Thrashers

By GaVaHokie

July 9, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Wow… we draft these guys and they actually take the time to get themselves into NHL condition… amazing! It’s about time these guys showed up in good shape. Maybe more of them would make the roster if this was the norm.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 9, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Craig, Any news on what numbers our new signees will wear as Thrashers? When can we expect the Pre-season Schedule release? Is Waddell through re-molding this club? I think we are all ready for any news on our RFA’s and arbitration hearings etc.

By B. Thenet

July 9, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

After the Bourret debacle, it is nice to see a kid like Little taking his job so seriously. Two trainers? I think Bourret had a food taster last prospect camp.

Pavelec is going to be a good one, either here or somewhere else. He will soon be the most requested asset from DW in all future trade talks he has.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 9, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Craig, if Hokie farted in the woods, would he make a sound?

By Bob

July 9, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Pavelec’s story reminds me of Donut Boy Maracle. Remember him showing up in camp all fat? Good for Pavelec to get serious, and Little as well. I wonder if Hartley’s rep as a task master in terms of conditioning helps that as well?

By JayBird

July 9, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

This is a great comment from SI.com about the “great” arena in Detroit…

Joe Louis Arena — The site of some teams for the ages, but this crumbling edifice in a lousy neighborhood should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It wouldn’t kill them to occasionally use a dustbin in the aisles, either.

By R. Stroz

July 9, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Jaybird - Sounds like P&S is falling down on the job again!

By ranallo10

July 9, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Eklund and his rumor mill on Hockeybuzz.com added Atlanta to the list of teams interested in Tony Amonte and Anson Carter.

I’m not one to trust Eklund or his rumors, but I figured some might care to hear.

I don’t care about either player, so I wouldn’t want to see them paid over $750K to come to Atlanta. Carter is inconsistent, Amonte is old.

By Brendan

July 9, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Amonte and Carter aren’t good fits for Atlanta. If we HAD to take on someone that old, I’d hope we went after Shanahan or Selanne. Kozlov was as “old” as I really wanted to go, though. I do hope Ken Klee can be a “stabilizing force” on the 3rd pairing of defensemen.

By aj

July 9, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

THE PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE IS UP ON THE THRASHERS WEBSITE!!! WOO-HOO!!

By ranallo10

July 9, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Brendan Agreed. Could you imagine either of those players on the right side of Kovalchuk and (insert center here)?

By Brendan

July 9, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Kovy would take it! He’s a phenom, but he does need some help, too.

By Brendan

July 9, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Not only that, the new phonebook is here!! The new phonebook is here!!

By Tony C.

July 10, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this

Hrrmph.

I think #17 just needs a realisticly realiable threat opposite him, Someone that can put in a rebound, or put one of his passes (an underrated aspect of his game IMO) on-net. Notice I’m nt saying “a scorer” or “a power forward”…but a guy who will make the D give him more than a cursory glance. There were a couple of guys who flirted with this status last season (Metro comes to mind), but were unable to keep it up for any serious amount of time.

I don’t think we need a “name” player neccesarily-just an honest-effort guy who is either willing to pay the price and/or knows to get open, then put a shot on net when the double-team closes down on #17

we’ll see I guess

By Jesse

July 10, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Tony C

You know what? I think Brett Sterling could be this guy. I was at the 4 on 4 scrimmages yesterday at the ice forum, and this guy is all grit and determination. He might be itsy-bitsy but he’s stout and difficult to knock off his the puck. He can pass the puck well and he loves to set up right at the front of the net to knock in those garbage goals. Sterling also has an offensive creativity of his own to finish on his own too. I know it’s early, but there’s a good chance that Sterling and Kovy could compliment each other very well.

By GaVaHokie

July 10, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Brendan and Ranallo… you two know better than to bring up Selanne and Shannahan. You both know that’s never going to happen.

Of course Amonte is old and Carter is inconsistent… but that’s also why they make $1 million a year now. Shannahan and Selanne will make $5 and $6 million respectively.

The realistic question is, would you rather take a flyer on Amonte or resign Vigier? Anson Carter or some guy you’ve never heard of?

Your argument sounds like, “Why did we resign Brad Larsen, we should have signed Ryan Smyth instead.”

By Thrasher Ryan

July 10, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Craig — What is the status of the arbitration hearings for Exelby and Slater?

By JayBird

July 10, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

The Penguins have signed Sidney Crosby to a 5 year extension worth $45 million, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2012-2013 season. Quite a bargain, if you ask!

By Craig Custance

July 10, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Ryan - Exelby’s hearing is scheduled for July 31st and Slater’s is August 2nd. Obviously both can get deals done before then.

By Brendan

July 10, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Hokie, point taken. But we did “couch” our remarks to include, “ifff we weren going to sign someone that old.” Technically, without a self-imposed cap, Shanahan or Selanne could come here. (We’d be maxed out, pretty much. Not a good idea.)

Butttt … a couple a things would have to happen that are improbable. 1. Selanne would have to WANT to come to Atlanta, as opposed to staying in Anaheim, or signing elsewhere. Same deal with Shanahan, only with the Rangers. 2. They would have to take paycuts to come here, realistically. And why should they? 3. Don Waddell would have to convince the ownership that acquiring players of this age is still worth the investment? Taking into account that each player has reached the age where they become highly susceptible to injury. (Think Rucchin.)

Now, I do wonder what the reaction would be if Selanne’s agent actually did pick up the phone to say, “Teemu has decided not to retire. The Ducks don’t have cap room for him. He remembered what strong interest you had in him after the lockout, and he’s now willing to come play in Atlanta.”

That’s a hallucination, mind you. But when a player of his caliber offers his services, it does tend to make a GM want to reevaluate his roster and see who can and cannot be traded to make room for him. Relax, this isn’t going to happen.

By Brendan

July 10, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

JayBird, I think you’re right. $9 million a year, for arguably theee best player in the league, will look like a “bargain” in the future. Especially, if this cap rises up to $60 million, down the road. It will seem somewhat ridiculous that Crosby won’t be the highest paid player in the league, as other players during this six year span receive contracts whose cap hit exceeds $9 million a year.

By Sara

July 10, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I journeyed down to the Ice Forum myself yesterday to take a gander at the youngsters (and frankly, just to enjoy some hockey in July). I didn’t grab one of the sheets identifying the players but that said, there were a few guys that have some wheels on them and a few good moves. That included forwards and d-men. It will be interesting to see how some of them fair at training camp against the “big boys.” On a somewhat aside note, good lord is Turple huge…too bad he got lit-up by the red team. And how cool was that penalty shot. :D Definitely worth playing hooky from work for.

I think the signings are going to be all done. In all I’m disappointed we couldn’t hold on to Bellanger because we needed that experienced center. But from here we just need to give some kids a chance and see how they do. If I were DW, I’d stand pat until a month or two into the season to see how things shake out and then look to make some trades.

By Chris

July 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Tony C you are right on with what we need opposite Kovy. I’d like to see Dupuis get a crack at that spot in camp before we go the washed up vet route. Kovy showed signs last season of a more well-rounded game, let’s complement by plugging in a piece that makes his line tougher to play against. Carter or even the current version of Amonte may notch 20 on that line but its not worth the walk in the park we’ll give the opposition in return.

By Russian

July 10, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Shany will be Ranger. He is very close to sign a deal for 2.5 mill + 1.5 bonus. Vishnevskiy was inked by NJ. This is bad :-( No way we need Amonte, we already have Rucchin (old fart). Danny Markov from Detroit still in market, that will be help for our D.

By GaVaHokie

July 10, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Canucks are on the verge of a major deal with an “East” team… I have a feeling it might be Brendan Morrison, and if so, I wouldn’t mind that “East” team being Atlanta.

By Bob

July 10, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

So Sid really took one for the team and signed at $9m a year? Wow, what a great guy and team player. Isn’t the max salary for a player $10m? So, Sid signed $1m under the Cap leaving the Pens plenty of room to keep the band together, eh? With that extra million, they can sign a guy like, like, like, Shean Donovan? Mabye a Klee?

I have major doubts about the Cap continuing to rise, the majority of the rise has been due to the dollars weak performance against whatever the looney or whatever Canada calls their currency. That won’t continue, as the dollar gets stronger in future years, the Cap will drop.

That Sid, he’s a real team player, I tell ya.

By ranallo10

July 10, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I didn’t intend my comment to sound like “we need to get those players”, but rather a hypothetical “that player would really help Kovalchuk”. I don’t think Selanne or Shannahan will go anywhere except for where they played last season (Anaheim and New York, respectively). Carter and Amonte are just names…Carter played well between the Sedin twins, but nothing special next to Zherdev, Nash, and the other scorers in Columbus. Then coming to Carolina (trumped as a big deal by the media), he did absolutely nothing. How that trade slips past everybody who loves Rutherford is beyond me…a fifth round selection for 10 games played and 1 point. Amonte is old.

I’m content with what we have now, unless a name like Dimitrakos or Saprykin is in the works.

Russian — I’d be content with Markov, but probably happier with a player like Sopel. I see both being replications of what this team already has/had…Markov being a version of Sutton (offensively able at times, defensively able at times, will check anybody, etc); Sopel being a version of McCarthy (offensively talented, defensively inept at times, good slapshot, PP potential). I’m not sure how much of an improvement they would be to what we currently have, and I would be more content with a youngster than with another $1.5M+ defenseman. If Klee wasn’t on the roster today, I’d be more inclined to watch this team pursue those two defenseman, but with him under contract and Exelby soon to be, I think we’re FINE on defense.

By Bob

July 10, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Hokie, the Canuckleheads could use a checking center. How about Holik straight up for Morrison. We shed some salary and get a guy, finally, to center Kovy. Morrison would do well there. Then we could skate who on the checking line at center? Perrin?

By ranallo10

July 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Bob — While I do agree with you that Sid’s “team player” qualities are a bit overhyped, it’s obvious that his agent could’ve squeezed every penny out of the Penguins. I’m very surprised that Pittsburgh didn’t attempt a Nolan-esque deal and sign Crosby until he was 60. $9 million a year will come back to haunt them, even with Crosby on the roster.

Hokie — where do you see this rumor regarding Morrison? If your wish was true, what would you expect Atlanta to give up for Morrison (and the rumored defenseman attached to said package)??

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 10, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Maybe the cap keeps rising because the US dollar is getting its butt kicked by the Canadian dollar (and almost every other currency). If the Canadian people account for most of the money getting dumped into the NHL (TV deals, team apparel, etc) and the Canadian dollar and the US dollar are now almost equal (.95 cents/Dollar) then maybe they are spending a lot more since there money goes farther than it used to. Maybe the NHL is growing a lot faster in other markets like Europe where the ratio is $1.37/per Euro. If that is the case, then their money will go even further and revenues will go up as a result. Perhaps a lot of Europeans have the Centre Ice Package (or the Euro trash equivalent) that we aren’t aware of,

Or maybe GM’s and owners in large markets are just jerk offs and we are headed to another strike in 5-10 years.

By ranallo10

July 10, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

“Just look at the number on the back of his Pittsburgh Penguins sweater - 87 - as in $8.7 million a season beginning with 2008-2009”

Holy cheeseball, Batman. I’m curious if they asked him to switch jersey numbers with Gonchar (55) for a more cap friendly contract.

” ‘Maybe (by 2013) Sidney can be wearing 15,’ kidded [his agent], musing about Crosby’s annual pay down the line[…]”

By GaVaHokie

July 10, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

I saw it on Eklund’s site, naturally.

Holik was the first thing that came to mind. Like Bob said, the Nucks could use a good checking forward, and probably some locker room presence. It would free up a little money for us, but not a lot.

By Sara

July 10, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Buzilla you hit a part of it right on the head. Someone just did an article on why the cap has risen the way it has and the increased value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar is a big part of it. The six Canadian markets make up I think it’s 1/3 of all the revenue of the NHL the article said? So that 1/3 has increased just because the value of the dollar has increased.

The other two points made were that a) the cap was originally set at a lower number than it probably should have been in order ease some teams into the transition and really level out the playing field, at least that first season; and b) the percentage of revenue the players are guaranteed has also increased by 2-3%, which would make the cap rise.

Add on to that that ticket prices were raised across the board a few times over and even selling fewer tickets can still make revenue higher, depending on the ratio of fewer seats sold versus increased price per seat, blah blah blah.

As for Crosby’s contract, I’m not impressed with Mr. “gonna take one for the team.” Granted he could ask for the league max but $9 mill? Whatever. And in the article I read it said this contract was supposed to make it easier for the Penguins to re-sign Staal and Malkin - huh…and how’s that? Cause you know Malkin is gonna say, well if I score 80% of what Sid scores, then I want 80% of the pay, which is basically $7 mill and Staal will likely only be a mil or two behind that. That’s easily $21 mill in 3 players which is fugly. What retards.

By Russ

July 10, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Morrison for Holik straight up…that would be great, but I don’t see it happening. If there are really even discussions going on for this type of trade I would guess Atlanta would have to throw in a second or third round pick to make it happen.

By ranallo10

July 10, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Sara Fugly like JP Vigier’s head shot, or like JP Vigier’s defense??

By Craig Custance

July 10, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

FYI - I don’t know if any of you mentioned this or not, but the NHL is expected to announce its schedule on Wednesday.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 10, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

can someone post the preseason schedule? My company blocks the Thrashers site

By GaVaHokie

July 10, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

I believe the Canucks are looking for a scoring Center (according to Spector’s site), so that wouldn’t make sense for them to take Holik… I would count Atlanta out for this Canucks deal.

In other bad news, it looks like Bondra might resign with the Capitals. And before you say he doesn’t have any gas left in the tank, just remember the same was said about Selanne before last year… Bondra never wanted to leave Washington in the first place… so that gives the Capitals Nylander, Bondra, Ovechkin and Semin

By Darren

July 10, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

All times EST.

Sun., Sept. 16 St. Louis Blues St. Louis, MO 6 p.m. Mon., Sept. 17 New York Islanders North Bay, Ontario 7 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 20 Nashville Predators Nashville, TN 8 p.m. Sat., Sept. 22 St. Louis Blues Philips Arena 7 p.m. Tues., Sept. 25 Nashville Predators Philips Arena 7 p.m. Wed., Sept. 26 Florida Panthers Sunrise, FL 7:30 p.m Fri., Sept. 28 Florida Panthers Philips Arena 7:30 p.m.

By Darren

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

My apologies.. that looks terrible.

Sun., Sept. 16 St. Louis Blues St. Louis, MO 6 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 17 New York Islanders North Bay, Ontario 7 p.m.

Thurs., Sept. 20 Nashville Predators Nashville, TN 8 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 22 St. Louis Blues Philips Arena 7 p.m.

Tues., Sept. 25 Nashville Predators Philips Arena 7 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 26 Florida Panthers Sunrise, FL 7:30 p.m

Fri., Sept. 28 Florida Panthers Philips Arena 7:30 p.m.

By Brendan

July 10, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bob and Sara that Crosby didn’t exactly make it “easy” for his teammates to get renewed contracts down the road. But, at the same time, shouldn’t the best player in the league be the highest paid player in the league? I remember it was part of Gretzky’s contract that he HAD to be be the highest paid player in the league. But he took all the “bonus money” he got in the contract and spread it evenly across all his teammates salaries. Keep in mind, that contract pre-dated the current CBA by many years.

Three to five years down the road, the Penguins might be Sid Crosby, three Tier 2 guys, and 18 nobodies. But if those “no name” players are “coachable,” who knows. Maybe Sid will get the five Cups he always wanted.

By ranallo10

July 10, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Unless they max out the salary cap limits, I can’t see Pittsburgh holding onto Staal, Crosby, Malkin and Fluery beyond the rookie contracts or RFA contracts. Players like Letang, Gonchar, Whitney, etc will be hung out to dry starting next season. Ouellet was probably the tip for this team, as they’re knee deep in talent and only ankle deep in cap room due to this new contract.

If NHLNumber.com is correct, and if nothing changes after this re-signing by Crosby, Pittsburgh will have $32.344M of cap space used on 12 players next season (Parenthesis = cap hit):

Locked in for 08/09 = Malkin(3.834), Crosby(8.7), Sykora(2.625), Staal(2.2), Christensen(0.75), Talbot(0.65), Gonchar(5), Whitney(4), Sydor(2.5), Scuderi(.713), Letang(.835), Sabourin(.513).

