Thrashers

By Boulton's Bruisers

February 18, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates Craig. I’m really getting tired of hearing about Peter Footberg. Can he please just go away?

Marleau for Hossa works just fine for me. I say do it.

Would like to see Waddell dangle some prospects for some NHL D-Men too. No picks though.

Craig Are we still looking at Ryder too? We look to be short at RW; I think we need more scoring too… Don’t know if Ryder can provide the scoring we need.

Come on Waddell, start the dominoes! We can’t wait until Thursday! Too many panic attacks for the fans!

Just get it done!

By B. Thenet

February 18, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I am a bit leery of taking on Marleau’s contract. $6 million a year? The Thrashers are going to have plenty of money to spend this offseason, I would hate to use most of it up before UFA season starts.

BTW, where exactly are we getting these prospects to make a deal for Blake or Kaberle? Other than Pavelec and Little, is there anyone who would be of that much interest to other NHL teams? I sure as heck don’t want to lose either of those two for short term rentals ala Coburn.

By R. Stroz

February 18, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Craig - It’s always more importent to take care of the boss first.

Happy Wife, Happy Life

By JD

February 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet - Yeah, because Don is so great in finding UFA…. (sarcasm btw)

Why not trade Holik? Is this team really a solid Cup contender? I would rather trade Holik and Hossa for the future and miss the playoffs than get nothing for them but lose in the first or second round this season. The Thrashers are turning into the Falcons.(prior to Dimitrof).. getting too old, not building through the draft, signing guys 2 years past their prime… and most of all making deals for the sake of publicity and the now rather than to help the long term strength of the team.

By B. Thenet

February 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Marleau only under contract for 1 year? That would put us in the same situation next year that we are right now.

By Smoothie

February 18, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure about Marleau…there’s something wrong with him this year…his +/- number is awful and that’s saying something considering the Sharks are a very responsible team on the defensive end of the ice. $6 M is too much for a guy his age. I’d much rather see us deal Hoss to the Wings for Filppula and Lebda (throw in Pops and Sterling as sweeteners). Both are young and affordable with a year left before becoming RFA’s.

DET has enough depth to do this trade and they’ll have as good a shot at re-inking Hossa as anyone since they are perennial Cup contenders. But then again, San Jose’s window is closing faster than DET so perhaps they can be more easily “swindled” for picks & prospects in addition to Marleau.

By Hip Czech

February 18, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

My 9 year old said that Hossa did not wear the ‘A’ on Saturday. I honestly did not notice when I was watching, but he is usually pretty sharp in all things Hossa related so I don’t necessarily doubt him.

If it was true, any reason for it?

I don’t know about Marleau…think we might could do better (unless Carle is in the deal too). Maybe the fact that Hossa probably would sign with Detroit is incentive NOT to want him to go there. I still hold out hope we trade him now and sign him back in the summer.

By B. Thenet

February 18, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

With Perrin, White, and Little around the corner, is getting a Top Line C that big of a need?

The offense we have is good enough, we just need to lower the SOG against by 10 a game and we would be fine.

The Thrashers need to become harder for other teams to play against. Does that mean adding a true #1 D? Getting bigger, stronger F’s and D’s who can punish the other team?

I don’t know.

I do know that scoring 20 more goals a year means nothing if we don’t become better at preventing the other team from taking 30+ shots a game. Marleau is not going to help with that.

By BG33Brown

February 18, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Getting a top line center is extremely important.

Marleau is 28…hardly too old for 6 mil considering Hossa is 29. He has 2 years left on his current deal and as JD pointed out and several others before him, ATL isn’t a “destination of choice” for top FA’s.

White is a marginal center, Perrin as great as he has been is a 3rd liner on most teams and Little is small and only 19.

We have money committed to 5 of our 6 dmen from this year. We are in desperate need of a top dman but not as much as we need a center to make a pass to Kovy so all his goals don’t have to come one on four.

By Sisu

February 18, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

http://www.nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerBiography.asp?ID=6404

By Sisu

February 18, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2999290

He is signed thru the 2010 so maybe there is something left there???

By five_hole

February 18, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Craig excellent point about Holik. I’ve been as vocal as any that we overpaid for him, but as you said, he’s really playing well right now, he’s one of the few big forwards on the team right now (occasionally he’ll even go to the front of the net), and he is good at faceoffs.

