AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDegree of difficulty about to increase
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, we’re back at it. We can turn our attention to the Thrashers and their quest to end a five-game losing streak at a time in the league when play tightens. I’m writing about the importance of the next seven games (six at home) and Bobby Holik made a great point. They’re just trying to win ONE game. Forget the next seven games. But when you look at the schedule, if they don’t take advantage of this upcoming stretch they might be sellers rather than buyers at the trade deadline. And this is the time of year the games get much tougher. But then again, knowing how weak the Southeast is, they could probably go .500 and be a point back. So who knows?
The wildcard in all this is Washington. They’re right back in it and have played two games less than the Thrashers. This division is begging for someone to get hot and take a commanding lead, and surprisingly it’s been the Caps who have responded. It’s interesting, because they’re a good contrast in how they handled their coaching situation. The Thrashers fired Bob Hartley, and still have uncertainty as to who will be the coach next season. The Caps fire Hanlon, and Bruce Boudreau comes in and coaches his rear off. Now that team knows who is in charge this season and going forward and they can focus on winning. The same can’t be said in Atlanta. While Don has been solid behind the bench, you have to wonder if the Thrashers would have been better off going either with their own Boudreau (John Anderson) or handing things over to Brad McCrimmon. It’s been an interesting study in how two teams handled similar situations differently. I guess we won’t know until the end of the season who made the right choice.
Odds and ends: There’s a lot to catch up on here. Brad Larsen won’t play this week, according to Waddell. So Colin Stuart is back in town after his brief return to the AHL. Eric Perrin missed today’s practice with a minor groin pull and is a game-time decision. Mark Popovic skated in his place with the forwards. If Perrin is out for the Pittsburgh game, don’t count on Popovic playing forward. Don will probably call up another skater from Chicago if that’s the case. Ken Klee will likely be back in the lineup. If you remember, he took a puck off the face and has two black eyes and stitches in two places. For him, the break came at a good time. He said there was no way he was playing over the weekend, but he’ll more than likely be out there against Pittsburgh.
Responding to your responses: I tried to decompress as much as possible after blogging yesterday so I didn’t have a chance to get on there and respond. But I’m refreshed and ready for the post-All-Star break action. SO here are some responses:
DWTOO: If you look at our coverage of the All-Star game over the course of the last ten days, starting with the O’Ree story the Sunday before, I’d say at least 90 percent of it was positive. Look at Monday’s 1A section, with the giant photo and the headline: Ice Paradise. I think that really captured the essence of the weekend. People forget that we’re not a PR arm for the league, or for hockey. We’re trying to paint an accurate account of what is going on. If you go back and read Hummer’s Sunday story again, I think you’ll see it was an accurate, balanced account of hockey in the South. And isn’t the day the hockey world is focused on Atlanta the perfect day to reflect on the state of hockey in the region? I understand why some people were mad, and believe me, I’ve been hearing it. But our coverage is for everybody, not just people who have a stake in the sport or feel strongly about hockey and I think our coverage reflected that. I also think the feedback and discussion is healthy, that’s what helps improve the product, and I appreciate your input.
R. Stroz: No, I did not. I asked her one question and when she looked at me for a follow-up I froze like a deer in headlights. I don’t have that problem with Bobby Holik.
Jason: Thanks and while I feel like Hossa appreciated the love and support he got this weekend, I don’t know how much that will factor in his decision. He’s never had an issue with the fans, and loves playing in Atlanta. But it’s all about how strongly he feels about the future of the franchise.
Hockeyfan: C’mon now, you know I would have said hello if I had seen you. Just ask my wife, you have to call my name about 10 times to get a response. But to all the Thrashers fans I did get to meet out there, it was a pleasure chatting with you guys. I wish I could have grabbed a beer and hung out instead of actually working the events.
