Thrashers

By UpperDeck4Life

December 11, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

CC I read that TSN is reporting that we waived Haydar. Any legs on this one?

Sorry to see Little go, but maybe some playing time in the AHL will spark his scoring touch and hellp him with his confidence.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

If we waived Haydar, that means that DW puts Little ahead of him. The only reason that Little is in Chicago then is because he is protected when sent down, not having to clear wavers. Or as B. Thenet stated, a trade is looming.

By Nate

December 11, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Older does not equal better. I’m so tired of this s#it. DW never gave them a real chance to succeed by playing them consistently on a scoring line. He set both of them up to fail. Frustration!

By Craig Custance

December 11, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Haydar was placed on waivers, but I don’t want to fuel any speculation beyond that. Don did say this morning that there are a lot of players on waivers right now, so maybe the Thrashers thought right now would be a good time to try and get Haydar through. That would open a two week window in which they could send him to Chicago.

By Jsmooth

December 11, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the move taking Dupuis off the 4th line. He’s playing great right now and really seems to be thriving on a line with Slates & Bolts. Slates may not be scoring goals but he is doing the little things to help create chances and they are all defensively responsible — I think Dupuis has gone from a -9 to a -4 over the last couple of weeks. However, if he is being reunited with Holik AND a rested Brad Larsen, then perhaps we can expect more of what we saw from this line at the end of last year when they were forechecking like crazy and creating chances against other teams’ top lines.

By Russian

December 11, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I am going to see Recchi tomorrow. I hope they do something intersting on ice together. I am absolutely agreed with second line Kozlov-Perrin-Recchi. It will help team to score more goals.

By Fan

December 11, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the energy Little - we’ll see you soon!

By Alan

December 11, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Brian - Maybe he’s being assigned to the AHL as well, and he has to clear waivers before that can happen?

By Jsmooth

December 11, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Why would we waive Haydar if a trade is looming? I would think he has some value in a trade involving another prospect and / or a draft pick. I smell a trade in the wind also…call me delusional, but something is about to happen.

By kracker

December 11, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Kovy has inched ahead of Ovechkin!:

Eastern Forwards Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh 326,131 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 143,819 Vincent Lecavalier Tampa Bay 142,674 Daniel Briere Philadelphia 121,860 Ilya Kovalchuk Atlanta 106,736 Alex Ovechkin Washington 106,121 Saku Koivu Montreal 84,215 Dany Heatley Ottawa 82,620 Maxim Afinogenov Buffalo 66,887 Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh 56,112 Chris Drury NY Rangers 55,496 *Alex Kovalev Montreal 51,147 Mats Sundin Toronto 49,941 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 47,568 Jason Blake Toronto 45,014 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 42,005 Jason Spezza Ottawa 37,329 *Mike Richards Philadelphia 36,286 Marian Hossa Atlanta 36,138

By Jarndyce

December 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I’m thrilled with Little’s play, and expect him to be back and happy in a Thrasher uni. When he comes back, he should be back to stay. He showed me a lot more than I expected in his first taste of the NHL.

Recchi is a good addition to the team for the price we paid. I’m happy with him at RW on the second line if his feet and hands can keep up with his skill and instincts. But remember, the waiver wire is like a yard sale and you usually get what you pay for.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I hope Haydar passes through unnoticed. Though it’s interesting, why would Waddell clear two injury replacements from the lineup? Instead of having the typical one healthy scratch defender and offender, we now have only Popovic (injured) and nobody in reserve for offense.

I understand sending Little down (though I don’t agree with it), but in light of that I don’t see the point in waiving Haydar to HOPEFULLY send him down to Chicago if he clears.

Nate — Little has been on the number two line since the beginning of the season, getting the third most minutes (about 12 per game) for centers, behind Holik and White. He may not have had Kovalchuk and Hossa on his lines, but he’s been given his chance. I’d argue he’s shown his scoring touch, and that he gelled best with young speedsters like Haydar and Sterling, but apparently Waddell didn’t agree with me (or apparently he did, just wants them to gel in Chicago and not Atlanta).

By alan

December 11, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Craig, Is the NHL like MLB where a player on waivers can be withdrawn if claimed? Also have to agree withJsmooth about the taking Dupree off the line with Slater and Bolton, they really seemed to be clicking.

By Bob

December 11, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Good move sending Little down, he was ineffective and it was too soon for him to be up here. He puts some pounds on and matures to the pro game and he’ll be back some day. Haydar getting waived is interesting, something is up. Mabye the Hoss trade will finally happen. I’d like to see the return we could get. The holiday roster freeze is coming up in a week or so.

I agree with starting Moose, Lehtonen has never shown he can handle a heavy load, let Moose run with it if he’s playing better. Kari needs to get his act together quick.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Okay, it’s armchair GM/Coach time for me —

Little is young, hasn’t had scoring presences next to him thus far, I’d place him between Kozlov and Recchi (for the same reason Craig stated above). What better people for him to learn from??

