By Bob

February 20, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

“Right now, there’s nothing on the table that I’m considering.”

And that is the smart way to play it, keep holding out for the best offer, and let guys keep bidding for Hoss. I’m actually pretty excited that we’re going to get a much better return for Hoss than I anticipated, Waddell might save his job here if he plays this right and gets a great young player back.

By kracker

February 20, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

But….but….BUT….I heard this rumor….and that rumor….”48 hour window”. Ha! One thing is for sure: there won’t be a serious deal admitted to for publication until it is signed and done.

By Alan

February 20, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

A rumor started on social networking site Facebook has Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler coming to the Thrashers… presumably for Hossa. The Facebook profile seems to have disappeared, according to what I’ve read, but shortly before it was gone, there was a picture of Hudler and Filp with the caption “Me and this midget are going to win a Cup in Atlanta.”

Consider too that this particular profile on Facebook had a ton of “friends” from Finland, including Filp’s cousin and brother, and that has to be one hell of a hoax, a hack, or maybe the whole thing has a grain of truth to it.

By B. Thenet

February 20, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Watch what he does, not what he says. I think Dealer Don has had at least one solid offer, and is still trying to weasel a bit more from any interested parties.

By TableHockey

February 20, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Craig. I went out to the practice today and got that same sinking feeling when I saw Hossa wasn’t on the ice.

By NASCAR Dave

February 20, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Come On DONNY…. GET ER DONE!

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 20, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Hockey News predicts Hossa will go back to OTT.

By kracker

February 20, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Good cover for Hossa being AWOL, that flu story…Zhit missed the last ame with it.

Eklund’s latest rumur (!) has Hossa maybe heading to the Bruins…which would surprise me, since they aren’t any more of a Cup contender that Atl. Hossa would be located more in hockey country there though, which might be appealing even if he does say he likes the annonimity he is afforded here.

By Alan

February 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t see Hossa going to the Bruins. He wants a contender, and they’re about on par with us as far as contender status is concerned.

And they’d have to give us Savard back.

What? A boy can dream! Kovalchuk-Savard-Recchi would be a great line.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Waddell must be pretty serious about getting a first round pick thrown in… I’m sure he could easily get Phil Kessel, Jonathan Cheechoo and Filppula for Hossa. He might be asking for the moon, and if he doesn’t get it, he’ll get something pretty damn close.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

I still think he’s going to San Jose. I’m hoping Cheechoo and a prospect.

By Billy Knight

February 20, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

SUCKERS!

By Alan

February 20, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I’d rather see Hossa go to the Wings. But I’m a Wings fan (on top of being a Thrashers fan), so my bias is certainly showing.

By Jason

February 20, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Craig-What is the team’s current status with the draft picks we hold for the upcomming ‘08 draft? More specifically, what 1st and 2nd round picks do we have, if any?

Would love to pry Burke’s Oiler pick from Anahiem somehow.

By Michael Gearon

February 20, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Billy, you’re fired!

Why you ask? Because you were a token hire who turned out to be a surly, dim-witted a*******head. So clean out your desk and hit the bricks!

Have fun hanging with Sheldon in the Landlord’s slum-hood!

By Smoothie

February 20, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I’d love to have Filppula, but we still need a defenseman. I don’t see why DWad would take Filp AND Hudler when they are both forwards. Hell, I’d love to have both of them, but do we really want another midget to play with Perrin and Kozzie on the 2nd line? Perhaps Waddell will throw in a 2 year supply of Charmin so we can get Hudler AND Lebda or Lilja. Gawd almighty, Chelios is 45 years old!! Remarkable.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 20, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Thrash should trade Hossa to the devils for Colin White and some picks

By Russian

February 20, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I still think that Hossa will stay here rest of season and Don get some one to Atlanta. He is not letting go Hossa until we are close to Top of Division. Let’s see what happend.

