Thrashers

By ranallo10

July 23, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

If I remember correctly Craig, people were touting Metropolit as the top line center from the beginning. I don’t know how much that means though, since to my knowledge he’s not on a NHL roster thus far into the free agency period.

My Lines from 7/6/07

In my predictions I assumed Rucchin would be out, so thus Perrin took his spot. This was also before Boulton’s re-signing, so Haydar’s role was likely taken, though I still like my line. I’d swap between Boulton and Thorburn to get some veteran presence on the line. Whichever doesn’t make it would be a healthy scratch for gametime decisions.

One thing of interest…Dupuis and White both played in Minnesota, but does anybody know if they played together on any lines? My Minnesota source can’t recall, so maybe you guys (Bob knows somebody I thought, anyone else?) can find some info. The reason I ask is if he’s got some sort of chemistry with Dupuis, Craig’s line guesstimate might be more accurate than my own. That is of course if Sterling doesn’t pan out.

I just don’t know if Sterling and his 5’8 frame would go well with a overly aggressive winger and a center who is also undersized…I think he needs a big body to clear the way (Holik) before he needs a playmaking two-way center (White).

My source compares White’s and Belanger’s game as being relatively similar. White’s speedy, which would allow Kozlov to stay back and make passes, while Hossa does his thing…kind of a direct replacement for Belanger’s role last season.

Welcome back Craig.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ranallo - you’re right, Holik would give that top line a bigger presence and White is pretty comparable to Belanger who played well with Kozlov and Hossa. I almost want to go and change my lines now. I’ll find out how much White played with Dupuis in Minnesota.

By Thrashbuzz

July 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I agree with your lines, and actually think Dupuis should challenge for a spot on the first line. I like the different playstyles that these top two lines would play. Kovy’s being a fast paced speed game while Hossa’s is a slow, complex, methodical game. We could use these lines to create a mismatch against opponets….If you are interested, check out my blog about the exact same topic at http://thrashbuzz.blogspot.com

By GaVaHokie

July 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I like White on the top line with Hossa and Kozlov… with Havelid and Zhitnik behind them, this line produces consistently.

I still think Holik should center the second line with Kovy and Sterling. Holik plays the “space-eater” (ala Tkachuk) and Sterling plays the “finisher”… add Exelby and Enstrom on the blueline… Enstrom serves up the highly predictable, yet highly effective Kovy one-timer from the blueline. The difference (from prior years)being, Enstrom can pass on a dime, and you’ll have guys who can actually finish the rebounds.

If you put White in front of the net on a Kovy one-timer, he might lose an arm.

By GaVaHokie

July 23, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The dealers in Vegas never seem to have anything less than “19” when I play.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

White and Dupuis didn’t play together in Minnesota. White centered a line with Bouchard and Rolston, and Dupuis was mostly a fourth-liner.

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I predict Perrin will play center on one of the top lines and we will here something from Wadell like we heard about Kapanen. “We really think he can play on the top line, he has never been given that opportunity, but here he will.” It will be another Niko Kapanen. I don’t think Holik has it anymore to play on a top line. Plus Hartley will probably keep that line intact. As far as Kovy’s line I predict another season of musical chair linemates.

According to Craig’s lines, if that was the opening night lines their is only one draftee on the offense, Sterling.

As far as Hossa, I think he will walk for nothing. The reason being, if the thrashers are on the outside of the bubble by a few points at the deadline, do you think Wadell will trade Hossa when he is going to count on his offense to try and get us in the bubble? Even if we make the playoffs, Hossa sounds like he does not believe in Wadell’s vision. He will still walk for nothing.

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

If Hossa is refusing a contract now, in my opinion we should trade Hossa now and not take the chance of him walking for nothing. This has been a track reacord of Wadell’s, good players walking for nothing. If we could send Holik along in the trade that would be a bonus! We could get alot in return for Hossa, like Brendan has stated several times.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Legion - You bring up a good point. If Hossa and the Thrashers can’t get a deal done, what do the Thrashers do if they’re fighting for a playoff berth and he’s a potential free agent? Maybe you trade Hossa for a couple current NHLers but you couldn’t deal him for draft picks. I think that’s why you’re seeing so much interest in getting something done before the season, so that isn’t an issue. As for the draftee point - you don’t count Slater and Kovalchuk as draftees?

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Craig, of course I count them as draftees. My point is that after the playoffs Wadell said 5-6 total roster spots would be open for the draftees in Chicago, juniors, or coming out of college. Every year we hear him say guys are gonna come up yet he fills the roster with other players. I would not be suprised if Enstrom is only one on defense, Popovic will either be a healthy scratch or in Chicago.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Legion, they can’t let Hossa walk for nothing. Waddell has to trade him. If he’s smart, ahem, Waddell would offer him the roof now, 4 yrs at $7.5m or whatever he’s willing and allowed to offer now, and if Hoss turns it down, you then know he’s not going to re-sign here and then you trade him.

That article sounds like Hossa is being realistic about this. He knows Atlanta has problems (still no viable centers, weak defense, Lehtonen still has not proven he’s an elite goalie) and he says a couple times in the interview that it’s about winning consistently, more than the money.

Here’s what my guy in Minnehaha says about White and Dupuis:

I don’t think White ever played w Dupuis. Dupuis was having trouble scoring. His effort and defense were great. I think White was too small for the future of the Wild. Too many small guys already w Pierre Marc Bouchard and Demitra. I think the Wild got rid of him because we got outmuscled and outsized in the playoffs against the Ducks.

That’s what I heard about White in Ottawa too, shys away from contact and plays (and is) small. I think he’d be a better fit on the line with Hossa and Kozlov, then with Kovy and a rookie. How big is Sterling, I’m hoping he’s a big body?

By UpperDeck4Life

July 23, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Craig nice to have you back…I have to agree with your lines except for switching White to the Kozlov-Hossa line and Holik to Kovy-Sterling line.

Couple of questions Craig. What are your predictions for the defensive pairings? And do you think that Sterling could challenge either rookie records of Heatley’s 67 pts or Kovy’s 29 goals?

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Bob, Sterling is 5’8” or 5’9”

By ranallo10

July 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Bob — Sterling is 5’7 165 according to HockeysFuture.com, and the Thrashers “In The System” page has him listed at 5’7 180. Definitely not a big body.

Side note — the top story on www.hockeysfuture.com is about Kenny McCudden, the Chicago Wolves Skating and Skills Coach. Interesting read.

By The Falconer

July 23, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I agree 100% on the line combos.

re: Metropolit. For a guy making nearly the league minimum he provided outstanding value. If you look at the ice time numbers the most frequent center between Hossa and Kozlov was Kapanaen and the most frequent center with Kovalchuk was Rucchin. He never really got a fair shot from Hartley. If they stuck Metro between Hossa and Kozlov for a month the team would have been in a much better position. If I were GM I’d sign him again as he will be cheap and provide some depth.

By Brendan

July 23, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I have the feeling these line combos will change often, depending on results. Hartley will have to keep in mixing and matching. But, generally, I think we’ll see white centering Kozlov and Hossa.

I’d kinda like to see, as an experiment, Kozlov, Perrin, and Kovalchuk as a line. Swap out Perrin for Holik, periodically, and see if any magic develops? I know. I know. We want a center with youth and speed. Is Slater that guy?? Couldn’t hurt to try him, too. But he just didn’t seem to be able to score. Great wheels, but hands of cement. And that’s the key to playing with Kovalchuk … the center must also be a “threat” out there, or they’ll double-team Kovalchuk to death.

CRAIG, welcome back. Hopefully “Lost Wages” was at least fun. I hear what happens there, stays there.

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

I heard Metropolit got a deal from the rollerleague he couldn’t refuse!

By GSU-Lee

July 23, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

CC, good to have you back, and I would also like to know your predictions on the defensive pairings and one other thing. If Kari gets inconsistent or Moose does, will we see any of Pavelec?

By GaVaHokie

July 23, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Bob, actually the league max is now $10 million, not $7.5m

I don’t think Hossa’s comments about the team being inconsistent is an indication he’s not happy and wants to walk. If anything it puts more pressure on ownership to put a winner on the ice. I think he’ll sign.

Either way, I don’t consider freeing up $7 million in cap space as “walking away for nothing”. Look at all the players that just walked from the Islaners… it happens.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

5’7” and 165 lbs. And he’s our answer to skate with Kovy? Hoo boy.

Falconer, Metro is available? Crap, re-sign him, I liked his game a lot. He had to have put up the most pts per minute played of any guy in the league last year. Hartley wouldn’t play him, but I liked him a lot.

Holik needs to stay on the checking line, I have no hopes for him performing on a line with Kovy. Sign Metro and let him play center with Kovy.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Hokie, I know what the league max is, I was saying whatever Waddell is authorized to give (we know he can’t go over 4 years right now, without Belkin agreeing as well). I figured with the ownership situation, $7.5m over 4 was a good guesstimate of their self imposed cap.

But Hoss probably knows he can command near max Cap being a top 10 forward in the league, so losing him is a concern.

Craig, you see any shows out there? We saw the Cirque Beatles show “Love” couple months ago, I forgot how much I like their music. Great show if anyone else makes it out there.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Bob/Falconer — I wouldn’t hold your breath on Metro’s return. It wasn’t any secret that Hartley and Metro didn’t exactly see eye to eye, something Hartley only explained as ‘I’m not easy to play for.’ He did put up solid offensive production, but there hasn’t exactly been a lot of teams banging down his door to give him a new contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up overseas. He’s a good dude, so I hope he finds somewhere that works for him and his family.

By Legion of thrash

July 23, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hokie, I think there is plenty of indication that Hossa wants out. Read the interview again. It’s more than the inconsistancy, he talks about the defense, the thrashers being a team that can make the playoffs but not win in the playoffs. Hossa is not stupid, His dad coaches the Slovak team. Hossa knows what a strong team is made of. Let’s be real, our defense is not strong, never has been.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Bob- I left my shows money at the poker table.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I’m with Legion. I don’t think that was the most encouraging article if you’re a Hossa fan. Although he did say, “It’s up to Atlanta.” Also, we have to take into account any interpretations lost in translation.

By DB

July 23, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

LoT - I would make sure the translation was correct before I threw anybody under the bus for anything. Unless you speak Slovak fluently, as well as English, you can’t be sure one way or the other. I haven’t (and will not) read the entire thread at the Thrsahers site to see if it was verified as accurate.

By Brendan

July 23, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

The thing I took away from the Hossa article was, “For 9 seasons, I don’t get to choose my team.” Paraphrashed, of course. There’s a couple ways of interpreting that. But no one should cry for Hossa “not getting to choose” his team when in 2003, the Ottawa Senators were the #1 seed, and odds on favorites to hoist the Cup that year. They “underachieved” and that’s what happened. Hossa would ALREADY HAVE a Stanley Cup on his resume, if it were not for a late 3rd period goal by Jeff Friesen to seal the deal for the Devils. Now, I don’t want to just assume the 2003 Anaheim Mighty Ducks would have folded like Superman on laundry day. They put together a great year under Babcock. But they were a #7 seed. No #7 seed has ever won the Cup, to best of my knowledge. I’m sure it would have been a fine series. But I’m also confident that the Senators would have won.