Perrin has shown his abilities of fore-checking, and that ability leading to goals for his teammates. Due to this I’d place him with Holik (defense) and Haydar (speed). Let Holik be lazy and skate up the middle behind the two as an outlet/drop pass, Haydar rushing with Perrin to create sloppy goals on the forecheck.

Thorburn, Slater and Dupuis as the up-tempo “Uecker” Line (referring to their shooting woes).

Larsen and Boulton being the scratches and filling in as needed. The short leash would be on Dupuis for now (he’s slumping like no other). I’d probably waive or trade Larsen for spare pucks (sorry, he’s not getting it done in my opinion).

Kovalchuk — White — Hossa

Kozlov — Little — Recchi

Perrin — Holik — Haydar

Dupuis — Slater — Thorburn

By Craig Custance

December 11, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

ranallo — If Haydar clears waivers, they can still keep him on the roster, giving them two extra skaters (Popovic and Haydar).

By himthatknows

December 11, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

This is a .500 team. Everyone needs to get used to that fact until something is done about it. Namely trade Hossa for picks and prospects and I have a Hossa jersey. If we had done a better job in the draft since Kovy we wouldn’t be in this position. Blame our current coach for that. Little will be back and soon.

By B. Thenet

December 11, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Little did quite well while up here. He had some amazing assists and has a couple of top notch moves when he gets inside on a goalie. He sure made Lundqvist look foolish earlier this year, which is a pretty impressive feat.

I still think this smells like a move is coming. I would like to see some more toughness, and an upgrade at D.

With Carolina faltering as of late, the division is for the taking. Normally it is Jim Rutherford who makes a big splash early in the season, lets see if DW can make a big deal before anyone else starts looking.

I hear the Ducks are interested in moving a defenseman….go DW go.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Craig — Haydar would still be on the roster had he not been waived. The waiving seems pointless if he were to clear and then stay in Atlanta as a healthy scratch…why send him through the motions of being waived if in the end you do nothing with his status??

The only reason for this, that I can see, is creating wiggle room for a future acquisition. If someone were acquired, Haydar (if he clears the waiver process) could be sent down accordingly. If nothing happens trade wise he could then continue to suit up for the team (once again assuming he clears waivers).

Waiving him only seems to give flexibility to the team over a two week span, and only makes sense if something could possibly be in the works.

Hell, Bates Battaglia was waived, maybe Waddell will claim him!! (Please please PLEASE don’t).

By Thrasher Ryan

December 11, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Maybe we’re making room for Pavelec because we’re shipping out KL.

By drew

December 11, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

how much more time are they going to give slater to develop? to quote kevin costner from bull durham, ‘he couldnt hit water if he fell out of a boat’. he is the proverbial chicken with it’s head cut off. larsen - days have to be numbered with dad/bob gone. holik - i am counting the days until he’s gone. looking forward to watching a real #1 center/savard skate wednesday night. at least we have rucchin.

By Bob

December 11, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

This is a .500 team. Everyone needs to get used to that fact until something is done about it.

Personally I think they’re overachieving (or Kovy has) to have them at .500, I see this lineup as a #9 or #10 team in the Conference at best, which is why I totally agree with:

Namely trade Hossa for picks and prospects and I have a Hossa jersey.

Yes, trade him, it seems he doesn’t want to be here, we heard it from Mellanby early in the season and the way he won’t sign with Waddell is certainlyi making it look that way. The sign and trade paperwork is rumored to be all done, just waiting on the trade to whereever. But I disagree that all you get is picks and prospects for him. I think Waddell can get two pro players for him, I’d like to see a top 2 center (mabye that’s why they sent Little packing now) and a top 4 dman, and mabye a pick or prospect on top of that. Especially if it’s a sign and trade, then you can max his value as the receiving team is no longer receiving just an impending UFA. Then the Recchi move makes more sense as we’ll need a RW. Could be why he’s also dangling Haydar out there to clear another roster spot and some salary (isn’t Haydar a 1way meaning he’s against our cap whether he’s in Chicago or not?).

By Robert

December 11, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

himthatknows

If you want to blame our current coach for not doing a better job in the draft since Kovy…Then WHY would you trade Hossa and trust our current coach with future drafts? Would himthatknows agree with the phrase “Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.” Why trust DW with the future if you didn’t like the past.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth & Ranollo - I was infering to that earlier, that if a player does get hurt, rather than put Haydar in from being a healthy scratch, DW is just going to call up Little instead.

Bruins looked good last night, it will be a tough game tomorrow night. I hope that Recchi gives them a good 2nd line boost.

By GaVaHokie

December 11, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Or, maybe, just like Burke did with Bryzgalov, he’s giving Haydar a chance to land in a better place. He’s 28 years old… doesn’t deserve to sit in the press box… doesn’t deserve to be sent to the minors. Maybe Waddell thinks he deserves to get a better opportunity elsewhere.

