Thrashers

By kracker

February 9, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update, Craig. What do you think the chances are of making “a significant addition through a trade in the coming days.” are?

Being on the bubble just makes all this waiting around that much harder so I wish we would win a lot, lose a lot or go ahead and do a trade or sign Marian. My first preference: Win a lot, that fixes all the rest.

By ranallo10

February 9, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

“Significant addition”…

I hate these waiting games.

By Robbo

February 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

So, will DW finally get fired after he trades another 1st rounder, we keep Hossa only to see him walk in the summer, and we miss the playoffs? Is that what it is going to take? At this point, I am ok with that…

By Jeremy H

February 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Craig - Thanks for the update, it’s great for the optimism. I’d like to see a first line center, and number one defenseman brought in at the deadline. Follow that up with a signed Hossa deal, and things could be looking up.

Robbo - Let’s get over the “Fire Don!” crap. It’s not going to happen, nor would it be the best thing for encouraging stability in the franchise.

By Hijacker32

February 9, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Significant addition?

Great. Waddell trades our 1st rouder in 2008, Little and Pavelec for UFA’s who won’t come back and Zhitik-like players. Great…be sure that you may lose this Thrasher fan (right here,) if something like this happens.

By Alan

February 9, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s just hope we pull out a victory tonight. Thrashers need to bring their A game against a team that is looking to make a playoff berth, along with the rest of the Southeast.

By Robbo

February 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

JeremyH - A #1 center, AND a #1 defenseman? Like we did last year with Tkachuk & Zhitnik? Do we even have the resources to afford moves like that again without moving Hossa?

If Don Waddell is the only one providing stability to this organization, it certainly is a sorry state of affairs.

By B. Thenet

February 9, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

This time of year I don’t believe a word that comes out of DW’s mouth until he is in a press conference after a trade.

By GSU-Lee

February 9, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Look, I know patience is a virtue and all but for crying out loud, the team, fans and media will all be happier when this situation is just over.

By R. Stroz

February 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed Vinny is UFA after next season (08-09)?

Anybody wanna bet sum Canadian teams are tryin to clear some cap space to “bring Vinny home?”

By R. Stroz

February 9, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

How’s that for a good Jethro impersonation?

Too good?

By LAC

February 9, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Robbo… Get over the Fire don crap ?

That clown is the reason this team is a mess, if we had a true GM we would likely be in the tier of top 10 teams in the NHL.

He cannot draft, he signs worthless UFA’s, let’s our better UFA’s leave without ever approaching them to stay and our defense is and never has been very good since inception.

Sure these owners love him, but this franchise needs a complete remake from owners who care to a GM who can get the job done… simple as that.

Why is there not a qualified NHL coach here ?

No robbo, the First step is to dump waddell ASAP then new ownership.

We need a commitment from them to the fans of The Great City that they want TO WIN,not on the cheap like it has been…

Just think of all the millions Steve Rucchin is collecting and HOW many points did he score here… NOT many…

By Tony C.

February 9, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

The thought of Rucchin centering #17 again makes me more upset than the fact that he’s being paid to sit

By Brendan

February 9, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for clarifying on the Habs rumor. I doubt “any” trade rumor for Hossa. I know, deep down, Waddell won’t trade him. He wants to re-sign him. And he’ll “risk” losing him for nothing to get that coveted second straight division title. Waddell is on record as saying, “We’re going to be buyers” at the trade deadline. For him to deviate from that position, at this point, is to announce his resignation as GM.

Need I remind anyone … this is the 8th season of his “vision” for this club. To be “sellers” at the deadline is an admission of failure, for Waddell. Well, it is what it is. Is this a franchise, in its 8th season, that “scares” anyone? Or is it a .500 club, that is the second oldest team in the NHL?

Well, for which question is the correct answer “yes?” If you answered “yes” to the second question, then you are probably a person who has more than patiently been waiting for changes in the front office. If the Thrashers, no matter WHAT they do at this trade deadline, win their division and win one (1) game in the playoff this year, Don Waddell will get a contract extension. He is currently under contract through 2009. He’d be locked up as GM until the CBA expires, in 2011, if the Thrashers trade deadline moves net another division title and one (1) playoff win.

That’s my opinion. I could wrong. And I hope I am.

By Hunter

February 9, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Really? I mean really? NO T.V.???? 2 Division Games Back To Back NO T.V.! Capital “F” That! Ummmh, why is the NHL having trouble with ratings?

Thanks Cable a- holes!