By Craig Custance

February 20, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Jason - Off the top of my head, I know the Thrashers have their first pick in this coming draft and don’t have their second because of the Tkachuk trade. There’s a conditional fourth rounder floating around from the Vishnevski deal but I don’t know what that condition was. So at worst, they have two of their top three picks.

By Tom

February 20, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I still believe that Waddell wants to be the spinster that will stay on home for prom night because the offers were not good enough.

Think about it, if he trades Hossa and then does not make the playoffs, he is probably gone. So trading a player for the good of the franchise is NOT in Waddell’s best interests.

By ThrasherAlan

February 20, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Ship Hoss to the West—Calgary, Vancouver, or Edmonton for 2 Top D-line guys and a high draft pick. Let Hoss use his new found millions to heat his house.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

If we dont’ have a second round pick this year, then I think Waddell wants a late first round (Detroit, Anaheim, San Jose) or early second round pick (like Edmonton’s 2nd round pick that Anaheim is holding).

Whatever he does with Hossa will have a second round pick attached to it, at least.

By Craig Custance

February 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I think it’s fair to say that Waddell would like another pick in this draft, one considered pretty deep. My understanding though, is there is a big drop off after the top seven players. That’s why that Edmonton pick is such a wildcard.

By Smoothie

February 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

After watching big Walt play last night on Versus, I’m now not so sure we wouldn’t be better off having signed him to a 3 year deal. I think in retrospect it would have been a better investment than Kozzie, with all do respect to Slavamatic.

Certainly I’m happy to have that # 1 pick in this year’s draft. However, how good would Kovy’s #’s look if he played a full year with KT, who now has 19 goals and 26 assists on the year? I’m thinking he would have been good for at least 25 G and 60 pts this year playing with Kovy and another hard-charger like Recchi.

Perhaps we should have spent our money on KT, Bellanger, Perrin Klee & another F/A D rather than White, Kozzie, Klee & Perrin?? Bellanger’s #’s are almost identical to White’s for bascially half the money. Hindsight is always 20/20 but who likes this lineup better?

Kovy — KT — Recchi

Perrin — Belly — Hossa

Lars — Holik — Dupuis

Boults — Slater — Thor

Remember that Belly had pretty good chemistry with Hoss so he might have had a better start if he didn’t have to learn a new linemate every 5 games. And it sure would be nice to have those 10 extra goals from KT and a stronger blueline…SIGH.

By Craig Custance

February 20, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Smoothie: I think the Thrashers would have been happy to make a run at Tkachuk, but it was clear he had every intention of returning to St. Louis.

By Bob

February 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

That Facebook site was apparently Filppula’s, and it has been taken down. Couple that with Hoss out today and there’s smoke here.

Only way I see the Wings giving up Filppula is if they can extend Hoss. This was my thought all along why Hoss changed agents mid-stream, to facilitate the sign and trade, and that might be where Hoss is right now.

I’d prefer to see a defenseman come back to us instead of another midget in Hudler, but Filppula is a pretty solid return, and fills a much needed void. Can Waddell then also go make a move for Ryder to fill Hoss’ void?

Even with losing Hoss I think that actually would improve our chances of winning the division if he can bring in Flippula and Ryder in separate deals.

And I forgot to say “screw you, Bruins” for that ridiculous ending to the game last night. First, they get goaded into a fight with a 1:30 left in a game they’re winning 2-0, lose the fight badly, then let in 2 goals with the Canes’ goalie pulled. That was ridiculous to give the Canes a gift point there! But then I switched over and saw Florida choke up 2 pts, so that was good. The Habs coming back on the Blue Skirts from down 5-0 was tremendous as well, that Sens game was good. Wild-Canuckleheads went to OT, great hockey last night all over the place.

By Smoothie

February 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I hear ya Craig as I just realized, thanks to NHLnumbers.com, that he only has a 2 year deal with STL. I was thinking he got either 3 or 4 yrs and that was a more overriding factor in his mind. I guess you got a pretty good sense for his motivation from the one-on-one conversations you’ve had with KT.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Bob… do you have a link regarding the Facebook verification?

