AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCatching up with Jon Sim
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, let’s address the Marian Hossa trade rumors. Despite rumors to the contrary floating around the internet, I want to stress that the Thrashers are much more interested in signing Hoss to a contract extension than trading him. There are no serious trade talks as of right now, and I don’t anticipate that changing any time soon.
So rather than fan those flames any more than we already have, let’s start a new debate. Who do you think the Thrashers are going to miss the most off of last year’s team? The obvious answer is Keith Tkachuk, but that’s cheating. What about guys who were around a little longer? Andy Sutton? Greg DeVries? Eric Belanger?
When free agency hit, I got as many questions about Jon Sim as any other possible free agents. I know fans liked his grit, not to mention the 17 goals he scored in somewhat limited ice time. My neighbor has a Jon Sim Thrashers jersey, and in late June she was worried about a possible Sim departure. I assured her that it was likely he’d be back. I was wrong.
So after Monday’s Falcons practice, I caught up with Sim, who was on his way to the beach in Nova Scotia, for a quick interview. Here’s an excerpt from that interview.
Q: What are your thoughts on your deal with the Islanders?
A: I’m excited. It’s another new team but I’m used to that. I think we’re going the right way. They want to win. They want to make the playoffs, they want to be the last team standing. That’s the same way I feel.
Q: Were the Islanders a team you knew was interested in you?
A: July 1 came and I wasn’t expecting anything right away. My agent called me and said he had a 3-year deal with the Islanders and said ‘How do you feel?’ I said ‘3-year deal? I feel great.’”
Q: You signed a 3-year deal for $3 million. For a guy who has bounced around a little, what does it mean to have that security?
A: It’s just a relief, we’re looking for a house to buy now. We won’t be renting, it’s just exciting. It’s something that every hockey player wants, everybody in their life wants security, We have that now.
Q: Some criticized the Islanders for losing a couple big-time players in free agency, what are your thoughts on their off-season?
A: They lost a couple big fish, but they also signed a couple with Bill Guerin, [Rusian] Fedotenko, [Mike] Comrie, - three really good players. It’s all a circle. They lost Blake then got Comrie — I just think they want to win. The moves that they made are the right ones. Comrie made it to the Finals — Billy’s won Stanley Cups. I’ve been around winning teams too. That has a lot to do with it.
Q: How close were you to re-signing with the Thrashers?
A: We were close, I thought. I was trying to get more money and another year. They kind of said, we can wait and see what the market is. On July 1st, it kind of happened. We called Don [Waddell] and he had his hands tied. I spoke with Don myself, and got a call from Larry Simmons, to me that was very classy. I had a lot of fun there.
Q: Was there any disappointment when you realized a deal in Atlanta wouldn’t get done?
A: A little bit, I liked it there. I made some good friends on the team. We liked where we lived in Sugarloaf. I like the organization. Obviously, I was only there the one year, it was a fun year for the team, making the playoffs. All that was fun, we were looking to next year, but that’s the game of hockey, right? I know that best.
Q: Did the Thrashers offer you a multi-year deal?
A: They had a two-year deal but my agent was pretty keen on checking out the market. He thought this was a good year for me, I scored 17 goals on not a ton of ice time. He thought the market was going to be right. It was for me.
Q: What do you think of the Thrashers off-season moves?
A: Obviously they got another centerman — lost Belanger, got another winger in Perrin. They obviously, they’re trying to do the same things we are. You move a couple players and you bring a couple in.
Q: Now that you’re on the outside looking in, what do you think the Thrashers are going to need to do this season to make the next jump?
A: They’re going to have to gel like we did last year early. That’s where we got a big jump on the field. We got a really good start, that was huge for the whole season. If they can do that again, I’m sure they’ll be in the picture. They still have a lot of a good people in the organization.
Comments
By Bob
August 6, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
On July 1st, it kind of happened. We called Don [Waddell] and he had his hands tied. I spoke with Don myself, and got a call from Larry Simmons, to me that was very classy. I had a lot of fun there
I don’t get what he meant here? How could Waddell have his hands tied on a $1m per year player? Was it the years? Did we give anyone that we signed this summer longer than a 2 year deal? Didn’t White get 4 yrs? Mabye Waddell was just being nice to him saying “my hands are tied” when he really meant “good luck, Jon”.
By ranallo10
August 6, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Bob — It’s interesting how you failed to put in the other relevant part of the quote from Sim. We were close, I thought. I was trying to get more money and another year. They kind of said, we can wait and see what the market is.
According to Sim, he wanted more money AND another year. Waddell didn’t offer him three years, he offered two. Sim and his agent apparently felt three years was important.
“My hands are tied” (a quote of a quote of a quote) could’ve meant “I can’t offer anybody a third year unless they’re a RFA, or their name is Todd White”.
The only players signed beyond 08/09 for the Thrashers (past the two year contract mark) are — Exelby (09/10), White (10/11), Kozlov (09/10), Kovalchuk (09/10). Slater will be a RFA in 09/10.
By GaVaHokie
August 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
There’s too many Jon Sim’s in this world to pay him $1 million early in the summer… turns out we got ourselves a “Jon Sim” in Thorburn for much less.
Funny, I don’t know that I’ve ever missed a player that walked away from this team… Heatley was a trade, so I don’t count that.
I could argue for Sutton… he had a little something to contribute, and for some strange reason, when he was injured and didn’t play the Thrashers stunk… I mark this up to coincidence more than his actual contribution.
But given his unreliable play in the last 2 minutes of a game, along with him using too small a stick, I’ll get over it.
By N2Hockey
August 6, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
sad :( I really liked the grit sim brought to the team…..I’m tired of the thrashers being ball-less, he gave us that….wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself or his teamates!
By Brendan
August 6, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
My reaction to this is mixed. By the way, great and timely article, Craig. We just made mention of Sim’s 3-year deal on the previous blog. I stand by what I wrote, which is, I credit Waddell for easing off a contract that would make the player 35 years old when it expires. But, at the same time, I kinda think DW could have re-signed him at more than $1.0 on a two-year deal. At $1.25 million, for two years, equals $2.5 million. Sim took $3.0 million for three years. Yeah, Sim loses $500,000 by taking Waddell’s hypothetical deal, but he gets to play with Kovalchuk. Or Hossa and Kozlov. By the time that two-year deal expires, he’ll command more than $2.0 million-per-season, if he hits some reasonably projected numbers, like back-to-back 20-goal campaigns, coupled with NHL tenure, and a Stanley Cup on his resume (Dallas-1999). That all assumes he doesn’t get injured. Which is, perhaps, why he took the “guaranteed” money with that 3-year deal.
So Sim gets $3.0 million. But under the hypothetical, he’d make $2.5 off Waddell, and let’s say, more conservatively, $1.75 three years from now, from some GM in the league. That’s $3.75 million, or an extra $750,000. I’m not gonna dwell on it. Sim got hurt towards the end of last season, and who knows? That may have contributed to Waddell’s lack of enthusiasm for this player.
