AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKozlov won’t waive no-trade clause
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I don’t think anyone was worried about Ilya Kovalchuk’s MRI coming back positive, but it still has to be a relief that there was no structural damage. The team stressed that it was all precautionary and they were right. He’ll still miss both games this weekend, but, knowing Kovalchuk, it’ll be tough to keep him out of the lineup Tuesday. Since I’ll focus the majority of my notebook on an interview later today on Ilya Kovalchuk, here’s some stuff I gathered this morning at the skate you might find interesting:
No trading Kozlov: Since I’m trying to prepare for every possible scenario as the trade deadline approaches, I’ve been trying to gauge who might get dealt if the Thrashers completely fall out of the race and become sellers. Obviously there’s Hossa, and we’ve talked about Mark Recchi and Bobby Holik’s possible value. But what about Slava Kozlov? He’s another veteran with playoff experience and a Stanley Cup. His numbers are down, but he could still be attractive at the deadline. Well, forget it. He has a no-trade clause that extends the length of his contract and he said he’s not waiving it. “I signed this summer, I could pick any team but I like it here. I don’t think I’m going to waive it. I just signed, what? Six months ago?” Kozlov said. But Kozlov also made a good point: In the Southeast, it’s highly unlikely that anybody is going to be out of it by the time the trade deadline rolls around. So this talk of the Thrashers being sellers, outside of any potential Hossa deal, is probably a stretch.
Just plug in Sterls: I chatted for a moment with Brett Sterling, and asked how he handles being the player called up and plugged into Kovalchuk’s spot every time he misses a game. Is there pressure? “I think there is, but at the same time, I can’t come in here and do what Kovy does. I have to fill that spot, try and provide some scoring punch to the team. But as a rookie filling in, you can’t expect to fill that role.” I’ll go on record and say I think Sterling is going to get a goal tonight. You heard it here first. But don’t think I won’t go back and edit this out if he doesn’t.
No easing up on Slater: You’d think now that Jim Slater has broken the goal curse and gotten on the board, people would leave him alone. But you’d be wrong. I couldn’t help but ask him this morning which goal felt better - the one against Pittsburgh or his first NHL goal. Bobby Holik chimed in with: “That wasn’t the same goal?” And so it goes for Slates. “I thought the hounding would stop,” he said. “But I think it’s gotten worse.” It doesn’t help that his locker is right next to Holik’s.
Cross off Minnesota: Alright, so we might not know where Marian Hossa will be playing when the season starts next year, but we know where he won’t. Michael Russo, the great beat writer for the Star Tribune in Minnesota asked Marian Gaborik, Hossa’s close friend, if Hossa would be interested in joining Gaborik in Minnesota. Here’s what he told Russo: “I don’t think he’d want to go to Minnesota anyway. I think that’s impossible. I don’t think he would consider it, and I don’t think they’d have interest either.” There’s also speculation that the Wild might be better off dealing Gaborik this summer so he doesn’t become next year’s Marian Hossa. How about this quote from Gaborik, think it sounds familiar? “I like Minnesota. We’re successful and I’m here right now. But I don’t know what’s going to happen later on. I’m here right now,” Gaborik told the Star Tribune.
Comments
By GaVaHokie
February 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Great quote from Holik!
By Hip Czech
February 1, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I can’t remember where I read it, but yesterday I saw quotes from Gaborik that he wanted out of Minnesota because of the defense-first mentality. He said he wants to come to an Eastern Conference team.
I was going to suggest a Gaborik for Hossa deal yesterday…but, maybe we get a package deal, sign Hossa and get Gaborik here too.
By Alan
February 1, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
That would be pretty interesting. Even if we lose Hossa, maybe we can swing a deal for Gaborik. I’d like to see Sterling get a goal tonight, but I’d also love to see Slater get a goal, too. Just imagine if he can start putting up goals now that the curse is broken?
By SABRES FAN
February 1, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
LETS GO SABRES!!!!!
By SABRES FAN
February 1, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
LETS GO SABRES!!!!!
By Red Light
February 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
From the other blog.
Hokie, you’re not trying to compare Hossa and Dumont, are you? Or, was that an attempt at humor?