RFAs for 08/09 = Orpik(1.038), Fluery(1.295)

Just going on the assumption that Orpik and Fluery will be re-signed for the same amount, this team will have $7M dollars left (based on today’s cap hit of $40M) on 10 players.

I don’t expect them to continue to be competitive due to this contract. They can’t afford it. Not to mention that Malkin and Staal will deman significant raises. That $7M will look more like $3M ($2M increase to both players, Staal may not get that much). Fluery too will get a raise near $2M annually, leaving them $1M.

RFAs for 09/10 = Malkin(.984 w/o bonuses), Staal(.85 w/o), Christensen(.75), Talbot(.7), Sabourin(.525)

12 players, an estimated $38M cap hit after re-signing Fluery, Staal, and Malkin. Would you want to be in that position as a GM??

By dj

July 10, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

I have had enough about the penguins so i’m going to change it up….Anyone have ideas about line combos?

If things stay as they are I would like to see Holik actually centering Kozy and Hossa. It gives them a big body who can crash the net, win faceoffs to give them the puck, and he is still defensively responsible that it could allow hossa to roam a little more. That gives White, Kovy, and Dupuis or maybe Sterling if he makes it. I like the speed of the wings b/c last year kovy would outskate everyone up and then wait half the period to make a pass that no one could catch. Also, with White being from Minnesota he could play D better then most D men. I see Thorburn, Larsen, and maybe Slater making up the “checkin line” With some rookies, possibly krog, and haydar making up the 4th. D men I say you put a hitter with a passer. Zhitnik, X…McCarthy, Havelid….Klee, Enstrom….jsut some thoughts.

By Brendan

July 10, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I think at some point, GM Shero has to bite the bullet and trade a highly prized commodity, or commodities, for draft picks. Just to restock his “capped” rookie contracts. And to bring down his cap numbers, without sacrificing youth and speed.

Let’s say the Penguins do manage to win two cups in a row, or two in three years. Still with me? Shero’s got to reevaluate his roster. Now, I’m gonna say … that he holds on to Crosby for these next five years. Then tries to re-sign him again. But even if he does decide to move him, he can command the moon and stars for a 25-26 year old phenom, who already, potentially, has multiple Cups to his credit. The underyling belief is … that the next GM to land Crosby “thinks” he’s got the missing piece to HIS Stanley Cup puzzle. What does he cough up? Maybe four (4) 1st round picks? Maybe former 1st round picks in his farm system? Maybe a combination of both? That’s called, managing your roster.

Let’s face it, folks. Almost no GM can just “stand pat,” from year to year. Everybody’s got to constantly reevaluate the roster. Sometimes, it’s necessary to sacrifice a year or two to rebuild. Look at the Blues and Flyers. They were the bottom of league, respectively, these past two seasons. Look how quickly they’ve positioned themselves for a playoff berth. In the case of the Flyers, it could be this season. And I wouldn’t necessarily bet against the Blues making the dance, either. They were just one game under .500, after selling off all the assets that could be sold or “rented.” It doesn’t take a “5 year process.” Or even a “3 year process.” What it takes, is good decision-making.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 11, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

“Under the collective bargaining agreement, players over 35 can sign one-year deals with bonuses that may push a team over the cap. If bonuses are reached, teams may exceed the cap by 7.5 percent, but whatever dollar amount they are over is deducted from the available spending total the following season.”

I just read that in a MSNBC article about the Rangers singing Shanny. That is some BS right there.

I smell another strike coming after this collective bargining agreement runs out.

Thanks for the schedule

By GaVaHokie

July 11, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

The only bright spot about the Crosby deal was he wasn’t maxed out… which gives us a little more lead way with resigning Hossa… if Sid the Kid isn’t getting maxed out, then no one else would seem to deserve it.

By The Falconer

July 11, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

re: Crosby contract. By year 5 of his deal, I’ll bet there will be 10 other guys in the NHL making more than him and he presumably will be the “best player in the league.” To his credit he left money on the table, not a huge amount, but at least $10 million if he had held out for an annual max contract.

The other thing to bear in mind is that as the “best player” in the league he under pressure from the NHLPA to sign for the maximum price otherwise he sets the bar low for other star players.

By Craig Custance

July 11, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Thrashers will be announcing that they have resigned Eric Boulton.

By Bob

July 11, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Falconer, even with inflation factored in, I’d be willing to take that bet. I can’t see revenues rising, there’s no big TV contract coming and they can’t charge any more for tickets. Once the Canadian Looney or whatever drops back to historical levels vs. the American dollar, the Cap could actually drop.

Good news on Boulton, I like him.

By GaVaHokie

July 11, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Boulton deserved a bigger role last year, and I think he’ll get that chance this year.

On the Yashin front… the guy got a huge buy out and is still expecting to get his market value on top of that. He’s going to Russia for sure. http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=213273&hubname=nhl

By Boulton's Bruisers aka Thrasher Ryan

July 11, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Friggin’ SWEET!

By Bob

July 11, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Yashin can go fly a kit, I can’t see Waddell signing him. Waddell’s always been a proponent of having good team guys, it’s probably why he stuck with Kozlov and went higher on him.

By GaVaHokie

July 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I was willing to give Yashin the benefit of the doubt… I thought he’d take his buyout as an opportunity to go to a contender, maybe take a paycut… money makes his decisions, not his heart. I’ll agree with you Bob, he can screw right off.

By Brendan

July 11, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

2008 Crop of UFAs. It mentions Heatley, Hossa, and Marleau as the big three.

By The Falconer

July 11, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Hokie: rumor is Heatley will re-sign for $10 per season. Jagr will be another one. I could see Lidstrom earning $10 million next summer. Save this thread for 5 years and then we can disucss :)

By ranallo10

July 11, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Jussi Jokinen…when are we going to hear about him?? He’s an RFA, I’d love to hear his name mentioned as a potential top two line center in Atlanta. With his and Kozlov’s shootout abilities, followed by Hossa, it’d be the best shootout corps in the NHL.

By Brendan

July 11, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Don Cherry, “Grapes,” has been saying this sort of thing for years. It gets dismissed because he’s a certified “Russian hater.” Grapes loves to assert that players from that country only play for $$. Mr. Cherry further speculates that Russian kids don’t grow up dreaming about winning the Stanley Cup. Instead, they dream about making money and representing their country in International competition.

It’s never good stereotype like that. I suspect Kovalchuk very much wants to win a Stanley Cup. Enough to give Atlanta a hometown discount? I couldn’t say. A lot can change before 2010, when #17’s contract comes due. Actually, stop. In the “new” climate, Kovy’s contract runs out in 2009. If DW, or whoever may be the GM, doesn’t make him an offer a YEAR ahead of schedule, Kovy will go get the league MAX, or close to it, when he hits the open market in 2010.

See? See how the “landscape” has changed? The Summer of 2009 is just two years away. Not exactly an eternity from now. And if Don doesn’t lock up Hossa this Summer, he’ll have to weigh his options, come late February, about gunning for the playoffs with Hossa aboard, and taking his chances this Summer on the Open Market against 29 other teams, versus selling him off to the highest bidder for draft picks, prospects, and/or “expendable” players currently on that team’s roster.

Sorry for even mentioning that possibility. Theoretically, it’s possible for the Thrashers to be sellers at the trade deadline. It’d be much better to be buyers or to stand pat, if things are going exceedingly well at that time of year.

By Brendan

July 11, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jussi Jokinen would be a great addition. I’d also like Florida’s Stephen Weiss, who is an RFA headed to arbitration.

Heyy, stop that. Whoever just yelled, “Don should make him an OFFER SHEET!,” … knock it off. The paybacks on that won’t be worth it.

By Hip Czech

July 11, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Schedule is posted on nhl.com….WHOO HOO

(http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=TeamSchedule&team=ATL&season=20072008)

By GaVaHokie

July 11, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

The schedule for 07-08 are out now… go to NHL.com

Thrashers have a rough October to start the season… 4 home games and 7 straight games on the road… all pretty good teams to start as well.

By Russian

July 11, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I am going to see First game against Alex Ovechkin. I hope we will kick his A* ;-)

By JayBird

July 11, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

The craziest part of the schedule is the 8 game, 2 week road trip that starts and ends in Tampa. I don’t know who the hell makes these schedules but there isn’t much rhyme or reason in a lot of it.

Can’t wait to raise the banner on October 5!!!

By JayBird

July 11, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and the back-to-back away games against the Rangers. That is just stupid!

By Bob

July 11, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

early 7 game road trip? Ouch. The good news is that Coach puts the boys through a very rigorous training camp, and they come out flying, where a lot of clubs use training camp to just get into shape. Hartley wants his guys to show up in shape and then whips them into prime shape by Game 1. I like it that our long road trip is early.

By Brendan

July 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

If the Rangers are without Shanahan, Avery, and Jagr, we’ll be loving that home-n-home with the Blueshirts.

By GaVaHokie

July 11, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Brendan… why would they be without those three?

I think the most dramatic part of the schedule, still, is the last 9 out of 10 games are against Southeast opponents.

By Tim

July 11, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie Yeah but then again, the division championship can be won right there ;) I rather seing the glass half full then half empty :)

By ranallo10

July 11, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Lundqvist re-signed for 1 year at $4.25M.

By dj

July 11, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

I think March will make or break us. Two seperate three game road trips.

By Brendan

July 11, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Well Hokie, I was just giving a “hypothetical” way that we might all LOVE that home-n-home with the Rangers. As far as I know, Avery hasn’t re-signed with the Rangers. But Shanahan and Jagr ought to be there, barring injury.

It’s interesting to see how this offseason is shaping up. Rangers and Penguins fans think they’ll be facing each other for the Conference Finals, while Flyers fans think they’re ready to return to the Cup Finals for the 1st time since 1997. Now that Detroit has Hasek back, they’re probably thinking that a 4th straight #1 seed in the Western is in their scope.

By The Falconer

July 11, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan: You can’t re-sign Kovy a year ahead of schedule because it is not allowed under the CBA. Extensions can only be made in the final year of an existing contract.

By ranallo10

July 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Derek MacKenzie signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 11, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Brendan or anybody else, Why re-sign Eric Boulton, when we have Thorburn? Anybody know what prospect at the developmental camp is wearing #38? He was not listed by name on the roster at the Ice Forum on Tuesday?

By Thrasher Ryan

July 11, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Ranallo — Yes, I also saw that about MacKenzie. Looks like XLB is our only remaining product of that 1999 Draft; same with Nikulin and the 2000 draft — but it dosen’t look like we’ll ever see him in the ATL.

Craig— Re: Nikulin… any new info on his status?

By Thrasher Ryan

July 11, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ed—I think that was probably a Hartley move. We all know how Hartley has “his guys”. As for #38, hopefully it wasn’t Yannick Tremblay.

By Thrashersfan33

July 11, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Anyone sad that McKenzie is gone?

I think re-signing Boulton was a good move. Inexpensive and I felt towards the end of last year, he really started playing a better game. He wasn’t all about “thug”, he was actually skating well and I want to say the majority of his goals (even though I think he only had 3) were towards the end of year when he was playing more.

I still think the Rangers are going to have to move some players. I doubt we can get Marcel without giving up something of value, but maybe a few drafts picks late in 08 and into 09 would suffice. Doubt it, but I can dream, right?

Overall, I am liking the way our roster is filling out. If we move Holik and am able to sign more centers, great. Our boys from Chicago HAVE to make an impact at the NHL level this year, otherwise we are in trouble.

By DB

July 12, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan: Nikulin reportedly just signed a 5 year deal with Ak Bars.

By B. Thenet

July 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

What was the point of adding all the lower line players with speed and talent this offseason if we are just going to give a spot on the team to Eric Boulton.

Bottom line, there will be a player who can help this team playing in Chicago for most of the season due to this signing.

By Thrasher Ryan

July 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

I gotta agree with Thrashersfan33 — Signing Boulton was a good move. Heck, we got him dirt cheap. He definitely stepped up his game towards the end last year. With Jon Sim gone, we need a pest, and now we got one.

By Brendan

July 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed, well, I don’t think this is the worst contract DW has ever signed. I honestly believe that it was done for the purposes of having some continuity from year to year. It’s not like Boulton doesn’t know our system. It’s not like Boulton “robbed us blind” on the salary, terms, and conditions of this contract. And, he is “grit.” For, what was it?, $515,000? Or was is $525,000? You can’t go too wrong with that. DW can always trade this player, if need be, since he is priced to move. The only way the other GM says, “No, not interested” is if … well, “he’s not interested.” But it won’t be because of price.

By Brendan

July 12, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Falconer, That’s what I’m saying

If, in 2009, which would be ONE YEAR AHEAD of schedule, the Thrashers GM, whomever it might be, doesn’t lock up Kovalchuk, he’ll hit the Open Market in 2010. Now, that doesn’t mean the Thrashers cannot sign him in 2010, but it does mean they’ll have to compete against 29 other teams vying for Kovalchuk’s services. Translation: It’ll cost a lot more, potentially. It’d be better to lock him up AHEAD of schedule.

Hold on there, I hear ya say. With a potential “looming” lockout in 2011, when the current CBA expires, maybe the Thrashers, and all other teams, with be hesitant to sign “big dollar, longterm” contracts. That’s what we saw in 2003-04. GM’s knew the lockout was coming and didn’t want to be hamstrung when the cap came into existence, even with 24% rollback.

That’s why … in 2009, which is two years from right now, I think Kovy will sign some 2-year deal that takes us through the conclusion of the 2011 season. After that??? Who knows?? A lot can happen between then and now. The players and owners could even AGREE to extend the current CBA to 2015, for example. We don’t know. If that happened, the Thrashers could offer Kovalchuk a longer contract in 2009, which again would be one year ahead of schedule, for his current contract to expire.

Folks, I apologize. I do realize that 2007 is hardly the time to be talking about this. Other than to say, … these two years will pass quickly. Any longterm deals signed in 2007 can affect the team’s ability to re-sign Kovalchuk in 2009 or even 2010, potentially. (Think Hossa.) If DW re-signs Hossa to a seven-year/$56 million contract, and the cap shrinks in the coming years, it will affect the team’s ability to sign Kovlachuk in some capacity. I didn’t use the word, “prevent.” I used the word, “affect.” Two very different things.

By Matt H

July 12, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see Boulton back; his play really picked up toward the end of the season and he worked harder than most in the playoffs.

Marcel Hossa still hasn’t signed with the Rangers… with all that talent on the roster, a good coach in Tom Renney, and at this point in his career, I wonder why…. Hmmmm….

By The Falconer

July 12, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Bredan: Sorry that’s not the way I read it.

re: Boulton contract. The NHL minimum salary is up to $475,000 so he’s not making much more than that and he is a veteran. What puzzles me is that Boulton will make more than Larsen and I think Larsen is a much more useful player for the Thrashers.

By It's all over but the crying

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

Well there ought to be plenty of cap space after this year w/ Hossa leaving and the inevitable Kovalchuk trade that will follow, after IK posts an almost impossible to believe -65 in 08-09. They should just move both now if they can and focus on Tavares and the cache of picks and young talent they get for the 2. At least this will keep the amateur GM’s on this board - who are having as bad an off season as Waddell - with something to focus on since winning hockey apparently is not on the immediate horizon. Let all of the other teams sign multiple stars by mixing in quality draft choices and solid lower revenue role players. Jussi Jokinen and Stephen Weiss will certainly help sell out the building for a 15 win club. I’ve got SPIRIT - Do you?

By Matt H

July 12, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Is it really all over but the crying? Slava Kozlov re-signed with the club after a career year and getting top-money offers from top-money teams. That’s a sign of team health.

I mean, the crying I can understand after those pitiful playoff games, but I don’t think it’s all over.

Even if it is, teams turn around. If the Lightning can win the cup, anyone can.

By Russ

July 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Souray to Edmonton, haven’t seen financial details yet.

By Thrasher Ryan

July 12, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Souray signed with Edmonton Oilers.

By Bob

July 12, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

you know what’s kind of funny, in a sad ironic way? Waddell’s comment in Craig’s article today that we’re done with signing centers and that we’re improved over what we started last year with at center.

