AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s Hossa supposed to say?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Had a pretty candid chat with Kari Lehtonen this morning and he said tonight is a huge game, not only for the team, but for him personally. It’s no secret confidence has been an issue after the rough start, then the injury, and I’d imagine a strong showing against the best team in the East would help that. I got the feeling around the room this morning that the Thrashers are pretty amped up to play the Senators. They’re coming off one of their best games of the season, and this is a good test to see where the teams stands. It’s a home game, they’re playing well and it’s not the second game of a back-to-back like Saturday’s game was. If they get blown out tonight, then it’s just safe to say the Sens are that much better than they are.
Good stuff from the Ottawa media today, who had Marian Hossa good and surrounded after the skate. Somebody this morning joked, “So does this mean we get a week’s worth of Marian Hossa rumors?” I didn’t see Bruce Garrioch, so maybe not.
Interesting stuff from Don Brennan, who also writes for the Ottawa Sun. One of my favorite things to do in Ottawa is get coffee and some breakfast at a little joint named Cora’s in downtown Ottawa and read the hockey coverage. It’s great food, and good reading. Today, I was stuck reading online and in the clips handout. Brennan wrote today about Hossa and his pending free agency. Hossa said the usual things. He likes Atlanta. His focus is on winning. It’s up to this agent, etc. But the interesting comment came from an unidentified player with the Senators: “What’s he going to say?” the player told the Ottawa Sun. “It would be tough to play at home if he says he wanted to go somewhere else. Take it for what it’s worth.”
It’s a great point. I guess Marian could say he doesn’t want to negotiate during the season any longer and that talks with the Thrashers are no longer an option. But that hasn’t happened, and I talked to Don Waddell about that possibility and he didn’t seem concerned about it. He said he continues to communicate with Hossa’s agent and he looks at that as a positive. But it’s important to keep that in mind the next time you hear Hoss say he likes Atlanta. What’s he supposed to say? He hates it here and can’t wait to leave?
Good stuff from Ken Warren at the Ottawa Citizen, who points out that the Senators aren’t a huge draw on the road in the U.S. In it, he talks about the attendance woes in the US and quotes Dany Heatley, who said this about the South: “It’s the southern U.S., and fans are used to weekend sports,” he said. “[The Thrashers] do well on Saturday, Friday nights. The problem is those mid-week games.” Now, I know some of you will get defensive, especially since it’s coming from Heatley, but the Thrashers aren’t exactly drawing like gangbusters on Tuesday nights. I’ve also been to a packed Turner Field on a Tuesday night, and the Hawks drew over 17,000 last night, so I know it’s not only a day of the week issue.
Last, John Paddock confirmed that Martin Gerber will start tonight. Ray Emery threw me for a loop, leaving the ice before Gerber today at the morning skate. Typically, the starting goalie is the first one off and the backup does the heavy lifting for the remainder of the practice. Under Bob Hartley, who wasn’t always forthcoming about who was starting in goal, that’s how you could figure out the starting goalie. Paddock was asked about Emery’s early exit at the media scrum and he declined to make a big deal out of it. If he’s not going to make a big deal out of it, I’m not going to either. But I certainly couldn’t imagine a scenario where Johan Hedberg would leave the ice before Kari Lehtonen on the morning of a Lehtonen start. Maybe Emery’s hip was still bothering him, or he had a lunch date. Who knows? I just thought it was interesting.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Sara
December 20, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Gee, thanks Craig for depressing the hell out of me today. I mean, yeah, I know it’s the truth and all but still…what is this, early preparation for our big let-down this summer when Hoss flies the coop?? Oy.
By Bob
December 20, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
But it’s important to keep that in mind the next time you hear Hoss say he likes Atlanta. What’s he supposed to say? He hates it here and can’t wait to leave?
Yep, that’s been pretty obvious to me for a while. Actions speak louder than words, and he hasn’t signed, even though Waddell went after him hard. The way that Hoss is floating through this season also speaks volumes. He’s not driving to the net with his usual force, it’s like he’s biding his time. It really suprises me that we haven’t traded him yet.
I think the 7pm starts are ludicrous, and I would think most fans agree seeing how the stadium is 1/2 empty on a weekday game. They need to move the starts back to 7:30pm to people have time to fight that awful traffic to get there.