Hossa’s last 3 seasons and this one = 140 goals, 180 assists and a plus-minus of +53
Dumont’s last 3 seasons and this one = 81 goals, 123 assists and +13
Now, is the difference in production worth $3 million more per season? That’s a good question.
I don’t blame Slava one bit. He’s earned the right to choose based upon the past. If he was playing with Hoss or Kovy every shift we might have a gripe about his lack of production.
He needs to pick it up, but I don’t think we can blame the team’s shortcomings on him.
By silverpork
February 1, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I love Gaborik, but he’s a UFA after next season, so we’d potentially be in the very same boat again.
By Smoothie
February 1, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
How great would it be to reunite Gabby and Hossa?? Talk about chemistry on a line with Kozzy and Hoss. If there is any way in hell that DWad could pull off a trade to get him, I would jump for joy.
C’mon Donny, unite the Slovaks!
By Bob
February 1, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I’ll go on record and say I think Sterling is going to get a goal tonight.
I got it down, and I think you’re right. Sterling is good for one Custance Special tonite
By Hip Czech
February 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I love Gaborik too, except he is injured A LOT. If he played 80 games for an eastern team he would be right there with Kovy/Ovechkin for the league lead in goals.
Czech or Slovak, definitely the more the merrier! No way we can afford Hossa, Gaborik, and then re-upping Kovalchuk in another couple years though.
Unless the Spirit folks start spending money like we’re the Rangers or Flyers. Don’t count on it.
By Thrasher Ryan
February 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
That would be sweet if Sterling got a goal tonight. He really needs to show some offensive production for the Thrashers these next 2 games or I think he could be trade bait as well. We’ll see…
By BG33Brown
February 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
GO HOME BUFFALO
By Smoothie
February 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I’ll take some of that Sterling action too…I think Brett is ready to step up his game and he should get some chances agains the free-wheeling Sabres.
Does anyone know how much center Gaborik has played? Or has he always been a winger? I’ve seen him as a RW on one site and a LW on another. If indeed he is comfortable with playing LW, I would certainly like to see him on a line with Hoss centered by Kozlov. However, he already is scheduled to make $7.5 M next year. Don’t think the ASG can afford to invest $8 M in Hoss, $8 M in Gabby and perhaps $9.5 M in Kovy even with Holik and Rucchin coming off the books.
Minnesota would probably want Sterling AND Little, another role player and a draft pick for the services of Marian Gaborik…probably not gonna happen!
By Jethro
February 1, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Well, I’m just waitin on those bananer pealin slug fans to show up tonite. Why would a team cumbine a bananer and slug for a mascot?
Just put some new tires on my truck and wunderin how many of them yankee scum I can get in the tire tread before the game.
By SABRES FAN
February 1, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
LETS GO BUFFALO
Jethro jacks bg33brown!
By Brendan
February 1, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
“I signed this summer, I could pick any team but I like it here. I don’t think I’m going to waive it. I just signed, what? Six months ago?” Kozlov said. Hmmn. Why doesn’t Waddell put Kozlov in charge of re-signing Hossa? Let KOZLOV explain to Hossa why he likes it here and try to sell Hossa on those same things?! Okay, fantasy time is over.
Craig, that quote sounds like Kozlov speaking “conceptually” about his NTC. And even “conceptually,” he said, “I don’t think I’m going to waive it.” That’s not, “I won’t waive it.
Perhaps a re-working of the question to address a “specific” trade scenario could yield a different response. For example, “If you heard that Detroit wanted to rent you for their Cup run and would return you to Atlanta as ‘terms and conditions’ of the trade, would you waive the NTC?”
Now, one of two things would happen next. Either Kozlov would get real excited about winning a Cup in Detroit. Or he’d get really angry that we’re ‘teasing him’ with the prospect of it. Or, he’d just get mad at the suggestion that Atlanta doesn’t want him anymore. Which is a “slippery slope.”
In my view, DW will never approach Slava Kozlov about waiving this NTC. Because if he does, it means that Kozlov could interpret that as “Atlanta doesn’t want me anymore.” And what would that do to his on ice performance? Every time Kozlov skates back to the bench for a line change and catches Wadddell’s glance, Kozlov would be thinking, “I know you don’t want me here.”
So, if Waddell never broaches the subject … the issue never comes up. All Waddell can do … is hope that Kozlov approaches him about waiving it. Then discussions/trade talks can occur.
