AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA chance to measure up in Detroit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In case you were wondering, I’m not the only one excited about going to Detroit. Now, I have my own reasons - It’s a chance to see my sister, my niece, nephew and maybe catch up with a couple friends. But in the Thrashers dressing room, there’s some excitement about heading to the D.
Slava Kozlov has dinner plans with Vladimir Konstantinov, his old teammate with the Red Wings who was paralyzed after that limo accident in 1997. When I asked Kozlov if he was looking forward to the Detroit trip, he answered: “Always, always. I have great memories of Detroit.”
Don Waddell said he has 40 family and friends who will be attending the game. He grew up a few miles from Olympia Stadium, where the Wings used to play. He’s excited to coach in his hometown.
Even Marian Hossa said he was excited to play in Detroit because he said he’s only played there a couple times in his career, which is hard to believe. “I’ll feel like a rookie,” he said.
Why is this important? Well, we know the Thrashers play well when they’re up for a game. Or as Waddell put it, when “we respect our opponents.” And believe me, they respect Detroit. I think it’s safe to say that’s the best team in the NHL. The Thrashers just beat the hottest team in the NHL in the Penguins, but the Red Wings have established themselves as the team to beat in the NHL this season. This is a great opportunity to build some confidence, and I have no doubt the Thrashers will show up for this one. Now whether they can hang with the Red Wings, that’s another story.
Hey, maybe the Red Wings will be distracted by all the buzz around Scotty Bowman. In case you missed it, Bowman told HNIC that he was close to taking a job over the summer to run the Maple Leafs, but the final offer never came. Now the Detroit Free Press is reporting that Bowman isn’t going anywhere. It’s been a rough year for Toronto fans, eh?
Practice report: Eric Perrin practiced today and will be ready to play against Detroit on Tuesday. The knee is a little sore and he joked that Ken Klee owes him a nice dinner for his involvement in the injury which happened in practice the other day. Perrin couldn’t remember the last time he missed a game, saying he hates missing games. I was somewhat surprised to learn that Perrin wouldn’t be returning to center the second line. Kozlov will stay in that spot for now, and Perrin will skate with Bobby Holik and Pascal Dupuis. Waddell said he liked what he saw from Kozlov at center during the Pittsburgh game. Brad Larsen (groin) won’t play, so Perrin will take his spot in the lineup. Jim Slater practiced, but won’t travel to Detroit. Waddell said he’s still a ways away because of his conditioning. Kari Lehtonen will get the start in goal, and they’ll need another effort from him like they got against Pittsburgh.
Hossa update: Sunday was a busy day in the Hossa negotiations. No specific numbers or terms were tossed around, but Hossa and his agent met with Waddell, and ownership. Michael Gearon and Bruce Levenson were on hand for the meetings Sunday and Hossa said he appreciated “being in a room with powerful guys.” The meeting gave the Hossa camp an opportunity to hear directly from ownership where this franchise was headed. The group also checked out the Hawks game and sat courtside, which Hossa said was a lot of fun. I don’t know if any of this means Hossa is going to sign anytime soon, but as Don said, at least the lines of communication are open.
Comments
By Bob
January 14, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Great to hear about the owners personally sitting down with Hoss. At least they are giving it their all.
I think it’s beyond clear that Hoss does not Believe in Blueland
If he still leaves, that is going to reflect very badly on Waddell and I think that will seal his fate.
By Tom
January 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Is Hossa a tease or is this the beginning of a long term relationship…
Is Bowman coming to Atlanta to be coach as an act of friendship to Waddell…
Stay tuned, same Thrash Time, Same Thrash Channel..
By Matt
January 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Let’s be honest with ourselves..we all want Hoss to stay a while. Marian sees what everyone else sees..terrible coaching, who would blame him for wanting to leave? As soon as a real coach in in place more will truly believe in Blueland.
However, if he does happen to leave, I wouldnt mind seeing Afineginov in a Thrashers uniform :)
By J(Z)
January 14, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Well now we know Hossa is lying. “The group also checked out the Hawks game and sat courtside, which Hossa said was a lot of fun.”