Big game tonight, I’d be satisfied with a close one and don’t expect to win, would love to be suprised.
By Sara
December 20, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Bob you bring up a good point about the start times. I wonder if it really has done them any good to move them up. It was supposed to bring more families to the games during the week since they started (and thus theoretically finished) earlier. But as a mom I can tell you I don’t go to ANY games Mon-Thurs with my kids - even starting at 7 pm the games still aren’t going to end until after my kids’ bed times, never mind the drive home.
By The Falconer
December 20, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
re: weeknight attendance is lousy. Personally I think the 7pm starts are part of the problem. The vast majority of STH live in the outer suburbs and traffic here is bad. I personally know of 5 STH who did not renew when they moved from 7:30 to 7 starts because they would miss 1/2 of the 1st period.
I’m willing to bet that the average Hawks fan has a shorter drive if I ran some GIS software on Hawks and Thrashers STH street addresses.
Supposedly the Thrasher start times were moved back because of school nights, but I’m at Philips Arnea every single game and I see VERY few kids the building.
Bottom line is that if this team was a Stanley Cup contender it wouldn’t matter what time the game started.
By Craig Custance
December 20, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Sara: Not trying to ruin your day, just sharing the different point of views.
Bob: I love the 7 p.m. starts. I think they’re the greatest. I think it’s the best thing the Thrashers can do for hockey in Atlanta. All hail the 7 p.m. starts! (you think I like that extra half hour to work before deadline?)
By Craig Custance
December 20, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve asked about the 7 p.m. starts, and was told that polling of STH suggest that it’s a pretty even split between those who prefer it and those who don’t. It’s just that right now, those who don’t are more vocal.
Falconer: Your bottom line is correct. The team isn’t drawing because of a half-hour start difference. They’re not drawing because they’re mediocre.
By Rawhide
December 20, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Falconer makes a great point when he cites the fact that if a contender on the ice, the seats will be full.
I personally like the 7:00 starts on weeknights because the kids can be home by 10:30 in most cases.
CC - has the front office put any thought into pricing tickets according to demand as they do in Montreal….Gold, Silver and Bronze ticket prices based on weekday/weekend or who is in town???
By DB
December 20, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
The last published poll of STH’s indicated that they wanted 7:30PM starts. It disappeared from the Thrashers website though.
This is my fourth year as a STH (fifth if you count the lockout) and my enjoyment of the event is tempered by the 7PM start. I have zero time to relax before the game. I’m leaning towards not renewing and the start time is one of the big factors.
By Bob
December 20, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I also heard that the polling of current season tix holders was pretty even, but slanted towards more preferring the 7:30 starts.
The key is, they need to poll non-season tix holders. I also know people that dropped when they moved to the early starts, we went to weekend only because of the 7pm start. If they polled non-season tix holders, they’d find that people don’t go because of the start time. I’ve been offered free tix for a Tues. game and said no since I didn’t want the hassle of fighting that traffic to get down there, it takes a lot of joy out of it. Atlanta has the worst traffic in the country, after LA. You can’t compare this town to others, especially seeing how they put the arena right downtown and all the fans are 30 miles out from the stadium.
Sure, if these were the Wings and had banners hanging from years of success and a goalie who was 15-1-1 or some ridiculous stat (Osgood!?!?), the place would be full, but this ain’t Hockeytown and I don’t see Holmstrom skating with Zetterberg and Datsyuk out there.
By kracker
December 20, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I lile the 7:00PM starts. I leave work at 4:00pm (now) for weekday games. Starting at 7:30 means I have another 30 minutes to kill until the doors open.
Starting at 7:30 on Fri/Sat would be fine.
By Nix
December 20, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
I’m undecided on the start times. I have the 1/2 season weekend package, mainly b/c I just have a busy schedule during the week and wasn’t sure I’d be able to commit to a majority of the weekday games, not b/c of the start times. I MARTA it down to Phillips on game nights, though, so I’m not really fighting the traffic. The upside of 7:00 starts is I get home earlier and don’t oversleep as late the next morning. The upside of 7:30 starts is that I can spend an extra 1/2 hour at work. Wait. Did I say that was an upside?