By stendec
February 1, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Thrashers playing their way right out of playoffs! Nice 2-0 lead deteroriated into 3-2 deficit. Physical errors may be forgiven. Mental blunders must not! Moose gave up gift goal. Shame Johan. as a veteran you know better! Defense played you-take-him I’ve-got-him on other two tallies. Loss at cursed Philips Arena will virtually knock Thrashers out of playoffs. Psyche-wise if nothing else! So D++N disgusted now. To Hell with hits! It is goals and wins that count. Oh well. Maybe someone will light a fire under Thrashers before last period. Another loss to these Niagara Falls prima donna B++++++S will be unbearable and totally unacceptable! Come on Thrashers. Show some pride! That is what true professionals playing at home WOULD do.
By Sabes Suk
February 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Ohhhhh, man…that has to hurt, eh Sabres fans???
I mean, I’m sure it doesn’t hurt like a Brett Hull goal while his foot is in the crease…or a Scott Norwood kick sailing wide right. But I’m sure it hurts, all the same.
17.2 seconds. Sooooo close, yet so very, very far.
Now take your carpet-bagging, gap-toothed, wide-load a*******es back up to the ice covered purgatory from whence you came.
By Russian
February 1, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
No we nor lost a game. We got two pints. I could not believe it.
By Brendan
February 1, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Anyone ELSE think Darren Eliot has been reading our blogs lately?
I’m hearing some “echo” syndrome stuff. Welcome, Darren. Feel free to POST!! :)
I loved that you (Darren Eliot) talked about Kozlov finally lowering a shoulder and driving the net, while citing, “That’s the Slava Kozlov that was re-inked to a 3-year deal.” I also heard you defend Hossa’s “work ethic.” Ya know, there’s a world of difference between “dogging it” and giving it your UTMOST, EVERY TIME … ALL THE TIME. Could ANYONE question Hossa’s efforts tonight? No. No way.
Has Hossa played every game with the same intensity and determination he displayed tonight? Okay. The easy answer is, “By definition, there will be peaks and valleys throughout a season.” Well, sir. That’s exactly the kind of political spin I’d expect as we approach “Super Tuesday” in the Primaries.
To my satisfaction, Hossa has a taken a few shifts off and a few nights off. But yes, OVERALL, Marian Hossa has very good “work ethic.” Tonight was a sterling example of that. Tonight, he looked like a player who wasn’t thinking the money or destination city of his next contract. Good. Hope it stays that way. Then Marian Hossa can get back to the business of being Marian Hossa, power forward extraordinaire—a guy who lowers a shoulder and drives the net. The business of his contract is what he’s hired an agent to handle.
By Brendan
February 1, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Russian, it was nice to see our Blueline contribute. What’s that, eight goals on the year so far? Well, I the guess the key here is the timeliness of that goal. Also, Slater scored again. Back-to-back! Could you have even gotten “Vegas-odds” on that one coming into this game? Bobby Holik scored again. Eric Perrin, a guy with ever-increasing trade value, nets the shootout winner. It would have been tough to swallow blowing a 2-0 lead to start this game. Atlanta is back to .500.
By Jethro
February 1, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Brendan - There is no way on this earth that I would trade Perrin. Perrin is the most cost effective player on the team. Now Charmin, I’d trade him in New York minute.
By Alan
February 1, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Isn’t it a little early to be in “fire sale mode?”
By BlueSpark
February 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Stop with the “I hope we re-sign Hossa talk.” He clearly doesn’t want to play here. Don needs to trade him for scoring or play-making center. Or maybe a top-pair defenseman. Or replace all the picks he gave for for Tkachunk last season.
I actually think Recchi would re-sign though…
One more thing: I’m tired of seeing Holik lose his temper and take bad penalties…
By Brendan
February 2, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
Relax fellas! Deadline’s still a few weeks away. Just keeping our options open.
And why not trade Perrin? Stop. If San Jose came calling, offering up Patrick Marleau, you’d all think Waddell a fool not to do it. Obviously, that won’t happen. It was only a “for instance.”
By Donde esta Sabre Fans?
February 2, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
Tap, tap, tap…”is this thing on?”
Hmmm, where are all those mouthy Buffalonians who were on this blog earlier?