Brendan: You raise a good point and one that has some merit. If the Thrashers decide they have to deal Marian Hossa, don’t be surprised if they make another move to bring somebody back in. The Oakland A’s are great at that around baseball’s deadline. Rather than let someone walk in their contract year, they trade them but also pick up help so they can still contend. I think that’s a pretty good strategy. Also, in reading the responses to Mark Bradley, I appreciated your thoughtful response. The same people who get mad about a negative story also get mad when they don’t feel like their teams are held accountable.
stendec: Nobody uses bold as effectively as you do.
Boulton’s Bruisers: Let’s say the Thrashers let Hossa walk, then they sign Brian Campbell with that salary slot. Couldn’t you conceivably say they traded Heatley for Campbell? Okay, maybe not.
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Comments
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Can I be the first to ask that we stop thinking of Hossa in terms of “Heatley for whoever we trade Hossa for”… let’s shut the door on that Heatley fellow once and for all.
But, i’d have to say Brian Campbell would bring much more value (and need) to this team than Hossa for the same money.
You can’t spend $14 million on two offensive jugernauts (Kovy and Hossa) and then have nothing to spend on defense.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
If we trade Hossa, it needs to be for someone under contract for next year or someone with RFA status… anyone with UFA status who has to deal with this team down the stretch this season is gonna “bolt” the same way Hossa would.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
first?
By Craig Custance
January 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie: Yeah, I think it’s safe to say that the Thrashers wouldn’t trade Hossa for another UFA. Unless they were really confident they could get something done, and had no hope at all of signing Hossa. But I think that’s a longshot. I still think the best deal will likely be prospects and draft picks.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig, what is your beer of Choice?
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
In mr. Burnside’s latest installment, he writes “as one top agent told ESPN.com there’s “not a chance” Hossa re-signs with Atlanta.” What do you guys make of that?
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
If they could trade Hossa to Vancouver for something involving Alex Edler and draft picks, I’d be happy. Then i’d trade those draft picks to a team looking for cap space (salary dumps) and get a serviceable forward… say Maxim Afinogenov or Tim Connolly in Buffalo.
I could speculate all day… as you know.
By Craig Custance
January 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
GSU-Lee — It depends on the situation. If I know I’m hunkering down and will be knocking back a few, I tend to go with a Miller Lite. If I’m trying to enjoy one or two, I like Sam Adams. If I’m having a Mexican dinner, like I did last night, I go Corona with lime (do I have to turn in my man card with that answer?). I got by for four years on the Beast (not that Beast, Old Milwaukee’s Best Light, the original Beast) in Michigan State and swore I’d never drink it again. But it was $11.99 for a 30-pack, and it’s all I could afford back then.
By Craig Custance
January 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
On Hossa: Interpret it any way you want, but he was in full: I’m just trying to play hockey, my agent will handle negotiations - mode today.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
According to Buzilla, drinking Miller Lite makes you stink the next day (seeps through your pores). As an avid Miller Lite drinker myself, I have not noticed this, but then again, I’m used to my own smell.
My Mexican beer (and to enjoy one or two) is Dos Equis dark.
College beer was straight up Old Milwaukee… and Natural Lite.
By Craig Custance
January 29, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
No Natty Ice? It had a little more kick than Natural Lite. Although you paid the price the next day.
By R. Stroz
January 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Interview over the weekend:
R.Stroz - Mr. Quinn, the Thrashers sure could use a good GM. Are you interested?
Pat Quinn - Yeah, I’d like to do that
R.Stroz - Do you think you could deal with a bunch of owners that behave like little girls?
Pat Quinn - I’ve heard about the situation here.
R.Stroz - So, are you still willing to take the job if it was offered?
Pat Quinn - (Smiling) Yes.
By Bob
January 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
In mr. Burnside’s latest installment, he writes “as one top agent told ESPN.com there’s “not a chance” Hossa re-signs with Atlanta.” What do you guys make of that?
I think it’s beyond obvious to anyone paying attention that there was not a chance to re-sign him once the season opened with no extension done. And even more obvious once Hoss changed agents. And one would have to just not been paying attention if you didn’t realize he’s out of here after watching his half hearted effort this year, it’s like he’s begging to be out of here. You just watch his play pick up after he’s traded.