By Bob
August 6, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Sounds like the 3rd year sealed the deal more than anything, now they can buy a house for the first time. I’m sure the boss (that’s his wife for those that aren’t married) had some input on that.
By Rawhide
August 6, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
I wish Simmer good luck on the Island,….
I think GaVaHokie is right when he says that Simm has been replaced by Thorburn….
Who we gonna regret letting go the most. Belanger without a doubt. He was a great addition last winter and we could use him in the Center this year. (sigh)….
Of course, the evil side of me will miss Mandy Sutton. He was such an easy target. A blogger really didn’t have to work too hard to come up with juicy tid-bits-o-venom to spew when he was around. He was a big EASY target.
Oh well,…..
By Russ
August 6, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t see Thorburn as a replacement for Sim. Sim has scored 17 goals in each season since the lockout, Thorburn has 3 goals in 41 career NHL games. He is still young, so maybe he will start putting more points on the board, but he will have to drastically increase his production to replace Sim’s goal scoring. Also, Sim was on a line with Kovalchuk most of last season and I’d be very surprised if Thorburn spends much time on the top two lines.
By dj
August 6, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Not to change the subject, but Eklund today on his blog stated that all the Marian Hossa rumors are not coming from Atlanta. I just thought that was interesting.
By GaVaHokie
August 6, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure Sim was important enough to “replace”… not to be mean. His money, along with Belanger’s was better utilized by getting Todd White and resigning Dupuis. I don’t believe, come April 2008 we’ll be saying “Geez, if we just had Belanger and Sim still…”
Hopefully it will all make sense when Sterling is opposite Kovy, plunking in 25-30 goals as a rookie.
By GaVaHokie
August 6, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
DJ… you’re not changing the subject… actually I’ll miss Marian Hossa from last years team when he gets dealt to San Jose. :)
By Brian
August 6, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Sim was worth the $$ either, but I would rather pay someone else less. 8 teams in 8 years, 17 goals a year shouldn’t be too hard to replace…
By Toxostoma Rufum
August 6, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Nice piece on Sim,
The guy we will miss the most is Hossa, but we won’t miss him too much since we’ll be getting Marleau and Bernier back in the deal.
And yes, I do think we’ll be throwing something else in there besides Hossa. ;)
By russian
August 6, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Only one person which I really missed Belanger. He had very good chemistry with Slava and Hossa. I am going to miss him. But anybody else are not a problem to replace.
By Brendan
August 6, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
At NHL.com, they have a segment featured on former Thrasher (very briefly) Chris Kunitz’s Day with the Cup. He did some nice things with it, including going back to Ferris State with it and taking it to a hospital cancer patients. And he autographed every photo for everyone who attended his fundraiser to fight cancer. Classy!
By Brendan
August 6, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Lightning catch a break in arbitration. I’d say they were very fortunate. The recent round of arbitration decisions seem to have been somewhat reasonable.
Russ, are you still in the house? How’s the project coming along? (The one where you identify which teams reached out most in terms of # of players acquired in Free agency, and then compared it to the recent draft history of the team, to show where deficiency of drafting FORCED them into FREE AGENCY to fill the gaps.) Granted, the offseason is still only about half over.
By Sara
August 6, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Brendan but where is Cammelleri’s award decision? The 48 hour window has loonngg passed.
By AJ
August 6, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
I sure am gonna miss him!! He was AWESOME!! He got the blood boiling for us all the time and stood up to guys that were WAY BIGGER than him!! He made hockey fun and exciting. He is a classy guy and I wish him all the very very best!!
By BigAl
August 6, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - * could argue for Sutton… he had a little something to contribute, and for some strange reason, when he was injured and didn’t play the Thrashers stunk… I mark this up to coincidence more than his actual contribution.*
Didn’t you get that backwards? The Thrashers were 15-7-3 in the span of 11/26-01/30 when Sutton was out.
The Thrashers when he came back went 3-7-2 the month after he came back!
By R. Stroz
August 6, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
The Los Angeles Kings’ website states that the Kings have come to terms with Cammelleri; however, no terms are disclosed.
By Brendan
August 7, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz and Sara, looks like Cammalleri is off the market. But I didn’t catch any terms. We’ll have to check www.nhlpa.com in the morning. Or that link Adam provided in the previous blog. Hopefully, it’s just a one-year deal. And the Kings will have to go through this mess of re-signing him again next year. Then maybe Atlanta can get lucky and snare him.
By Thrasher316J11
August 7, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
The article ties in well with the question Craig. At the end of last season I wouldnt have thought I would be saying I would miss Sim the most. At the time I was thinking Sterling was going to be on the wing opposite Kovy. Once again I swallowed Don’s hype about youth movement hook, line and sinker. Should have known better.
Now that we have signed Perrin, Thorburn, Boulton and Giroux I dont see how Sterling makes the team. Unless Don signed a couple of those guys to play of the AHL side of the equation we just dont have the roster spots. I see those signings as indication the youth movement was just PR spin. Looking at that cast of players, Perrin is the likely candidate for the wing opposite Kovy. My problem is that I cant get the articles I read from Tampa’s site saying he couldnt finish the big plays dished out by Richard’s out of my head. Sim and his 17 goals will be missed the most.
By GaVaHokie
August 7, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Tampa Bay has new ownership… Jay Feaster still remains GM and Tortorella is still coach.
By Bob
August 7, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
I see those signings as indication the youth movement was just PR spin
No! You mean Don blew smoke up our rears? Say it ain’t so! There always was a disconnect between Waddell saying “youth movement” yet retaining Bob “I like me vets much!” Hartley.
Looking at that cast of players, Perrin is the likely candidate for the wing opposite Kovy
I had some cocktails last weekend with a buddy who played for Hartley in Hershey and played alongside Perrin there (and St. Louis for that matter). My guy was high on Perrin, but then again, mabye he was just a little high. Seriously though, he claims that Perrin is underappreciated, but then he, St. Louis and Perrin were all good buds and St. Louis was the guy who lobbied for Tampa to bring Perrin over from Europe last year. I have some hopes for Perrin since Tortorelli was pretty bitter when Perrin left, if Perrin didn’t show promise, I don’t think they would have been bitter about him leaving for us. So, that’s some hope.
I do think our best shot at improving this year is to trade Hossa, assuming the return is 2 NHL players, preferably a top line center and a right winger.
By Roswell Thrasherfan
August 7, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
why are you guys so upset that a youth movement isn’t happening if the reason they aren’t going to be here is because we acquired better players in free agency?
By Thrasher316J11
August 7, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Roswell: I was just pointing out for the DW fans on this blog that he either didnt have a clue what the true landscape of the youth we had in the system was or he lied to the season ticket holders intentionally to avoid tuff questions about the age and direction of the team.