By Z
December 20, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Our STH rep told us the same thing Craig. Half of STH wanted the 7pm start. I think it is terrible myself. I have to leave work early, make the 1 hour drive to the arena just to make it on time. I would prefer the 7:30 or even 8pm start times.
I know this is not the only reason but Friday night games do sell well and they start at 7:30. The Sat and Sunday games do well because most don’t have to rush to make it to the game on time.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
December 20, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
It is much easier for me to get hammered with the 7:30 starts so my liver votes for 7, but the kid in me wants that extra beer.
By Bob (other)
December 20, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
7 PM is great. Back home by 10-10:30. STH’s pay most of the freight so even a small majority in favor should retain that time.
As for Hossa, his play and lack of solid goaltending are the two biggest pieces missing from last year. He is getting paid $7M and is NOT playing like it. I would much prefer Hossa, the star Hossa, but at this rate, if he doesn’t want to be here then let him leave. We’ll have $7M of “asset” to utilize. As for “seeing how the team goes”, he’s a big part of us not being better this year…what a contradiction! $7M for apathy and “no-shows” in all playoff appearances.
KOVY is this team and if Marion doesnt want to be here, let him walk and get a player or two who will.
By Hockeyfan
December 20, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Craig At the Sens practice yesterday I think it was Neil that was charging hard at the net and ran into (or over) Emery and Emery was noticably wincing and moving his right wrist. He left practice with it in some kind of splint that was wrapped and iced down.
If Hossa had no intention of staying in Atlanta like some unnamed Senators player suggests, then why did Hossa switch agents while the original agent was busy taking care of his sick mother? If Hossa was going to wait until February or later to get a new contract with a new team, he would have waited until a lot closer to then to switch agents.
By The Falconer
December 20, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
I will vouch for Rawhide. He is one of the few parents that bring kids to weeknight games. I see him all the time on the concourse.
Bob: good point about polling. They ought to do a survey of past season ticket holders and find out how many of them mention the earlier start time.
By dbot
December 20, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
If the game starts at 7:30 and its a blowout, you can just leave if getting home early is that important to you. If it’s close or goes to OT, then you probably had a fun night of hockey at the expense of some shuteye.
As others have mentioned, there aren’t that many kids going to the weeknight games. Those that do attend weeknight games probably do so sporadically, so having a late night out once in a blue moon shouldn’t be a big deal.
But if the game starts at 7:00, then there are some people who are just not going to be able to go because of work commitments.
By dbot
December 20, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Polling STHs about what start time they would prefer is like polling Georgians about who they want for President. It is very useful for telling you about what people in Georgia think, but it doesn’t tell you anything about what the rest of the country thinks.
The goal of marketing is to grow. They need to figure out what will get the most fans total, not what will satisfy a bare majority of current STHs.
By Craig Custance
December 20, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Hockeyfan: Fair enough about Emery, it’s just rare to see that, that’s all I’m saying.
By Hockeyfan
December 20, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
No problem Craig I was just reporting what I saw…
By Brendan
December 20, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Craig, I think it boils down to this: Hossa wants a Tier One Center, locked up for 3-4 years, for his line, before he’ll commit to the Thrashers. And until the Thrashers show that they are willing to spend closer to the cap limit in October, rather than February, Hossa will leave. That’s my opinion. That’s not a fact. And Hossa could still re-sign here. But the fact that he hasn’t, to me, speaks volumes about his intentions. Especially after Waddell said, paraphrased, “We’ll re-sign Hossa. It won’t be July 1st, 2nd or 3rd, but it will be done before training camp.”
Is it Christmas already? The Center inked to a 4-year deal in the offseason … was Todd White. I like Todd White. For the money, he seems like a capable center. Is he Drury, Briere, or Gomez? Or even Forsberg? Bygones. I wish Hossa well. I hope he finds what he’s looking for next year.
Food for thought. If it’s true that Hossa considers the Thrashers to be “too cash-strapped” to meet what he thinks an organization needs to be, why would he re-sign here? And why would he wait until July 1, 2008, to try to MAX OUT his next potential contract with such a “cash-strapped” club? Is it because he’s utterly selfish, and doesn’t care about the quality of his linemates, so long as he gets his money? Or, it is more likely because he intends to leave? And this way, he evens gets a “built-in” excuse of … “Well, as you can see by (supply other team’s name here) contract offer, Atlanta couldn’t even afford my “fair market value,” and didn’t try to match the offer.