The sad ironic part? He’s right, this pitiful group IS better than Rucchin, Kapanen, Holik, and Slater from last year. Sad? Yes. But true.

I would really like to believe that Little will come in and light them up, but does anyone think a kid is going to come from juniors straight to playing for Hartley on a top line? Didn’t think so.

By Brendan

July 12, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Souray is from Alberta, so … he’s sort of comin’ home. I didn’t catch the terms of the deal just yet. I’m glad Edmonton got “somebody.” Souray goes from Eastern Canada to Western Canada.

By Pucksucks

July 12, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

It’s all over but the crying? I think that is Pucks-a-tw*t’s new name. You have no idea what you are talking about, so climb back into the hole you came from.

By Russian

July 12, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

About yong Players: I hope Hartley will trust them more than last season. I saw Little in Duluth and I think he can skate with Kovy. I can not wait until season started.

By Matt H

July 12, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Thank God Edmonton signed someone.

Maybe they sweetened the pot with a color TV.

By Bob

July 12, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I do not understand why so many posts are either negative or seemingly non- supportive. Bottom line is we are deeper and faster and continue to improve every year. It is a business and the resources required have been invested effectively. Our stars must play that way (Ilya, Hossa,Kari). All this chatter about center, etc. Bottom line is Kari needs to evolve from being a solid NHL goaltender to being in the top few of the league. Hossa doesn’t need any more playoff disappearances either.

By Tony C.

July 12, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

This is the page from THN’s website regarding the RW Schultz we got for Sharrow…he played in Manitoba, which generally does a good job of imparting “hockey knowledge”…I don’t think this guy is going to pull of some “surprise rookie phenom” type season, but he looks to be a solid move (perhaps replacing Sterling in Chi?) as far as value-for-value.

CC enjoyed the Pavlec (how do you say this kid’s name???) article. Glad to know there’s someone eager to light a fire under The Kid.

Ok so barring any sort ridiculous trade, seems like we’re set.

Let the combo-prognosticating begin.

I’m with Jesse in the hitter/skater pairings idea…I just don’t see Zhitnik/Havelid as a top pair…I mean which of those guys is going to have Ovechkin or Jokkinen nervous? (Ok, maybe that’s not fair-I don’t think that any Dman this side of Prongs makes AO nervous) That being said, it’s really kind of a pickle as to who matches up with whom. I’m tempted to say put X with Zhitnik, and tell the kid to concentrate on positioning. Then it’s kind of a toss-up; McCarthy and Havelid? I think that there is a lot of posibility there, but it all hinges on how responsible (or not) McCarthy’s game is. Third pair I like Klee/Enstrom…possibly Popvic plays with Havelid on the 2nd pair…I believe there is a lot of genuine hope in Enstrom from Thrasher’s brass-most of the scouting reports are favorable-excepting for size. However there are plenty of smaler/ish Dmen that tear the league up right now-certainly that’s the hpe for him.

Forwards:

Hoss/Bob/’Matic (1a)

Larsen/Slater/Thorburn

Bolts/Rucchin(maybe)/Lavallee

Geez I dunno. Looks like we got a lot smurfier all the sudden.

I’d still like to someone other than BigBob or Rucchin @ center that is over 6’1”

yall figure something out.

GO BLUE !!!

By RS

July 12, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Souray has been going through a nasty divorce for the past couple of years. You know, there’s an upside to wives not wanting to go to Edmonton….

By RS

July 12, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Souray has been going through a nasty divorce for the past couple of years. You know, there’s an upside to wives not wanting to go to Edmonton….

By Tony C.

July 12, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Also,

I found this

Enjoy!

By BG33Brown

July 12, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Okay, so I am driving around all day today and I’m listening to the XM Hockey channel and someone called in asking about their thoughts on our team and of course the jackA** says he doesn’t really follow our team and that we are inline to be the next Nashville and moving out of town. I am just curious, how can the Thrashers be in trouble and the Hawks be solvent.

Not to mention Panthers, Coyotes, etc…

Any idea why we are considered a “failing” franchise? What are our season ticket numbers?

Go THRASHERS and F that guy.

By Midfield

July 12, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

This p-n-s dude from Detroit is seriously risking to jinx the Wings by bad mouthing Atlanta on this blog. Just remember the two idiots from Toronto and Boston from last year.

By it's not pucks n snot guys

July 12, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

It’s all over but the crying = LAC

whoever the new Bob is, I suggest that you get a new signon if don’t understand the high number of negative posts. another guy by your name is just as negative.

By Brendan

July 13, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

RS, that’s some funny stuff. And well-observed! Poor Souray. Divorce has got to be rough. Especially if you’re the bread-winner. Even if he did make his millions BEFORE he married her, she’s bound to get a hefty share of the millions he earned DURING their marriage. And the “lifestyle to which she’s become accustomed. Etc.”

BG33Brown, the Thrashers are not leaving. They’ve got a 20-year lease with Philips Arena. Anyone who wants to buy the Thrashers and move them, still has to pay the lease. Who’d want an NHL team so badly that they’d pay two mortgages and taxes into two states (or Province,) to do it? (Jim Balsillie, perhaps.)

With Nashville, there is an escape clause if they cannot sell an average of 14,000 seats per game. To my knowledge, no such escape clause exists for the Thrashers and Philips Arena. The Thrashers are here until 2018. Unless they fold, or something.

The current CBA gives revenue-sharing dollars to smaller franchises to help them stay afloat, financially. One of the stated goals of the current CBA was “30 healthy franchises.” GM Don Waddell is ranked 6th on Forbes’ list of top GM’s, based on finances. Forbes is a MONEY magazine, not a Sports magazine. (Kevin McHale, GM of the Timberwolves, was #1, if that helps clear things up a bit.) GM Waddell is operating on a “self-imposed” cap to ensure that the revenue-sharing dollars cover any operational losses. Okay, that’s not 100% correct, but that’s the gist of it. Relax, I said “gist.” Everyone calm down.

No one other than the Thrashers themselves know what the finances actually are. AJC writer Tim Tucker has reported, several times now, that the Atlanta Spirit reported operational losses of the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena, in the past to be $20 million in a “sworn affadavit.” (Not the sort of thing one should fabricate, if you catch my drift.) Perjury carries some penalties. But I would venture that the Thrashers don’t lose all that much money. I’d bet that the Hawks are what’s hurting them. But I don’t really know. It might Philips Arena. That wasn’t cheap to build. It went substantially overbudget during construction, per the AJC reporting at that time (1997-1999).

By Its all over but the crying

July 13, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

My post simply states the nature of the off season, and I admit takes a shot at many of the posts that make this board read like accountants monthly. Thrashers (as expected due to $ Cap) have done very little to improve the team - Great to know Waddell is happy with the centers he brought in - c’mon - Still seems to be a gaping hole in the team’s most deficient area - D. My liquidation of Hossa and IK assets is really very little different than the ad nauseum posts Brendan has pursued. Face it - Good players are getting Big $ - Great Players are getting market leading $. Hossa is not staying for less than 8.5M and IK will want the same (if not more in 2 years). Funniest commentary to date is the “I wouldn’t want to be Shero - that team has too much talent and will be a cap victim in 5 years” Whatever - they will also be serious contenders for a Cup in this time frame. Also, they will do what other teams not in ATL seem able to do - sign their top players and not add $5M checking centers even after they saw the result the SAME PLAYER caused in the cap environment. Maybe this team as constructed will be a playoff team this year - this is not a team that can threaten for a championship.

By B. Thenet

July 13, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Is our position at C improved from last year, probably but its not saying much.

Top two lines will likely look like this.(I doubt Rucchin makes it back)

Hossa-Holik-Kozlov Ilya-White-Sterling

IMO that is an improvement, in addition our bottom lines have improved in both speed and skill. With Zhitnik our PP should be improved, and with Dupuis our PK should also be better…though I wonder who will be taking Sutton’s spot on the PK. He blocks alot of shots and takes up plenty of space in that passive box that Hartley likes to use.

I would have liked to see more improvement at C, but hopefully Holik can step it up…he sure did down the stretch.

This season is going to come down to our rookies. Will Popovic, Enstrom, Lewis…etc. get the job done on the blueline? Will one of them become a big piece of the PP or PK?

In addition will Sterling have a strong year at Ilya’s wing…he is probably the first person to play on his wing with speed and hands since he shared a line with Heatley their rookie season. That alone might be worth an additional 20-30 points for Ilya next season. Can Little make the team, he sure as heck is putting time, money(the trainers), and effort into doing so.

We sink or swim with the kids.

By GaVaHokie

July 13, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Todd White will be the top line Center since he has experience playing with Hossa… Holik will center Kovalchuk and they will mimic what Kovy and Tkachuk did at the end of last season.

I think the only thing we’re missing is a solid RW for that second line… either Slater has to pick up his game or Waddell needs to take a look at Brandon Bochenski, Jeff O’Neill or Nikita Alexeev.

I think Dupuis’ game is best suited for a Checking Line… he’s most dangerous on turnover-breakaway situations.

By Hip Czech

July 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Ventured out to Duluth yesterday (you could not pay me enough to live in Gwinnett and deal with that traffic).

Sterling and Little, the 2 guys I expected to impress, didn’t show much yesterday. Andrew Kocek (sp?) had a hat trick for the blue team, the last one on a penalty shot. He obviously looked pretty good.

The one guy who stood out was Grant Lewis. He plays with his head up all the time, has a long reach, and just looks smart on the ice. He showed a good knack for getting in the offensive flow as well. He had one move that was a thing of beauty, faked a pass to his left, slid the puck by the defenseman and gave a gorgeous pass to the crease. The guy receiving the pass had an open net but I think he was so amazed at the move that he couldn’t finish.

Plus, it was cool to see his parents there in the stands and his mom cheering him on. I hope he gets a chance in camp.

When does training camp open?

By Thrasher Ryan

July 13, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

All you people giving your reviews of the Prospect Development Camp, THANKS! You are doing a good job keeping us fans who can’t make it out there informed. I for one really appreciate it. Hip Czech is right — the traffic out there at those times is pure hell!

By Adam

July 13, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I’m not so sure Sutton won’t be back. He’s still unsigned & I don’t hear any rumors. DW may pick him up for a yr on the cheap and see if he’s going to up his game or not.

I wasn’t one of his fan till last year, while he still has a problem being out of position at times, his game was much improved last year. When he went down last fall he lead the league in blocked shots and still finished with over 160.

There’s something to be said for a guy that doesn’t think before throwing himself in front of a slap shot.

By Tony C.

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

I would love for Sterling to make an effective jump to the NHL-especially riding shotgun for #17 (if for no other reason than hearing Kamal “Kovachuk- SHOTTTTT!!! REBOUND! Sterling SCORRRRRRRRRRRRRRE!!! [then whatever goofy line he comes up with for that night i.e. Sterling Silver deposit in the net!]) seriously, this could very well be the impetus for Kamal to take over both Radio and TV…nah. But still the point is that I’d love for Sterling to be able to provide that consistent credible scoring threat we all would like to see on #17’s line.

I put Dupuis as another option because of his speed… He has been a 20-goal scorer, and I think that playing alongside #17 could very well rub off positively in that aspect…certainly, his work on the PK will be welcome over the course of a full season (providing he brings the same level [or ideally even higher] of play).

As far as checking line center, do y’all really think Slater is ready for that? His best moments last season were when he played with veteran linemates. I certainly hope that last season was the classic “sophomore slump” and that he can rebound with a strong ‘08 season. However, should he falter, who would you put as the center of that 3rd line? Obviously Holik is probably the best choice availible, but he most certainly will be plaaying on one of the scoring lines.

The more I hear about Lavallee, the more I’d like to see him given an honest shot at the NHL club. From all scouting reports, he posses good hockey sense and is a more-than-capable checker who scores clutch goals. I would love to play hooky from work and watch some of the prospect camp, but reality is that it won’t happen-those of yall that make it out there PLEASE post some reports!

Anyway, overall, I think we could be looking at a good squad-especially given Hartley’s penchant for coming into the regular season guns blazing which should help the younger guys and rookies develop some confidence which should serve them well later in the season (think Jan. Feb & Mar.)

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

July 13, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - funny you say that. I didn’t have any problems at all with traffic, but I went to the morning session on Wed. Saw some folks and they told me to come back for the scrimmage on Thu, late afternoon, but no way I was going to fight that traffic coming home!

By ranallo10

July 13, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Its all over but the crying — Are you reading the posts you’re complaining about?? The last few boards have been salary cap ramification discussions. First Vanek’s impact upon Buffalo, and the potential impact his offer sheet could have had upon Edmonton. Then we discussed the ramifications that deal would have upon future RFAs, which was followed by the signing of Crosby, and now we further discussed and disected that decision. Nobody said “I don’t want to be Shero in 5 years with limited cap space”. Even Brendan isn’t crazy enough to say something like that. I know I posed a question asking if anyone would want to be a GM who has 12 players signed and about $40M in payroll already alloted (implying that at least 9 players would need to be brought in with an extremely limited amount of cap space). Read, attempt to understand, then respond … it’s part of the relationship we all have here as posters.

You’re definitely not wrong in your synopsis that good players get a lot of money, and great players get top dollars. This is why Brendan (and others) continue to stress the extensions that would be necessary to lock those players up (Hossa and Kovalchuk, eventually Lehtonen too). We all understand this, and most of us understand the salary cap limitations this team faces, so we try to discursively discuss this topic in a manner of how we expect a GM to approach the situation. Your point is off base though, as Joe Thornton’s contract is evidence to the contrary. He signed for less than market value, to stay in San Jose. $7.2M for a player who has had over 100 points in three of the last four seasons. A player who has produced 80 more points in his career than Hossa (both made their NHL debut in 97-98). Arguably the best center in the game took a lower than market discount to stay at his current team long term. What makes you think Hossa or Kovalchuk wont do the same? And what makes you think that Hossa wont accept any less than $8.5M? Kozlov declined $1M more to sign in Dallas, instead deciding to stay in Atlanta. He said afterwards that he hopes it will help keep Hossa here longer.

As fans, we discuss our team. Beyond riling up the supporters of this team, I don’t see the point of your posts/doomsday prognostications. The fact that you use a pseudonym that has no sort of unique identification leads me to believe that you’re just trolling in order to further rile up the supporters on this board.

If you don’t like Sutton, fine, we’ll discuss it.

If you don’t like Waddell, fine, we’ll argue the facts and opinions.

If you don’t like the team, go elsewhere, we’d prefer not to read your opinion any further.

By GaVaHokie

July 13, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Tony… Sterling is a LW, so he would have to be converted to RW to play on Kovy’s line.

By Brendan

July 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Thrashers sign Giroux. In 9 games with the Capitals, he has two (2) goals and two (2) assists.

By Thrasher Ryan

July 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Hokie—Speaking of RW’s, it looks like we only have 2 on the roster (including this Schultz guy we just signed)—him and Hossa. I guess Slater plays RW sometimes too, so that is 3. Interesting…

By GaVaHokie

July 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Dupuis also plays RW I believe… so right now we have Hossa, Slater and Dupuis… I’d rather see Slater as 4th line Center to start the season. I’d like to see Dupuis at Checking line RW… that’s why I’d rather bring in a proven 2nd line Winger like O’Neill or a projected 2nd line winger like Alexeev or Bochenski.

By Thrashersfan33

July 13, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice this in Giroux’s bio: (2004)New York Rangers traded Greg de Vries to the Ottawa Senators for Karel Rachunek and Alexandre Giroux.

By ranallo10

July 13, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan & Hokie — Boulton’s a RW. Dupuis can play both sides (did with Larsen and Holik), Slater can’t play anywhere well but can play ever offensive position decently. I don’t think RWs is the problem, I think QUALITY RWs is the problem. Hossa is the only one on the team.

How hard would it be for Sterling to adjust to the right side? I’m sure if Dupuis, Kozlov, Sim, Krog, Haydar, etc can do it, Sterling can.

Giroux seems to be another AAAA player (at this point in his career) in the likes of Haydar, Krog, etc. 70 points in 67 games at Hershey last season. He’s torn up the AHL, and the QMJHL. I wonder if/when he’ll get a chance in Atlanta.

By Hip Czech

July 13, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Tony C - Lavalee (sp?) also looked good yesterday. He is a big, hopefully physical player. He ought to get a shot.