I understand that Hossa, conceptually, wants to choose his team. But he could have asked to be traded when his contract came due in Ottawa. He was a bit of a contract “hold out” in the offseason of the lockout. Instead, he re-signed with Ottawa, and got traded here. To his credit, he didn’t grumble about the trade. He’s obligated to play one more season for Atlanta. And he has played well for the Thrashers. But if he wants to leave, I do think it would be better to trade him. Uhh, to the WESTERN CONFERENCE!!! I don’t want to see him 4x a year or, worse yet, 8x a year, within the division. There’s lots of young draft talent in Chicago, Columbus, Los Angeles, St. Louis, etc. If DW loses Hossa for nothing, not even the $6 million in reclaimed cap room will necessarily fill the void. That $6 million has got to replace 43 goals and 100-points. I guess three guys each scoring 15 goals, and 33-points could theoretically do it. But, are those “go to” guys a coach relies on in a pinch? Jon Sim had 17 goals and cost $610,000 last season. He signed a 3-year/$3 million contract with the NY Islanders. For $1 million a year, I still think that was worth 20 goals. I guess it was the Isles’ willingness to take on a 3rd year that made Long Island more attractive than Atlanta for Sim.

By GaVaHokie

July 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Well, Hossa is a perfect fit for the Thrashers then if he thinks “they’re good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win it all.” How many points did he have against the Rangers?

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Lee - I’m saving the defensive pairing for the next blog. We still have a few weeks here in the offseason, so I’ve got to pace myself. As for Pavelec, the earliest we’ll see him is 08-09. It takes young goalies awhile to develop, and there’s no sense in rushing Ondrej, regardless of how high they think of him.

By Legion of thrash

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

DB, it was actually a Slovak who translated the interview for fellow thrash fans.

Hokie you bring up a valid point. Although I wouldn’t say Hossa was the only one who didn’t show up. Hossa’s best playoff year was 19 pts, not bad.

By mary

July 23, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

I know this is off the subject, but has anyone heard if Andy Sutton has had any offers?

By Thrashers27

July 23, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

According to Eklund, Sutton is rumoured to be talking with the Avs abd CBJs.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Word on the street is that Sutton has been offered a starring role in the new Disney spectacular Princesses on Ice

I hear he has a role in the Beauty and the Beast act, not quite sure which role he’s been picked for.

By Nate

July 23, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Craig - Don’t change your lines. I don’t get this mindset that people have that Ilya needs a “space-eater” like Holik on his line to be successful. The Savard-Ilya line put a lot of different guys on it at times even Slater. None of them were really like that and they were successful regardless. Ilya just needs a playmaking center on his line and Holik isn’t that guy. I’m with you on White centering Ilya, although I’m still holding out hope that Little will bust through in training camp.

By Oh...Canada

July 23, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Craig…welcome back. Was it Joanie Mitchell who said “You don’t know what you’ve got til its gone.” My thanks to the regular bloggers for carrying on. Great job guys… especially for July.

Craig, rather than pacing yourself I’d be setting priorities. To a true hockey fan there is always plenty to talk about. 1)Someone earlier mentioned the power rankings. How to the sooth-sayers see the rankings for 07-08 today? 2)Where do the Thrashers fit in 8 or 9 (should we call it the Custance line?)in the east? 3)What teams (3a insert Thrashers for “team”)still have gaps to fill with the remaining free agents, or restricted free agent. Would Derick Roy or Mike Camerellie (sp)fit in here? Should Waddell pull a Lowe? 4)What effort should we make to keep Marian? 5)What do bloggers think of BH? I seem to recall Bryan Murray (yeah, the new Ottawa GM) saying he was the choice for coach before Hartey entered the picture.

Hossa,…make no mistake I love the guy. Hockey stud that he is..his play-off reputation may make him less desireable to other teams (those that already figure to make the second season, and he wouldn’t sign with the also-rans). Hopefully, Kozlov will help him realize “Hotlanta” is the place to “stay and play” hockey. Maybe the Thrashers should hire his dad as an asistant (w potential to become head) coach (or get Marcel). I think old Bob (I bet he knows who Joanie Mitchell is) is onto something when he says Waddell should make a good offer early to get a sense of the chances of keeping Marian.

I also add my vote for Metro,… especially after reading CC’s article about him coming out of the barrios of Toronto.

Once,…again welcome back Craig.

By The Falconer

July 23, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

I agree that Metro and Hartley mixed like oil and water. I think that says more about our present coach and his inability to get the most of the players on the roster than it does Metro.

re: If I were Hossa I would probably say the same thing. He wants to do more than just make a lot of money. If the Thrashers crash and burn on that long early road trip they will likely miss the playoffs. Hossa will likely leave as will our current coach and GM. If they get though that rough section they make the playoffs and hopefully do more this time. But if I’m Hossa I don’t sign until I see what is going to happen this year in ATL.

By JayBird

July 23, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I think Andrea Sutton tried out to be the teapot but he cracked too soon, so he didn’t get the role.

By Craig Custance

July 23, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

O’Canada — I like the power rankings idea. I’m saving that one for another blog too. And wasn’t it Cinderella, one of the great big hair bands of our time, who hit it big with “Don’t know what you’ve got till its gone”?

By JayBird

July 23, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Wow, CC, that’s a great pick-up. Cinderella!!! That is definitely one of the best hair band songs.

By Bob

July 23, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

I think old Bob (I bet he knows who Joanie Mitchell is) is onto something when he says Waddell should make a good offer early to get a sense of the chances of keeping Marian.

And go round and round and round, in The Circle Game

That was a great song of youth, Joni was a classic, never got into her until I saw The Last Waltz, she could write lyrics.

And go round and round and round, in the circle game. Story of life.

By Brian

July 23, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I liked GaVaHokie’s line combos above.

Craig - I got excited once when the dealer had a “Joe Montana”. He flipped the cards and I realized the SOB was from Kansas City…

By stendec

July 24, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Nice words. Just want to see Thrashers back on ice soon. Hope for better things from goalie KL. Sure he is a nice guy. Hope he has excellent season. Goes for ALL guys. Yourself included. Think hockey!

By Lily

July 24, 2007 4:17 AM | Link to this

Hello Graig, what do you think…should DW start to negotiate with Kari Lehtonen before season starts?

IMO, I’m little dissapointed that DW hasn’t make our D stronger. We need solid D’s.

By Thrasher316J11

July 24, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Though I know most of us think of Sterling as a top line guy I just dont see Hartley trusting a rookie with that large of a role on the team. Here to hoping Sterling has enough to make Hartley a beleiver.

That assumption granted my top line becomes Kovalchuk/White/Dupuis. White can hopefully be the playmaking center Kovy has needed for o so long and Dupuis’ grit and work ethic will be needed along the boards. His speed also plays well with Kovy’s up tempo style. I really think this line could tire out some defenses by the third period.

I dont know that Holik will actually have a new role this season. We need him on the checking line realistically. So my second line is Hossa/Perrin/Kozlov. Perrin is a stretch but was promised a bigger role in our system and I have all my fingers and toes crossed hoping he works out better than Kapanen making the jump from a third line role.

Checking line stays with Holik as the anchor. Larsen/Holik/Boulton is my read on the checking line. I am not sure how Thornburn fits into the picture and I realize Larsen and Boulton are both LW but I am sure one can adapt. I am really hoping the Boulton i watched at the end of last season is in the lineup each game as I saw some true potential and grit I liked.

Fourth line being Haydar/Slater/Sterling. If Slater steps can truly step up his game this season I can see him working well with Sterling and Haydar who already have chemistry. This line will see limited minutes and be broken up regularly to encourage the top lines guys not to slack off but this line could be a viable third scoring option as they shouldnt be seeing very much top defense pairings.

By GaVaHokie

July 24, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Nate… Ilya always brings the puck up himself, so I think having a playmaking Center isn’t needed.

We all know Ilya’s game. He stands at the point and they feed him one-timers over and over again. I think it only makes sense to have a guy who can stand in front to pick up the trash and create disruptions… that’s why I was elated when Tkachuk came here. I was pleading for a big body in front of the net for years.

If Sterling is on that line, him being an excellent positional, find the open-spot type player, he’ll chip in quite a few rebounds.

By Mark

July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

After the money handed out to Gomez, Drury and Brier, your crazy if you think Hossa is going to sign for $7MM. Hossa is better than those players by a pretty good margin. I think Thornton is a good comparison but that deal was done before free agency and he took considerably less than he could have gotten if he went UFA next summer. The only way we can sign Hossa for $7MM is if he takes a home team discount and it doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen.

About the lines, I look at the roster and I still do not see any center for Kovy and I think that is a mistake. White is going to play with Hossa and Kozlov and Holik is a shut down center, not a play-maker. Who’s going to play with Kovi? Perrin? That doesn’t excite me too much. Sterling is a shooter like Kovy and Little isn’t ready. This is just another example of Waddell and the Thrashers trying to ice a roster based on smoke and mirrors. Eventually these holes will get exposed just like the defense was exposed against the Rangers in the play-offs.

Speaking of Defense, what did we do to address the defense? Right, we let Sutton and DeVries walk and replaced them with Ken Klee. Ken Klee? Additional roster spots to be filled by Rookies playing for a coach who doesn’t like seeing rookie mistakes (see Braydon Coburn).

I’m sorry but this team will be worse than last year and will stuggle to make the play-offs.

By GaVaHokie

July 24, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I disagree Mark… I think this roster is better.

White is better than Metropolit. Klee is better than DeVries. Dupuis is better than Vigier. Sterling with 20+ goals will be better than Sim.

Holik is a smart player, he can play whatever role you want him to.

If Slater can get out of his funk, then we have scoring all the way down through 4 lines.

The only question mark I see is Popovic and Enstrom, but overall, I like the defensive depth…

Havelid Zhitnik, Exelby Enstrom, Klee McCarthy, Popovic… in the wings, Valabik

By Mark

July 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

There’s still no center for Kovy and I thank asking for 20+ goals from a rookie might be asking a lot. Will he get powerplay time? Hartley typically doesn’t play rookies a lot.

The defense will certainly be more mobile than last season and that is a very good thing but there isn’t a lot of experience after top 4. That makes me nervous.

By Thrasher316J11

July 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Having Zhitnik for the entire season and Havelid out of his funk should make the defense better this season. Klee stands in well for Devries and McCarthy covers the loss of Knidy. If you are a Sutton fan you can make the arguement that Enstrom wont fill his shot blocking shoes but I was not a huge fan of Sutton and think Enstrom’s mobility improves that roster spot. That being said I still think we have a bottom of the league in shots against team; better than last season though.

Sterling playing on the PP would be the only way he gets to 20+ goals and that is a stretch. I hope we see Kovalchuk back on the double shift for the PP.

By Hip Czech

July 24, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

“Dupuis was having trouble scoring. His effort and defense were great.”

Man, sounds like Slater, though not sure about the defense. Slater gives 100% and flies around the ice…but accomplishes nothing. Dupuis will get it going I think, Slater? Well, it’s time to put up or ship out.

I don’t see Sterling on the top line, especially if White is the center. I think Lavallee was the more impressive guy in the prospect camp. And he has the size.

What about the power play? Do we finally have 2 dmen that can man the points so we don’t have to watch Ilya be wasted by taking 60 foot slapshots (although I will grant you it worked in one of the home games against Boston last year)?

By Craig Custance

July 24, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - The interesting thing about Dupuis is that he was offered a multi-year contract but instead took the one-year deal because he thinks he’s going to have a big year. As for the power play, I wonder if Zhitnik and McCarthy would be a good duo at the points. It’d help cut down on Havelid’s ice time. If not Mac, maybe Entstrom.

By Hip Czech

July 24, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Anybody else having problems getting to the Thrashers web site?