By Tony C.

February 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah.

Depending on the quality and position of the NHLer who comes this way I would think you have to get a 1st-round or HIGH 2nd rounder, PLUS prospect (I would like to see a pivot as the prospect).

I don’t think that’s too much to ask for Hossa

I mean, I’ve seen the guy shoulder his way through both defenders and J. Madden-one hand on his stick before a sick no-look pass to the trailer driving the center slot (Perrin couldn’t quite finish). That, ladies and gents is what you call a “high-impact player”.

Get full value DW!

By Smoothie

February 20, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Detroit’s Lidstrom will be out 3-4 weeks with a knee injury per TSN. Perhaps DWad can now “sweeten” a potential Hossa deal with some defensemen help. How about Hoss, AZ and Pops for Filp, Lilja and a 2nd rounder. I have absolutely no problem with Stevie Mac and Ex playing on the 3rd pairing as long as we can get rid of Zhitnik’s contract now! Not sure who the better puck mover is, Lilja or Lebda, but I’ve seen both play and they would be a huge upgrade period.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Any trade involving San Jose or Detroit will work well for us.

San Jose has a lot of RFA’s to sign next year.

I’m surprised there’s no discussion with Chicago… Hossa for Robert Lang and Cam Barker would be worthwhile… the Blackhawks are running deep with defenseman now. They could probably part with a prospect.

By B. Thenet

February 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Send Zhitnik to Detroit with Hossa and bring up Kwiatkowski, Oystrik, or Big Bad Boris

By Alan

February 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

We’ve been talking about how out of shape, mentally out of it, and how crappy overall Zhitnik has played all season long. What makes anyone think Detroit will take our Zhitty player. That would probably get Ken Holland fired.

By Bob

February 20, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Hokie, go to LetsGoWings.com and there’s a 26 page thread going on over there about it, you can find out everything you want to know if you have the inclination to read all of it

By David

February 20, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Craig What do you know of Havlat’s situation in chicago? I was watching the game last night with them and he looked strong. I had said in a previous thread about him being a player of interest seeing as how he and hossa played together. Do you think that would be a good acquisition? What would it take to get him?

By Terry in Dahlonega

February 20, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

While the Detroit news is interesting, I still have a funny feeling about Montreal. Something will happen with us and Montreal, there’s just too much evidence to argue against it.

Could we see the locker room “switch” on the 26th in MTL? I guess we’ll see.

By d

February 20, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Dan Boyle is an URF - what is the chance that DW would use some of the $ saved from Hossa departing to pursue Boyle? I’m assuming that if the Bolts remain in last place they would be a seller - even to another SE team.

By Brendan

February 20, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

d, the chance is as close to zero as can be mathematically determined. The only way we’d get Boyle is if the Bolts “rented” him to some Western Conference team, who then flipped him back to us. But even then, Boyle will probably re-sign with Tampa Bay in the offseason. And if that doesn’t happen, Bolts GM Jay Feaster needs to be fired, because Tampa’s blueline cannot sustain his loss. At whatever the re-signing price tag is.

Butttt, I like the way you’re thinking, d. As Ranallo says, I have a “man crush” on Boyle. And nothing would please me more than to make TB rue the day that they let Boyle go! And trust me, they’d be rueing.

By MashaPlayer7

February 20, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Off topic, sorry bloggers, but here’s a great read by ESPN’s Terry Frei on transplanted hockey fans. Definitely a problem in Atlanta…

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=frei_terry&id=3248042

By Savard

February 20, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Bob Hartley

February 20, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Yeah, ya’ know, like, you guys are like, ya’ know, suckers.