If Slava would really accept a trade back to Detroit, I’d say “make it happen”. He’s been a disappointment since signing that big contract (which has 2 more years to run). It looks like age is finally catching up to him.

You have to ask yourselves, 1: Are we probably going to make the playoffs, and 2: How far would we get? IMO, We have a fair (but not great) chance, as this team is so up and down, and Kovy hasn’t been the same since he got hurt. Even if we made the playoffs, I doubt if we’d get out of the 1st round. I say; SELL

By ames

February 18, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Just looked at some video from Saturday nite…doesn’t look like there’s an “A” on his sweater.

That’s telling.

By diegohall

February 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Hossa needs to go somewhere - his heart is obviously NOT in Atlanta. I’m basing that somewhat subjectively on his level of play and not the things he says in the media. Our offense should be capable of generating more than 2 goals per game in regulation, but we aren’t seeing that lately. In eight games this month we scored in regulation like this: 4,2,2,1,1,2,3,1. So, that’s 2 games out of eight that we scored 3 or more goals in regulation. Luckily, we’ve won five out of those eight. Four of those five wins were either overtime (1) or a shootout (3).
We definitely need to pick up some strong D men soon. We have goalies dancing like marionettes in front of the net trying to stop shots but that can’t go on forever. It wouldn’t be so bad if our highly talented offense (in my opinion) would produce 3-4 goals per game. Even then, I’m sure that Kari and Moose are hating life!

By Brendan

February 18, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I would want Dan Boyle, if it were honestly on the table. Now, not for Hossa. I don’t want Hossa playing against us down the stretch. I doubt Tampa would ever “consider” trading Boyle to us … unless they FLEECED us ROYALLY! But, if we pulled off some 3-way trade. Say, Montreal acquires Boyle from Tampa, then ships him to us for a prospect and a draft pick? Montreal might want Brett Sterling. But uhh, what are the odds Dan Boyle wouldn’t re-sign with Tampa in the offseason? That’s why I think any play for Boyle is a “pipedream.” A sweet, beautiful “pipedream.”

By Brendan

February 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

NJD 3, Carolina 0, 18:00 left in the 2nd period.

By Craig Custance

February 18, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet: Marleau signed a 2-year extension, worth $12.6 million in August. It kicks in next season, so you have more long-term security there.

Thenet: You’d get the picks and prospects by trading Hossa, and using some of those assets to make another deal.

Stroz: Yeah, I learned that one right away.

By Hip Czech

February 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Carolina down 3-0 early in the second…go Devils!

By ThrashFan

February 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

There are four players that wear an “A” on their jersey and only two per game wears that “A”. They alternate between games so Hossa not wearing it that night doesn’t mean anything.

By Craig Custance

February 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

ames: They alternate it, I wouldn’t read too much into that.

By chickenhawk

February 18, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Ducks just placed Brandon Bochenski on waivers. GaVaHokie - Should we grab him? ;)

By B. Thenet

February 18, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Marleau does have 2 years left, with a No Trade Clause.

Still doesn’t help much if the Thrashers are getting pushed around by almost every other team in the NHL on a nightly basis. The SOG against HAS to change, adding a Top Line C(who isn’t all that defensively aware) doesn’t help that much

Let’s Go DEVILS, nice to see my old hometown team taking care of our business.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Brandon Bochenski on waivers in Anaheim… freeing up cap space, perhaps? Wouldn’t mind grabbing him on reentry waivers… this is a guy who was on the top line with Heatley and Spezza a few years ago.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Going along with Craig’s idea of loading up on draft picks and swinging a “second” deal. Trading Hossa to Anaheim (Waddell and Burke being friends) take a few scrubs off Burke’s hands to help clear cap space and grabbing some of those Edmonton draft picks (1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks)tthe Ducks got from Edmonton stealing Penner away. They could probably swing some trades with a team like Los Angeles… Cammalleri, Nagy, Stuart, etc. or give them right back to Edmonton for someone like Jarrett Stoll or to Ottawa for Vermette or Boston for Kessel.

The possibilities are endless. I think Hossa to Anaheim is the best idea… get those Edmonton draft picks… all of them.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

chickenhawk… yes, now you’re talking. ;) I don’t know what’s wrong with Bochenski, he’s been traded around like a fruitcake over the last few years but he’s got skills.