Must’ve been time to crawl back under the rock.
Hasta la vista, puercos!
By Ron
February 2, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Last night was the Marian Hossa of old. The one who, unfortunately, will only be a Thrasher for 25 more days.
Slava Kozlov isn’t going anywhere. He’s already won the Cup twice, he’s 35, his family likes it in ATL. Here’s a good quote from Slava:
“I’m a quiet guy,” Kozlov said. “I don’t like to get a lot of attention. I don’t like being in big crowds.”
The ATL is perfect for him as he winds down his career.
By Ron
February 2, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Does anyone else think Brad Tapper when they see Jim Slater? Nice guy, hard worker, AHL talent level.
By BG33Brown
February 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Blue Spark I couldn’t agree more regarding Holik. This is a veteran “LEADER” who takes so many bad penalties. Up 2-0 he takes that stupid penalty. And don’t get me started on his efforts on the half boards when he just tapped the puck to the center setting up the goal to go up 4-3. I swear his should of gotten an assist on that one.
Brendan Marleau for Perrin…I think that is a bit of a strecth. Marleau and a pick for Hossa, thats a little more realistic.
BTW, was Sterling even out there last night? The kid was invisible.
By Jethro
February 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown - Looks like Sabres Fan jacked himself.
Thats funny, I dont care who you are.
By Jethro
February 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown - Not that I’m speakin fer Brendan, but Ima thinkin he’sa sayin that if San Jose came a callin and offered Marleau fer Perrin due to sumthin like the salary differential, then the Thrashers would be plum stupid not ta take the deal. But that deal is about as likely to happin as me movin to Buffalo.
By Brendan
February 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Well yes, that’s the “gist” of it, Jethro. BG33Brown, my prevailing point was simply this: No player, save Kovalchuk, is safe from upgrade. I like Eric Perrin. It’s a great “safety net” to have him under contract for next season. But it someone offered us someone BETTER, or a really promising prospect, we can’t cling to notions like, “No way in the Universe are we trading Perrin.” It’s the GM’s job to make the club better. If he can’t find better than Perrin, then he keeps him. But if he can, he can’t be “gun shy” about pulling the trigger on the trade.
Patrick Marleau is not, and probably never will be, headed to Atlanta now or anytime soon. Perhaps moving Hossa could facilitate something like that. The only reason anyone talks about Marleau is because he is somewhat underperforming this year and there is a source of tension between he and Sharks Head Coach Ron Wilson, that dates back to the last year’s playoffs. Yes, when Wilson blamed MARLEAU, by name, for the team’s playoff exit. I’ve always said … if San Jose has to ditch someone, it should be Ron Wilson, not Patrick Marleau. Then again, if Marleau can be moved for something BETTER, then it is a good move.
Right now, the San Jose market can probably ATTRACT major stars since they are a contending team that has “core players locked up” for the coming years. Would anyone be truly STUNNED if the Sharks win a Cup sometime in the next three years or so? If the Atlanta market could position itself similarly, it’d improve its chances of landing free agents like Drury, Briere, and Gomez, last Summer, and a blueliner like Brian Campbell, this Summer. And the Summers after that.
Well folks, if our market is … UNATTRACTIVE for free agents, then we have to look to the DRAFT to acquire Superstar players. And there it is. That’s how we got Kovalchuk. That’s how we got Heatley. It’s how we got Lehtonen. It’s how we got Coburn. “Mark Savard-like situations” don’t happen every day, either. Savard simply fell out of favor in Calgary and got shipped to Atlanta for a song. And he flourished here, in a high-charged, OFFENSE-FIRST type system. If Atlanta managed to land Campbell and Rozsival this Summer, I’d be both “thrilled” and “stunned.”
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Well Brendan, based on Marleau’s performance lately are you still sure it’s Wilson’s fault and not Marleau’s?
Under Wilson this team has become a contender, and has gotten the most out of all his players. He made a productive player out of castoffs like Roenick or Ozolinsh, and players like Cheechoo and Marleau have experienced career best years under his tutelage. They have scoring depth, every line is dangerous, and even with Marleau and Cheechoo slumping (the latter I personally feel is playing as he should, and the one great year was an anomaly) the team is still in contention in the possibly the most competitive division in hockey.
