AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRumors swirling around the Thrashers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the hockey media in town over the weekend, the city of Atlanta and the Thrashers continue to get a lot of press. First, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the city and the hosting of the All-Star game. But when it comes to the Thrashers, the buzz hasn’t necessarily been as positive. Seems like the consensus on Marian Hossa is that he’s gone, leading to stories like these:
Like I’ve written a couple times in the comments, I’m trying to stay out of the opinion business and report what I’m hearing. Marian has evolved from, ‘My priority is to stay in Atlanta,’ to this quote from yesterday: “I told RItch, you handle the contract, and I’ll do my best on the ice.” It could be he’s sick of talking about the deal, which I certainly understand. Or he’s starting to distance himself from the negotiations.
From Don Waddell’s end, he spoke briefly about Hossa today and, while he restated his stance that the priority is to sign Hossa, it sounds like he’s realistic to the fact that he might not have that chance. “The next eight to ten games will help us decide if we look at moving him for assets or look at keeping him because winning the division is within our grasp and something that is very important to us.” The GM meetings start in nine games. So essentially, if Hossa isn’t signed, Waddell will have made his decision by the time he goes to Naples.
Some good speculation from Scott Burnside at ESPN.com. Burnside said that according to his sources, New Jersey dangled John Madden for Bobby Holik before the season. I know a few of you were quick to shoot that possibility down, but that’s not the first I’d heard of that deal. I asked Waddell about it in November or December and he said the Thrashers were never close to trading Holik in the offseason. And if that deal was close, it was news to Bobby. He said that the rumor would have more credibility if Madden wasn’t attached to it. He’s essentially saying, he’s not surprised New Jersey would be interested in him, just not for a deal involving Madden. But believe me, Burnside doesn’t just make stuff up. Why is this important now? Well, if New Jersey was interested in Holik over the summer, they could still be interested as they approach the playoffs. A guy who is proven playoff performer (one of the few Thrashers to play well in the playoffs last year) would certainly have value, but Waddell has indicated that, aside from the Hossa situation, he plans on being a buyer not a seller. Now if that changes, that brings us to…
Mark Recchi. If the Thrashers go into sell-off mode, and they’re certainly not there yet, Recchi would seemingly have some value. He’s won two Stanley Cups and has shown that he’s extremely useful on the power play and as a scoring winger. I dusted off my copy of the CBA to see if Recchi could be traded since he was a waiver claim. Now, I’m no lawyer, and parts of the CBA can be confusing, but here’s the section that I found that would seemingly address Recchi:
For those of you following at home, it is section 13.20 (b):
A Player who has been acquired by Waiver claim shall not be Traded to another Club until the termination of Playoffs of the season in which he was acquired unless he is first offered on the same terms to the Club(s) that entered a claim when Waivers were requested originally and the offer has been refused.
Any typos in that are mine because I couldn’t figure out how to copy and paste from the PDF, to this blog. Although all the capital letters on things like Club and Playoffs are in the CBA. Not sure why. Anyways, to me that would mean Recchi can’t be traded, right?
Apparently not. I asked Waddell about Recchi, and just to avoid any confusion, here’s the conversation in its entirety.
CC: Is there any restriction, as far as trading Mark Recchi since he was a waiver claim…
DW: No
CC: Is he any different than any other player on the roster…
DW: No
CC: You don’t have to offer him back to…
DW: No, not at all.
CC: Ok
Waddell seemed to be in a rush, since that quick hitter happened as he was walking to the lockerroom door, but that means that either A) The Thrashers were the only team to put a claim on Recchi or B) I misread the CBA or C) Don was in a hurry and just trying to get rid of me. Perhaps it’s all of the above.
If the Thrashers can somehow string some wins together, these trade rumors swirling around the team will suddenly disappear. But, I know some players have already said the Hossa stuff is a distraction, it’ll only get worse if the team continues losing and these rumors heat up.
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Comments
By Russian
January 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Thanks Craig! It is very clear explanation. I am absolutly agree that we have to wait 8-10 games and figure out Hossa and Holik situation. See what happend today. We need to points.