You’ve got guys like McKenzie saying he’s gone, Burnside saying it now, Mellanby said it at the beginning of this that there were problems, unnamed Ottawa players quoted saying “what do you expect him to say” when asked about Hoss. Everyone knows it, and that reflects badly on this organ-I-zation (Waddell and ownership) since Hoss just plain doesn’t believe in Blueland
Before thinking about where you’re going to spend Hossa’s money next summer, Hokie, you might want to look at the big picture and think about which top UFA is even going to want to come here, once Hoss leaves of his own accord. Every top UFA has his pick of clubs to sign with, it’s not we’ll be the only ones after them.
By R. Stroz
January 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Craig - So, you refer to those as headlights. I hope you didn’t stare at the headlights too long, she might have considered that a little rude.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Craig, Dos Equis (or however you spell it) is always a more manly choice than Corona with Lime, but it ain’t that bad. And as a college student I am prone to Beast or nattie Light occasionally when I am broke, especially when it’s dollar beer night at the bowling alley. Oh and for the record, I bowled a 234 (seriously) on a fair amount of natie light so it will always have a special place with me. when i am not broke or bowling, I stick to Sam Adams, Newcastle, Blue Moon or good ol’ Budweiser.
and i never take Burnside that seriousl, as much as I like him, because most of his predictions are typically wrong
By Jason
January 29, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Well, I hope DW knows the next few weeks will decide his fate with the franchise too, I would hope. If Hoss does’nt want to stay in the end, fine, but you better get some really good returns that will be here for a while. I really hope he stays, like Kozlov decided, and buys out one of the owners of their stake in the franchise ;)
Of course, this K-mart ownership group may keep DW around for those “blue-light specials” to play here. I just don’t want to see a repeat to this franchise as with the Hawks of the 90’s. You went from having really good team with potential and involved fans in the 80’s to an absolute mediocre to horrible franchise by the start of the 2000’s. And with that went the fans interest, from passion to apathy. I really would love to have the ability to keep that from happening. But I’m short a few hundred million.
Craig, what to do, huh?
By Smoothie
January 29, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Perhaps if the Thrashers continue their woeful play of late and slide even further into the depths of the Southleast Division, they may have a better chance of getting more than picks and prospects at the deadline.
Hossa is gone and it’s a shame we didn’t trade him last fall when we might have gotten better value for him. Let’s say they go 2-8 over the next 10 and fall to last or next to last in the division, that will make us one of the few sellers and perhaps give us a little bit of trading leverage.
I hope they prove me wrong, but I don’t have much hope at this point. And as for Hossa, I think our only shot is signing him to a 1 yr deal and then shelling out money for Campbell and a legit center this summer. Problem is that there isn’t a plethora of stud centers and we may need to count on Little to take a very big leap next year.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Two other things: Abita on draft at Henry’s is never a bad choice and when you stoop low enough to “Natty” anything, you really aren’t caring much about th price you are going to pay. Hell it’s bad enough just to drink the stuff
By R. Stroz
January 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Buzilla Baby Blues - Thanks for the tip yesterday on the Kovy All-Star jersey at $117.00. I purchased the last XL available at 11:00 this morning.
Bob - If All-Star jerseys are any indicator, with the plethora of Hossa jerseys left in the store, no one in Atlanta thinks Hossa will be around much longer either.
By Craig Custance
January 29, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
R. Stroz: That made me laugh out loud.
GSU-Lee, re:Burnside: In this case, that’s not a prediction. That’s him getting information from an agent. Big difference. And yes, Abita at Henry’s is fantastic.
Smoothie: Why would Hoss sign a one-year deal? So he can go through this again next season? He’s either extending long-term or he’s gone.
Jason - You’re right. Thrashers fans are still passionate. It’d be sad if that ever became apathy.