By Craig Custance

December 11, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I’m going to have to brush off my copy of the CBA - I’m hearing now that the window could be 30 days to make a decision if a player clears waivers.

By GaVaHokie

December 11, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

The sign and trade paperwork is rumored to be all done, just waiting on the trade to whereever.

I’m afraid I thought the same thing when I heard there was paper work ready… the fact that TSN Satellite Hot Stove is all over the Hossa situation makes me think the trade winds are blowing too. Normally they don’t care what happens here… which means, it’s probably also a Canadian team that’s interested.

Of course, Waddell’s buddy Burke in Anaheim needs to trade too… which scares me, because I don’t like much of anything on that roster at the forward position.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Was it Krog or Haydar that we waived last year and then they got waived by the NYR and we got him back?

By Jsmooth

December 11, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I’m okay with trading Hossa if we get good value (i.e. Beauchemin, MacDonald and a prospect). We need to win NOW and if Burke is willing to wheel and deal (perhaps Lehtonen is their future back-up now that I. Bryzgalov has been waived for cap reasons), then this might be the perfect trade partner. Lehts is a RFA after this year, correct? Well, then they wouldn’t need to worry about tying up cap space for next year. Don’t know if the numbers work but perhaps we’ll see a blockbuster deal sending Hoss and Lehts to ANA for Beauchemin, MacDonald and Schneider. Pure conjecture probably, but perhaps Brendan was right about the sign and trade deal for Hossa. Stranger things have happened.

By Bob

December 11, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

which scares me, because I don’t like much of anything on that roster at the forward position.

there’s this Kunitz kid I’ve heard something about…

Don’t see a trade with the Ducks, they can’t afford Hoss, they’re trying to clear space. Now if they want to move Pronger to us…lol

By Brian

December 11, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Hokie - keep in mind, HNIC/SH just had a 5 second snippet about Hossa, to say they were all over it is exagerrating. Besides, if there was a Canadian team involved, they would have said every possible rumor/scenario of how Hossa was going to wind up in Montreal or Vancouver, not just put it out there that he was about to sign.

By saying so little, it is really just squashing all the other teams out there (and their fans) who think that Hossa will be available at the deadline. When Rawhide was getting bashed by the Isles bloggers, I went on their site and they said that one of their fixes could be a Hossa for Satan + prospect + draft pick trade. Utter stupidity to think we would do that, but nevertheless proof that everyone thinks they can acquire him at the deadline this year.

Now it can still happen, but the HNIC/SH segment would have gone into MUCH more detail on the rumor mill if there was any possibility to that at the present time. The fact that they said so little leads me to believe just the opposite, that there is absolutely nothing in the works of a sign-n-trade. Let’s come back closer to the deadline and see what the scenario is, then you may have something.

By Hip Czech

December 11, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

IF these moves are clearing the way for a Hossa trade I guess I give DW credit for doing something now. Get value for Hossa and hopefully make us a better team to contend for a playoff spot.

Who would be likely trade targets? From our standpoint LA seems to still be a logical choice - Cammalleri (or Kopitar), Dustin Brown, and a draft pick for Hossa, Pavelec and maybe a throw in, something along those lines. I don’t know who else might fit the bill…Edmonton has numbers at center but none of them really thrill me.

Hossa has definitely been playing like someone distracted. I love Hossa, but he hasn’t been the force that we expect so far this year. Hopefully he stays, puts up 100 pts and we sign him. But if it is clear he isn’t going to sign then I have no gripes moving him now.

By Alan

December 11, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Craig - I did a quick search, and didn’t find anything like that. It said waivers clear 24 hours from noon eastern time each day, unless the player is put on waivers on a Saturday or Sunday. Then, waivers clear 48 hours after the player is put up. This might be what you’re thinking of:

*13.5 Waiver Expiration. The rights granted under this Article to Loan a Player(s) who is otherwise required to clear Regular Waivers to a minor league club expire for any Player(s) who, after clearing Regular Waivers:

(i) is not Loaned to a minor league club, or is Recalled from a minor league club (except on emergency recall); and (ii) remains on an NHL roster for thirty (30) days (cumulative) or plays ten (10) NHL Games (cumulative).*

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Brian — It took Recchi two days to fly to Atlanta, so relying on Little to get a next day flight due to injury is a bit risky, don’t you think?? Then you’re also relying on him being able to remember his skates and sticks while packing up all of his other garbage (can’t recall who had that problem during the training camp, but they played in someone else’s skates).

Seems a little (no pun intended) convoluted to keep Little in Chicago and have no injury options beyond the day-to-day Popovic and still concussed Rucchin.

Bob — I couldn’t disagree more regarding Hossa. The team is still in contention, bringing in a number 2 center (White or Belanger level player) and a top 4 defender (Havelid and Zhitnik level player) is not proper return for Hossa, especially when he could be locked up. Of course it looks nice if it’s a number 1 center (Savard/Marleau quality) and a number 1 or 2 defender (Chara/McLaren), but the teams holding those assets that are willing to trade for Hossa and have the finances to re-sign him are rather limited.