The more interesting question is WHY he’s on waivers? What’s Anaheim up to?

On Marleau… his two year contract has a No Trade Clause attached to it, but it doesn’t take effect until July 1st… so this is the only window of opportunity for SJ to trade him.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bochenski is a Brett Sterling story… tears it up in the minors, struggles in the NHL. Still, he’s only 25 years old. He’s played in some demanding markets (Anaheim, Ottawa, Chicago and Boston). Perhaps, he could be more effective in Atlanta… who’s to say, but I think he’s worth the risk.

By Alan

February 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Marleau has been placed on IR.

By Smoothie

February 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

BG33 - thanks for the correction. I went to NHL.com right after I posted that and was surprised to see he was only 28. Perhaps he’s struggled due to some minor nagging injuries etc. A change of scenery (and playing with Kovy) could be just the elixir he needs…if they are willing to part with Carle too , then I’m fine with a deal with SJ.

Thenet — Little may be the 1st line C of the future, but without Holik, we have not one C over 5’10”. Marleau would give us some much needed size and allow White to play his more natural 3rd line pos.

Kovy — Marleau — Recchi

Kozzie — Little — Ryder(??)

Slater — White — Dupuis

Boulton — Perrin — Thorburn

I kinda like that lineup…we’d have some size on our 1st and 4th lines and some crazy speed on our “checking 3rd line”. That might could work…fingers crossed for some kind of shake up!

By TableHockey

February 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I for a deal with the kings on prospects and picks. If we get the first round from them draft after next we could win the Tavares sweepstakes.

By Left to Right

February 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I would like to congratulate Don Waddell. Now that Billy Knight has made the Bibby trade, Waddell is alone in the cellar of ATL GMs.

The greatest suspense going forward is how Waddell will harm the franchise to save himself again.

By fokov

February 18, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

TableHockey: Why would the Kings be buyers come deadline. They are on the bottom of the league again.

By TableHockey

February 18, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

fokov - just wishful thinking. At the rate the Kings are going they will have a strong prospect in this draft and the next.

Would be nice to have someone like Tavares centering Kovy…

By fokov

February 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Forsberg is officially out of the NHL this year.

By LAC

February 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope Holik goes, would be a Very Positive move.

By timmythebrave

February 18, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

carolina just lost 5 to 1

By B. Thenet

February 18, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I would guess Hossa’s price just went up with Forsberg out of the picture.

By Tony C.

February 18, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

If we go for a pivot as whoever pointed out above we need size down the middle, it’s been a huge faw for years and it’s a testament to #17 & Hoss how well it’s been compensated for the past few seasons.

Even When we had Savard, he’s not a big guy, although he is unquestionably one of the best passers in the game.

We need size down the middle, and somebody who scares you on the blueline.

Keeping hossa we answer neither need without completely and utterly scuttling the farm and any realistic shot of contention for the next 4 years.

I would hope DW puts on his creativity hat and maybe even engineers a three or four team deal.

GO BLUE !!!

By Alan

February 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Windsor Spitfires team captain and Calgary Flames 2007 5th rounder died today

Today is shaping up to be a very bad day for a lot of people in hockey. My heart goes out to the Renaud family.

By fokov

February 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Alan That’s sad :(

By Matt

February 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

The only good of trading anybody (Holik, Hossa) for draft picks is if DW turns around and trades those for current roster players. THE THRASHERS CANNOT DRAFT, DETERMINE TALENT OR DEVELOP TALENT … so what good does it to get more draft picks for them to mess up? They need roster players for their deals. The team could actually improve by trading Hossa and adding a solid D-man and center. They are not built for the playoffs as is anyways.

By The Falconer

February 18, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

re: Bochesnki.

He played for the Blachkawks when they were starved for talent. I’m assuming that he received PP ice time. That’s a receipe for a breakout season and yet he didn’t do much with that opportunity so it makes you wonder if he can produce at the NHL level consistenty.

OK he just look at his stats and he only played 20 games with CHI but had just 4 points there.

By Stats

February 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I admit that I do not follow the Chicago Wolves closely, but if you pull up the roster or the page of guys “in the system” on the Thrashers page - we have some big folks on defense. Are none of them close? Maybe someone who follows them more can comment.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 18, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

chickenhawk — How come you only show up when someone is on waivers? That’s frickin weird, dude!

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 18, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

These damn NTC’s are ruining the game, IMO.

