AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPavelec on his way to Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, Kari Lehtonen was placed on injured reserve because of the groin injury suffered in the first period of the Rangers game last night. Just got done chatting with him, and it seems like his spirits are okay. It really helped that he was probably playing his best game of the season when he got hurt, so at least now he has that to build on.
“That was huge,” he said, saying if it would have happened during the New Jersey game it would have been miserable. Johan Hedberg will get the majority of the work in Lehtonen’s absence, but expect to see some of Ondrej Pavelec, who was called up from Chicago today.
Pavelec showed he could play at this level, talent-wise, during a strong training camp. But as we know with young goalies, the mental side is just as important. He’ll join the team in Atlanta today then fly with them to Tampa Bay. Do you think the 20-year-old rookie is ready?
There was some grumbling about the referees in last night’s game, especially the hit on Tobias Enstrom that sent him crashing into the boards. What’d you guys think of the calls last night?
As for the coach search, and I’m sure we’ll be beating this to death on blogs, with stories, etc. but it’s still really early. Don’s focus right now is on coaching the team and getting things turned around. Once the team hits the road and he has a little more time to turn towards candidates, he’ll do so. Look for him to interview, two maybe three guys, after all is said and done.
Comments
By Thrasher Ryan
October 19, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
That’s tough news on Kari. But history always repeats itself, ya know? Can’t wait to see Pavelec in action. Thanks for the updates Craig.
By Matt
October 19, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
First?
Awesome news.
Moose is a clear step up from the last time we were in the position.
Hope the youngster comes along slowly.
By Ryan
October 19, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
CC, thanks for the updates. I could not believe Kari went out with the groin again. Tough luck for that kid. He was playing great.
Matt, I agree with you about Moose. He’s got the experience. Refs, looked like they missed a call with Slates going hard in the offensive zone. Looked like he was pulled down. No Call. I watched on TV so the angle was poor to this. Any one have a better view from the seats at the game?
By Brendan
October 19, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
I’m thrilled at the prospect of getting our first looks at Pavelec in an NHL game that counts. Well, assuming that happens. He hasn’t been named as a “starter” yet.
On the coaching front … I want Waddell to remain behind the bench. Who better to coach these guys than the “visionary” who is responsible for bringing them here? What’s more, he writes their contracts, decides their “fate,” as it relates to trades, being put on waivers, being re-assigned to the minors, etc. Who is going to get more out of this bunch than Waddell? And the best part is … it doesn’t “cost” the Thrashers any money to have him there. Furthermore, Waddell, “The Coach,” sports a .500 record. Ummn, did Waddell “miss his calling?”
Someone is going to say it … you just know it. Say what? “Why don’t we keep Waddell as Coach and just hire a new GM?” Well, think about that a little bit harder. And the answer will become “self-evident.”
By Alison
October 19, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Any word on Todd White’s injury? I know he missed part of the end of the game and did not come out for the 3 Stars announcement.
By GTDave
October 19, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I’ll be interested to see Pavelec in a non-exhibition game, if it happens. I’m with Brendan, let Waddell ride it out behind the bench for a while. Aside from what he mentioned about getting the best out of the guys as judge, jury, and executioner so to speak, if he tanks it, they can start fresh at coach and GM.
Calls in the third last night were awful. Hollweg is a head hunter, nothing more. His blatant elbow to Zhit’s head last night wasn’t called and was much nastier than the cross-check to Enstrom from Straka. Nonetheless, the cross-check should never have happened. That’s a respect move and some of these guys have none. Speaking of Straka, the dive at the end of the game on Hossa’s “trip” was priceless. Makes me sad for what the league has become…the “goons” are dirty and many of the skill players are more than willing to flop.
By Bob
October 19, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Kari got hurt midway through the first period, right? He’s always show great play in stretches, and he was playing great for that 10 or 15 minute stretch last night. His weakness is he has not shown the mental toughness to do it for 60 minutes, night in and night out.
Hope he takes his time as well. Get really healthy. Get his hair done. Pour some drinks. Then come back and play well, so we can trade him off for more assets.
I am very interested in seeing Pavelec, might be too early for him, especially to come into the pressure cooker going on here, but let’s see what he’s made of. I’m sure if he folds early, they’ll send him back down and bring Braithwaite instead of ruining Pavelec. The move does reek of desperation on Waddell’s part, however. Hope he’s not going to harm Pavelec’s development in an effort to save his own skin.