I’d bet my paycheck on Hossa not being traded before February…anybody care to take that offer? I’d also bet a second paycheck on Lehtonen not getting traded this season.

Any takers??

By R. Stroz

December 11, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Brian - Krog

By Craig Custance

December 11, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Alan - The expiration is what I was looking for. If Haydar clears, that buys the Thrashers some time (the 30 days/10 NHL games) to make a move.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Hokie If we were to get a forward from Anaheim, it would be McDonald. He is 1) a Center 2) NOT Perry or Getzlaf 3)Not meeting expectations w/o Selanne there. If this were a deal involving Hossa, I would say we could get either Schneider or O’Donnell with the latter being more likely. It would be sweet if we could get Bobby Ryan too. Its not happening, but it would be nice to have a power forward (are you listening DW).

By Thrasher Ryan

December 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Brian—That was the “Krogger” last year, not Haydar.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Brian — It was Krog.

jsmooth — Is that return worth it?? Who replaces Hossa’s production? Where does McDonald fit linewise, and with whom? How do they make room for Beauchemin? The question is, does it really help Atlanta to trade Hossa?

By GaVaHokie

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

Hossa and Zhitnik for Cammalleri and Brad Stuart… I wouldn’t mind that one bit.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

ranollo - it’s all speculation of course, but I don’t think that would be that difficult to do that with Little. The reason it took Recchi a few days is because he wasn’t needed asap, he probably has nowhere to stay, he had to settle things with his family, etc. If someone gets hurt one night, Little will get a phone call that night and say We need you tomorrow. The Spirit will pay for him to catch a red eye if they have to. What was the rush to get Recchi here in 24 hours? None. DW could’ve already told Little to leave his equipment in Atlanta and use and extra set up in Chicago for all we know…

By Alan

December 11, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Craig - That makes sense if the Thrashers are looking to move Haydar.

Methinks I read your earlier post wrong, though. My apologies.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Stroz & Thrasher Ryan - thanks, I knew it was one of those two (Was it Krog or Haydar that we waived last year…), I couldn’t remember which though.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Bob getting Kunitz would be nothing more than a slap in the face! We claimed him off of waivers from Anaheim at the beginning of last year. He played two games for us and p** of Hartley somehow. Two weeks later he was re-claimed off of waivers back to the Ducks, and played 67 games with them, scoring 19 goals and adding 22 assists for 41 points, setting a club rookie point scoring record. (last sentence lovingly ripped off from wikipedia. So, yeah,Kunitz would be nice to have…but we already !@#$ing had him!!!!!!!!!!!!! I about !@#$ when I heard that.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Brian Didn’t we do that this year with a d-man. Kwiatowski or Pilar I think.

By Brian

December 11, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

ToF - I would’ve thought we did it last year when Popovic was called up for those few games, but you tell me, I’m not sure.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Now that I’ve looked it up, I kinda feel like an arse for asking the question. It was Pilar. He went to Chicago, who then waived him like 3 days later and we picked him up then. (assuming anyone cares, doubt it though)

By Thrasher Ryan

December 11, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

TOF—We did that this year with Pilar and the Blackhawks. Kwiatkowski was also waived at the same time but he cleared waivers and went to Chicago Wolves.

By Thrasher Ryan

December 11, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I seriously doubt Haydar will clear waivers. Somebody is bound to take a chance on him.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Waiving Haydar strikes me as the kind of move that Burke made with Bryz. Giving him a chance to blossom somewhere else. He is the kind of play that needs scoring line ice time and he just won’t get it here. I’d like to see San Jose pick him up and give him a shot with Big Joe or Marleau.

By ToF

December 11, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

And ThasherRyan Thanks for the answer about Pilar.

By Thrasher Ryan

December 11, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Don’s dumb enough to trade Hossa right now. That’s way too risky. If anyone gets moved, hopefully its Zhitnik and a package of our non-producing forwards.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

ToF — That’d be great for Haydar, but I really hope it doesn’t happen. The guy can clearly score, and given the opportunity (key phrase) he could put up some points in the NHL.

With the way this team relies on veterans to pull us through tough situations, I doubt that chance will ever be with this club.

Hokie — You’d give up Zhitnik for a PP specialist with a one year contract, and Hossa for a top line center? How would your new lines look??

Kovalchuk — Cammalleri — Recchi??

Kozlov — White — Perrin??

Larsen — Holik — Dupuis

Boulton — Slater — Thorburn

Enstrom — Havelid

Stuart — Popovic/McCarthy??

Exelby — Klee??