By Andy S

February 18, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

If I were DW, I’d go into fire-sale mode at this point. I know that in the last blog I was arguing to keep Hossa, but with Forsberg and Marleau out it’s a whole new picture. Hossa is the top UFA on the market now, and we could certainly get a great deal of youth/prospects for him. Throw in trading one or two of Holik, Moose, Kozlov or Zhitnik, we could assemble younger a team that may still be a playoff-contender in the SE. We may not make it past the first round, but at least we would have a young team with playoff experience next year.

By BG33Brown

February 18, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Kozlov has a no trade and won’t waive it.

Marleau is on IR but eligible to come back at any time.

By kracker

February 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Craig An observation and request: When you post, you (and others) frequently refer to or answer another poster’s comment from above. Looking back up the thread, it is somewhat difficult to find the person’s previous entry. Would it be possible for the webmaster make the poster’s name stand out somehow? By color or font type or bold or some way? It would help me a lot and would probably help others also.

By kracker

February 18, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Left to Right LOL! One trade does not get Billy Knight out of the Atlanta GM cellar.

By R. Stroz

February 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I know it’s a pipe dream; but, I’d like to see the Thrashers pry Getzlaf away for the Ducks.

The Ducks have serious cap issues next season. So, if we could send the Ducks a lower price center (White) and a prospect for Getzlaf, I’ll take back every negative comment I’ve ever made about DW.

Remember, it’s only a pipe dream.

By kracker

February 18, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz Cap issues, owner and/or fan expctations, GM pressure to get it done, windows of opportunities (like aging players), having a gaggle of ready players or extra pics, expiring contracts, declining revenues, owner’s orders - a whole host of things can cause a GM to do you a good deal at the trade deadline. Maybe it’s just one two many martinis that does it. So dream on…I sure do :) It’s the time of pipe dreams. I just pray DW is on the right side of the unbelieveable deal.

By kracker

February 18, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

How did I fail to list the most obvious reason? Having a player (or two) go down with injury or illness, leaving the GM with a big hole(s) to fill on his Cup ready team.

By Jeff

February 18, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

CC Why is everyone so high on Marleau? He clearly is having a terrible year. And when a team who has reasonable expectation of a Stanley Cup run (San Jose) wants to rid themselves of him, he obviously doesn’t have a lot of value. He’s a $6million per year player who is on pace for a whopping 39 points, and a =/- of -29! Trading for Marleau would be easily one of the stupidest moves we could make.

As far as Detroit goes, we should be able to get Filppula or Hudler in addition to a solid D prospect and a #1 draft pick for Hossa. And remember, as of now Detroit is probably feeling that they have to do something as they have now lost six in a row (which is 2/3 of their total losses in the entire season before this streak began).

We need young, promising, cheap talent. The Marleau deal makes absolutely no sense.

I want Hudler or Filppula.

By Teacher

February 18, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT site doesnt want Hossa or any other Hotlanta Homo loser on Les Canadiens, we are currently number one, and will always be there. The South lost the war, get over it, LMAO.

By Brendan

February 18, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I’d prefer the deal with Detroit, as you’ve described it. But uhh, would Detroit really do it? Especially when they “know” they can get Hossa as a UFA in the offseason? I would still think, even in the midst of this 6-game slide, that the Red Wings will win the President’s Trophy and be the “favorites” to hoist the Silver Chalice, even without Hossa.

If they (Red Wings) would agree, let’s do it!! I want Kronwall, too. Filppula, Kronwall, and Detroit’s 1st round pick. If I were Detroit, I wouldn’t do it.

If I were San Jose, I’d flip Marleau to the Thrashers for Hossa. But, I would think we could get more than Marleau from San Jose. Like a 1st round draft pick, at a minimum. Remember, a San Jose pick is going to be somewhere around 20-25th overall, already in the “crapshoot” area of the draft. It shouldn’t be that hard to pry it away from the Sharks.

Now, Marleau is having a sub-par year. But I think it has a lot to do with a “supposedly” strained relationship with Head Coach Ron Wilson. Many dispute that that relationship is strained. But why ELSE would a player like Marleau suddenly be “tanking,” unless he’s got some undisclosed injury? A change of scenery, and having someone like Kovalchuk on his wing, might just jump-start his career.

