AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA weekend of great moments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before we get hot and heavy back into the Thrashers stretch run, I wanted to give you hockey fans some props. I got more comments from people saying they were impressed with the passion of hockey in Atlanta, something they didn’t expect. People even loved the boos for guys like Marc Savard saying that’s the sign of a passionate sports town. Bottom line, Atlanta knows how to put on a big event and the hockey community didn’t let us down. So here’s my debriefing of All-Star weekend before we get into the Thrashers and how their season is basically on the line in the next two weeks (we can save that one for Tuesday).
Best All-Star moment: Kovy the Entertainer putting on a show in the second period with his antics after Evgeni Nabokov robbed him of two goals. He really put on a show and that’s exactly the kind of stuff this sport needs. He completely destroyed the brooding Russian persona he was starting to get tagged with and was entertaining every time you put a microphone in front of his face. Quite honestly, I think Kovalchuk gets bored answering questions from me and the same couple people during the season, and really rose to the occasion when the hockey world came to Atlanta. Good for him.
Best interview: Sure, chatting it up with hockey greats was fun, but nothing tops an interview with Alyssa Milano. My wife reads the blog, so that’s all I have to say about that.
Worst interview: Alright, maybe it wasn’t the worst because I was captivated, but I watched some guy ask Scott Gomez if A) He’d ever wear colored laces and then followed it up by asking him if he’d fight Gary Bettman if they played together in a men’s league game. Actually, here was the exact question: “If the dude tried to mess with you, would you throw down?” and the answer from Gomez? “I really like my job. Maybe a quick elbow in the corner…I wouldn’t want to get blacklisted.” Actually, I take it back, that might have been the best interview.
Biggest surprise: I couldn’t believe how packed the Red Carpet event was. I was there a half hour early and people were pressed five deep along the barricades. I know the players were impressed, and that was one moment Don Waddell highlighted as well. If you were there, good for you, that was impressive.
Best jersey: There were just some absolutely fantastic hockey jerseys busted out. I talked to one guy who had a game-worn Toby Enstrom jersey from the exhibition season before Toby changed his number. But there were jerseys from all over the world and from every team in the NHL. My personal favorite was a woman wearing a Bob Probert jersey. It was fantastic. I asked her where her Petr KIima jersey was and she laughed and said “I’m old school.” Naturally anything from Slap Shot was pretty good too. Did you see anything unique?
Moment when I felt bad for Marian Hossa, but I knew it was coming: Obviously Hossa had to answer questions all weekend about his contract, and that’s understandable. It goes with being a millionaire athlete who is in the process of possible negotiations. But after he scored his first career goal in an All-Star game, in front of his home fans, a minute into his postgame interview, he’s asked about his future in Atlanta and the contract. (and naturally, you want to know what he said. Here it is: “I just had fun, tried to enjoy every little bit of it. The fans are great here. I just had fun tonight, we’ll see what’s going to happen in the future.”)
One thing I might change: For the breakaway competition that was judged, I’d make two adjustments. I think it has tons of potential, and was the best event in the Skills competition. But first, I’d get rid of the goalie. If a guy is doing a 360, he doesn’t need a poke check from Manny Legace (who, by the way, quickly became one of my favorite players to chat with. I told him he got robbed of the MVP in the YoungStars game, and he started laughing. He’s a great guy, and I hate that I missed his miked-up portion of the television broadcast on VS. because I heard it was great). Plus, Ovechkin almost took off Chris Osgood’s head when he was doing that baseball swing. Maybe put cardboard cutouts or something so accuracy is important, but I’d eliminate the goalie. Secondly, I’d bring in players just for that event, like the NBA does for the Slam Dunk competition rather than spring it on All-Stars who might not specialize in or be ready for something like that. You?
Comments
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
1/2 off all All-Star items at the Team Store II all week long. Just got my Kovy jersey for $117
By GaVaHokie
January 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Great article Craig, and I also heard a lot of praise from vendors and staff saying Atlanta was one of the best All Star events they’ve seen.