Those refs were idiots last night. they let that get completely out of control. I thought Waddell was hilarious dropping the F bombs on them, good for him.
Brendan, I already said it on Rawhide’s blog. That would take the owner’s stepping in and saying “well, you can stay, but here’s your new boss”. Ain’t gonna happen though. It’ll be interesting to see who is chosen.
By Sara
October 19, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Umm, Craig I think the appropriate response here is What calls? I am impressed though - I wouldn’t have thought those refs would have had enough spine to pull that crap right in the face of a GM.
Actually, Brendan that might be the best scenario. Frankly I don’t think there is that much business pressing that Don couldn’t handle both coaching duties and GM responsibilities for the rest of the season. And the potential talent pool for a new coach would be much better during the off-season when there are no impediments to talking to other team’s assistants, plus other fired coaches, etc etc. Or, if you’re of the camp that Don needs to go, then him coaching out the season works as well. Fire him at the end, hire a new GM, who then hires a new coach, etc etc. (Of course, if things turn themselves around you’re pipe dreaming to think they’ll can DW.)
Personally I like it. Besides - while Don in interviews has all the personality of mud, Don behind the bench is endlessly entertaining - a side-show as it were (Bob should appreciate that analogy).
By Brendan
October 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Exactly, Bob.
By Brendan
October 19, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Right on, Sara.
By toxostoma rufum
October 19, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
All I care about now is what kind of package are we going to get from Phoenix or LA for Kari.
Welcome to the future: Pavelec!
By Kint
October 19, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
I would really Like to see Pavelec get a chance… I say Throw Moose in there until he loses and if he does get Ondrej in there
By DWTOO
October 19, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Straka’s shot was really cheap. Someone should have stepped up and beat the tar out of him at the end of the game. Stand up for your team the way the Rangers goons do.
In a Knights game a player from Indy ran our goalie into the boards. Since it was a close game no one did anything. Just so happens the cheapshot artist was on the ice at the end of the game when the Knights hit the empty net goal. The nearest Knight just cold cocked this SOB and laid him out. That’s what should have happened last night.
By dj
October 19, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Craig, how can fans give their displeasure with the refs from last night game? I think the Rangers coach should be fined and Orr and Hollweg should be suspended. I’m sorry but last night was clearly how a NHL Orignal Six team gets the benefit of the draw. I recorded the game and I hope they show the “Cross-check” Exelby put on Jagr but I sit right behind that part and Ex gave him a little shove and Jagr slashed him in return then Shannan THREW A PUNCH and got a roughing call??? Or, how a cross-check that nearly knocks a player out doesn’t get 5 minutes?? I’m sorry te officiating was horrible. Exelby landed a great hit after the dangerous cross-check. The Rangers got p**. Holik came out and told the Refs with 5 minutes left why Hollweg was on the ice….he pointed it out and the refs didn’t do anything about it. I’m sorry the officials from last night need to learn how to manage a game. Horrible absolutely horrible.
By David Lee
October 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I think Shannahan should shut the hell up - X’s hits were justice for Straka’s dirty play. Additionally, Straka, Orr, and Holloweg need to be punched in their noses. If it were me on the ice, I would say to Shannahan - “Sit down Old Man. Don’t make me beat your arse too.”
By Craig Custance
October 19, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Alison — Todd practiced today, but he’s banged up. He was in the trainer’s room after the game, and was off the ice quick after practice today so I haven’t had time to catch up with him. But he had a definite limp. If it was really serious, I don’t think he would have practiced today.
By kevin
October 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Instead of continually referencing the need to get Kari healthy so that we can trade him, many fans need to realize that in order to make a playoff run, Kari is the only goalie who is capable at this time to carry the team for a long stretch of games. Yes he has been inconsistent at times and the injuries are well documented. However he has world class talent and has given us great goaltending for long stretches of games in the past, he played very well last year in spite of basically an AHL defense, without him there is no way we win the division last season. I also am anxious to see his play without Hartley, I think Hartley’s approach to Kari could have hurt his development. Hedberg is a quality backup, I’m glad we have him but he doesn’t have the capability to carry a team for a season, that’s why he’s a 34yr old backup. Pavelec is a great talent but he only has two games of AHL experience. Let’s hope the team can win a few games and get Kari back quickly.