Everyone: I am moving out of the state and the Thrashers will not give me a blanket refund on my season tickets. I have a full season ticket package (2 seats) with rights to the All-star game, playoffs, etc for sale. As you can infer from my posting handle they are in section 316 row J seats 10&11. I am looking to transfer the tickets to the new owner with all rights attached. I paid $1760 for the package and will off to the blog nation at $1500 before heading to Ebay. This is a savings of roughly $4 a game. It is sad for me to even type this message as I have been to 90% of the games for the last 4 seasons but alas a good deal for anyone who still needs tickets.
By GaVaHokie
August 7, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
The youth movement is still a possibility… there’s still training camp and preseason. If those guys show up out of shape and don’t show an immediate impact there will be no youth movement… and rightfully so.
Thorburn, Bartovic and Giroux still equate to a youth movement… and what most people want to see is Krog (31), Haydar (27) and Sterling (23) get a fair shot at the roster. Apart from Sterling, I don’t exactly understand the youth movement thing anyway. Most of the guys fighting for a space are 24 and older.
Unless of course we’re talking about Valabik, LaVallee and Little in a youth movement… I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
By Bob
August 7, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
316J11, you moving to a town with a hockey club? best of luck to you.
DW lie to the season ticket holders? No! Say it ain’t so?
By Tony C.
August 7, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I think that Jon Sim will always get a cheer from me on his 1st shift-then, it’s back to booing those bums from LI as usual.
Seriously, I still think when he dropped the gloves vs. San Jose was one of the ballsiest performances by a Thrasher ever…I also remember a shootout where Simmer made no fake whatsoever, just blew the shot past the goalie high stickside…it was beauty…glad he and his family will be able to put down some roots. We all need some stability in our lives-good for the Sims!
Now if these new guys can match the level of courage Simmer was known to show, then things may indeed be looking up!
GO BLUE !!!
By R. Stroz
August 7, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
First, I HATED to see Sim go and wish him the best. I wish half of the Thrashers players would bust their collective backsides in the same manner Sim did.
Second, based on the recent contract numbers, Cammalleri got screwed. If the Kings want to trade him, the contract numbers alone make excellent trade bait.
By GaVaHokie
August 7, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
The Kings are going to accept the reward… they never wanted to trade him, they just thought they wouldn’t be able to afford him.
Speaking of… I thought arbitration awards were only for one year. How did Cammalleri get a two year reward?
By Brendan
August 7, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
If the Kings are unhappy with the deal, which I doubt they are, they can always trade Cammalleri. I’d take him at a cap hit of $3.35 million. Cammalleri’s arbitration award. Finally, something is reeling in these grossly inflated contracts. Who’da thunk it would be ARBITRATION? When this contract is up in two years, Cammalleri becomes unrestricted. Truthfully, if the Kings want to keep him, they’d do well to lock him up next Summer, rather than waiting for the Summer of 2009, when it will probably cost them more. A very nice, generous offer may go a long way towards mending some fences. Or they’ll lose him, outright, to free agency.
Who knows how bad this hearing really was? Perhaps enough unpleasant things were said, such that the Kings and Cammalleri can be satisfied with a trade? Don’t look at me like that. If Cammalleri no longer wants to be there and the Kings now sense that his heart isn’t in it, after what he’s just heard at this hearing. And someone offers (supply impressive NHL name here) as a suitable trade, perhaps the Kings will feel “froggy enough” to jump. $3.35 million in cap hit for a 30+ goal scorer is reasonable. Kozlov and Tkachuk each had 27 goals and Kozzie got $3.75 million and KT got $4.0 million (as cap hits). Cammalleri is what? 25-26 years old? And under contract for two-more years. Who just said, “let’s trade Kozlov for Cammalleri straight up.” Nice thought. But Kozlov has a “no trade clause” written into his contract. So, fahgettaboutit.
Give ‘em Slater and Sterling! Yeah, if you were Kings, would you do that? (No. I’d hear a lot better offer than that.) I’d offer them Holik … with a smile, and an explanation, “Well, you can’t blame a guy for trying?
By Matt H
August 7, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Simmer: loved ya, miss ya!
Bolts sold to Doug MacLean? Good news for Thrashers fans (how bout them Blue Jackets?). This will be the Lightning’s fourth set of owners in its 15-year history, (actually, kinda the 5th).
I’ve been pleased to see sane awards in the Avery and Cammalleri cases.
By GaVaHokie
August 7, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
I’d love to look at last years’ posts where everyone was saying “who the hell is Jon Sim? Waddell sucks!”
By Brendan
August 7, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
For those of you who watched the draft, which is probably most of you, you just knew that Doug MacLean couldn’t take being “dormant” in the NHL very long. Now we know what he was up to. Segue, the new Columbus Blue Jackets GM has a nice article about him at NHL.com. Here’s the link if you want to read up on Scott Howson. Started out with the Islanders … went to law school. Quit when he found it to be passionless. And reconnected with his 1st love, hockey, to become an assistant GM with the Oilers. And now GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s got Ken Hitchcock, a Stanley Cup-winning coach behind the bench. Of course, you can also argue that Hitchcock was partly to blame for the Flyers LAST PLACE finish last season. Though, to be fair, doesn’t most of that fall on archaic ex-GM, Bobby Clarke? And his choice of pylons for defensemen. But I digress. Good for Scott Howson. But this is exactly the type of GM Atlanta would get if the Atlanta Spirit Group fired Don Waddell. (Relax, they won’t.) But, the point is, some assistant GM, who just wants an opportunity to be a GM, ANYWHERE, would come to fill the void in Atlanta. This is essentially the situation that Howson inherits in Columbus, minus the ownership turmoil. But every single staffer there was “hand selected” by GM MacLean. Every scout. Every sales guy. All the advertisers, marketers, P.R. specialists, etc. I hope Howson catches a break. How many of you think Columbus just might make the playoffs next year?
By Brendan
August 7, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Matt H., do GM Jay Feaster and Doug MacLean get along? I hope so. If not, MacLean is now the boss, can fire Feaster, and appoint himself GM. And we can only hope that’s what happens, as Thrashers fans! Yes, we do!!!
By B. Thenet
August 7, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Jon Sim was fun to watch, he loved causing trouble in the crease right after the whistle had blown.
However he scored 7 of his 17 goals before Nov. 4. In addition he managed a mere 12 assists all season, considering how long he was on a line with Ilya that is pretty pathetic.
He was fun to watch, but I am hopeful that we replaced him with someone who can take advantage of playing on a line with one of the best snipers in the NHL.
By Bob
August 7, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
I agree with the angst about Sim. I think it’s the old adage, time makes the heart grow fonder
As the net points out, he didn’t exactly put up good numbers playing with Ilya and couldn’t even keep his spot on that line, he was constantly up and down. Sure, he was an agitator and tried hard, but I cannot fault Waddell for letting him go. In fact, good riddance, we need to improve (how exactly have we done that, however?).
By Roswell Thrasherfan
August 8, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
can i take a poll here? i could swear that i have been reading in these blogs that people are happy with this year’s team versus what it looked like in Aug 06. why then does bob ask how waddell improved it? can everyone please reply either yea or nay if they think this team as it is right now than it was in Aug 06? i’m not looking for long posts covering all 20-25 roster spots, just a simple yea or nay on Aug 07 Thrashers being better than the Aug 06 Thrashers (yea if you think they are better, nay if you think the Aug 06 team was better).
