unlikely he wouldn’t be signed this offseason. But you never know, so thus moo’s point was valid.

Further more, you disclaimed his/her point (or slightly discredited it) by assuming that the NHL would allow Atlanta to back out of the binding agreement that is a trade. Did the NHL allow the Devils to get out of the Malakhov contract, even though he wasn’t playing at the NHL level?? NO! A trade stands pat, unless one team (or player involved) does not fulfill their end of the agreement (look at the Korolyuk trade as an example). If the Thrashers were to go to the NHL and say “we promise we wont sign Tkachuk, we want our 1st rounder back”, the NHL says “NO.” It’s that simple. INTENT is not tangible, so therefore cannot be used as a form of bargaining…

Come on Brendan, I expect more from you.

Bob — I never said “they gained a first rounder”…read more carefully. This trade allows them flexibility with signing Tkachuk, which was virtually impossible prior to the rights trade. Since you say you agree with Sara’s argument, I assume you understand that. Realize now that I am not the grammatical incorrectness that is dj. My posting name is ranallo10 — I don’t know about you, but I don’t use an alter ego to validate my opinion.

Bob — you have a point about the ownership debacle…why does our ownership situation get no news? Why is sitting in limbo for years, whilst the Nashville ownership problem has been plastered all over the country, and basically resolved itself in a week?? I know, it’s a completely different and relatively unprecedented situation in Atlanta, but COME ON! There are tons of lawyers that work for the NHL and the NBA, and both leagues are sitting back, sucking their thumbs, saying “this looks bad for our league, but it’s Atlanta’s problem. They have to fix it.” It’s beyond ridiculous…it’s almost like letting a team file bankruptcy, or letting an ownership group not pay their players on time. Oh wait, that’s happened already.

Martin Brodeur (who coincidentally quit the competition committee today) should be the replacement for Bettman.

Tony C. — I too thought it was a pretty deft transaction by Waddell.

By ranallo10

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

R. Stroz — If Tkachuk passes up on the reported $3.5M per year contract St. Louis has on the table, I don’t think he’s a cheaper option than Kozlov, nor in the Thrasher’s price range.

I’m still torn if Tkachuk is even worth that much, and leaning towards “no”.

By R. Stroz

June 28, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

I’m not only concerned that the Thrashers are unable to re-sign Kozlov at this point.

What is going on with Sim? As far getting a lot of bang for the buck, Sim was the best player signed last year. Although I’m too lazy to run the numbers, I’d be willing to bet that Sim produced the most points per dollar spent last season.

By R. Stroz

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

Ranallo10 - Your probably correct concerning the pricing of KT and Kozlov.

I would really enjoy hearing a report, such as the one out of St Louis on KT, on what terms the Thrashers are offering Kozlov.

By hockeyd

June 28, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Brendan - Regarding Ruchin _ my son attended the Thrashers hockey school last week. Ruch was working out in the team gym - so perhaps his rehab efforts continue…

By Legion of thrash

June 28, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Talked to some pens fans on one of their blogs about Thorburn. He played a couple games on a line with Crosby and did absolutely nothing. He played the rest of his games on the 4th line, where he belongs.

By Adam

June 28, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

TO ALL DW HATERS

First of all I am one of you. I still can’t understand how someone on the competition committee and is a GM in the NHL hasn’t bolstered the speed on the blue line. There are so many other points about our “obfuscating” GM to contend with that have been beat to ever loving death here that have reduced the validity of your posts. I have gotten to the point that when I see certain names I just skip over the post.

The fact remains we have what we have and nothing is going to change that for the indefinite future. Lets just say for a moment that the Sprite goons and Belkin agree that DW has to go. Who is going to come in and work for these guys at this point in time? Name me 1 top 10 GM in the league that would take the job! So what do they do? Make the coach whom you’ve just given a 1yr extension the GM as well??? Not likely!

Until the ownership debacle is resolved we have good ole DW at the helm (and don’t think for a moment he hasn’t known this for well over a year now) and all we can do is hope he can make a hand full of good moves in the coming weeks.

I would also think DW’d want to leave a legacy behind when he’s gone. Lets try, as hard as that my be to do for some of us, to give the guy some support in the hopes that with some creativity on his part he can find some of the missing pieces to the 1st 2 lines.

stepping off soap box now ;)

By GaVaHokie

June 28, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

I don’t even see Thorburn making the team. And if he does, it will be at the expense of Jon Sim. Thorburn will play the aggitator role.