By Kint
October 19, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
David Lee Very good call…. i couldnt agree more
By FormerIslesFan
October 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
CC
We started discussing this on Rawhide’s Blog. The officiating last night was terrible and it seemed that the refs did everything they could to help the Ranger$ get back in the game in the latter half of the third period.
The worst “calls” of the night were three “no calls.”
I’m not saying the Thrashers were blameless in those situations, but the refs turned a blind eye to all of the Blue Shirts on those plays.
Mind you, that doesn’t even include the earlier elbow to Zhitnik that GTDave mentioned above.
On an interesting side note, Youtube has a link showing the MSG commentators take on the Exelby/Prucha hit last night where they repeatedly call it “late” and “dirty.” Note, this is despite the fact that tsn.ca and even the Ranger$’ coach (Renny) called it “legal” and “clean.”
By Bob
October 19, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Don behind the bench is endlessly entertaining - a side-show as it were (Bob should appreciate that analogy).
“Absolutely” Sideshow Bob was cracking me up last night, it was great. I am being serious. That was the 2nd most I’ve ever been impressed by him (first was his class act in handling the Snyder family and the Heatley fiasco).
David, Shanny can handle himself when he throws down, old man or not. Can’t remember who he beat the crap out of last year, but he hasn’t lost much from his younger days. That said, I still wanted to see that a* beat last night.
many fans need to realize that in order to make a playoff run…
Methinks pigs are gonna have to fly out of Sideshow Bob’s rear for this lineup to make a playoff run.
By Brian
October 19, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait to see Pavelec up here.
Sara - great comment on DW behind the bench, he was fun to watch. At one point he had one foot on the bench and the other on the boards trying to jaw at the ref. I thought he was going to pull a Ftorek for a second. Others pointed that they liked his enthusiasm towards the players which I think also means a lot (first one to slap X on the back). Even his expression listening to Bear about Kari’s injury was worth watching. We may need a DW cam for the next game.
By Ron
October 19, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know if Kari has ever had surgery on the groin or just rehab?
By Baldheaded Thrasher
October 19, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
DWTOO Couldn’t agree more with you. I was amazed that someone didn’t start pounding Straka right after the cross check into the back of Enstrom. We need a goon or some of the young guns are going to get gun shy.
By R. Stroz
October 19, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
After watching the game last night, we need a new name for DW, such as Dancing Don.
By Tony C.
October 19, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Trust me you do not want surgery for the kid. He’d be out for all of this year, and most of next year even then, we’re talking about an incredible recovery/therapy rate and even so, chances are better-than-even that he would never be able to play at the same level again.
Not to be negative, but think about it. That’s major surgery to the key component of anyone’s (let alone a hockey goalie) mobility.
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
October 19, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
I also think we should bring up, oh say, DesBiens…Or let’s see if Boulton has learned any new moves while being a scratch for most of last season…seriously, we need somebody to look after the smurfs.
GO BLUE !!!
By tbone
October 19, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
We do need to toughen up - we are way too soft. It’s bad news when the toughest guy on the team is Kovalchuk. Anyone know if the “sheriff” is looking for something to do? How ‘bout Denny Lambert?
Bob, you are right about Shanny still being tough, but he had the luxury last night of knowing he could run his mouth all he wanted and X wouldn’t do a thing. I do miss pre-concussion X. I have very fond memories of one of X’s first NHL fights…a Canadien running his mouth takes one punch to the nose, and buckles like a belt. Those were the days.
By Matt H
October 20, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
I have to admit, I like what I saw out of DW behind the bench last night (or, two nights ago, damn it’s 2 am). But does he really have a proven pro track record in coaching?
By LAC
October 20, 2007 4:02 AM | Link to this
Great comment Brenden…
I kinda now think Hartley & waddell should have simply changed jobs…
But I am not comfortable withthe lineup we offer night after night… Just wish we were a bit tougher…
Refs stunk the building out, looked on replays straka was TRYING to hurt our guy… He should go for about 10 games, and that hollweg THUG should be banned from the NHL, no wonder Simon whacked him, surprised more do not…
Trip will tell a story, glad Pavelec is going to make an appearence.
He played so well, under control during the pre-season opener in St.Louis, stopping their BIG guns time after time… could be interesting… But Ifeelwe still need MORE scoring punch!