By fokov
January 30, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Trade all of ‘em with the intension of getting Hossa back next year when he sees the future his price tag collected. We have too many holes and too many weak baggage (like Zhit) that we need to get rid of. This is the best chance we have of getting 3-4 top prospects/picks. We need a #1 center and there aren’t going to be anyone really out there next year (that I have seen). I doubt we will win the bidding war for Redden or Campbell. However, Marik Malik (spelling is off) is up for a trade according to TSN, but the Rangers price tag is way too high (they want a top 4 d for a D they are scratching? Hey Zhit for him and little Hossa! back to reality. I don’t want them to lose, but I rather Kovy keep doing what he does and carry the team to the play offs, and get strong next year, versus sucking now and for the next couple of years.
By David Duke
January 30, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Looks like nobody cares about ice puckey to me!
By silverpork
January 30, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DW’s comment about the next 8-10 games regarding Hossa’s future worries me a little bit. Even if after 8-10 games we are still in contention for the division title, I am personally convinced Hossa is gone at season’s end no matter what (well, barring a Cup, but let’s be real).
Assuming no major trade deadline acquisitions, I don’t think this team is built for a deep run in the playoffs. If that turns out to be true, is keeping Hossa worth it, even if we see another early exit from the post-season, only to see him walk away for nothing in return this summer?
I hope I’m wrong on all counts. I’d love for him to stay, for DW to be a buyer at the deadline and make moves that turns us into a legitimate threat, but I can’t say I’m optimistic about any of that actually happening.
By J(Z)
January 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Craig, you dusted off a pda file? :)
Anyone know anything about Jeff Hamilton? Apparently waived by the Canes today. He’s a center! That’s all I really know.
By David Duke
January 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I’m officially changing the name of this alleged sport to Ice Puckey. After all, basketball is played with a basketball, baseball is played with a baseball and football-well, you know. Therefore, this alleged sport, played with a puckball will now be know as ice puckey. When one of the fake fights breaks out it shall be known as boxing on ice. Enjoy your ice puckey!
By J(Z)
January 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
damnit, speaking of typos…”pda” should be “pdf”
By Russ
January 30, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
If Craig’s third link is accuarate in what the Thrashers are asking in return for Hossa, it is not enough IMO. I think the price should be a young forward with NHL experience, a young D-man with NHL experience, both of which are already or have a realistic chance to develop into top two line players, plus a top notch pick or prospect. If there are no takers at this price, I say hold onto Hoss, and use the money in free agency this summer.
Just to throw something out there, here is a trade I came up with that I would take for Hossa: Kesler and Bieksa from Vancouver and Taylor Ellington (a Canucks D-man prospect that sounds like he could develop into a second pair defensive d-man). I would assume Vancouver would only pull the trigger on this trade if they were confident they could re-sign Hossa because Bieksa and Kesler are both signed for a few more years.
I’m looking at a 5-3 Atlanta win tonight.
GO THRASHERS!!!
By Erin
January 30, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
This is killing me!! I wish they could just sign Hoss and be done with it…all of the speculation is going to drive me to drink.
By J(Z)
January 30, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Thrashers-Canucks deal could be similar to the Johan Santana deal? Whoever agrees on the compensation will then have 48 hours to work on an extension to make the trade official. Do they do that in the NHL????
By Downtown ATL
January 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
David Duke
I think you are confusing Ice Hockey for shufflepuckey which is played on cruise ships by old people, but I like you logic we could re-name other sports.
soccerball tennisball golfball trackfoot and fieldshotputy bloggy trolly
By Brian
January 30, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, I’m gone for a couple weeks and nothing has changed. No big trades yet?!?!?!
J(Z) - they do have something like that in the NHL. It’s called a… They refer to it as… That would be a… Ok, for the love of Brendan, I must…not…say…the…words…SIGN-N-TRADE!!!
