AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTrade for Montreal’s Ryder?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ilya Kovalchuk didn’t practice this morning, although that’s not a big surprise. He was at the practice facility this morning and seemed to be walking fine, although he was wearing a knee brace on his injured knee. He’s supposed to be re-examined today or Tuesday and I’m waiting to chat with Don Waddell today for more of an update and his status for the Philly game. Waddell wasn’t at practice today, and was allegedly spotted in Montreal scouting the Habs-Rangers game on Sunday.
Montreal is supposedly willing to move the underachieving Michael Ryder, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday. He’s also an UFA after this season. He’s coming off two 30-goal seasons but only has eight goals this season. But the Thrashers are set at right wing on their scoring lines with Mark Recchi and Marian Hossa, right? Oh yeah.
If the Thrashers end up trading Hossa, and they’re still fighting for first place, it’d make sense for Waddell to make a secondary deal for another scoring winger so this season isn’t a complete wash - Especially with the way the Thrashers have been battling the last couple games. I’m not saying it’s Ryder, but a guy like him would make a lot of sense if Waddell comes to the conclusion that Hossa won’t re-sign, and trading him is the best thing for the franchise.
How about this for a cheap addition on the right side? Darren McCarty just signed a deal to play in the AHL. He signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins after playing 11 games with the Flint Generals in the IHL. He had three goals and three assists in the IHL. C’mon, you wouldn’t like a checking line with Bobby Holik, McCarty and Pascal Dupuis? Alright, maybe not. I was watching too many old Red Wings games on the NHL Network this weekend. By the way, the NHL Network has just surpassed the Big Ten Network as my favorite addition to DirecTV this year. And I’m a guy who watched the countdown clock on the Big Ten Network when it made its debut.
The other hot talk going around the NHL surrounds Peter Forsberg. Tim Panaccio reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer that Paul Holmgren just returned from Sweden and Holmgren chatted with Forsberg. If Forsberg returns, Panaccio is betting on the Flyers winning those sweepstakes. But, that’s a big if. Here’s what Holmgren told the Inquirer: “I honestly don’t have a feel for what his decision will be, and I didn’t get to see him skate,” Holmgren said. “From talking to him, I’m not sure he is ready in his own mind. He doesn’t seem to know if he’s OK.”
The other interesting news out of Sweden surrounds forward Fabian Brunnstrom. The 22-year-old will be a free agent after his season ends and is supposedly on the radar of every NHL team. Maybe all the Swedes on the Thrashers have some pull? He can look at the smooth transition Toby Enstrom made and do the same next season.
Lastly, congrats to Stevie Y for being named the GM of Team Canada for the World Championships. You have to wonder when he’ll get his shot as an NHL GM.
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Comments
By jt
February 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Nice job in today’s print edition AJC. You’ve hit a new low. Not only is there not one article on the Thrashers there isn’t even an inclusion of the current league standings. And you wonder why interest in hockey is limited?
By Bob
February 4, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
The return from the Habs would have to be a heck or a lot more than Ryder. Ryder for Hoss would be a huge loss for us, so they’re sure to have to sweeten that pot greatly.
Craig, can you get an update from Waddell when you speak to him re. Larry Brooks’ report that he just signed a 3 year extension?
By Sara
February 4, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Bob I got the impression that a deal for Ryder would be secondary to (and separate from) a Hossa trade. Meaning if Hoss goes, Waddell may go after Ryder.
Craig I find it so unbelievable that a guy with 3 Cup rings is playing in the AHL (much less the IHL). But then again, that’s what drinking your life away gets you I suppose.
Speaking of the Wings…wouldn’t they have more influence with this Brunnstrom kid being that they’re the western contingent of the Swedish National Team? :p
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Brett Sterling sent to Chicago (AHL).
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Sara: Yeah, I would think Detroit would be the front-runner for Brunnstrom, and I remember reading of their interest in the Detroit News.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
February 4, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting that the Thrashers website has changed (I think today) It has removed the three pictured players -kovy/hoss/lehts and replaced it with just Kovy.
Is this a sign that Hoss is out the door very soon? I really hope he does resign but man its not looking good.
