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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hossa: I hope I can stay
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, get ready for the Marian Hossa craziness to amp up. Let’s see, Marian has a huge game against the Detroit Red Wings, and then suddenly the hottest rumor is he’s headed to Detroit. So, if he scores again when Montreal comes to town, will he be headed to the Habs? The rumors and craziness is only going to get more intense the closer things get to the trade deadline.
Now the latest coming from the rumor mill is that Marian Hossa told Don Waddell under no uncertain terms that he won’t be signing with the Thrashers and will be testing free agency. Don Waddell confirmed this afternoon that discussions are still ongoing with Hossa’s agent Ritch Winter and here’s what Marian told me when we discussed contract and trade talks today: “The agent is still working on a deal with Don, hopefully we can work out the best of it. I hope I can stay. But obviously we know there are two choices, stay or going away. I’m preparing for both choices. The priority is I would like to stay here.”
Now, to me, that doesn’t sound like a person who has cut off discussions with the team. Would I be surprised if Hossa tested the market or is traded? Of course not, but I’ve been given no indication that Hossa is cutting off communication and ending the possibility of signing with the Thrashers. I promise I’ll let you know if it happens.
His biggest concern is if this franchise can compete for a Stanley Cup. If he plays like he did last night, that certainly helps, doesn’t it? I asked him if he was auditioning for Ken Holland, Detroit’s general manager. He laughed, and said: “No, no. I just tried to play my game. I saved my energy, didn’t kill as many penalties. I had some extra jump in my game.”
Waddell said that they’ve been trying to limit his time on the PK for that reason. But Don also said that Hossa is the best penalty killer on the team, so you have to send him out there, especially in tight games. But look for the Thrashers to continue Hossa’s careful use on the PK because if energy conservation means a hat trick. In that case, I think it’s okay to give Colin Stuart a couple extra shifts on the PK.
