Thrashers

By Bob

August 20, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Good move by Waddell. What if he had signed him for a million dollars? Then we would’ve had to Ndur quips from Craig about the signing of Milli Vannelli

What other hockey players live in Atlanta (that don’t play here)? That’s interesting.

A big Ooh-rah to the Red Dog boys and good to see Boulton and McCarthy rallying the troops.

By Brendan

August 20, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

I’m up to the playoffs now. I just finished watching the Devils eliminated the Lightning in Game Five, 3-2. What? I was scouting Perrin. I am watching Calgary vs. Detroit, Game Six, from the opening round, as we speak. They’re going into the 2nd overtime. Enblom and Keith Jones are sparring, as usual, during the intermission.

Oh yes, Good for Boutlon. I bet he’s happy to have a contract this year.

By ranallo10

August 20, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

According to a source (basically third hand, but a source none-the-less, just ask Eklund), Boulton was somewhat livid about being offered only a one year contract.

There was a quote along the lines of “I’m better than these guys” (I assumed in reference to players recently signed like Perrin, Thorburn, Giroux, etc).

No matter, I like watching him plow through the goalie and fake a dive in order to get a goal disallowed. It makes the games more interesting.

But you’re probably right Brendan, I’m sure he’s happy just having a contract.

By Mary

August 20, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

is the ice melting in Duluth with the 100 degree temps? I can’t wait for the season to start!

By Brian

August 20, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Special thanks goes out to the Red Dogs. I am definitely ready for some hockey now. I also have to thank boob and Bobney King for making me crack up on that last blog…

By Brendan

August 20, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I can’t remember who, but I think it was Tampa’s Head Coach John Tortella, who said, “No one wants to see him play, anyway.” Referring to Eric Boulton. I could be wrong. Maybe it was the Leaf’s coach. Sounds like a Pat Quinn quote. But in any event, that’s what should have made Boulton livid.

Boulton was an unrestricted free agent this summer. He could have signed on anywhere, for whatever the best terms he heard were. If he didn’t like the contract, he didn’t have to sign it. And if he wanted to, he could have fired his agent and replaced him.

I’m glad Boulton stayed. He’s gritty and willing to thug it up a bit, when that’s necessary. At, what was it?, $515,000?, maybe $525,000, he’s hardly breaking the bank. If DW had to move him, he’s not cost prohibitive, like Holik.

By silverpork

August 20, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Brendan,

Torts also made the comment (after Bolts broke Paul Ranger’s jaw) that Boulton wouldn’t be playing in the NHL by the time Ranger’s jaw was healed. That was 2 seasons ago. It’s not that I think Bolts is anything special, but I have such a strong dislike for Tortorella that it is always satisfying to see him proven wrong.

By sisu

August 21, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Boulton is probably the most under rated guy the team has had on their roster. He played rarely last season, yet he played well when he was in the line up.

By B. Thenet

August 21, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Bolts was part of a very strong 4th line the Thrashers had for a week down the stretch, until Hartley randomly shuffled the lines for no apparent reason(again)

By Bob

August 21, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Why’s Hartley still Coach again? Oh yeah, the ownership thing, cannot wait for that to be settled.

By Jennifer

August 21, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

lol Bob, that is the debate we have going on over at Shootout right now. It seems the folks at The Score think Kovy is “on the hot seat” for the team. We think that spot is reserved for Bob….or Kari or Don. Kovy would be pretty far down on the list.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 21, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Can we (faithful bloggers) start a collection plate so we can buy the Thrashers from the “Spirit”?

Brendan can be the CFO

By Craig Custance

August 21, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Jennifer — I think that’s a great debate. Who is under the most pressure this season on the Thrashers? I don’t think Kovalchuk even cracks my top group. I’d list (in no particular order) Marian Hossa (potentially playing for a huge contract), Bob Hartley, Don Waddell and Kari Lehtonen before I’d mention Ilya.

By Thrasher316J11

August 21, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Kovalchuk is far from the hot seat. He has a long term contract and his game is improving every season. His goal production will be improved this season with White centering and god willing an improved pp.

Bob Hartley is in the hot seat. No matter how many times I hear Don say Bob is his guy he will be canned if we are not looking good early in the season.

By Jennifer

August 21, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Well, as I mention at SeSo I put Bob on top because I think a tailspin during that early road-trip could make us consider shaking things up with a drastic move—like a new coach. This is especially true if it looks like he isn’t relating well to the rookies.

I think Kari has to show consistency. We have a hot goal-tending prospect and if Kari isn’t rock solid there are people who would rethink Kari as the goalie of our future.

I agree that Hossa will feel pressure, but I don’t think that pressure comes from Atlanta. He wants a big contract and will need big numbers to pull it off and make people forget about his playoff performance. But I don’t think we’d cut ties with him if he gets off to a slow start. I think the only way Hossa walks is if we find ourselves out of the race at the deadline and haven’t managed to resign him. At that point getting dealt would potentially be to his advantage. So his much more personally motivated than team motivated if that makes sense.

I disagree with all the people who say Don is on the hot seat now. Don is safe until we have a settled ownership situation. I don’t think the Spirit Group (who admittedly aren’t fairly hands-off when it comes to hockey operations) pull the plug on the guy who just finally got them to the best point in Thrashers history if for no other reason than the difficulty of replacing him. If the ownership situation gets settled then all bets are off.

By Brendan

August 21, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, I appreciate the offer. But this blog has accountants already! And they’d be far better at it than I could ever hope to be.

To echo Jennifer’s point a bit, last few blogs we’ve been talking about our blueline. While it is “average,” at least it is not overpaid. Strictly in terms of finances, I’d have to give Waddell credit for managing the salaries of our D. Who’s overpaid? Allright stop. Nic Havelid, when he was re-signed, could have fetched $3.1 million at the time. Don got him “on the cheap” at $2.7 million per season on a 3-year deal. He had “off the ice issues” last year which affected his play. If he puts them behind him, his $2.7 million won’t seem like a detriment. Zhitnik has tenure in the NHL and stats that justify $3.5 million. “X” is paid appropriately. So is Popovic and Klee. Enstrom at $750,000 is a bit of question mark. Pilar at $600,000. Decent.