By Jason
January 30, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
It’s a shame that this even has to be a conversation to be had. Marian Hossa is elite and is having an off again- on again year. We need defense and goaltending. The offense would profit from confidence and consistency behind them. Look at how well everyone performed last year behind a confident Kari and well playing “Z”. Hoss is one of my favorite players and I would hate to see him go just because he feels like he could never succeed as a team here. He will not go to someone good, he will go to someone with players to lose, so it’s not necessarily the best move for him to be traded, but letting him become a UFA will kill us. SIGN A TOP TIER D-MAN (Phaneuf) and find a goaltender that can consistently win, please! Mooseis a great backup, but he’s not a starter, we know that.
By David Duke
January 30, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Downtown, I likes your style. I especially like trackfoot and fieldshotputy. Those are real sports. I’m looking forward to playing shufflepuckey in the not too distant future.
By MB
January 30, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
If the Devils (or anyone else, for that matter), is really interested in Holik, that would be music to my ears. I like him just fine, but I’d like him a lot more at a quarter of his salary. If he can go to a strong contender, good for him. With both he and Rucchin off the books, that gives us some $$$ to play with in the FA market.
As for Hossa, I’d love for him to stay and be a Thrasher for life, but I just don’t see it happening. Russ, maybe we should have you negotiating the deal rather than DW. He absolutely should be able to get top value for one of the top players in the league, and he certainly should keep in mind all he gave up last year for Tkachuk and Zhitnik…neither of whom is on Hoss’ level.
Finally, if we can rent out Recchi and have him come back next season, that could be a win/win. Maybe we could recoup some of the picks that we gave up for Tkachuk.
By MKB
January 30, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
David,
Why comment about a game that you don’t like. Maybe you always wanted to play hockey but did not have what it takes to play it. If you know what I mean.
By Brian
January 30, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
MB - also keep in mind how much value was received for Bryzgalov. If you think that you can just dangle a great player and pick all the low hanging fruit you want off of other team’s rosters, look no further than how that turned out…
By Brian
January 30, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
David - you clearly have a lot of time on your hands to worry about nothing, so can you take up a campaign to rename the first 8 months of the year? According to your logic, shouldn’t this be Janember, next month Febrember, Marmber, etc.??? I could care less but it will give you something to do with all your spare time…
By GaVaHokie
January 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Basketball is obviously the best sport… so exciting watching guys put a ball in a basket. (sarcasm)
Craig… thanks for the article, good stuff.
By David Duke
January 30, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
David,
Why comment about a game that you don’t like. Maybe you always wanted to play hockey but did not have what it takes to play it. If you know what I mean.
MkB, I had plenty of ability to play that little girl’s game. I just didn’t give a puck about it. Know what I mean?
By Moonlight Mile
January 30, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I’m not so sure Hossa is worth what it will take to keep him but what other player near his level is going to sign with the Thrashers? We HAVE to make it happen. Sign the check boys.
By David Duke
January 30, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Brian, i’m getting to work on those months. They definitely need some revamping.
By silverpork
January 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Moonlight Mile, based on what DW has said, it’s not a matter of the amount. He has indicated that the checkbook will be open. It’s really a matter of whether or not Hossa wants to continue to play for Atlanta. I think if he told DW tonight that he wanted to stay, ownership would write the check.
By Alan
January 30, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Craig - I posted about the CBA in Rawhide’s blog yesterday. I thought everyone read his blog! :P
Honestly though, we don’t have to offer Recchi back to Pittsburgh. We would only have to offer him to the other teams that made a claim on him, if any other teams did make a claim on him. If no other teams made a claim, or any other teams turn down the offer, then he may be traded.
The Thrashers have to win at least two out of every three games to make the playoffs. The Thrashers need to win as many games as humanly possible. A streak like the Avs had last year (15-2-2 in the last 19 games of the season) would help our chances immensely.
By MB
January 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
The Bryzgalov situation is certainly useful as a cautionary tale, though from what I understand the Ducks needed the cap room and Burke had agreed to put him on waivers if a suitable deal didn’t come along.