The Bruins thought Joe Thornton was “not living up to expectations” in 2005 and they shipped him out to San Jose. Now look at Thornton? Thornton and Marleau went 1st and 2nd overall, respectively, in the 1997 draft. Marleau is not old. He still has the “prime” of his career ahead of him. But Marelau, alone, for Hossa, I would think is insufficient. Atlanta must get more from San Jose.

By Jeff

February 18, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Andy S I agree with you on your points. I think it makes much more sense to get rid of our older higher priced guys.

We have an opportunity now to really stockpile some good young talent. And we can do it cheap. Right now, I’m not really so high on the talent in our farm system, so acquiring young proven players who can immediately step in and get better should be the number one priority.

Additionally, if we off ourselves of Holik, Hossa and Hedberg’s salaries we will have substantial cap room to hopefully lock up Kovalchuk for an ultra long term deal that would assure him of being a Thrasher for his career.

Just my opinion.

By Jeff

February 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I simply think that the prospect of adding a juggernaut like Hossa to that group really takes them to a new level. I believe they know that. Additionally, like I said, their recent skid certainly has to open up some eyes that they may not be as invincible as they may have thought they were.

Also, there is a financial factor involved. Marleau will cost much more than either Hudler or Filppula. Hudler is signed for the next year then becomes an RFA, and Filppula is an RFA after this season. So we wouldn’t lose either one unless by our own choice.

By BG33Brown

February 18, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Jeff do think there is any chance the the Red Wings part with either of those two players?

I say we trade Holik for Zetterburg while were at it.

By GSU-Lee

February 18, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Craig, Hey man congratilations on the pregnancy, I am sure you are thrilled. Prayers for a happy healthy one are in order. As for less important matters, I still think the Thrashers should hold on to Hossa, though a Marleau deal would be okay. I just think Hoss brings a lot more to the table. What team do you think would be willing to offer up draft picks and prospects like that Craig? You said yourself that this year’s draft is a lot better than last years.

By Brendan

February 18, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Jeff, like I said, “if the Red Wings would agree, let’s do it!” There’s little doubt in my mind that Hossa would make the Red Wings better. But would they part with “pieces of their future” to acquire a player that they don’t really need right now and can acquire in the offseason, for NOTHING?

I hope the answer is “yes.” I’d love Filppula, Kronwall, Hudler, etc. It’d be a nice return. But uhh, Ken Holland may not agree. We can only hope that he would.

I keep hearing about how Don Waddell has such “great friends” in Detroit. Well, are they “friendly enough” to make this happen? Ken Holland is a good GM. He’s in the top 3, for sure. If I were he, I wouldn’t do it. Especially knowing that Hossa tends to disappear in the playoffs and could “theoretically” be lost to free agency.

Let’s just say … that the Wings do it. And Hossa completely and utterly lays an egg for them. They’ve tossed us Kronwall, Hudler and Filppula. Would they be “chomping at the bit” to go re-sign a guy who flopped for them … to the tune of $8 million?

Yesssss, there is the possibility that maybe Hossa delivers the Cup for Detroit. Maybe he’ll wind up carrying the team and leading them in scoring. It’s all “out there” in the REALM OF POSSIBILITY.

Being a GM isn’t easy. And sometimes … seemingly “boneheaded” decisions actually work out. And seemingly “can’t miss” decisions utterly fail. There’s nothing “guaranteed” here. The Predators thought they won the cup when they landed Forsberg. They won one (1) playoff game. One.

With DW, all we can do is “hope for the best,” Jeff. I hope pulls off your scenario. Go Thrashers!

By J.B.

February 19, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Kaberle would be great to have. I realize it wasn’t a game time situation, but I was blown away by his accuracy during the AllStar skills competition. I don’t know much about trading players, CBAs, caps, etc… Is there any plausible scenario where we could get Prospal? I thought I heard he might be trade bait…

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Marleau is more valuable at this point in time than Hossa since he’s under contract for two years and SJ is not guaranteed to retain Hossa.

I expect San Jose to trade Marleau for a contract defenseman, such as Kaberle or Kubina.

By Clarence Campbell

February 19, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Eight / nine years is long enough to produce a top-notch hockey team, even though a passionless town like Atlanta allows a guy like Don Waddell a free pass. Seriously, how long would this guy lasted in Detroit; Toronto; Montreal; Boston; Philly or New York?