I was having a discussion with others on Hockeybuzz about possible changes… I like the idea of making the goalies stay in the crease for the shootout challenge. Maybe also take their sticks away.
I can’t remember if it was Legace or Nabakov that poke checked St. Louis when he was trying to lift the puck in the air, but I thought “Dude, just let him take the shot.” Yes, it’s a big set up to embarass the goalies, but they need to take their pride out of the equation.
By GaVaHokie
January 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Craig… also, as I pointed out on Rawhide’s blog. This is ultimately what they want the Shootout Challenge to look like
By J.B.
January 28, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t able to go to the game, but watched every bit of coverage on SportsSouth and Versus. My favorite things about this weekend:
1.)I’ve never seen Ilya Kovalchuk so happy in my life. It was really refreshing to see he, and all the players smiling, laughing, and genuinely having a great time. Quite a different feeling in the air than during a regular season game where some of those same guys are trying to tear each other apart.
2.) The miked goalie thing was just awesome. It took me a few minutes to figure out who the third person talking was, as I was doing other things around the house with the TV on. Once I realized the goalie was talking and playing at the same time, I focused all my attention on the game from there on.
3.) Some are sure Hossa will stay. Some are sure Hossa will go. Whatever happens, you can’t deny he was proud to be an Atlanta Thrasher this weekend. It definitely showed.
4.) As a native Atlantan and a hockey fan, I’m unbelievably proud of my city and my team. Better than the Olympics in ‘96. Players and fans from every city really responded positively to what a great place Atlanta is, and aside from a few die hard southern hockey haters, I think were convinced it’s a bonafide hockey town too.
My least favorite thing: I was not able to volunteer as I had originally planned and watching all the festivities on TV and hearing other volunteer stories really made me regret I didn’t make a stronger effort to arrange my schedule to allow for such an opportunity.
Congratulations Atlanta and Go Thrashers!!!!
By GaVaHokie
January 28, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info Buzz.
By GaVaHokie
January 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I’m just going to keep talking. :)
I have to say I’m pretty impressed with Pat Quinn after meeting him Sunday. I’d like to see him in the organization in some fashion. You can tell he loves this town.
Craig… I met Alyssa Milano as well… my God!
By DWTOO
January 28, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Craig - Posted this comment on Rawhide’s blog, but, I’d appreciate your addressing it. I was really sorry I bothered reading the Sunday paper. There were articles on the front page and the front page of the Sports Section about the game by Mr. Stinson and, I believe, Mr.Hummer. I thought they were both extemely negative - not without some truth, but very negative. If that’s your take on the situation, fine, but why print it when we have the biggest show in the game that day. Just more ammunition for those that say hockey doesn’t belong in Atlanta. So this is the opinion all those visiting from out of town get from our newspaper. I doubt Stinson and Hummer saw the Red Carpet walk.
I’m glad our group of tailgaters was able to dispel some of the myths about Southern fans. After we did the lead-ins for Hockey Night in Canada saturday the camera man trekked down to the Gulch and taped some of the party. Most of done some good because TSN showed up yesterday. And we invited some folks from Ottawa to join us and told them to spread the word that we’re making progress towards becoming a hockey town(and he thought that they got the better part of the Heatley-Hossa trade by far).
Think you touched on it, the best part of the weekend was watching all the folks waliking around in the various sweaters, soaking in the atmosphere, having a brew, and talking hockey with folks from everywhere in the US and Canada.
By KI4REX - Ryan
January 28, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
I agree, the goalies need to taken out of the equation some how, and you maybe right about bringing in players like the slam dunk contest.
By Midfield
January 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
All-Star game was entertaining, alright. But - for a no-contact contest - I enjoyed Sharapova vs Ivanovic match more. Much more tension, even passion, if you like. Outfits were pretty good too.