In truth, we’re under no such pressure. We don’t have to make any deals, though it’s my belief that it’ll be a seller’s market this year with arguably the league’s top prize (Hossa) and several others who at least have moderate value (Holik, Recchi, Moose).
By Left to Right
January 30, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Fire Waddell for trading away the future to save his job last year. But of course that won’t happen, because ownership is hopeless.
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to sound “negative.” So, let me start by staying “positive.” What I think everyone wants … is for this team to win the division without “mortgaging the future.” If that happened, we’d just win with the roster we have, essentially. And then we’d hold our breath that Hossa re-signs in the offseason.
Personally, I don’t think Hossa wants to stay here. I think he’s dead-set on Detroit. That’s only my speculation. But there it is, nonetheless.
Okay, what if the wheels fell off? Well, as Craig said, if New Jersey still wants Holik, let’s “rent.” Better still, let’s “sell.” Let’s convince Slava to remove his no trade clause and “rent” him to Detroit. Or “sell” him. I already outlined how such a move could be done. Who wouldn’t want goaltending? We could “rent” Moose. I say with try to move Havelid and Zhitnik and McCarthy, too. If a decent-enough offer came for Recchi, let’s “rent” him, too. then re-sign him in the offseason. There could be offers for Dupuis, who is a pending UFA. We could hear offers for Mark Popovic, who is a pending RFA. We might get an inquiry for Brett Sterling, who is a pending RFA, also. Let’s not forget that Haydar and Krog can be moved for picks and prospects. Maybe Kwiatowski, too.
If Atlanta didn’t bring back all its pending UFAs, there’s around $19.0 million, maybe more, in reclaimed cap space for a GM to work with.
By sl
January 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
TO DAVID PUKE:
Why you bagging on Hockey now? You are obviously jobless as well as racist! Hard to be live Hockey is now pon your agenda considering its so “white”…your kind of love. Get a life..stay away from Hockey and this blog. Nobody cares what you have to say!
By David
January 30, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
maybe i should change my name now…eek
my heart sank when i saw kovy get hit,but it’s great to see him back out there…and how ‘bout that response from mccarthy?? he definitely earned a lot of respect with me for not even hesitating to go after the punk
By LAC
January 30, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Rutto or whatever should get at LEAST 20 games for that hit NO QUESTION at all.
Why does the league continue to allow players who have ZERO talent, avery/orr/holwig/rutto and the like to continue their cheap shot play ??
Good for MAC he nailed that A* H—- four good ones to the head.
Wish BORIS was here to send malkin down for awhile… Let’s hope Kovy is ok and miss no more than the third period tonight, he look real tender footed when he came back.
Lastly CRAIG… Why will AJC not block people who just post crap/nonsense or the like like this david duke idiot ?
Would like to see them bust those people who are losers in life and can only gain attention by showing US all what a single cell animal thinks like !
Brenden… Question… I am trying to find why a player on IR who has not played this season count against the cap… Any input ?
Lastly Just What is the status of this ownership mess Does ANYONE know ?
By Craig Custance
January 30, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Kovy out for the remainder of the game with knee injury.
By Thrasher Ryan
January 30, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
It’s 2-0 Thrashers after 2.
Ilya went down after a knee-on-knee cheap shot from Rutuu(sp?)!!!
MAD props to Steve MC for takin out Rutuu! The Exelby—McCarthy line is back! I like that line. Good stuff, McCarthy looks comfortable out there with X.
I hope Kovy’s ok and wanna see some THRASHER FIREPOWER show up in the 3rd! This team better help their boy KL earn this shutout!
GO BLUE!!!
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
What a goal by Perrin! I tell ya, this guy would have “trade value” at the deadline. He’s good on +/- … and is 3rd or 4th on the team in scoring. Actually, we should keep him. Especially, since he’s under contract for next season. Affordably under contract, I might add.
Great to see Kovy back on the goal sheet. He’s got to catch Ovechkin.