I wonder…isn’t the NHL going back to th e home team wearing white for this year? If so, what is the marketing angle? Welcome to Whiteland? Hmmm, may be a way to keep Shirley Franklin from showing up ever again (which is a good thing) but probably not the best marketing strategy, especially in Atlanta ;-)

Hopefully the reason the web site is down (and changing names it appears) is to scrap the whole blueland thing. Let’s hope so.

By Matt H

July 24, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Who all else out there thinks that, barring a real run to the Cup, this is Hartley’s last year in Atlanta?

By Hip Czech

July 24, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Craig, let’s hope McCarthy gets a shot on the PP.

I really don’t understand his whole deal at the end of the year. He was one of the big reasons the PP was successful in October and November last year. He never got another shot after that.

What he did to be relegated to the doghouse is still a mystery to me. I was mildly surprised he was signed again. Then I thought he was signed as trade bait (which may still happen), but I hope he gets regular ice time.

By Craig Custance

July 24, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - I never saw McCarthy’s lack of playing time at the end of the season as him being in the dog house. Usually you get a feel for when the team is down on a guy, and I genuinely felt like Hartley felt bad about McCarthy’s situation. That being said, you weren’t the only one who was surprised he re-signed. I think Steve would be the first to tell you he didn’t expect to be back.

By Nate

July 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Again, I disagree with this big body thing. Check the stats. Tkachuk’s impact with Ilya was minimal, if any. And Ilya’s best season came with Savard i.e. playmaker at center, not some big body. Where does this crap come from?

By Hip Czech

July 24, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I can understand some of the thought process on the ‘big body’ need on a Kovalchuk/White line. If Todd White is an undersized center and Kovalchuk is a speed guy then another speed guy or undersized winger would not be a ‘good fit’.

I don’t necessarily agree with that thinking. I still think Dupuis would be a good fit with Kovalchuk and White. Ilya is not that small and is beginning to play a more physical game, he’ll be fine.

I think the upside of having a playmaker at center (White) and speed on the other wing (Dupuis) would be greater than the downside. Besides, let the other team put the ‘checking’ line up against Kovalchuk/White/Dupuis, that leaves the Hossa/Kozlov line to run free. Not a bad option.

Who played the other wing on the St. Louis/LeCavalier line in Tampa last year?

By GaVaHokie

July 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Nate… 15 pts in 18 games for Tkachuk is not minimal… Kovalchuk also had 15 pts. in the last 18 games. The combination works.

Bertuzzi/Naslund… Modano/Guerin… Sundin/Roberts… Tkachuk/Demitra… Thornton/Cheechoo

These are some of the best examples I can think of over the past ten years.

By ranallo10

July 24, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Prospal played with St. Louis and LeCavalier.

LeCavalier (6’4 223) — Prospal (6’1 194) — St. Louis (5’9 185)

By Hip Czech

July 24, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

To complete the comparison to the LeCavalier/St Louis line:

Kovalchuk 6’1” 225 White 5’10” 194 Dupuis 6’0” 200

By ranallo10

July 24, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Nate, I think the biggest impact the big body would have is upon Sterling’s game, not just Kovalchuk’s. Sterling is 5’7 or 5’8, and will definitely lose battles on the boards and in front of the net just because he’s so small. He can be scrappy, but he’ll rarely be able to outbody a 6’3 defender…it’s pretty hard to do so. So with a big body clearing the net, Sterling feeding Kovalchuk some one-timers, those one-timers being screened or deflected by Holik, and Sterling flying through the middle for the rebound…I think you’ve got a good combination right there.

It’s not golden, but it could work just as well without upsetting the type of line our number one line was all last season. A two-way speedster between Kozlov and Hossa (even Kapanen fit this role, though he didn’t perform well enough). A big body between Sterling (if he makes it) and Kovalchuk. If Sterling is out, we’ll see what goes from there.

Kovalchuk is coming into his own, and is definitely helped by an offensively gifted playmaking center (Savard), but White is definitely no Savard. Making due with what we have, I’d say Holik works best there, personally.

By Midfield

July 24, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Kovy needs fast skating and fast thinking line mates who can finish. He can definitely create chances, shoot and pass. As long as somebody awake and/or alive on the receiving end of these chances, this line will score. To his another credit, he became much more responsible defensively - most of the time.

By GaVaHokie

July 24, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Sterling is great around the net…If Kovalchuk can keep his shots down and directly on net, and not ricocheting them off the back wall, Sterling should be the perfect fit for that line. And again, Holik creating screens for Kovy and creating space for Sterling to finish off the rebounds…

… if not Sterling, than certainly Dupuis.

By Mark

July 24, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie, and everyone else, you can’t just look at the size of the player and try to make an accurate comparison. All those comparisons that you made were of power-forwards and play-making centerman. While Tkachuk definitely fills the definition of a power-forward, Kovulchuk is not a play-making centerman and that is what he is missing. His best year was with Savard, a play-making centerman. If you were to construct a prototypical NHL scoring line you would have a power-forward to do the dirty work in the corners and in front of the net, a play-making /all around centerman and a sniper on the wing. Individual Chemistry that the players have with each other usually dictates most combinations. While I agree that it would be nice to have someone post up in front of the net on Kovy’s shots for deflections and rebounds, the more important thing would be to get the puck to Kovulchuck in a great scoring position. That’s what Thorton does for Cheechoo and that is becuase of his puck possession and passing abilities and not his size. Look at what Forsberg did for Hedjuk and Gagne. Kovulchuk has a lethal shot and with a good play-maker he is a 50 goal scorer every year. Take away that play-maker and what you see it what Kovy was last season, 10 less goals and 22 less total points with more games played.

Ranallo, Sterling is a goal scorer and sniper in the mold of Kovy. He’s not a play-maker and he won’t be feeding Kovy on one-timers. You just need to look as his career at Colorada College to see this. Bryan Little is more in the mold of a play-maker but most likely he is headed to Chicago. Maybe he can step up in Camp and be Kovy’s set up man.

By Rawhide

July 24, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

It’s July 24,…and I just word that I can have the company seats to the Sept. 28 pre-season Thrashers game.

OOOOOOOOooooooooooooooh,…..do I see the leaves starting to change?

Can you feel the crisp autumn air outside???

July 24 and I am already planning to return to the frozen confines of BLUELAND!!….

WOooo-HOOOOOoooooooooooo!!!!

By Nate

July 24, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Everything Mark said goes ditto for me. I’ll leave it at that.

By ranallo10

July 24, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Hockey Futures Talent Analysis of Sterling. “Sterling is good hands for shooting and passing, but prefers to take the shot himself. On the power play, he is stationed to the side of the net for rebounds. The big knock on Sterling is his size, listed at only 5’7. But he plays bigger than his sizes and competes hard.”

I can see that sort of player being a compliment to Kovalchuk, since he can finish a shot and dish the puck. We’re not talking “prototypical” lines, we’re talking the types of lines this team is capable of producing. Sterling can score, and can set up, and if he can play at the NHL level he would be a compliment to Kovalchuk. He would be a scoring THREAT that can pass well…something Savard was good at too.

Sterling’s career thus far has been on a Collegiate team, and more recently in the AHL. He had 55 goals with 42 assists for Chicago last season. Collegiate career aside (because honestly, what does a college career really tell you about a player?), Sterling has shown he can score as well as set up players. If Kovalchuk gets double teamed, Sterling can put it in the net. If Sterling has the puck, the defense would have to respect his shot, allowing Kovalchuk to get open for the one timer.

I’m not arguing that Holik is more useful on the line than White, I’m arguing that I think Holik’s skill set with Kovalchuk and Sterling, as well as White’s skill set with Hossa and Kozlov, would be far more productive.

I understand Little may be the better man to set up Kovalchuk, but most accounts are stating that he’s not ready yet. In the mean time, make due.

By Midfield

July 24, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

I disagree with the ‘best year’ definition. May have been more points, but atrocious +/-. This isn’t how the games are won. I think Kovy’s best season was last year - even with less points. He played a better all-around game without robust help for most of the season. The goal is to win games, not to score a lot of goals (pun not intended).

By Brendan

July 24, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

In case anyone’s dying to know, Ray Emery inks 3-year deal worth $9.5 million.

Well, good move? Bad move? Paid too much? Or did they get it just about right? This guy did play for them in the past two years in the playoffs, and the Sens made it to the Finals last year. The Sens recently dumped some salary to make this deal, and probably a deal with Heatley, later on.

By Thrashersfan33

July 24, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

I would definitely like to see Steve Mac playing on the power play. Anything you can do to limit the ice time for Zhitnik and Havelid in order to keep their legs fresh for the whole year would be a good thing.

Craig….was it the Thrashers decision to not bring Sutton back or did they try and he want too much money? If he wanted to much, then I think it is funny that he might wind up in Columbus who won’t be a playoff team any time soon.

Also, will Haydar and Krog get a chance in camp? As others have said, seems that the kids in Chicago may not get as good a shot as some might have hoped to crack the lineup.

By Pucks n Snot

July 24, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Listen to you people. Pinning your hopes on some dwarf named Sterling who has never done anything in this league to warrant attention. The centers you signed couldn’t play for the Grand Rapids Griffins. What a collection of future burger flippers! Forsberg sent a message telling Atlanta to not even bother calling. Hossa is sooooo GONE! He knows a dying duck when he plays for one. No defense. Overrated goalie. Vanishing scorers. Hated coach. Moron GM. Joke ownership. Not to mention a compiled roster that is an obvious regression from last year….GaVaHokie - pass me that supersonic hydroponic yer tokin on when you say this years team is better. Your mind has obviously been clouded by your concern for yer boy Vick. Sure would be proud to support a school that produced that guy!

By Bob

July 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sterling is great around the net

Mabye in college he had room there, but at 5’7” and 165lbs, he ain’t making a living there against NHL size dmen.

By Midfield

July 24, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

PNS: Dude, you’re jinxing Detroit - just like the last year’s idiots jinxed Boston and Toronto. Be our guest.

By toxostoma rufum

July 25, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Opening night roster:

Kozlov White Dupuis Kovalchuk Cammalleri Sterling Larsen Holik Perrin Thorburn Slater Boulton

Zhitnik Havelid Exelby McCarthy Klee Popovic

Lehtonen Hedberg

Yes…Hossa for Cammalleri. White becomes our #3 center after two years when Little is ready for primetime: after all, we have him for four more years. There is no way Hossa is going to resign with us, when there are at least a handful of other teams with better playoffs pedigrees (and more stable ownership) that will give him better offers. It’s pointless to keep him IF you can get Cammalleri from the Kings (a big if). You can pretty much book it: Hossa to LA or EDM once Atlanta has commitments from sponsors and season ticket holders.

By GaVaHokie 4 Life

July 25, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Pucks… actually I’m very proud of my school… Michael Vick is just an athlete.

Where did you go to school? I’d sure like to support a school that produced a winner like you.

By Craig Custance

July 25, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Thrashers will be announcing the signing of Jim Slater to a two-year deal later today.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 25, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Craig, Any news yet on Jersey numbers for all the new-comers?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 25, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

nice!

By GaVaHokie

July 25, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

This team is better… we bring back all the key pieces from last season, minus Sutton, DeVries, Vigier, Hnidy and Metropolit… now we have Ken Klee, Pascal Dupuis, Alexei Zhitnik, and Todd White for an entire season. I’d say that’s an improvement.

Sterling had 3 points in 3 games with 10 shots on goal during preseason last year, granted it’s preseason, but it shows he can produce points and find opportunities at the pro level.