Let’s stop talking about Keith Tkachuk, it’s over… he’s gone… St. Louis made a fair offer that he’ll probably accept. End of story.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Hokie — What makes you think the Thrashers can’t match that St. Louis offer, assuming we don’t re-sign Kozlov? If we can’t have Kozzy, I say go for Tkachuk. He showed chemistry with Ilya. Square up that line, then work on the Belanger, Hossa line.

By Thrashersfan33

June 28, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Any thoughts about Eric Boulton? You guys think he is gone?

By GaVaHokie

June 28, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Ryan… because if Tkachuk doesn’t except the offer, he’ll counter with $4 million and the Blues will probably STILL agree to sign him. I don’t see Atlanta paying him that. If they’re going to pay that much, it’s going to be for Kozlov.

In other bizarre news, Montreal waived Jason Cullimore yesterday and he went unclaimed… I thought he was pretty coveted. I suppose everyone is waiting for Montreal to buy out his remaining contract (which they are).

By Craig Custance

June 28, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

That 2 year $3.5 million offer from St. Louis to Tkachuk is legit.

Thrashersfan33 — I think the Thorburn trade hurts Boultons chances of returning more than Sims.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 28, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I say we keep Boulton around. If he goes, it’s time for Jim Slater to step up and be an enforcer and actually earn that $$$. I still think that pick (Slates) was a bust.

By Thrasher316J11

June 28, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I suspect Thorburn was aquired to replace Boultin not Sim. Same frame with a little additional skill and upside he could be more offensive. Though in fairness to Boultin he wasnt ever put into a scoring role and he had a couple good goals down the stretch last season.

By Bob

June 28, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

I see Belkin is screwing with the Hawks again blocking a trade they have in works for Stoudamire. That’s the big story on this club this offseason, why no coverage from the AJC on this?

By GaVaHokie

June 28, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see Waddell make a qualifying offer to Zach Parise (RFA) from NJ… I see him as a long-term replacement for Kozlov at less than half the price… he had 62 points as a 2nd line LW and 3rd line Center this season… he made $720,000. I say he makes twice that this year.

By Matt H

June 28, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Balsille told “No” by Leipold.

By JD

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

First off… No Defenseman signings! The 7 defenseman will be Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby, Popovic, McCarthy, Enstrom, and Oystrick. All under contract (or tendered offers) for next season. That does make us young, fast, and solid on the blueline.

Second - Resign Belanger for 1.5, Dupuis for 1 and Kozlov for 3.5. Brings back some continuity.

Third - Sign Lindros for 1.5. If he stays healthy is still a force.

Fourth - Sign Perrault for 800K. Veteran leader. I ‘ve been begging them to sign him for 3 years!

Fifth - Let the kids play! Sterling and Haydar

Lines: Hossa - Belanger - Kozlov (best line the last 3 weeks, sans playoffs) Kovachuk - Lindros - Sterling (just think of the room Sterling would have with those 2 guys on the ice with him) Dupuis - Holik - Larsen (checking line with hustle and grit) Haydar - Perrault - Slater (4th line, with smarts, and some scoring potential)

With Vigier and Thornburn filling in when needed.

That is an inexpensive team (less than 10 million added to the current payroll), that’s fast and smart. Probably would need a big banger on the blueline eventually, except for Ex most of the defenseman are offensive minded.

By Tony H

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

According to SI, it looks like Zubrus will become a free agent. The Sabres have made an offer to Briere but no word on whether Drury has received an offer.

By ranallo10

June 28, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Hokie — NJ will match.

Bob —- wrong board, but no surprise in regards to the news. Belkin is showing what he cares about (basketball), and is trying to keep Billy Knight from doing anything worth while. Personally, I agreed with him during the Johnson fiasco (which amazingly worked out this season, to the great luck of the Hawks). Billy Knight will go out, draft a 6’8 forward, and let him ride the bench or “produce” 6ppg. Knight’s useless, Woodson’s useless, get rid of them.

Ryan — Slater doesn’t show much promise in the enforcing role. If we want him to swing wildly about against another equally sized opponent, and not truly connect…then he’s got the role.