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
LAC, as best I can tell, that IR-status that doesn’t count against the cap occurs when a team is flush against the cap. But Atlanta isn’t bumped up against the cap. So the salary still counts, I think. While the player is on longterm IR, and while the team is flush against the cap, the team is permitted to find a suitable replace at equal salary, to replace the player. However, if the injured player returns, the team must, once again, get under the cap. That could force a trade or push a starting player down to the minors. In the case of a NHL player of some tenure, the move to the minor could subject the player to a waiver claim.
O…M…G!!* Jim Slater just scored a goal!!! Woo-hoo!!! Congrats to Slater!! By the way, Stendec, Kari Lehtonen has played a whale of a game. I won’t say anything, ‘cuz I don’t want to jinx it. But it’s looking good for Atlanta and Lehtonen. Ty Conklin just got yanked. Amidst chants from the “Nasty Nest” of “Connnnklinnn. You’re the BEST!!!”
At least, that’s what I thought they said. ;)
By stendec
January 30, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Hi Craig. Dr Jekyl Thrasher not Thrasher Hyde was in house tonight! Fabulous effort. Only shutout triumph would have made home return more satisfying! Thrashers better get accustomed to manufacturing goals. Looks like IK may not be his old self for a while. Nasty knee hit! KL was totally focused in net. Glad to see one Pen goal disallowed. Too bad KL failed to get shutout. Deserved one! Oh well. Team has far too many goals against already! Home guys put forth effort to earn needed win. That kind of work ethic required every time on ice with meager talent level of squad. Which team will show up for next battle? Stay tuned. Same bat time, same bat channel! Sorry, could not resist. Big Batman fanatic! Well done Thrashers. A salute to all Thrasher enthusiasts. Know all of us feel much better tonight. Until next time friends. Pleasant dreams. GO BLUE!
By LAC
January 30, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks Brenden, Guess it gives us some wiggle room later if needed…
By Russian
January 30, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Good game. Very important win. I hope Slater goal will turn over all our season and we will WIN STANLEY CUP :-)
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Nic Havelid and Chris Thorburn are a +2. Hossa, Colin Stuart and Steve McCarthy were a -1.. Thrashers were outshot, 30-27. Kari Lehtonen made 29 saves. Slowly, Kari is improving his offseason contract value.
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, Buffalo beat Florida, 1-0. Cool.
By Brendan
January 30, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Nic Havelid is now the plus-minus leader on the Thrashers, at a +3. Holik’s plus-minus is now about as bad as McCarthy’s.
By Russ
January 30, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Great win tonight with contributions from almost everyone. I think about two games is the longest the team could stay afloat without Kovy, they need him back ASAP.
By Mifield
January 30, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Ruutu has made a good bid for being the cheap shot artist of the year. The punk does not even own up to what he does.
By Jameson
January 31, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Brendan, did someone say fire sale? Seriously, my friend, you’re starting to sound like a car dealership. “We’re overstocked, and need to make room for new models. Everything must go. No reasonable offer will be refused.”
Don’t forget, we have to stay above the league minimum.
By David Duke
January 31, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
By sl January 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this TO DAVID PUKE:
Why you bagging on Hockey now? You are obviously jobless as well as racist! Hard to be live Hockey is now pon your agenda considering its so “white”…your kind of love. Get a life..stay away from Hockey and this blog. Nobody cares what you have to say!
Si, is that pronounced sigh or see? Whatever, learn to spell moron. I’m on this blog because I want to be. It’s not your blog peckerweird! Are you a big fan of ice puckey? It’s such an exciting game with all the sprinting on the ice and tossing the female skater into the air. Is Brian Boitano your favorite ice puckey player? I love it when one of the pucksters does a double axel with a full pirouette and a triple back spin with a full layout. Now that’s excitement! Well, Sigh or See, take care. Thanks for being the Welcome Wagon.
By Alan
January 31, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
You’ve got your sports mixed up, David, but thanks for playing.
Also, I’m pretty sure the name of the commenter you quoted is SL, not SI.
By Russian
January 31, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
to Craig I know it is very early to make medical point about Kovy. But anyway if you get mnews please drop it here. Everybody was waiting and asking about Kovy and his condition. Thank you.