Like anyone can say that with a straight face!!! I had a feeling that Kozlov would stay there. I just checked and was surprised to see he won more than half of his faceoffs (Todd White actually won 75% of his!). So Perrin gets bumped, which is interesting. Maybe the Dupuis-Holik-Perrin line can be big for us tomorrow, I’m assuming they’re gonna play alot against the Zette-Datsyuk line (or has Detroit gone away from that the last few games?).
Glad to see CC thinks the Thrash will definitely show up. When we show, we can play with anyone. Should be a good one then!
By LAC
January 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Matt… GM is THE issue, but do agree his “coaching” is not that good either.
Until a new GM is hired… More retreads will be shuffling in and out of Thrasher uniforms and the team will never be a force like Detroit & Ottawa… Just a BAD GM With a terrible record !
By Russian
January 14, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Few things I want to show up. First Hossa was happy to play in Detroit, because he will be in Detroit after All-Start games. He is not put his signature in Atlanta contract. But I hope he will play 100% in Detroit to show them up how good he is. Which is very good for Atlanta. If Hossa play 100% we have a chanse to get 2 points. Second is I will be very happy if we got one point. Because it will be game to one net (Thrasher net).
By ranallo10
January 14, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
LAC — Kovalchuk likes him as both a GM and a coach, does that say much to you in terms of what kind of guy Waddell is to work and play for? Granted, that doesn’t mean he’s SUCCESSFUL at it, but it does mean at least one superstar in the NHL respects Waddell and his “vision” of how this team is supposed to be playing.
Russian — I’ve heard plenty of the speculation about Hossa to Detroit, but I can’t see what would be of value for the Thrashers to do that swap. What do you feel they can offer to make it happen (players, prospects, draft picks)?
By Sara
January 14, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Man some of you are harsh…I’m a wings fan and I’m not even calling for a blow-out tomorrow night (although we all know it could happen). But historically the Thrashers tend to play to the level of their opponents - hence the reason we beat the big dogs and lose to the bottom-feeders. And considering how bad Detroit has been owned by Chicago this season, maybe we need to call up more Wolves to get more Chi-town mojo going for us. ;)
I’m still calling for a high-scoring OT Thrash winner - just cause I want it.
By Russian
January 14, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
to ranallo10 I do not know also, but I think they offer to us prospects and draft. And Our GM will take it. :-(
By fokov
January 14, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Hossa going to Detriot before the deadline might not be a bad idea. If he truely just wants a cup, I’m sure Hossa on that team would be enough to stop any other team out there. I haven’t checked the #s to see if it is even possible. However, if he did in fact win a cup, then he could come back here and shape this team up.
By J(Z)
January 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
The problem with trading with Detroit is, if we get picks from them, a first round pick is gonna be around #25-#30 (aka - Jim Slater territory). I’ll take Kronwall (27, D) and Filppula (23, Centre) to begin negotiations from their NHL squad.
By FormerIslesFan
January 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Here’s an interesting tidbit. With the injury to Dany Heatly [former Thrasher Marc Savard has been named to the East All-Star Roster](http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227291&hubname=nhl. Wouldn’t you love to see how Kovy reacts to him being back in that locker room after their last tussle together?
By FormerIslesFan
January 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Here’s an interesting tidbit. With the injury to Dany Heatley [former Thrasher Marc Savard has been named to the East All-Star Roster](http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227291&hubname=nhl. Wouldn’t you love to see how Kovy reacts to him being back in that locker room after their last tussle together?
By FormerIslesFan
January 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Darn it. I hate when I miss a hyperlink. CC, can you help me out and fix the link, please!?
By J(Z)
January 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
I just learned and posted in the other thread:
former Thrasher Marc Savard has been named to the East All-Star Roster
By Christy
January 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Don’t know what their interaction might be like in the locker roomm, but if they have half the chemistry they had Savard’s last year here on the ice, it will be a fun game to watch….
Savard sitting in between Kovy and Hossa…. that would be a pretty line to see in action.