In my opinion that trade doesn’t do anything but continue the cluster that this offense and defense already is. The chemistry of the top line is ruined, but a top center is brought in. Cammalleri is being paid $3.35M but has one year after this season left on his contract. Stuart, a top 4 defenseman that excels at the offensive aspect but is somewhat lacking on the defensive/assignment side, is on a one-year contract for $3.5M. Who does he fit with in terms of pairing for this team? Break up Exelby and Klee (neither can keep up with him)? Keep another offensive mind on the ice (McCarthy) or a rookie (Popovic)?

Salary wise it doesn’t make sense, prospect wise it doesn’t make MUCH sense (one year rental of Cammalleri in exchange for one year of Zhitnik), and the current situation of either team doesn’t match up (LA wont improve drastically with Hossa and Zhitnik, ATL wont with Cammalleri and Stuart).

Two teams will tread water, and LA will take on unneeded salary.

By MashaPlayer7

December 11, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Craig-Different topic. I saw on ahl.com that Fred Brathwaite has been suspended by Chicago. Discussion on the Internet reports Brathwaite going to play in Russia. What’s the story?

I wish DW would give Haydar a legitimate chance. But if not here, then somewhere else!

Y’all need to watch more west coast hockey. Getzlaf is one of the purest talents in the NHL. He hasn’t put the numbers up yet, but watch him play a couple of games and you will love the skill. He also is one of the best players on EA Sports NHL 2007.

Go Moose! Lehtonen is a wet noodle in goal, barely stays square to the shooter, gives up rebounds as xmas presents. And the over/under per game on how many times he pokechecks a puck right to the opponent is at 6.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Craig — Could you snoop around and find out if anyone in Atlanta is wearing these?

I’m guessing the players all play in Canada, but you never know with the word “anonymous” in use.

By ranallo10

December 11, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

MashaPlayer7 — The problem with the over/under is that it is couple with the over/under of amount of times defenders on his team will be flat footed when a puck is near the crease (the line is at 8, at least).

Watch Zhitnik next game, you’ll see what I mean.

Rebounds are bound to happen, but without a defense to clear the puck, the only other option the goalie has is to attempt at clearing his own rebound (poke check, covering the puck, pulling a groin, etc).

By ToF

December 11, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

MashaPlayer7 Brathwaite got a boat load of money to go play in Russia so the Wolves suspended him for not showing. Also, we don’t have a player transfer agreement with Russia so they have no recourse. Its basically what we’ve been doing to them for 20 years.

Also, Getzlaf does rock. He was incredibly strong in last year’s playoffs, but he is what you call an untouchable. Nothing short of Kovulchuk and Hossa would land us someone of his caliber and age. Also, Burkie extended him at the beginning of the year, so I doubt he would want to trade him (he has a pretty specific financial plan.

By Moose

December 11, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Folks I don’t know what HNIC some of you watched Saturday night but I just replayed it twice. Scott Morrison was asked what about Hossa, at no time did he say sign and trade. It was terms of the deal for $ and duration are agreed upon. It’s a matter of Hossa agreeing on that the team is going in the right direction before he’ll sign.

By sisu

December 11, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Some very interesting news…thanks for keeping us posted on the latest!

As to the non stop Kari bashing, I wonder if it will ever stop. He has a shutout and a bad game and the “trade Kari” starts right away…good grief.

By kracker

December 11, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

As to the non stop Kari bashing, I wonder if it will ever stop. He has a shutout and a bad game and the “trade Kari” starts right away Yep, that’s pretty bad to judge so quickly. But this IS a blog, LOL!

By Brian

December 11, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Moose - I was the first one to bring up the Hossa quote from S/H and that is exactly what I said. Most of the stuff you are looking at are people who want a reason to moan so they claim that Hossa is leaving. Others just like to speculate because it is fun to do on off days or in the offseason…

By sisu

December 11, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Wonder if Haydar will be able to stay with the Thrashers? Sad to see him go when I think he could be this years Perrin in the making. Now can we make a deal with the ducks for a dman? Perhaps Havelid for Schneider? That would be sweet!

By Russ

December 11, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Using Florida as an example (and not looking up their contract status), here is the type of return the Thrashers should get if they were to trade Hossa:

Nathan Horton/Bryan Allen or Stephen Weiss/Jay Bouwmeester either combination plus a high end prospect or draft pick.

The key is they are all younger than Hossa (the Thrashers don’t need to get any older). IMO they should be able to get one young D and one young F that have a few NHL seasons under their belt, one of which is already a borderline all-star (Horton or Bouwmeester from my example) and the other which is a solid role player (Weiss is a decent #2 center and Allen is a good defensive d-man)…plus the prospect or pick. Florida, or any possible trade partner, would only give up this much if they had some assurance they could lock up Hossa long-term. I think a package like this would be fair for both teams…look at what St. Louis got from the Thrashers last year for 2 months of Tkachuk. Hossa for several years should certainly be worth a lot more than that, especially in proven NHL talent.