By Roswell Thrasherfan
August 8, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
yea
By B. Thenet
August 8, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
The bottom F lines are a clear improvement over what we went into with in 2006. We should see more scoring from them.
The top lines? Hard to say. Is White an improvement over what Rucchin brought, yes. Is Sterling an improvement over what Ilya had on his opposite wing last year…he should be. The 2nd line C situation is still up in the air, but then again it was last year as well. Holik or Little make me feel a bit more confident than the C’s we had in the mix for the spot last offseason.
At D, having a player like Zhitnik makes me feel much better about the PP. Klee is an improvement over Vishnevski. Sutton, despite what many think, is a loss that may be hard to fill. Our D will not be as punishing as it was last year. And you never know who will make the roster. Will McCarthy be starting, or will he be our #7 D as a rookie like Enstrom, Oystrick, or Lewis takes a starting spot. Hnidy is a bigger loss than many think, hopefully Popovic can step up.
Overall though, I do think the Thrashers are better than they were at training camp 2006. We have more rookies ready to push for spots, and our goaltending is steady for the 2nd year in a row.
By Brendan
August 8, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
I want to see this final roster before I make comment. But I’m not upset about the offseason moves. Atlanta just might end up a little bit younger and faster next year. B.Thenet was right about Jon Sim, though. He took off like a shot, (remember?, he had 5 goals before Ilya got his 1st,) but his production trailed off substantially over the 2nd half of the season. Sim, like all of us, isn’t getting any younger. So, if Sterling is the “Sim solution,” I welcome watching it. But I cannot, without so much as seeing him hit the ice as a Thrasher, declare him an improvement. If he is, GRRRREAT!! I’ve always said, “Now there’s a Waddell draft I agree with.” I’d love for him to find his spot.
What I think Bob is getting at with his post is this … do you think Waddell transformed this team from one that got swept to one that expects to go DEEP into the playoffs?
Stop. Stop. Stop. No one, and I do mean NO ONE, can answer that. Whatever lineup we might see on Opening night vs. the Capitals will NOT BE the lineup the dresses for Game One of the playoffs. Just look to last year. How many of you thought even Hnidy would still be with the Thrashers, come playoff time? How many of you had Keith Tkachuk, Pascal Dupuis, Eric Belanger, and Alexei Zhitnik “penciled” into your starting lineups??
PUT … YOUR HAND … DOWN! No, you didn’t. And that’s the point. We won’t know if we can GO DEEP or be EXPECTED TO GO DEEP on August ANYTHING, 2007. If you are feeling like the Thrashers are Cup-bound, right now, well … you’re a die-hard Thrashers fan. And that’s just SUPER. Every teams needs fans like you. For what it’s worth, I hope you’re right. I want to see Lord Stanley’s Cup get hoisted here, too! Yes, I do! But you won’t see me sayin’, “Stanley Cup here we come” based on the roster, as is. But that’s why they play the games.
Coach Hartley is sitting on the fence. And he knows it. Don Waddell, is safe, in “relative terms.” Virtually NOTHING has changed from last season. The team still has to make the playoffs, NO MATTER WHAT. Don’t be fooled into thinking differently. If this team steps backwards, misses the playoffs, with a team payroll around $43 million, changes will be made. Hossa will gone. And all that non-sense talk of Kovalchuk trades will be resurrected. And he’d command a lot, with two more years left on his contract.
StAHHHP! We’re NOWHERE NEAR that right now. That’s negativity talking. The time for negativity isn’t now. If, come December, the team is five games under .500, injury-decimated, and the forecast is overcast, with 100% chance of “hazy,” that’s different. Closer to the truth is … Atlanta’s got as good of a chance to repeat as division champions as last year. Carolina and T.B. aren’t any better. The Capitals and Panthers are improved. Remember how we OWNED THEM last year? Six wins vs. Florida, etc. The Caps kinda made a rebound on us towards the end of the season. But early on, we had their number. If the Thrashers can get out to this big October, then they’re in prime pouncing position to repeat atop the division. DW will make trade deadline moves, as needed. We might lose McCarthy, or Oystrick, Enstrom or Popovic at that time. Don’t surprised by that. But Waddell will use their prospective loss to BETTER the team for the IMMEDIATE DRIVE towards the goal. And I have to think that, though Waddell hasn’t be quoted on it just yet, the stated goal of the 2007-08 season is to make the 2nd round of the playoffs.
Okay, sorry for the long post. I tried to cover the question. But I cannot answer with “yea” and “nay” answers.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
To summarize Brendan’s post for everyone… “Time will tell”. :)
Brendan, I like you, but I can’t get past the second paragraph most of the time… I feel like I’m just listening to someone thinking out loud.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
I still think there might be a few changes left in Waddell… there are so many UFA’s still waiting for contracts. We’re going to get a good deal on a player like Berard or Anson Carter towards September, just a hunch.
By Dave
August 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
A huge disagreement about Tampa Bay not being any better. Getting Ouellet, Hlavac, and Gratton is WAY better than what they had after the BIG 3 last year. Fedetenko stunk and is gone, and an ungrateful and ‘can’t finish’ Perrin is gone (oh no, the Thrashers have him). Prospal is due for a rebound year and now Thrashers fans have to wonder if the new Lightning owners will allow more cap room to get a real goalie. Watch out! A true #1 in net puts the Lightning in Stanley Cup contention.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Dave, I agree… if that goalie is Bryzgalov, they are hands-down a better team. Goaltending has been the biggest issue for Tampa the past two years.
By Bob
August 8, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
What I think Bob is getting at with his post is this … do you think Waddell transformed this team from one that got swept to one that expects to go DEEP into the playoffs?
Yep, thanks for interpreting for the impaired.
I’d rate this year’s club vs. last year’s as a wash. And we had to start last year absolutely smoking hot and then make 4 deadline moves selling the farm just to simply get into the playoffs and get swept in the first round.
Yay for the status quo!
By Dave
August 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
100% with you too GaVaHokie. The past two years were simply a failure to have a #1 in net. Grahame was a bust, then Denis was a bust. They are NOT that different from the ‘04 Cup winning team other than (obviously) Khabibulin. As for Atlanta I definitely see an improvement just in actual ‘playoff’ experience for the young players on the team. Everyone has to go through it once. Can Hossa be as bad as he was in playoffs past with Ottawa and Atlanta? Hopefully not again. He has to be better this time, no? Great seasons mean NOTHING if you want to play golf after 82 games.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
It’ll be interesting to see if Prospal is the guy going to Anaheim for Bryzgalov… McDonald and Prospal will be a nice pairing if Selanne doesn’t return.
By Hip Czech
August 8, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Yea…The D is improved, the forward lines are at least even and Kari has a year more experience.