Boulton, the topic of the blog, is paid appropriately. Since the Holik contract, I can’t really look to another bad signing. Unless you want to argue the merits of whether Metropolit, Krog or Haydar or Wanvig should have ever been signed in the first place. But if you look strictly at the value of the contracts DW has signed, he hasn’t made any egregious mistakes, financially, since Holik.

By Christy

August 21, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

God bless all of you on this blog. It’s kept me semi-sane this summer when I’ve had baseball and football (read Vick) overload. I keep looking at the doors into Philips and counting days…. Makes it worse when you work right by it.

Craig, ditto on Bob’s questions. What other hockey players live in Atlanta (that don’t play here)? Wouldn’t have pegged Atlanta as the home away from home for hockey players that didn’t play here at one time or another.

By MzScarlet

August 21, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

X lives in Atlanta

By Brendan

August 21, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Christy, the AJC works right next door to Philips Arena, it never stops them from a lack of hockey coverage, beyond Craig’s column, and the occassional forray by Jeff Schultz and Terence Moore.

It’s good to have you back, Christy. All this Vick talk, I suspect, will dominate the local sports media for rest of the month. So, please drop in more often for the rink rap. Speaking of raps, Tocchet has been in the news. And the Staal brothers had what a previous blogger might call, “a youthful indiscretion” stemming from a bachelor party.

We’ve all got to be strong soliders now. What with Eric and Jordan Staal out on the loose!! It’ll be a wonder if we’ll catch a wink of sleep, with such hardened criminals roaming free. Even with all this Vick talk, he didn’t murder any humans. Or rape them. He didn’t steal money from the old, the sick, or the poor. And he didn’t raid a Fortune 500 company’s entire pension.

It hasn’t even been proven that he’s a “serial murderer” of canines. Although, there’s plenty of hearsay and conjecture about that. Well, those are at least “kiiiiinds” of evidence. Where’s Nathan, our resident law student blogger?

By Bob

August 21, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I disagree with all the people who say Don is on the hot seat now. Don is safe until we have a settled ownership situation. I don’t think the Spirit Group (who admittedly aren’t fairly hands-off when it comes to hockey operations) pull the plug on the guy who just finally got them to the best point in Thrashers history if for no other reason than the difficulty of replacing him. If the ownership situation gets settled then all bets are off

Bingo. That’s the only reason I think both Hartley and Waddell still have their jobs. Who could the Spirit go get now that would be any good? What good GM or Asst. GM or good Coach would come into this situation getting hired by the Spirit and then run the risk of getting canned immediately if Belkin wins the lawsuit?

I totally agree with you that Kovy is not on any hot seat. He’s probably the antithesis of that and has the most secure spot on the club of anyone. Once ownership is settled, the hotseat list is Hartley, Waddell, Hossa, Lehtonen.

Christy, mabye Craig doesn’t want to “out” the players that live here in the offseason yet don’t play here. I find that interesting that some do, as I wouldn’t figure Atlanta as a summer home for guys from other clubs, go figure.

By Christy

August 21, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

hey Brendan. Thanks for the warm welcome back. As for the AJC - I know. See them all the time - I actually work in CNN Center - thus my daily longing glance towards Philips. : )

Okay, so I have a question. Not that I necessarily trust any of the pundits, but Allan Muir gave the Thrasher’s a C- for the summer moves. Now, I am a relative newcomer, and I don’t have the in depth knowledge of many if not all of the regulars to this blog, but I wouldn’t have thought it was THAT bad… A C+ at the very least, not having had the chance to see the rookie hopefuls in action yet, with a chance at a B-.

Is the C- a fair grade?

By Matt H

August 21, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Brendan Vick did, y’know, plead guilty and all…

By R. Stroz

August 21, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Don’t you think Rucchin, with a past of head thumps, would be classified as an egregious financial mistake? No, I’m not trying to start a Bob & Ranallo fued, I just want an opinion.

I’ve thought that Holik and Rucchin were two of the worst financial mistakes of the last few years. But, then again, I’ve expressed my thoughts on signing slow 35+ year old players to multi million dollar contracts before.

By Brendan

August 21, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Matt H, yes, but what, exactly, did he plead to? Was it to drowning and electrocuting dogs? Was it to running a dog fighting ring? Was it to simply betting on dog fights? Did he launder any of the proceeds from the dog fighting rings? I am behind on the Vick saga. Partly because I don’t want to pay any attention to a “Nancy Grace-like” circus, a la “Runaway” bride. The story that just wouldn’t end, no matter how irrelevant it truly was.

Okay, I suppose I’m obligated to find out what Vick plead guilty to. But I’m gonna take my time about it. Part of me just doesn’t want to know. Let’s stick to hockey.

As for a finalized offseason grade, how can we give one just yet? There’s more than a month left. Here’s what’s happened. Everyone Waddell brought back was reasonably paid. White was an interesting choice of center, 4-years, $9.5 million. Some will say, Christy, that Don didn’t fix Atlanta’s problems up the middle. But we cannot entirely rule out some sort of trade. People look to Hossa, but I don’t see that happening at all. Waddell also didn’t add a Tier One defenseman. But he did bring back McCarthy and Exelby at more than a “fair price.” He’s signed Pilar and Enstrom responsibly as well.

Jury’s out on Thorburn, Perrin and Giroux. Dupuis was a great re-signing, at a nice discount. Waddell might take some heat for not re-signing Belanger. But he got Kozlov back, reasonably, on a somewhat extended deal of three years. Larsen and Boulton will be back and paid modestly. Slater got re-signed for less than his qualifying offer.

The real head-scratcher was 36-year old blueliner Ken Klee. But Waddell is going for a veteran, stabilizing force for the 3rd pairing, since … in all likelihood, it will be Chicago player like Popovic, Oysterick, Valabik or Enstrom who makes it.

I think Waddell has to be given credit for not overpaying anyone that he signed. But he didn’t fix the biggest problem areas the team had, a Tier One defensemen and quality centers. We’re probably stuck with Rucchin. If the doctors clear him, he’s under contract. All Don can do is buy him out. Well, I suppose he could pursue a trade for throw away draft pick. Holik, Slater, White, and Rucchin might be what we’ve got. That’s how I explain the poor grades on behalf of the experts.