By David

February 20, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

vandemeer to calgary for a third rounder 09

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=230140&hubname=nhl

By Jeff

February 20, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see that most here are on board with the Filppula possibility. I know Waddell would also want a solid prospect from the Wings, presumably Brendan Smith. I don’t see us getting both Hudler and Flip…that wouldn’t work for us just as much as it wouldn’t work for Detroit.

By HookyBob

February 20, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

I used to take blogger Bob’s comments with a grain of salt. Now I read them as potentially prophetic. Maybe it is the maturing of those old “Hippie roots.” :)

Yes, Waddell plays his cards very close. Hence, I don’t think getting both Filpulla and Ryder is that long a shot. And that might be enough to get Hoss to resign come July.

If not that, I too, am optimistic that we will get good value for Hoss (Again impoving the chances he’ll resign).

Yes,…as Bob mentioned,…our defense would remain “challenged.” So, could we get a good D-man and Ryder? I don’t think free agent Boyle is worth pursuing. Not only is it a SE team but it is questionable if his injury has healed. Who, out west has D-men, and might be interested in Hoss? The Canucks come to mind,…but I don’t pretend to know others. Maybe Kromwell instead of Filpulla?

I feel the realized trade will probably come out of left field,…something not on anyone’s screen (credit Bob) Exciting (and crucial)time folks.

Somehow I can’t ignore the feeling that we may in a “hand-basket” with the temperature rising.

The time is at hand for Don to s**t of get off the pot.

Go Don…Go Blue.

By Dan

February 20, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

the wings will absolutely not trade filpula for hossa seeing as hossa would be a rental since they need the cap space after next season to resign zetterberg. if detroit made this trade and signed hossa and resigned zetterberg they would be getting into the same kind of cap trouble the lightning are in right with most of the cap going to a few players and i think the wings would much rather just resign zetterberg since he is a better player than hossa

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

d… Boyle just married a girl from Tampa so he’s not going anywhere. They’re almost done with a contract extension last I heard. Brad Richards will be the one leaving.

By Dan

February 20, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

sorry hookybob but the wings wont trade kronwall either since they need defencive depth more than another top six forward although it would be nice to pick up hossa. i just dont think hes gonna end up in detroit

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Detroit is looking at Ruslan Fedetenko now… I hope that doesn’t become the trend. Obviously, there’s less to give up for a guy like Fedetenko who still brings more depth for a team.

By HookyBob

February 20, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Dan I don’t recall reading your blogs before,..If that is correct,…Welcome. If not,..my apologies.

You may be correct that Holland, perhaps the best GM in the NHL, wouldn’t part with Filpulla or Kromwell. Despite being a Wings fan (read “fan of the game”) I don’t know what they have in the way of prospects in the piepline.

I do, however, believe Waddell’s forte is wheeling and dealing (note forte is a person’s strongest trait,..but still may not rise to the level of strength).

Perhaps we can still agree that Waddell may still get other good returns for Hossa. The “out of left field” trade remains a possibility. Although not out of left field,.. Montreal has some good D-men, and a presumed interest in Hossa. I would like to see us shore up our D.

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

I believe the Tkachuk deal back-fired a little bit with regards to negotiating at this year’s trade deadline… the Tkachuk trade is a perfect example of why rental players are a bad idea.

Peter Forsberg is really starting to p** me off. Just say you’re not going to play. Why anyone would want him over a perfectly healthy Sundin and Hossa anyway, is beyond me?

By A different Alan

February 20, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Don’t count on Detroit giving up any of its regulars, especially not for a rental — I doubt Ken Holland will mess with the team’s chemistry like that. I don’t think they’d be interested in signing Hossa long-term, either, since after they re-sign Zetterberg they’ll likely have almost $30 million of cap space tied up in just four players (Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Rafalski are the others). The most I see the Thrashers extracting from Detroit for a Hossa rental is Hudler and a pick/prospect or two. I think Holland would rather do without Hossa than give up more than that, and even that’s pushing it.