By Bob

June 28, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

But it’s not the wrong board, it’s the same ownership group that controls our Thrash that controls the Hawks. If they’re fighting over what to spend and Belkin is blocking trades for high priced NBA talent, then what would make someone think Waddell has anything to spend on UFA’s this Sunday?

Guess what, he won’t. In addition to be hamstrung by the Cap situation Waddell has the Thrash in, Belkin isn’t going to let them spend what’s needed to improve the Thrash. That’s why you can forget about Kozlov. That’s why Waddell gave the Blues a free run at Tkachuk.

It’s probably why Hartley and Waddell still have jobs today. Why would any qualified Coach or GM step into this ownership debacle? The sooner this is all settled, the better for all involved.

Why the AJC isn’t give us daily coverage on the biggest story out there about the Thrashers, the ownership debacle, is beyond me.

By Legion of thrash

June 28, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

JD- I am confused as to how you think we are solid on the blueline?!

By Thrasher Ryan

June 28, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Ranallo— Slater dosen’t show much promise, period.

JD— No way on Lindros. Not even a chance he comes here.

By Thrashersfan33

June 28, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

I like JD’s lines. The only question is, what about Krog? He has a contract with us for next year. Do we trade him or put him in Dupuis’ place if we can’t sign Dupuis?

By Sara

June 28, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Bob, Belkin couldn’t care less about this team. He’s flat out said he intends to sell the Thrashers if he wins the court case. And he has yet to interfere with how this team is run and a lot of money did get spent last season and more is headed out the door this year as well from all accounts.

Personally I think even if the courts do ultimately find in his favor, they should only allow him to buy-out the Hawks’ portion since he doesn’t want this team. As for there being no coverage, that would most likely be due to there being no new news to report.

I second Ryan’s “no” on Lindros - don’t want him even if he would come here - he has way too much baggage (read: his father).

As for Slater - I’d offer him a one-year deal. Give him a chance to bounce back from his sophomore slump. We aren’t exactly teeming with young talent at center - it’d be a shame to give up on one after only two seasons.

By Thrasher316J11

June 28, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

JD has the Blueline summarized above assuming X is back next season. If Havelid can return to form and Enstrom is as ready as we hear for NHL we are decent at Blueline. No worse than prior years. That group should be able to hold the shots under 40 per game.

I dont see the singing of two centers. I want two new centers for the top lines but I dont see it. Waddell has already elluded to Holik moving up to one of the top lines. If we can sign Bellanger he stays on Hossa’s line. If he does not return I have to think Rucchin is the other top line center. He has to play somewhere and Bob sure liked him on Kovy’s line last year. Thorburn and Slater are still in the mix. Thorburn being the replacement for Holik on the checking line. Slater moved to winger if we have to many centers because of Rucchins dead weight. Signing a big name center can only happen if Kozlov leaves and Bellanger doesnt return. I like our chances leaving that line in tact.

No Lindros. Perrault would be the one to sign as he is cheap and could be effective.

Craig said we were not close on Dupuis. I dont like the sound of that as I think he could play opposite Larsen and elevate that checking line in the scoring department.

By Tim

June 28, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Sara: Sophomore Slump is the correct expression. A lot of young player have trouble on their second season in the NHL. That’s actually very common. Slater do have things that cannot be teach (namely his speed). Now if he can improve and learn from the past season, that would be a plus.

By Thrasher316J11

June 28, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Can Slater learn to use that speed is the question. I blame Hartley for his lack of developement. He has to learn to finish and create to be an asset to us. How did we get on him being an enforcer above. He has no chance in that role.

By Matt H

June 28, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I hate to dogpile on JD, but I honestly hate Eric Lindros more than I hate… well, let’s just say I might stop watching Thrashers games if he came to Atlanta.

By Matt H

June 28, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Dupuis. I’m also kinda sad to hear Michael Garnett wasn’t approached. I liked what I saw out of him when he and Berkhoel had to play “300” a couple of seasons ago…

By GaVaHokie

June 28, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Larsen Peca and Dupuis on a checking line would be pretty sweet.

Bump Holik up to 2nd line Center with Kovy and find another RW.

By GaVaHokie

June 28, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Josef Stumpel resigns with the Panthers, 2 years $4.5 million ($2.25 mil per season)… he had 57 points this season.

That certainly puts Kozlov in the $3.5-$4 million range.