By d
January 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I too thought it was a great weekend. That said, I propose the following changes:
a) Fastest skater contest should be a lap around the hash marks like last year - not a strait line race. After all, cross-over’s remain a key to power skating?
b) With so much good music in Atlanta/Georgia, who in their right mind picked the Hives/Hides to play during the introductions? They are an insult to good Rock.
c) Given the price of all-star tickets was $200+, it was ridiculous for Phillips to charge another $10 for a program that is full of ads. If nothing else, provide a complimentary roster as they do for Thrasher games.
d) Most importantly, the 3 on 3 format for the young stars was great. Besides myself, who else thinks 3 on 3 would be preferable to shootouts to decide OT games?
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Craig:
Can you find out why Kovy wasn’t in the hardest shot contest? What numbnut put him in the fastest skater? He’s pretty fast but come on! His shot is legendary (at least in ATL). I loved this entire weekend, but that was my only disappointment…
I’m serious. Ask him why they didn’t put him in…
By Bob
January 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Sure, chatting it up with hockey greats was fun, but nothing tops an interview with Alyssa Milano
Meorrw My wife thought she was gonna have to pull me off her leg.
Yes, they need to jazz up that Breakaway contest, give the guys some advance notice on who will be in it so they can practice their shots. Ovechkin gets the A for effort. Definitely take the goalie out and stick a cardboard cutout in there that shows top shelf stick and glove side and the 5-hole, and then watch them do their thing.
Met some guys from Montreal and Tronna that were very impressed with us little old Atlanta fans, I think they were expecting a bunch of inbred hicks. I told them to head up to the Nest (I kid!) I was more impressed with their Pimp Daddy Road trip they were on (All Star weekend here, golf all this week in FL, then Super Bowl).
By R. Stroz
January 28, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Craig - Did you ask Alyssa Milano if you were single if you could get a date with her?
By Jason
January 28, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I’ll have to say the weekend here with the hockey world watching was a big success. I thought the majority of the crowd all weekend was made up of Thrashers fans, and enthusiastic fans from all over too. It’s nice that the event wasn’t full of just non-interested corporate suits.
There were a couple of times when I got chills listening to the crowd chant Kovy and Hossa. I also was proud of the enthusiasm hearing “Lets go Thrashers” during the game last night. The TV broadcast did not do the noise from the crowd justice. I watched the rebroadcast last night at eleven on VS, and it was MUCH louder there at times than that.
My wife and I had a chance to talk with Scott Mellanby on a elevator in the club level before the skills sat night. Was really nice, and joked with us about the crowd trying to get on the elevator, and the fact the phillips staff would’nt even let him(or us) take the stairs instead. He said they must have forgot about him already. I told him to hip check the guy, and he would remember.
Craig-I know you’ll start talking Hossa stuff after tomorrow, but do you think the extra fan recognition(chants, cheers, and so on) from this weekend play into his mind, or the owners about him staying?
Can the fans have an effect between now and the deadline on factors such as this?
Great job on your part Craig covering the events. Really enjoyed your stories and info.
By Hockeyfan
January 28, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Worst moment was Saturday waiting in line to get an autograph from Dave the Hammer Schultz and seeing Craig Custance. Oh my god, I thought, it’s him. I wave and scream like a prepubescent girl at a Jonas Brothers concert but my hero and idol wouldnt approach his devoted fan. He just glanced around and kept on walking…
By Mike
January 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
My favorite thing about the weekend would be the East exploiting Osgood’s apparent weakness in the 1st period. Yeah I get it’s easier to score in All-Star games because the defense barely tries and is really there to put bodies on the ice and to prevent making the defenseman feel left out, but every goal scored on him was set up the exact same way. Draw him to one side, he overcommits, centering pass, goal. Maybe it was just a one-night thing. Maybe it was the lack of a defender really clogging up the area in front of the crease like in a real game. If that is a new thing for him, though, I’d be looking for the Osgood to post a few losses to start the second half of the season.