By kracker

February 9, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Hunter order Center Ice…you can watch the TB broadcast on cable and listen to Kamal on the radio call the action 5 seconds ahead of the picture :)

By Brendan

February 9, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Hope you’ve all enjoyed this telecast on Center Ice, $119.00, for the remainder of the season. The Tampa broadcast crew has been kind to Kari Lehtonen. But they “delighted” in the fact that the “Hossa non-goal review” was brought to Toronto from their telecast, as the only broadcast emanating from this building. And they declared that, “of course, this goal will not count. We have the best view of it.” Truthfully, it wasn’t a goal, though the on ice referee said it was.

Atlanta tallied in the 3rd period, a goal by Hossa, to tie the score, 1-1. We’re in overtime right now. And Lehtonen has just made a spectacular save to prolong the game.

Goal!!! Zhitnik!!! Thrashers win!!! 2-1!!! 1:26 of overtime!! Zhitnik of all people!!!

By erock

February 9, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

GOOD WIN BOYS !!!!

By IUSHG

February 9, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

LETEMIN - ONE TOO MANY AGAIN

By stendec

February 9, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. KL only allowed one goal. Stretched team into extra session. Glad Thrashers secured extra point in overtime. Got ansy when home guys fell behind 1-0. Visions of scoreless shutout danced in my fevered brain. Guys needed this one. I know it is an understatement. Build from here. Time to string together a few wins. Crank up offense. Somebody shoot! Ilya, Marian, KL, Waddell or even that chubby guy in the third row. Anybody! GO BLUE!

By kracker

February 9, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Brendan Yes, Zhitnik of all people! I recently bought a tee and it looks like a good deal tonight: I saw a Zhit 77 tee on the hangar while standing outside waiting on the doors to open before the last game and I bought one. They had all the tees on sale 25% off, I guess I made a good choice. So I got the tee out of the bag and put it on tonight because next game….well, likely as not this year when Zhit gets mentioned it’s on a turnover and a score aganist us. It feels pretty good tonight though.

By Brendan

February 9, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Kracker, Zhitnik is one OT winner away from tying Center Todd White in that capacity.

By sisu

February 10, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

I think the one thing that holds this team back is the legal mess that the owners are involved with! Until that is settled all corners will be cut to make sure that the spending on the team is minimal. Having said that, there will be some players brought in, the cap hit and salary hit is minimal with a 1/4 of the season left! Until the legal troubles are over this will not change. You already know this if you are a season ticket holder and the lack of “extras” we receive this year….

By sean

February 10, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Another good effort from Kari! GO THRASHERS!

By Hockeynumb

February 10, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

You can’t take any GM at his word this time of year. There’s no such thing as an honest answer. You can bet the Habs want Hossa and who wouldn’t for the drive for the cup.

DW’s job is too get the best deal he can and he will talk to many GM’s before that is done but he will seldom admit to it.

By FAN

February 10, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

IUSHG, are you crazy? Did you see Kari’s performance? I would like everyone of you who is SO critical to have 18,000 plus behind you every day analyzing everything you do at your job. Give it a break and enjoy the win.

By MB

February 10, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

CC, did you see this article in today’s NYT?

text to be linked

Wonder if DW or anyone else at ASG would care to comment on their assessment on the state of hockey in the Sun Belt.

By Sisu

February 10, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

MB, same old story…nothing to see there, moving along. What kills me is that the NJ Devils have lower numbers in attendance. Yet when it comes to hockey in the south we get picked on…hmmm, maybe it is envy that both Tampa & Carolina have won a cup! As to tv ratings, until the games are all in HD it is useless to talk about it.

Back on topic, DW will make a deal or two, question is what is out there? Marleu would be a great addition or Brian Campbell!

By Alan

February 10, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Wonder if DW or anyone else at ASG would care to comment on their assessment on the state of hockey in the Sun Belt.

Here’s my thoughts:

ADVERTISE IT MORE AND PEOPLE WILL WATCH IT!

Seriously, the only advertising I ever see for the NHL is DURING A NHL GAME. That doesn’t make sense! Preaching to the choir is NOT going to get you more viewers!

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Capitals won in overtime. Frekkin Broadway Blueshirts give up a goal with seconds left in the 2nd period. Man, if the Rangers could have just held that lead. Instead, … well … just go peek at the standings. There’s nothing more to say.

Let’s go Buffalo! Beat the Panthers!! In REGULATION TIME.

By Alan

February 10, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Buffalo won. 5-3 was the final.

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

LAC… the players love him too, not just the owners. You guys need to “get over the fire Waddell” crap. He’s not going anywhere.