Rannallo Couldn’t agree more if your a Thrashers fan than dissect and opine all you want, otherwise why waste your time. Go rant on YOUR favorite team’s blogs, or don’t they have one?

By GaVaHokie

July 13, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

That’s what I was aluding to Ranallo… Quality! Boulton is typically a reserve player, although I think he’ll be used more often this season.

By ranallo10

July 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I know you’ve been pining for him, and the more I think about it the more I can agree with you on O’Neill. I’m not a fan of his by far, nor do I think he’d come cheaply, but if it all aligned right I wouldn’t mind seeing him on Kovalchuk’s right side.

Are there any UFAs/RFAs you all are fans of that you’re following where they’ll sign? Anybody of interest to you that you check the transaction logs everyday to see where they went? Personally I’m watching on the status of Jussi Jokinen, Niko Dimitrakos, and some various other players. Obviously Hokie is watching O’Neill. Anybody else care to chime in?

By GaVaHokie

July 13, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

O’Neill has Waddell written all over him… a fall from grace player with a lot of talent, that’s in the $1.5- $2 million range.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 13, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Obviously, dear old Waddellsworth was lying through his teeth when he said we were done at the center position. I don’t generally believe much of the dis-information he serves up. Personally, I’d like to see us get a deal with the Rangers for Marcel Hossa and Matt Cullen. They seem to be willing to deal them and it would definitely help our roster. They need cap space so offer Boulton, Haydar, and Krog(maybe a case of pucks too), good lord knows they won’t really get a shot here in the ATL. I like the Jussi Jokinen idea. I think Edmonton and a couple of other Western teams also have gluts of Defenseman and we might could up-grade through a trade. Todays signing might lend some truth to the Holik rumors to Edmonton, Who knows with Waddellsworth running this ship?

By Shoot it

July 13, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

I have been watching what happens to Saprykyn, he would be a great addition for us.

Thrashers are still the oldest team in the league.

By Thrashers27

July 13, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ed, Where are you hearing rumours about Holik going to Edmonton? I’ve always said that getting Marcel Hossa down here would be a a great move.

By Brendan

July 13, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Souray gets five years, $27M

Jussi Jokinen, Slava Kozlov and Marian Hossa would be the best shootout combination in the NHL. Hey, just like overtimes in the playoffs, this is where you steal ‘em! It sux to leave points on the board. Kari’s not too bad in shootouts, either. Those four players would make our percentage of shootout points climb the ladder.

The TSN.CA article says Giroux got a “multi-year” deal. But it didn’t say how many years. Anyone know?

By Thrasher_Ed

July 13, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

So those a week ago out of a couple of Canadian sites mentioning him as a trade of interest to Edmonton. And several others posted on this blog similiar reports. Not saying I want that to happen but a Morrison for Holik trade would be Ok by me.

By Brian

July 13, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Ranollo, Thrasher Ryan & Hokie - I think the $64k question is who plays RW with Kovy. I like the idea of Sterling converting to that side…

Thrasher_Ed - You can’t believe everything you read, and no GM is going to say everything. Neither are the players or agents. If you do believe in saying everything on your mind to your competitors, we will have an extra seat for you at our poker game (please join us!!!).

By Jeff

July 13, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

OK - So DW said we were done with FA, then signs Giroux to a “multi-year” deal. What changed? Did he get news that Rucchin will not be back this year and just had to get another player?

I am biting my tongue in an effort to save my opinion for now.

By Bob

July 13, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

To:it’s not pucks n snot guys

I don’t see how you found my comments negative. Frankly I was pointing out that we are deeper faster and better each year. Our stars need to play that way and Kari needs to evolve into an elite goaltender, as he has the talent. I was not being negative about players needing to show up in the playoffs either, that is a need all teams in the playoffs have, so it is not negative.In regard to Hossa, it is a fact that he hasn’t shown up yet and I still support him and hope he does next time.

What I have an issue with is individuals that consistently post negative comments about the team, players, ownership and management. I fully support the right of each to express opinion, but the facts are pretty simple, it is a business with a budget and it has been managed well. If more people bought tickets instead of complaining why “no free TV” things would be much easier. I for one am committed and invest over $15K each year personally as a STH, so others can commit what they feel appropriate, that is what will lead to “more big names” and ensuring we keep the ones we have.

You must not have understood my prior comments or have a comprehension issue.

By ranallo10

July 13, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Bob (the positive one) — what it’s not pucks n snot guys was attempting to say is that it’s funny for the newest “Bob” to be saying things about negative posts and opines because the more tenured “Bob” is exactly one of those types of people (to be fair, he’s not ALWAYS negative and team deprecating).

The irony of your screen name is what he was commenting about.

Keep buying those season tickets, please.

By BigAl

July 13, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Boulton is LW Dupuis is RW Larsen is LW

By Brian

July 14, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

I know it’s a little late and I just got home but I can’t figure out which Bob is which. Was the 6:57 posting by the old Bob or new Bob? And how does HiBob fit into all of this?

And while we’re on it, who is it’s not pucks n snot? If someone comes up with a new nickname and it doesn’t have the word “sucks” on the end of it, I am totally lost…

By ranallo10

July 14, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this

Niko Dimitrakos was signed by Ottawa to a one year deal.

By Brendan

July 14, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

How much did Dmitrakos get, Ranallo? If it’s $1.0 or more, I’ll be glad Atlanta didn’t pay it. That’s too much.

By Legion of thrash

July 14, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

I am kind of curious as to why we are just now putting Holik on one of the top lines? Is it to justify his salary? Signing Boulton was kinda strange to me, only because I thought Thorburn was supposed to be replacing him. Now that we have signed Boulton it really only leaves one roster spot for a rookie forward probably Sterling.

Does anyone else notice that every year we hear about all these guys that are going to come up from Chicago and then the roster gets filled up and these guys never make the team.

By Brendan

July 14, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

We really won’t know what the roster looks like until October. I would think that some of these acquisitions might find their way to Chicago or will get traded. It’s possible that Don wants some “expendable” players as “sweeteners” as teams have to sneak back under the cap. Teams are permitted to be over the cap until the season begins. At that point, those teams must jettison excess salary. Giroux, Boulton, Thorburn could be the very “throw away” guys Don coughs up so that other team can still fill out its roster while getting under the cap. Also, it may be insurance in case the prospects can’t actually crack the lineup.

I think every team must carry 22 players. With an option for 23 players. Sometimes a GM will keep an overpriced player up ‘til the last minute. Then he’ll try to trade him to a team in the other Conference. But whatever he gets, probably draft picks, has to be “inexpensive depth” so that the hypothetical GM can stay under his cap.

By Lee

July 14, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

How come we keep signing guys I have never heard of?

By ranallo10

July 14, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I’ve yet to see any report on his contract, I’ll keep you posted. I agree with you though, anything more than $1M and he wouldn’t be worth it.

By Brendan

July 15, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I was thumbing through a Thrashers roster from 2000-01 and saw the name Andrew Brunette. Stop. I’m not about to go on a rant. Stick with me. Then I took a look at Colorado’s cap hit/UFA/RFA status and saw that Brunette, 34 years old, will be unrestricted next year. So? So, if the Aves don’t lock him up this Summer, or during the year, he’ll hit the open market nex Summer. I don’t like his age, but he had 27 goals last year (same as Kozlov and Tkachuk) and has stayed relatively healthy. Brunette averages just under a one-per-game for his playoff production. Check out his profile. He was 7th round draft pick? Amazing.

My hallucination for the day? Don makes a play to reclaim his former player. He’s got options. Thornburn, Boulton, Giroux, Larsen, Holik, draft picks, Klee, prospects like LaVallee and Valabik. I see J-M Liles will also hit the open market next Summer, if the Aves don’t lock him up. Svatos, it says, is “restricted” next Summer. Though, I thought I saw they re-signed him?? Sakic only signed a one-year deal. Forget him. No chance.

Valabik is a former 1st round pick. But Liles?? They’ll never let ‘em go. Holik’s too expensive for them. I said it was a hallucination, didn’t I? For all I know, Brunette has a no trade clause and wouldn’t come to Atlanta for $3.6 million, much less the $1.6 million he’s owed for this upcoming season.

By Thrashers27

July 15, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I just did some checking and it looks like Marcel Hossa is a RFA right now. Come on DW, snatch him up! We wanna see the Hossa brothers tearing it up in Blueland!

By russian

July 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Two Brothers will play together.WOW. It will dream comes true. If Don will sign Marcel #81 it will be easy to talk with Marian #18 for future contract. I really like to see them together on BlueLand!

By cosape

July 16, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Has anybody heard anything about Kevin Doell? The team in Europe he signed contract for the next season (with possibility to get rid of it because of nhl-contract) informed already 11th of July that he has signed with Thrashers but neither nhl.com or Thrashers home page confirm that.

Will he stay in Chicago? Or should he join the team and try to find some ice time from other centers we already have?

By Hip Czech

July 16, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

The following is taken from an article on cbs.sportsline.com about remaining free agents, talking about Sutton:

“He’s flown under the radar by playing in Atlanta for the last five seasons, but Sutton is an effective, top-four defenseman who adds a lot of size to the back end. Sutton is a good shutdown type who has been around the NHL for eight seasons, and he shoots the puck well from the point. He made $1.9 million last season.”

effective? top-four?? shutdown type??? shoots the puck well????

Wow…is that the same guy we saw the last 2 years?

By Brian

July 16, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - great quote. I think you brilliantly illustrated the difference between a national media outlet writing something cliche versus a local source (media or fan) who is truly “in the know” and watches any given player a couple times a week.

Yeah, that’s it. The reason no one wants to pay him $4mm is because he played under the radar in Atlanta…

By Bob

July 16, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hey “New Bob”, you need to change your name or you’re going to give ranallo fits when he’s trying to argue with me “Old Bob”

I don’t think Sutton is coming back here, someone’s going to pick him up, but it better not be us. Klee is the new Sutton, er, pylon. One is enough.

It certainly does seem that some of the young guys are going to have to step up, if we’re to have success and a chance at the playoffs this year. That would be a breath of fresh air and great to see. My only concern is how much ice time Hartley gives them, there’s a dichotomy there of wanting to go young, yet keeping the old taskmaster Hartley at the helm.

Keep in mind the playbook Waddell ran from last year. He put together a fairly competitive lineup (that overachieved early and gave us a lead). Then, when the real teams started making their playoff push, Waddell went out and made 4 deadline moves. Looks to me that the playbook is similar for this year. Hang in there until near the deadline and then go and get Kovy a center to make a playoff run with. I’m ok with that.

By ranallo10

July 16, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Brian & Hip Czech — not only is that an example of how a media outlet has skewed views of a player that us fans see night in and night out, that’s the general consensus from more “knowledged” hockey outlets like most of the rumor sites around the league. For example, Sutton is ranked higher than Markov and Sopel on multiple websites (Eklund’s top 40, The Fourth Period, et ali). I only watch those players occasionally, so perhaps I caught their “good” games, but if those sites rank Sutton (who as we all know is only playing for half a season, though he’s healthy and on the ice for the full season) HIGHER than a two way physical presense in Markov or a puck moving offensive defenseman in Sopel, then those players must SUCK.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely loved Sutton when he didn’t have his nightly brain farts on the ice and passed it to St. Louis, but he’s not a top defenseman on the free agent market (in my opinion). Apparently the “knowledged” hockey sources know something about him we don’t, or know something more about the comparable players that we don’t. I.E. — maybe the other NHL defenders ABSOLUTELY SUCK.

Old Bob — you’re giving me complexes over here, stop the confusion!! I had several chats with my therapist about the “new leaf” you turned, and how we got along and stuff, then you burst my bubble and tell me this nicer Bob is actually a different person!! I demand my two weeks of therapy be reimbursed!

By Bob

July 16, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Why do I have a mental picture of you ranting on about J.P. Vigier just like Tony Soprano blathering about his Mom and your therapist just shaking her head?

Markov and Sopel are head and shoulders above Mandy. Those “knowledgeable” sites talking out their collective rears. Waddell has walked away from some UFA’s that we should’ve kept, but this one is a good call. See ya, Mandy. Really hope someone in the Southeast picks him up so we can go up against him 8 times per year.

By Sara

July 16, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Only way we have a chance at the other Hossa is a) if the Rangers decide to sign Avery instead and b) if we can get Rucchin to retire and free-up that money. I’m not sure either of those things is going to happen. Even then it will likely depend on what matters more to Marcel - playing with his brother or making money, cause I’m sure someone else out there can pay him more than we can.

Btw, Brendan not only can I not find out how much Dimitrakos signed for, but he isn’t even listed on the NHLPA roster. Bizarre, huh?

Anyway - it’s late Monday afternoon, Craig - where the heck is our new blog?????

By ranallo10

July 16, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Not ranting, more holding my Quasimodo doll and crying while repeatedly saying “why? why? why did you try to mark Heatley???”.

Sara — The NHLPA snub would make sense since he wasn’t up in the NHL for but like 3 games (slight exaggeration, I’m not going to look up that stat). I would imagine the NHLPA contract is signed at a specific time of the season, and possibly is altered if a player is waiver or demoted. Example: Popovic is not on NHLPA, but MacKenzie is. Probably has to do with the types of contracts, etc…who knows?

Jokinen is still being thrown around in rumors, it’ll be interesting to see where he lands (if anywhere). Marcel and Jussi — I’d love to see one of them here.

By Thrasher Ryan

July 16, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Hossa Brothers—Atlanta Thrashers version of the Hanson Brothers(minus the glasses). Come on Waddell!

By Trashthe east

July 16, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

What’s up with everyone wanting another Hossa? One is enough. At least Marcel played in the playoffs unlike the annual disappearing act of his older brother.(See Ottawa)

By Brendan

July 16, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Sara, the funniest part is … he just got signed. Every other just got signed player’s salary is listed. Okay, I “believe” that to be true. It may not be 100% accurate.

But if you look at the “D’s” he’s not even listed. Oh well.

By Brendan

July 16, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

ThrasherRyan, I’d love for Marcel Hossa to come here. He wasn’t a playoff “no show” for the Rangers. But another thought occurs to me. With Marian hitting the open market next Summer and Marcel being an RFA right now, perhaps Marian’s the one waiting to see what happens? Huh?

Well, let’s say the Rangers do re-sign Avery, as Sara points out, and have no money to re-sign Marcel Hossa. Now, they have to trade Marcel Hossa. But let’s say the Rangers don’t trade Marcel Hossa to the Thrashers. They trade him to … God knows where. Well, Marian can, as is his right, pursue the team his brother just got traded to as his preferred destination, when he becomes an “unrestricted free agent.” Which, again, won’t be until July 1, 2008.

What? Don’t look at me like that. It’s a possibility. He can do as he jolly well pleases. It’s Marian Hossa’s “choice” as to what he does. Don doesn’t hold the cards in this instance. Marian must play out his contract. That’s all he’s required to do. If the two of them conspired to go play hockey in Phoenix (??), it could happen.

That’d prompt an investigation. It’s not proper for Marcel, or his agent, to contact any team but the Rangers while he’s still restricted. Once the Rangers indicate they won’t re-sign him, hypothetically, nothing prevents Marcel from asking, “I’d like to be traded to the Thrashers, or whomever.” The Rangers could be “good sports” about it and try to accommodate him, as best it makes sense for their franchise.

Technically, if the Rangers don’t re-sign him or trade him, Marcel cannot play in the NHL. (Think Kovalchuk, back in 2005, if he weren’t re-signed by December 1, 2005.) He can go play in Europe, though. But the second he sets foot on European ice, while drawing a salary, he becomes ineligible for the 2007-08 season. But I suspect someone would submit an offer sheet, forcing the Rangers to match the offer (Think GM Lowe and Thomas Vanek of Buffalo,) or let him go to Phoenix, let’s just say. (If Phoenix is the team that submitted the offer sheet.) Hypothetically. And the Rangers would get compensation for Marcel’s loss, according to the salary his new team (Phoenix??) is willing to pay him.