I hope he goes to the Devils. That would be the only team, other than the Thrashers, that I wouldn’t mind him playing for. Dev’s have good, young d-men to spare. But Lou is a tight wad that wouldn’t pay for hoss…
He better not be a Ranger. I might cry.
By silverpork
February 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I hope DW doesn’t replace one UFA with another UFA.
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Buzilla: I noticed that too about the website, although I don’t know if we’re readying into it too much.
By Hip Czech
February 4, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
The speculation on Ryder is NOT a straight up for Hossa deal. DW would only go after Ryder if Hossa is dealt in a separate deal.
Say we deal Hossa for a center and D, then we need a right wing (unless you’re comfortable with a guy from Chicago in a playoff stretch run). I have no problem with that scenario and the fact Ryder is a UFA. He would strictly be a rental.
Man, hate to see Hossa go, but it sure looks like DW is getting the ducks in a row…
By Aaron
February 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Maybe Waddell was scouting Marcel Hossa, in attempt to pick him up to convince Marian to stay here with his brother.
By Hip Czech
February 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
What’s up with Hossa not coming out for being the second star on Friday?
I can see not coming out when we lose, but after a victory like that the bulb would have given Hossa a nice ‘Hoss-a, Hoss-a’ chant for sure.
By RichB
February 4, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Is it true that Don Waddell recently received a 3 year contract extension?
By Bob
February 4, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
If you want another clue, guess who’s All Star sweater is on sale at 50% off in the Team Gear store.
Kovy’s is still full price btw.
Guys, Hoss does not want to re-sign here, that’s been clear since preseason when Waddell tried to sign him at that time.
Only story left is who Waddell trades him to and what return we get. I’ve been guessing that Hoss switched agents earlier this year, during the season, in order to facilitate a sign and trade or help to negotiate where he goes (work out a contract with the proposed trading partner). I could see them wanting to go to NY to play with his brother and that lineup and him agreeing to a contract to make it happen. If we get Drury (please!) or Gomez in return, that’s a good deal for both clubs. Straka could step up and fill that void for them, Jagr’s not getting any younger, they could use Hoss on a 4 or 5 year deal and it might light his brother on fire if they put him on the off wing.
But please try to get some confirmation on this Brooks’ story of Waddell getting a 3 year extension. That’s the news that will have the biggest impact on this club’s fortunes going forward.
By gmlane
February 4, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Craig, does Sterling getting sent down mean that Kovy is playing tomorrow night?
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Hip Czech — Perhaps it had to do with him falling on his a* during the shoot out, and falling face first into the boards during the 3rd? I’d think the doctors would rather he relax and check for concussion syndromes than skate a circle for the second star (meaningless in the scheme of things).
Maybe he was too p** about missing his shootout shot? Who knows? I don’t feel it’s indicative of anything.
By five_hole
February 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen a lot of teams make big changes at the deadline and it screws up team chemistry. Trading a cornerstone like Hossa (even if he hasn’t been all-world this year) could really cause problems. If he’s looking at Mr. Ryder to play on the left wing on Hossa’s line, and it wouldn’t cost us too much, I could be for that.
Bob my guess is that everyone stayed away from the Hossa jersey, expecting that he would get traded, not the other way around.
By gmlane
February 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Bob, Sydney Crosby’s jersey is half off too, I wonder if he’s about to get traded too?
All sarcasm aside, they put every piece of ASG merchandise 50% off with the exception of Kovy jerseys. They figure that all of the Kovy jerseys would sell no matter the price, but the Hossas would not unless put on sale.
By Hockeyfan
February 4, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Craig Illya skated this morning before practice but left the ice before most players (and reporters) arrived. He looked alright.
By JayBird
February 4, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
The Hossa jersey issue is interesting. I was at Fan Attic at Perimeter Mall on Friday and they had Hossa’s Thrashers jersey half price as well. After much deliberating, I bought one. I will probably regret it once he is traded in a few weeks but what the hell, it will join my jersey collection.
By Bob
February 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Bob, Sydney Crosby’s jersey is half off too, I wonder if he’s about to get traded too?
Cindy doesn’t play in Atlanta. Two Thrashers were in the game, one of them will sell out the sweaters to Atlanta fans whether it’s this month or next, the other won’t be here past this month, that’s why his are 50% off. It’s also why every giveaway for the past month or so at the ingame Risk it Alls and such is a Hossa signed puck, they can’t give those things away fast enough.