By Christy
January 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
BTW, which season was it that Kozlov played nearly half the games at Center and was outstanding? 2003-2004? As I recall, at the time I thought he did better at center than on wing…
By thrasher fan
January 14, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
First off, Detroit is a dump of a city. Secondly, the team needs to foucus on the task at hand instead of worrying about meeting up with friends and family. The team should be more concerned about getting in the practice time it needs to face the best team in the NHL and a critical 2 pts.
By ToF
January 14, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Thrasher fan What is wrong with Kozlov getting dinner with a friend? DW being stoked about playing in Detroit is a good thing. If a teams coach is up for the game then the players tend to follow suit. Hossa is excited because he sees it as a try-out. I’m not saying they will come calling, but if Hoss can impress, they may.
By Brendan
January 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Any draft picks originating from Detroit … are garbage. You might as well “flush them.” So, what NHL players are Detroit willing to deal? They’ve literally got the whole “ain’t broke, don’t fix it” thing goin’ on.
I’m excited to see what the Icebirds can do in “Hockeytown.” This is a “litmus test” for this club. I’m encouraged to hear that Hossa is excited about playing before the crowd in Detroit. If Waddell and Kozlov have fond memories of the city, I see nothing wrong with it.
All that matters … is getting a win to keep pace with Carolina and Florida.
Savard, centering Hossa and Kovalchuk. Sigh. And to think, that certainly could have been a “staple” in Thrashers hockey. Bygones.
I really think the next GM, assuming there ever is another GM, will focus on defense, as the first area for improvement. The two players I’d sign on July 1, 2008 are Kristian Huselius, from Calgary, and Michal Rozsival, of the NY Rangers. Unless Dan Boyle, by “divine intervention,” was not re-signed by Tampa Bay. But, let’s face it, they will re-sign him. Don’t even “think” about Phaneuf, who is “restricted,” and would cost the moon and stars, both financially, and via draft pick compensation.
By Red Light
January 14, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Lets have a beer Brendan!
You want Hossa to stay long-term? Then get him a center or put him back with Kozzie every shift. Both players’ production is way down when they are separated.
One thing I find very troubling is that Kozzie hasn’t assisted on any Hossa goal this season, and has just two setting up Kovalchuk.
This year, Todd White, playing alongside the NHL’s leading scorer has just 19 assists, which is a great pace for him, but his career high is 35. He’s not a true set-up man although he has looked good with Kovy. There are 38 other centers in the league with more assists than White.
White has 10 assists on goals by Kovy and 5 assists on goals by Hossa out of his total of 19.
Atlanta’s top assist man last year from the center position was defensive standout Holik with 18 assists for the year (77th in the NHL) In 05-06 after Savard, the team relied upon Stefan, Aubin, Holik and Slater. In 03-04, Randy Robitaille had 26 in the No. 2 role behind Savard, Stefan also had 26.
This year behind White, there is journeyman Perrin who isn’t a top center this side of Hershey, Holik and Slater. Holik is a checking line center, always has been and always will be. Slater, on his best day, is an energy guy with no offensive skills, period, end of discussion. Little, one day, could be a very fine offensive player, but he isn’t today.
So, what are you left with? Skilled wingers who must rely upon their own talents or other skilled wingers to get them the puck. I don’t think you want to rely upon Dupuis (10 assists in his last 116 games), Boulton (23 assists in 307 NHL games), Larsen (29 assists in 268 NHL games) or Slater (29 assists in 183 NHL games) to get Hossa or Kovy the puck either.
From the point, Enstrom has been an offensive revelation and a key contributor. Havelid is capable of a good pass and the Siberian (actually Ukranian) wasteland that is Alexei Zhitnik used to be able to pass but not any more. Neither Klee nor Exelby can move the puck capably, and that is a very kind assessment.
It is a disturbing trend. The Thrashers have two great wingers, one who is flourishing and one who is currently isn’t. They need help on defense and they need help at center. If you want to keep Hossa, you need to go out and get him a center immediately!!!
Right now, who is getting Hoss the puck on a nightly basis? Perrin is a journeyman forced into trying to be a No. 2 line center. Not on my team boys! Oh, and by the way, Belanger has 20 assists for the Wild so far but $1.75 million was too much to pay for him, so they say.