By LAC
October 20, 2007 4:03 AM | Link to this
Great comment Brenden…
I kinda now think Hartley & waddell should have simply changed jobs…
But I am not comfortable withthe lineup we offer night after night… Just wish we were a bit tougher…
Refs stunk the building out, looked on replays straka was TRYING to hurt our guy… He should go for about 10 games, and that hollweg THUG should be banned from the NHL, no wonder Simon whacked him, surprised more do not…
Trip will tell a story, glad Pavelec is going to make an appearence.
He played so well, under control during the pre-season opener in St.Louis, stopping their BIG guns time after time… could be interesting… But I feel we still need MORE scoring punch!
By LAC
October 20, 2007 4:15 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the double post folks !!
By luckydog
October 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Should be a great test against the Lightning tonight. Although they have mediocre goaltending and are missing Dan Boyle (who has had some huge games against us) Vinnie and St. Louie and Richards will test us.
Carping about his roster aside, I hope our guys keep playing smart and loose for CoachWad — who I agree looked very comfortable behind the bench the other night. (Of course that’s easy when your team jumps out 4-zip…)
I’ll call it 3-2 Thrash tonight in OT.
By Brian
October 20, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Tony C - nice link, I like it. I wonder if DW is calling the lineup changes now if he will use more muscle. The only problem I have with it is that with the Kid line being our 4th line, where do you put the enforcer? I think the only answer is to forget Boulton (don’t put him on the Kid line, don’t bench Larsen or Dupuis, definitely not for Kozzy or Hoss, unless you put him out there with Kovy which he needs more skill than muscle). Instead, you bring up someone for Klee but then you pass Popovic and keep him sitting.
By Brian
October 20, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
sorry, I should have said the Rook line…
By Craig Custance
October 20, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Same lineup tonight as Thursday.
By Tony C.
October 20, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Brian-
If it weren’t for the nifty passing we saw out of Larsen the other night (who knew? I mean the 2nd set-up pass to Dupuis was even more impressive than that no-look on Dupuis’ goal…through a lot of sticks, saucered and on the tape…sweet dish), I’d say sit him for Desbiens. However, Larsen did show some great deciscion-making and anticipation Thurs. So, it makes scratching him kind of dumb. Howabout putting Thorburn On #17’s line? Because I think it’s asking an awful lot out of White to go stand in the crease. I love the guy’s right hook, but even Desbiens would agree that he isn’t skillful enough to warrant that slot…however, that seems to be the only place availible…The Holik line looked so darn good on Thrus. (Shut down Jagr line and scored 1st goal? c’mon!) you don’t want to break that up, the rook line is definitely clicking (can’t wait for Little centering #17!), HosSlov line-can’t change that. So um… yeah, somebody tell X or Larsen or Klee that they need to man up and handle it.
Although #17 looks like he might just have turned the corner on that (grit). I mean hey nobody tells Iginla that he can’t throw down (granted he’s a way better fighter than #17, but I’ll bet #17’d get lots better real fast)…I dunno, it just seems like that’ll be the achilles heel of the team. Didn’t stop the Sabres last year, but that team had more scoring depth than our roster has shown to date.
Apologies for the novella.
GO BLUE !!!
By The Falconer
October 20, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
I’d agree with Brendan. I’d like to see DW stay behind the bench for a while. Ideally until they get back to .500 and then turn it over.
DW’s record as a coach in the old IHL. 1st season 22-54, 2nd season 40-36, 3rd season 45-28. I have no idea what player he had but he showed dramatic improvement over three years.
By Tony C.
October 20, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Falconer-
Great stats (as usual)! I had no Idea DW posted such a good record. I wish him similar success here.
GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
It’s not as if John Tortorella’s Lightning are struggling, but if Atlanta beats them both times on this road trip … Tortorella’s name is on a “short list” of coaches whose necks were/are thought to be on the chopping block this season.
Anyone rooting for the Thrashers to help get Tortorella fired? If the Bolts actually did fire Torts, I’d bet he’d get a few calls for coaching positions in the future.
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
In the matinee game, the “Original Six” matchup of Boston vs. NY Rangers is going into the shootout. Ain’t nobody scored yet. (My English teacher rolls in her grave.) Well, somebody will. It can’t end, 0-0. Bruins didn’t start Thomas; they went with Manny Fernandez. Lundqvist is in net for the Rangers. Who’ll get the shutout??