By kracker

February 20, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

I was listening to the Eklund talkcast…they were talking Boston, that Hossa is close to Chara and he has the Savard connection too…Murray is involved somehow too. I was busy so I didn’t get all of what they were saying. Some Ottawa news reports are saying Hossa to Bruins is possible too, along with Detroit and Montreal. May be nothing, who knows, rumors are rumors. There are probably all kinds of talks going on.

By moo

February 20, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Blow ‘er up already! Trade Hossa to Montreal for O’Byrne/Ryder/first and fourth pick.

Send Holik back to NY Rangers for a first round pick.

Trade the Montreal picks to Philly for Jeff Carter.

Trade Recchi to Chicago or Nashville for another Defensive prospect.

By moo

February 20, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

I HAVE A DREAM……

Kovy / Carter / Ryder Kozlov / Perrin / Thorburn Dupuis/ White / Larsen Boulton / Slater / Stuart

Enstrom / Havelid O’Byrne / Zhitnik Exelby / Klee McCarthy

That finishes out this season and a third place finish behind Washington and Carolina. We should be in line for a top 5 pick overall and ready for a big off-season.

Two #1 draft picks (our top 5 included) Hossa/Holik/Rucchin money off the books (13 MILLION!) That should buy us a top 6 forward and Kari’s new contract.

Plus, another top defensive prospect ready to step up as we buy out Klee or Zhitnik.

By Smoothie

February 20, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Damn Turds are losing to the Craps 2 to zilch right now…dabgum!!!

By kracker

February 20, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

TSN: McKenzie: Any interest for Richards?

Bob McKenzie 2/20/2008 8:08:43 PM

Article

I always thought TB signed Richards for way too much cap money.

By Tony C.

February 20, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Wow how cool would it e to have Richards????

By Jared

February 20, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

moo ill take the Montreal deal and i would take the Philly deal if they would part with him for that. But Carter is an already developed producing player they wouldn’t trade the farm for another farm. Recchi stays he is too fye.

By Alan

February 20, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Enstrom / Havelid O’Byrne / McCarthy Exelby / Klee Zhitnik

There. If we must keep Zhitnik, that looks a whole lot better.

By Manley Malone

February 21, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

I think Hossa for Filppula, Kronwall and a 2nd round pick would be a even up trade.

By Nikita

February 21, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

That finishes out this season and a third place finish behind Washington and Carolina. We should be in line for a top 5 pick overall and ready for a big off-season.

Yeah, but Carolina just gave up. We’d better not finish behind them. And I assume that’s partially why DW hasn’t made any moves — he’s waiting to see if anyone else in our division gives up, so he can determine what our chances are of winning the division.

By pond scum

February 21, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this

All this about teams not being able to trade away a good roster player in return for Hossa is garbage.It’s who you wanna deal with that matters.

But before I throw out some ideas for everyone to look over and give their opinions, I ask of 1 favor.

Stop throwing some of our guys under the bus.Example-

Alot of folks talk about how we should’ve kept Eric Belanger. Well here is his numbers compared to White and Perrin’s numbers.

White and Belanger have played in 61 games,while Perrin has been in 60.

THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT POINT TOTALS at 35 each. White and Belanger are exactly identical except White is a minus-10 while Belanger is a minus-1. Perrin has 3 lesser goals but 3 more helpers than the other 2 and only a minus-2,while also having 7 short handed assists.

When you break it down,about the only difference is in their face-off win percentages. So how about supporting the guys we have who are doing just as good as who they replaced from last season.

Also, I see Kenny Klee getting hammered on for bad play. But when I compare his minus-2 for the season,then look at McCarthy’s minus -22, Excelby’s minus-10, Zhitnik’s minus-10 also…….I just have to shake my d@mn head at some of you folks who constantly wanna bash. Toby,Havelid,Popovic,and Klee are really our best defenseman,it’s a couple of the others who need to be gone. Heck Klee will take the body and block shots,what about Zhitnik,McCarthy? Other than the every so often “big hit” from X,is he better? If so,he needs to be more consistent.