By Smoothie
January 29, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Not that I work for them or anything, but El Azteca always has good prices on Tecate and Dos Equis drafts (32 oz!!) on most weeknights…great place for a mid-week meal and mind-numbing fun!
By Smoothie
January 29, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
CC — I agree with you as players pushing 30 are looking for that final big contract to bring them into the twilight of their careers. If someone dangled $9 mill in front of me to play one year (guaranteed of course), I would take it in a heartbeat and take my chances. Do you know what you could do with that kind of green from an investment standpoint?? You’d be set for life.
But of course, the business of sports doesn’t work that way. It’s too damn convoluted and situations like this wreck franchises for years to come. A real shame since ATL can ill-afford to pi$$ off its fans and risk an apathy-driven nosedive into financial ruin.
A GM like DWad should have known that if Hoss wasn’t sure about signing before the year that it would become a very untenable situation. They would have been better off trading him last summer for some decent players and then using the UFA money from Holik and Rucchin to “buy” Campbell.
By Darren
January 29, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Kovalchuk had the media chuckling quite a bit during the press conference after the game. As Craig can attest, Ilya’s good for a few good laugh lines when he’s in the mood.
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Stroz… I heard someone have the same exact conversation with Quinn when I was in line… you didn’t happen to be the guy behind me with the Bill Clement stick were you?
By GaVaHokie
January 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t hate Waddell like some of you, but it would be a breath of fresh air to have someone like Pat Quinn, a hockey legend, in the front office… someone who is extremely passionate about Atlanta hockey.
However, I can’t see him getting along with the ownership group… probably why he isn’t our coach already.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
craig, fair enough on Burnside, but part of me feels like the Toronto on him just wants the Thrashers to do poorly.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
craig, fair enough on Burnside, but part of me feels like the Toronto in him just wants the Thrashers to do poorly.
By GSU-Lee
January 29, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
craig, fair enough on Burnside, but part of me feels like the Toronto in him just wants the Thrashers to do poorly.
By ranallo10
January 29, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Smoothie — Regier in Buffalo did the same thing with Briere and Drury, came away with nothing, and still has a team that can remain competitive (although not dominant as they were before). It is possible for other GMs to actually hold out hope to re-sign a star player, even though they’re an impending UFA. Buffalo clearly has a more effective system than Atlanta, but it’s an example.
It just sucks to think that even by re-signing Hossa today (as an example) this team isn’t any better tomorrow. The only way to become better is move him for comparable parts, or pack it in and hope for the best in the 08-09 season.
Who cares though? Kovalchuk is the man.
By R. Stroz
January 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - That wasn’t me. I had several Atlanta Flames pucks for the guys to sign. I thought Quinn was very personable and enjoyed being there. He struck as me as being very confident.
By Mark
January 29, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
If you were Hossa, why would you want to sign here? Think about it. Every year this team struggles to win, not to mention make the play-offs. The one year we make we are swept by a mediocre Rangers team. If Hossa signs here he will get a pretty good raise over his already hefty $7M salary. That would mean even less money to spread around to other players to make the team better because we know that ownership will not increase the budget. Right now we are at over $6.5M below the cap but that money will never be spent. Hossa has to know two things, 1) if he signs here long term the team will have little budget to room to add people to make the team a legitimate contender and 2)Waddell has not shown anyone the ability to construct an extremely competitive roster with a limited budget, either through the draft, trades or free agency. So, he will play the PR angle while he is here, and when it is clear that he will not sign before the trade deadline he will be traded. In some cases, that might not be a bad thing. Look at how Philly handled the deadline last year. Unfortunately with Waddell at the helm I have zero confidence that he will make a good deal for Atlanta when Hossa is traded. Still, using an often injured Forsber as a measuring stick, the bidding should start with a 1st rounder, a good, young roster player, preferebly a defenseman, and a top rated prospect.