Simply put, establish just who owns this team then sell it to a new group; fire Waddell; hire a proven coach; trade Hossa, and get rid of any other dead weight who doesn’t want to play in Atlanta!

By dugoutAK

February 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Marleau, Carle and a draft pick for Hossa and Zhitnik!

By Alan

February 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Clarence - Waddell was the former Assistant GM of the Detroit Red Wings, before he accepted a position with the Thrashers. So hey, tell me again how long Waddell would have lasted in Detroit when he has Stanley Cup experience with them

By Jim

February 19, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season many folks noted that we were an awfully small team without many bangers. Now that we are nearing crunch time, it is apparent that our lack of size and grit has come back to haunt us. With teams tightening up and banging at both ends, we come up short in all of these type contests. While Holik may be the only banger who comes away with the puck, we are not going anywhere this year and his $4 mil salary is too high for what he has produced overall. I say trade both he and Hoss and see if we can’t retool with FAs, some kids, and add size and grit for the future. I’m tired of seeing other teams pick on our “Smurfs” and get away with it.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Don Cherry brought up a point during Coach’s Corner this weekend, and I made a similar comment in regards to the Thrashers a few weeks ago.

Cherry was dogging the Leafs for not drafting more Quebec Major Junior players in the draft… I think out of the last decade of draft picks they had maybe 3? And they’re surrounded by Junior hockey. The majority of their draft picks have been European… sound familiar?

He then pointed out that Anaheim drafted 14 Quebec Major Junior players.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Hmm. Interesting. Remember when Eklund was talking about “a huge trade dependent upon a certain Leafs player waiving his NTC”??? Could it be Kaberle? Kaberle does have a No Trade Clause. A 3 way deal with TOR, MTL, Atlanta? Interesting….

Also, If you have Center Ice, Eklund is supposed to be in the booth tonight with the Nashville announcers during the Edmonton/Nashville game. Not that anyone cares. I just wanna see what this tool likes like!

Come on Waddell, FLEECE SOME GMS like Billy Knight just did!

By kracker

February 19, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Craig What’s going on? Are you on the crackberry, cell phone or whatever the AJC provides you to keep ear-to-ground? Maybe you get your stuff from rumeursd’hockey.ca

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

To further my statement, I believe the Ontario Hockey League was part of Don Cherry’s argument as well.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Craig — Is there a story on the Kaberle thing? Or just the picture with a link to this blog? I’m kinda confused….

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Thorburn Thug… they won’t show his face, because he’s supposed to be anonymous, but it’s been discovered several times who he is. Here’s a picture of him His real name is Dwayne Klessel I believe.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 19, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hokie — That is hilarious! He looks like an old burned-out rocker or something.

Do they really not show his face? That is weird, man. I’m gonna watch and see.

Where does the Eklund name come from?

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Thorburn… Actually, he is a musician. I think he’s a folk singer or something. The name came from his favorite Philly player growing up Pelle Eklund… here’s an interesting article that gives more background.

By B. Le nette

February 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT site is….

j/k, how can you have so many GMs in one place and not even have one decent deal yet.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

B. Le nette… most of the discussions happen this week, but most of the deals won’t go down until after the GM’s have left.

The Coburn for Zhitnik deal was discussed at the GM meeting last year, but it didn’t go down until a few days later… if memory serves me correctly, Waddell did it during a home game and then came down to the Post Game radio show with Darren and Dan Kamal to discuss it.

Sorry, that probably didn’t help everyone’s anxiety waiting for a deal. :)

By Jethro

February 19, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT is a nightcllub for queer Canadian snowfarmers.

By GSU-Lee

February 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Jethro, god that was funny

By chickenhawk

February 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

hey, did anyone grab Bochenski off waivers yet? we need to grab him to fill in hoser’s spot.

By GSU-Lee

February 19, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Smoothie what you said about needing size up front is very true. That may be the biggest necessity, whether hepl comes from San Jose or elsewhere, the Thrashers need to be bigger up front.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Do you think the Islanders are feeling our pain yet? Maybe moreso since they’re paying him to not score, not hit and be injured

By Brendan

February 19, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

You know, I read Kovalchuk’s quote about how, “to make the playoffs, for sure, they have to keep him (Hossa).” How firm can Kovy really be about this? Hossa is almost certainly going to leave for another team on July 1, if he isn’t traded before the trade deadline passes.