For the NY Rangers to trade within their Conference is a bit on the risky side. For example, what if GM Sather wanted Valabik for Marcel Hossa? I’m jus’ sayin’. Hypothetically, of course. None of us know if Valabik really is a “new NHL” kind of defenseman. If he turns out to be a bust, and Marcel Hossa lights it up here in Atlanta, especially against the Rangers 4X a year, the blueshirt fans won’t be thrilled by the move. Probably saying things like, “We should have known not to take a Waddell draft pick, TWICE.”

Likewise, if Valabik becomes “the second coming of Chara,” as the Draft panel analysts hinted at back in ‘04, then Thrasher fans will be outraged that a former 1st round pick was sent packing without playing so much as a single game for them. And that’d make Coburn and Valabik, thought to be mainstays along the Thrashers blueline for the coming years, as former FIRST ROUND PICKS, who came and went with little fanfare. It’d start some controversy. The argument then would become, “Was Marcel Hossa worth a 1st round draft pick?” We’d have to see. Maybe he and his brother would be a perfect fit?? If Valabik never quite adapts to the NHL, because of his size, (6’7” tall,) then there’d be some who said, “Don found a home for another of his infamous draft picks.” (Think Alex Bourret. Or even Coburn.)

Folks, that was all hypothetical. Don’t put too much into it. I suspect the NY Rangers will re-sign Marcel Hossa. But I doubt Marian could join him there in the 2008-09 season, without the Rangers making a major roster move (Dumping Shanahan, for starters,) to free up space.

Sorry for the length of this post.

By Thrasher Ryan

July 16, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan—Re:Marcel Hossa. A Hossa/Hossa line would be friggin sweet! (Think Sedin Bros.) Plus they could save on rent—maybe even share a bunkbed (Just Kidding).

In other former Thrasher news: Detroit Red Wings sign Adam Berkhoel and Mark Hartigan.

By Tony C.

July 16, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

They ain’t gettin rid of shanny

By Thrashers27

July 16, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind…if DW was truly interested in landing Marcel, he could always make his intentions known to the Rangers org. and sweeten the pot. I for one think it would be well worth a decent prospect, or a decent role player. I wouldn’t give up Valabik, or a say Sterling for him, but maybe a Popovic, Lehman, Denny, or Pavelec. You could even consider McCarthy, or even Slater. Hell, throw a second round pick at ‘em. I’d say that would be worth it.

Go Blue!!!

By Tim

July 16, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

I though Marcel Hossa has fill for Arbitration so let say if the arbitor give a price the Rangers refuse to pay, won’t it make him a UFA right away?

By Brian

July 16, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Tony C - wasn’t Shanny signed to a 1 year extension a week or two ago?

By ranallo10

July 16, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 — I’m surprised you rank Pavelec on the same level as Popovic, Lehman, and Denny. Based on the fact that he’s a highly touted goalie prospect, and was a second round pick (arguably could’ve been a first rounder this year had he not signed), I personally would consider him on that list of untouchable players (in regards to the proposed Hossa trade you’re mentioning.

Brian — Shannahan was signed, I think Brendan is speaking of next season.

Tim — The word on the street is that New York is attempting to move people in order to free up space for both Avery and Hossa, as well as league minimum roster spot to round out the roster. However, if the Rangers refuse to pay the arbitration (which I doubt they will), he would therefore be an UFA (as you stated).

By Sara

July 16, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Brendan, don’t take this personal but … shut up. That scenario is just sick.

Tim Marcel has in fact filed for arbitration so yes, if the Rangers decline the offer he is automatically a free agent and can sign where he pleases - without compensation to the Rangers I do believe. This probably rules out trading for him at this point (from the Thrashers perspective) because he would still be up for arbitration and the ruling might be one we couldn’t handle either. Unless Don can quietly “feel out” Marian for what his brother might want in a deal to see if they could come to terms prior to arbitration. But if Marcel got traded to his brother’s team and then signed a deal before arbitration it would reek to high heaven and not be in anyone’s ultimate best interest.

And Shanny did already sign a deal for a little over $2 mill I believe. The decision for the Rangers at this point is between Avery or Marcel unless somehow they can get both cheap - not that I see that happening.

Heck, I’d love to see Avery here myself. He’s a pain when he’s on someone else’s team, but great when he’s on yours.

By Midfield

July 16, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

What’s there to know about Sutton? Before he got hurt last year, he probably had the best +/- of all D-men. Also, don’t forget that Havelid - Sutton’s better half, supposedly - had a career bad season (hopefully, a fluke).

By Thrashers27

July 16, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, you’re right about Pavelec and I suppose the Rangers would need to sweeten the deal a bit from their end if Pavelec were to go. Pavelec is somewhat expendable since we have Lehts, but it would be nice to have him for the future. I would be willing to part with something of relatively higher value simply because the chemistry Marcel and Marian would have is worth a ton more than any prospect.

By Thrash the east

July 16, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

All this chatter about “both Hossas”. Are you people nuts? Get a grip.

By Legion of thrash

July 16, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Hold on their thrasher 27, I wouldn’t say Pavelec is expendable. Lehtonen hasn’t eexactly lived up to the billing thatwas surrounding him when we drafted him. Pavelec could very well replace Kari, thus Ka ri being the one who is traded, later on of course.

Would anyone be interested in a bloggers fantasy hockey league?

By Brian

July 16, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 - I’m with Legion of Thrash on this in regards to Lehts & Pavelec. I’ve said this before, goalies (more than any other position) have the shortest runs as to who’s hot and who’s not. Sure, Hasek, Brodeur & Roy have been good over the last decade. But other than that you will have someone be unbelievable one year and completely stink the next. Look at guys like Theodore, Khabibulin, Joseph, Carey. Even Ward came out of nowhere and then drifted back into anonymity. And given how solid you want that position to be, I say keep all the young talent you can.

By B. Thenet

July 16, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I agree, bring Marcel Hossa down….of course you better bring his linemates Nylander and Jagr if you want any production out of him.

Sounds like XLB has signed, 3 years for just over $4 million total is what I have heard. If true, Exelby either is saving money as his own agent, or needs to save money in the future by firing his current agent.

By Brendan

July 16, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Sara, no offense taken. And you’re right, I shouldn’t have mentioned it. It’s a horrible scenario for Thrasher fans. (Unless you don’t like Hossa and are mad at him for his Houdini impersonation during the playoffs.)

If the Rangers don’t like the arbitration decision on Marcel Hossa, they’ve got some options. I think they have a certain amount of time to either sign him or trade him, at the price determined by the arbiter. If that time expires, Marcel Hossa, as others have pointed out, IMMEDIATELY becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with whomever he chooses, (including the Thrashers,) for any mutually acceptable contract.

And yes, Shanahan is re-signed, with an incentive-laden contract for the coming season. The hypothetical move would be for the 2008-09 season, to clear up any confusion. The Rangers couldn’t get Marian Hossa this season, unless Don traded him there. (No chance that happens. None, whatsoever.) Marian Hossa is under contract to the Thrashers this season, for a $6.0 million cap hit. His actual salary is $7.0 million. A bargain by today’s “new standards.”

Pavelec should not be on the table as a bargaining chip, I would think. There is every reason to believe that Pavelec very well could be that elite goaltender that has eluded this franchise. That’s not to say that Kari isn’t the franchise goaltender. He very well could be the guy for the coming years. He hasn’t “cemented” that position yet, however. Lehtonen is scheduled to reach restricted free agency next Summer.

So?? So, I do wonder if DW’s strict “no negotiation during the season” might be tested a bit, if Kari puts up “career numbers.” So, what if he does? The cloud that is Oilers GM Kevin Lowe still looms ominously in the distance, as he clings, precariously, to his GM existence.

Say it in English! “There could be an offer sheet next Summer.” Ohhh, it doesn’t have to be Lowe. I’m just picking on him. But if someone like Phoenix or the LA Kings tenders 6-years/$36 million for Kari, Don has to match it or let him walk, and take the four 1st round picks off the Kings or Yotes. Hypothetically. So, to protect himself from being violated in that fashion, he may have to lock him up prematurely. He doesn’t have tender a qualifying offer until after next year’s draft. But he must do it before July 1, 2008. If not, Kari becomes an unrestricted Free Agent who can be stolen without compensation.

When he gets his qualifying offer, Kari will almost certainly decline it in favor of arbitration, while he entertains “offer sheets” from around the league, potentially. If Kari gets an offer, Don has to match whatever offer Kari gets. Or take the compensation. Now, the moment the Thrashers are eliminated from the playoffs or playoff contention, DW can offer a decent longterm deal to Kari. If Kari likes it, he’ll sign it. Or, if he wants to take his chances in arbitration, he can opt for that, as well. But see how other teams can influence this process, unfairly? If, come July 1, 2008, DW doesn’t have his Finnish netminder inked to a deal, someone else can “hurry the process along,” effectively interfering in negotations. But, they must be prepared to have their bluff called. Pavelec is that insurance. Albehe unproven, also, at the NHL level.

I wouldn’t think Don could even dangle Pavelec until Lehtonen’s next contract has been secured. Would the Rangers really take Popovic, Enstrom, Slater or LaVallee for Marcel Hossa? Or would they get better offers from other teams, and trade him there?

By Brendan

July 16, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

B.Thenet, if that’s accurate, then “X’s” cap hit is $1.33 million. And it’s close to one hundred percent (100%) pay increase. It’s actually about 95%. But I hadn’t heard anything on his contract being signed. A salary of $1.368 million-per-year would double XLB’s last salary.

That’s not horrendous. I think where Don saved money, if this contract is accurate, is on the length of the deal. With a “guaranteed” contract for 3 more seasons, this 8th round draft pick has now done QUITE WELL for himself. If “X” played a total of three years in the league, he far exceeded most 8th round picks. (Most 8th round picks don’t make the NHL. They play here as “call ups,” for the most part.)

What do you think of $1.33M, or thereabouts, for Exelby? A fair price? A little high? A little low? Or right on the button?

By Thrashers27

July 16, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Bthenet,

Where are you hearing this about X?

By B. Thenet

July 17, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this

http://www4.sportsnet.ca/nhlsignings2007/

When you see Sarich getting $3.6 million/year, I think getting Exelby at almost 1/3 of that contract is pretty awesome.

By Legion of thrash

July 17, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

I don’t see anything on tsn, ajc, or thrash website about this signing. According to that link, the signing happened yesterday.

By Thrashers27

July 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

It’s now posted on the team web-site. X is back!

By Adam

July 17, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

No word from Craig in a week. I wonder what’s up with that. Hope nothing bad…

By Bob

July 17, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

$1.3m for Exelby is about exactly what he’s worth, good signing for us. He’s a solid 2nd pairing guy for us now and I really think he stepped up his game nicely this past year. He also brings that intangible of being a good team guy and you can just tell he loves to play the game.

By Russ

July 17, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Now that Ex is signed up for the next three years, I would like to see him be the next team Captain. The fact that he is a hard-working overachiever commands the respect of his teammates and he seems like someone that would not be afraid to call out a teammate if they aren’t giving 100% every game. Just a thought from an outsider…Craig, as someone who is around the players on a regular basis, what are your thoughts on Ex as Captain? Do you have any input as to other players you think might be worthy of wearing the “C” this season.

By russian

July 17, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hm. X be a Captian. Interesting Idea. I like him since his first game played for us. I like his stile of game: Phisical, Not Affrade Anybody. I think it will a good person to care C on jersey.

By Sara

July 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Great news about X - not only to have him back but at such a deal too. NHLPA.com has his compensation at least for this season at $1.05 mill - not bad! (Still no Dimitrakos though smirk).

Going back to the Marcel Hossa discussion - Rangers just sent Cullen back to Carolina, picking up Hutchinson and some other stuff in the deal. Cullen = $2.8 mill, Hutchinson = $500k. So there’s $2.3 mill towards the Avery/Hossa fund. I imagine the Rangers are going to do whatever they can to secure both. At this point the only chance the Thrashers have is a very high arbitration award the Rangers won’t pay and no one else will either. Then Marcel goes UFA and agrees to sign here for less to play with his bro - awfully dicey odds of all that.

By Sara

July 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Oh one other thing - the top story on NHL.com today is about Enstrom. I’d post the link but I suck at it. I’m sure you all can type in nhl.com on your own anyway. ;)

By Hip Czech

July 17, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Wow…my daughter likes XLB a whole lot more, now that he’s rich too.

Great signing, X for 3 years at a reasonable price (relatively speaking). Gotta love that.

On another random note…My oldest son bought an Xbox. I told him he must absolutely get the NHL 07 game, so he did.

It is really cool to play as the Thrashers and make Andy Sutton skate out of position and make bad passes. Funny thing is, so far almost all of the Thrashers penalties have been on Sutton.

He’s even slower in the NHL 07 game.

By mic

July 17, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

BTW, Craig is on vacation. Chris Vivlamore at the AJC wrote the X story on his behalf.

By Brendan

July 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Here’s the Enstrom/Pavelec story at the NHL Homepage

By Thrasher316J11

July 17, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Though we all knew X was coming back this a good contract for the team. I give Don Kudos for that.

X is not quite ready for the C though. This year Holik will be the Captain. He is a experienced Vet who will have to carry some weight this season and he is definitely not afraid to rally the troops or speak honestly about the team.

From everthing I am reading about prospects I doesnt look like we are going to have much of a youth movement. Sterling looks to be the only prospect forward to have a chance and we have only one roster spot for a blueliner.

If we are still the oldest team in the league after all Don’s talk of “the youth movement” it will be just another sign of his lack of vision to me.

By Matt H

July 17, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

So happy to see “X” back in a fair signing. Great for the team and the town. I only hope he continues to develop as a player. I felt he made good strides this year…

By Thrash the east

July 17, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Why do you folks want another Hossa? Just to make Marian feel better? Get a grip. In 64 games the last two years, Marcel burned it up with 16 and 18 pts respectively. Thank goodness Don Waddell is the GM.

By Brian

July 17, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Russ & Thrasher316J11- I’ll give X the “A”, but no “C”…

Hip Czech - I hear that in the internet version of that game the only way you can play with Sutton is if you have dial up…

By Oh...Canada

July 17, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

In my mind X earned this contract in his first game against Montreal. I love those western Canada defensemen.

Then it was almost stolen from him by Holeweg. Still hoping / waitng for payback.

I’m glad X is here for 3 more years. The heart and soul of the Thrashers would have a void without him.

I liked Sutton and will miss him. Wish he could play wing,..he would park in front of the goalie,…a la Thomas Holstrom. But I guess if you can’t learn it in Minnesota,…it probably isn’t going to be.

Condolences to the family of John Ferguson Sr. Part of me died when he passed away (just like with Elvis).

Ilya is the longest tenured Thrasher,…hard to believe.

By Legion of thrash

July 17, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I agree that XLB should have an A but not the C, he has a long way to go for that.

I am kinda wondering also what happened to the youth movement?

By Brian

July 17, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Legion of thrash - Sterling & Little are both going to have a shot to make the team, Popovic will be on it, we still might add Enstrom. Valabik should see some time here if the injury bug hits. Who else did you think was going to be here that is not going to now?

By Bob

July 17, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Oh Canada- It’s a good thing too since Ilya is our best player.

By Legion of thrash

July 17, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Brian- I am not convinced that any of these guys will make the team. We hear the same thing every year, last year it was Bourret and Coburn. Coburn played like 3 games, Bourret played none. I think Lewis will get time before Valabik. As of right now there are only two spots open, will they finally be filled by a draft pick coming up? Like I said I am not convinced until the season starts and they actually play more than a few games.

By Brian

July 17, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Legion of thrash - I am confused, are you bothered that we may not need them? Would you rather lose with rookies than win with vets? As for Coburn, he brought us Zhitnik who is on our top pair, so why complain about him? And who said Bourret was going to make the team last year?

By Brian

July 17, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Legion of thrash - fyi, Coburn played in 29 games for us, not to mention another 20 for Philly (again, which means we got ~20 out of Zhitnik). That’s about 49 games total, a long way past “like 3 games“…

By Brendan

July 17, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, I think the “C” goes to Kozlov. He’s got the seniority in the NHL, a mind like a computer, and respect throughout the league. It seems like a natural choice. He is now signed for three more years. With Hossa, we don’t know how much longer he’ll be here. At least one more year. Same with Holik. And with Holik, that’s a move that tends to be a bit “polarizing.” I do support the “A” for Exelby. I don’t think he’s quite ready for the “C.” Maybe down the road ….