By R. Stroz

July 25, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

As Craig referenced, according to the Thrashers website, Slater is re-signed to a multi-year contract.

I know some of you guys aren’t fans of Slater; but, I like the way the kid hustles and hits. BH just needs to put the kid on the ice so he can develop.

By R. Stroz

July 25, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Trading Hossa will go over as well as trading Lysiak did to the average Atlanta hockey fan. The only way the Thrashers should move Hossa is if he states he wants out of Atlanta, that is the only way the average Atlanta hockey fan will accept trading him.

By GaVaHokie

July 25, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I was just looking at Slater’s highlight reel attached to the announcement on the Thrashers official site… he has some pretty nifty goals! A few of them were Kovalchuk slap shot deflections.

By R. Stroz

July 25, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - P&S graduated from Punks & Sh!t University.

By russian

July 25, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Jimmy is back! I like him. His one of craziest Son of B*** on our Team. I will say to him: Good Luck!

By Bob

July 25, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Good for Waddell to avoid arbitration with him, no sense of having to go in and knock a guy down who you’re trying to sign. What’d they pay him? Hopefully not too much. Sounds like a smart kid if he’s up at MSU finishing off his degree, this hockey gig won’t last forever and he’ll have the tools to get a “real” job.

By R. Stroz

July 25, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Bob - According to tsn.ca, Slater will be paid $750,000 for this season (2007-2008) and $800,000 for next season (2008-2009).

By The Falconer

July 25, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

re: Center for Kovalchuk. The problem with Kovalchuk is on the power play not during regular play. Take a look at his points at Even Strength the last three seasons: 02-03 45 03-04 52 05-06 41 06-07 44

His points at even strength were right in line with his recent career numbers. Now look at the Power play points.

02-03 22 03-04 33 05-06 56 06-07 32 He had that great year on the PP when Savard was still here. Minus Savard he went back to where he was before the lockout.

So it seems to me that Kovalchuk actually did OK with Rucchin/Thachuk as his center at even strength, but the lack of a true PP quarterback is what really hurt him last year.

By Nate

July 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Falconer- Good stats on your part. You may be on to something there. Maybe White can be an improvement as PP quarterback?

By Hip Czech

July 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Falconer, nice numbers on Kovalchuk’s PP production. I think most of that can be attributed to him playing the point on the PP, and a lesser extent to Savard. Move him off the point, put him opposite Hossa on the wing and get 2 dmen out there. Have Kozlov center the PP unit.

Interesting article on CBS talking about Ottawa:

“Emery’s deal puts the Senators at nearly the limit for the $50 million salary cap and arbitration still looms for defenseman Christoph Schubert and forward Chris Kelly. But the bigger concern for the team is next summer, when several key players, including perennial 50-goal scorer Dany Heatley and his play-making center Jason Spezza, can become free agents. The Senators desperately want to avoid that situation, and need to find room to pay the superstars enough to keep them from testing what is an increasingly lucrative market.”

Would Chris Kelly help the Thrashers? Dunno, seems he would be a third line center, so only if he centers the third line relegating Slater to the fourth or to a wing.

By Rawhide

July 25, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Where did you go to school? I’d sure like to support a school that produced a winner like you.

GaVaHokie - I think Snot-boy attended the St. Mary-Kate-Katherine Girl’s School for the Mentally and Socially Impared just outside of Flynt, Michigan.

There, he studied “Underwater Fire Prevention” and “A$$-Wiping-101”. I think he was mildly successful in the former, but failed miserably in the latter, (kept getting the intended target confused with facial region).

He was active in their on-campus sport-life. He thrived at such games as pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and the egg-in-the-spoon-while-walking-thingy.

Unfortunatly, he was thrown out for being too afeminant. That, plus he continued to show some disturbing signs of a phycological abnormality known as Kitchenercontriteinitous: This is the inane and constant yammering about how any thriving NHL franchise is going to up and relocate to the greater Kitchener, Ontario area.

Sad, very sad.

He is a warped, demented little boy who deserves, and has, our pity.

He should be treated accordingly.

By Adam

July 25, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Well with the Slater signing done that puts us right around 43.5mm to 44mm depending on how the roster shakes out.

I guess the big question now is Rucchin. It sure would be nice to take his 2.1mm & some trade bait along with another 500-750k for a top line center or right wing…

By GaVaHokie

July 25, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

The UFA list is still pretty huge… I’d love to see Waddell grab a guy like Brandon Bochenski for under $1 million come mid-August.

By GaVaHokie

July 25, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

nevermind Bochenski… didn’t realize he re-uped with the Bruins for one year.

By Thrashers27

July 25, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

My hands are sore from beating this dead horse, but let’s hope Marcel isn’t signed by NYR and we can snag him and another decent center. According to Eklund’s list Atlanta is pursuing quite a few other FAs.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 25, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I’m still available to play center…

By Hip Czech

July 25, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

According to Eklund, Atlanta is mentioned as possibilities for these free agents (oh, thought I would throw his mention of Sutton in there just for a laugh):

1. Andy Sutton (Columbus, Colorado, Phoenix, NY Islanders)

2. Bryan Berard (NY Islanders, Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit)

3. Brent Sopel (Colorado, Chicago, NJ, San Jose, Atlanta)

4. Anson Carter (Colorado, Washington, Buffalo, Atlanta)

5. Tony Amonte (Atlanta, Washingon, Boston)

6. Patrice Brisbois (NJ, Atlanta, San Jose)

The numbers are his ‘ranking’ of his top 35 UFA (Sutton number 5…puhleeeez).

I really would not want to see Carter here…Amonte is probably too old. The rest are all Defensemen.

Berard would be interesting if he is healthy…Sopel would not be bad, Brisebois played terrible in Montreal, not sure about his game in Colorado.

Do we really need another D though?

I’d take Peca, Vasicek, or O’Neil before another D.

By Rawhide

July 25, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

What would be the hit to the salary cap, Zilla?

I don’t know if we could afford ya………

By Buzilla Baby Blues

July 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

I would play for 3 24oz cans of Budlight from Gorin’s before each game, 3 “of age” icegirls for after each game, and the jersey #69 w/Buzilla on the back during the game.

And I would get in at least one fight per game with the other teams smallest dude

By Thrashers27

July 25, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing about O’Neill, Hipczech. Why he’s still out there, I don’t know.

By kbatch26

July 25, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Amonte is definitely too old… he’ll be on our roster in the next couple of weeks. I could see Sopel…

By Rawhide

July 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

I think I might wanna be your agent, Zilla.

We’ll ask for 5 24 oz. cans, (3 to drink and 2 to stash away for after your playing days)….4 “of age” ice girls, (my cut will be one of them),….

I can get you the jersey and name but you’ll be on your own with the fighting.

Do we have ourselves a deal?

By Hip Czech

July 25, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Sorry bout that..this thing through the numbers off - Sutton is 5, Berard 8, Sopel 11, Carter 22, Amonte 29, and Brisebois 30.

By Brian

July 25, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - Amonte is too old, I think I agree on the Dmen, is Carter the alleged “big body” that everyone wants?

By ranallo10

July 25, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Buzilla — so you’d be a cross of Marc Savard, Andy Sutton, and Eric Boulton…got it. Well, at least Savard went after underaged girls, so you’re a small step above him.

How’s $8M annually sound??

By kbatch26

July 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Buzilla is much more ambitious than I… I would only promise to fight the smallest Ice Girl…

By R. Stroz

July 25, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I’ll take the job under the following conditions

1) P&S is flown to Atlanta for one practice so I can provide him with a can opener!

2) Practice is then stopped so I can watch him cry.

By Marcus

July 25, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Craig, a minor edit, but you forgot about Mellanby on last year’s roster. He’s often forgotten when speaking of last year’s team, but his leadership and wisdom were priceless. He was also 6th on the team in points. Mellanby was probably the Thrashers’ biggest loss this offseason, besides Tkachuk. Holik on a scoring line might not be in the best interest of the team, I mean, Larsen/Perrin/Dupuis is a pretty wimpy checking line… Holik was the checking line last year, the others (Larsen, Vigier, Dupuis..) just sort of tagged along. Winning teams have tough checkers.

By Craig Custance

July 25, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Marcus — Good point about Mellanby. He has to be a part of the equation comparing last years lines to this season.

By Midfield

July 25, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Good post, Marcus. However, Holik has enough skill and smarts to play for scoring lines. Thorburn could add some grit down there.

By ranallo10

July 25, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Way to go Eric and Jordan Staal… Staal brothers arrested in Minnesota

By ranallo10

July 25, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Craig — Since (according to ESPN) Jussi Jokinen did not accept his qualifying offer from the Dallas Stars, what does that mean for his status as a Free Agent? Is he still restricted, and locked in for another season? Is he now unrestricted? I’m hard pressed to find much information about this player, outside of ESPN.

Also, has anyone heard much about Patrick Stefan? I’m curious what teams (beyond what Eklund says) might be interested in his services. I’ve said it before, but I think for

By ranallo10

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

weird, less than signs don’t work in this HTML…

ctd from before — I’ve said it before, but I think for less than $1M, he would be useful for any team.

By Thrashers27

July 25, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Jokinen will now go through arbitration just like anyone else. Should he go through arbitration and the arbitors settle on an amount he is due, then the Stars have the right to pay that amount. Should the Stars decide they don’t want to pay that much for him, then he becomes an unrestricted free agent. I don’t disagree with you about Stefi. He wasn’t the worst player in the world, just not what he was built up to be as a first overall pick. He is a bit injury prone though.

By Brendan

July 25, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I guess this bachelor party got out of control, spilled out of the hotel, and onto the highway. Sounds a bit trumped up, really. Some youngsters got loud and disorderly under the influence. Wow, there’s a shocker!! Better lock ‘em up!! Menace to Society that they are!

I’m sure a “fine” of some sort is in order. Perhaps some community service may be involved, to make an example of these well-paid, semi-famous youths. It’s not exactly “murder for hire” like that kid (Danton?) on the St. Louis Blues got. And not nearly as far-reaching as Vick and dogfighting charges.

Okay, moving on … Brooks Laich got $725,000 in what may have been the 1st arbitration decision of this offseason. The Caps agreed to pay it. Laich made $606,100 last season for 8 goals and 10 assists in 73 games, while being -2, with 29 penalty minutes. What do you think? A fair decision for that kind of production? Reasonable? Or, are you thinking, “What was the point of arbitration, here? For an extra $118,900, was it really worth going through the h#ll of arbitration? Had the Caps offered him $705K, the whole mess could have been avoided. Although, maybe Laich was thinking $925K-ish? If he was, then this is a disappointment for him.

Slater had 4 goals, and got a qualifying offer of $990,000. He wound up settling on a 2-year deal for what? $850K this year, and $900K next year? Shoot, Slater should have signed his qualifying offer, no? That was his better deal. Credit Waddell here on some nifty savings.

Folks, for as much as I rag on Waddell, he’s saved some moolah on Dupuis ($880K), Slater ($875K cap hit), Exelby ($1.39M cap hit), Larsen ($515K), Boulton ($525K), McCarthy ($725K) and even Kozlov, ($3.75M). I gotta be honest. That’s not half-bad. It really isn’t.

Okay, last and final, as my post is getting long. First overall pick this Summer, Patrick Kane, (selected by Chicago,) was inked to a 3-year deal. Kane">http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=214574&hubname=nhl">Kane gets capped rookie contract $875K that gives him bonuses that could total $3.725 million.

