AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 12
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Price of rental players is high
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve got to say, today’s post-practice session with Johan Hedberg was easily the funniest thing I’ve ever seen at a practice. The Cartoon Network showed up to shoot a feature for one of their kids shows, Dynamite something or another. After practice they dragged Moose back on the ice, and filmed him as kids and others threw everything imaginable at the goalie, trying to get something by him. Moose was kick-saving rubber chickens, and blocking food that exploded when it hit him. One of them tried to throw a stuffed Moose past him, but he made the save. It was funny, because he was determined not to let anything in goal. And yes, I’m easily entertained.
Kudos for Kovy: Ilya Kovalchuk was named the pro athlete of the year last night at the Atlanta sports awards and said it was a fun experience mingling with other Atlanta athletes. He said he got to meet and chat at length with guys like Brian Finneran, Morten Anderson and Josh Smith. Kovalchuk was honored to win the award, although I’m sure he has his eyes set on bigger things this sesason.
Where’s Don? Waddell wasn’t at practice this morning for the second consecutive day. I got him on the phone, and asked him where he was. He joked that I’m sure we’ll read about it in the daily news stories in the morning because as we’re learning, his appearance in other arenas sparks tons of rumors. But it sounds like Don is out scouting again. He’ll be on a media conference call on Wednesday afternoon with a few other GMs like Brian Burke, Ken Holland and Paul Holmgren since I’m sure I’m not the only writer doing a set-up piece for the GM meetings. I’ll let you know if he says anything earth-shattering.
Prices for rentals high: Your Thrashers GM did say that the prices for rental players is sky high right now, one of the reasons you aren’t seeing many trades. It’s also why he thinks we’ll see more trades like the one between Carolina and Ottawa where both teams try to address their weaknesses. But as for trading UFA’s, Waddell said this: “If I’m a team that’s trading a UFA, where last year you’re happy getting a first and third round pick, now you’re saying that’s not good enough.” The other thing to factor in is this: The coming draft is widely considered much stronger than last year’s draft. In the Thrashers case, they didn’t mind trading a first rounder they assumed would be late in the first of an average draft. This year it’s not the case. I’m guessing if the Thrashers do part with their first-round pick, they’ll get a player back who will be in Atlanta well beyond this season.
No lineup changes: Not that you expected anything coming off a win, but there won’t be any lineup changes for the Washington game. Kari Lehtonen remains in goal.
Services »