By ranallo10

June 28, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Bob — thought you might care, but read Mark Bradley’s blog on the Hawks page of the sports section. Also, notice the lead story right now on ajc.com … apparently the GM of the Suns didn’t know about the imminent trade, nor talked to ATL about doing such a thing. Bradley makes a point of the lack of identification in the “sources” ESPN (and other internet sites) used to report the apparent trade for Stoudamire. Interesting…especially since it gave steam to the “We Hate Belkin” fanatics.

By R. Stroz

June 28, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Craig - Have you heard anything new on re-signings such as, but not limited to, Kozlov, Sim, and Hnidy.

Things seem AWEFUL quiet.

By ranallo10

June 28, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Report: Kariya unlikely to re-sign with Preds

By Brendan

June 28, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the Rucchin update, Hockeyd.

I see the Kings tendered an offer to Center Micahel Cammalleri. Well, what else could they do? Let him become unrestricted? Oh, man. That coulda been sweet. Cammalleri can probably clean up in arbitration.

I do wonder if Boulton will be back. I suspect that if he is, he’ll be one of the very last of Waddell’s contract signings. Same goes for Vigier, if that happens. And Ranallo prays it won’t.

One thing about Jim Balsillie, he seems very “determined” to get an NHL club. If he continues to be willing to overpay for one, he can probably get one. I hope Belkin never gets the opportunity to offer it to him. Think about this for a moment. If Belkin gets to acquire the teams at cost, then sell them for some grossly over-inflated price, well … buying low and selling high is a business formula that few can argue with. May it NEVER happen.

By Craig Custance

June 28, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - Things will pick up in the next two days. Sim is close, I wouldn’t be surprised to see something done as early as Friday. The lines of communication are open between Kozlov and the team, although I still think he tests free agency. Even if that happens, the Thrashers still have to be the favorite to resign him. There have been discussions with the team and Belanger’s agent, we’ll see if those talks heat up as July 1st gets closer.

By Legion of thrash

June 28, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Briere has turned down a 5 for 25 contract from the Sabres.

By Tony C.

June 28, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Boulton is back….the guy was supposed to be our fighter, and well, I can’t remember him decisively winning one fight last season. Not saying he sucks, but certainly not a heavyweight and considering Thorburn shows a bit more of an offensive upside (hey 4G is still more than 2G ….if memory serves-somebody check on that if you want), and is the same sort of welterweight in a heavyweight’s body fighter/goon/whateveryouwannacallit I’ll say Boulton’s days in bue are numbered.

You all know where I stand on the Kozlov situation. I would also like to join the “Don’t give up on Slater yet” camp. We aren’t anywhere close to deep on centremen, and the kid has shown he’s a winner and I don’t recall seeing him back down from anyone last year. He has good wheels, could become useful on the PK (notice I said could) - and providing DW can do some Jedi Mind-trick dealing and get us a legit #2 or #1…He might very well pick up some useful insights from said FA veteran.

Now I keep reading about how Regher (Spl?) wants out of Cal-Gary…Could we possibly move Havelid Or Zhitnik for him + a fast Centreman prospect? I truly believe this guy is one of the top Defencemen in the league, and would bring a lot of proper play habits along with him, helping to mold our younger blueliners. Now, that being said, I have no idea what his contract looks like or any of that…I just know that this dude kicks much @ss and would be a big-time addition to whichever team he lands at. Feel free to rip me up on this one, but remember that I’m just saying hey, we’ve had good success with other guys who wanted out of The Red Mile.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Excellent reference to Thermopolye whoever mentioned it.

By R. Stroz

June 28, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Craig - Thank you for the information!

By Tony C.

June 28, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Please Please Please

Don’t get Briere. He’s a flopper. If we’re gonna get this team to move into a contender, you do not want the guys coming up learning from a diver. Now, that’s not to say that even my boy Slava-Matic doesn’t embellish the degree of contact from time to time, but Briere is notrotious for his ACTING. Granted the man is a sweet passer and has the goal-scorer’s git, but I’m hoping that we would pass on aguy like that.

Not to mention 5-for-25 seems like it’s way out of our budget.

Legoin, where’d you get that if I may?

By Craig Custance

June 28, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - I don’t think you have to worry about the Thrashers signing Briere.