By R. Stroz

December 12, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

In retrospect, breaking up the Wolfpack line resulted in all of them being sent down or placed on waivers. While playing together earlier in the season, the Wolfpack line was our second best line in point production as well as +/- ratio.

If I remember correctly, Little was originaly pulled off the Wolfpack line because White wasn’t producing. It is a shame that the coaching staff couldn’t put them back together once White was put back on the first line.

It would be a greater shame if we lost members of that line to waivers due to an inability of the coaching staff to remember the one line that had good chemistry under Hartley. Isn’t it ironic that the “rookie” line excelled under Hartley, a coach not known for working well with younger players and now the entire line has been demoted after Hartley has left.

By TB

December 12, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Craig, congrats on the nod from James Mirtle for your great work. Mirtle does a great job of capturing why the work you do is so special.
Congrats to The Falconer as well. Y’all should be the poster boys for the blogging community for great work you do.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

TB, Craig Custance does a great job, no doubt about it. I’m puzzled by this move to waive Haydar. Why leave him unprotected? Unless Waddell is about to bring in someone better. If Haydar is lost … for nothing … I can’t think that’s a “good” thing. So, I agree with Ranallo.

I understand the move to put Little down to the minors, since he’s “safe” there. But as Russ already remarked, Atlanta has already lost a year off his RFA eligibility. Bryan Little (+2) was just one-point behind Bobby Holik (-7) when he was demoted. I’d prefer to keep Little right here in Atlanta. I wish it were Holik, 36 years old, being put on waivers. If someone claimed him, Atlanta would be off the hook for the full remainder of his $4.25 million salary. If someone claimed Holik off “re-entry” waivers, it would still free up about $1.4 million in cap space. And yes, folks, someone would claim him.

As for starting Moose, I agree with that, since he’s playing better. But I do think Lehtonen should be part of some rotation, at least until he plays himself out of a job. And I don’t see that happening. Lehtonen needs to maintain mental “focus” and he’ll improve. Nobody improves while riding the pine. Moose, in my opinion, is not a guy who can deliver 50-55 starts in a season. KL has to solidly establish himself as the #1 goalie in Atlanta. He’s a 2nd overall pick; we are going to sink or swim with him. If we lose him to an RFA offer sheet this Summer, then that’s what happens. Don’t hold your breath for that. And there’s still young Pavelec in the system.

Hopefully, Craig will give us a timetable for Popovic’s return to the lineup. I wouldn’t think Rucchin will play another game for Atlanta. He may not play another game, period.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this

Craig, I like the Recchi acquisition. I think there’s virtually “no risk” to it. But no one should think this move just got us into the 2nd round of the playoffs. So, when you hearing “whining” about it, that’s the source of it. For Eric Perrin, this really is an opportunity for him to meet some of his career goals. But no one will dub Kozlov-Perrin-Recchi as “The Spring Chicken” line.

Okay, some random thoughts and observations … Nic Havelid has now tied Toby Enstrom with a +10 rating. Todd White has now surpassed Kozlov for 3rd on the team in scoring. Atlanta’s Blueline has only contributed five (5!!) goals through the first third of the season. And Enstrom has three (3) of them. Goaltender Johan Hedberg has as many points as Steve McCarthy (-14) and only trails Zhitnik (-11) by one. How is it possible that Zhitnik, a guy who plays on the PP unit, has zero goals and two assists this far along into the season?

Center Jim Slater (-7) has four (4) points on the season, and none of them are goals. I’m not sure Slater is much more than “sweetener” in a trade right now. But since he’s not breaking the bank and is still a fairly young player, with speed, I hope he can turn it around here in Atlanta. He’s under contract for another season.

Finally, thank you Jarome Iginla, whose goal with 11 seconds left in regulation, spoiled a shutout for Florida’s Tomas Vokoun. Calgary won the game, 2-1, on a shootout goal by Kristian Huselius, to steal the two-points from the Panthers. Thanks Calgary!

I invoke the 3:00 AM rule for this post. Thank you.

By Scott

December 12, 2007 4:56 AM | Link to this

I’m shocked that Little got sent down. I thought he was playing pretty good.

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Ranallo… Cammalleri and Stuart are more affordable than Hossa/Zhitnik and make the team younger. Creates more cap space… It was merely hypothetical.

On the Haydar issue, now that I’ve had some sleep, I’m thinking it’s merely ownership keeping Waddell at the $42 million limit… gotta lose weight.

By Bob

December 12, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

On the Haydar issue, now that I’ve had some sleep, I’m thinking it’s merely ownership keeping Waddell at the $42 million limit… gotta lose weight.

I thought about that also, but if we can’t afford the $400k or $600k or whatever that Haydar is owed the rest of the season, then we are well and truly poly-screwed and I can drop my pipedream of deadline deals to bring in some help so we could try to make the playoffs.