By erock
January 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
DEFENSE…DEFENSE…DEFENSE…DEFENSE…..DEFENSE…THIS IS THE ONLY THING WE NEED TO TRADE FOR OR USE ANY DRAFT PICKS WE HAVE OR TRADE FOR IN THE FUTURE…DEFENSE…DEFENSE…DEFENSE……….DEFENSIVE MINDED TEAMS WIN STANLEY CUPS !!!!!
By Alan
January 29, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
R. Stroz - I’d love to have Quinn aboard as GM for this team. I laughed at the ‘interview,’ but I’d seriously like to see the day he’s named GM of the team.
By MB
January 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
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 erock
January 29, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Bobby Holik, Atlanta Thrashers, C (unrestricted free agent) Sources tell ESPN.com the New Jersey Devils inquired about Holik before the season, dangling John Madden. Why the Thrashers wouldn’t have jumped at such an offer is mind-boggling, but we digress. ….WHY IS THIS BUM STILL HERE ? COULD IT BE THE WADDELL FACTOR ?
By Nate
January 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Craig - I think DWTOO was just saying what a lot of us are thinking. Other than the beat writers for the team (yourself and Carroll), 99% of hockey articles by the ajc are negative. Whether that’s a realistic picture or not, it’s still negative. On top of that, the hockey coverage is always buried at the back of the sports section. I understand it’s because the city general has the least interest in hockey. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to give the team front page coverage every once in a while over other sports that aren’t even being played currently! And when they do make the front of the sports it’s usually…negative (surprise). It just gets old. That’s all I’m saying.
By erock
January 29, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
GO BUFFALO AND GO RANGERS…HELP US OUT AND BEAT LIGHTNING AND HURRICANES !!
By fokov
January 29, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Holik for Madden? I’d do it. Heck even for the football coach :D
By bob (other)
January 29, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I have posted a few times previously on these blogs but frankly am amazed at the ridiculous speculation that continues to occur. I’d suggest a review of the facts: We won a Division last year, 24 teams did not.We are in a playoff hunt now. In the East 13 points separate the #2 seed today and the #14 seed, 11 points between 2 and 14 in the west. Folks, its called competitive reality from an implemented salary cap. When we skate and get good goaltending we can beat any team and we have shown it. It is a league of parity and it will come down to every team’s best players playing that way down the stretch. It is doubtful with approximately 25 teams being buyers with the standings this tight that quality roster players will be moved in an UFA situation. Let’s see what get worked out with Marian, he is our player at least until July 1 and if he doesn’t sign we have $7Million to spend, so its not like we “get nothing”. Frankly I still think he will sign here. Let the people in the business deal with it and let’s support our team. If you are not going to games, buy tickets and go. We need Blueland rocking down the stretch and revenue coming in, not a bunch of speculative negativity.
It’s a business and we are right in the mix. All Star weekend was terrific and we need to take that energy as fans and help motivate our team.
None of you really know what is or has been discussed. Marian and Don do, so let them address it.
I have been a STH since the inception and Don Waddell is a solid GM as are most in the league. It is a complex business and we have enough talent to win as long as our best players are indeed that. That is the new NHL model.
And as for defense, Don waddell mentioned at the last season ticket holder town hall that that was the area we needed to improve ….the blueline. He said it and elaborated on it. Just another simple fact. GMs ,coaches and players also cite often the longer development cycle for young D-men. We are going to be fine.
By Tony C.
January 29, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Dude.
If Cheap Lou offered madden-for-Holik (straight or hell, throw a 2nd rounder in)
DW deserves to be run out of here on a rail if that is true.
I don’t buy it. I just don’t see Lamariello taking on an additional $4M or so of salary for a slower, slightly better in the circle, older version of a player on his roster.
Now I do know that Big Bob and the Devils oragn-eye-zation run deep together, but I just don’t believe that Lou would do something like that. Throw on top the fact that Holik is a pending UFA-just doesn’t seem like Lamariello’s style.
But Hey, if I’m DW and Cheap Lou calls me in a bourbon-induced manic state and asks for Holik, a minor-leauger/upper-round pick in exchange for Madden-I take it and hope he doesn’t sober up before the Fax machine finishes printing.