By Brendan

July 25, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Thashers27 & Ranallo, Re: Jokinen. Are you guys saying Jokinen didn’t file for arbitration? I think the players had from July 5th to July 15th to elect arbitration. Iffff Jokinen didn’t opt for arbitration, and didn’t sign his qualifying offer, then he is still restricted, but he is locked out until the Stars re-sign him. Jokinen can go play in Europe, but the second he does, he becomes ineligible for the entirety of the 2007-08 season. If he remains a “hold out” until December 1, 2007, then he is also ineligible, I believe. The Stars can still sign him after December 1, but I think he’s not allowed to play until the next season. I really need to double-check that. He might be eligible for the playoffs, though. Remember this, as well, the salary cap is not in effect during the playoffs, just during the regular season. For example, in the 2007 playoffs, anyone who wanted to sign Jason Allison could have done it at that time. That salary, whatever it might have been, wouldn’t have counted against the team’s cap. But I digress.

The December 1st deadline is a weird rule, and it well may have been scrapped. Can anyone look into it?

By Brendan

July 25, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Kane gets three-year deal. Let’s see if this link worked.

Anywho, Re: Stefan. I think this is the deal. Stefan is a “capable 3rd line center” … the regular season. Truly. But come playoff time, he’ll pull a Houdini, and disappear like a rabbit into hat. He’s just not “gritty.” But I am confident that, for $735,000, a team would get decent production out of him. I’m thinking 12-15 goals and 45-55 points. In terms of salary, that makes some sense. In terms of “overall strategy for the playoffs,” not so much. He’ll get bodied off the puck faster than you can say Rumpelstiltskin when an “Avery type” comes callin’.

By The Falconer

July 25, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Brendan: Stefan scoring 55 points as a 3rd line center!? His career high is 40 points and that was with him still getting some shifts on a scoring line.

re: Jokinen. The club has to make a qualifying offer to RFA, if they don’t they become UFA. Once the offer is made the players can 1) sign it 2) reject it and go to arbitration 3) reject it and sign a new deal with the club before arbitration (like Slater just did).

By Brendan

July 25, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Falconer, re: Jokinen, he was offered a qualifying offer. If he hadn’t been, he’d be Unrestricted and signed by somebody by now. But if Jokinen rejected his qualifying offer, and, at the same time, didn’t elect to try binding arbitration by the deadline date for that, (which is, I think, what Ranallo was saying,) then he doesn’t become “unrestricted.” He’s a “restricted free agent” without a contract. He can’t play in the NHL until he gets an NHL contract.

I hear ya. Then why hasn’t someone, like Oilers GM Kevin Lowe, made him an offer sheet?, forcing the Stars to either match the contract or let him go and take the compensation due to them, based on whatever salary Jokinen’s next team offers. I don’t know. Well, it’s probably because “what comes around, goes around.” Dallas can pay YOU BACK for your offer sheet to Jokinen.

Re: Stefan, I was trying to put a “best case scenario spin” on it. Perhaps, overzealously. But ya never know. Atlanta, these past few years, has had a lot of offensive production. If Stefan got to play on Kovalchuk’s line with any kind of regularity, he might put up 40-points. What if Stefan saw some PP time? That could “pad his stats” a little. But the larger issue is … he’s just not physical enough to be any kind of force in the playoffs.

If Patrik Stefan had not been a 1st overall selection, I suspect there’d actually be more interest in him. But that “draft bust” tag weighs heavily. It’s almost as if a GM has to be defensive about his “intentions” when it comes to Stefan. “You’re signing him because you think he’s still got a shot at being a big force in this league.” Uhh, no. I think a GM that offers Stefan a contract is thinking … “hope this guy can fill out my 3rd or 4th line center position. And to heck with where he was drafted.”

By R. Stroz

July 26, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Concerning Stefan, aka Stefanie, he is also tagged as the dufus that missed an empty net from one foot away and the Oilers tied the game with two seconds left. Who wants to be the GM that says, I signed a guy who can’t put a puck in an empty net.

At a low price, Stefanie may be worth the money; but, everybody knows he is soft. But I will give DW credit, he did find a softer player in Krapenen. I didn’t think there was a bigger whimp in the league than Stefanie.

By Thrashers27

July 26, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this

Stroz makes a good point. I forgot about Stefi choking in the open net for Dallas. That was pretty pathetic. I can’t say that I’ve never missed a “slam dunk” like that, because I’m sure everyone has. The only diff is that we aren’t paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to play a game that we supposedly have a knack for.

By SQUAD

July 26, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this

It is time for DH to wake up. He was totally outclassed and outcoached against the Rangers in the playoffs. The powerplay became more successful after the trade deadlines with TH and Zhitnuck. The PP should utilize him and SM at the points on separate shifts. This would provide the qb’s for the PP and fill out the rest with our scorers. It is time to see if the young guys down on the farm can contribute. Bring up Sterling or Lavalle and one of the young defenceman. Give the ice time and see if they will develop. The team is getting any younger. If DW can draft now is the time to start finding out. DW has assembled the veterans time to fill out with the future Thrashers. Our #1 goalie had better watch out there is a youngster waiting in the wings waiting to take his job. It is time for CL to live to his hype and play like a #1 goalie or move over. I believe we have a stronger team but it is time for DH to alter his coaching to fit the players DW has supplied come into 2007 - 2008, this isn’t Colorado.

By TasteofFlames

July 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I think once we took Coburn over Phaneuff it was decided that Wadell can’t draft. Also, as of now, only two of our drafts have actually been worth a damn (Heatly and Kovy) and in all honesty, those two were slam dunks from the outset. Granted, not all of the draft failure falls on Wadell. We do have a rep as one of, if not the, worst at deceloping our own players. I’d be curious to see how our prospects progress after Hartley is gone. I agree with one of the previous posts that Hartley is done at the end of the year barring either a ridiculous regular season (read 110+ points) or a major post season (Confrence or Cup finals).

I didn’t mean to rip on Coburn in any way shape or form. I deffinately think is will be an impact D-man (even as early as this year), but it goes back to our inability to develop prospects.

Hopefully Kari works out as well as Kovy and Heatly did. But even if he does, it should be considered another slam dunk. I mean, the #1 goaltending prospect in the world when he was drafted (and by a decent margin) should be an elite NHL ‘tender.

By ranallo10

July 26, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Craig — in your article about Slater you wrote “Waddell said there are some discussions about potential trades”. Care to shine any light on that statement for us?

By Brendan

July 26, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Trouble in “Paradise” - Kings GM Lombardi and Center Mike Cammalleri are ‘far apart’on contract, as arbitration looms.

Maybe there’s hope for us yet? Chill. I know!!! It’s not gonna happen. Yet, I revert to my umpteenth comment on this matter. “I just don’t see how Kovalchuk and Cammalleri could possibly fail.” If DW pulled this one off, I’d bump him from #17 to #10, in my power ranking of GM’s in the NHL. Kovalchuk might score 60 goals with Mike Cammalleri as the pivot. But let’s face it, Cammalleri is going to get a hefty raise from $1.7 million. 34 goals and 80-points is pretty good. Purely based on stats, Keith Tkachuk and Slava Kozlov each scored 27 goals. KT got $4 million and Kozlov got $3.75 million. But the comparison isn’t fair, because Tkachuk and Kozlov have a very long NHL track record. Still, I think Cammalleri might see $4 million. At least $3.5 million. The market is overinflated right now, thanks to Oilers GM Kevin Lowe. Vanek got $7.13 million (cap hit) for 43 goals. Cammalleri had 34. I’d bet Cammalleri’s plus-minus numbers are nowhere NEAR +47, however. (I didn’t look, and have no idea what they were.)

By ranallo10

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

+5 Brendan

By Craig Custance

July 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Ranallo - There’s not much to add. Waddell said he liked the current shape of the roster and felt like it was better than at this point last season. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t talking.

By Bob

July 26, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

I’m bored. When does the puck drop? Seriously, is this the absolute bottom of the cycle for sports or what. We got baseball, and we got, uh, zzzzzzzzzzzzz

By Brendan

July 26, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Bob, we do have the Michael Vick circus to follow. Speaking of circuses, what’s the latest from Tim Tucker on the Thrashers-Hawks ownership? I remember, two months ago, something was about to happen. Did I “miss” it?

By Bob

July 26, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Vick? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It would be nice to hear something about the ownership debacle, that is the biggest offseason story for the Thrashers and has the biggest implication, more than any move Waddell could make.

By The Falconer

July 26, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Cammalleri isn’t exactly fast.

By Tim

July 26, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Latest news, GM Kevon Lowe go after another RFA. Dustin Penner from Anaheim this time for roughly 4.3 mil a year. Talk about inflation…

By Brendan

July 26, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

GM Kevin Lowe strikes again!

The Edmonton Oilers have signed Anaheim Ducks forward Dustin Penner to a five-year, $21.25 million offer sheet on Thursday.

The deal is for $4.25 million per season, a huge raise over the league minimum $450,000 Penner earned last season in the last year of his entry-level contract.

The Ducks have seven days to match the offer. Should they decide not to match, the Ducks would receive two first-round draft picks, a second-round pick and a third-round pick from the Oilers.

It is the second time this summer that the Oilers have gone after a restricted free agent. The Oilers failed to get Thomas Vanek of the Buffalo Sabres earlier this month when the Sabres matched Edmonton’s seven-year, $50 million offer.

The 24-year-old Penner had 45 points (29 goals, 16 assists) in 82 regular-season games while adding eight points in 21 playoff games for the Stanley Cup champions.

By ranallo10

July 26, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

According to TSN the compensation would only be one first, one second and one third-round pick.

Offer away Lowe, it’s within your rights as a GM, and is completely legal.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 26, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I am not sure why more GM’s don’t make offers for RFA’s? Must be some under the table gentlemans’s agreement within the GM’s. I rememeber MLB getting busted over that kind of collusion a few years back. I don’t understand why the players accept this kind a dealings! Mike Cammalleri would be a great signing to a RFA offer sheet as would have Ryan Whitney or Boumester the D-man from Florida. Too bad there is such a Good Ole Boy Network at play in the NHL.

By Legion of thrash

July 26, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

This offer doesn’t make much sense to me! Penner had 45pts and they are offerring 4.25 mil a season? No way Burke will match the offer. Surely the owner of the oilers has to be cosidering firing this guy, it seems he has lost it. The offer for Vanek was realistic, but this is absurd! Penner played with Getzlaf and Perry, not sure what Penner can do on his own. Maybe he turns into a consistent 70pt player, but I don’t see it. It seems as though he is trying to get revenge for the whole Nylander deal.

By Brendan

July 26, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting to see if the Ducks match. If they do, gotta think Lowe will try, try again until he does raid someone’s RFA. It will hinge on “how essential” GM Burke views Penner. If he thinks he can replace him, especially at less than $4.25 million, he’ll take the picks.

Hmmn, if Lowe and the Oilers “new” ownership have a $4.25 million hole burning in their pocket, they could have just called Don Waddell and taken Holik off our hands. No such luck. Bygones. I’d even take the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks as an “even trade” for Holik. For a 1st rounder and two 2nd rounders, I’d have thrown in Slater as “sweetener.” Hey, I just freed up $5 million. Enough to get go Cammalleri, if I hated Kings GM Dean Lombardi’s guts.

The reason, I suspect, that the RFA offer sheet doesn’t happen much resides in the knowledge that another team can jack up your Kovalchuk, Heatley, Lehtonen “foundation” pieces just as easily. So when it does happen, it’s usually under duress, brought on by desperation.