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
Phil Kessel scores in the 3rd round to win it for Boston, 1-0. It was the only goal of the whole day. It was scoreless after overtime. Rangers missed all three shots. By the way, Marc Savard did not shoot for Boston.
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Hockey Night in Canada, Channel #773 on Comcast Cable, “Center Ice,” will be doing a 2nd period Intermission report on Don Waddell behind the bench.
By stendec
October 20, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Craig. HE CANNOT GET HERE SOON ENOUGH! Thrashers not talented enough to win without stellar goaltenders. They certainly have not gotten it thus far.
By stendec
October 20, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Craig. HE CANNOT GET HERE SOON ENOUGH! Thrashers not talented enough to win without stellar goaltenders. They certainly have not gotten it thus far.
By Tom
October 20, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Well he is here and doing okay. Sterling got his first.
Should we fire Waddell if he loses 6 straight? He is on 1…
By Denny
October 20, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Interesting reading the opinions on this Blog - but they are opinions of fans, not of Professionals. However, Mr. Falconer is is A PRO, and I don’t mean professor, because he does his homework and delivers facts. His story on DW’s drafting was excellent. Falconer brings a level of writing to his Web Site that professional jounalists should strive to achive.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK FALCONER - you have one of the best sports web sites I have ever read.
By stendec
October 20, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Speed. Tampa rolls! Speed. Two goals scored! Speed. Chasing foes all night! Speed. Goalies loose as party girls at conventions! Speed. Maybe 10 percent of Thrasher shots accurate! Speed. What F+++++G SPEED? The kind drug addicts refer to? No fans have seen ANY to date. Another embarrassment!
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Brashear vs. Laraque in the Pens-Caps game. How soon ‘til that one winds up on hockeyfights.com?
Okay, Scott Mellanby was on Hockey Night in Canada on their “hot stove” segment. He talked about how well-liked Moose is in Atlanta. And how players there really root for him to do well. He only talked about Hartley when Ron McLean asked him about the “mess” of an ownership situation in Atlanta. More specifically, McLean asked him if the ownership situation protected Hartley through the Summer (by not getting fired earlier). Mellanby said he couldn’t say, but that Waddell’s hands may have been tied on that one. Then McLean came back with “but they gave Hartley a contract extension, now they’ll have to burn that.” Then Mellanby offered up a very candid, and frank statement. He said, “From the top on down, things are really not very good right now in Atlanta.”
Wow. He continued, “Ya know, this whole situation in Atlanta, and this is disappointing for me because I care about a lot of people there. Umm, but it’s uhhh … it’s tough. I mean, I look at Marian Hossa. They ‘tried’ to sign Marian Hossa this Summer. He’s gonna be unrestricted next (season), ya know, after this season is over. And he’s probably you’re biggest asset, along with Kovalchuk. And this Summer when Briere, Gomez, and Drury are available on the free agent market, and I’m Marian Hossa, and I see my team not even go out and make an attempt to sign any one of those guys, I’m sittin’ there goin’, ‘Ya know what? I mean, Guys want to win.’ Marian Hossa is going to make his money. He’s going to make it somewhere. But he wants to win. And he wants to have a guy that’s a PREMIERE #1 Center to play with, so that he can excel and do what he does best.”
On the topic of the prospective new coach, Mellanby said, “I’m partial for Brad McCrimmon. Ya know what? Brad’s been an assistant Coach with the Islanders, the Calgary Flames and now Atlanta. He’s coached in Europe. And I think he’s earned his stripes. He’s been there, ya know, in Atlanta, for a while. And he’d be a ‘popular choice’ amongst the players. I know that. He deserves it.”
The HNIC Analyst added, “And he’s enough ‘old-school’ that even as a popular choice, he’s not a guy who’ll go in there and try to make a lot of friends. He knows the game. And he’s gonna call it the way he sees it. And I agree, I think he’d (McCrimmon) be a great choice.”
Then Ron McLean added, “Loved Kelly McCrimmon, his brother, too. They should bring him into the organization.”
Sorry for the “War and Peace”-like post, but some folks may not have Center Ice, or do have it and might have missed it.
By Brendan
October 20, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
I thought Pavelec looked good. Sterling got his 1st goal. It was a nice one. Kovalchuk and his goal continue to elude AJC Columnist Mark Bradley.