By Legion of thrash

June 28, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

tsn.ca

By JD

June 28, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Time to rebuttle….

Lindros - You can say “let’s just say I might stop watching Thrashers games if he came to Atlanta.” Look I not a huge Lindros fan by any stretch… I think he’s soft at times, injury prone, and in the past was a whiner… But look at Lindros stats when he’s healthy. They’re comparable, if not better, than a Hall of Famer named Cam Neely. He’s better than anyone you can get for 1.5 million. And that’s just a fact. And if he’s on a line with Kovy and Sterling, he’ll have 70+ assists this year. If there’s “no way he comes here”… well I guess everyone on this board will be happy :)

If Sim is resigned, that is a plus. I like his team first attitude.

Krog is a great line 1 AHL player. His game doesn’t translate to the NHL He won’t get the ice time to be the scorer at the aHL level he is. Bye bye Krog…

“Defense not solid” - Well I’ll run it down 1-7 1. Zhitnik - 25+ minutes a game. Veteran solid defenseman 2. Havelid - Though game has slipped was much better when #77 showed up. 3. XLB - The name says it all.. 4. Enstrom - Being a Canucks fan, I remember when Mattias Ohlund joined the team, “who’s this Swede defenseman?” Well some scouts say Enstrom could be better than Ohlund.
5. Popovic & 6. Oystick - Let’s see what these guys can do.. I think they are so ready for the NHL competition. I love Oystick, watched him in the AHL. He’s going to be good. 7. McCarthy - Plug him in when needed… Still a decent NHL defenseman

By Michael Guillemette

June 28, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

here’s an article regarding Ilya possibly coming to play for the Thrashers this season:

http://www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=513

By Michael Guillemette

June 28, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

here’s an article regarding Ilya possibly coming to play for the Thrashers this season:

http://www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=513

By Tony C.

June 29, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

CC

I know….but still, you never know….I mean no one would be more shocked than I if I read that Briere signed with LeThrash. I just am against the flopping. I think between the two, Drury is the gem.

Let me weigh in on the Lindros hyperbole-

Y’all are joking right? I mean this is the guy that wouldn’t go to the Greyhounds, wouldn’t go to the Nordiques, wouldn’t play for Bobby Clarke (although the last one, you have to see it from his side-if Kieth Jones followed team orders, Lindros probably dies)….then he got hurt playing for the Leafs (who he always wnted to play for anyway)….I mean if we can get him for $1.5M-wow I can’t believe I’m saying this-we should get him. But I doubt he’d ever agree to play here.

By Brendan

June 29, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I would like to hope that … the time has to come … to go with young players. Stop for a moment. Let me just throw this out there as a general comment/idea. Ready? Poll question time.

“Do you want Atlanta to be known as the destination for players in the twilight of their careers who don’t want to be re-signed by their current teams, but who still just hope to remain in the NHL?”

If so … then the Guerins, Lindroses, Lindens (soon to be retired), Leetches (retired now), Gelinases, etc. of the league … will all start to gravitate towards Atlanta. Why? Because it’s still an NHL stop on the map. It represents that one last chance to still get paid as an NHL player.

Do you want that? Do you really? A team full of yesteryear’s All-Stars … surviving more on reputation that actual ability to play. In a league that requires speed and physical longevity? At the very point when the player has reached the age where he becomes very susceptible to injury? Think Forsberg, if this helps any.

Hey, let’s get Mats Sundin! Stop. Stop. It’s one thing to plug in Sundin at the trade deadline as a “tweak” of the roster. It’s quite another to pay him $5-6 million to play all year. What’s next?, “let’s get Federov?” These guys are 36-years old, and cost a lot. There’s a reason why GMs get fired. MacLean is gone in Columbus. John Ferguson, Jr., in Toronto, is under the microscope. They’ve been calling for his ouster for more than a year now. The Leafs haven’t tasted the playoffs since 2004.

The average age of the NHL’s most recent expansion group … should never be in the 30’s. Never. There’s a reason the Blues only offered Tkachuk a 2-year deal, at $3.5 million. He’s old. Well, let me rephrase. He’s “not young.” I’m sure KT is looking for a 3-year deal to finish out his career. Ideally, a 4-year deal. NHL contracts are guaranteed.

By N2Hockey

June 29, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

leafs haven’t tasted and the thrashers got SWEPT the first year…. Tell KT to go elsewhere, slava too… Bring me someone who is 25-30!!!