And I love Holik. Seriously, when I saw that he’d signed here I jumped up and down like a kid. It showed me that maybe juuuuuuuusst maaaaybe, DW was serious about contending. Between he and the ownership, I have revised that opinion. I also feel foolish over my giddyness sometimes-but yall have to admit big Bobby was one of only 4 guys who showed up to play in last year’s playoff debacle.
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. I still say Hoss & McCarthy For J.M. Liles and a 1st round pick or our pick of their forwards not named Stasny or Smyth.
P.P.S. Do yall think DW has an anti-frostback bias???
By Rice8891
January 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
bob(other): nice to see a voice of reason. Everyone blames Waddell for not signing a number one center. They have no idea whether he tried and they said no. Remember Savard signed with Boston without giving Waddell a chance to match.
Is it Waddell’s fault Hossa isn’t playing all out? A Braves type run starts with one, which the Thrashers have.
This team can win the division, as is. It might not, but Waddell has put enough talent on the ice to do it.
And it would be two straight playoffs/division titles if Atlanta hadn’t needed 5 goalies two years ago. No team survives that type of attrition.
Now if the Rangers could just getit together, Altanta leads the divison tomorrow because Montreal is up 3-0.
Go THRASHERS.
By Rice8891
January 29, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Tony C.: Holik was good for two years. We just had to pay for three to get him. As Meatloaf said, two out of three ain’t bad.
By Brendan
January 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Seriously, I don’t fault Mark Bradley for that article. I somewhat question the “timing” of it. But if you take the blinders off and objectively look at what MB wrote … you’d see that these two teams have underachieved since 1999. They’re better now than they were thennn. But the progress hasn’t been substantial enough.
And there it is. With no sugar-coating. Two 1st overall, two 2nd overall, two 8th overall, one 10th overall, and one 12th overall, and the Thrashers still don’t “scare” anybody. They still don’t have an “identity.” We still don’t know what “Thrashers hockey” is, exactly. And we still don’t have consistency. Now, on that front, we could talk about 26-27 other clubs. Everyone but Detroit has been “streaky” this year.
Tony C., loved that comment on the Madden for Holik speculation. I don’t believe that was ever proposed for one split second. John Madden has a “cemented role” on his club. The Devils can’t be the Devils without him.
By R. Stroz
January 29, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
While watching the All-Star game, I just kept thinking about the choices our GM had made and the way those choices were playing out in the All-Star game.
First, Rick Nash gets a hat trick. Yes, our GM passed on Rick Nash to get Kari several years back. I wonder how Nash would look on a line with Kovy?
Second, Phaneuf scored a goal for the West. Yes, our GM passed on Phaneuf and picked Coburn who our GM later traded for Zhitnik.
So, in total, our GM passed on two players who scored over half of the goals for the West team. OOPS!
Third, and to end the game, Savard scores the winning goal for the East with 20 seconds left on the clock. Our GM decided to pass on Savard and tried to fill his shoes with such players as Niko Kapanen and Todd White.
I just couldn’t help but wonder if DW was beginning to question his decision making skills while standing behing the East bench.
By Tony C.
January 30, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
So, without using players not currently on our payroll, how/who do you repair the D-Fence???
By TB
January 30, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
The “Coburn over Phaneuf” complain is really worn out. these things happen. No one really saw that Phaneuf would pull away like he did.
And Kari did and still does look like a stud on paper, I bet most GM’s would’ve gone with Kari.
And I’m sure DW wanted to re-sign Savard, we just simply couldn’t afford him.
By DWTOO
January 30, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks Craig - Although a little harsh I did think the articles were mostly accurate. It’s the timing I thought could have been a little better. Whenever the Canadian publications talk about the Southern teams they always mention moving the franchises North. THN had an article about this in a recent issue. So, when I saw this I said “Great, We’re playing right into their hands”.
I don’t expect you to be cheerleaders and to report accurately, but, when we’re in the spotlight or in a position where coverage can be used against us let’s not give the naysayers ammunition.