By Brendan

August 21, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz, I agree that signing Rucchin was a mistake. But what’s his cap hit? I think it’s something like $2.1 million? Now, that’s not a great deal. But it isn’t a crushing blow. At the time of Rucchin’s signing last Summer, I can only speculate that Waddell was thinking, “Need to get me a responsible two-way center.” A thinly-veiled shot at Kovalchuk’s defensive prowess, is my guess.

In today’s WHOPPING $50.3 million cap, a $2.something or other mistake doesn’t cripple the team. But I agree with you that there was probably better ways to spending $2-something million on a center than Rucchin.

Waddell does have a defense, however. He’d argue about Rucchin’s tenure in the league, his veteran presence, playoff experience, yada, yada, yada. The very same things that led to him signing Ken Klee to a 2-year deal. As happy as I am to have Kozlov back, that 3rd year, when he is 37-ish, at $3.75 million, could come back to haunt us. Kozlov, in case you’re curious, has a no trade clause. If Slava gets hurt or falters badly, Don might buy out his final year. But I don’t want to think negatively. Slava’s shootouts alone were worth $3.0 million. And the extra $500,000 is just performance bonus throughout the season. If Kozlov can score 30, I’m sure we’ll all think it was well worth it. Kozlov is one of the few mid-30 year olds I’d support signing.

By Hockeyfan

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

Nice to have an update. Would be nicer if we could find it easier… Any word on getting that link back up? I didnt think so.

Players living in Atlanta but not playing for Atlanta: Devries, Modry, and Sutton. Probably some others

By Jared

August 21, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

I think the d line will be just fine, i got faith in our young ones. And as for the hot seat, I would have said Waddell until he matured and learned what the trade deadline was. I want Hartley gone and Holik traded (if thats possible with his recent play). For gods sake could we please get a center.

And to let anyone know i think i started the hossa being traded rumor , I’m good friends with scott burnside, espn nhl writer, and he and I were talking about Hossa being traded and he said he’d talk to folks about it. Two weeks later I read about it in the ajc.

By Midfield

August 21, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

You sarted the Hossa trade rumors? You must feel like a real hero, Jared. Definitely life worth living.

By Brendan

August 21, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I know I’m going to regret asking this but … in total seriousness … where ELSE in the NHL is Hossa going to be the Boss moreso than Atlanta?

Yes, yes. He wants to chooooose his next team. He wants to play on a Stanley Cup-winner. Annnnd, he wants to be paid like the Superstar that he is.

Okay. Can’t blame him for any of that. But where, oh where, is the “slam dunk, can’t miss” team that’s going to hoist the Silver chalice next season, or possibly the season after that? Fine, who said Pittsburgh? With what cap room for Hossa? Who just said, Philly? While they’re big spenders, they’ve already paid out sizeable contracts while raiding the Nashville Predators organization. Who just said, “Anaheim?” Not enough cap room. Plus they’ve got players left yet to sign for 2008-09. Well, what about Detroit? No, not enough cap room. And he won’t hog the ice time there. Well, how about San Jose? I still think that’s a longshot for Hossa. How about Colorado? I won’t rule that out, but I still say “no.”

C’mon now. It’s obvious. The New York Rangers, to play with little bro? No. They’ve got players locked up at hefty salaries and they’d have to move folks to get him there. Not to mention pay him like he wants.

No, there’s only one team that really stands out in my mind as having cap room that Hossa might find appealing: Washington. With Semin and Ovechkin, Kolzig in net, Poti and Pothier on D, and a slew of 1st round draft picks, Hossa would surely see ice time there. Buttttt, he’d always be in the “shadow” of Ovechkin. And the Caps aren’t a “lock” to win the Cup, either.

Right here in Atlanta, he’d get paid whatever he wants, essentially. He’d continue to be the top player, all due respect to Kovalchuk. But who thinks Hossa plays in Kovy’s shadow? Atlanta would have cap room in 2008 for Hossa, with Holik and Rucchin’s salaries gone, Hossa could essentially name his price, keep his ice time, and be the leader of the team. The question mark is … does Hossa believe Atlanta will see a Cup in the next four seasons? Or is it something more than that? Maybe he just longs for a more traditional hockey market. Don’t laugh, the Capitals have been in business since 1974. I still wouldn’t rule it out. Uhh, to be clear, Washington is not Chicago, NY, Boston, Detroit, or Minnesota, in terms of traditional roots to hockey. But it’s still a big city. Hossa is no stranger to being in nation’s capital. This season is every bit as critical as last season. If this team steps backwards, I think Hossa leaves.

By Thrasher316J11

August 22, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Here is a top ten from October 2006. Hossa vs Bruins is featured.

Top Ten October

By Matt H

August 22, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Jared - With all due respect to you and Scott Burnside, I believe Hossa started the trade rumors himself with his no-show against the NYR last April.

Brendan brings up a good point, where else would Hossa be able to call his shots so clearly? And how would he get there?

Well, a last minute playoff trade wouldn’t make much sense, because he’s an unproven playoff presence.

But would the Thrashers, say if they’re struggling to break 8th come March, be willing to trade Hossa to a “Rebuilding” team for some immediate playoff proof?

I think there is room for that scenario, but we have to see how a lot of wheels turn between now and March to make that assessment.

Re: Vick- I hate Nancy Grace as much as any other responsible American citizen. But this isn’t just another chapter in the nation’s obsession with pretty white girls gone missing. This is about a man who at the very least was personally bankrolling animal cruelty on a sizable scale and making money off of it. And at the most is personally, physically responsible for the senseless slaughter of animals for personal gain.

If Vick were innocent, he wouldn’t have changed his plea. Wealthy football players can get away with murder in this country. Literally.

By Brendan

August 22, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Just ask Ray Lewis, right? There are allegations that O.J. Simpson may have done somethign inappropriate.

Michael Vick has character issues. Hand someone with character issues a whole lot of money and an aura of invincibility and guess what follows? Yeah, this.

Some say he’ll never play in the NFL again. I’m not too sure about that, though. Back to hockey.

Tocchet plead. Mark Bell is in trouble for hit and run. I haven’t heard it said that he won’t play in the NHL again.

By ranallo10

August 22, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Mark Bell got 4 months minimum of jail time, to be served next summer. I highly doubt anything will happen to his playing time in the NHL.