If any of the above is true, it makes me angry. But, at the same, I understand his point of view. He wants what he wants. And he’s played “long enough” in this league to have earned the RIGHT to choose his next club. Hossa is a Thrasher because he was traded here.
By Thrasher_Ed
December 20, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
If Hossa is not in Atlanta next year, I sure don’t think Don is going to trade him back to Ottawa. That would really stink, they wind up with Heater and Hoss! If he does not want to be in the ATL, I’d look for a trade out west somewhere! Besides who would you want in return from Ottawa? Jason Spezza, Wade Redden, I don’t think we could pull those off. What would Hossa bring in a trade Brendan,Falconer,etc.? I am really concerned that if we lose Hossa this team takes a serious step backward towards mediocrity!
By bob (other)
December 20, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Another team would have to have or make room for a $7M salary. Leaves only a few choices at this point, plus having to commit for a multi year period with a current drop in performance.
He leaves…he leaves. If he doesnt want to be here then let him. He didnt do so hot at crunch time in Ottawa either.
By Sara
December 20, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
I really think the issue with Hossa is being on a competitive team. I have little to no doubt that the Thrashers are willing to pay him well and for a long time. Granted, someone else might offer him more for longer but I don’t think the Thrashers’ offer would be considered low-balled or unreasonable. I’m guessing $8-$8.5M. If he gets more somewhere, then good for him. But $8-$8.5M is not insulting.
Hoss hasn’t been as dominant this season as last, but he hasn’t been totally absent either. He’s produced more than a lot of our other players have that’s for sure.
By stendec
December 20, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Second goal KL allowed a soft one! Could have been a team confidence killer. Offense gave him reprieve. For now! CANNOT allow ANYTHING in third period. Now back to game. More later. SQUA TRONT!
By Michael Shapiro
December 20, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Wow. Most shots I’ve ever seen them take. Outstanding pass (assist) by Slates to Bolts, and by Toby to (ex-Charmin) White. Nice to see them play tough for 60 minutes!
By stendec
December 20, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Hi Craig. Hossa going through motions. That said. YAHOO THRASHERS WIN! KL even sounded sensible and coherent in post game interview. Thrashers needed this one! Solid effort all around. KL focus strong. Offense did just enough. PP still has to improve! Owed these guys. HOW ABOUT BOGUS F+++++G PHANTOM PENALTY CALL IN CLOSING MINUTE? GO BLUE!
By Russian
December 20, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Holly Cow!!!! What a Game!!!! WE played just great, best game for whole season. Kovy got beatiful goal and Kari got his own game. Best hockey for this season.
By Alan
December 20, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
This has to be the best I’ve seen the Thrashers look in a long time. Great effort on everyone involved, even during that 6 on 4 in the final minute! And we were actually ahead on the shot count too (45-30). Unbelievable!
By Kaladonis
December 20, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t think he made it on the score sheet tonight, but I thought Hossa had a pretty good night - just Slaterlike luck. Hit the crossbar on an early PP and that pass that Enstrom sent to White might have been intended for Hossa who was camped out at the post. It didn’t look like he mailed it in tonight.
By BG33Brown
December 20, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
2nd best win in Thrasher’s History only better one was the game we clinched a playoff spot. If we can play like that most nights, we are a very good team.
After Tuesday, i was extremely skeptical. Not after tonight. Huge win.
By BG33Brown
December 20, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
2nd best win in Thrasher’s History only better one was the game we clinched a playoff spot. If we can play like that most nights, we are a very good team.
After Tuesday, i was extremely skeptical. Not after tonight. Huge win.
By Alan
December 20, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
BG33 - It at least shows that this team has a lot of potential, should everyone show up. If this team is capable of beating the conference leading Ottawa, I’m pretty sure we can beat anyone.
By In midst of Idiots
December 20, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Wow. Was that the Thrashers i just watched? OMG, what an effort. If they played like that every nite they would be one hell of a hockey team. Please bottle this effort.