If he doesn’t re-sign, who is going to provide the goals besides Kovy? If he does re-sign, you need a center for him and one for Kovy if you are trying to keep Kovy and Hoss separated and create two “balanced” lines.
Oh, yeah, I forgot. All the teams suck because of the salary cap. Please! Yes, it makes it difficult to have complete lines, which means scouting is even more vital today than it ever has been in both the amateur ranks and the professional ranks.
By the way, if Hossa is traded, he’ll bring plenty in return. Regardless of what kind of year he’s having, he’s a Top-25 forward in the NHL and those guys don’t come around often. Why wouldn’t you try to woo him at a Hawks’ game? LOL.
By Tony C.
January 14, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
If Hoss goes to the deadwings I’d want Hudler, ext year’s 1st round pick and whoever Lidstrom saysis promising and pays the most attention to him when he’s teaching of their younger D men.
As far as people being upset about Slava and DW being excited to go back to Detroit:
You’re a moron-Look into the mirror and realize it.
This is the place where they both reached the pinnacle of their profession…ans in Slava’s case, a chance to see a dear friend who has been a huge source of inspiration personally.
I mean C’mon! Without those two, the famed “Russian Five” wouldn’t have worked. Federov got the headlines, but who was the clutch shooter in that line? duh. Slava-Matic. Who was the glue that held it together, the guy that did the little things, did the hard work that freed up the rest to skate and dominate? Konstantinov.
If you can’t understand Slava being excited to see his old friend, you’re an a*
By chickenhawk
January 14, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
I saw Hossa at the Hawks game. Most i’ve seen him smile ALL SEASON.
By craig
January 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
If you want a stay at home D man. Look no futher than Columbus, Adam Foote’s contract is up. Great first passer out of the zone, checker and pk skills. He made it so Rob Blake could go on the rush, Cup winner. He would be a great teacher for our young bucks. Turning Pascal Laclaire into a sound goalie. What is there not to like?
By GaVaHokie
January 15, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
J(Z)… Good choices, but I’d like Kronwall and Hudler.
By Craig Custance
January 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Brendan — Why are draft picks from Detroit garbage? They seem to work out okay for the Red Wings.
craig — Last I heard, Foote and Columbus were trying to work out a contract extension. But if that doesn’t happen, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was traded. I wonder what you’d have to give up though.
Red Light - That was a great breakdown right there.
By Red Light
January 15, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Do we really want another 36-year-old defenseman? Short term, yes, but no longer than a one-year deal. I would hate to see them get any older on the blueline. Foote’s current deal is valued at $4.6 million, which would make him the highest-paid defenseman and third highest on the team overall behind Kovy and Hoss. Not sure you can shoe-horn him into the plans.
TY Craig.
By RS
January 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Maybe if the Red Wings picked the players for the Thrashers…
That’s an idea “We’ll trade you Hossa and your staff can conduct next year’s draft for us”
By GaVaHokie
January 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Not very exciting, but one move we could make without giving up too much, is a prospect and picks to Phoenix for Reinprecht and Derek Morris.
Reinprecht has speed and offensive skills, good shot, and is a good two-way forward… journeyman, playoff experience, Stanley Cup winner.
Derek Morris gives a bigger presence on the blueline. He’s a good skater and has a strong shot.
By Christy
January 15, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Craig - Toby was the first anounced for Young Stars game for Eastern conference.
Not that big of a surprise that he’s going, but still nice to have it confirmed.
By GaVaHokie
January 15, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Great, I mean, “very sad” news for the Capitals. Michael Nylander is out for the season for surgery.
By pond scum
January 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
First off, Mr. Custance you are the BEST there is! I’m so glad we Thrash fans have you to report on the team.I’d say keep up the good work,but it’s always good.Just keep on keepin on! I LOVE YOUR WORK!!!
Now as for some of the other tidbits here,WHY some folks wanna bash on White? He has shown to be capable of playing with Kovy,he is well on his way for a career year now that he has switched from a defensive minded team to an offensive minded team.Some of you seem to forget there for awhile White was MR. Dramatic,scoring big goals in overtime or just game winners in general.I’ll take that and let him continue to elevate his game.Sure Savard is a better set-up man at the present,but White will play defense…..Savard wouldn’t.