By Ben
January 28, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
My favorite part was also seeing all the different jerseys on display. I know I saw a jersey for every team, even the teams that moved like the Hartford Whalers. The most unique jersey was only unique because of who was wearing it. I’ve seen plenty of Atlanta Flames jerseys, but I didn’t expect to see the Calgary Flames mascot, Harvey the Hound wearing an Atlanta Flames jersey. Almost every mascot wore an All Star jersey, so the Hound went out of his way to show a little respect to Atlanta. It was a small gesture, but I thought that was cool!
By Erin
January 28, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
I had an absolutely wonderful time this weekend! What an event!! The players and fans were great, and I couldn’t stop cheering for our players all weekend!! I wish the All-Star game was here every year!
My favorite moments were watching Kovy play-it-up with Nabokov and Hossa’s beautiful goal!! I will always love the sound of Blueland chanting Hossa-Hossa-Hossa or Kovy-Kovy-Kovy. I also really liked getting the “Let’s Go Toby” chant going during the Young Stars game…I hope that he knew that was what we were chanting!
Well done NHL, Thrashers and Atlanta hockey fans!
By MB
January 28, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
CC, absolutely right that Kovy lit it up, personality-wise, this weekend. Legace and DiPietro also showed some great personalities. Ovechkin will be up there, too, once his language skills improve. Outside of those guys, though, the NHL and the clubs need to do some serious media training with their stars to draw new fans.
Speaking of new fans, my impression is that all the music acts were geared towards bringing in youth and more diversity. Let’s face it, they didn’t bring in the Jonas Bros., the Hives, Ne-Yo, and Wyclef Jean for the coat and tie set.
Which brings me to the club level seats. Thank goodness the cameras were focused on the other side of the arena. Sad to see those great seats go to waste.
Re: the breakaway challenge - watch how much better it’ll be next year now that the players have a little bit of a feel for it. They’ll start spending some time practicing for it, and I’ll bet you’ll see far more creativity each year. Go back and look at the first NBA slam dunk contest and see how tame it was by today’s standards. I do, however, like the idea of opening it up to non-All Stars.
Only other thoughts concern the boos and the “Osgood…YOU SUCK” chant, but I already addressed those in the previous blog.
And I’m so sad I missed Alyssa Milano.
By LAC
January 28, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Great Weekend, made Nothing Basketball A*… look like it was put on by grade schoolers… or is it National BORING Assoc… ?
Great CROWD,GREAT FANS Great time Period…Let’s see Montreal do AS well ????
Lastly Alyssa looked very NAUGHTY Craig… Very Naughty !!!!!! I loved it + The don waddell BOO !
By wristshot
January 28, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
I thought the same thing about maybe having cardboard cutouts instead of goalies on the breakaway event. I was sitting right behind the West goalie and I kept wishing they would stay in the crease and let the shooters do their thing. Kovy’s knee drop attempt was great. I must say that I missed the old fastest skater competition. The quick sprint wasn’t as exciting and it looked like it just came down to whomever got the best jump when the ref’s arm came down.
I’d love to see the NHL add a fastest one-timer event. Has Kovy ever had his clocked? All in all it was a fantastic weekend, well run and extrememly entertaining.
By David
January 28, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Just thought i’d post some quotes i’d found from the weekend of interest. Well done ATL this weekend!
“I play in this building 41 times a year and hear the crowd sometimes, but tonight … it wasn’t like business as usual … it was fun … I felt tingly” -Hossa
“This is what I hoped to see in Atlanta when I got here from Ottawa…This is the feeling … of a commitment to hockey …” -Hossa
By Midfield
January 28, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
So, I guess, having been inspired by the crowd, Hossa will break out and rip it like there’s no tomorrow - starting Wednesday night. I am holding my breath and if I choke, David is to blame.
By Brendan
January 28, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Hossa never shys away from saying Atlanta has great fans. I have noticed that. I don’t think the “fans” are the reason Hossa hasn’t re-signed here. Hossa has already stated why he hasn’t re-signed here, on 680TheFan, last week. He’s concerned about the direction of the team. Whether he means the GM position, the ownership, or both remains ambiguous.