I hate to disagree with you about a point that doesn’t even refer to the Thrashers, but I’d argue that Ron Wilson seems to be giving his team more of a chance to win than Patrick Marleau. Doug Wilson deserves just as much credit for that team as Ron, and both have shown that this year they can win with a subpar performance from Marleau.
By Tom
February 2, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
BG33Brown
I heard Sterlings name called a great deal more than I heard Charmin’s, I mean Todd Whites…
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Yet White had more points…so I guess it doesn’t really matter how many times your name is said.
By Brendan
February 2, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Ron Wilson is a good Coach, Ranallo. So is Marty Schottenheimer, if you sense where I’m going with this. I suspect that Patrick Marleau is the sort who would flourish in San Jose with another coach. Or, Marleau might benefit from a change of scenery.
Ron Wilson must be given credit for what’s he’s accomplished in the league, not only in San Jose, but things like leading the Capitals to the Cup Finals in 1998. Marleau might have tuned R. Wilson out? But even Marleau would admit he’s not having a good campaign this season. There’s no “lingering contract issue” for Marleau to pin this on, either. I think this may be the case of a spat between a Coach and a player. Eventually, the situation the situation will be resolved.
By stendec
February 2, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Ilya who? Just kidding. Thrashers have stepped it up without their superstar. Fantastic game-winner by Todd White. Clinching empty netter by Harian Hossa. Super stellar effort between pipes by KL. A shutout no less. Congratulations young man. Needed two points. Will take 2-0 win over 9-8 effort anytime. Thrashers must be workmanlike every time they hit ice. Not talented enough to coast at any time. Require extended run with regulation, overtime and shootout points. No defeats please. If Thrashers refuse to shoot they cannot allow more than three goals. That is it. Around a dozen shots in 60 minutes will not cut it. Come on guys. Take some shots. Oh well. Nice triumph. Good night all. GO BLUE!
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
You keep intimating that their are problems between Marleau and Wilson, when in fact there was ONE issue during the playoffs, and it’s been since aired out.
Has Wilson or Marleau made any statements recently to make you think the spat is ONGOING, or are you simply padding your posts as usual??
The Sara Clause doesn’t take affect until the posts are between 1 and 6 AM…so unless you’re invoking the BUZZEDilla Clause, I don’t know what you’re trying to do.
By Bob
February 2, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
stendec, we need to get Kari the phone # for Smoltz’ shrink, it’s all in the head for Kari. When he’s fresh, he’s brilliant, the kid has all the skills and just needs to steel the psyche.
They need to play 1a and 1b on the goalies and all is good …
By Jethro
February 2, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - If it werent fer Zillur and Rone, these blogs wuld lose their character. So Zillur and Rone, keep goin to Gorins, keep p** Sutton off, and teach them fiances how to read.
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I won’t argue with you there “Jethro”, if that really is your name…
By Jethro
February 2, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - Guess who?
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Daddy????
By Jethro
February 2, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - Don’t you know who your Daddy is?
By ranallo10
February 2, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
..Kovalchuk!?
By Brendan
February 2, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, I’m merely stating an opinion that I’m entitled to. But actually, there’s been plenty of “blogosphere” action on this topic. A simple google search of Marleau comments on Ron Wilson will yield a plethora of hits. Check out 8 of the first 10 or so, and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about, Ranallo. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that just b/c opinions are spread on blogsites throughout North America doesn’t make the content of them “true.” But then again, what’s either Wilson or Marleau supposed to say, publicly?? I doubt we’ll see some brazen ultimatum about “Either he goes or I go!” No one should be holding their breath for that.
There’s quite a few January 2008 (18th - 21st) items on that link, Ranallo. I invite you to check them out. There’s also, listed among them, an article from the San Jose Mercury News, dated November 30, 2007, saying “both (Wilson and Marleau) are ‘fine’ now.” Well gee, I’m glad that local SJ newspaper needed to make that clarification, about just ‘fine’ things allegedly are.
I certainly think there’s “wiggle room” for interpretation of the situation. Weren’t things at the Atlanta Spirit Group “fine” right before Bernie Mullin was let go/resigned? And isn’t there an array of opinions about how “voluntary” that resignation was?