And let’s be honest,Recching ball isn’t known for his defensive responsibilities(I like Recchi though alot),but someone on that line has to back check and really help out the blueliners.
I’m glad the team is hyped up to play in motown,I hope they atleast give a good full 60 minute effort and maybe win.
As for Hossa, I still feel he doesn’t want to be here no more and I can’t get past someone saying they want to play for a consistent winner,but yet they aren’t giving their all to make that consistency of winning materialize.
And IF Hossa is dealt to the Wings, I’d take some of their younger players in a heart beat.Their scouting is probably the best in the league,the proof is there for all to see.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!
By Brendan
January 15, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Craig, point-taken. Picks #25-30 aren’t garbage in the hands of Red Wings GM Ken Holland. But, at the same time, let’s be honest.
Picks 25-30 are waist-deep in the “crapshoot” area of the draft. When we’re talking about draft pick compensation for the loss of a critical component like Hossa, we’re ideally targeting picks higher than that. Trading with a playoff-bound team means picks somewhere between 15-30, depending on the outcome of the playoffs.
If Don Waddell traded Hossa to a “bubble team,” sayyyy in the Western Conference, and said team didn’t make it to the dance, Atlanta would be looking at picks somewhere between 10-15.
Okay, I know. That’s still hardly “can’t miss” territory in the draft. But, I think it still reflects fertile ground to find a player who could contribute rather capably in the coming years, without breaking the bank.
By Red Light
January 15, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
You can’t take draft picks for Hossa. You must insist upon ready-to-play NHL players, hopefully young enough with future upside potential. We’ve waited long enough around here for tomorrow, and draft picks in any slot are a crapshoot given the scouting staff.
Last year, Edmonton got Ryan O’Narra, Robert Nilsson and a first round choice in 2007 (F Alex Plante) from the New York Islanders for soon-to-be free agent F Ryan Smyth, who had just turned 31. Hossa is 29.
Look-out: The Red Wings are 26-2-2 outside the Central Division.
Brian Campbell: According to the Buffalo News, the All-Star announced on Monday that he is done negotiating a new contract with the Sabres until the end of the season.
“I’m done talking about it with the team until the end of the year. There’s more important things right now than just me. We’ve got to win. I think it’s for the best.”
By Brendan
January 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Red Light, I hear what you’re saying. But teams headed towards the playoffs just want to “tweak” their rosters, not trade key components of them to Atlanta. And if they did give us players, they’d be “Todd White” equivalents. The time to get better value for Hossa was during the offseason. When Atlanta didn’t get Hossa signed by mid-August/early September, that was the time to move him for a more serious return. At this point, Red Light, all we may get are a slew of draft picks. Sayy, two 1st rounders and two 3rd rounders. In the right hands, that could develop into “something.” If Waddell hangs on to Hossa, trying to enter the playoffs as SE Division Champions, we’ll potentially lose him to FREE AGENCY in the offseason … for absolutely nothing but reclaimed cap space. If Waddell deals Hossa to a contender, we’ll get the reclaimed cap space, plus four draft picks. Which is better? Okay, what’s best is a playoff berth, a division title, and at least a few wins in a competitive series.
Such a course of action brings forth another contract extension for Waddell, however. Which might just send many into coronary thrombosis.
By Red Light
January 15, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I concur, but who is to say that a team like Toronto, for instance, thinks they can make the playoffs and is willing to part with Alex Steen or Matt Stajan (only for an example boys, not advocating it) for instance. Or, perhaps a Minnesota that thinks Hossa will provide a better opportunity to win now than Pierre-Marc Bouchard, or Montreal and Tomas Plekanec. I’d rather have them with a pick or two than four picks.
Comprende?
By Brendan
January 15, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I follow you, Red Light. If it can be worked that way, there’s definitely more immediate return to that prospective Hossa trade.
Red Light, it is so nice to have you back. I hope you can stay for the rest of the year and into the offseason. I know, work’s a (blog edit).