I awoke from a dream last night … that it’d be announced that Hossa was traded to Anaheim for the Ducks’ 1st and 3rd round picks in 2008, and its 1st round pick in 2009, with a “conditional” 2nd round pick in 2009, contingent upon the Ducks making the Conference Finals this year. Thankfully, it was just a dream. Though, I did hear that Teemu Selanne has re-emerged from the shadows to play out the rest of the year with Anaheim.
Shifting gears, serious question for you bloggers. How would you feel if you’d heard that Hossa had been traded and that, in SEPARTE DEALS, players like Mats Sundin, Adam Foote, and Sergei Federov had been acquired?
Would you think that AWESOME? Or would you think it a “waste of time, conceived in ‘desperation,’” especially for what the Thrashers probably had to surrender to Toronto and Colubus in exchange?
We’ve been wanting Tier One Centers and Defenders. Sundin, Federov and Foote are those. But uhh … they’re all putting on the 17th green, eyeing the “cocktails” at the Clubhouse bar. Would you burn DW in effigy if he made these kinds of moves? I’m just asking.
By Brendan
January 28, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Ugh. The above should read, “separate” deals and “Columbus.” I’m typing with “new” fingers. I bought them on Ebay, at a discount.
By GSU-Lee
January 28, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Great recap of events Craig, Atlanta has proven again that it has a lot to offer for major events like this. I agree with the assessment about the breakaway, oddly enough cardboard cutouts was exactly what I was thinking. Could you imagine some of the stuff those guys might do if they didn’t have to worry about a goalie?
By stendec
January 29, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Hi Craig. Nice words. Looking forward to more Thrasher action. Stars wonderful but time to get back to work. Hope Thrashers continue to play up for top teams (Red Wings) but hope they get out of habit of playing down to untalented scum (Ranjerks). So aggravating. Maybe changing cast around IK, Moose and KL will help. Sure could not hurt. When someone compares my beloved Thrashers with reviled Hawks something is amiss. I think I did read that somewhere around these parts. Thrashers should make concentrated effort to launch 30 s** per game. Only 10 per period which is not too much to ask. Goal total would increase on fluke tallies due to probability. MORE SHOTS = MORE GOALS. Not even that new math. Players must become aggressive. Falcons, scum that they are, at least defend themselves when assaulted. What happened in Big Rotten Apple has me questioning manhood of every guy in a blue jersey. Thrashers must defend home ice. Make teams dread visiting Philps Arena. Most consider it their home away from home. Help out the netminders. Moose and KL are only human. Oh well. Sorry for novelette. God bless. GO BLUE!
By Tony C.
January 29, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
Good point. Getting outshot 36-30 does sound a lot better than 36-18
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
January 29, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, I’d take Sundin.
That’s who I hoped DW was leveraging the future for last season. Don’t get me wrong, Tkachuk was a good experience for #17, but I think for the price paid a player like Sundin is the correct answer.
That being said, I do not think he should give up Little, but I would give Sterling & say, McCarthy for Sundin.
I dream big.
By Hockeynumb
January 29, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Next year they have to get rid of the goalie poke check in the breakaway competition. The goalie should stay in the crease and that includes his stick. It really cuts down the creativity when the goalie comes out ten feet with his stick extended.
I also like your idea of not just picking all stars for this showcase event. Have the players/coaches themselves pick the most creative guys. Who knows better than the players who has the best moves and isn’t afraid to give a show to the fans. Hockey really has to get into the “show factor” like the NBA has.
Great event and a great hockey town. Surprised me how well this was received.
By Rick
January 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Craig
You need to talk with the guys at 680 and 790 who have done nothing but trash hockey and the all-star event the last 2 days. Most of them did not attend. I agree with your take.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
I’m still alittle upset with the amount of people who swapped out their Thrasher jerseys for their old favorite team jerseys for the weekend… shame, shame you know your name!
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Brendan, you’ll have to think of a better example because Sundin has a no-trade clause and wouldn’t wave it for Atlanta.
Sundin will most likely go to Anaheim.