By Craig Custance
October 21, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Brendan — Good post, thanks for the comments from Mel. I know he still feels close to the Thrashers organization, and wants to see them do well as much as you guys do.
By Thrashers27
October 21, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Anyone notice Holik’s lack of TOI last night? I don’t think I saw him hit the ice after the second intermission.
By Brendan
October 21, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Craig. There’s something about hearing it FROM Mellanby himself that just seems to make Hossa’s loss so imminent. I know that Thrashers fans are clinging to hope for a contract extension. But those comments from Mellanby, in my mind, really remove the “doubt” we all cling to as Thrashers fans that Hossa can be retained beyond this season.
Mellanby, as a “non-employee” of the Thrashers, now retired, is free to speak his mind. I would have to think that, as the former Captain of the team, that Mellanby is still intimately familiar with the dynamics of the Thrashers lockerroom.
By Brendan
October 21, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
The salient things that I see so far are as follows:
1) Hossa was not re-signed in the offseason.
2) GM Waddell said he expected to re-sign Hossa between July 3rd and the conclusion of training camp. That did not happen.
3) Hossa does not have a PREMIER #1 Centerman on his line, which is what Hossa wanted, per Scott Mellanby.
4) GM Waddell’s offseason moves did not get Tier One centers for either Hossa or Kovalchuk, and remain a major obstacle for the 2007-08 season. Perhaps one that will result in the dismantling of the team at the trade deadline, depending on just how far out of it the Thrashers might be, barring a 180-degree turn-around.
5) Mellanby has candidly implied that if he were Hossa, he’d pursue free agency to be with a winner. And that, “Who could blame him? He’s going to get his money ANYWHERE he goes.” (Don’t yell at me, yell at Mellanby.)
6) The team is 1-7-0, which translates into two for 16, points-wise. The Thrashers aren’t out of it, but it’s a big hill to climb, especially with an injured Kari Lehtonen. Atlanta’s special team units rank near the bottom of the league, in both categories. They “may” even have the worst Goals Against in the league.
7) Looking at the above, how can I not think a Hossa trade is imminent? The question seems to be … trade him at Christmas or trade him at the February trade deadline? Or would you do it as soon as possible, in an effort to salvage the season?
8) Will GM Waddell be the one who makes that trade? Or will someone else step in as GM before the trade deadline to make the move? Do you think that Don Waddell should be entrusted to make any further personnel decisions?
9) If it is Waddell, will he “approach Hossa” about where he’d like to go? Or will Waddell move him to the team that commands the best return for the Thrashers? If there is an opportunity to get a better return for Hossa in a trade, will Hossa foresake testing the waters of free agency to re-ink that 4-year deal right now? That is, with his new team, as in “the team he wants to play for?” There’s a term that describes that process, but I won’t use it.
By stendec
October 21, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Speed. Tampa rolls! Speed. Two goals scored! Speed. Chasing foes all night! Speed. Goalies loose as party girls at conventions! Speed. Maybe 10 percent of Thrasher shots accurate! Speed. What F+++++G SPEED? The kind drug addicts refer to? No fans have seen ANY to date. Another embarrassment!
By GSU-Lee
October 22, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Craig, did you think that the team made an effort to pursue any number one centers? That is what gets discussed so much on this blog, so why did they not go after anybody more than White? Not even Belanger? And were Waddell’s hands tied in that regard? Would they not allow DW to pursue anybody beyond guys like white? This isn’t on him either, White seems like a decent player, but he is not a number one center. As a fan, this is frustrating. I don’t know who’s fault it is, but I do know that more things than the coach need to change in order for the team to get better
By Tony C.
October 22, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this
Not to answer for Brendan, but I would say that if Todd White is your big off-season signing @ centre…..and previously you’ve let Top-tier playmkers walk with little to no fuss…not very likely…It may be that the ownership would not give the thumbs-up to really pursuing any of the top-flight options availible.
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
October 22, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
This guy pretty much sums it up for me today
GO BLUE !!!
By Bob
October 22, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Guys, Todd White was the first UFA signed once the bell rang this year. That means Waddell went after him first, that means he didn’t even pursue a real center, and he already knew Kovy asked him for a center and that Hossa needed one. If you say he can’t afford it, did he try to move Holik first to free up that salary to sign a Briere, Gomez, Drury? No, Todd White was a good decision in his mind, but it was laughable on the day it was made.