Don Waddell, during the offseason, recommended a two-year contract extension for Coach Bob Hartley, which the ASG granted, on a “hushed up” policy of not disclosing terms and conditions of front office contracts. During the 2007 offseason, Don Waddell’s quote on Hartley’s future in Atlanta was, “I’m behind him 100%.” I have no doubt that he meant it, at the time. Six regular season games later, Hartley was fired. Some would argue that Waddell had no choice but to fire him. But if anyone queried the Internet prior to the 2007 season, trolling for Hartley news and articles, they’d have found a series of items speculating that Hartley wouldn’t last the upcoming season. Well, who was right? The ‘massive blosphere’ out there?, or Don Waddell, who said he was behind Hartley “100-percent?” Isn’t the answer, they were BOTH right? The speculators were right that Hartley didn’t last and Waddell was right in that, he not only didn’t fire Hartley during the offseason, but nudged the ASG to giving him a contract extension. Thereby proving his “100-percent” commitment to Hartley.
By ranallo10
February 3, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
So once again, we don’t know anything about Marleau and Wilson’s “rift” beyond what was quoted during the 2007 playoffs. Since then no quotes from either have given the impression that there’s a problem, only online speculation. Since the “incident”, Marleau has been re-signed by the team, something he had to clearly agree upon in order to get the deal concluded.
If Marleau had an issue with his coach beyond the initial comments, don’t you think he would’ve NOT signed that contract if the coach was still around? Hell, Marleau still has his captain’s “C”, doesn’t that show how much respect the coach has for the player??
People called for Wilson’s head all of last season due to his suspect goalie rotation, yet they made the playoffs. People call for Wilson’s head this year for some odd reason, yet he’s done the exact thing they wanted (they’re in first, and their goalie is playing almost every game).
So you’re telling me a successful team, who has been consistently successful for the past few seasons, is better off without the coach that has helped them get to that powerhouse point?
Yeah, I definitely don’t agree with that sentiment.
If they have a problem, the player can be moved and impact the team’s success far less than if you move the person who designed and implements the system from which they’re succeeding.
Since Wilson called out Marleau his production has slipped, but the team continues to win…who’s more important?
By ranallo10
February 3, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
“if San Jose has to ditch someone, it should be Ron Wilson, not Patrick Marleau.”
I’m not jumping on you for having an opinion, it’s just one I disagree with.
We’re all entitled to our own opinions, no matter how wrong they may be.
By David
February 3, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
I think it depends on what you think is more important? Having a franchise type player or keeping a coach that has been successful. Would you be successful without the coach? The player? I don’t have an answer, just saying. If i had to choose, i’d keep marleau. Part of the reason there’s such a high turnover of coaches in the nhl (in my opinion) is that coaches are replaceable, even more so then players. Just my opinion though.
Great game tonight!
By BG33Brown
February 3, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
the real san jose issue is that the sharks are Thorton’s team, NOT Marleau’s. How do you take the C off Marleau and put it on Thorton…….you can’t….you have to trade him to do that.
By wh
February 3, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
No to Marleau. Why does everyone thnk Gaborik will be cheap? Particularly for a guy who will miss 20 games a year. Larry Brooks reports Waddell has signed a 3 year extension.
By B. Thenet
February 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Just found that Brooks article on NYPost.com, funny how he talks about how DW has done a great job with an “undermanned team” and deserved a 3 year deal….Who exactly is the person that built this undermanned team in the first place?
I would not mind seeing DW get a 3 year deal as head coach, but not as GM.
By Brendan
February 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
wh, Marleau’s not coming here. That’s my opinion. And I could be wrong.
Ranallo, I can definitely appreciate what you’re saying about the “C” on Marleau’s sweater. And, certainly, no one put a gun to Marleau’s head when he re-signed with San Jose. But why did he re-sign with San Jose? Wasn’t it because he believes San Jose has a good shot at winning a Cup?
Wouldn’t that also be true if Ron Wilson were to be fired? Don’t answer yet.
Bob Hartley won a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2001. Did the Aves win that Cup because of Hartley’s coaching? Or did Harley have a pretty “star-studded” lineup with which to work?
By Hockeyfan
February 3, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Craig I noticed that a certain rumor monger quotes you on his website and gives you some props… That cant be good for your credibility ; )
By Thrashers27
February 3, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Why does Eklund, or anyone think that we would allow Recchi to go anywhere. He is really contributing here and seems to be a catalyst for this team.