By buzilla baby blues

June 29, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I say we lose KT and Kozlov and go after Gomez. PP would be pretty nasty with him, Hossa, and Kovy.

And congrats to Scotty Stevens for becoming the first Devil elected into the Hall.

You guys keep talking about wanting Lindros? You can thank Stevens for basically ending his career in the playoffs when he played for the Legion of Gloom. The only reason Lindros still plays (kind of) is because Stevens is out of the league.

By B. Thenet

June 29, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Lindros would not be a bad pickup. I know he loves the spotlight, but he could put up some decent numbers with Hossa or Ilya.

By buzilla baby blues

June 29, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I’d take Cammi Granato over Lindros. She could take a hit better

By Matt H

June 29, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Sing it Brother Brendan! Praise Him!

Once more- Hockey Team. Not Hollywood Squares.

I remember watching the Bolts as a kid, where old talent would go to die (course, being the Tampa/St. Pete area, that’s kinda the MO down there). Denis Savard, Jay Wells, Petr Klima, John Cullen (who had a renaissance, but that’s the exception). Not pretty, not successful.

Eff Lindros. Eff Kariya and eff Yashin. Cancer/overgrown bully,ghost of former self, cancer— in that order. Eff ‘em in the A.

The Thrashers have been around long enough. It’s time to demand something better.

Scott Stevens played a little too dirty for my tastes. But at least he wasn’t a baby like Lindros.

I have that picture of Lindros in the fetal after that hit as my desktop wallpaper sometimes. Makes me smile.

By ranallo10

June 29, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Kevin Allen of USA TODAY stated in his Eastern Conference preview that Jon Sim turned down the Thrasher’s offer.

Any report on that Custance?

By Midfield

June 29, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Larionov should have been selected into the Hall from this pool. He’s the most underrated center in hockey.

By Craig Custance

June 29, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

ranallo - just part of the negotiating process.

Midfield - I agree.

By buzilla baby blues

June 29, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t have put Larionov in over any of the other 4. I agree he should be in…next year

Stevens was a little dirty when he began his career in Washington (he would also drop his gloves if someone so much as farted in his general direction) but once he settled down he was the cleanest hardest hitter the league has ever seen.

By ranallo10

June 29, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Custance — thanks, figured so

I agree Larionov is underrated…maybe next year.

By Craig Custance

June 29, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Negotiations are off with Hnidy, so he’ll hit free agency like the other UFA Thrashers defensemen. Talks continue with Belanger, Sim, Boulton and Kozlov.

By GaVaHokie

June 29, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Larionov and Claude Lemieux will go in next year.

By GaVaHokie

June 29, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Craig… are talks continuing with Exelby or is he hitting free agency (qualified).

By Craig Custance

June 29, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Just announced: Salary cap for next season is $50.3 million.

By Craig Custance

June 29, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Unless some other team swoops in with a huge offer and the Thrasher determine the compensation (draft picks) is worth it, Exelby will be back. I think it’s safe to say he’ll be back, although with a nice raise from last season.

By ranallo10

June 29, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

That’s too bad to hear about Hnidy, but I guess it fits into the “younger and faster” category. He’s only 32, so it’s not like he’s “old”, but compared to Enstrom, Nikulin, Oystrick, Valabik, etc, he is old. His speed isn’t exactly there, so I doubt it’ll be missed too much. However, I considered him the second best defenseman for this team after the trade deadline. I appreciated what he brought to the team as a 7th defender, and was surprised by his production once he made the roster full time. I think his defensive awareness and behind the net intensity will be missed. I’m sure he’ll make $800K+ on another team.

Custance — Is Waddell still interested in moving players in from other teams via trade? Or, is it safe to assume he’s focusing on Sunday and the free agent pool?

By David

June 29, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Is that cap higher or lower then what was expected?

By R. Stroz

June 29, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The cap numbers free up some spending room if our owners can their sh!t together for once.

I don’t imagine the Thrashers owners want the team in last place with the All-Star game is in Atlanta this year.

I imagine some teams will start to scramble for players they didn’t think they could afford to keep three days ago.

By DB

June 29, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I thought Hnidy probably played as well as he could but it was sometimes painful to watch. Especially skating backwards and taking a tumble.