I must say that I feel Waddell has made some decent money-saving moves this Summer. Getting Dupuis for $880,000 was very good. I expected $1.0 million. I just finished watching the March game between the Thrashers and Sabres, won by Atlanta on an overtime goal by Tkachuk, on the power play. Dupuis looked good in that game. As did Belanger. Bygones. Dupuis has got some serious wheels. I’m very glad he’ll be back. Exelby … well, I had him penciled in at $1.29 million. So, for $1.33 million, or thereabouts, how can I complain?? The 3rd year of the contract is what surprized me. That’s a fairly substantial commitment.

The Klee signing had me shaking my head. But, I do at least understand what Waddell was thinking. “I need a stabilizing veteran force on my 3rd pairing.” Klee fits that bill. DW didn’t drastically overpay. He didn’t “over-commit” either. But, I would have preferred one year to two years with Klee. As for Perrin, I don’t know. I just don’t know. It could be allright, though. I’m withholding judgement until I see how he does wearing blue.

A qualifying offer of $990K to Slater was a bit of a surprize. But I understood that DW just wanted to retain the player’s rights. I can’t think Slater will get much more in arbitration. And I expect him to be better this year. Along with Havelid. Zhitnik for Coburn made a lot of sense last year. By the 3rd year of the deal, though, we may be regretting the then 37-38 year old, at $3.5 million. That’s where people are angry. They expected Coburn to be a young force on the blueline at least until he hit 27 years old, and RFA status.

I am watching a tape of Sabres-Capitals game right now and scouting Giroux. He’s a bit of a surprize signing by Atlanta. Thorburn I know nothing about. Boulton for $525K—nothing wrong with that on a one-year deal. Priced to move. Larsen got a 2-year deal. Forgot the salary already. But I don’t recall it being all that bad.

Overall, it hasn’t been a bad Summer so far. Especially with Kozlov returning. At $3.75 million, that’s a little below “market value” for Kozlov. But Waddell had to concede a 3rd year and a no trade clause. But truthfully, if Kozlov wanted out between now and then to go to a contender, I’m sure he’d waive that no trade clause. His contract may also stipulate that he cannot be demoted to Chicago, even while being paid his NHL salary.

I am pleased … yes pleased, by the fiscal restraint and responsible way Waddell has locked up his players so far. Belanger, who I had penciled in at $1.5 million, got $1.75 million, over three years, elsewhere. But, Waddell said he wasn’t happy with Belanger’s play in the playoffs. To be fair, who played all that well? The Larsen, Holik, Dupuis line seemed to be our best one. Waddell was critical of Kozlov’s efforts. But re-signed him anyway. He had nothing but praise for Hossa. He’s got to blow sunshine in Hossa’s direction. He needs him to re-sign a longterm deal with #18 to prevent him from hitting the market next Summer.

By legion of thrash

July 17, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Brian, what I would like to see is guys we draft coming up every year and making the team, not us trading away our draftees for older players. I would much rather have Coburn than Zhitnik. I think our problem is we can’t develop players at the NHL level. 29 games for Coburn, how many of those was he a healthy scratch? I go to every home game and I can tell you he was not on the ice for half of 29 gms. My problem is Wadell claims we have drafted as many players that play at the NHL level as any other team, yet how many of those draftees are playing for the thrashers. And it was dear old Donnie at the season ticket holder breakfast at the beginning of the season who said Bourret has a spot on the rw with Kovy.

By aj

July 18, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

where is andy sutton now? did someone pick him up or what?

By Tim

July 18, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash Yeah I remember well that Bourret was pensiled to be on starting lineup. However. it wan’t DW not BH fault if the kid show up… over weight and out of shape. Beside it took him time to adapt to the AHL as well. So how do you fit him in the starting lineup? As for Coburn… well if I remember well, people around here call him a burst. Not just only on this board but several other board. And frankly during his short tenure here, from what I understanding, he played better then with the Wolves but not much better. And if you have read the article on Marr and Lewis, you notice that this season, those kids we drafs have a better conditioning then the previous season (including Pavelec). Is that a direct consequence of those 2 trades that we made? Did those 2 trades tells the young players that we draft that nothing is granted and you need to work for it to get it? If yes, then those trade are worthwhile down the road. BH message is clear, he like hard working player (see Exelby and Slater). Also, there is only a certain amount of rookie we can gratuate each season without disrupting the whole team chemestrie. 2 per season sound fair to me.

By Legion of thrash

July 18, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

If 2 were coming up every year and contributing I would be very happy. So far that has not happened.

By Bob

July 18, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Yep, Waddell said Coburn had a spot a couple years ago. Waddell said Bourret had a spot a couple years ago. How some of these newbies still swallow the stuff that Waddell feeds them is beyond me.

So, Tim, do you really believe that seeing guys get traded out of the Atlanta farm system into the Philly and New York deep pocket farm systems is a motivator to these guys? Really?

If anything, I think it would motivate them to get fat and lazy in an effort to be traded to a deep pocket team like the Rangers or Flyers that have both had many more years of success then what Waddell has floundered about trying to build here.

By ranallo10

July 18, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Bob (the old one obviously) — do you really think a prospect cares what team he’s playing for after he’s drafted? There’s no offense intended in this statement, but you’ve obviously never been an above average talent at a sport if you believe they do. 95% of the players who have a decent chance at turning pro could care less about what team they play on, and more about their chances of making it to the NHL. A player who thinks “I’ll get fat and lazy to get traded” will never have the strive to make it professionally. There’s no logic in that. The most highly talented players can get complacent, and out of shape, but still make an NHL roster. A prospect who isn’t in the NHL is ill-advised to get out of shape for the sake of hoping to get traded.

Legion, it’s hard to notice a player who only logs 5 minutes of ice time per game, plus the fact that you probably weren’t LOOKING for Coburn to play, so I’d say you just missed him. I too was at those games and distinctly remember his errors and his good plays while he was with this team. He had potential, but was not coming into his own with the way he was playing (and the limited ice time). However, in my opinion he was playing much better before he got traded, and while paired with Popovic they both showed they could be 5-6 defenders in the NHL now. Hartley obviously didn’t agree for parts of the season, but none-the-less they are talented.

Bourret came into camp fat. He was penciled into the starting roster by the GM anyways. There’s a reason pencils have erasers…

By Tim

July 18, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Bob Good point but fact remains that they show up this season in better condition then last season. So how to explain that….

By Brian

July 18, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Legion - the 29 games I was referring to were the NHL games that Coburn played. I had already subtracted the games he was either a scratch or in Chicago for.

Ranollo made a good point that the reason you didn’t see him is because his ice time was so low. So to validate that, I went back and looked at the 29 games he played for the Thrashers and in 11 he played less than 10 minutes. In only 3 of the games did he play for more than 15 minutes. The other 15 games he obviously played between 10 - 15 minutes.

To contrast that, Zhitnik played 18 games with us, he played at least 20 minutes every game and his average TOI for those 18 games for the Thrashers was 25:49. Oh yeah, he was also a +4 with 14 points in those 18 games.

But you’re right Legion, we should have lost with our own rookie Coburn rather than win with a traded vet like Zhitnik…

By Bob

July 18, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Bob (the old one obviously) — do you really think a prospect cares what team he’s playing for after he’s drafted?

That’s my point, you goof, try reading for comprehension and understand my sarcastic replyl next time before you knee jerk and and put yourself back into Ranallo World

I was rolling my eyes at Tim’s claim that some of the current prospects are working out hard because Coburn and Bourret got traded away. There’s no correlation there and if anything, Coburn and Bourret were probably happy to get traded, at least Coburn got to play at the end of the year and earn NHL money, not AHL money. These guys could care less who they play for, if anything, they were happy to get traded as Coburn and Bourret were both in the doghouse here.

By Brendan

July 18, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Former Thrasher Shean Donovan gets traded to Ottawa for Peter Schaeffer … the move frees up some cap room and may enable the Sens to have a better shot at locking up Heatley for the coming years.

By Tom

July 18, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Could someone please pick up Sutton already? I am getting scared that he will sign for a low number with the Thrashers for one season in a desperation move.

By Brian

July 18, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Tom - please don’t even put that idea in my head that it might happen. I am getting very angry over just the thought.

SERENITY NOW!!!

By Legion of thrash

July 18, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Brian, how many games did we win with Zhitnik in the playoffs? I do believe Havelid and Zhitnik were both a minus 5 or 6, I think worst on team as defenders. But your right Brian he really shut those Rangers down with his veteran presence.

By Legion of thrash

July 18, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Brian, how many games did we win with Zhitnik in the playoffs? I do believe Havelid and Zhitnik were both a minus 5 or 6, I think worst on team as defenders. But your right Brian he really shut those Rangers down with his veteran presence.

By Legion of thrash

July 18, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Brian, how many games did we win with Zhitnik in the playoffs? I do believe Havelid and Zhitnik were both a minus 5 or 6, I think worst on team as defenders. But your right Brian he really shut those Rangers down with his veteran presence.

By ranallo10

July 18, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

“These guys could care less who they play for, if anything, they were happy to get traded as Coburn and Bourret were both in the doghouse here.”

Bob, think about this for a minute…they don’t care for what team the play. Take Esposito as an example — he was hurt by the fact that Montreal did not draft him after his amazing fall from draft grace. However, he is still happy that HE GOT DRAFTED. He doesn’t care what team he’s on, he’s going to try to make the NHL wherever he plays. (That is where we’re in quasi agreement) However, no prospect sits at the AHL affiliate for their drafted team and says “you know, the GM isn’t that smart at the (insert organization name here), I’m going to get out of shape and become lazy so that they’ll hopefully trade me to a deep pocket team like the Rangers or Flyers.”

I read your sarcasm, and read your substantiation for your opinion, and reacted to that. Don’t get angry because I disagreed with you and showed why I felt you were wrong. I’m not your wife. I’m not going to agree with you just so you’ll be happy.

My point is countering your point, not substantiating Tim’s. After trading Coburn, Waddell stated publicly that his trading was evidence that no roster player was off limits. The fact that Coburn was a high prospect in the system would show any other prospect that no matter how well they play they could get traded. I can’t claim they learned anything, or even cared, but it was insinuated by the move itself, without Waddell having to say anything.

Tim — though misguided and filled with sarcasm/anger, I think Bob’s point does speak towards the weakness of your argument. I think most players who are at this years prospect camp had three main reasons they showed up in shape and ready to compete.

1 - they have a natural competitive work ethic that leads them to strive for the best (most players) 2 - there are openings on the roster for their position (Sterling, Little, Enstrom) 3 - they learned from previous seasons or previous failures that being out of shape is counter productive to their making an NHL roster (Pavelec)

Some players come into camp out of shape (Lehtonen, Bourret, Pavelec version 2006), and either learn from it (Lehtonen, Pavelec), or get a bad rap for it and become trade bait.

Consider this my rant for the evening.

Brendan — Donovan was traded yesterday, just like Cullen being traded to Carolina. You are right though, it reeks of salary dump in order to free up cap space to re-sign Heatley and/or Emery.

By Brian

July 18, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Legion - are you really going to make the argument that you would rather miss the playoffs with Coburn rather than at least get to the playoffs with Zhitnik?

By Tony C.

July 18, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Ok I had forgotten they’d already signed shanny

As far as the prospects….well we still have to see if they make it. Coach has an obvious bias towards experience. I also imagine the pressure is on to produce a consistent winning product. That would lead most people to lean on tried-and-true methods/products/people….so I think we’ll see the youngsters get some shots but they had better shine because if the past is any indicator, the shot to play will be a rare opportunity.

So who has been to practice lately??? Any news?

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. If you aren’t pleased with the X deal, you’re dumb.

By Bob

July 18, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

However, no prospect sits at the AHL affiliate for their drafted team and says “you know, the GM isn’t that smart at the (insert organization name here), I’m going to get out of shape and become lazy so that they’ll hopefully trade me to a deep pocket team like the Rangers or Flyers.”

You really are this thick, aren’t you?

The point, you goof, is of course what you wrote above is right. That’s why I wrote what I did as a sarcastic reply to Tim’s thought that the current prospects are working out hard because “gosh, Waddell might trade us if we’re out of shape”.

Sarcasm = saying something that you don’t believe and that is obviously wrong to point out the first statement that Tim made was ridiculous.

Get it? Probably not, but I try with you ranallo, I try.

By Brendan

July 18, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth … I think we’re seeing a complete ownership/management situation under the microscope. And it has caused a hypersensitivity against the youth movement.

Huh?

Well, hear me out. Let’s face it. This team has underachieved, given its favorable draft position, lo these many years. So, last season’s mantra was … “Playoffs, no matter what!!” It led to the four trade deadline deals. Which former Senators GM Muckler called “a move of desperation” because the team hadn’t yet made the playoffs in its history.

Removing the politics from that statement, making those deadline moves was necessary, and it worked. We’ll see the banner raised opening night. Allegedly. My preference would be to see it raised during the 1st home game with Tampa Bay, the team that chased us down the stretch, until the last two games of the season. But I digress.

This team’s “situation” hasn’t really changed from last year. The ownership remains unsettled. The team still very much needs to maintain that “Playoffs, no matter what!” philosophy. Said another way, if the Thrashers miss the playoffs, and take a step backwards, things might really change, with or without Belkin at the helm. The word I’m looking for here is “accountability.” Stop. Eight seasons and one playoff berth, hypothetically, by the end of this season?? And a “sweep” at that? Banging the division title drum won’t save the ship. Even die-hard fans will start to say, “Gee, seems like we really should have progressed a little farther than this by now.”

But, we’re not there yet. So, let’s not panic or sound alarm bells. This team, albeit still old, is younger and faster than it was last year. I don’t know that Carolina righted its ship. The Bolts are the “big 3” and not much more. They tweaked a bit. But, how much? Florida is coming along. With Vokoun in net and a lot of young, high 1st round draft picks, it’s not entirely out of the question for them to be a playoff team. (Keenan’s gone!) And then there’s Washington, which made some pretty decent offseason moves, and they, too, have a plethora of young draft picks in their system and on their roster. The Caps will be improved. But who knows by how much? That’s why they play the games. Kolzig is still good, but no spring chicken, either! So, we’ll see. Maybe, just maybe, the Thrashers are still the “class” of the division. We’ll see Don make moves at the trade deadline again. Don’t be surprized by that. This team HAS TO make the playoffs AGAIN. If not, gotta think Hartley’s gone. And maybe Waddell soon thereafter. But, if I know Waddell, he’s got some clause in his contract that kicks in a “mandatory” 3-year contract extension if the Thrashers ever make the playoffs in successive years. So, with a playoff berth, he’s probably assured himself of a new multi-year deal. Even if Belkin does win, Waddell’s money is guaranteed, if he fires him.

Okay, back to the point. Hartley, and to an extent Waddell, are going to rely on VETERANS to ensure their playoff berth. I have the sneaking suspicion that they won’t gamble on “kids” they drafted. There’s too much on the line. I’d bet on Popovic being here. Not too sure about Enstrom. Wouldn’t put any moolah on Bryan Little. Brett Sterling, maybe. I could see that one. Wouldn’t think Valabik or Pavelec see much time this season, barring injury “call up” situations. I’m not betting on LaVallee, either. I kinda see him (LaVallee), Haydar, Krog … even Brathwaite, as “sweetners” in trade deadline deals. Or even offseason deals, if that materializes.

It’s hard to decipher exactly what runs through Waddell’s cabeza. But I try to see things from his perspective, like the Klee signing. Which, again, floored me. But, it could work out. If Klee plays 9-10 minutes a night, and is essentially a “mentor” for Popovic and Enstrom. Okay. Totally “guessing here,” but I also kinda think that Waddell believes the “new NHL formula” is two major superstars, plus a solid goaltender, and a 1-2 punch on the top pair of blueliners.

Stop for a moment. (Look I know this post is getting long. Apologies.) But imagine if the Thrashers didn’t have any superstars? Still with me? How would he get them here? (Draft them!! Okay, moving right along.) Especially with ownership somewhat in turmoil? Atlanta isn’t thought to be a “Mecca” for hockey.