By BG33Brown
December 20, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
alan, well said.
By pravda
December 20, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
17,000 at the hawks games on wednesday night? i was there and, as usual, the attendance was inflated by 20% compared to actual. the 400 sections were even covered. i have season tickets to both and the thrashers routinely outdraw the hawks
By John
December 20, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Best live hockey game I’ve seen this year. Everyone showed up, even Hossa. Let’s win Saturday and make McCrimmon the coach.
By Jsmooth
December 20, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Wow! How ‘bout dem Thrashers?!! Woo! Damn, I wish I could’ve have been there tonight. Watched the hi-lites and I must say that the first goal by Boulton was a beautiful play…the feed from Thorburn was splendid. Nice to see two goals scored on back-handed shots. Perhaps they are finally learning that it’s more important to put pucks on net and make the other team’s goalie work even if it’s not the most hi percentage or pretty, hi-lite reel shot. If we continue to get 4th line production like this and steady play from Alexi, this team can contend for the division.
By Tony C.
December 21, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Wow.
Please somebody tell me that that was “Thrashers’ Hockey”
GO BLUE !!!
By David
December 21, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
What a fun game to watch! Both sides played well. It’s not just that we played all out, but Ottawa played a heck of a game as well. That was playoff like stuff right there. Fights, hitting, great goaltending, and some just gutsy play.
Let’s hope this is the team that decides to play the rest of the year. How big of a change is this from the team that started the year? They all look like they are having fun out there!
Oh, and it’s nice to see the checking line look like a threat sometimes!
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
What an atmosphere at Blueland tonight! Very playoff-like! And chants of “Kari, Kari” could be heard. I admit it, he’s playing much better lately. But it’s got to be sustained.
Hossa blocked that shot, wincing a little, as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Folks, we shut down Ottawa for the final 19 minutes to preserve a win. This is the second straight game where we got contribution from the 3rd line. Two straight wins. Pattern emerging?
Ken Klee and Alexei Zhitnik were a +2 for Atlanta. Unfortunately, Toby Enstrom, who played over 28:00, and Nic Havelid were both a -2. Former Thrashers Dany Heatley (+2) and Randy Robitaille (+1) got on the scoresheet, but former Thrasher Shean Donovan was shutout and a -1 on the evening.
The Thrashers tied their all-time mark for shots on goal, with 45. Credit Martin Gerber for a very fine outing. Jim Slater had a good game, but still hasn’t scored. The PP unit produced the winner, from Todd White. How huge was Kovalchuk’s goal, less than a minute after Ottawa took a “late” 2nd period lead? Also, the PK has only given up 3 goals in the last 11 games. So, Waddell seems to be addressing the special teams play fairly well lately.
Folks, it’s nice to see what this team CAN do. The issue is still “consistency.” Especially as it relates to Kari Lehtonen. If KL wants to really get paid this Summer, he’ll need more nights like this, and the game vs. TB.
By Midfield
December 21, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
Outstanding assist by Enstrom on the last goal. Ironically, Hossa looked like a lone underachiever last night. Not a great way to position himself for the contract.
By Scroggy
December 21, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Outstanding game last night all the way around. Tempering my enthusiasm as a whole to see if this effort can be sustained. History dictates a 3 game losing streak after a game like this. Prove it wrong. Still alot of time to move up. Our third and fourth lines are right where they need to be. Recchi and Kovy seem to have known each other for years. Aside from the points, Ilya is having an incredibly impresive first half. His all around game puts him into another catagory. Come on folks. Vote for him to be in the starting lineup for the All-Star game. It would truely be a shame if he wasn’t, esp. at Blueland. Sign Hoss and an immediate spark from the second line will happen. If he is allowed to leave surely our GM will be asked to follow him. Anything can happen in the Southeast.
By Jsmooth
December 21, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Scroggy — it would be nice if we could lock up Hossa right now, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Hoss is the one dragging his feet. It’s completely up to him whether he wants to play here next year. Hopefully, the rest of the team can elevate their game and take up the slack for his 80% effort. No one can convince me he’s going all out because he doesn’t seem to finish plays like he did last year…and the wheels are healed — don’t think the groin is an issue any longer.