Sorry about the rant,but look at things at every angle,not just by the name on the back of the jersey,age,salary,who’s your favorite ect.

As for trading Hossa, I wished it would hurry and be done with. If he thinks he can line his pockets AND win a Cup somewhere else at the same time,goodluck is all I can tell him. He’s more of a distraction than anything else and I’m sick of hearing about his no desire to play for MY TEAM!

In my opinion,there is a few teams who we could trade his a$$ to and still help us down the stretch.And NO WAY we deal our 1st round pick unless it’s something VERY GOOD in return.

The Bruins- Kessel & Ward,maybe send a 2nd or 3rd rounder back their way.Waive or trade Zhitnik,on reentry waivers someone could claim him and I’d be more than glad to pay half his remaining salary for just the rest of this season,cause I know I’d have that money free for July.

The Ducks- Huskins,Bobby Ryan and that 1st rounder all for only Hossa.

The Habs- Ryder or Higgins and O’Bryne,maybe a 3rd-4th rounder going back also with Hossa to Habs.

Wings- Seems to be the favorite. Filppula and atleast a 2nd rounder coming back to the Thrashers.We could also do each other a favor by again waiving Zhitnik,and on re-entry the Wings claim him and we pay half his salary for the remainder of the season…but IF that happens the 2nd rounder now becomes a 1st. With Lidstrom down,they’ll need some experienced help.Chelly could give Zhit some geritol to help him out.

Oilers- Stoll and either Matt Greene or Grebeshkov. Stoll is having a down year,but is fully capable of being the #1 center we could really use.He’s pretty good in the face-off circles winning draws to,a change of scenery might do him alot of good.Greene and Grebeshkov both have size,can skate, and willing to take the body which some of our guys (not naming names) can’t or won’t do.But most importantly,PLAY DEFENSE IN THEIR OWN END!

Preds- Erat and either Koistenen,Suter,or Zanon. Zanon is more of a stay at home guy,while the other 2 are more skilled puck movers,but all 3 play defense very well.Some extra compensation as in a pick/prospect might be needed,but it would be worth it.

Sens- Yep I’d deal Hossa right back to them for Vermette and Volchenkov.

Sharks- Marleau (maybe Cheechoo,without Big Joe?) and either Davison or Murray.This team needs to get some size and better at defense.Neither guy probably isn’t the second coming of Scott Stevens,but somethings gotta change!

Leafs- Antropov and Colaiacovo.

Depending on who DW deals with and what he gets, I wouldn’t mind seeing Stuart and Kiwi coming back up.

I do believe there is a deal out there that can benefit both teams trying to make it to the postseason.Hopefully we’ll find out sooner rather than later.

By Russ

February 21, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

If these rumors of possible return for Hossa are true, the Bruins offer is the one to take if they would also throw in a fairly high end prospect or pick (maybe 2nd round). http://thefourthperiod.com/news/atl080221.html

By j nes

February 21, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

I read yesterday that San Jose was interested in giving up Marleau or Cheechoo for Hossa. If this is true then it is time for Waddell to make his move.

Cheechoo is the best option for the thrashers right now for many reasons. First lets eliminate all the other rumored offers.

Marleau—yes we need help at center, but Marleau is on IR and Wadell would still like at least a chance to make the playoffs this year right? Plus, we have had enough pains in the groin in Atlanta to last us for a while. Marleau is’nt cheap either at 6.3 for the next two years.

Glen Murray—Has the size that the thrashers need but at 35 years old his game and production has little potential of returning to his 2002 production. At 4.1 mil next year, he could become another Zhitnik/Holik.

Fillupa-Great young potential at the needed center position but lacks size. Also he is a RFA after this season and would be looking to cash in on his first big contract. He would be a gamble because his game is not proven. Any player looks like a potential star on the Redwings.