I know this isn’t about Hossa anymore, but Marleau/Bernier for Hossa I’d do in a heartbeat. I love Hossa and for the right price I hope he signs an extension, but it’s hard to beat 2 for 1.
By Brendan
August 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
If Tampa Bay had gotten Vokoun instead of the Panthers … it might be different. If Bryzgalov came to the Lightning … it’d change things for the Bolts. Did Fedotenko stink that badly? I think Isles overpaid for him. But he’s probably still got “something” left in him.
By Brian
August 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
YEA
I’ll take ‘07 over ‘06 Thrashers. I also have to agree with Hokie in that I like Brendan but too many times he talks without saying anything. Sorry bud, but I don’t get past the 2nd paragraph either.
Bob also came out in typical fashion of trying to back peddle his way and turning a blog into an opportunity to do some DW bashing.
Any moment pucksnsnot will be on here saying I told you so about something that none of us are talking about in his typical fashion…
By Craig Custance
August 8, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Thrashers will be announcing the signing of forward Milan Bartovic and defenseman Karel Pilar.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Karel Pilar?!… I thought he just resigned with Toronto?!
By ranallo10
August 8, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Custance. It was getting dead around here, I thought I heard crickets chirp until Brian and you posted.
By GaVaHokie (August 7, 2007 12:51 PM): Thorburn, Bartovic and Giroux still equate to a youth movement…
25 hours before our beat reporter mentions the signing.
Hokie, you’re beginning to scare me…inside info? Read that somewhere? DID MICHAEL VICK TELL YOU!?
At first I marked it off as a confusion for Jesse Schultz, but now I think you’re up to something.
By ranallo10
August 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Hokie — according to Eklund he signed with Toronto, course Ek said “Karol” Pilar, so maybe he meant Karel’s sister?? Crazy Ek making things up again.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Ranallo… as much as I’d like to take credit, Stan on hockeybuzz broke the news… six days ago.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8821
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
It should be noted, Karel Pilar has heart problems and has never played an entire season of NHL hockey.
He missed the entire season last year because of his heart condition.
Craig, what’s his health status?
By Hockeyfan
August 8, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Craig I know you dont make these decisions but can you tell us why the AJC took the link for Thrashers news off from the front page under the sports heading? If whomever tries to say it is because hockey season hasnt started yet ask them why the Hawks link is still there.
Oh, and way to scoop that Bartovic story from last week. One way contract so if he doesnt make it here he goes back to Europe.
By GaVaHokie
August 8, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
If Pilar signed for league minimum, and can stay healthy, this could be a steal… if he flounders, than somebody needs to keep Waddell from scouting those Swiss Elite games.
By Bob
August 8, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Who’s next, Old One Eye Berard? Convert Mike Vick to a center? Let me guess, these are “depth signings”? lol.
Ok, for the jokers that think this lineup is Yea which one of you wants to man up and bet that this lineup puts up more pts than last season’s club?
I’m taking the under, btw. Anyone care to bet that this lineup puts up more pts?
By Craig Custance
August 8, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie — The Thrashers doctors talked to the Toronto doctors and cleared him to play. There’s a little risk there, but the team feels like the risk/reward is worth it.
Hockeyfan — I don’t have any answers about the front page link. I know you can still get to the thrashers page from the top of ajc.com’s homepage. I’m guessing it was just an oversight, not any anti-hockey conspiracy. As for Bartovic, he signed a two-way deal worth $500K if he makes the team. The team does have the option to send him to Chicago.
By Sara
August 8, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Overall, I think the roster at this point compared to the roster this time last year is either a wash or better. I like being younger, even when factoring in the “inexperienced” factor. The kids can learn.
One thing that I don’t think anyone else has mentioned that will have a HUGE impact on this team’s success vs. last year’s team is “Has Bob Hartley improved?”. We got off hot last year and ended up having to make desperation moves at the deadline to get in the playoffs because the team just floundered after December. THAT was Hartley’s fault for not motivating the team enough and not making critical adjustments to a lackluster PP and worsening PK. BH has to be able to utilize the young players and has to be willing and able to make significant changes in strategy in order for this club to be successful. I think Don has given him more than enough to work with the past two seasons, Bob just didn’t get the job done. If this team tanks this season (meaning they don’t make the playoffs or get swept again) I think the obvious first change is behind the bench. I’d even give Waddell one more year with a new coach and if THAT doesn’t work, then out goes the GM.
Now, I would just as soon not have to go hunting for a coach per se since there is no telling if a quality coach would be available. But if I see the same stuff this season that I saw last season, then the club won’t have a choice IMO.
By Bob
August 8, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Actually, Sara, I had this conversation just last weekend with a buddy of mine who played for Hartley in Hershey about why the Thrash started out so well and then tailed off. His take on it is that Hartley puts his guys through such a hard training camp (mountains, weights, demanding that they drop weight, etc.) that they come out of camp in much better shape than their opponents.
His take was, that’s why the Thrashers’ started so hot, he said other club’s use training camp just to shake the cobwebs off and take 1/3 of the season or so to get to the same shape Hartley’s guys come out of camp in.
His take was that this burns Hartley’s guys out, I think his phrase was that the NHL season was a marathon, not a sprint. That’s why you see our guys tail off and the other teams still strong at the end, and why we needed the 4 new guys to come in and spark things up.
It made sense to me, especially coming from a guy who played pro hockey for Hartley.
By ranallo10
August 8, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Now I’m confused because the Bob who just posted agreed with someone and didn’t knock Don Waddell IN THE SAME POST. In fact, the Bob who just posted made an excuse for last season’s second half falter as someone other than Don Waddell’s.
I agree Sara, which is what I personally have been advocating since February. I think Hartley’s “system” did the team well during the first few months, but eventually the players tired, the PP and PK faltered (though, the PK merely dropped from NEAR last to DEAD last), and drastic changes were needed.
I definitely can buy into the “marathon not sprint” argument too, as Bob mentioned…but that is what depth and ice time is supposed to be used for. Most teams have one or two healthy scratches every game, from which most coaches utilize these players in order to give proper rest to their players. A prime example of how Hartley seems to fail in doing this is Shane Hnidy and Steve McCarthy. Despite the growing number of minues Havelid and de Vries logged every game, Hartley continued to ride those two defenders. They got tired, their defensive decisions began to falter, and the team gave up more and more goals. Instead of bringing McCarthy or Hnidy in every so often to spell those players, they rotted on the bench. Eventually both got a shot, but at that point it was seemingly too late. Hnidy shined, and stayed in the lineup, McCarthy got pushed off the depth chart by the acquisition of Zhitnik.
My point, which echoes Sara’s, is that if Hartley is going to ride his players hard, come out of the gates with pistons firing, then he’s got to learn to utilize the depth this club gives him and stop wearing down his players. One tired player ruins a PP situation. One tired player ruins a PK situation. If you overwork your best players, they flop come February. This is what we witnessed TWICE last season (January through February, and the Playoffs). In my opinion you can only blame the coaching staff for this.