I would think Kovy knows this. I’d be surprized if he didn’t. He ought to be rooting for Waddell to get him a Center like Filppula or Hudler, someone who will be able to help him excel and meet his goals for the future, rather than lamenting the possible trade of Hossa. If we trade Hossa, it doesn’t, necessarily, mean we miss the playoffs. What it means is … we have to try to “gel” with our new players as quickly as possible.

Some people in the media (Wes Goldstein) seem to think this may be the beginning of Kovalchuk’s yearning to be free, too. As in, “The Thrashers aren’t committed to players and playoffs.” I got that impression, anyway, from Goldstein, who is a notorious Southeast Division basher, despite his repeated denials that he is only reporting facts. Whatever. My $0.02, I think Wes Goldstein would like to relocate the entire Southeast Division, with the possible exception of Washington, to Canada, where he thinks they’d be better appreciated. Anywho. Please ignore my Goldstein comments.

If Kovy really, really wanted Hossa to stay, why wouldn’t just “talk” to him? If Kovalchuk took Hossa aside and said, “Look, I’m gonna take less money to stay in 2009. I’m urging you to do the same,” … well, Kovalchuk would probably need a good dry cleaner. ‘Cuz Hossa would spew whatever was drinking all over Kovalchuk’s shirt.

This is a “business” decision. If Hossa weren’t a dispondent pending free agent, with wandering eyes toward Championship-bound cities, Waddell would never trade him. But he is. I’d find it very hard to believe that Kovalchuk doesn’t “see” this. Truth be told, with Hossa’s departure, Kovalchuk stands a better chance at landing that 12-year/$121.2 million contact that his agent Jay Grossman is probably salivating over as we speak. (Grossman’s still his agent, right? Please tell me, he didn’t switch to Ritch Winter!)

By Smoothie

February 19, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

OMG GSU-Lee — is someone actually talking about hockey?? ;-) Seems like we’ve gotten a bit off the beaten path waiting with great anticipation for some earth-shattering trade announcement…think it’s driving everyone on this blog a bit batty!

I agree, if it boils down to Center A who is 5’10”, 185 vs Center B who is 6’2”, 215, then we should go with Center B unless Center A is someone scrappy with the ability to dig out pucks from the corner and draw defenders away from Ilya (e.g. Mike Comrie) so we can keep defenses honest. Would have been nice to see what kind of #’s IK could have posted playing with KT a full year.

So yes, we desperately need size!

By Teach

February 19, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out says Who wants any of your loser players, as we have enough losers already here. By the way, dont you hillbillies know you lost the Civil War, as having relations with your relatives is no loner legal, LMAO.

By R. Stroz

February 19, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - That sucks, what are Buzilla and Rone going to do for fun at the February 28 Islander/Thrasher game now, chase the blue crew?

By ranallo10

February 19, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Thorburn’s Thugs — Eklund is a former Flyer who is the anonymous blogger’s favorite player from back in the day.

Stats for Pelle Eklund.

By Blitzen

February 19, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hello, Atlanta, we know you want your hands on Koivu, and Ryder and Price, as your goalies are flops, just like all your teams are, loserville, Georgia, ha ha ha.

By Andrew

February 19, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Blitzen, very original and funny. “loserville.” big props.

As far as the Hossa trade, in addition to Marleau I’d look for two deals:

1)DETROIT for Valterri Filppula, a 1st rd. pick, and maybe another prospect.

2)DALLAS for Antti Miettinen, a 1st rd. pick, and a prospect.

In any case its sad (although necessary) to see Hossa go.

By Alan

February 19, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I visited the Habs Inside/Out site earlier today, and saw none of that, Teach. Seriously, go troll somewhere else.

By Jethro

February 19, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Is Teach French Canadian for pedophile?

By Smoothie

February 19, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

TSN reports Modry traded to Flyers from Kings for a 3rd rounder. If he is worth a 3rd rounder, AZ should be worth a 2nd rounder in some GM’s eyes. He could help boost a PP on a struggling 9 or 10 seed out west!

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Alan… PLEASE, and this goes for everyone, don’t visit the Habs Inside/Out site… they’re trolling for page hits. They don’t even care if you read their content, they just want hits for their advertisers.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… but then you’re looking at giving up Coburn (a first round pick) for a second round pick? I don’t think Waddell would cut Zhitnik loose for that.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Habs Inside Out is a disgrace to hockey and it’s fans… trolling around, insulting hockey fans to get page hits… pathetic.