Simpson and Lewis are different cases because of the fact they were not proven guilty (except in civil court for OJ). Lewis plead guilty to lesser charges (obstruction of justice).

I personally find it interesting that the NFL is more worried about gambling and animal cruelty than they were about human interactions during Super Bowl parties. According to the court of public opinion, Vick killed dogs unmercifully, and Lewis helped kill two people. Vick’s career in the NFL is in doubt due to his gambling, where as Lewis didn’t miss anytime of the NFL regular season due to his criminal trial or punishment. Maybe it’s me, but something doesn’t add up there.

Enough about football, we can discuss that on the AJC’s Falcons blog (aka “Bigots ‘R Us”).

Michael Peca is reportedly a Blue Jacket, pending a physical due in the next couple days. A one year contract apparently has been agreed upon.

In my opinion, this move only hurts the development of Gilbert Brule, and impacts the playing time of any of the young talents the team COULD put on the ice. They missed the playoffs by 20+ points last season, and have made relatively no impact upon the free agent market to put them into competition in their division (Detroit, Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago). To their team Peca is a waste of money, as he’s a two-way center who excels at PK situations…much like several of the other centers on their team (Chimera, Federov, Malhotra). Plus, he has a shoddy hip and a surgically repaired tibia.

By Matt H

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

The Peca signing strikes me as kinda odd too. I guess it was Columbus or go play with Ed Belfour overseas. Peca had a chance to be part of a real potential contender in New York, but he chose the money, and so be it (though, does anyone else feel the Rangers may just be too loaded, too many cooks in the kitchen?).

Columbus is a ship without a rudder, and Peca’s just more ballast.

By Bob

August 22, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Crap, Detroit’s gonna have a field day again this year in that cluster of a division.

Peca was a great player, 5 years ago.

The difference with Vick is the Feds were on his case. Paul Howard vs. a Federal Prosecution team is the difference between Don Waddell and Brian Burke, knowwhatimeanranalloworld?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 22, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Peca is a skirt wearing 12 year old girl. My girlfriend was watching this show about couple getting married on lifetime or something, and he and his wife were on it (this was when he was actually good on Buffalo). Anyway, he came off like the biggest tool I have ever seen. He is an embarrassment to the NHL. He was crying tears of joy when discussing his new bride and the wonderful life they are going to have together. How much fun he had picking out the flowers and color schemes for the wedding. The woman sucked every bit of manhood that this guy ever had.

He is a disgrace and I am relieved the Thrashers never got him.

By ranallo10

August 22, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Haha, typical Bob…not truly understanding the nature of a question or observation, but instinctively taking misguided pot-shots in an effort to establish himself as Alpha Male.

For your edification, the prosecution teams have no affect upon any subsequent NFL mandated punishment. The difference between Paul Tagliabue and Roger Goodell can possibly be attributed to the harshness of punishment by the NFL in light of these felonious acts.

Goodell has been striving for a cleaner NFL image since he took over, and has since faced countless numbers of felonies and misdemeanors charged to the NFL players over the last few seasons. In my opinion this is just another example of him overreacting to a crime and over-punishing for a felony, which in the scheme of things is relatively harmless to the community (as Brendan was alluding to). Killing a person harms the community in which we live, killing a dog does not. It’s inhumane, and thus illegal, but it isn’t a reason to bar a person from the NFL. Gambling is a reason according to their rules, but killing a person (or being involved in the murder) is not.

Anyways, I’ve heard too much of this over the last month, can we talk about hockey now???

By Matt H

August 22, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, I hate how you hold back on your posts… Come on and tell us how you really feel!

By Midfield

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

I’ve seen a report that Kovalev was in a motorcycle accident in Canada. Apparently he was not seriously hurt, though. Is that news-worthy enough for mid-August?

By Brian

August 22, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell me if this is the same Jared that helped Al Gore invent the internet?

By Bob

August 22, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

As usual, Ranallo World just isn’t in step with reality.

Hey Sparky, the Feds have a 97% prosecution rate. In case you haven’t heard, Vick is pleading GUILTY before even going to trial, cause if he did go to trial, they’d pull out more charges and he’d face a heck of a lot more charges and time.

Paul Howard took Lewis to trial and lost! He only got him on what, an obstruction charge? Not murder. If he’s not convicted of murder by Howard and he didn’t plea out to a lesser murder charge before facing that fierce prosecutor (snicker) Paul Howard, then the NFL can’t do crap. Innocent till proven guilty.

The NFL will come down hard on Vick because he pled GUILTY, instead of facing a crack fed prosecution team with a 97% conviction rate?

So, whether or not you convicted Lewis in Ranallo World in the real world, he got off. NFL can’t touch him, it’s the same reason OJ walks the streets today.

Fair, mabye not, but it’s reality.

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

By ranallo10

August 22, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bob, It’s nice to know you care enough about me to continue trying. However, as usual you’ve strayed from the point.

I preceded my statement with “I personally find it interesting”…it’s not a statement of fact, it’s a statement of opinion. I’m sorry that my opinion got your panties in a wad.

In my opinion (key phrase) the NFL is unjustly punishing Michael Vick compared previous convicted felons in the NFL. It’s an opinion, deal with it.

I miss boob already…where’d he go??

By Brendan

August 22, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

What’s the “over/under” on the length of Vick’s jail time? I wanna get “in” on that action. I’ll say, no more than six months. (Note, this is sarcasm. I don’t endorse gambling.)

As to whether he gets dishnetwork in his cell, with hidef plasma … hmmn, 50-50. Might have a sauna. Might not. I’m betting on a pretty nice view, maybe some trees and shrubs. If Vick were truly a seasoned criminal, he’d continue his criminal ventures from prison, like the drug traffickers do. Can Marcus run the ring while Michael serves time? If someone doesn’t keep it going, dog-fighting might fizzle out in this country. And who wants that?

… Kidding. I was kidding. Don’tcha know a joke when ya hear one? For the record, I think dog fighting is cruel and inhumane and reprehensible. That said, Michael Vick isn’t on par with a murderer, despite what you are now seeing in the infotainment world. He’s a guy with warped, twisted sense of “fun.” I don’t get the “thrill” of watching dogs trying to tear each other to shreds. Or the satisfaction that allegedly comes from successfully predicting a winner. Boy, that’s something to boast about, huh? One look at those incisors, and I knew he was a champion!