By Thrashers27
August 8, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Who in the H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS are these guys?
By Hockeyfan
August 8, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
From the Slovakian press last week.
http://hokej.pravda.sk/bartovic-sa-po-roku-v-europe-vrati-do-nhl-ffj-/sknhl.asp?c=A070802210635sknhl_p28
Can anybody translate? Unfortunately someone will probably report it mentions that another player from his hometown will not be playing in Atlanta this season…
By Bob
August 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Now I’m confused because the Bob who just posted agreed with someone and didn’t knock Don Waddell IN THE SAME POST. In fact, the Bob who just posted made an excuse for last season’s second half falter as someone other than Don Waddell’s.
Obsess much? lol.
If you could take your blinders off, Rainman, you’d recall that my major problem at the end of last year, was directly in agreement with you, ya hump.
Hartley should have been gone due to his mismanagement of our club. I was fine with the moves Waddell made at the deadline, good moves. He was on the positive side of my book for the first time in a long time. My problem now is that it’s obvious that the problem last year was Hartley.
First, Hartley wore Lehtonen into the ground overplaying him (which you completely disagreed with, but if you took the blinders off and dropped the obsession you’d see what everyone else does, that he should have used Moose at least every 6th game and developed a rotation so he didn’t wear Lehtonen out. That was not a sharp Kari in the playoffs. He doesn’t let that monkey puck flutter in off his glove, that series turns quick.
Second, Hartley did not roll 4 lines, he wore his top 2 lines out overplaying them all year and it showed in the playoffs.
Third, he overplayed Havelid and wore him out. He overplays everyone.
Fourth, he simply would not change up the PP, and when he did change up the PK and started pressuring the puck and had success, bam, he goes back into the passive system and we get lambasted again.
So Waddell comes with the “youth movement” yet keeps Hartley.
Huh?
That’s when Waddell went back into the other column in my book. If he can’t get rid of Hartley (let’s call this the Fraser syndrome ), then he needs to go also.
Capiche?
Probably not, but one day you’ll see the light, grasshopper, one day. Or not.
By Thrasher316J11
August 9, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Aarg…a mention of the dreaded monkey puck, now the nightmares will return.
By Adam
August 9, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
First, Hartley wore Lehtonen into the ground overplaying him (which you completely disagreed with, but if you took the blinders off and dropped the obsession you’d see what everyone else does, that he should have used Moose at least every 6th game and developed a rotation so he didn’t wear Lehtonen out.
I also think that the lack of a rotation didn’t allow Moose enough game time last year, he didn’t/couldn’t get into any kind of rhythm. Lehtonen doesn’t have the experience or maturity to play Brodeur like games/minutes. I believe I said it last year that BH should leave most of the goalie decisions up to an assistant because it clear he’s not handling it right at that time.
Bob hit it on the head that putting Moose in every 5-6 games is the ticket & Lehts still plays 80% of the games.
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
If Lehtonen was so exhausted why did he go to play overseas this summer? Shouldn’t he be in bed? And if he’s so exhausted, why is he already reporting for work-outs?
You guys are giving him too much credit for just plain sucking in the playoffs.
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Craig, can we put a 100 character limit on the comment box?
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Just read Craig’s latest on Hossa not being traded… Waddell said, “If Hossa is traded, [I’m] going with him.” He said the same exact thing, word for word, about Heatley and Kovalchuk a couple years ago… I can’t help but continue to speculate, sorry Craig. If he can’t get a deal done with Hossa, and someone makes an offer he can’t refuse, no player is off limits.
By Thrasher316J11
August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
I agree with Hokie that Lehts was not overplayed; he just sucked in the playoffs. I do think that at certain points in the season Hartley needs to better use Moose to give Lehts some time to decompress/rest. Set up a set rotation of some sort so it isnt only when he is being punished.
I look for Kari to have a big season this year if Hartley doesnt tire out the dmen down the stretch. That was where the “tired” factor came into play in my mind.
By Adam
August 9, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Hokie, no Lehts did suck in the playoffs. That’s a given. I still don’t believe BH should have bounced around alternating who’s in net in games 2-4. As far as the rotation I was more referring to mid season.
And playing this summer, he had how much time off before the tourney? He’s young and getting ready for camp is a good thing and should help keep those “core muscles” stretched and ready!
You can’t compare the pace of the off season with that of the mid-season.
Oh and your last post was 298 characters…
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
All the best goalies in the league play over 65 games a season… the sooner Lehtonen can get used to that, the better. The sooner we can realize that Lehtonen can’t handle that, the better.
All the one’s who didn’t this year, where either injured at some point (Ryan Miller) or had a goalie controversy (Ray Emery, Giguere)
By ranallo10
August 9, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I love revisionist history, it makes Bob right 110% of the time. Please, tell me now who will win The Cup, I need to make some bets in Vegas.
Hokie — extenuating circumstances aside, do you really think Heatley would’ve been traded before Waddell could attempt to lock him up long term? I personally don’t. No player is off limits, true, but I don’t think this club is at that point of desperation now.
Bob and Adam — Seriously though, how can you say Hedberg was underutilized and Lehtonen was overplayed? I think Hokie’s got it right when he stated we’re giving Lehtonen too much credit for plain stinking in the playoffs.
Hedberg played 21 games this past season, he hasn’t played more games in a season since 2002-2003 when he started for Pittsburgh (41GP). Had he been switched every 5-6 games as Adam and Bob proposed, he would’ve played 14-16 games as a starter, and been a mop up for a few games during the season. Conservative estimate maybe would be 20ish games. Hedberg was right on par for what you two want.
Lehtonen started 68 games, two less than Henrik Lundqvist and 10, 8, and 6 less than the big three. Other goalies near Lehtonen in GP = Roloson (68), Andre-Fluery (67), Turco (67), Miller (63). Obviously players of equal age, or older can handle the “rigor” of 60+ games played per season. Only ONE of those goalies didn’t make the playoffs.
February 24, Lehtonen had a 2.91 GAA. After playing 16 of the last 19 games of the season, he had a 2.79 GAA, and had dropped his SV% .005 points. He got better as the season went on. He started hot, cooled off, then gradually improved and settled down. He’s 23 for doG’s sake, he can handle it physically…his mentality is what hurt him in several games, and in the playoffs.
Bob — I really don’t think we agreed at the end of the year, because I don’t see the way Hartley managed as an excuse for firing…the team made the playoffs. My statement was that the team’s failing in February AND in the Playoffs is not Waddell’s fault, but rather the coaching staff and the players. Turning a blind eye to continued failure is “Fraser Syndrome”. Is that what Waddell’s doing with Hartley?? I don’t feel it is.
By Brian
August 9, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Hokie - 100 character limit? Isn’t Bob, LAC & Pucknsnot enough? Oh, you mean those kinds of characters…
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Brian… I was kidding about the 100 character thing anyway. :)
Ranallo… how dare you use actual numbers to prove a point! :)
I’ll also point out that Ryan Miller played 63 games with a bad back… he probably would have played close to 70 games if he was 100% healthy.