By David
February 3, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
i’d take marleau for sure…he’s not having a great year, but he’s a solid player.
By Bob
February 3, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
When Don Waddell attempts to sell impending free agent Marian Hossa on the merits of signing a long-term deal to remain in Atlanta, there’s credibility in the vision he’s peddling, for Slap Shots has learned that the general manager-interim coach has recently received a three-year contract extension of his own.
What? Craig, can you get confirmation on this? Larry Brooks is a noted numbnut, so I don’t take his info worth much, but I’d still like to know if this is true.
By Brendan
February 3, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
If that’s true, it’s EXACTLY what Sage of Bluesland said would happen.
By Maal
February 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
When did Jimmy start going by Slates?? He was Slats all through college. People can’t change their nicknames! :(
By Jeff
February 4, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Any reason Krog can’t come up to ATL and do some work? Why keep him around in Chicago to pad stats when he could be doing something here?
By Alan
February 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Whats this I hear of Montreal talking to Marian Hossa?
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Alan — They can’t speak directly to Hossa or Winter, that’s collusion. What you hear is likely wrong or misinformed.
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe collusion isn’t the correct term…perhaps I mean “tampering” for this situation?
Whatever, it’s against the rules.
By GaVaHokie
February 4, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Red Light… sorry for replying so late… but yes, Dumont getting only $4 million with his numbers should keep Hossa’s price around $7 million. If Dumont had gotten something outrageous, we’d have been screwed.
By Alan
February 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
That’s what I thought, ranallo, but I thought I’d ask anyway to be certain. Thanks.
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Alan — It’s always possible Atlanta gave Montreal permission to negotiate a contract with Hossa, as part of an imminent trade.
Since the rumor originates from Canada, I’m going to guess there’s a little bit of misinformation involved.
By Alan
February 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
That’s always true. I wondered if I had heard it wrong, or if the person in line at the restaurant I was at earlier misspoke.
Thanks again!
By Thrasher Ryan
February 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Hopefully it’s true and we’re doin a Hossa for Komisarek deal! Come on Waddell!
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Alan — I think it was stated on the radio station Team 990 (I don’t remember what city that’s located in).
Thrasher Ryan — The rumor was Higgins and a prospect (Russian defender http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=4861&hubname=nhl-canadiens).
By Bob
February 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Apparently Waddell was at the Habs-Blue Skirts game yesterday, so there are some legs to a trade with Montreal, or even the Ranjerks.
Good news there is that Waddell is scouting roster players, meaning he’s not looking for prospects and picks only in return.
I’d prefer to see Hoss moved to the Western Conference, but if the return is right, then whatever.
Think Ranjerks would want to give up either Drury or Gomez for Hoss? If Hoss agrees to a sign and trade or they work out an extension with NY ahead of time, I could see that happening.
By Thrasher Ryan
February 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Ranallo—Eklund (grain of salt) says Montreal doesn’t want to get rid of any roster players… Guess what, then you WILL NOT get Hossa. Sorry.
How about Komisarek and the Kostitsyn Bros. for Hossa/2 prospects?
By GaVaHokie
February 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Maybe he’ll trade Hossa to NY for Alex Bourret back, since so many people cried about it last year. ;)
Maybe there’s a different deal in the works that doesn’t involve Hossa. Any time a reporter sees Waddell in the crowd, they’re going to speculate that Hossa is involved.
By GaVaHokie
February 4, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Maybe he was scouting Marek Malik?!… not sure.
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
GVH — Let’s keep Tubby away from Chicago, please. And Marek Malik…please no.
Bob — “Blue Skirts”, I like it. As for Drury or Gomez, my preference would be Gomez, but either would work for me. I feel another player would have to be involved though (Thomas Pock?) to make it fair for Atlanta. I’d rather Prucha and Rozsival, they’re far cheaper allowing for another big acquisition on defense in the offseason.
Did anybody else get pleasure during the last two Buffalo games when Steve says the typical All Good Pest Solutions slogan as “When the slugs are all gone, it’s All Good”? Little things…
By Tony C.
February 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Ok, so when do we see Little back here?
What did he do (or not do) to receive so little TOI in Chi.?