But, yes … it’s legal. Just like Steinbrenners’ paying more in “luxury tax” than the entire team payroll of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Baseball’s salary cap is a joke. And hockey’s salary cap is starting to become one as well. RFA raiding allegedly has a down side to the large markets. And it’s that is causes them to overpay for a player and/or overcommit years to a contract. If the big market team cannot move that player, they’re stuck. Or are they? They can “buy him out,” like the Islanders just did with Yashin. And the cap hit is reduced by a third of the contract’s value. Which, if you’re a big market, is not that much to have to absorb. You’ll just charge more for the corporate luxury boxes, and season tickets, which will be renewed … AUTOMATICALLY, in a city like New York or Toronto. But not in a city like Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh, Phoenix, etc.

By Brian

July 26, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash - I completely agree with you unless that is 4.25 million Norwegian Kroners per year that he offered him…

TasteofFlames - anyone can play MMQB a couple of years after the fact. Tell us who should’ve been taken higher THIS year and then let’s see how easy it is to draft. Do you think Patrick Kane should’ve been #1? Yes, we all think Angelo Esposito should have gone higher. But those same draft boards had Coburn higher than Phaneuf.

By Bob

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

Of course there’s an unwritten rule amongst the NHL GM’s not to hand out the offer sheets. Remember the reports last summer of Clarke pulling something and guys literally got in his face at the GM meetings? That would have been sweet, Clarkie getting clocked in the lobby of the Hilton.

Lowe is on his last legs in Edmonton. First the disaster with Ryan Smyth and now these brain dead moves. He won’t get another job in the NHL either, there’s not a GM left that’ll want to deal with him.

By R. Stroz

July 27, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Lowe is probably as popular with the other NHL GMs as P&S is on the Thrashers blog.

By Legion of thrash

July 27, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

Why did he not go after Jussi Jokinen instead of Penner? I really want to know what Lowe is trying to accomplish. The oilers message boards elude to this being the only way they can get guys to play their.

If Penner turns down the offer can he except any offer from the ducks? What I mean is, if he wants to stay with the ducks can he take less than what the oilers have offered? It is the players choice right?

By Sara

July 27, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

Re: Lowe .. No he’s not making any friends amongst other GMs, but all the blame does not rest with him. Ownership (which is a conglomerate of fans in Edmonton isn’t it?) obviously hasn’t done anything to impede his actions. They didn’t fire him or apparently even sanction him for the offer to Vanek. Given that he’s done it twice, there’s got to be approval for this higher up.

You have to feel for the guy and the team to a certain extent. They’ve gotten dissed a few times in the last few seasons by top tier players not wanting to play in Edmonton. One wonders how many times they’ve tried to sign other players over the years only to be rejected because someone didn’t want to be “stuck” in the boonies of the Great White North as they apparently seem to think of it. Edmonton has a long history, a lot of pride among its fans, and likely a lot of pressure on the organization from the fan base to return to its former glory. Being a GM is tough in any market - look at how much crap DW takes down here. In some of the larger and more established markets it has to be much much worse.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

“The Ryan Smyth matter” is still a mystery to me. He’s the “face” of Oilers franchise, yet Lowe and the previous ownership (or one of them, anyway) decide to “nickel and dime” their Superstar player in a market the hockey media says is “undesireable.”

As it was explained on Hockey Night in Canada, on Coach’s corner, with Grapes and Ron McLean, the Oilers offered $5.4 million. Smythe said he’s only re-sign at $5.5 million. Then later offered, I’ll take $5.4 million, but I get a $100,000 luxury box for my personal use with friends and family. The Oilers said, “no deal.”

Well, first off. Iffff this guy really is your “franchise player” you have to lock him up, barring something outrageous like 7-10 years at the LEAGUE MAX. Then, you let him walk. He’s not worth it. But $5.5 million for Ryan Smyth isn’t outrageous. And if there’s a “perception” that your market is difficult to play in, or undesireable, you count your lucky stars that any major player wants to be there. And ya certainly don’t let him “walk” over $100,000!!! For cryin’ out loud. I’m not sure where the blame lies. First thoughts are, “Are you kidding me?? It’s Kevin Lowe!!!” But, if his hands were “tied” by the ownership, he can’t spend money that isn’t authorized. Lowe isn’t the owner.

(See Don Waddell and the Atlanta Thrashers Summer budget.)

The net result? After bouncing off the Islanders temporary housing, Smyth has landed back in the Western Conference, with Colorado. Where, he’ll get to play Edmonton 4x a year to remind them what a mistake they allegedly made.

Ready for a second thought, vis-a-vis this RFA raiding? Do Penner or Vanek really want to play in Edmonton? Or, are they just taking the money and waiting for their next chance to bolt? Both Vanek and Penner had never seen this much money thrown at them before. So, they probably discussed it among their families and decided, “What if I break my leg and can never play hockey again? I better take this deal. The money’s guaranteed.” Well, I certainly understand that. But it’s not as if Penner or Vanek wanted to play in Edmonton. Or chose Edmonton.

Now, I do hear ya. “But Brendan, if these guys are professional athletes, they’ll play whereever they get drafted or for whichever team gives them the best offer.” That’s a good point. But Ryan Smyth wanted to be in Edmonton. And wouldn’t having a quality player who WANTED to be in your supposedly “undesireable market” be better than stealing one who is indifferent about where he plays? That’s the point.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

“The Ryan Smyth matter” is still a mystery to me. He’s the “face” of Oilers franchise, yet Lowe and the previous ownership (or one of them, anyway) decide to “nickel and dime” their Superstar player in a market the hockey media says is “undesireable.”

As it was explained on Hockey Night in Canada, on Coach’s corner, with Grapes and Ron McLean, the Oilers offered $5.4 million. Smythe said he’s only re-sign at $5.5 million. Then later offered, I’ll take $5.4 million, but I get a $100,000 luxury box for my personal use with friends and family. The Oilers said, “no deal.”

Well, first off. Iffff this guy really is your “franchise player” you have to lock him up, barring something outrageous like 7-10 years at the LEAGUE MAX. Then, you let him walk. He’s not worth it. But $5.5 million for Ryan Smyth isn’t outrageous. And if there’s a “perception” that your market is difficult to play in, or undesireable, you count your lucky stars that any major player wants to be there. And ya certainly don’t let him “walk” over $100,000!!! For cryin’ out loud. I’m not sure where the blame lies. First thoughts are, “Are you kidding me?? It’s Kevin Lowe!!!” But, if his hands were “tied” by the ownership, he can’t spend money that isn’t authorized. Lowe isn’t the owner.

(See Don Waddell and the Atlanta Thrashers Summer budget.)

The net result? After bouncing off the Islanders temporary housing, Smyth has landed back in the Western Conference, with Colorado. Where, he’ll get to play Edmonton 4x a year to remind them what a mistake they allegedly made.

Ready for a second thought, vis-a-vis this RFA raiding? Do Penner or Vanek really want to play in Edmonton? Or, are they just taking the money and waiting for their next chance to bolt? Both Vanek and Penner had never seen this much money thrown at them before. So, they probably discussed it among their families and decided, “What if I break my leg and can never play hockey again? I better take this deal. The money’s guaranteed.” Well, I certainly understand that. But it’s not as if Penner or Vanek wanted to play in Edmonton. Or chose Edmonton.

Now, I do hear ya. “But Brendan, if these guys are professional athletes, they’ll play whereever they get drafted or for whichever team gives them the best offer.” That’s a good point. But Ryan Smyth wanted to be in Edmonton. And wouldn’t having a quality player who WANTED to be in your supposedly “undesireable market” be better than stealing one who is indifferent about where he plays? That’s the point.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

Legion of Thrash, once Penner affixed his signature to the offer sheet, it became binding. He must play for the Edmonton Oilers, unless the Ducks match. Ifffff Penner didn’t want to play for the Oilers, then he doesn’t sign the offer sheet. And continues on towards arbitration with Anaheim.

Where (Anaheim) GM Brian Burke is probably “frosted” … is that arbitration more than likely wouldn’t have led to $4.25 million. Okayyyy. I don’t know that. You’re right. I can’t prove that. No one can. If the Arbitrator said, $8 million, we’d all scream, but if that’s the decision, then that’s the decision. It’d be a ridiculous one. But hey. I’ve seen plenty of absurb arbitration decisions.

Kevin Lowe is desperately trying to save his job. He’s got to give the fans in his city a “reason to believe” that the success of the 2006 Playoffs can be replicated, and to sell more season tickets.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the double-post above. Let’s see if this one takes.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

“Absurb?” Sorry. I meant, egregious.

By Brian

July 27, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I’ll go out on a ledge here and say that arbitration would not have led to $4.25mm/year.

By GaVaHokie

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

Derek Roy just got 6 years $24 million from the Sabres…?!?! That seems absurd to me.

By Legion of thrash

July 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Derek Roy getting 6/24 makes sense to me. He will easily get 80-100 pts this season. Roy and Connoly just got bumped up to the top two centers. Makes sense to lock him up long term. By the second year of this contract 4 mil a year will be a steal for this guy.

By Brian

July 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

The $$ they are giving to Roy should’ve been added to their offer for Drury…

By Matt H

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

So, Derek Roy…

HOLY CRAP, DUDE!!!! Seems absurd to me too….

By Brian

July 27, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Matt H - that click you just heard was the sound of the panic button being hit in Buffalo. Say goodbye to Drury and Briere but pay through the nose for Roy & Vanek? Vanek you can make somewhat of a case for but I do not see him getting those numbers this year when other teams are going to focus on just 2 lines.

Legion of Thrash - Are you kidding me about Connolly? Will he even make it to 50 games this year?

By Denny

July 27, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, Hockey Experts: Think there is any truth to the “HockeyBuzz.com” story from Eklund?

I quote “Hossa on the Move? I have heard three teams that have made inquiries about the Superstar…Edmonton, Montreal, and Los Angeles….”

By R. Stroz

July 27, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Eklund is shaking the leaves on a Marian Hossa trade.

By Legion of thrash

July 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

What am I supposed to be kidding about? Connolly will play on the 1st or 2nd line as center. If he gets hurt, which he has a history of, then he will be out and replaced. As of now he is healthy and highly skilled, why would he not play on one of the top two lines?

By Legion of thrash

July 27, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

I would rather we trade Hossa now than at the deadline when he would be just a rental. We would get more value for him now.

By Brian

July 27, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

legion - Connolly will not play a whole season, Buffalo is not going to roll 4 lines like they did the last two years, every team is going to focus on Roy & Vanek and whoever they have on the other side (Kotalik or Afinogenov). To think that you are going to get good 2nd line support from Connolly is crazy. He does well on the PP, that’s it (if he’s playing). Even when healthy, he never gave quality minutes worthy of a top 2 spot.

By Daniel

July 27, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Not to be down on what Hossa has done here, but I was happy when I read the Eklund thing. Its the right move. In today’s NHL its impossible to keep a superstar for very long for ANY market. Their lifespan is even shorter in a market like Atlanta. I hope he this rumor is true, and DW gets good value. (Maybe a sign and trade with LA for Cammy?) Any trade though I think should include us getting back a forward and defensemen, who can play now(similar to what we got with the Ottawa trade), or a top line forward or d-man, with several draft picks, say a first rounder and a second rounder,or a first rounder and two third rounders.