By Adam
August 9, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
I’m not saying the total number of games played by either is out of whack. 68 & 21 are right on the mark if you ask me.
I problem is Moose played more than half of those by Dec. 7th and from that point on the rotation was shot. I understand the beginning of the season last year BH wanted to be sure Lehts would be up to the task.
IMHO I don’t think he should have played 8 straight in Dec/Jan & 15 in Jan/Feb then he tanked and we got 5pts out of 18 during his starts in Feb. Then he had another 9 in a row after that.
Don’t get me wrong I don’t think Lehts is the only reason we fell apart last year. It all goes to BH’s rotation of all players.
By Bob
August 9, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
You can play with numbers all you want, but the point is, he wore Lehtonen down mentally, a goalie needs to stay sharp mentally more than anything, and that’s why a night off every 6 games or so is worth it.
You have to remember that Moose played multiple games in a row, not on the odd off night, unless you want to forget that to make your “numbers” look better.
By Adam
August 9, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Also most of the top goalies don’t play 60+ games till their 4th or 5th seasons.
By Matt H
August 9, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Brendan I haven’t talked to any of my folks down in the Bay yet, but so far it’s looking like a pretty non-hostile takeover.
However, having followed hockey since ‘94 and seeing what I’ve seen in that span, my gut feeling is that if the Bolts go one-and-done again this year, at the very least Tortorella will be gone. He, Feaster and Davidson were always in lock-step, which made for good and bad.
I think Feaster and Torts are on probation this year. If not for the Denis trade, Jay would be sitting prettier.
If he’s learned from his experience in Columbus, he’ll only take one position in this enterprise. If not, we’re gonna see new faces behind the bench/desk possibly as soon as the All-Star break.
The one constant down there through all these years has, admirably enough, been the fans.
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Point taken Adam… the “rotation” could have been better, but yes, the amount of games Lehts played is reasonable.
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Adam… I quickly looked over stats… Ed Belfour is the only veteran I can find that played 60+ games in their 2nd season. Everyone else is right at 4-5 years.
It took Patrick Roy until his 7th season to play 60+ games.
… interesting.
By Matt H
August 9, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I think Lehtonen will be better this year. The question is, will Hartley be better this year?
By GaVaHokie
August 9, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
On a side note, I think TSN needs to change this photo, I don’t like the use of the Thrasher’s jersey here.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1125&hubname=nhl
By ranallo10
August 9, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Adam — Don’t you think Lehtonen’s thrusting into the spotlight is on par with other goalies drafted around him like Marc Andre-Fluery, or Rick DiPietro? DiPietro had a 50 game stint his 3rd year, 63 his 4th. Fluery had 50 in his 2nd year, 60 in his 3rd. Lehtonen played 60+ in his 3rd.
I continue my agreement with Hokie — Lehtonen’s workload is now felt out, and like you and he said a more stable “rotation” would likely benefit his consistency. However, I echo my former statement that as a 23 year old goalie with a fantastic workout regimen the past two seasons, I think he can deal with 60+ games. Every sixth game is understood, and definitely agreed COULD be beneficial, but I don’t think it’s any sort of evidence for him “breaking down” mentally or physically throughout the season.
Matt H — good question, late December will be a good time to tell if something has changed in Hartley’s approach. Early January at the latest.
By Matt H
August 9, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Kind words for Karel Pilar at hockeybuzz.
By Hockeyfan
August 9, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Nice story on Hossa. Of course if that Thrashers link was back on the front page more people might see it. Just saying…
By Adam
August 9, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
I grew up in Chicago, no apologizes for the Hawks needed ;) and I been following the NHL since the early 80’s.
Even the Dominator didn’t play 60+ till his 7th season. Got close at 59 in his 6th.
We all know how streaky this sport is and staying sharp is key to keeping the bad streaks shorter.
By Adam
August 9, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
ranallo Yes I would have to agree but there are other factors to look at as well. Like the lock out didn’t help him at all. Then the injuries after the lock out. Also 4 games in his 1st season don’t amount to much, do they? Then you have to look at players as individuals as well.
If BH wanted to find his breaking point, he found it and continued to push. It will remain to be see if that helped his development for this year or not.
If he is rested at the right times and stays sharp I see no reason why he can’t be a 40+ game winner this year. He has the ability to change the outcome of a game by himself. Hell he may even be in contention for the Vezina this year.
By ranallo10
August 9, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
As a 10th round pick, I don’t expect a goalie to be “fast-tracked” to a starting roll, so thus Hasek makes sense not starting 60 games for the first few seasons (58 in second season at Buffalo, 4th at the NHL level). Lundqvist is a 7th round option and played 70 games in his second NHL season. For every ying there’s a yang, and obviously there is no way to tell which is correct.
I agree the object is to keep bad streaks short, but when in the midst of good streaks some coaches (Hartley included) seem to like to ride them out as long as possible.
Lehtonen’s a great goalie, and hopefully will continue to be for the Thrashers. Some of his saves simply amaze me…it’d be a shame to take him off the ice for the sake of a “rotation”, just to keep the second string player sharp. Of course this is my opinion, but I don’t think he was greatly impacted by the amount of games played.
By Brian
August 9, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hokie, Adam & Ranollo - usually goaltenders take much more time to develop, that’s why you can point to that 4-5 seasons stat. It wasn’t until very recently (I think it was DiPietro and then again Fleury) that a goaltender was even considered to be taken #1 overall. Help me out on that Brendan (in 100 characters or less).
I have said this many times on this blog. Goalies have very small windows. They get hot and then they flame out. Look at some of the Vezina finalists outside of Roy, Hasek & Brodeur.
Adam - to show you what a late bloomer Hasek was, he was left unprotected in the expansion drafts. As crazy as that sounds, no one blinked when Ottawa & Tampa Bay both passed on him. And if Fuhr didn’t go down with a knee injury Buffalo may have never played him.
Speaking of goalies flaming out, how has the ‘Bulin wall been? Sorry, I know that was below the belt…
By ranallo10
August 9, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Thrasher_Ed — as you’ve been requesting recently, the Atlanta Thrashers homepage has been updated with the newly acquired players’ numbers.
Perrin (11), Thorburn (27), White (12), Klee (22)
By Pucks n Snot
August 9, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
Hossa is coming to Detroit. We are the only team that can offer young, talented defensive players (Atlantas primary need) in trade and still have an elite core of defensemen on the ice afterward. We will also bring back McCarty for added grit, and we will roll over the league all year long. You heard it here first. Marian Hossa hoists his first Stanley Cup next June wearing the winged wheel. Deep down every one of you knows it’s going to happen.
By Bob
August 9, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
ranallo, you’re starting to get the picture, but not quite there yet. The point of starting Moose is not to keep the Moose sharp, it’s too keep Lehtonen sharp. It was quite obvious to me all last year, and I said it often, and was called names by Ranallo World that Lehtonen didn’t need a break, he could handle it.