… oh boy. I guess I’ll just never see the attraction of dog fighting. I’m glad it’s illegal.

So, back to those hoodlum Staal brothers. Word on the street is they plan to listen to some Motley Crue music this weekend. Better brush up on your noise statutes. I feel an infraction coming along any minute. (Ohhh okayyyy. Motely Crue is a very fine band of musicians whose music is lovely.) Kick-start my heart, why don’tcha?

By Brian

August 22, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

For the record, I am completely against a hockey blog turning into a Vick blog. However, I am more bothered by how Terrence Moore plays the race card time and time again. Now he is claiming to be against Vick and saying that this is a race issue and that the community needs to wake up and see Vick for his crimes. This Moore guy will write anything for glory…

By Sara

August 22, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Just because I feel like expressing my opinion…

I think the OJ’s and Ray Lewis’s are some of the reasons why the new commish for the NFL is being so hard on players now. Who wants to run a league of players known as thugs? These guys are supposed to be role-models. Huh, some role-models they are. Frankly, I applaud what Goodell is doing. Frankly, I was very disappointed that the NHL wasn’t able to grow enough cahonies to do more about Bertuzzi or Simon. Waaay out of line. It needs to be more about the principle of the matter, not just the end results.

And to a degree the Vick thing is a racial issue. Sorry to say it, but when the NAACP throws their support behind a person who has committed a serious crime, hurt animals, and destroyed themselves when they could have made a better life for themselves instead, it only perpetuates the self-destruction of the African-American community. (Not that self-destruction is limited to one particular race.) Michael Vick should never be an example for young people of any race, except as how not to live their life.

God I miss hockey.

By ranallo10

August 22, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Agreed Brian. Terrence Moore is no better than Stephen Smith. Every time a player is in trouble or has some sort of adverse impact upon his surroundings, the first place they both go is race.

I think Terrence Moore is the reason the Falcons Blog degenerates itself to a racial slurathon. He seems to condone and propagate racism, and his readers continue it.

Terrence Moore is one of the reasons I appreciate Craig Custance being our hockey writer…Custance has an air of journalistic non-biases to him, where as Moore (and other AJC writers) seems to not.

By Brian

August 22, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Sara - that’s just it. His actions and what is happening to him has nothing to do with race, the NAACP has no reason to be involved. Other than to come out and say to young people of the community to NOT do those things, instead they say he is a victim.

For as much as I want more hockey exposure in the AJC, if it comes from Terrence Moore, I don’t want it.

By Brian

August 22, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Ranollo - completely agree. The only problem is now that Moore is on tv, he is coming out against the black community saying they shouldn’t support Vick. He constantly plays the card and now he tells everyone else not to? What’s worse is that he is on tv now. It’s easy to not click on the links that he writes, but now I have to change the channel…

By Brendan

August 22, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

As long as the NFL is consistent in the way it treats crimes by its athletes, (black, white, red, whatever,) then what they are doing is admirable. But the second a player who isn’t black gets caught in a dog-fighting ring, the NFL had better apply “consistency” in how it handles its matters. Otherwise, you’ll see Terrence Moore writing a column about the hypocrisy and inconsistency of the NFL and its policies.

It (The NFL) ought to just come out with a policy. These are the consequences for a misdemeanor. These are the penalties for a felony. So on and so forth. That way, it truly has nothing to do with race. Yeah, I hear ya. Aren’t these things a “case-by-case” basis? What if the next guy only bet on dog-fighting. Isn’t that LESS of a crime than what Vick has allegedly done? That’ll be the argument. While I think it’s true, if that player just happens to be white, it won’t placate the African-American community any. They’ll say the white player got off lightly. Well, his crime was less!! In this hypothetical example, anyway. I might as well have said, “purple monkey dishwasher”— for it would resonate just as ineffectively. The African-American community will cry “foul.” If all Vick did was bet on dog-fighting, I suspect the NFL would go lighter on him. Just like this hypothetical white player is guilty simply of betting on dog fights.

The argument then detereorates into, “You guys (meaning media) made Vick into a monster while this hypothetical white player merely has poor judgement in his choice of entertainment.” See where this leads? No place reasonable. Let’s get back to hockey. Apologies for the Vick stuff on a hockey blog. We can segue way it to crimes by NHL players. The Danton kid got sent away for conspiracy to commit murder of his agent. He’s in jail.

By Bob

August 23, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Frankly, I applaud what Goodell is doing. Frankly, I was very disappointed that the NHL wasn’t able to grow enough cahonies to do more about Bertuzzi or Simon

Bingo. Goodell is doing a great job. He’s got a tough row to hoe though, the football players are coddled from the time they’re in high school, and especially when they get to college. If the universities actually stood up and held this football players accountable and made them go to class and get an education, mabye we wouldn’t have this thug mentality and feeling that they’re above the law.

I also was very disappointed that Bettman et al didn’t come down harder on the Bertuzzis and Simons, it sent a bad message, in my opinion.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 23, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Can Vick skate?

Then why bring this up. He is a piece of sh*t and not worth commenting on any further.

(in order to change the subject) what do you think will be the reaction of Phillips when Big Mandy Suckens comes to town December 5th? Do we bring up Boris for a game so he can pound Mandy like prom night? Our second preseason game is against the Isles…Does Mandy have the grapes to try and block Kovy’s shot?

By thrashtheeast

August 23, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Dany Heatley actually killed someone and still plays.

By Adam

August 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Brendan, The thing is that under the NFL’s player conduct policy Goodell will have the right to BAN Vick for life on the gambling charges alone. (If gambling is included in the plea agreement) You see I don’t believe they have anything in there about animal cruelty, just felonies in general. But gambling is the big no-no in sports in general.

So actually if Vick only ran/funded the operation and didn’t bet on fights then the NFL would be limited in their ability to enforce a harsher penalty, like a perma ban, and the white player that placed bets on the same fights should get banned.

I know it’s messed up but I didn’t make the rules. You know what the funny thing is? He’d a been better off if he beat a woman. Not everyone relates to women. But a dog?!? How could anyone ever kill a dog. Not that I agree with dog fighting or the killing of them because I don’t. My dog is sitting at my feet as I type this. It’s just the way America views things. Priorities….