I’m fine with giving up our 1st round pick every year if it brings in established players. If we can give Montreal a 1st round pick for Michael Ryder, than what could you honestly say against that?

By Bob

February 11, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

the players love him too, not just the owners

What leads you to think this? If this was true, Hossa would’ve signed an extension long, long ago. But no, Hoss has said he has questions about the direction of this club, Waddell is the one providing that direction.

In addition, Mellanby gave us hints of inner turmoil earlier this season. Captain Rat also said that The Beast was the real coach providing the motivation. Captain Rat knows the guys in that room better than anyone.

If that was true, we’d have players out there giving their all every shift, that’s what players who love their coach and who have completely bought into the program do. But far too often we see guys come out unfocused and give half hearted efforts from one period to the next.

I don’t doubt that you truly believe that to be the case, Hokie, but what I’m watching out of this club and what I hear from current and former players belies what you say.

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Mellanby is sour grapes… I wouldn’t listen to that. I’d imagine most of the inter-turmoil revolved around Hartley.

Without asking anyone directly, from Casino night last night, I get the feeling of guys being genuinely happy with their situation… remember Kozlov stayed here for less money, Recchi wants to stay as well.

Here’s what a successful GM does. The only way to spend more money and attract better players is to NOT be at the bottom of this list, which we were for a long time.

Now, I hate to start a bad rumor… and Craig please shoot me down… but I don’t feel Holik is popular with his teammates. When he went up on stage to speak, the guys weren’t looking at him or listening. While most of the players joked around with each other, I don’t recall any player chatting with Holik.

By stan drulia

February 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know if the game Wednesday is going to be on Center Ice? It appears to me that it is not televised at all…

By THRASHYOU

February 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

CRAIG Just wondering if you think the Redwings might get into the Hossa mess since Cleary will be out 6-8 weeks? If so who do you think the Thrashers would want in return?

By timmythebrave

February 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Why won’t the cable station pick up the battle for first place in the division. Thanks Sports south. One of the few games I can’t make and I can’t even watch it.

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I would imagine they didn’t televise it because it was the last Saturday game (besides the closer) that the Thrashers had… probably the last chance they had to produce a sell out this year.

By Sara

February 11, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Hokie it’s not like Holik’s “speech” last night amounted to much - I didn’t really pay much attention to it either. And he was off to the side a bit from everyone - him, Havelid, and Recchi. So I can see how he might not have been schmoozing as much. Mostly it was the young guys schmoozing and the older ones talking with fans/friends/family.

Totally kicked butt though - most fun I’d had in forever. Course, hockey players in tuxedos and an open bar are recipes for success any day.

By R. Stroz

February 11, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Sara - If you met Todd White, did you call him Mr. Tidy Whitey or Mr. Charmin?

I’m joking everyone, well kind of…

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 11, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

stan drulia The game should be Game 5 on Wednesday night

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Sara… true, I hope I’m wrong. I actually like Holik.

I sat at Recchi’s table most of the night. Great guy!

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Back to the “signicant addition”… I would imagine something happens by the end of this week. Thrashers have 4 days off next week, so it would be a perfect time to bring someone in the fold during a week of practice. If the Thrashers can string up 3-4 wins over the next 5 games (before the trade deadline) i think we might keep Hossa until the end of the year.

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Thor’s Thugs… Divisional game with Alex. Ovechkin. Another big ticket seller.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Bob — Ilya Kovalchuk said he liked Don Waddell, and said something to the effect of “I’ve never had this much fun playing hockey” when asked how he enjoyed playing for Waddell. Kovalchuk seems to fully appreciate Waddell, and he’s a CURRENT player for the Thrashers.

Of course I don’t expect Kovalchuk to say anything negative about his boss, but he said something POSITIVE (instead of simply saying the typical diplomatic response of “he’s great”).

I agree with Hokie, Mellanby is sour grapes.

As for Hossa, he was a difficult negotiation in Ottawa when they were consistent contenders. I doubt this situation is due to the Hossa/Waddell relationship any more than it due to Hossa’s general indecisiveness. Hossa seems like the “I dunno, whatever you want to do” kind of person.

By Sara

February 11, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

LOL, Stroz I probably wouldn’t have even thought about that. Mostly we hung around X, Slater, and McCarthy - the really lively ones - although we saw everyone at some point and chatted with/got photos with most. In some ways it really changes your perceptions of some of these guys to see them in that different element and away from hockey. Though I still think Holik’s overpaid and Zhitnik’s too slow - but I wouldn’t have said that to their faces. :)

I did happen to “overhear” that it’s very unlikely Hossa will be traded - no one’s offering enough to compensate for moving our second best player while we are still in pursuit of a play-off berth/division title. And Don’s making the play-off run the priority over “getting something for Hossa instead of nothing.”