By Legion of thrash

July 27, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Brian, I don’t deny his problems with concussions, he can go out for long periods of time. But in 05/06 he had 55pts in 63gms, not that bad. In the 05/06 playoffs he had 11 pts in 8 gms. in the 06/07 playoffs(after missing the entire season due to concussion} he had 9pts in 16 gms, not bad for a guy who you say can’t play the 2nd line. The man has incredible playmaking ability and will probably center the 2nd line as long as he remains healthy. They still have Pominville, Stafford, Hecht. I think you can run two pretty strong lines with the players you and I mentioned.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

I do think Buffalo is still deeper than most realize. But they won’t be the same team without Drury and Briere. Derek Roy may surprize a bunch of people this year. $4 million worth? Shrugs. Maybe. Couldn’t say. Connolly, man … I don’t know. Truthfully, and this just mee, I wouldn’t have re-signed him to a 3-year deal like Buffalo did in the Summer of 2006. I know. I know. “High risk, high reward.” But I especially would have let him walk after Connolly “declined” his qualifying offer last year. That’s “chutzpah.” He’s one check away from being a vegetable. Here I am, Monday morning quarterbacking and all. But truthfully, I did say all these things when it happened last year. I said, “why not try to keep Mike Grier or Jay McKee” with that money. Why not pay J.P. Dumont with it? Instead, the Sabres re-signed Connolly and went after Jay Spacek (Oilers) to replace McKee. Okay, quite enough Sabres talk. Let’s get back to this Hossa thingy.

At the Draft, Don Waddell said that rumors of a Hossa trade were “the worst kind” of rumor he’d ever heard. Let’s be clear about something. He was talking about a “Draft Day” trade. A trade that obviously didn’t happen. I never know what, exactly, runs through Waddell’s mind. But I do believe that Waddell’s intentions are to keep Hossa throughout the season, and, if possible, lock him up for the coming years.

Don Waddell doesn’t have control over locking up Hossa. Hossa has control of that. But Don Waddell does have control over trading Hossa prior to his contract expiration date, of July 1, 2008. Let’s play “fantasy GM” for a moment, my fellow bloggers. Here’s your assignment. Pretend you’re GM Kevin Lowe. What do you offer for Hossa?

Stop. Bear in mind, Hossa has only one year remaining on his current contract. The last thing you want to do is trade the farm for one season of Hossa. So, in your “fantasy scenario” you must tell Don Waddell the terms and conditions of the “sign-n-trade.” So, be sure to include how many years and how much money you are authorizing Waddell to spend. For example, 7-years/$56 million. 4-years, $33.5 million. Etc. Now, what do you cough up? Bear in mind, some of the guys Waddell might want will need to be locked up as well, not just Hossa. What do you ask for? Raffi Torres? Ales Hemski? Shawn Horcoff? Fernando Pisani? Ethan Moreau? Jarret Stoll? Ladislav Smid? Bring back Steve Staios? (I hope all those guys still play for Edmonton. Honestly, I didn’t look.) But you get the point. Now, get cracking!

By Sara

July 27, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

I think the only reasonable trade for Hossa would be to LA for Cammelleri. He’s talented, we need a talented center, and we can keep him for a while. Someone said above that Hossa would bring more now than at the deadline, which is possibly true. But then again, look what DW coughed up at the deadline for a rental…so you never know. But outside of a deal like that for Cammelleri (top-tier talent that’s young), I would rather keep Hossa and run the chance we don’t resign him later, even if he walks. For the money we’d spend on him DW can still get a very nice replacement.

By Brendan

July 27, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

If you want to hear GM Brian Burke opine on Kevin Lowe, I urge you to check out the TSN article.

I certainly like the idea of Cammalleri coming to Atlanta from L.A., but … they’ve got to get more than that for Hossa. If it’s just Cammalleri, there’d better be a slew of draft picks. But even then, how do I say this (about Thrasher drafting)? Well, you know what I’m going to say. There’s no need for me to point out the obvious. If it were L.A., we’ve got to ask for some combination of Frolov, Brown, Johnson, Kopitar. Most of which are probably thought of as “untouchable.” But, they would be getting a perennial 80-100 Point a season player who is in the PRIME of his career. If you check the trees in your yard, none of them are sprouting Hossas. If I were the Kings, I wouldn’t do it. I’d stick with the young talent that I’ve got.

By Thrashers27

July 28, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

If L.A. will part with Cammalleri and Kopitar, I say it’s a done deal. Pull the trigger Waddell.

By Legion of thrash

July 28, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Another thought comes to mind, if we trade Hossa now, the team getting Hossa is not garaunteed his services after this season. They may be able to use that as leverage for not giving up as much. If Wadell and Hossa could have a talk and figure things out, maybe Wadell would be smart and ask Hossa “what team would you like to play for?” That would make a sign and trade possible or at least the other team knowing they can sign Hossa to an extension. Thus making his trade value at max value. I wish he would have mentioned some teams in that interview, it would make speculation more fun!

By Brian

July 28, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Legion (and you too Brendan) - now here is where the sign-n-trade makes sense. Not during the draft.

By zimthrasher

July 29, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27, a Kopitar trade would send the Kings fans into a frenzy barring Ovechkin or Crosby in return. If Atlanta could pry him from L.A. even without Cammalleri, but a combination of any of the players Brendan mentioned it would be the steal of the century.

Kopitar is going to be the central marketing piece for the L.A. Kings over the course of his time as a player or restricted free agent.

Similar to Kovalchuk for the Thrashers…

By Legion of thrash

July 29, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Brian, uhhhh, ok?

By Tony C.

July 29, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

I have a question:

Isn’t Haydar on an NHL-Only contract for the coming season? If so, where do yall put him?

Also, I’m sure I’m not the only one concerened with the smurfiness of our team-how would yall combat this?

Looking forward to October

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. I say we still go with the Blueland thing-blue looks a hell of a lot better filling the stands than white does-no offense to Winnipeg

By Brendan

July 29, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Brian, I thinK the issue of re-signing a pending or current “UFA” resides on two things. 1) The player wants control and 2) Is there a “no-trade clause” in the player’s contract? There’s probably a third thing, “throwing an obscene amount of money” at the player.

Where, I think, the draft comes in … is … that it happens BEFORE unrestricted free agency begins. (Draft in late June, UFA begins July 1.)

“Restricted” Players like Vanek and Penner have never had this much money thrown at them. Well, sometimes, UFA’s have never had that much money thrown at them before, either. If some other team were willing to pay Hossa 4-years, $39 million, then that’s what Don can offer him. Waddell doesn’t have to tell Hossa that the offer is part of some “sign-n-trade” with Edmonton or L.A., or whomever. Hossa, as we know very well, doesn’t have a “no trade clause” in his current contract. (Or, he wouldn’t be here. He’d be in Ottawa.) Allright. Back to that hypothetical “whopping” offer 4/$39 million. Ifffff or whennnnn Hossa affixes his signature to it, he’s acquiesced to whatever will follow. Including his potential, hypothetical trade. The contract is “binding.” He has to play, for the Thrashers, or whomever, or he’s in breech of contract. I don’t even want to get into that.

In broad, general terms, if that offer came in April, May or June … and the pending UFA player didn’t sign it, it’s a pretty strong indicator that the player won’t entertain any contracts until after July 1st. Again, for control. Or because he fears a “sign-n-trade.”

Returning to formerly “restricted” Vanek for a moment, if the Sabres had refused to match the 7-year/$50 million offer sheet, Vanek would have been contractually bound to play for the Oilers, like it or not, for sev-ven years. Vanek’s only way out of Edmonton is if the Oilers trade him during those seven years.

Why would Vanek even sign the offer sheet? Why would Penner sign the offer sheet? There are “millions and millions of reasons.” Let’s face it, that sum of money is a “life altering event.” Especially for RFA’s who haven’t tasted the major moolah. The lure of money is probably just too strong to ignore.

But if you’re Hossa, you’ve already got all the money you’d ever need. Now, it’s simply a matter of control. Choice. Don Waddell has the power to trade Hossa up until July 1, 2008, at Noon. Hossa’s not “safe” until Free Agency begins. Getting back to the whopping hypothetical offer. Why wouldn’t Hossa just wait until AFTER July 1 to sign the 4/$39 million contract? Because I credit Waddell with enough sense to put a “time limit” on his generous offer, to facilitate his “sign-n-trade.” As in, “deal’s off the table come July 1. Take it or leave it.” But knowing Don they way Thrasher fans do, he’d probably tell Hossa, “we’re trying to make a deal with (supply team name here,) here are the terms, are you willing to do it? Don doesn’t have to be so forthcoming. But he’s a nice guy.

Players do have to think long and hard before they sign a legally binding contract. It may well be an INSANE amount of money. But they could wind up “stuck but good” in some non-hockey hotbed, as a perennial cellar dweller.

I leave it up to your good offices to decide if we should “cry” for them. They are professional atletes getting paid very well to play in the National Hockey League, wherever their particular outpost might be. For what it’s worth, I think Don’s intentions are to lock up Hossa for the longhaul. But it’s not up to DW. It’s up to Hossa to AGREE. I’d bet Waddell would grant a “no trade clause” to Hossa this time around.

By Brian

July 30, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Legion - leading up to the draft a few people kept mentioning how there were going to be these sign-n-trades but they never happened. I don’t think it makes sense during the draft to do a sign-n-trade. You just mentioned that scenario now and I think it makes sense here though. Sorry, I was continuing a conversation from a past blog…

That said, I would love to see a sign-n-trade of Hossa for some of those scenarios mentioned above.

By ranallo10

July 30, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Brendan — How many sign-and-trades have happened since the new CBA came in? Seriously, I can’t think of any that fit the guidelines of what you continue to hope for.

I think we’ve seen the newest phenomenon of trade-and-signs, but wont see nearly as many sign-and-trades in the future. Why? Well, Brendan likes that notion of a player telling his current team “I want to play in Albuquerque”, and his current team GM then going to Albuquerque’s and saying “how much would you pay for said player after July 1? We’ll sign him to that now, and trade you his rights.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that collusion at it’s finest? GM 1 is making a secret agreement with GM 2, in order to obtain Player X before he becomes a free agent and available to GM 3 through 30. GM 1 is signing the player to a contract that GM 2 stipulated, but only speaking to the GM that the player wants to speak with.

The difference I’m making a distinction between is the trade-and-sign’s we saw with Scott Hartnell, Kimo Timmonen, Joni Pitkanen, Chris Thorburn, Jesse Schultz, etc etc. All players were RFAs, all players were traded to a new team, and all players were signed by the new team during the allowed negotiating period before becoming UFAs or going to arbitration. It could’ve come back to bite the team (if Pitkanen didn’t sign with Edmonton, they’d have been screwed), but so far I can’t think of an instance that hasn’t worked out.

Speaking of collusion…the fact that a GM like Brian Burke would publicly denounce an offer sheet towards his own player as being “gutless”, this should show everybody one thing. GMs don’t like their RFAs being sent inflated contracts in an effort to sign said RFA, nor do they like it coming in the final hours before an arbitration hearing. Here’s my beef — When a GM then goes public with these angry sentiments, the other GMs league wide notice “Brian Burke doesn’t like this, and he just won the Cup, maybe I shouldn’t do that.” While that’s most likely the message Burke is attempting to get across, he’s bullying his COMPETITORS into not doing something deemed legal in today’s CBA. How is that not in essence collusion (or any other more applicable term that highlights the illegality)? The GMs are making an unspoken agreement not to offer other teams’ RFAs a contract because it is “gutless”. If I were part of the NHLPA, I’d be complaining about this, as it’s an extremely profitable practice for me as a player, but is being condemned PUBLICLY (I can’t stress that enough) by the GMs.