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Buzz… I like the idea of Mandy stepping in front of a Kovy shot. I’d like to see Kovy pause for a couple seconds just to line it up perfectly. :)

By ranallo10

August 23, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Buzilla, nothing would happen if Valabik was sent into the game to face Sutton. He (Sutton) only seemed to go after guys he knew he could beat, like Olli Jokinen. In fact, by fighting a player like Jokinen he does more in the way of riling up the opponents than he does his own team.

I imagine Sutton would attempt to fight Holik or Klee before he would even breathe towards Valabik.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I hope Kozy and Hossa get a chance to dance around Mandy before Kovy breaks his sternum with a lazer from the point.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 23, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Holik doesn’t fight. He has had 3 in his career and they were in the first two years in Jersey. Big Lou called him out on it once. He said that Holik was the strongest guy in the league but was upset that he wouldn’t fight back when appropriate.

By Matt H

August 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Larry Robinson only ever fought once, right? After that, he would just point his finger and people would back down. And he’s remembered as one of the toughest players ever.

Hockey historians, back me up on this (or prove me wrong…).

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

New Eklund rumor… possible trade with Boston and Atlanta.

Let the speculating begin… Boston needs Defense. Murray, Bergeron and Axelsson have been the most rumored B’s on the move this summer.

My guess is one of McCarthy, Pilar or Enstrom for PJ Axelsson… but here’s hoping it’s Bergeron.

It won’t be Murray… we can’t afford him, but whatever it is will be a salary dump on Boston’s end.

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Ouch, I didn’t realize Bergeron was already making $5 million… I think it’s definitely PJ Axelsson or maybe Brandon Bochenski.

By ranallo10

August 23, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

You’re right Buzilla, Holik isn’t a fighter. That was the point of my post. (Though, to be technical, Holik has been in about 11 regular season fights since 1990, according to Hockey Fights).

My point is that Sutton doesn’t go after fighters, Sutton goes after NON-fighters. Thus when he finally fights it’s almost guaranteed that he’ll win. Afterwards I can only imagine his linemates saying “thanks Andy, we appreciate you picking on the dude 4 inches shorter than you who has one career fight”.

Hokie — you frequent Eklund’s sight, you should know better than to imagine that anybody from Boston is truly moving. He mentioned Boston and NY Islanders last week in a “major” trade. Nothing happened.

By Matt H

August 23, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Yeah, but, wouldn’t we be looking for a center? Axelsson or Bochenski are both wingers. Maybe they’re looking to trade one of their young centers for one of our young d-men?

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I think the team could use another RW for the 2nd line. Bochenski could fit in nicely, but he’s near league minimum which wouldn’t make much sense for Boston.

Axelsson is a LW and upon further review, I don’t see us paying him $1.8 mil when Larsen is serviceable on the checking line for league minimum.

Which would lead me to Havelid for Murray… which would seem unlikely.

The only thing I could elude to further would be Haydar’s NHL only contract… Waddell might not be liking that at this point. Which means a very small deal is in place unless Boston is looking at a major salary dump.

By ranallo10

August 23, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Mark Mowers is from Decatur, GA. Interesting factoid.

Bochenski COULD fit, but I think you’re right about why they’d get rid of him. Also, why would they drop a 21 year old center (Bergeron)??

I think the best way to look at this is by asking “who do the Thrashers have that the Bruins want?”, and hopefully piecing it together that way. Defense (Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby, Enstrom, Popovic)? Offense (Hossa, Kovalchuk, … Sterling, Little)? Goaltending (Pavelec)? A Zamboni driver? Bob??

Unless it’s a blockbuster, or a low level swap, I don’t see either team matching in a trade. I’ll chalk this one up to Ek being Ek, especially since we know Waddell doesn’t show his hand before he plays, and Ek’s “sources” have been mentioning Boston for weeks now.

By Thrashersfan33

August 23, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Now Ek is saying it is a “high powered foward”. On who’s end? Ours or Boston? Does this mean we have a chance to get Savard back? Awesome! Way to wheel and deal DW.

By Sara

August 23, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Boston is in major need of some salary dump. They’re sitting just about on top of the cap with frankly not all that much to show for them big bucks (overall - just a couple of show pieces). But I doubt ATL is going to pick up anything major at this point - or maybe even minor.

Spector (for whom I have waaayyy more respect than Eklund) has a pretty good run-down of where teams stand right now in terms of cap space and trade-likelihoods. I can’t post links worth a darn but I’ll at least copy/paste the URL for ya.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/7147168

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Maybe they want to give us back Savard since he is such a d*ck in the locker room.

I would take him back only if he shaved that sh*t stain off of his lower lip. He looks like he plays bass guitar for Adam Ant.

By Bob

August 23, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Why does anyone even pay attention to Eklund?

Savard to Atlanta, Hossa to Boston.

There, now that’s a rumor, run with it.

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Savard has a no-trade clause… he’s not coming back.

I think Murray makes the most sense… Boston would have to get an established player for less money, preferably on defense in return… so, I’ll say Havelid.

Murray for Havelid and a prospect.

By GaVaHokie

August 23, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Bob… I don’t think anyone takes it as the gospel from Eklund, it’s just fun to speculate… something to talk about.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Chara for Lehts

I’m bored, why not?

By Tony C.

August 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Ok on the other mid-to-late 30’s guy I would’ve hoped DW at least called:

Trevor Linden

Yeah I know the canucks got a sweetheart deal, but still I think we could’ve and should’ve made a run at it.

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Great potshot on the Staal boys - ya pantywaist hater

By Matt H

August 23, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Which Chara? Ottawa Chara or Boston/Long Island Chara?

If it were Ottawa Chara (those numbers), and Pavelec is as good as they say he is, I might make that trade.

If we’re talking Boston/Long Island Chara, not at all worth it.

I think he’s overrated, and I think this past season with the Bruins proved that his numbers benefited greatly by strong teams in Ottawa.

By Matt H

August 23, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

“Finders keepers, losers Leafers”

By ranallo10

August 24, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Weiss signs a 6 year, $18.6M ($3.1M per year) contract with Florida.