By Midfield

June 29, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Hnidy had a good season, for sure. But that one time when he tossed the puck from own defensive zone over the glass behind the opposite goal creating two-men disadvantage - was it against the Caps, I don’t remember)… man, he looked so dumb at that moment, especially when he asked the ref, “Is it a penalty?” - or something like that. Talk about 32 year old pro. Come on.

By R. Stroz

June 29, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Craig - Do you have any signing news that will bring a smile to our faces on a Friday afternoon.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 29, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

By Craig Custance

*June 29, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Negotiations are off with Hnidy, so he’ll hit free agency like the other UFA Thrashers defensemen. Talks continue with Belanger, Sim, Boulton and Kozlov.*

Hopefully we can come out of this day with at least some of these guys signed up!

By buzilla baby blues

June 29, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I signed up for my season tickets…

: )

By Russ

June 29, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

David, I had heard the cap was going to be around $49 million, so it is a little higher than expected.

With the Thrashers ownership fiasco, the higher the cap goes, the less competitive the Thrashers will be in the free agent market. I think they will keep payroll in the low 40’s, which means the big spenders can go almost $10 million over the Thrashers.

Craig, are they still trying at all with Dupuis, or is he going to hit the market in a couple of days? I thought Dupuis was their best player in the playoffs, I would hate to see him go. He helped the PK immensely, which has been a problem area since day one of this franchise.

By Craig Custance

June 29, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Stroz — I’m digging, believe me.

Ranallo — yes, as far as trades go. Teams are trying to move salaries before July 1.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 29, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Ex-Thrashers Updates — Jaroslav Modry 1 Year Deal with LA Kings.

Jeff Cowan 2 Year deal with Vancouver.

By Bob

June 29, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Terrible news on the Cap going up. Well, terrible for us. Great news for fans of the Rangers, Wings, Flyers et al. Now we know why the Flyers spent so much on the players they got from NashVegas, they knew the Cap was going up. Another good move by a GM, making moves ahead of the curve. While our Donny boy haggles with Jon Sim. Save a penny, there Don, if you keep pushing, mabye you’ll get a nickle out of it! Atta boy.

I hear Nikulin has decided to stay at AK Bars, so much for that. Is it also true that Enstrom is only 5’8”? And you guys are penciling him into our lineup on d? Hoo boy.

By Bob

June 29, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

The cap numbers free up some spending room if our owners can their sh!t together for once.

Stroz, I’m assuming that we’re going to be under a self-imposed Cap in the range of $40m again, the Cap going up is only going to help those big revenue deep pocket owner clubs.

Remember, the Spirit boys lost money hand over fist the past two years with pretty good attendance and approximately $40m in salary committed going into each of the past two seasons. I don’t see how we can hope they let Waddell spend even more, these guys are in it for the business side, not just to win. We really need a Daddy Warbucks type owner that will be willing to spend whatever it takes to win, now that the Cap going up has separated the rich from the poor again.

By Brendan

June 29, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

And to think, the owners wanted a cap tied to revenues. They might have been thinking, if revenues tank, they’ll be able to argue the players must have to accept less. Rather than continuing to spend $10 million on a player while revenues plummeted.

Anywho … the other news is the FLOOR OF THE CAP will be $34.3. Two years ago, the Ducks and Sabres owners said they “break even” at $34.5 to $36.5 million. The “break even” point is now essentially the must-spend floor. All I can say is … the revenue-sharing better be good! It has to be! It has to be. Otherwise, the 30 markets will become 20 markets, as 10 or so would be unable to compete. And if the revenue-sharing is sizeable, then the smaller markets can’t really complain that much. If they lost $8 million, but got compensated $14 million, then they actually made $6 million. The big question then would be, “what did the owners DO with the revenue-sharing dollars? Did they stick it in their back pockets? Or did they re-invest it in team payroll? Craig, I’d love to have THAT question answered.

I sure hope that, financially, the Thrashers are profitable. Because if not …. I can’t bear the thought of Sage of Bluesland being right when he asserts, essentially, “that the Thrashers EXIST in the NHL primarily to give the other teams someone to play and defeat during the regular season.” Not to mention being a place where the “greybeards” of the league can get that last and final contract of their careers. They’d basically finish out on IR. Please, don’t let Sage of Bluesland be right about ANY of that. Lord, hear my prayer.