By J

December 12, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Maybe if he would’ve tried a little harder, if his stats were a little better, if he put on a little more muscle, if he had little more ice time, if he could’ve learned a little from Recchi (I could do this all day, and I’m gonna miss being that annoying guy using his name in every sentence!!!!).

I’m very surprised that BOTH Little and Haydar got sent packing. Why not keep Haydar on the roster, send Little down and keep scratching Larsen???? That puzzles me. The only thing I can think of is either a trade is in the works or Waddell truly thinks at this very moment Haydar will without a doubt clear through waivers. But even still, why bother????

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bob… ownership might be willing to take on a little extra salary come March for the playoff push, just not right now… letting Haydar go leaves us with the wiggle room we had before Recchi.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I really hope Schneider is not coming here. He’s 38 and costs $5 million a year next year, plus what’s he’s still owed for the remainder of this year. It’s not all that easy to move an “elder statesman” blueliner at this price.

If there is a true a-brewin’, I wouldn’t be the slightest bit shocked to see McCarthy involved in it.

By Jsmooth

December 12, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

TB — thanks for the link to the Mirtle blog giving Craig his well-deserved props.

CC — big ups for giving the Thrashers loyal fanbase not only a “pipeline” to what goes on with the team, but also a voice that gets noticed by other media outlets. Hopefully, the synergy created on this blog will help drum up additional support for the home team.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

From Craig’s article today, The bottom line is that the Thrashers are finding that having one big scoring line leaves them vulnerable when opponents shut down Kovalchuk and Hossa. And now Waddell is trying to do something about it. “[Kovalchuk and Hossa] need help,” Kozlov said. “They cannot carry the team through the whole season.”

Well, Kovalchuk has scored roughly 30% of all the team’s goals (23 of 77) and Hossa is responsible for netting 15.6% (12 of 77) of them. Combined, that’s just shy of 40% of the team’s total goal production tied up in TWO PLAYERS. So yes, absolutely, the Thrashers need to have some more balanced scoring. Recchi is properly motivated to do just that. He’s hoping for a contract extension from whichever team is willing to offer it to him. If Recchi is successful here, I would think he could be re-signed on the cheap for another year.

Folks, if Recchi falters here, Waddell simply puts him on waivers and someone claims him and his pittance of a salary. If not, he goes to Chicago … or he retires. When Waddell said this is a “no-brainer,” he’s right. There is very little “risk” in this acquisition.

Folks, I hope the talk of Schneider coming here is idle rumor. Imagine the fodder for those who want Waddell’s head on a platter. If Schneider came here, true or false, the roster would have 37-year old Bobby Holik, 36-year old Alexei Zhitnik, 38-year old Schneider, 38-year old Mark Recchi, 36-year old Steve Rucchin, 37-year old Ken Klee, 35-year old Slava Kozlov, 34-year old Nic Havelid, etc. Winning a marathon like the Stanley Cup requires young horses who can go the distance. Look, our team is not horrible. It’s just as mediocre as the rest of the Conference and actually has a shot at making the playoffs. But saddling itself with a $5 million contract like Schneider’s, with another year left at that price, is a vastly different color of fish that the half-a-million Waddell is investing in Recchi. Think about it.

By Alan

December 12, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I agree overwhelmingly with Brendan* here. I do not want Schneider here. He might be a solid defenceman, but he’s not a long term solution. With as many older guys as we already have, it’s not wise to acquire costly veterans for only a couple of years.

Personally speaking, I’d like to see Grant Lewis or Boris Valabik get called up from Chicago. It would certainly be interesting to see how teams play Valabik around.

By Craig Custance

December 12, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Haydar cleared waivers.

By J

December 12, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

I’ll say false! Recchi is 39 not 38…i think? :)

By Alan

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

Craig - Where do we go from here? Is he going to Chicago, or…?

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

The Wolves are stacked then… damn.

In the tradewinds, SJ seems to be floating names like McLaren, Marleau, Bernier and Pavelski with the Habs sending Koivu and Ryder the othe way.

Now THAT is a pot I would put Hossa’s name into. Imagine how happy everybody would be if San Jose got Hossa, Montreal got Marleau and Atlanta got Ryder, McLaren and Bernier/Pavelski.

By Brian

December 12, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Hokie - I want Marleau out of all that.

By hockeythrash

December 12, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Haydar goes to CHI in the short term. This may be a brilliant move by DW. If by mid-January Haydar has not seen a lot of ice in ATL they can send him to CHI for a month or two to get some games under his belt in advance of a playoff run and playoffs.

I thuink Haydar stays right where he is for the time being.

As has been stated by ATL management…Haydar is a very good insurance policy for a position on the top two lines, should someone go down to injury.

Of course any trade could change these dynamics.

By Alan

December 12, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

hockeythrash - The only problem with bringing him back this season, is he is subject to re-entry waivers (unless Haydar is an “emergency recall”). Honestly, I think trade winds are blowing. Room needed to be made in the lineup, and now that the room has been made, a potential deal can go through.