He had 20 goals and 28 assists last season.

By Bob

August 24, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Smart move by Florida to lock up Weiss.

Look at the ripple effect that Lowe’s loose cannon RFA offers is causing. Who do we have that’s an impending RFA that should be locked up?

By Bob

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

Hey Bob, why don’t you put “aspiring GM” on your resume? You seem to indicate such knowledge of intricacies and are seemingly negative about the team’s leadership (even though we get better every year).

By ranallo10

August 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Mark Popovic and Kari Lehtonen are the only impending RFAs currently on our NHL roster.

By Bob

August 24, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Sounds like if Lehtonen has a good year, he needs to be locked up to a long term deal as well.

By Midfield

August 24, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

As for goaltending, it seems to be a big time buyers’ market as of late. Besides, as was the case with Cam Ward, one big year is not a guarantee of consistent overperformance. So, what’s the urgency?

By Craig Custance

August 24, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I thought, of all the contracts signed this off-season, the goalie deals were the most reasonable.

By Brendan

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

What do you guys think of this Weiss contract? $3.1 million for a high 1st round pick. If Weiss hits any kinda decent numbers, I think that contract is a “steal.” I’m not saying he’ll put up Marc Savard, Marian Hossa numbers, but over time, and assuming he stays healthy, this could be great deal for Florida—the kind Weiss might wish he could “re-negotiate.”

Yes, yes. But if he busts, they’re stuck with him for six years, along with the cap hit. Contract length can be a “sticky issue.” I support Don Waddell in not re-signing Lehtonen early. He’s had what?, one full completely “injury-free” season. And Lehtonen is still “restricted” come next Summer. So let Kevin Lowe, assuming he still has a job, come make us some 7-year/$50 million offer. If Pavelec is as good as he looks, we could use those four 1st round draft picks! And even go snare some FREE AGENT goaltender as insurance for Pavelec. Like Craig said, the goaltender contracts have been the most reasonable. Had Pavelec not signed with Atlanta, he would have been a 1st round pick this year. I can’t speculate where he might have gone in the 1st round. But someone would have taken him.

By Bob

August 24, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Further evidence that Don Waddell is building the team properly and in a responsible business manner and not being reckless. Buy tickets folks!

By Tony C.

August 27, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

this from eklund:

The Bruins are still the team that is working hardest to make a “major trade prior to Sept 1.” Atlanta and Detroit are two teams that are involved in those talks…

hrrrm?

By Tony C.

August 27, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

ok sorry that posted so late.

Anyway, hell yes, I’d love to have bergeron, but I don’t see them dropping him OR murray…For those that seem ready to deal Pavlec-do you really want to trade away a hot young goalie? A guy who was derided for lack of effort but has answered those concerns with an even better year and increased stamina/strength? Franchise goalies don’tgrow on tress and everything I’ve read about this guy’s ability is positive…

GO BLUE !!!

By russian

August 27, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

To Tony C. I heard the rumor, that Detroit, Boston and Atlanta want to do trade to get Markov Danil. He is with Detroit now, but Red wings did not have a money to buy him. He is looking for 3.5 per year. I think it is too much for our team. We have Zhitnik now. But it is going to be interesting in future.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

What do you guys think of this Weiss contract? $3.1 million for a high 1st round pick

Very smart move to lock him up, he’s already shown he’s not a bust. Lowe’s loose cannon offer sheets have really stirred up the GM’s, they’re all looking over their shoulders wondering who’s eyeing their RFA’s.

Can Boston afford Hossa’s cap hit this year? Since there’s been no news on that front, I think the best way to improve for this year is to move him, if he won’t re-sign here next summer and we’d lose him anyway. Just get a good return for him, a top line center and a right wing would be nice.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Here’s another one, another smart GM locking up his a good young player after Loose Cannon Lowe went off:

Milan Michalek agreed to a six-year, $26 million contract extension with the San Jose Sharks on Friday, keeping the talented young forward in teal through 2014

The Czech, a 22-year-old right wing, is considered a rising star after just two full NHL campaigns. He was San Jose’s fourth-leading scorer last year, compiling career highs of 26 goals, 40 assists and a plus-17 rating while mostly playing on the second line with captain Patrick Marleau

Through months of talks with Michalek’s agents, Wilson saw an opportunity to lock up another of the Sharks’ topflight talents in a long-term deal

And by signing Michalek to a lengthy deal, the Sharks made sure they’ll be protected against the possibility of being forced to match a huge offer sheet from another team when Michalek could become a restricted free agent next summer

By GaVaHokie

August 27, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

I would trade any one of our defenseman for Glen Murray… especially to play on a line with Kovalchuk.

He’s got the perfect contract for us too… he’s 34 years old, 2 years left on his contract at $4 million per year. He’s better than Mellanby and Tkachuk put together. You could put Slater OR Holik in between… it doesn’t matter.

By Brendan

August 27, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

The Michalek deal by San Jose is a good one. My favorite quote of his was, “I like playing with Joe (Thornton) and Patrick (Marleau), we’re going to win a lot of cups.”

Now, thaaaat’s some confidence! For me, the issue out in San Jose isn’t the roster, it’s Head Coach Ron Wilson. You’ll recall there was even some talk about replacing him this Summer. But the other Wilson, the GM, I think his name is Doug, said they were going to stick with him.

Look Ron Wilson is a good coach. There’s no denying that. But is he the NHL’s version of Marty Schottenheimer? Even if the Sharks cut Ron Wilson loose, he’d land another job, just like Schotts, because he can deliver a decent regular season and some playoff success. But is he the “carry them over the hump” type Coach? Time will tell.

I hope he does get a Cup for his resume. Just so all the talk will stop about how he can’t win the big one.

Weiss, in time, may regret signing as cheaply as he did. It’s a good move by Florida.

By Matt H

August 27, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

What was the deal with Ron Wilson and Patrick Marleau during the playoffs recently? I heard he dressed him down in the lockerroom and that kinda took the wind out of the sails of the Sharks.

I think I remember reading that he had a rep for doing this.

By Brendan

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

That’s what I heard, too, Matt H. Which prompted the “time for a change of benchboss?” talk in Northern California. If the Sharks have to chose between Marleau and Ron Wilson, I know who’d still be there.