So? So, he’s got Kovalchuk and Hossa. Folks, these are two major players in the NHL. Playoffs no-shows not withstanding. Waddell doesn’t have to go get Lecavalier, Thornton, Cheechoo, Briere, Gomez or Heatley, etc. He’s counting on Kovalchuk, signed through 2010, and Hossa, whom he hopes to sign through 2010 or beyond. Potentially. So, you’re looking at Waddell’s formula right now. Lehtonen and/or Pavelec is, what he hopes is his “solid goaltender.” And I think … that HE THINKS … that Zhitnik and Havelid, both signed until 2009, are his 1-2 punch along the blueline. The rest is “inexpensive depth.” I do credit Waddell with being able to find Jon Sims, Glen Metropolits, Brad Larsens, Pascal Dupuis, etc.

What I’m trying to say here is … you are seeing Don Waddell being Don Waddell at his very best. If you ever wondered what that was. Well, you’re seeing it now. I leave that up to you to determine if we’re Stanley Cup-bound or not. Waddell is quietly feeling the heat. He knows this team can’t move backwards. It just can’t.

By Legion of thrash

July 18, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Brian, are you really making the argument that Zhitnik is the reason the thrashers made the playoffs?

By ranallo10

July 18, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Bob — I’m sorry, but your sarcasm and intimations mean nothing to me. I go based on what you say, just like how you rate Waddell on what he says AND NOT WHAT HE MEANS/IMPLIES.

“If anything, I think it would motivate them to get fat and lazy in an effort to be traded to a deep pocket team like the Rangers or Flyers”

You countered his point (which you sarcastically attempted to pick on) with a ridiculously stupid statement that somehow substantiated the point you were attempting to counter.

Re-worded for ease (and so you can understand what you truly said):

“A player wouldn’t get intimidated by another prospect being traded. Those players would be motivated to get out of shape and become lazy so as to be traded to a free spending team.”

Logic — I see it eludes you, I can see as much from your posts.

But that’s cool, throw another 3rd grade insult. I must be thick because I don’t agree with you. I must be a “goof” because I make valid points that you don’t agree with either. I feel like you should’ve added “LOL” for affect, and then ran away yelling “IDK, my BFF Jill? TSNF!!”.

By pickle

July 18, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

stanley cup, thrashers, this season, yeah right. Hossa will choose to go to a cup contender after this season. Hossa will not sign a contract like wadell hopes before or during the season. Hossa is not an idiot he sees that wadell is not building a cup contender. He will walk away just like Savard did.

By Brian

July 18, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Legion - Zhitnik is not THE reason, but having 14 points in 18 games and playing over 25 minutes a game helped the team win a division title much more than the measly bit that Coburn was adding to the total team effort.

Now with that said, who would you rather have for those final 18 games, Zhitnik or Coburn? I am just guessing now that you won’t answer that question…

By GSU-Lee

July 19, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

CC, time for a new blog!

By GSU-Lee

July 19, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

CC, time for a new blog!

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Brian, I would rather have Coburn. Zhitnik is nearing the end of his career while Coburn has just begun. I don’t care about division titles, I care about winning the cup. I would rather have someone that would be a top 4 d man for a long time. If only we had a coach that could raise the young players up at the NHL level. Unfortunately we have to trade our draftees for old goats for a temporary fix to appease people with a measley div title.

By Bob

July 19, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

ranallo, you’re hopeless. I will leave you in Ranallo World from now on, mabye your therapist can get you out of it. LOL. OMG!

Legion, Coburn may never turn into a top 4 dman. He just doesn’t have the heart for it. I was ok with all of those trades, but you’re right, they were made to appease the newbie fans with a meaningless division title. Have fun raising that banner! Yea for us, we beat Florida!

You’re right that we don’t have the Coach to develop young talent, that’s why I hold no hope for this “youth movement” garbage that came out of the side of his mouth.

I think the best we can hope for this year is to hang around the 9/10 spot in the East until the deadline and hope Waddell can make a move to get a center and a winger or dman in here to try to make a playoff run.

I also tend to agree that it’s a pipedream to think that Hossa would re-sign here early and not test his true value on the market. He’s the best player on the team and a top 10 forward in this league being a guy that can play at both ends of the ice, he’ll get max or darn close to it.

By Thrasher316J11

July 19, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Brendan: A long winded but interesting blog theme. I also see Waddell scrambling to keep his job with Bob knowing he also is on the edge. This team is surely a make it to the playoff team if we are lucky. I dont even see us being power ranked in the top 20 this season let alone top 5 where i want to be at this point in franchise history. A model that relies on Kovy to go at it alone offensively each shift and pins Hossa and Kozlov against top defensive pairings and shutdown lines without a center is never going to work in the playoffs. It works fine in the regular season but when the teams tighten up and play there top guys extra minutes out offensive will disappear and lord knows we arent going to win with defense any time soon.

Brian: Coburn for Zhitnik was certainly a make the playoffs and save my job move for DW. I would like to think that more smarter GM’s (with job security) would have looked at our team and known we didnt have what it takes last season for a cup run. Hell NJ fired their coach while at the top of the division because the GM saw they werent positioned correctly to win the Cup. They didnt care about playoffs and division titles. We need some of that and maybe we would still have some compitent “youth” to back up the youth movement claim Don spouted off about last season. I just hope that DW is fired before he the Hossa trade next season so a new GM can use his talents to take this team in a better direction.

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Bob, now that Coburn is with a franchise that is capable of developing young players I think he will turn into the player he was projected to be.

By ranallo10

July 19, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Legion — Not trying to get into your argument, but what evidence for your claim would you use? In my opinion, the young talent on the Flyers have either been A) traded, or B) demoted by better talent brought in via trade.

Mike Richards and Jeff Carter — Neither are a top line center, so thus the Flyers overpaid for the services of Daniel Briere.

Joni Pitkanen. Traded for the former Oilers captain Jason Smith, who is more defensively responsible and experienced than Pitkanen (no different than the Coburn for Zhitnik move). They also picked up Kimmo Timonen.

Antero Niittymaki. Apparently wasn’t solid enough as a starter to supplant Esche, and instead was replaced by Martin Biron as the number 1 net minder. (I personally like Niittymaki better, and I’d say it’s arguable that this demotion may not last, but none-the-less it did happen)

Of course, of all of the “capable” young players on their roster, how many of them are beyond the “can’t miss” 1st round picks?

Picard, Potulny and Ruzicka are all third round picks. Niittymaki was a steal from the 6th round. Beyond that…um…nobody. Are those talents? Is that development??

Everybody will claim that it’s not hard to field a roster of mostly first round picks, and maintain a competitive atmosphere. But Philadelphia for the last few seasons is not the example of “developing young talent” I would think of, especially in reference to defensive positions.

Bob — your feelings towards Hossa are greatly appreciated because your gut feeling (as you constantly proclaimed) was that Kozlov wouldn’t get re-signed (“thrown under the bus”, remember that?), and that the team wouldn’t make the playoffs (how’d that pan out?). Based on your track record of gut reactions, Hossa will take less than market value and re-sign in Atlanta. Please, please, PLEASE proclaim to this blog that you “have a feeling that the Thrashers wont make the playoffs again”, because I’d love to dump another $900 towards playoff tickets to watch our team play during the post season (as opposed to sitting at home like the Flyers and their “capably developed talent” did).

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Only time will tell how Coburn pans out.

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Rannollo, I wouldn’t really say the Pitkanen trade was the same as Coburn for the simple reason that philly also got Lupul in that trade. A little different.

By Brendan

July 19, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I missed this one. Former Thrasher D-man Vitali Vishevski signed a 3-year deal worth $5.4 million with New Jersey. This site list free agent movements by teams in the Eastern Conference. Loved the comments on the Thrashers! D’oh.

By Brendan

July 19, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Re: Hossa. It’s a tough call. I wish we had some interviews with him about the subject of “longterm future” goals. If someone, like Craig maybe, sat down with Hossa and asked him, “Marian, what’s left to do in the NHL for you? What are your longterm goals? And does it involve playing alongside your brother? Is staying in Atlanta, over the longhaul, important to you?”

Wouldn’t that be an interesting read? Certainly worth the $0.50 to plunk down for a print edition of the AJC. As for Waddell, vis-a-vis Hossa, I guarantee that you won’t see anything but SUNSHINE blown his way. DW cannot afford to be critical of #18 until he’s re-signed. By Atlanta or anyone else.

Folks, not to be negative here. But … it’s not as if Marian Hossa said to then Senators GM John Muckler, “I’m fed up here. I need a change. I wanted to be traded. Trade me to Atlanta.” When Hossa re-signed with Ottawa, I’m sure he thought he was staying put. But he didn’t have a “no trade clause” in his contract. Within hours, not days, of his signing, he was moved to Atlanta with Greg deVries for Dany Heatley. And that was it.

Hossa has been a “class act” from the moment he got here. Never said anything negative about the city or its fans. He’s played quite capably since coming here. And now, he’s earned the right to play where he chooses. He’s done his time in this league, and put up some very impressive numbers and consistency at the NHL level. No doubt about that. He’ll be one of, if not THEE most coveted UFA’s next Summer.

One way or the other, Marian Hossa is going to really GET PAID. Now, I’m not entirely ruling out that Hossa might sign at a “discount” somewhere. But the “somewhere” that he signs … will be of his choosing. Maybe to play with his brother. Maybe to the team he thinks is poised and ready for a run at the Cup. Who knows? It’s HIS CALL. He’s earned the right to play where he wants. And, let’s face it, he’s earned the prospect of a very lucrative, longterm deal.

One never really knows … but Hossa might be able to make even MORE money by signing a series of 1-2 year deals. Whenever a name like Hossa hits the open market, the next sound you hear is that of wallets opening. If Hossa re-signs with Atlanta for 7 years, he’s got to know that … he may never see a Cup here. And by then, he’d be 36 years old. Teams might be leary of offering him huge dollars when he’s reached that age. Then again, by then, maybe all he wants is to get to a serious contender, and will only sign one-year deals, at a discount, to make it happen for him. Hard to say. I don’t know what’s in Hossa’s cabeza. I’d love to read a Hossa interview to try to get a “glimpse” of his thought processes.

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan, your interview can be found on the message boards on the thrashers website. click on fan zone, then go to message boards, and go to the thraed hot news about hossa. sorry I dont know how to do a link.

By ranallo10

July 19, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Legion — I agree, the Pitkanen trade wasn’t the same as Coburn’s. However, a young talented defenseman was moved from the roster to be replaced directly by an older and still capable veteran defenseman. Veteran winger Geoff Sanderson (29 pts) was traded in that deal to Edmonton for young winger Joffrey Lupul (28pts). I wouldn’t say it was a “Pitkanen for Lupul” deal, but rather a relatively equal package deal. In fact, I’d say Philadelphia got the better side of the deal by getting a young winger and a quite capable veteran defenseman for an overachieving defensive liability and an aged wing at the tail end of his career.

My point is just that the Coburn for Zhitnik deal was not just for one season, and is still beneficial to this team. He led the team in ATOI once arriving in Atlanta. His defensive skill improved both the top defensive pairing and the powerplay. Coburn couldn’t offer those upsides for another several years (and he’ll likely never be on a PP line).

As a hockey GM, I think it’s a wise move to get a number 1 defender (for your team) for a prospect who logs no more than 10 minutes on the ice, and is one of several defensive prospects in the system. Make the most with what you got, and Waddell did so by trading Coburn for Zhitnik.

Brendan’s point about two seasons from now is valid though — if Zhitnik’s play declines then most people will be whining about how much he’s overpaid. But let’s worry about that problem then, because for now he’s our best defender.

Brendan — Do you really think Marian is worried about playing with his brother on his next season? I ask because, although most of us have that wish of Marcel coming to Atlanta, I’m not exactly sure how much they CARE to play on the same team. They played together for the Czech team, but wasn’t that under their dad?? What I mean is, that’s a nice family reunion and all, but that’s for your national pride (more important than NHL honors for many other nations outside of North America).

To this point, I’ve yet to hear either player show an interest to be on the same team. Marcel has re-signed twice in his relatively short career, once in Montreal and last season in New York. He could’ve easily have bolted and signed a lesser deal to be playing alongside Marian, if that was something he wanted to do.

I guess my thought is that they’ve “been there, done that”, and it’s not a big deal to them. Who knows though? Timonen went to play with his brother in Philadelphia (I’m sure that had something to do with the quick contract agreement, as did the enormous contract he was offered). The Sedin’s wanted to play together, and thus were drafted together. The Staal’s however don’t show much interest, as they’re too competitive amongst each other to care (can’t remember which brother alluded to this, but it was mentioned in an interview of either Jordan or Marc).

There are many brother tandems in this league, and not all of them impact their potential earning power by trying to sign with each other.

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Ranollo, not to be nit picky but I think you meant Slovakian team not Czech.

By Legion of thrash

July 19, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan here is the link.http://forums.atlantathrashers.com/index.php?showtopic=10994

By ranallo10

July 19, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the correction, my apologies. They are Slovakian, not Czech, and thus played for Slovakia together.

By ranallo10

July 19, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Michael Garnett signed a contract with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Russia.

Jussi Jokinen re-signed with Dallas on the 16th (unconfirmed).

By Brian

July 19, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Thrasher316J11 - Glad to see where you stand in relation to my statements. It was also refreshing to read your comments to Brendan.

Seriously Brendan, you have to keep it under 35 paragraphs from now on…

By Brendan

July 19, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Hossa Interview … thank you for the link, Legion of Thrash. It’s interesting to note that Hossa didn’t allegedly want a 5 year deal, but rather a four-year one. But what I took from it was … priority #1 for him is winning. Money is secondary. And third is … he wants the power to choose his next team. I think Hossa wants to see how much the kids progress. If he “likes” their progress, he’ll consider staying. If not, I suspect he’ll go to where he thinks a team has good depth, speed and talent, and is ready to make a sustained run at the Cup.

Truthfully, ID those teams for me right now? It isn’t that easy. Things change. And change quickly. If you said, “The Penguins.” Well, that’d be a good answer, but they’d have to have cap room for Hossa. Sizeable cap room. (They’ll have to re-sign Staal, Malkin, Fleury, etc.) If you said, “The Kings.” Well, they are young, up and coming. But if they do some kind of “stupidity” at the trade deadline, they could screw themselves in the coming years, as well. The truth is … no team has it “made in the shade” or is “hopeless, hopeless, so utterly hopeless.” If Hossa is really thinking, “win Stanley Cup now!!” … he can sign on with the Penguins in the Summer of 2008 for $1.6 million. But that’d raise some eyebrows. The NHLPA’d probably kick him out of the Union.

By Brendan

July 19, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I don’t know how serious, if at all, Marian is about playing with Marcel. I can’t answer that.

By Tony C.

July 19, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Hey. It is good to see him quoted as wanting to win. that is huge. I think that he may stay, but honestly, wouldn’t you be looking forward to being a free agent? If this team jells and makes some noise, he might be back-if not I can’t blame him for going elsewhere. If negotiations are deadlocked in Jan. I would hope DW can make a quality-for-quality trade.

any notes from camp???

By Thrash the east

July 19, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hossa will look out for Hossa as most people would. DW will offer him plenty and if he chooses not to take it, it’s because of the money he might think he’ll get elsewhere. I’d rather let him go because he never shows up in postseason and sign Spezza to a contract next summer.

We’re better off long term ensuring we keep Ilya and probably Kari.

By Thrasher316J11

July 20, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Here are my working assumptions; first that Hossa is not confident in the direction of the team and will likely not resign with us during this season. I just dont see him ‘beleiving in blueland’ based on this years squad. He wont see the ‘potential’ as we are filling the roster with the likes of Giroux, Boulton, Thorburn; not exactly exciting prospects(Sterling/Little). This leads to my secondary assumptions, which are that Sterling will not make the team this season and play opposite Kovalchuk. He may make the team and play some limited minutes in the musical chair system but he wont have a spot opposite Kovy in the spotlight. Hope I am wrong about that. My last assumption is that Little is better served with a year in the AHL to develope his skills and we wont see him much at all this year.