Unfortunately, if this team isn’t in first place of the division in Feb and Hoss is still not convinced of the ownership’s (then again, is anyone convinced of their commitment to winning) commitment, then he won’t sign. But perhaps we can get good value from either a team that is looking to re-tool next year (seller) or a contender who is looking to make a serious run at the Cup this year at the deadline.
If Waddell pulls off either one — the signing of Hoss or a blockbuster deal that makes us a contender — he will be annointed as a hockey genius by pundits like Melrose and Engblom.
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Thrasher_Ed, to facilitate a Hossa trade, another team would have to be willing to part with assets they’d actually rather keep than trade. Plus, they’d have to be able to take on a cap hit of $6 million, and $7 million in actual salary. Well, prorated anyway.
Another team would be suspicious as to why we want to trade Hossa. When Waddell says, “because we’re going to lose him to free agency this Summer,” the potential trade partner will say, “So could we. Lock him up for us, and we’ll consider your proposal.” Okayyy, iffff there’s a team out there that thinks Hossa is the “one missing piece” of their Stanley Cup-winning puzzle and are willing to roll the dice by sending their prized prospects to us in exchange, that could theoretically happen. But that’d be a trade deadline deal, more than likely.
Another fan brought forth a whole new perspective. He said, “perhaps this is just Hossa’s way of keeping Don Waddell accountable for fielding a winner. It’ll look awfully bad if he leaves … and that the reason Hossa left was because he doesn’t think the Thrashers know how to build a ‘real contender.’” Admittedly, that’s an interesting theory I had not considered. But truthfully, Don Waddell doesn’t set the budget. The Atlanta Spirit Group does. So, what this fan meant to say was, “perhaps it’s Hossa’s way of keeping Bruce Levenson, who promised on ‘Opening Night’ that he’d do whatever it took to bring the Stanley Cup to Atlanta, accountable for fielding a winner.”
Thrasher_Ed, there’s been idle speculation that Minnesota might be an offseason choice for Hossa. They do seem to have cap room and plenty of talented countrymen on the roster. They’d probably have to part with Demitra to make that happen, though.
By timmythebrave
December 21, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
That was great hockey last night. I can’t believe we outshot Ottawa. If we had that kind of effort we will win the division again. We have to be consistent. Too much of 2 great games followed by 2 horrible games. We need that effort every night. Great game Kari!! Believe in blueland
By Tim
December 21, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Brendan, after the fiasco with Ottawa, I can garantee you that is Hossa sign an extension with the Thrashers, he would request a NTC. Now I am not a expect in current CBA. Let say he sign an extension with a NTC, will the NTC effective now or for next season?
By Sara
December 21, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Few thoughts - outside of the obvious which is that game last night was AWESOME!!!
I read the article in the Ottawa Sun about Hossa and his comments directly are not necessarily as depressing as the unknown Senator might make it out to be. It’s exactly as I said before - Hoss wants to be on a competitive team and he wants to know that Atlanta could be that team. That’s fair enough. I think if the team can get it going, and in particular if DW can make an upgrade at Center (or even D) at the trade deadline (that isn’t just a two month rental), it could go a long way to helping with that situation.
As far as I know, time is about up for a contract extension to be signed is it not? So likely a new contract will have to wait until the off-season. And Tim a NTC would only pertain to the contract in which it is included - meaning once the new contract went into effect, so would the NTC. Either way, there won’t be a sign-n-trade like last time. We don’t want to give Hoss up, so he’s in no danger of having something like that snuck in behind his back. If he signs here, he’s staying here.
By Midfield
December 21, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Sara, YOU don’t want to give Hoss up. Last night the team WAS competitive, and Hoss WAS NOT. This unconditional primadonna treatment is getting real OLD.
By Sara
December 21, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Midfield do you honestly think the organization is going to let him go willingly? (Serious question, no sarcasm intended.) Granted he hasn’t played like last season, but he doesn’t suck and he may, as some have pointed out, be playing not to get hurt in a contract year. I think it would take something extraordinary to make the team move Hossa assuming they knew for certain he was going to re-sign. And I don’t think extraordinary is likely to happen. Just sayin’.
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Sara, I don’t meant to speak for Midfield, but what I think he’s driving at is that Hossa, at a future contract of $8 million (and not getting any younger), isn’t necessarily the best way to go.