No, he couldn’t, and no, he didn’t. Hopefully Hartley learned and will put a good rotation in for this year, to keep Lehtonen sharp for the real season, assuming we can make it there.
By R. Stroz
August 9, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Is Pilar a pylon or can he hit, pass and skate? I understand he has a heart condition. I’m just hoping we didn’t sign a different version of Mandy.
Pucks - If Hossa holds the cup in June with a winged wheel on his jersey, I’ll pay for one months rent so you can get out of granny’s basement.
By GaVaHokie
August 10, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Stroz… I’ll buy Pucks his first beer.
Pilar is not a hard hitter, but has good size (like Mandy) he has a hard, accurate shot (kinda like Mandy)… so, maybe he’s like Mandy but for a whole lot less money; $600,000… I can live with that.
By Craig Custance
August 10, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
If healthy, Pilar could be a plus for the power play as well.
By GaVaHokie
August 10, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Craig… Agreed, it looks like we should have several options for the Power Play this year with Enstrom, McCarthy, Pilar and Zhitnik.
By Thrasher316J11
August 10, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Hokie: Who are you cutting from the roster to fit Enstrom? If Pilar makes the team it will be at Enstroms expense. Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby,McCarthy and Klee are locked up. I saw this as yet another sign that the prospects werent up to snuff.
By Hip Czech
August 10, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
I hate to give PnS the time of day…but I would be interested in his defense of the statement “We are the only team that can offer young, talented defensive players”.
The only 2 people who could possibly be of any help would be either Kronwall, who is coming into camp following back problems, or Brett Lebda. Certainly neither of them, or both of them together for that matter, would be very appealing, unless you throw Zetterberg in.
Even if that were to happen that would leave AARP members Chelios and Lidstrom manning your blueline. The only real D you would have left would be Rafalksi, a real promising 35 year old…
You are really a sad, demented, little man.
By Pucks n Snot
August 10, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Lebda & Kronwall? Are you serious? If Waddell was super nice to Holland we might offer you Quincey & Ericsson, or maybe one of our guys over in Grand Rapids - and you’d be damn lucky to have them considering your defensive history! Funny…you make fun of our older guys, but they could outplay any of your so called “up & comers” in their sleep…….and that’s why we’re Detroit and you’re Atlanta. No matter though - if we did trade, whoever we did send down there your coaches would screw them up. It’s in their blood. I’m the sad one? You’re the Thrashers fan! Remenising about the good ol’ days with a scrub like Jon Sim like he was some kind of Gordie Howe or something - A HA HA HA! Pinning all your hopes on a bunch of retreads and no name AHLers that no one in the league would look twice at. That’s what’s really sad. Send us Hossa and be done with it already. We have another championship to contend for while you guys regress this year.
By Tim
August 11, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
BTW, Andy just sign a 3 years deal with Long Island. So he gonna join Jon Sim over there.
By Jameson
August 11, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
I’d like to see Enstrom play next year, but to be honest, it might not be a bad thing for him to see his first North American hockey in the AHL.
By BigAl
August 11, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
3 yrs 9 milion for Sutton in Long Island?!
Someone’s smokin something!
By Thrashers27
August 11, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…P&S=DOUCHEBAG! Get a life kid! Its a game! Do yourself and your team a favor and pay attention to things that effect you and your team.
By ranallo10
August 11, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
David Caruso was signed by New Jersey.
By zimthrasher
August 11, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
“and that’s why we’re Detroit and you’re Atlanta.”
And neither is Anaheim and that is all that really counts…
By Brendan
August 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Oh, that’s Charles Wang for you, i.e., Mike Milbury, via their spokesperson, Garth Snow, out on Long Island. The “by committee approach.” Sutton was asking for 4-years/$10 million. He gets 3-years/$9 million? A fool and his money soon part.
I admit it. I had the Islanders ranked 15th in the Conference last year, and they made the playoffs. I won’t project a 15th place finish for them this year. But having Sim and Sutton … isn’t getting them higher up the standings from the #8 spot where they were last season. They signed Fedotenko and they got another year out of Trent Hunter in arbitration. Where you do guys see the Isles finishing? 10th? Back in the playoffs?
Off topic, I was just watching the Thrashers-Senators game from October, where Kozlov nets a hat trick. Sens had the Icebirds down 3-1 and 4-2, and lost 5-4. Moose got yanked and Kari relieved him for the win. At that time, Ottawa was ranked 13th in the Conference and had recently lost three games coming into the Atlanta game when they led by two or more goals. One game, they led by 3 goals, and still lost. Toronto was 4th, Montreal was 5th, Carolina was 6th, Washington was 7th, and Pittsburgh, 8th, at the time of the Sens-Thrashers game. Atlanta, in case you were curious, was the #2 seed, with NJ at #3, back in October. Things changed drastically, but Atlanta put itself in a great spot by doing so well in October.
Other games I managed to view were the Flyers-Thrashers games, yes, the very one when Coach Hartley pulls Hedberg in favor of Lehtonen during the shootout. (Thrashers lost, Kari is officially the losing goaltender, without registering a single save for the game.) And I took in two Sabres-Thrashers game. The 1st one was Buffalo going for the record 10th straight win to start a season. Thrashers never trailed, but gave up a late goal. Atlanta won in the shootout, thanks to Slavamatic. In the second one, back in March, Tkachuk won it in overtime on a PPG. In another October game, Thrashers trailed Florida 2-0, and won 6-3, thanks to a hat trick of power play goals by Kovalchuk. That was a fun October. Power play was clickin’. Two-goal and even three-goal deficits didn’t spell doom.
Then the other team figured out our strategy, and Hartley failed to make adjustments. Let’s see what Hartley comes up with this year. If you guys tape a few choice games during the year, you’ll have something to watch during the offseason, when you get a Jones in your bones for some puck action. Relax, I said puck, with a “P.”
By Brendan
August 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Matt H., that’s a break for Bolts fans. Having Doug MacLean commandeer your team can’t be good for anyone.
I took in two and a half games today. Thrashers vs. Rangers, where Slater scores hist 1st of the season and Holik nets two, including the overtime winner, at MSG. And those back-to-back Maple Leafs games where the Thrashers finally get the monkey off their back. The first one, Hossa gets a hat trick and Lehtonen the shutout in a 5-0 pasting of Toronto. The next game, in Toronto, the Leafs led 2-0, but the Thrashers rallied for five straight, in a 5-2 win.
Allright, that’s enough of that. Sorry. What? C’mon now, we’re in a dead patch of the offseason. Cut me some slack!!
By Thrashers27
August 13, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
I was at that game against the Rangers @ MSG. It was a great game!
By Brendan
August 13, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Thrashers trailed the Rangers 3-1 at one point, when they raillied for three goals. Rangers got a late goal, I think from Jagr. No, Nylander. Then Holik won it in OT. Remember the last few seconds of regulation? We thought Holik ended it with 0:23 left, but it hit the goal post. If only our playoff games against the Rangers had ended so fortuitiously, Thrashers27.