Connecting all the dots above I dont know that we are not better off letting Hossa walk and signing a top center to play with Kovalchuk. Something along the lines of the above mentioned Spezza. In my mind you get his 85-90pts, an extra 20 from Kovy w/ great center to compliment him(finally), at least 10 more with a quarterback for the PP and a player who produces in the playoffs. And yes that is ten more above what Hossa brings to the pp as I dont think we utilize his talents on our pp. I hope that is one of our big offseason adjustments and I am wrong about that last 10+. You play yr2 Sterling opposite Kovalchuk with top center as top line. You then sign a decent free agent RW for Kozlov and slap Little in the middle if ready. We then have two top lines again for roughly the same price but more importantly you get more production out of Kovy and your pp.

By ranallo10

July 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Thrasher316J11 — I don’t mind your idea above, but I’m curious about a few things.

First, do you think Spezza would really sign here if Hossa wouldn’t? In my opinion, what you’re saying about how you interpreted Hossa’s view on the direction of the franchise is something that would be apparent to any superstar or sub-superstar. So, I think that if Hossa were to decline re-signing, someone worth similar dollars with absolutely no chemistry on this team would probably not want to sign either. Especially Spezza, who is in a great environment centering Heatley and Alfredson. Also, keep in mind that Spezza’s line (like Hossa’s) was criticized during the playoffs for their lack of taking charge of the game. They performed better than Hossa’s line obviously, but many felt they still underperformed for the amount of talent they had. In fact, some blame his line as the reason for the Stanley Cup loss…

Second, who are some of the players you think (you mentioned Spezza) that would compliment those lines? Pure opinion/speculation expected here, but I’m just curious who you’re thinking about to fill those spots. You’re ideal lines for ‘08 would look like what?

Brendan — I wasn’t expecting you to have an answer, just trying to put that seed into your mind. I’m not sold that either of them want to play with eachother, but it’d be cool to see.

dj — stop being a woman

By Legion of thrash

July 20, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

My take from that interview is that Hossa does think much of Wadells vision. Sounds to me like Hossa is interested in more than just a div. title. As CC stated in one of his articles our “high profile off season aquissition was Todd White.” I sure hope that Hossa does not walk away for nothing in return in free agency, it would be a typical Wadell blunder.

By Thrasher316J11

July 20, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

ranollo10: I carried the Spezza arguement from the previous thread. Easy target to speculate about and would be a dream for Kovy. You have a valid point about Spezza not wanting to join a club if Hossa doesnt want to stay. Though, I dont think all FA’s are weighing a Cup as much as Hoss may be. Hossa is part of a successful hockey family. Thusly winning the Cup may be higher on his list of priorities. And lets be honest he wont exactly be a popper under any contract offer. I do think Hoss is more likely to take considerably less money than the market offers for the concept of team though. I dont think very many other players are willing to comprimise the dollar as much so i think if you offer Spezza the right cash he signs. We will be in a better spot financially next season after the loss of Rucchin and Holik salaries.

I dont know who elses contract expires after this next season to complete the second part of your question. Koivu and Straka are the only two centers I can think to fit the bill who i dont have a recent recollection of them signing long term deals. The lines above could even work with Sterling opposite Kozlov and aquiring a high powered RW to compliment Kovy. Miroslav Satan could work for me in that example. The long and short of my arguement is to spend some money on making Kovy (franchise player) the best he can be. I personally think he should be 50+ goal scorer and 100+ pts scorer every season. Just need to optimize him.

Everyone: Do you think that Hartley will return to double shifting Kovy on pp this season? I was not a fan when he took him off double shift.

By Brendan

July 20, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Just out of curiosity, what do you guys think of this. Be prepared, this is UTTER BLASPHEMY. And I’m not saying it’s what should be done. The following is predicated on an assumption that wins put butts in seats more than “Superstars players” do.

How about attempting to field a team of “nobodies” who each score 15-20 goals. Roll four lines. Equally. For a “balanced” scoring attack. Pay each player between $1.5 and $2.25M. If 10 guys each scored 20 goals, that’s 200 goals. Let’s say the two guys on the checking line each score 10 goals. That’s 220 goals out of forwards. Let’s say the blueline chips in another 20-25, among the six starters. That’s team goal production of 240-245. Let’s say that these “20 goal scorers” actually have some “grit” about them, such that they don’t “disappear” in the playoffs.

Utter crap of an idea? Or worth pursuing, in a “Hossa-type” trade? Get good depth. Make it tough for the other team to come up with a “shut down” strategy come playoff time.

I’m just curious to your reaction to such an idea. Be sure to respond, also, to whether it’s more important to have “Star players,” like Hossa, Lehtonen, and Kovalchuk, than it is to have wins. Or if wins, no matter who fills out the jersey, are the overriding factor.

I realize that some people buy season tickets just to see Kovlachuk. Fire away!

By Brian

July 20, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Brendan - the major flaw in your plan (of getting big depth & rolling 4 lines) is that we have already signed up most of our roster…

By Legion of thrash

July 20, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Brendan, It would be nice to be able to roll at least 3 scoring lines. I don’t think we need to have a bunch of superstars to do it. The 4th line would be nice to have a shutdown defensive line.

By Bob

July 20, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

your feelings towards Hossa are greatly appreciated because your gut feeling (as you constantly proclaimed) was that Kozlov wouldn’t get re-signed (“thrown under the bus”, remember that?), and that the team wouldn’t make the playoffs (how’d that pan out?)

You really have gone off the deep end, haven’t you? Now you’re just making crap up. You and I argued at the deadline over my take that without the 4 moves Waddell made for Tkachuk, Zhitnik, Belanger, and Dupuis, that the Thrashers would not have made the playoffs. You argued that they would have made the playoffs if they stood pat. I pointed out the team was in a complete free fall, and that’s why Waddell made the moves. Your own hero, Waddell, even said after the season that the Thrashers would not have made the playoffs if he hadn’t made those moves, that the team was in a free fall. Nice revisionist history, you numbnut.

I didn’t think Kozlov was going to be re-signed by Waddell. I felt Waddell would lowball him. But Kozlov decided he wanted to stay here and took the lowball offer from Waddell (he turned down more money elsewhere).

My take from that interview is that Hossa does think much of Wadells vision Yep, you’re right, Legion. Anyone with a little hockey sense can see that Waddell’s “vision” is lacking, and Hossa is a guy that wants to win. No way I see Hossa re-signing here for below market value, when he’s sure to get near Max Cap next summer and be able to pick where he finishes his career.

It’s entirely possible that what happens with Hoss is that we’re out of the playoffs at the deadline (this current lineup instill faith in anyone, besides the newbie fans that still swallow Waddell’s garbage?) and Waddell trades him for players and picks to someone else for their playoff run.

By kbatch26

July 20, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I can’t comment for others, but grit and evenly distributed scoring, if able to produce wins, makes sense to a degree. I would think one “Superstar” scoring forward would still be needed for the thrill factor, as well as a stud in goal.

By ranallo10

July 20, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Brendan — your idea is basically what Anaheim did this season, with a few exceptions. I think rolling many lines is the key to success TYPICALLY, but a superstar offensive or defensive player is a necessity. Superstars are the types of players that can bring a team to another level whenever necessary. As my buddy dj likes to say about goalies, a superstar is the person who performs when needed, not just when expected. His opinion (in reference to superstar goalies) is that the superstar makes a save nobody thinks possible, where the regular or star goalie makes a majority of the saves one expects.

To piggy back his point, you need that person who will step up and lead the team on any roster (clearly, this is just my opinion, and not a “fact”). I think the 4 lines of equal talent is too specific, but 3 equally talented lines, a superstar goalie, defender, and offender theoretically COULD BE ENOUGH to consistently win. I don’t know if this solution is enough to win a Cup, but I would think it’d make it possible.

By ranallo10

July 20, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Bob — revisionist history is based on how you translate it, not based on how it happened. You said in February “this team will not make the playoffs” … you eventually argued that you meant the team wouldn’t make it “as they were”, which is the point of contention we had in February. You made a statement, adjusted your statement once argued with (started begging for Forsberg), then made a completely new statement (need a “scoring center” like Tkachuk to make the playoffs). There’s no revision in this…it’s how it happened. You can scoff all you want, but it’s your M.O. — make an ambiguous statement or prediction so that you can alter what you say in order for reality to mirror your prediction. Remember the “Nashville…no wait, Buffalo…no wait, Pittsburgh…no wait, Anaheim” statements?? Probably not, it’s called “selective memory”.

My argument about the playoffs you seem to grasp, but you should understand that you cannot ever claim I was incorrect — it’s impossible to prove me wrong regarding the caliber of the roster in February. I find it interesting that you use the words of a man you don’t respect nor agree with as “proof” for your argument…slightly convoluted, don’t you think? Waddell can believe what he wants, I can believe what I want. I stand by the fact that the roster in February was good enough (with coaching or system changes/adjustments) to make the playoffs. Waddell and Hartley went about it differently, and the team made the playoffs anyways.

My biggest issue with you (and other people on this board who thankfully don’t post often) is that you cannot be content with a winning product, or with any fleeting success for this franchise. I, on the other, hand am happy with making the playoffs for the first time ever. The team made the playoffs, I don’t care so much as how, but that they made it. The “real season” is what matters in your opinion, I understand this. But if they don’t even make it there, how can you participate??? You want a Stanley Cup 4 years ago, I want one in however many years it takes. You claim you’ll be “the first in line” at the celebration, but yet you constantly berate the team and it’s management in a manner completely unbecoming every fan in the NHL. You are more like an Edmonton, Toronto, or Buffalo fan than you are a person living in a non-hockey market that has a professional hockey franchise. I’m finding that you wont cheer this team, you’ll cheer the team that you personally agree with 100%.

Until the team has Lubomir Visnovsky, Brad Stuart, Peter Forsberg, Craig Conroy, a free spending ownership group, and Brian Burke as GM, you will not be happy. You keep sitting around waiting for that day to happen, continue your b***, meanwhile I’ll continue watching good competitive hockey in Atlanta and HOPE that the team can muster some playoff wins this season.

By Brendan

July 20, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s official, Yashin won’t be here. He’s playing in Europe.

Everyone relieved?

Before you say, “yes,” J.P. Vigier and Andy Sutton remain unsigned.

By Brendan

July 20, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Brian, I meant “conceptually,” the idea of rolling four (4) lines with something close to equal ice time. Now obviously, it’s a plan that would have to be gradually phased in, if elected as a strategy—precisely because of what you’ve said. “You cannot undo existing contracts.” I got it. I’m just saying that … there are other options that can be considered when formulating a strategy. (More than one way to skin a cat, as it were.)

The Waddell strategy, as best I can surmise, is two Superstars, a solid goaltender, with a backup to play 15-20 games, and a 1-2 punch on the blueline. With a Tier 2 player, and inexpensive depth sprinkled everywhere else. And use the trade deadline to plug the gaps. That’s not the worst strategy I’ve ever heard. But I don’t know that it’s the best one.

By Brendan

July 20, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

kbatch26, absolutely yes to the stud in goal. The idea of rolling four lines must be predicated on a PROVEN COMMODITY as “essential” to backstopping the team of “hypothetical nodies.” And, let’s say, earmark $6.0 million for the goaltender position to accomplish that. (Let’s not get bogged down here, conceptually, by citing exceptions like “what about Cam Ward, he only cost $583,000 and won the Conn Smythe and the Cup, etc., etc., etc.”) The 12 forwards only come to about $24-25 million, if they range in price from $1.5 to $2.25 million. Take on $6 million for the goaltender. Now, we’re at $31 million. Add another $1.5 million for a backup. That makes $32.5 million. Add $12-14 million for the corps of six blueliners, and the team total is approximately $44.5-$46.5 million, leaving ample room under a $50.3 million cap, for trade deadline moves. Hypothetically. Keep in mind, trade deadline guys contracts are “prorated.” It’s only a “fraction” of the actual salary.

The above strategy/formula can’t apply to the existing Thrashers roster, in case there’s any confusion about that. Contracts are done and signed. This was just to get fan reaction to a hypothetical “prospective model” for NHL franchise existing under the current cap structure. Just as a “fun and different” topic to discuss among ourselves.

By Jameson

July 21, 2007 4:57 AM | Link to this

Wins sell tickets. Superstars sell jerseys.

By Brian

July 21, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Jameson - great line there, I will use it again myself.

By Brendan

July 21, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

If Hossa doesn’t re-sign with Atlanta down the road, what do you guys think of the possibility he’ll end up in Washington? They’ve got young players, high 1st round draft picks, and cap room. Ovechkin and Semin are in place. They made some decent offseason moves this year to help them in the 2008-09 season as well. Kolzig’s still capable enough. though, he’s only got a year left on his contract. He’ll have to be renewed. I know. I know. It’s not proper to speculate when Hossa might be if no longer a Thrashers. Uhh, forget I said anything. Other than, “I sure hope he doesn’t wind up on a division rival.”

By Brendan

July 21, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, it’s strange to think of Michael Garnett playing in Russia. I wonder if Yashin’s team is in his division?

By Legion of thrash

July 21, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

I think Hossa will go to Detroit, maybe Rangers, someone who is going to make a strong run at the cup

By Brendan

July 21, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Jim Balsillie’s lastest efforts. Yeah, this will “endear” him to the NHL commissioner.

By Thrashers27

July 22, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Alright, starting to jones for some hockey. Last night found myself watching game 1 of the playoffs Thrash vs. Rangers. Despite the loss it was a good game. Dupuis and Kovy were skating with a lot of intensity. X was laying the lumber and Lehts had flashes of brilliance. Today I watched highlights of what was the best game I’ve ever attended and could be one of the best games all time for me. The last home game of the year vs. Tampa. What a great win and the house was a rockin’! Almost as much as the first playoff game.

Craig must be on vacation, so I thought I’d breath some life back into this blog. Anybody else getting jonesing for some hockey?

By Thrashers27

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

Alright, starting to jones for some hockey. Last night found myself watching game 1 of the playoffs Thrash vs. Rangers. Despite the loss it was a good game. Dupuis and Kovy were skating with a lot of intensity. X was laying the lumber and Lehts had flashes of brilliance. Today I watched highlights of what was the best game I’ve ever attended and could be one of the best games all time for me. The last home game of the year vs. Tampa. What a great win and the house was a rockin’! Almost as much as the first playoff game.

Craig must be on vacation, so I thought I’d breath some life back into this blog. Anybody else jonesing for some hockey?

By Brendan

July 22, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27, today I watched Thrashers at Florida. The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st period. But Kovalchuk scored three (3) power play goals while the Thrashers erupted for four (4) second period goals in a 6-3 route of the Panthers. Even Rucchin scored, his 1st of the season. Trailing early in games was a trend early on in the season. Thrashers would trail 2-0, even 3-0, and come back to win. But, that was October and November. From December on, they never recovered from 2-0 deficits, that I can recall. It was the best October I can recall in Thrashers history.

By Brendan

July 22, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Allright. That’s not true. That last game, I discovered, the Thrashers trailed 2-0, and won in the shootout, 3-2. So, I stand having corrected myself.

By Thrashers27

July 22, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I know that is one thing I noticed about this team is that this last season there were not as many dramatic come from behind wins as there have been in seasons past.

A game against Philly from the season prior in which the team came from; I believe four goals down and Stefan had an incredible game winner stands out to me.

Maybe this is a sign of a team’s maturity. Or…maybe I’ve had one too many drinks tonight and I don’t know what in the hell I’m talking about.

By ranallo10

July 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Mmmm, hockey…

I’ve been watching Exelby light up Sundin over and over and over again. I’ve also checked out the Tkachuk fight, and many of the young gun’s fights. Boulton vs. Orr was interesting, because Boulton lead with his face the whole time. But still, he held out (which is somewhat impressive since Orr destroyed Fedoruk’s orbital bone the game prior).

As for games, I’ve got none in a viewable form…eh, Desbiens clobbering Donally will tide me over.

By Sara

July 23, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 it is so funny you brought that up cause last night I was watching youtube videos of Thrasher highlights and such. I skipped the playoff games, but checked out the Caps game from Nov 22, the Buffalo game from Oct (that was sweet), the OTT game with Kozzie’s trick, some others. I am jonesing BAD for some hockey. IIRC, if you go through google videos, the nhl had posted some full-length games there. I haven’t checked in a while to see if they are still up, but they were.

And hopefully Craig will have something for us today or tomorrow. Maybe at least a coaches/GM perspective on how they thought the prospect camp went.