Good news, Hockeyfan. Figured as much seeing how Sterling was sent back, but great to hear.
By David
February 4, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
One of my friends pointed out something interesting to me. I’m sure it’s just a possibility, but I see where he was coming from. Say we trade Hoss for something not as equal, but save a lot on cap space. Like, Hossa for a player or two and some picks. It would give Waddell a lot more bargaining space to sign a big unrestricted, like Forseberg. I honestly don’t seeing that happen, but eh.
I hope we trade hoss out west for a center. That’s all I’ve got on that. And ryder could be a nice addition, but not for hoss.
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
As much fun as it is to speculate, here’s what Waddell had to say about a shared cup of coffee with Montreal GM Bob Gainey: “We never even talked about any kind of deal.”
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Hockeyfan: Good info, thanks.
Bob: The team denies that report from Brooks.
GMLane: Waddell said he expects Kovalchuk to miss Tuesday’s game but is probably for Thursday’s game against Vancouver.
By Thorburn's Thugs
February 4, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Craig Can you confirm the 3 year extension for DW?
By erock
February 4, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
CRAIG….WADDELL SAID….“We never even talked about any kind of deal.”….SO YOU ARE TELLING US WADDELL FLEW TO MONTREAL AND ALSO MISSED TODAYS PRACTICE …FOR NOTHING ?/ YEA RIGHT !!
By sisu
February 4, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
If the team can win the next three games, who knows what might happen. Sounds like everyone is been visiting the useless rumor site found on the net…
By Craig Custance
February 4, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Thorburn: That extension report was denied.
By Thorburn's Thugs
February 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Well I hope the Atlanta Spirit Group realizes Waddell just flew to Montreal “for a cup of coffee”. Yeah right…
By Thorburn's Thugs
February 4, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Eklund is a F’in LOSER! At last count, he has said the following:
Hossa to Detroit (e4)
Hossa to Montreal (e4)
Hossa to Pittsburgh (e3)
Help me out guys, have I missed any?
By Tony C.
February 4, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Hossa to Patriots (e9)
You forgot that one.
I would like to see us go after Ryder regardless.
I’ve always liked his game and he is a Thrasher-killer. It’d be nice just not have him play against us.
I still see the deadwings as the front-runner in the Hoss sweepstakes-too much coincedence surrounding it.
1) Did you watch the ATL vs. deadwings game? ‘Nuff said 2) DW’s past history with that organEYEzation 3)availability of necessary return-good NHL-ready C=check NHL-ready D=check 4)Likelihood that Detroit would go for Tkachuk-like terms (conditional draft picks if re-signing)=check They must know that getting Hoss makes them an almost certain lock to go deep in the playoffs-so why not give ATL their 1st-round pick (it’s bound to be like 28th or worse)?
Cap room issues aside, the only position that they don’t have significant emerging talent at is G, and well they seem to prefer getting tested UFA netminders anyway. They may be a little short @ D, but Chelios is playing til he’s 55 right???
By wristshot
February 4, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Eklund say Hossa to Ottawa as well?? I hope he gets traded to a Western Conference team! I’d love to see DW give McCarty a shot. It sounds like he’s really turned his life around and I always loved the way he played hockey.
By Tony C.
February 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Darren McCarty is done. We don’t need another old, slow guy-we already pay one old slow guy NOT to show up.
By Hockeyfan
February 4, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Ek praised Craig last week…
Oh and he also had Ovechkin to Nashville the week before he re-signed with the Caps
By B. Thenet
February 4, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
I think DW should try to get someone who can help this team in a Hossa trade, right now Ryder couldn’t help the Chicago Wolves.
By kracker
February 4, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about that, the same was said of Recchi “washed up, nothing left in the tank” etc.
By Waffleboy
February 4, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Craig- does the silence from the league mean Ruutu will not be suspended?
By Alan
February 4, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Thorburn - I believe he also had Hossa going to Minnesota and Philadelphia.
Hossa to Montreal sounds like it has legs, considering Waddell’s attendance at Canadiens vs Rangers.
By ND Fan
February 4, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Craig, is there any possibility of an extension being reached with Hossa?