That brings us to Cheech. The knock on him is that he is having a bad season, but at 27 years old, he can easily bounce back to form. He still may have his best years ahead of him. But Cheech makes the most sense because of his value—he is signed through the next three seasons at 3.0, 3.5, and 3.5. Even if his production drops to 30 goals a season that is a great deal, and look at the money you have left to sign another solid center/D man. The thrashers have proven that they are not willing to spend a lot of money so I don’t see how they could pass on Cheechoo.

By j nes

February 21, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

just saw that Marleau returned last night and had an assist for the sharks. But 10 goals in 55 games still is not worth $6.3.

Cheechoo scored a goal last night on the PP.

By B. Thenet

February 21, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Cheechoo is a solid value at his salary.

The rumors out of Montreal have gained more steam again, a newspaper up there claims the Canadiens have ordered equipment for Hossa.

By lsavard

February 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Rumor from Montreal says this: Pants and Gloves have been ordered from Hossa and will be ready by tomorrow! The Habs would send Michael Ryder et de Mark Streit and a draft choice! Streit has 42 points as a defensman and Ryder has averaged juste under 30 goals per year for the habs… As a habs fan, I think this is giving too much…

By lsavard

February 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Rumor from Montreal says this: Pants and Gloves have been ordered from Hossa and will be ready by tomorrow! The Habs would send Michael Ryder et de Mark Streit and a draft choice! Streit has 42 points as a defensman and Ryder has averaged juste under 30 goals per year for the habs… As a habs fan, I think this is giving too much…

By lsavard

February 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Rumor from Montreal says this: Pants and Gloves have been ordered from Hossa and will be ready by tomorrow! The Habs would send Michael Ryder et de Mark Streit and a draft choice! Streit has 42 points as a defensman and Ryder has averaged juste under 30 goals per year for the habs… As a habs fan, I think this is giving too much…

By lsavard

February 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Rumor from Montreal says this: Pants and Gloves have been ordered for Hossa and will be ready by tomorrow! The Habs would send Michael Ryder et de Mark Streit and a draft choice! Streit has 42 points as a defensman and Ryder has averaged juste under 30 goals per year for the habs… As a habs fan, I think this is giving too much…

By Nikita

February 21, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Also, I see Kenny Klee getting hammered on for bad play. But when I compare his minus-2 for the season,then look at McCarthy’s minus -22, Excelby’s minus-10, Zhitnik’s minus-10 also…….

Ken Klee is always going to look comparatively bad, because he is purely defensive. He has almost no offensive potential (though the stats note that almost all of his offensive potential is represented in game-winning goals), and very rarely puts the puck in the offensive zone — unlike, say, Enstrom, who is exceptionally smart and helpful in all zones. As a parallel, some of the comparisons that I see between Klee and the others strike me like comparing a checking-line forward to a first-line forward — they don’t have the same roles, and they don’t produce the same results.

His defensive play isn’t bad at all — but that’s what you get from Klee. You do not get speed, you do not get scoring, and you do not get a lot of forward motion — but you get a guy who quietly takes hits and makes legal ones, stops the puck, and hands it over to someone who’s actually charged with scoring. Oh, and Klee is big, which is a good thing when the rest of the team is not.

He has nice hands, as well, and is a dependable back-court presence. And obviously the coaching staff knows this, because Klee pulls a ridiculous amount of ice time. So, here’s to Klee.

Toby,Havelid,Popovic,and Klee are really our best defenseman,it’s a couple of the others who need to be gone.

Agreed. Toby is fantastic, and will only get better. My only concern for him is that he plays defense instead of a forward role that might be more compatible with his size, particularly over the long term. But for now, while he is young, he’s an excellent choice.