I was around Philips all weekend and really feel like the weekend strengthend our position as a growing hockey market.
By Bob
January 30, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Exactly right, Stroz. The players in that game were a perfect example of Waddell’s poor decision making. It’s been the problem all along.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 30, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
From the Bellowing Moose on MSNBC:
“All-Star shame The NHL’s 56th All-Star Game in Atlanta was once again a glorified game of pond hockey, with lots of pretty passes, no hitting, no fighting and very little intensity.
In other words, it was like a lot of Thrashers home games.”
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
R. Stroz… Nash was the #1 pick in ‘02. We took Kari #2
Every scout was touting Lehtonen as the next Patrick Roy, so I wouldn’t hold that against Waddell. Same goes for Coburn over Phanuef… lots of scouts had Coburn higher.
But if we had Phaneuf, our team would be exactly where it needs to be now… signing Kovalchuk long-term and getting an elite defenseman at $7 million. If Waddell trades Hossa and signs someone like Brian Campbell then we are right on track.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Craig… i agree with DWTOO on the timing of the articles. Why couldn’t they just stick to features? Interview some players… save the criticism for later this week… it reminds me of the AJC cover last year when the Thrashers made the playoffs for the first time and the cover was “Guess Which Players are in the Playoffs” and it had a montage of Chipper Jones, Mike Vick, Kovalchuk, Joe Johnson, Keith Brooking, etc.
Maybe the AJC SHOULD be cheerleaders, it’s much better than the tabloid it is now… sorry.
Of course, I have nothing against you… you’re a class act!
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers should absolutely, positively trade Hossa to Los Angeles for Mike Cammalleri… according to Spector he could be available, and he’s under contract through next year.
By Kozzie13
January 30, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Did you hear anything about this? And if it’s true, what in God’s name were we thinking in rejecting it?
Bobby Holik, Atlanta Thrashers, C (unrestricted free agent) Sources tell ESPN.com the New Jersey Devils inquired about Holik before the season, dangling John Madden. Why the Thrashers wouldn’t have jumped at such an offer is mind-boggling, but we digress. Holik was once considered one of the top shut-down playoff men in the business and may still have limited value on the open market. The Devils would be a good place to start.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Bobby Holik is also on the all-time scoring list and John Madden is not… granted Holik’s role has changed over the last few seasons, he’s still a smart dependable player.
I have no problem with Holik, just his salary.
By Thorburn's Thugs
January 30, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Well this game tonight has all the signs pointing to a flat, lifeless Thrashers team showing up on the ice tonight. Long break, time off, back at home… I bet we’ll be scampering like hell in the 1st period, and trying to play catch up in the 2nd and 3rd. History proves it…
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Well said Hokie. I am tired of defending Holik. I also think he is extremely overpaid but he brings a lot to this club.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Craig … I just read your article on the All Star ratings.
Is that just for the U.S. on Versus? If so, that’s not too bad considering it was on a two-bit station like Versus. Basketball is on TNT, which is more widely available and baseball is on the networks.
I’d be interested in seeing the Canadian veiwership.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 30, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Kovy scores a hat trick tonight. You read it here folks
By Darren
January 30, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I guess you saw Kovalchuk working on his shot at practice, like he promised he would.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Now we’re talking. Things are getting interesting… Carolina just put Jeff Hamilton on waivers. That could be an interesting pick-up at half price.
By kracker
January 30, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 I somewhat disagree that even by re-signing Hossa today this team isn’t any better tomorrow. A re-signed Hossa should be back to playing at 100% which is considerably better that we’ve gotten from him most games this year. Sorry, Marian but that’s how it looks from my seat.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Going back to draft talk… the biggest blunder Waddell (and Hartley) made was the 2005 draft where they traded down three times and took Alex Bourret.