By XShouldCheckYou
February 4, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
JT- There’s a print edition? I just thought it was this crappy web-version. To think, there’s a crappy newspaper, too.
By Bob
February 4, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
The team denies that report from Brooks
Whew. Thank you very much for the confirmation. Larry Brooks further steeps his reputation in a big steaming vat of nonsense.
Ok, so Kovy out again. We need Kari to step up big one more time tomorrow night, then I’d like to see Moose get the start in the next game.
I believe Waddell, I think he was up there scoutin’ the Blue Skirts.
By Brendan
February 4, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Craig, isn’t it the Atlanta Spirit Group’s policy not to disclose the terms and conditions of its front office staffers? That’s why Bob Hartley’s contract was such a mystery at training camp this year. I had to hear about Hartley’s contract renewal from Hockey Night in Canada (!!), because www.atlantathrashers.com wouldn’t publish it. !!Ay chihuahua!! I wonder if the “concept” of how embarrassing that is … even sets in for these owners? A Head Coach gets a contract extension … and it’s NOT reported at the team’s official website.
How messed up is that? I can go to virtually any other team’s website, in any other sport, college or pros, and find out how long the Head Coach and GM are under contract. Sometimes, I can even find their salaries! But not the Thrashers!! Shhh. It’s a SECRET. And, ostensibly, it’s NONE of our business. Well, I can name at least three STH who will be “holding out” renewing their seats for next year.
Maybe these fans will renew their season tickets? Then again, maybe they won’t. Their ultimate decision is in the vault, under “lock and key.” Their decision is SECRET, just like contracts of the front office of the Atlanta Thrashers.
By Thorburn's Thugs
February 4, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Their decision is SECRET, just like contracts of the front office of the Atlanta Thrashers.
How ironic is that, Brendan? Can you blame them? All they want is some accountability.
Yes, sorry but I forgot…
Hossa to Ottawa (e4)
Hossa to Minnesota (e3)
Hossa to Philly (e3)
You guys remember Holik to Edmonton for Dick Tarnstrom (e4)? LOL
Eklund is a douche!
By GSU-Lee
February 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Eklund is a douche! Who is eklund and why does he speak like he has so many connections? The guy is obviously an idiot.
By Alan
February 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Thorburn - This just in!
Zhitnik to Philly for Coburn! (e7)
By Jared
February 4, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Eklund is awful I use spectorshockey.net and my neighbor scott burnside
By Jared
February 4, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Habs GM Gainey last month suggested he was interested in a defensive center with strong faceoff skills.
Holik for Ryder? anyone? The deal would send tears of joy down my face
By THRASHYOU
February 5, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this
HOSSA FOR RYDER AND BOUILLON???
HOSSA FOR THE SEDIN TWINS???
By Hip Czech
February 5, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Rucchin for Ryder
By Russian
February 5, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
to Hip Czech You make me Laugh!!! Rucchin is Dead man. He is in Florida, lay down on Beach and drink Beer. But on other blog, people said trade with NYR. Hossa trade to Cherepanov (forward) and Staal (D-men). I like this trade. Kovy is out today. Damn :-( We need two points.
By Hip Czech
February 5, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
The only reason I would like a Holik for Ryder trade would be to save some cap space for another move. But Ryder’s cap hit is 2.95 so it is not a huge savings.
I like Holik…my only quibble with him right now is the occasional stupid penalty. Aggressive penalties I can live with, the stupid slashing or hooking penalty, usually at a critical time, has to go.
By Midfield
February 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Speaking of slashing: what’s the exact rule on that nowadays? Does a stick have to be broken, or it is more subjective than that? It seems like there are a few drama queens out there in the league who like to drop their stick and shake their hands violently every time they get a contact.
By B. Thenet
February 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I understand Holik takes some dumb penalties, but do we really want to get rid of a guy that adds much needed size, aggressiveness, and faceoff %?
And to trade him for a guy that is a healthy scratch for Montreal right now?
I would pick up Ryder on waivers, or give up a middling prospect for him, but I wouldn’t give up our only shutdown center for him.
By GaVaHokie
February 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Jared… I think Eklund uses Spectorshockey.net as well. :)
Hossa has been linked with almost every team by now. Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Jose I think were linked by Eklund.