By Sara
January 31, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Craig any idea what crawled up Holik’s bum last night? Testy post-game interview he gave. I understand his point about not getting too pumped up off just one win, but sheesh, give the reporters a break eh? You’d think they’d just gotten spanked 10-1…again.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Are you a big fan of ice puckey? It’s such an exciting game with all the sprinting on the ice and tossing the female skater into the air. Is Brian Boitano your favorite ice puckey player? I love it when one of the pucksters does a double axel with a full pirouette and a triple back spin with a full layout. Now that’s excitement!
That was weak… atleast be funny, please.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see Don Cherry dog out Ruutu on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday… he hates Jarkko.
Too bad it was MAC that went after him. His punches probably felt like pillows. Ruutu was laughing at him the whole time… sigh, we need a real enforcer. :(
By Brendan
January 31, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Jameson, my friend. No one is advocating cutting the budget by $19.0 million and not re-stocking! That’d be insane. “Crazy Eddie” I-N-S-A-N-E!! I think you know, by now, that I’m the poster who continually points out that our team shouldn’t be $8.0 million under the cap on “Opening Night.”
The point is … $19.0M of “wiggle room,” just to get back to the $42.3 million we’re at now, in the hands of a ‘capable GM,’ may just be the blessing we all hoped it could be.
Jameson, I believe the “floor” of the current cap is $34.3M. The league won’t even allow you to be under that on Opening Night. And uhhh, any team that starts the season with a payroll that low … doesn’t deserve to have a single fan show up for the festivities. Nothing announces, “We’re not even TRYING” like a $35M payroll.
In case anyone forgot, one last time, these are the Thrashers pending UFAs: Moose, McCarthy, Krog, Haydar, Boulton, Recchi, Dupuis, Rucchin, Holik, and Hossa.
The pending RFAs are: Lehtonen, Popovic, and Sterling. Because we now live in a “Kevin Lowe-RFA offer sheet world,” we also have to look at the pending RFAs for 2009. And those would be Jim Slater, Chris Thorburn and Tobias Enstrom. I’ll hazard a guess that Slates and Thorburn won’t be targeted for RFA offersheets. However, Tobias Enstrom is another story. Don Waddell, or whomever is the Thrashers GM come July 1, 2008, will have the “option” of locking up Enstrom at that time. I highly recommend that course of action. Why even THINK of not getting him secured at that time? The GM would (1) save money and (2) lock up a key defenseman for the coming seasons. Failure to do so … will only drive the costs up. Unless we are collectively looking at an utter “fluke” of a season by Enstrom, this is the proper course of action. Of course, “proper course of action” and what the Atlanta Spirit Group and its various General Managers actually do … are often two very different things.
By Brendan
January 31, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Sara, I think I know what crawled up #16’s tuckas, in that post-game interview. That NJ trade rumor about him for J. Madden. I think he heard it, saw the media and fan reaction to it, and got angry.
I could be wrong, though. That interview might just be Bobby Holik being Bobby Holik. He’s a very “polarizing” individual. And that’s why I thought he was a curious choice for a Captain. In the offseason, we all speculated about choices for Captain, and we heard a bunch of choices. Kozlov, Exelby, Havelid, Holik, Hossa, and even Kovalchuk. Also, Sara, Holik knows that if the team tanks, he’ll be one of the assets the team tries to sell. Think about it.
By Bob
January 31, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Rutuu is a punk. He is the perfect example of the reason of why they need to take the instigator rule out. I’m worried about Kovy, but then again, you wouldn’t think the doctor would have let him back out on the ice if the knee had unnatural movement (torn ligaments or cartiledge). Hopefully just a couple games. Let’s see the boys step up (I’m looking directly at you, Hoss).