Okay, now with the collusion flinging aside, explain this to me Brendan. Player X wants to play at X Team, according to your theory. So he facilitates a sign-and-trade so that he may do so. Why would Player X not just wait it out? Many things could happen during the sign-and-trade process, such as GM 2 changing his mind and not wanting to give up the previously agreed upon package for the player. Now Player X is stuck in a contract with a team that he may not want to play for. I’m sure Hossa didn’t appreciate being traded to Atlanta after signing with Ottawa (no player would), but if he WANTED to go to Atlanta and then was told by Ottawa “oops, we re-signed you for four years, but Atlanta no longer wants you, you’re stuck with us now”…well I doubt Hossa would be inclined to suiting up for Ottawa.

Remember that though this is a business, it’s not cut and dry. Players feelings and emotions are involved, as are the GMs. If Ryan Smyth truly wanted to play in Edmonton, why couldn’t he drop the reported $100k difference from his contract? It’s not just the ownership/GMs fault, it also lies on him. Yes, he may have given a concession on how he’d spend that $100k difference, but if it’s what he wanted (to play in Edmonton), maybe he should’ve given more to play where he “wanted” to play.

Just my $.02

By GaVaHokie

July 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I’d like to see Hossa traded for Cammalleri and Jack Johnson… I don’t see any equal value from the Habs or Oilers unless they pull a trade for Patrick Marleau and then ship him here.

There’s nothing worse than an unmotivated Euro-player… if Hossa doesn’t want to be here, fine.

By Brendan

July 30, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Brian, I’m not hoping for any sign-n-trades. Let’s clear that right up. Second, it might be “collusion.” But I think we need have a good working definition of what “collusion” is. There’ll be some people who’ll allege that every trade is some form of collusion. Is it not two GM’s hoping to work out a mutually beneficial deal? Some people might argue, “that’s collusion.” Well, no. Not necessarily. It might just be a “trade.”

But, Brian’s right in that it is definitely two GMs plotting together to make a deal happen according to terms that both GMs find acceptable. And it’s not common for UFA’s to be traded on draft day. More bluntly to Brian’s point, let’s say, hypothetically, come June 22, 2008, Don trades Hossa’s rights to Phoenix, or something. How would it impact Hossa? It wouldn’t. Unless he actually signs with Phoenix between June 22 and July 1. But, he doesn’t have to sign with anyone before July 1, Thrashers or otherwise. Which is why, as Brian points out, it doesn’t happen. I merely state, it “can” happen. It’s permitted. I’m not saying or advocating that it’s some burgeoning trend about to explode and become the “norm” of the offseason. Sheesh.

Brian, in your above scenario “Player X” wouldn’t initiate anything. It would be GM “X” that intiates the “collusion.” And the reason for it would be the prevent the bidding-war when the player the GM wants hits the open market. This way, he gets his player without the bidding against 29 other teams. But, c’mon. He’s still gonna pay through the nose for the guy he wants. It’s not as if he’s really been “cut a deal.” The UFA still holds ALLLLL the cards. If the player hears an offer that he likes, he’ll take it. If not, he won’t. And the UFA can stipulate a “no trade clause” in whatever contract he signs. Which would be another road block to the UFA “Sign-n-trade” type scenario. Again, I’m not hoping for sign-n-trades. Okay, barring some “fantastic deal” that clearly benefits the Thrashers. In that case, YESSSSS. I’m hoping for sign-n-trades. As would any other Thrashers fan.

By ranallo10

July 30, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan — ‘Twas my scenario, not Brian’s.

My whole point is drop the sign-and-trade theories. They don’t happen often, and are not a solution to any sorts of hypothetical situations we as fans might be able to come up with. Think about it…GMs don’t want to be known as an untrustworthy person who signs a player then flips them to another team immediately. It can happen, yes, but it doesn’t happen too often. Tim Gleason is a great example of an accidental sign-and-trade. He was signed by Los Angeles to a two year extension, then was traded 12 days later with Eric Belanger to Carolina for Jack Johnson and Oleg Tverdovksy. The intent by LA wasn’t to sign him and immediately trade him, but rather 11 days later they got wind that Carolina was desperate for a center and salary cap room (removing Tverdovsky), and found a nice match in “sweeteners” of Johnson for Gleason. Carolina didn’t actively pursue Gleason and say “sign him for two years at X dollars, and we’ll trade for him”…rather it worked out that way.

I’m truly tired of reading (not just here, but on every other forum out there) how the team in discussion should initiate a sign-and-trade for Cammalleri, as if no other team is pursuing this unsigned Restricted Free Agent who is at an impasse with his current team in renegotiations. I’m not trying to be on a soap box here, but it’s a widely agreed upon idea that “Mike Cammalleri is a good player and worthy of attempting to acquire”. So now Toronto fans, Montreal fans, Edmonton fans, Atlanta fans, Buffalo fans, and every other fan should stop reiterating the sentiment ad nauseum.

That being said, I like Hossa, and I don’t want to see him traded. Cammalleri and Johnson shouldn’t be accepted in exchange for Hossa, as the Kings aren’t even in contention for a Cup this season. If anyone wants Hossa, it’s an “over the hump” acquisition (like Detroit, Buffalo, San Jose, etc). Los Angeles has far too competitive of a division to give up their future franchise player (Johnson) and a top playmaking center (Cammalleri) for a RW with one year left on his contract. I don’t see it as a smart decision by LA.

By GaVaHokie

July 30, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… the Kings have made pretty significant moves this off season. Preissing, Brad Stuart, Michal Handzus, Kyle Calder, Ladislav Nagy added with Rob Blake, Vishnovsky, Frolov and Kopitar… they’re still trying to get a reputable goalie… I’d say they’re one “Marian Hossa” away from being a GREAT contender.

Cammalleri is the best example of a sign-n-trade… a guy who needs a contract that also, potentially, needs to be moved.

And, agreed, Hossa can be dealt anywhere… I wouldn’t mind revisiting the Patrick Marleau scenario.

By Brendan

July 30, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

I agree. I henceforth agree not to discuss UFA “sign-n-trade” theories. But, if someone asks me, it’s gonna come up again. Though, it’s sort of an exercise in spinning one’s wheels.

Back to Hossa, not as a sign-n-trade, DW is on the record as saying he’s going to try to re-sign him this offseason. For what it’s worth, I don’t think Waddell is lying. I really do believe this is his intent. My question is … Do you BLOGGERS think that is the “right path?” In essence, is Hossa “essential” to the longterm growth/future of the Atlanta Thrashers? A simple “yes” or “no” will suffice.

You can reply, “yes, provisionally. And the provision is that Atlanta not overpay for him. Or egregiously overcommit in terms of the length of the contract.” Nothing wrong with answering, “No, I think we can better spend the money on depth.” Or whatever. It’s an open ended response, by you, the bloggers. I’m just curious where my fellow Thrasher fans stand?

If I can throw a “part II” to the question. “How will you interpret Waddell’s failure to sign Hossa this Summer, ifffff he fails to re-sign him?” Is he “so gone!” Or, do you think it’s just a “wait and see” type of situation. Where if the Thrasher make it back to the playoffs, and some success there, Hossa will re-sign with Atlanta. Either before or after July 1, 2008.

Folks, either way, Hossa stands to get paid. And paid hansomely. The issue is … will be paid by the Atlanta Spirit Group or someone else.

By Brendan

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

It is Monday. Isn’t it time for a new blog? On a different note, 176 responses is still pretty good for a Summer blog … in Atlanta!

By kbatch26

July 30, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Brenden As far as Hossa’s future goes… if we could do away with the self-imposed cap, I would love to keep him. With the additional salary constraints by the ownership group, I wouldn’t mind seeing him moved for depth (without the economic restrictions, I believe we could keep him and add depth). I don’t think Wadell will be going anywhere until the ownership situation is worked out.

By Legion of thrash

July 30, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I would have no problem re signing Hossa, IF he wants to stay. I think the right path would be a gm who could surround Hossa and Kovalchuck with the proper players. Not 3rd and 4th line guys, Kozlov being the exception. I am sick of seeing Kovy have no linemates, hopefully Sterling can help. He still needs a legit Center. Holik is not the answer to that problem, and for those who say Holik would be the same as Tkatchuck it’s an absolute joke!

By GaVaHokie

July 30, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Legion… I would never say Holik is the “same” as Tkachuk. I would, however, say Holik would be looked upon to play a similar role if bumped up to the scoring lines… a stand in front, stuff it home type player… you can count on that. He may not have Tkachuk numbers, but he’ll certainly play that role.

By Legion of thrash

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

Tkatchuck did quite a bit more than stand in front of the net.

By ranallo10

July 30, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I agree with you on the substantial moves LA has made, if you recall both Brendan and myself had them earmarked as a team to watch this coming season. In fact, I stated that I am envious of LA fans with the roster they tout and the future landscape of their team.

That being said, I understand they could be “one Hossa away” from contention, but losing a Cammalleri (3-4 years younger, more pivotal position—pun not intended) for a POSSIBLE one year rental would not be the smart move for their team in my opinion. If I were a LA fan, I wouldn’t want to see Johnson shipped anywhere, because he’s the future of their defensive corps. I wouldn’t mind seeing Hossa come to LA, but the biggest thing is that as an LA fan I wouldn’t want it to be a one year rental just to show the illusion of competing in such a strong division.

I am not convinced that the Los Angeles roster, even with a possible acquisition of Hossa, could beat Anaheim, Dallas or San Jose in a 7 game series. It’s a ton of Tier 2 talent, on one or two year contracts, playing for a team with no proven goalie. The goalies they’re looking to acquire are all tier 2 goalies (Aebischer, Raycroft). In my opinion, their team RIGHT NOW needs a Roberto Luongo before they need a Marian Hossa. If Jonathan Bernier lives up to his hype, he could be that tier 1 goalie…but that’s at least two seasons away, so I feel they should keep their young talent while they still can afford it.

Basically, looking at the proposed transaction from the other side of the fence, I don’t see it as being in the best interest of the franchise (LA) if they were to move Cammalleri and others for a minimum of one season of Hossa.

By GaVaHokie

July 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, agreed… it all depends on how serious Hossa is about “wanting to pick his own team” in free agency.

Los Angeles being a large market team more willing to spend to the cap, I think, would have a pretty good shot to extend him… a gamble, yes, but more of what I think Hossa is looking for. A team with “resources”.

By ranallo10

July 30, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…I wonder if Hossa would see Los Angeles as a team with a vision of sustained playoff success and Stanley Cup ability.

I’d be happy as an LA fan keeping Cammalleri for several seasons and locking up their Tier 1 talent (Hossa, Spezza, Heatley, etc) during the free agency dash of next season (Blake and Tverdovsky will be off the books, opening plenty of dollars to sign such a player). Give Bernier some time this year behind Cloutier, and hopefully he’ll make a splash.

Like I said, with the position that team is in, I’m envious of Los Angeles fans.

By GaVaHokie

July 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

The chance to be a young, single, high dollar athlete living in Southern California, playing for a large market team that has money to spend… that would be hard to pass up… it was good enough for Gretzky to leave Canada.

Marian “Hollywood” Hossa.

By ranallo10

July 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Hahaha, let’s hope not Hokie, unless the Thrashers can get something like you all have mentioned in return.

I like “Marietta” Marian Hossa much better.