I think Waddell is going to have to make a move to get a Center BEFORE he can resign Hossa… I predict some other trade happens before Hossa resigns.
By Bob
January 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Would you think that AWESOME? Or would you think it a “waste of time, conceived in ‘desperation,’”
I’ll take Door #2, Brendan, but I think the owners would block Waddell from making a desperation move like that which would further kneecap this club.
Foote’s a UFA this summer, right? Federov is a shadow of his former self. Sundin would be nice, but is he UFA as well this summer?
Waddell said it’s time to get the final chips on the table with Hoss and his agent this week, he’ll begin to dangle him out there next week and the good news is that we’ll get a ton of offers for Hossa as we’ll be one of the few sellers. It will definitely be a sellers market.
However, I do NOT want just picks for Hoss. We need young players that are already proven and can start contributing next year.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
There were some quotes from Marian Gaborik possibly leaving Minnesota to get away from their defensive system in a few years when he is a UFA. Maybe a Marian-for-Marian swap?
By David
January 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Okay, via http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_8105292 (and yes, I enjoy talking about possible trades :-)…Am I the only one who thinks Blake could be a potentially great fit for us to make a push into the playoffs?
If you look at it this way, that this season is what matters. And I think that’s how you have to look at it right now. Making the playoffs again this year is desperately important for this franchise and this city. Making the playoffs makes Atlanta go, “you know what, maybe these guys are for real”. People pay attention to successful teams in their city. One of the pieces I feel like we’re really missing right now is size. Not just size, but think about what blake also gives you…another option at the point on the powerplay. BIG shot. I think the real benefit is adding size and stability to the backline. And he’s old enough that he wouldn’t be too expensive. This year’s draft is going to be deep so I wouldn’t mind parting with some picks anyways.
He would be a rental, which is fine…I think next year is time to bring up Valabik anyways. Zhitnik should be gone too…i hope.
What do you guys think of Blake? I’m sure I’m going to hear the “too old” cries, but look at other old defenseman around the league playing vital roles for their teams.
I still say we go after Sundin or fedorov…i’m curious what fedorov, kozlov, and kovy could do on a line. The all russian line and don’t forget kozy and fedorov played together in detroit!!
By jen
January 29, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
It was an awesome weekend of hockey love in the ATL.
I thought the actual game was very entertaining - one of the more entertaining all star games in a while, and this went for the MLB event (don’t really watch the others) as well. I liked where the Breakway Challenge could be in a year or so, even still it was probably my favorite event- althought seeing CHara blast one for 103 mph was pretty cool if you didn’t blink. Really liked the Rockin Skate event - was a bargain and a tax write off at the same time. LOVED the Mascot game at the start - it was too funny, especially when they got into scrums. Family loved walking around the arena and getting pictures with all the mascots. I think we got 23 of them. Getting to go to a family event at a reasonable price was not something I expected from this weekend. Great atmosphere and people all around. I worked some events as part of the NBA All Star game a few years back and this weekend completely cemented my belief that hockey fans are absolutely the best sports fans on the planet. Best jersey/sweater I saw was while volunteering at one of the events. There was a guy with a Kings jersey and it was half of the current white jersey and half of the old school yellow jersey and had All Star patches from everywhere…neat-o!
By Boulton's Bruisers
January 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
“we’ll see what’s going to happen in the future.”
Can’t tell you how many times i’ve heard that same comment out of Hossa’s mouth in the past couple of weeks. He continues to add that on to the end of his answer to every question, regardless of the topic. He is clearly dropping the subtle hints. He’s gone folks. Accept it now.
Waddell is not dumb enough (or is he?) to let Hossa walk for nothing. In essence that would mean we let Dany Heatley walk away for nothing. Not gonna happen. The value Waddell gets in return for trading Hossa will decide Waddell’s future with this franchise.
No more old farts, please!
By Alan
January 29, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
We need young players that are already proven and can start contributing this year.
Fixed that for ya. ;)
By Bob
January 29, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
He’s gone folks. Accept it now.