I don’t get that mentality really. Every team has guys available for UFA status at this time of year. But you don’t see the ones vying for a play-off berth trading away their best players just so they “get something” for them. So why so many people here want to declare it the apocalypse if Don keeps Marian, who then might walk at year-end, is beyond me.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Sara — I agree with your thoughts, especially since there’s always the chance that Atlanta could trade Hossa for picks prior to the July 1 Free Agency period (they hold his rights up until that day). There were examples of these types of trades (rights of a player for prospects or picks), albeit not on the scale of a player of Hossa’s ability. Pitkanen comes to mind, as does Hartnell and Timonen.

It’s always possible to get SOMETHING for Hossa, but I think he’s better suited playing on this club with a few more additions.

Brendan — I figured you’d appreciate these quick tidbits of research I did last night. Right now Todd White is on the same scoring pace as Eric Belanger (33 points through 55 and 53 games respectively), and both White and Perrin have alloted for 64 points this season. Of the players lost, Belanger has 33 points, Tkachuk 39. Of the players not retained, Metropolit has 24 points. Of the players not signed (Comrie, Zubrus, Nylander), Comrie leads the pack with 41 points AND IS THE TOP SCORER ON THE ISLANDERS. Oh yeah, he’s also a -19 for New York.

Clearly there was no solution to the recurring problem of lacking a high caliber center.

Andy Sutton leads the Islanders in PIM…is anybody truly surprised? His 8 points are definitely helping them (note the sarcasm).

Finally, the Thrashers are 7th in the league in shooting percentage, but 20th in shots. I hate to beat a dead horse, but this team definitely needs to shoot a ton more (especially Slava Kozlov, who is well below his previous two season’s pace of 190+ shots).

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

TSN reports Ottawa and Carolina have made a deal:

Commodore (UFA) and Stillman (UFA)

FOR

Corvo (2 yrs) and Eaves (RFA)

By GaVaHokie

February 11, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Wow… Great trade…Ottawa wins big time on that deal for this year. Carolina must really like Samsonov to make that deal. This might hurt their stretch run (good for us). Carolina has a point man for their Power Play now…mmhmm Frank Kaberle mmhmm…excuse me. I had another “walk away” Thrasher stuck in my throut.

By Hip Czech

February 11, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Good trade for both teams…Carolina moves two UFAs and still remain competitive. I like Corvo over Commodore, Stillman is better than Eaves for now, but Eaves is going to be a good one. Carolina gets a D man under contract and a chance to tie up an RFA at a decent price.

Ottawa has as good a shot as anyone at winning it this year, that move makes sense. Commodore and Stillman are rentals - Stillman gives them a scorer besides the big 3, plus they gain some cap space moving Corvo.

By Bob

February 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Oops, and look at that. Rutherford trades away his two impending UFAs so he can get someone in return, Corvo, instead of letting them walk for nothing. Gee, who would think a GM of Rutherford’s pedigree would do that?

Hossa’s being moved, folks, it’s a pipedream to think we’ll let him walk for nothing. If Waddell keeps him, he’s more incompetent than I imagined, but he won’t, even I don’t think he’s that bad. He’s being smart and letting the bids build up, they’ll keep him right to the deadline.

Hokie, Holik was a cancer in the Rangers’ locker room as well, I recall players saying that after he left there. Something about always complaining in the room and in the press about his teammates. Would not suprise me to hear that he’s worn out his welcome amongst his teammates here. They certainly don’t respond to his leadership on the ice. Did you see the Wings defend their captain, Lidstrom, yesterday? Don’t know if we’d see our boys run to Holik’s defense like that.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Ottawa’s got the depth of talent to give up a young forward for a win now mentality, good for them. I’m surprised to see that trade between potential playoff candidates, but I guess Stillman’s cold streak and Samsonov’s high level of play has made Stillman expendable.

Unfortunately this move helps Carolina in the long run, which sucks for us Atlanta fans.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Bob — Holik would surely get in a headbutt if the situation called for it, so I doubt anybody feels the “need” to defend him.

Stillman and Commodore hardly qualify as equals to Hossa’s situation, and likely could re-sign in Carolina (no long running tension-filled renegotiation process). If God’s gift to the GM position (Regier) can let Drury and Briere walk in the same year, I think Hossa definitely can too. Is Regier an idiot for allowing those two star players to walk??