They should have stayed at the 8th spot and drafted Anze Kopitar or Devon Setoguchi
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
kracker… I somewhat agree, look at Ovechkin now that he signed that ridiculous deal. It’s like he said, “well, I’m stuck here now, might as well make the best of it.” He’s on his way to a Hart Trophy if Kovy doesn’t get back on pace.
Let’s hope if Hossa resigns he has the same reaction.
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
I hope Carolina putting Hamilton on waivers doesn’t mean they’re about to get Vermette from Ottawa, or J.M. Liles from Colorado.
By Ga Hockey
January 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I hate to be picky here Mr. Custance, but your article “Thrashers in contention at midway mark” says that the last 5 game are against Southeast Division teams. Looking at the schedule here at my desk I count the last 7 games are vs. the Southeast and 9 of the last 10 are against the juggernaut Southeast Division. The rest of your article, I am pretty much in agreement with.
By Logan
January 30, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
The thrashers used one of the picks they got from trading down in ‘05 to get Pavelec. I’d rather have him than Setoguchi who hasn’t been anything special.
By kracker
January 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie I remember being excited Kopitar was still available and then I’m bummed that DW didn’t take him. Now he’s an All-Star and Bourret is a Phantom.
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
There’s no doubt that trading down from a #8 spot to #16 to land Bourret, and passing on Kopitar and Staal, really hurt. But I’m not convinced we’d have Pavelec any other way. It’s possible though.
For my $0.02, the worst draft day move was 2002, accepting the inducement of the 30th overall pick, Jim Slater, to pass on Jay Bouwmeester. We’re all capable of being honest here. So let’s be honest. Florida WOULD HAVE NEVER AGREED to the draft day “swap” with Columbus to get Rick Nash 1st overall, if Don Waddell had told “his personal friend,” GM Rick Dudley, “If you do this deal with Columbus, don’t expect Bouwmeester to be there, since we’re taking him, 2nd overall.”
Has that sunk in yet? Good. That’s how we get Rick Nash, 2nd overall. Florida would go ahead and take their INTENDED TARGET, D-man Jay Bouwmeester. At that point, the Columbus GM, Doug MacLean, would have to approach Waddell about inducements not to take Nash. And truthfully, had Columbus offered their 1st round pick in 2003, I might have even given Waddell a “pass” on that one. Columbus wound up with the 4th overall pick in 2003, high enough for Atlanta to have landed a player like Thomas Vanek, for example. The Blue Jackets took Nikki Zherdev.
But, as I keep saying, ad nauseum, “You don’t need to take a goalie with a high 1st round draft pick.” Every blessed year, there are proven-commodity goaltenders available on the FREE AGENT MARKET. Goalies take YEARS and YEARS to develop. Why not select them with 2nd-8th round picks? When you’re already in the “crapshoot” area of the draft. Quality goalies have been known to have been found there. Pasi Nurminen was a 6th round pick. Evgeni Nabokov was selected 219th overall, by San Jose, in 1994. In 1992, the Winnipeg Jets took Nicholai Khabibulin 204th overall. In 1989, the Minnesota North Stars took Arturs Irbe 196th overall. The Flyers found Roman Cechmanek, 171st overall, in 2000. Phoenix got Robert Esche, 139th overall, in 1996. The Bruins found future 2004 Calder Trophy winner Andrew Raycroft 135th overall. Miikka Kiprusoff was a 116th overall pick by San Jose in 1995. And I could go on and on. I’m choosing to stop here.
In my humble opinion only, the top 10 picks are used for “building the team in FRONT of the goaltender.” That’s my personal philosophy. But I wish it had been Waddell’s instead.
In 2002 and 2003, Nabakov, Khabibulin, Hasek, Cujo, Belfour … they are ALL available. One of them would have wound up here, in Atlanta. And truthfully now, would it have EVEN MATTERED which one it was????
No! We would have been just fine without Kari Lehtonen. And I’m saying that as someone who advocates re-signing Kari Lehtonen in his period of RFA eligibility. For me, Draft Day 2002 is EXACTLY when this franchise took a major misstep.