Waddell might be scouting but not putting offers on the table yet… he’s got 4 weeks left to negotiate with other teams. He’ll scare up some business by being seen in Montreal, that’s for sure.
By GaVaHokie
February 5, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
As far as Hossa for Ryder… that’s absurd. You can’t get Hossa for a guy you’re openly shopping around the league.
I think Waddell wants Higgins… at least I hope.
I believe Waddell is scaring up business and Hossa will go to some team off the radar.
By Woody
February 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Retarded thinking. Ruuto is not going to be suspended. It would have happened already. The league has nothing to say about it. Ruuto shouldnt even of gotten 5 for fighting when he didnt even take his gloves off nor throw a punch. Kovalsuck should have taken the clean hit like a man. Instead of moving away like a girl cuasing the Knee on Knee…
Get over it!
If anything I am p** I want the Thrash to beat the Flyers and GD Kovalchuk isnt man enough to come out against the a tough team.
By Hip Czech
February 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
midfield, good point. Some of Holik’s ‘slashes’ are pretty soft calls. I also couldn’t believe Perrin’s interference call last Fri., the puck was coming to the Sabre behind the net and Perrin checks him, how is that interference?
I would not trade Holik for Ryder straight up unless DW took the cap savings and made other moves to bring a center in here along with some picks or something. The dominos would fall…Hossa for center, Holik for RW, etc.
I still like Holik though…I wonder if a captain has ever been traded at the deadline?
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Speaking of Holik, did anybody else notice him headbutt a Washington defender during the last game?
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Woody — You’re right, avoiding an oncoming freight train with a Finnish last name is cowardly/womanly. He should’ve taken it to the chin and gotten kneed on his OPPOSITE knee (Ruutu was leading with his right knee), while also possibly getting split in half onto his own bench.
That sure would’ve been manly!
The other men on the Thrashers would’ve respected Kovalchuk’s manliness during the month he was off the ice due to the direct knee on knee contact and the damage that ensued.
Good call…
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
And for the record, I don’t think Ruutu should’ve gotten a suspension. His game misconduct was enough. I do feel if it was Crosby things would’ve been different. Not just because he’s the golden boy for NHL marketing campaigns, but also because I think he would’ve had a puddle of tears on the ice after being hit, whined to the refs for about 10 minutes, then gone back to playing as if nothing had happened.
There are some hockey players in the NHL, and there are some soccer players in the NHL. Often times Crosby and Briere look more like soccer players than hockey players.
By R Stroz
February 5, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I think Kovy should have put the butt end of the stick into Ruutu’s face.
By Russ
February 5, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Ranallo, good point on Kovy taking the hit “like a man”. For the most part I’ve been trying to stay out of the discussion of the hit, but I’ve been thinking for some time that it is ridiculous when people say he should have just taken the hit. It’s one thing if he needed to take the hit to make the play, but he had already chipped the puck into the zone. No player would just stand there after making a play and take a hit unnecessarily. If they did they might as well skate around with a target on their chest. That being said, I don’t think the hit was late, it was a split second after Kovy had chipped the puck in, but Rutuu definitely led with his knee. I won’t debate whether that is worthy of suspension or not, but apparently it is not considering the league’s lack of action. I’m just glad Kovy isn’t out long-term and that the team has come out of the all-star break with three straight wins. Hopefully it will be four straight tonight.
GO THRASHERS!!!
By Midfield
February 5, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I did see Hoplik trying to kiss the Cap - I thought that’s what he was doing. Sometimes, he tries to pull a player’s tongue out with his sterile glove - to check on the throat, I’m sure. He’s very friendly.
By Midfield
February 5, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Russ,
to add to the “I’m just glad that” list, I’m just glad that Ruutu got his head punched multiple times. It sure helps. It was a sorry sight when in the game against Montreal Kostitsyn nearly took out Enstrom and nobody as much as touched him.
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Russ — Agreed.
Midfield — I could’ve been confused, it was very very quick. Holik could’ve been checking for tonsillitis.
By Brendan
February 5, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Thorburn’s Thugs, I don’t blame them at all. Blind support of anything “enables” whatever is wrong to continue, unabated.