Let this situation play out, then I’ll give you your due credit if Waddell does nothing (with Hossa) and gets burned. Let’s treat this like the “wait and see” verdict you’re doing with Enstrom (who I hope you’re warming to).

By Brendan

February 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I think this is a good trade for both teams. It helps Ottawa immediately, as I suspect that was the impetus for this trade. But it probably benefits Carolina more down the road. Which is bad for Thrashers fans.

Bob, I think Waddell is going to keep Hossa. I know. I know. But remember, if Waddell pulls off this division title and one (1) playoff win by retaining Hossa, he’ll get another contract extension. Seriously. (I know. Don’t say it. Just don’t say it.) And yes, Hossa is going to play for someone else next year. But like Ranallo said, perhaps Hossa would “toss us a bone” by letting DW trade his rights to the team (Detroit) where he ultimately wants to go, sometime between the end of the season and July 1st. At least that would be getting “something” for him, as opposed to nothing. But, what says Detroit, or whomever, has to accept his “rights?” They can just wait until July 1 to sign him for “nothing” in return, especially if they’ve been tipped that Hossa will decline any other team’s bids on him anyway. Hopefully no such “tampering” or unauthorized disclosure has occurred. It wouldn’t be fair to the Thrashers or ANY OTHER TEAM who wants to bid on Hossa when he reaches unrestricted Free Agency.

Ranallo, this center position has just been utterly frustrating. I haven’t peeked at Gomez, Briere and Drury’s stats lately, but I suspect that they haven’t lived up to the $7 million that their respective clubs paid for them. Eric Perrin has turned out to be the best of Waddell’s offseason moves. If White is equaling or besting Belanger, a player who didn’t want to play here, then it’s a very good thing for the Thrashers. I’ve been advocating that Perrin be re-signed this summer before his hits the open market in 2009. The Thrashers are authorized to approach Perrin on July 1, 2008, to do just that.

Nylander got hurt. Comrie and Zubrus haven’t been standouts. But the good news for White and Perrin is that they get to play on an “offense first” system, filled with star players like Hossa and Kovalchuk, and to a lesser extent, Kozlov and Recchi. Over time, that’s got to give White and Perrin an edge. The truly impressive stat … is Perrin’s plus-minus. Couple that with him being 4th or so in team scoring, and it’s a heckuva find for what was thought to be an obscure offseason move. Perrin isn’t a fossil, either. Plus, he’s got an ax to grind with a divisional opponent (Tampa Bay).

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Gomez is being outscored by Savard, Drury is something like a -19 for the Rangers. Drury just doesn’t seem to fit in NY (I think he’s got about 36 points, I’m too lazy to look right now).

Perrin is the diamond-in-the-rough example of why Waddell still has a job at this level. This guy has been put into a position to succeed, and is doing as much. White is performing AS EXPECTED (that statment doesn’t mean as expected by fans, but rather by his track record and understood strengths [defense, faceoffs] and weaknesses [size, scoring]).

Overall, Waddell had a chance at hitting a win with ONE center (Gomez) for $7M, or two centers for ~$3M. I think Waddell actually won based on the dollar/production metric.

By Brendan

February 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

If Waddell had more money to spend on “Opening Night,” I suspect he still wouldn’t have gone after Drury, Gomez or Briere. Instead, I think he’d have tried for Comrie, Perrin and White. At least by doing that, he adds “depth,” capable depth, in hopes of staving off a season-altering injury to a player like Nylander, Drury or Briere … or a Gomez. With all the eggs in one basket, Atlanta really couldn’t afford to have an injury to a $7 million a year type player.

I do like “depth” as a strategy. But, in such a scenario, you’ve got to have contributions from all four lines. That was the “point” of having this “depth.”

By GaVaHokie

February 12, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

There’s not a lot of $7+ million guys earning their paychecks this year… Gomez, Drury and Briere included.

By Teach

February 14, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out site wants nothing to do with lousy Euro players from Notlanta, we can do our own building, thank you kindly. Hillbillies not welcome.

By GaVaHokie

February 14, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out was a trip, alot of paranoia over there, and spme gay boys mailing me all the time. Canadians seem to have an inferiority complex, as they are jealous of all things American, and possible sexual frustrations.

By GaVaHokie

February 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Habsinside/out site was a real trip, alot of frustrated and castrated Canadian boys with paranoia and sexual problems over there. Teach seemed to be their leader, and sent me a letter about why he has been laid off his job. Too many Canadians with real frustrations, and take all of them out on poor Toronto. Badd Company.