Yep. It’s been a done deal since before the season started. He’s gone, and that is an indictment of the inept management of this club and will make us look very bad around the league…”if he didn’t want to stay there, why would I want to sign?”
Reason #279 that Waddell should have been canned long ago.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
David… sorry, but I would say no to all those. Sundin won’t come here (no trade clause), Federov would still be too expensive even at half-season pay ($3 million-ish) and Blake as well ($3 million-ish). I don’t think either is worth that kind of pay.
If I’m spending that kind of money I’d rather have Jovanovski or Redden. For even less money, I’d look at Derek Morris, Brad Stuart or Mattias Ohlund.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
I still think that signing Hossa gives us LESS of a chance of winning a Stanley Cup… strange oxymoron, I know.
I think that money can be better used spread around.
If you’re going to have two big contract players, they better be Chris Pronger and Scott Neidermayer. That was the downfall of Buffalo, and it’s going to be the downfall of Pittsburgh next season when they have to extend Malkin. Look at their RFA situation next season
By Thrashers27
January 29, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Best idea…see if Calgary is willing to deal Iginla. We do a sign and trade with Hoss and now we have comparable scoring and more grit from a fair and reasonable trade.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Thrashers27… I’m pretty sure Igninla will be a Flame until the day he dies. If they needed a roster shake-up like Boston did when they traded Thornton, I could understand, but I’d say Calgary is looking to add talent.
By Brendan
January 29, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Correct you are, Bob. Trades conceived in ‘desperation’ is NOT what is BEST for the “long range interests of the team.” And that’s what DW said, just a few shorts days ago. “We must look out for the long range interests of the team.”
If last year was any indication, that’s merely “political spin.” Truthfully, what has CHANGED from last season? This team still needs to advance and progress. And that responsibility falls on Don Waddell, the GM. Now, if he’s hampered by the ownership, which allegedly never disapproves of anything he recommends, then LET THAT BE KNOWN!
By Thrashers27
January 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Hokie, I know it’s not very likely, but a guy can wish can’t he.
By MB
January 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree with Hokie on this one, David, though I’ll take it even further.
No one player is going to make a big difference for this team as it’s currently constructed. And though we still have a reasonable chance at winning the SE, the hard truth is we’d be lucky to win a single game in the playoffs.
Forget about buying for the playoffs and focus on building for the future.
Hossa’s gone, and should bring a healthy return. Holik could garner some interest, and Hedberg and McCarthy are bargaining chips as well. Heck, I’d dangle Kozzy if he was willing.
Assuming we don’t win the SE, we’re all but assured of having a top 10 pick in the draft. And (let the trumpets sound), we’ll finally be rid of the $2.4M albatross that is Steve Rucchin.
Now for the reality check portion of this post…we still need a GM capable of pulling off these deals in our favor, and a coach able to unify the team and get it working in the same direction (still not sold on Beast, especially after the recent lackluster play).
By ThrashersFan215
January 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Craig, here is another suggestion for the breakaway challenge- I hate the idea of a cardboard cutout; so what about a alumni/celebrity goalie like Darren Pang, or Ron Hextall? Cardboard cutout is lame, but a former goalie that is mic’d up (and doesnt curse like DP) is much better
By Brendan
January 29, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
You know, eventually, Slava Kozlov would “relent” on that “no trade clause.” What player, I say again, WHAT PLAYER wants to continually be asked to waive his NTC? Kozlov would eventually “get it.” He’s not wanted here. Plus, truth be told, he’d probably relish the opportunity to win another Cup. Jaromir Jagr recently addressed this very situation of a “No trade clause.” He said, and this is a DIRECT QUOTE, “Well, I’d have to consider it. I mean, if they (The Rangers) come to me and say, ‘Jaro, we Don’t want you anymore,’ what am I supposed to say?”
This is EXACTLY what Kozlov would be facing. And he’d agree to be traded, so long as it was a contender, like a Detroit, or Anaheim, or San Jose, etc. That’s my opinion. I could be wrong. I welcome yours.