By Brendan
January 31, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Bloggers, you have until Noon today to check out the “On the Fly: Final” segment on the NHL Channel. For Comcast Cable customers, that’s channel #296. And why? They’ve got a feature of the history of hockey in Atlanta, including the construction of the Omni, the naming of Cliff Fletcher as GM, and the installment of Bernie Geoffrion as Head Coach. Plus they discuss the Atlanta Flames draft picks and feature many video clips of the Flames. If you are the nostalgic type, this is “must-see” viewing. There are two interviews with Flames fans from the 1970’s. They talk about how well hockey caught on in Atlanta, as they admit they had allegiances to other sports until hockey came to town. The feature covers the move to Calgary and the Cup Finals appearances in 1986, 1989, and 2004. I had forgotten that Kent Nilsson was the last “original” Flame to retire, in 1995. The Flames made the playoffs six of their first eight years. But unfortunately, no Atlanta team has ever won an NHL playoff series. But, we’ll just have to “stay tuned” for that.
Check it out. You’ve got until 12:00 PM. It’s the “NHL Network.” Also called, “NHLTV” in the guide.
By Bob
January 31, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Was it Recchi that was quoted in Craig’s article saying the team had a meeting on Tuesday? I wonder if some other guys took the reins and stood up and talked since Big Bobby wasn’t getting the job done, and that has Holik feeling a little put out.
By Red Light
January 31, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Center Tomas Plekanec and Mike Komisarek or Mark Streit from Montreal for Hossa. Lets move on.
By Hip Czech
January 31, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Blasphemy of blashpemies…Trade Hossa, no question.
Realistically, how far does this team go with the current lineup, or including any additions Waddell can ‘buy’ at the deadline? Winning the division this year might be nice (and the only way to get into the playoffs) but how shortsighted is that? Isn’t it kind of laughable that we would be ‘buyers’ at the deadline? Sure, we have some cap space, but we have nothing to offer (with the exception of Pavelec maybe).
Get a couple young players/draft picks for Hossa and then either sign Hossa back in the offseason, or use that money to sign other UFA(s).
Win, win…And yes, lock up Lehtonen and Enstrom now.
By Brendan
January 31, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Red Light, I think if we make the move for Streit, that we ask Montreal to re-sign him for us. Otherwise, Streit hits the open market in July.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I think if we make the move for Streit, that we ask Montreal to re-sign him for us. Otherwise, Streit hits the open market in July.
So does Hossa… they won’t do that.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Where do you come up with these conspiracy theories?! I’m sure some guys stood up, like Recchi, but I doubt it was at the expense of Holik.
By Hip Czech
January 31, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
GaVaHokie…I agree, get off the Holik bashing. I think Holik was probably teed off because:
1) Kovalchuk got run at
2) Reporters asked something like ‘well, it wasn’t a real win because the Pens didn’t have Crosby’
3) Holik is smart and knows this team is wildly inconsistent and needs a kick in the butt after every win, lest we think we can just show up and win. Keep up the good work Bobby!
I give Holik credit, he is playing the captain well, and I think his game has actually picked up in the last few weeks. If Holik finishes with 15-19 goals, wins his usual amount of faceoffs and leads this team I think he has lived up to expectations.
Now, I agree he is a little overpriced, but I don’t blame HIM for that.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hip Czech… The most likely answer is #3.
Along the lines of veteran quotes… during pregame they quoted Ken Klee saying “The team that wins 20 of their last 30 will make the playoffs, it’s that simple.”
Speaking of Klee, for those who say he isn’t tough… How about playing with two black eyes and no visor? That’s tough!
Zhitnik is historically a 2nd half player, Recchi has been a dynamo in his short stint… I expect Holik and Klee to step it up. All we need is consistent play from Lehtonen and we should be in good shape.
By GaVaHokie
January 31, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
As far as Holik’s salary, he was the first big name “Star” to come to Atlanta on his own free will at a time when no one wanted to play here… he got paid accordingly.
Everyone else came here on trades and waiver claims.
By stats
January 31, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
I posted this on the other blog, but it fits better over here. They are busy berating Ruutu. Sorry, still new at this:
I posted about a month ago as “J”, but then found out you already had one. Since I am a stats junkie, I picked a new name. I wanted to get this up yesterday, but could not (stupid job)… Stats are through the AS break.