By Craig Custance

February 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Thorburn: No story, just a link to this blog. I requested that the tease be toned down to reflect the content of the blog.

By David

February 19, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

So with the trade deadline approaching here’s my list of players I think would make good fits. With possible trades in my mind.

FORWARDS -Martin Havlat

In my mind, IF atlanta wants to keep hossa this would be the most logical signing. He’s friends with hossa and played with him. Natural left winger, but can switch sides like he did in Ottawa. For him I’d trade Zhitnik. Chicago has said they’d like a defenseman to run the powerplay. I like havlat and he’d be one of the 3 or 4 players i’d be most interested in.

-Valtteri Filppula

I really like this guy. Not much else to say. In my mind i’d give up Holik and a draft pick. Detroit needs another checking line guy and Holik has the experience and is a playoff guy. To me getting Filppula is a good fit for atlanta. Good young talent.

-Michael Peca

The 33 year old Center has always impressed me with his work ethic. I don’t know what I would trade in this case, but he’s a player I like and think would be a good fit on this club. Older, but not too old in my mind. He’s a great role player guy. Though, not a hugely important guy, i’d love to be able to pick him up and add some depth. Especially if we deal Holik.

-Matt Carle

23 year old Dman is high high high on my list. I’ve seen him play and i like him a lot.

• Mattias Ohlund

If I were looking to trade Hossa, vancouver would be high on my list of places to go. They have a lot of depth on D and Ohlund would be the player I’d really want.

I know this is an odd list, but these are the players I think would fit best in our organization.

By B. Thenet

February 19, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Which is worse, cutting loose Zhitnik for picks, or having him around at $3.5 million next year.

By pond scum

February 19, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I’d take a gamble on Bochenski from the Ducks,it wouldn’t cost nothing. Anyone remember a guy by the name of Chris Kunitz? You can never tell.

As for Hossa,deal him to the Oilers for Stoll,Smid/Staois.

Kovy-Stoll-Recchi Kozzy-Perrin-White Dupuis-Holik-Bochenski/Stuart Boults-Slater-Thorburn

Enstrom-Havelid Staios-Klee Excelby-Zhitnik/McCarthy

That would be a good lineup and not cost alot in giving up the future. We would then have a top line center in Stoll and a more capable d-man in Staios on the pk also.

I’m ready for the Hossa debacle to be over with and think that most of the guys are too.It’s time to move on,the sooner the better and we can focus entirely on winning the southeast.

By Smoothie

February 19, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

GVH — better than nothing at this point as I’d rather see a young guy like Popovic or Valabik or Denny get a chance to develop. Not to mention this is a deep draft so the more picks the better at this point.

Also, we need to rid ourselves of his albatross of a salary so we can re-sign Lehts, extend Enstrom now, and lure a true 1st line defensemen to ATL…but will he want to play with Ken Klee on the 2nd pairing? As long as Havelid has another year, I see no reason to break these two apart just yet.

Basically, we traded Coburn, a 1st round pick, for a chance at fame and glory in the Stanley Cup playoffs…its a sunk cost now so I’m thinking forward in terms of what we need to do to make this team better next year and the year after.

And it doesn’t include S*$%nik!!

By Alan

February 19, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

GaVa - How can we be so sure the people running the site are trolling around here for hits? They’re a part of the Montreal Gazette. I would think they’re pretty well funded. Having seen the site in question, I honestly think it’s just a couple of dumb kids who think they’re funny by trolling a message board in Atlanta.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 19, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT is… a website based out of a country the United States could invade and take over at any time we please.

Thanks for the answer Craig. I’d love to get Kaberle, but he has one of those no trade clauses….

By R. Stroz

February 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Modry was easier to move with a salary of 1.2 million than Zhitnik will be with a salary of 3.5 million.

By Terry in Dahlonega

February 19, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Well I sure don’t miss Modry and all the stupid penalties he used to take for us.

But I do get flashbacks watching Holik do the exact same crap this year.

By Tony C.

February 19, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

I’d love to see us get stoll.

By Jameson

February 20, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

kracker, or we could start doing something like this.

By KJ David

February 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hotlanta sucks,, Habs inside/out rules the South,, Hossa a Hab,, Price rules.