Okay, shifting gears a bit. Can I get an APB for “Ice Man,” our fan blogger? “Socks and underwear” was his last blog, from about the time the Rangers eliminated us last April. No blogs in four (4) months. Shoot, even school is back in session. David Vecsey, please chime in on the offseason moves. Before you know it, the preseason games will be here! If you’re sick or incapacitated, Get Well! If not, time blog or pass the Torch. We miss ya! So let us know what you’ve been up to all summer long.

By Sara

August 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I’ve wondered myself a time or two what happened to IceMan. I can understand not really blogging during the off-season…there isn’t a point to having two blogs where we’d talk about all the same stuff twice over. But I would expect someone who is supposed to be a fan to have at least commented some during the off-season. Or filled in on the blog when Craig was on vacay, etc. I think the AJC really still hasn’t gotten the whole fan-blogger thing right for the Thrashers. I’m not trying to dog IceMan - I do believe he’s a fan, just I think he’s perhaps a bit too busy and maybe not quite die-hard enough to be the fan blogger - they need someone who knows the team and its history (such as it is), understands hockey in general, and most importantly, can and will commit the time to blog regularly - like daily almost during the season. There are some good choices from the regulars who do comment on here regularly - maybe they will pick one this season!

By ranallo10

August 27, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

The Falconer for AJC Fan Blogger…

let the voting commence.

By Tony C.

August 27, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hokie- I’m with you, I think that Murray would look real good riding shotgun with #17…but honestly, Who are we going to give up? Also, doesn’t Murray have a pretty long injury sheet? Do we really need a guy who’s likely to only play half the season?

We know how much Coach loves to ride his horses-and certainly Murray would be given big TOI numbers-I for one am not opposed to rolling 3.25 lines if nobody gets hurt, or wears down-I think this is what has happened to this team the past two seasons-Coach seems unwilling to roll four lines before the Jan-Feb crunchtime, when fatigue demands that he do so.

I dunno…I’d be interested to see Murray wearing Thrasher Blue, but only for a reasonable price/cost.

Then again, this could just be Ek justifying his cellphone bill!

GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

August 27, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I’ll vote for Falconer

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 27, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Apparently David Vecsey comes from a long line of sports reporters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Vecsey

When you google his name it seems that he is busy writing for SI and the PGA.

Strangely enough he grew up in Port Washington NY (the town right next to where I grew up) My father most likely taught David if he went to Schreiber High School.

small world…

By GaVaHokie

August 27, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Tony… Murray really only had injury issues last season. He pulled his groin in practice and reaggravated it during a game. They kept trying to put him back in too early and he never really recovered. Once Boston was out of the playoff picture, they placed him on IR the rest of the season (last 16 games).

What I mean to say is, it doesn’t bother me. That can be fixed with conditioning. And I’d still trust him with heavy TOI.

By Bob

August 27, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

My father most likely taught David if he went to Schreiber High School

Ah, that explains it. I knew something was a little twisted with Iceman, just couldn’t place it.

I think Brendan would be the perfect Fan Blogger for the Thrashers. Knowledgeable, sparks interest in new topics, just need to shorten the length a bit and it’s all good.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

August 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

my father’s name is Bob…

weird

By Bob

August 27, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

My daughter’s name is Buzilla, who’dathunkit!

By ranallo10

August 27, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I’ll buy into your Murray argument, but I still find it unlikely with what Atlanta has to offer. Here’s one reason I don’t think it’ll happen — there are plenty of available UFAs out there that can fill the role Murray would (2nd/3rd tier FA that can put up points and take away some pressure from Kovalchuk). Jeff O’Neill (your favorite) being a good example, but there’s also people like Alyn McCauley, Mike Johnson, Anson Carter, Jan Bulis, etc. These people CAN score, but I doubt we’ll see them here in Atlanta.

Unless the deal with Boston works out so the Thrashers gain cap space or have an even wash in salary swapped, I don’t think anything will happen for Murray.

On another note, does anybody know when the Thrashers will be unveiling their “new” uniforms to the public?? Other teams are busy rolling out their new designs (Ottawa), and new Reebok uniforms, so I’m curious when we get in on the action.

By ranallo10

August 27, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

A nice rundown of the Thrashers top 20 prospects.

It’s interesting to note that only two of those 20 prospects are first round picks — Little, 2006 pick 12, and Valabik, 2004 pick 10.

By Brendan

August 27, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

If some reason Vecsey cannot do it, I’d like to see a “rotating” fan blogger. It’s almost a full seven month-long season, if you count parts of September and April. Sara could take a month. Bob one. Brian one. Falconer. Jennifer. Ranallo. Matt H. I believe “diversity” is best way to pave freedom of speech (and get closer to the truth). If you get some Waddell-hater or Waddell-lover in there, FULL-TIME, you lose a certain percentage of readership, since Waddell is so polarizing.

You’ll see posts EXACTLY like this one, “What a surprise, the resident (pick one) Waddell-hater/Waddell lover is (pick one) bashing or praising him again! Some things never change. That’s why I’ve stopped frequenting this site. It’s such a waste of time.” Heavy sigh.

I will make an honest effort to reduce the length of my posts next season. Then again, rubbin’ my chin, I get to pretty much BURY WHATEVER I WANT in paragraph four, with the knowledge that Brian won’t be reading it. :) And what could be cooler than that??

By Brendan

August 27, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10, thank you for that prospect list. I can’t agree more with Pavelec on the top of that list. At least when Waddell moved down in the draft to go get him, he made the pick count. There will be other who will point out that by doing that, Waddell missed out on Anze Kopitar. The Thrashers original draft position was 8th in 2005.

But let’s not go there right now. What I meant to say was … I’m not afraid of the RFA offer sheet to Lehtonen in the Summer of 2008, if that materializes. Of course, lest there be some confusion, it’d be best to have both Lehtonen and Pavelec on the roster in the 2008-09 season.

By GaVaHokie

August 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, Boston is at $51 million right now, they are the one’s that need cap space. Havelid for Murray makes sense for both sides… Boston cuts $1.3 million off the cap and gets a dependable defenseman. Atlanta takes the $2.7 million they would have paid Havelid and applies it to the $4.1 million for Murray, in essense, getting an elite player for just $1.3 million extra.