If ATL is going to move Hossa, we better make sure we can replace the offense. Sounds crazy…. but - Hossa is in the top 10 in the league in shots at 190. Kovy has 197. It drops off dramatically to Koz at 102, everyone else is < 100. Compare that to DET who has 6 players with over 100 shots (and two more just shy). Kovy is the only player who even registers in the top 50 for shot %. This means (no shocker) that we are not taking many shots and not hitting when we take them. better make sure we can pick up the slack if Hoss is moved. No matter what happens on defense, can’t win if you don’t shoot.
Another interesting stat - goaltending is more consistent than you might think, particularly Kari. I know it is oversimplifying, but I classify a “good” (not great) game in goal as saving over 90%. A bad game is under 90% and a meltdown is under 80%. Basically, if the team does its job and can hold shots under 30, then 90% saves will make it a winnable game. Soft goals, tough goals, funny bounces are irrelevant to me. If you let in a bad goal, but save another that most others wouldn’t, you are still down 1 goal. Since 12/1 - Kari has 21 appearances. 62% of them have been good with only one meltdown. 3 of his “bad” games were the last 3 of the season and anyone who watched them could hardly put it on goaltending (particulary the NYR). Moose is not so good with 50/50 good/bad and 2 meltdowns in 9 appearances. I was surprised that under this lens, he is the more ‘inconsistent.’ Kari’s numbers of good games, bad games and meltdowns are pretty much in the middle around the league and not too much off of Osgood and Hasek in DET (especially if you drop out the Buffalo & NYR games). A good standard seems to be about 70%. The DET bunch is at 74%.
What does it all mean? Last stat - if you look at the losses since Dec. 1 and you ask teh following: If the defense played better (meaning less than 30 shots), would the game have changed? If the offense played better (meaning 30 or more shots) would the game have changed? or If the goaltending would have been more solid (90% +) would the game have changed? (Again, I know it is oversimplifying.)
You will find that more than 1/2 of the time even if the defense and goaltending had been sharp, we simply did not have enough scoring chances to win. In other words, we would have lost 2-1 or 3-2 (or tied) instead of 5-2 or, yikes, 10-1.
So - we better be careful about shipping out too much offense. Is it possible that we could make our playoff push by adding offense and by making offense our best defense?
Thanks for reading and for the last few weeks of posting. Back to work for another few weeks.
By Craig Custance
January 31, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Quick update: No Kovalchuk at practice, and his car is gone from the parking lot. I’ll let you know as soon as I find something concrete.
By Red Light
January 31, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Brendan:
He makes only $600,000 and is probably due 2.5 to 3 times that much. $1.8 million is a good value for him IMO and you won’t have to provide more than two or three years. He’s just happy to be in the NHL after spending a decade in the Swiss League.
The focus is on Plekanec who can skate, move the puck extremely well and would look great with Kovy on his left. I think he knows how to play in his own zone too.
By thrashermanfromtoccoa
January 31, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
c’mon…we need hoss to take division back to back…GO BIRDS
By Craig Custance
January 31, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Kovy’s getting an MRI right now, and the team ruled him out for the weekend. But the injury doesn’t seem to serious and they don’t think he’ll miss too much time beyond that.
By Brendan
January 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Hokie, it can’t hurt to “ask” Montreal to re-sign him. The worst they can say is “No.” If Montreal asked us to re-sign Hossa, for them, our answer would we, “We’ve TRIED. Boy, have we TRIED.” Or, whispering under our breath, “He’s playing for Detroit next year. So, we can’t re-sign him and neither can you.”
Red Light, I’m thinking Atlanta could sign Streit for about $1.5M, for 3-years. The key would be … does Streit want to play in Atlanta? If the answer is “no,” then he won’t play here, pretty much no matter what we “throw” at him. And to throw additional money at a “disinterest player,” is like … deciding to tackle a weight problem by taking up “smoking.” You’re just exacerbating your problems. But I like the idea of Plekanec and Streit.