By Thrasher Ryan

December 12, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig—What kind of lines can we look forward to tonight?

By hockeythrash

December 12, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Alan - Not true. I would suspect Haydar gets sent down once, for games and conditioning (say mid january to Mid-Feb)

Then he is called up for the playoff push and into the playoffs. i would suspect that for this period the team will have closer to 3 or 4 in the press box each night.

There would be no waivers to clear because Haydar finishes the season in ATL.

As we agree…a trade changes this potentially.

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Waiving Haydar was probably a first attempt (Plan A) in freeing up salary… I don’t think they intend to send him to Chicago (now that I think about it). He has an NHL only contract, plus after sending Little down, there’s room on the roster (or press box in his case), so it had to be a cap issue.

So, it will be interesting to see what Plan “B” is, if Waddell is really trying to shed salary.

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Brian… then you’re just talking a straight up trade of Hossa for Marleau. You wouldn’t need Montreal in the mix.

By Brian

December 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Hokie - I forget who mentioned that earlier, but I am buying into it. The first thing I thought when he got cut was that he could easily be a healthy scratch…

By Brian

December 12, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hokie - I think we would get some sweetener as Brendan would say in addition to Marleau, but we don’t need 2nd tier guys right now, too many already…

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

I’d like Patrick Marleau to be part of the return in a Hossa trade. Is San Jose really serious about moving him? What’s his contractual status beyond this season?

By Alan

December 12, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

hockeythrash - Read the CBA (PDF). Section 13 is about waivers. If a player has to go through waivers to be sent to the minors, like Haydar just did, then he would have to go through re-entry waivers to come back to the NHL. And if he does go to Chicago, he’s there for the rest of the season. Unless Waddell really wants to get rid of him. We dodged a bullet by him clearing waivers. If he has to go through re-entry waivers, I am almost certain he will be claimed.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Has Haydar actually been sent down to Chicago yet? If he is reassigned, then he does have to clear re-entry waivers.

By Alan

December 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Exactly, Brendan. I just want to know if Chicago is going to get him back or what. I think that’s on the minds of both Thrashers and Wolves fans right now.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I haven’t peeked in some time, how are the Wolves doing in the standings? With Kwiatowski, Grant Lewis, Boris Valabik, Ondrej Pavelec, Brett Sterling and now Bryan Little, they should be doing fairly well. If they got Haydar, too, then they’d be fairly “loaded” for an AHL team.

That’s a bummer about Braithwaite, though. I think Freddie was playing there when Don signed him away. Did he return to his old team? It’s times like these, however, that I wish we still had Michael Garnett down there. Hey, whatever happened to David Caruso, the kid goalie from Gwinnett County?

By Brian

December 12, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Brendan - they started out on a phenomenal tear, but lost a string of games recently. Now that they have all those guys down there they should turn it on again.

By ranallo10

December 12, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Brathwaite is no big loss honestly, as he doesn’t help the NHL club and is subject to roster scratches from Chicago due to his NHL tenure. Without him on the roster they can now suit up a number of other NHL veterans, because the AHL limits veterans on a game-time roster.

I’d rather Krog/Kwiatkowski/Pilar get the start than a backup goalie who has little to no future with Atlanta.

But in the end, it’s good for Brathwaite…he can start somewhere else, in a competitive league, and for a decent team. I’d have done it if I was in his shoes.

By GaVaHokie

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

Alan… I don’t think he’s been assigned to Chicago, he was just put on waivers. He hasn’t technically left the NHL, so there’s no re-entry.

By GaVaHokie

December 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

If Waddell was really looking to get rid of Haydar, it would have been similar to Recchi… he would have been assigned to the minors, cleared waivers and then brought back on re-entry waivers and would have been snatched up immediately.

That explains why it didn’t show up on the TSN.ca Transactions page… there was no re-assigning… he was just put on waivers.

By Alan

December 12, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - I never said he was sent down. The issue was if he was sent down, he would face re-entry, as being sent down is what hockeythrash was hypothesizing.

By Brendan

December 12, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, that’s a good point. Braithwaite never played a single game that counted in the standings for Atlanta. It will be somewhat advantageous for them to be able to play Pilar and Krog with more frequency.

Anyone think the AHL should “relax” those rules a bit? It would make their league even better for their fans.

By ranallo10

December 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Brendan — I think the term “veteran” should be based on number of NHL games played, not AHL and NHL. Brian Sipotz (defender on Chicago, not signed by Atlanta) is at risk of losing his non-veteran status during this season, so the team is trying to figure out a way to keep him from playing too many games this season so as to keep him from reaching veteran status before next season.

I think they should relax those rules a little, but not so much that it risks the purpose of the AHL (to generate talent for the NHL while maintaining a competitive league).

By Brendan

December 13, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, agreed. All I want to see is a slight “relaxation” of the rules. But the AHL’s “function” should not be changed. That is, to be the “farm system” of the NHL.