If he leaves, for nothing, the team still recoups $6 million in cap room. Let’s not forget that.
If Hossa’s play this season, and in last year’s playoffs, is any indication of ANYTHING, it might just be that he’s somewhat on the decline. I said, “might.” Technically, Hossa’s still in his PRIME. But this certainly doesn’t look like the Hossa of old. And as Midfield has said, “things weigh on his mind, too, but it doesn’t stop him from brushing his teeth every morning and facing the day’s work.” Or words to that effect.
So whatever it is that’s troubling Hossa, he’s got to put it in the rear view mirror and start playing like the PREMIER power forward that he is.
Considering the way that teams, like San Jose and Philadelphia, are starting to lock up players before they even hit RFA status, and the way teams like Colorado and Calgary are locking up UFA’s before they can hit the open market, will only make Hossa’s impending unrestricted free agency’s waters that much more “chummed up.”
Some GM/owner is going to make Marian Hossa very rich in the coming years. But will they get the “return” on that investment? Or will they “overcommit” money and years and wish they hadn’t? Go ahead, start “rueing” you prospective GM out there, in “unrestricted free agency LAND.”
Are Hossa’s playoff numbers that exceptional? $8 million in future salary is a LOT to pay someone for “Jim Slater” production in the playoffs. Food for thought.
By john
December 21, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
If Don really wanted to keep hossa he would have picked up a big time centr in the off season. sorry white you are second line at best It is already to late for hossa so why keep don.
By john
December 21, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
If Don really wanted to keep hossa he would have picked up a big time centr in the off season. sorry white you are second line at best It is already to late for hossa so why keep don.
By Sara
December 21, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Brendan those are valid points and I’ve caught myself thinking the same thing before - $8M is a lot of cap space to one guy. However, I think the team has made it quite clear what their desires are here - to re-sign Hoss. Waddell isn’t a total fool (regardless of what Bob thinks) - he knows it will take a lot of $$ to keep Hoss here (or anywhere) so I’m sure they are offering those big bucks.
I just don’t see the strategy changing any time soon, regardless of how many or how few points Hoss puts up.
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Tim, like Sara said, any future contract’s stipulations wouldn’t go into effect until the contract becomes valid. But I’d bet that Hossa would stipulate that any future contract with the Thrashers would be invalidated by any trade, unless he agreed to the trade.
By Midfield
December 21, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
I can just see Hossa’s agent negotiating his contract by stating that his current sub-par performance (throw his play-off flops in the pot too, for that matter) should be excused by his unwillingness to get hurt. Wow. That would sell fast, would it?
By Tim
December 21, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Midfield If Hossa is shooting 5 time on goal (tied as team lead) on a game where he is not competitive, I have no problem keeping him in this team.
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Well, Hossa did block that shot as time expired last night. He appeared to be in some pain as he skated towards his teammates. But Midfield’s got a good point. Aside from the aforementioned play, when was the last time you really saw drive the net at full speed?
I know this much, too. There are overzealous GM’s out there … who will simply IGNORE the drop in Hossa’s play, production, and recent playoff history in favor of throwing an overinflated contract at Hossa, simply to show their season ticket holders that they opened their wallets to land the biggest name on the free agent market this Summer.
GM’s who conduct themselves like that may not survive in this league as long as they had hoped.
By rick
December 21, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Craig
Winning will take care of attendance issues. The Bruins bring in about 14,000 during the week also but have picked up recently with their more consistent play. The Thrahsers need to be promoted more within the Buckhead community. In addition, they need to reach out to the kids who grew up for awhile with the Flames. I always hear from local professionals how much they enjoyed the Flames as kids but have hardly been to any Thrasher games. An idea would be to honor the Flames and some of the ex-players who still live in the area and invite some to fly in. As for the Hawks, typically on a Tuesday night is very empty. Tuesday was an abberation (Shaq) but they too will improve as they win. Keep in mind that the Thrashers have been outdrawing the Hawks over the last couple of years. Most Tuesday nights at Turner are not packed unless a big name comes in. Winning cures all problems.
By Robbie Burke
December 22, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
I’m sure whatever fans were at the Hawks game were there to see Shaq.