Waddell signed Klee to improve the defense. The day that signing was made it was laughable.
Waddell wanted to have a youth movement, yet retained Hartley as coach. Another, wtf moment.
The guys making the personnel decisions is incompetent. That’s been obvious for years.
Brendan, thanks for the comments from Mellanby. That says it all right there, from a guy that has the pulse and the ear of our guys in the room. Hoss is gone, that is beyond obvious, have to trade him and might as well do it sooner than wait till the trade deadline. I think in another month or two, there will be some competitive team that is struggling and wants to improve immediately. If there is one strength, or should I call it the least of his faults, that Waddell has, it’s tradiing a pro for a pro. Let’s hope he can get it right, but the owners should have him on a very tight leash as they know he’s a lame duck and this is the biggest card we have to play to it turned around for next year (moving Hoss for a good return).
By kracker
October 22, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Tony C. - I pretty much agree but I want to see more of White. It’s a bit to soon (for me) to call it.
White had a good rush up the ice w/ Ilya and got a nice pass from Ilya for an easy shot that only had to be lofted slightly over Holmqvist’s leg but he hit the post on the bang-bang play. The point is that White was up the ice and in position for the goal so I want to see more of these guys together.
They will only get better, it seems to me, if White can get accustomed to playing as an offensive center instead of the defense-first role he had with the WIld.
By Tony C.
October 22, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Kracker-
I buy that. The part I have a problem with is this-You’re asking him (White) to do something he has never been asked to to @ the NHL level. Why not go after a guy who’s business is being one of the best O-fensive centremen on he planet (and don’t give me the ” #17 is a defensive liability argument…that’s why you put a grinder @ RW)?
Instead of “riding out” the adjustment period, you have someone who is a scorer, not someone who was a scorere back in Juniors…Granted White-to-#17 may become a very familiar phrase (trust me, I hope so!), but seriously, you look at all the centres that were availible this summer, and you ook at the day and time that DW signed White, and riddle how that is looking for top-flight talent
go blue
By kracker
October 22, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Tony, all you say is too true. I wish DW had gotten the better center. If he tried, he should have made it known that he made the offers. Perhaps he did and there was no interest by any of the top centers.
Anyway, I am just hoping the guys we do have can play better now that the Hartley firing has hopefully served to energize them, along with some practice with the GM running the sessions or at least watching McCrimmon run them.
How about the owners (belatedly) deciding to spend some money if a better center and d-man can be found in the hopes of not being hopelessly out-classed this year with the All-Star game being here? However, they most likely will opt to ride it out and try to be next year’s version of this years’s Flyers.
By Thrasher Ryan
October 22, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Toronto can be a very physical team. If I am DW, I scratch Brad Larsen and replace him on the Holik/Dupuis line with Eric Boulton. I also scratch Jim Slater and replace him with Chris Thorburn. Klee should also be scratched, in favor of Popovic (get him some action Don! Klee is just not any good!). In the meantime, if I am Don, i am shopping around Klee, Jimmy “Slates” Slater (his spot on the roster is easily replaced by Bryan Little), Holik, Larsen (spot is replaced by Boulton), Havelid, Zhitnik. We all knew this was going a youth movement this season… so lets bring up Desbiens, Stoesz, Valabik, and try to get rid of some of these overpriced veterans. It’s time to clean house and salvage what we can out of this season.
By Thrashers27
October 22, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
I know it’s coming from Ecklund, so I shouldn’t be surprised…but Hossa for Tomas Kaberle?!?!? Come on! I’d rather have Frank Kaberle back. Kaberle couldn’t hold Hoss’s “bag of pucks”. Maybe Sundin and throw in Kaberle. That would be a fair deal.
By GaVaHokie
October 22, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
kracker… it’s not in the nature of GM’s to say “Well, we offered Drury a contract but he said No”. Players shouldn’t be dragged through the media for turning down a contract offer. It’s just poor form… it would ruin your chances of ever negotiating with that player again.
What would happen when Drury came to town? He’d get booed just for turning down a contract offer… and what’s to say he wouldn’t consider coming here a few years down the road from now (which the chances would be ruined if he got booed).
Ken Klee turned down several offers over the last few years from Atlanta. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Waddell never mentioned that, I believe Klee himself made that public knowledge after he signed.