Zhitnik,McCarthy…Exelby

Zhitnick lacks motivation and comes at a premium, and therefore needs to be dumped. He’s highly capable, and not interested in living up to his capabilities. McCarthy’s a thug with poor hands, and so is Exelby. Though Exelby on the balance is a good presence and moderately effective, neither of them are particularly smart. We could do better.

By HGH

February 21, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Here is the google translation of the Montreal report (always good for a laugh)…

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canoe.com%2Fsports%2Fnouvelles%2Farchives%2F2008%2F02%2F20080221-092019.html

Wow…if true, not bad, Ryder, Streit, and a pick…and hopefully Hossa signs back with us in the summer.

By Hip Czech

February 21, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

sorry for the HGH post…carry over from a Braves blog post :-)

By Russ

February 21, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Please tell me Hossa for Streit, Ryder, and a pick isn’t the deal DW is going to make. Even if the pick is in round 1, it isn’t even close to enough for Hossa. Ryder is a goal scorer that brings absolutely nothing else to the table…and he has 11 goals this season!!! Streit is a good offensive defenseman, but a liability in his own end. If they are both suspect defensively, I guess they would fit in well with their new team…which is not a compliment by the way. Also, they are both UFA’s at the end of the season just like Hossa. This can’t be the return for a world class forward, right?

By Hip Czech

February 21, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

From TSN:

The Marian Hossa Sweepstakes are on hold – for now.

Amid published reports out of Montreal, that the Canadiens have ordered equipment for Hossa in the event they secure his rights, and out of Ottawa, where the Senators are apparently in a holding pattern on Hossa, the focus in Atlanta today is strictly on the Thrashers’ game tonight against Carolina.

Sources say Atlanta GM-head coach Don Waddell is in full coach mode today and won’t be working the phones or advancing any trade talk for the talented winger who is likely to be dealt before Tuesday’s NHL trade deadline.

But sources also told TSN that before Waddell resumes trade talk on Hossa, he wants to take one final stab at seeing if he can sign the winger to a contract extension. That effort, the source said, would likely take place on Friday. If it’s unsuccessful, and Hossa himself has been quoted as saying it’s a longshot he would re-sign in Atlanta before July 1, then Waddell will attempt to close a deal for Hossa this weekend.

Teams reportedly interested in Hossa include Montreal, Ottawa, New Jersey, Detroit and San Jose, amongst others.

By Bob

February 21, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

MacKenzie is reporting that Waddell wants to take one more stab at signing Hoss tomorrow before trading him this weekend. Think Hoss could turn down a 6 year $8m per year offer? Could we even make that offer seeing what we’re going to owe Kovy and Lehtonen? I don’t see any way he signs here, so this weekend the trade happens, and again, it’ll probably be for players that are not in any of the rumors, probably come out of left field on this one. Someone is going to overpay in the Hoss sweepstakes.

I don’t like the Hoss for Ryder trade, Ryder is a UFA and on the downside of his career. Don’t know much about Streit other than he’s put up #’s as a dman.

By David Duke

February 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Who cares about stinkin’ ice puckey?

By Hip Czech

February 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

OK…did not realize they are both UFAs . That sucks.

Hopefully that is just rumors and DW trying to jack the price up.

By Joshgekko

February 21, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I like the Marleau & Carle for Hossa & Holik. Specifically because it helps us past this year. Then bring in a winger through another deal. All while still keeping the prospect of signing Hossa this summer.

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

To all, let’s all just calm down a bit about all of the rumors. Craig’s method of talking about what has been reported is good, but Montreal and Toronto are not good places for news on Hossa. Why? Because hey want him and we have him. If all of these quotes about DW saying “There is no offer on the table I’m considering,” then I believe him. Ryder sucks. He is not Hossa and I do not think that is who DW would go after. PLus guess what? he is a UFA this summer just like Hossa, so why not just hold on to Hoss? Kovy is right, we need him (Hossa) to win the division and I think DW knows this. Burnside said Comrie could be on the block if they can’t re-sign him, DW needs to focus on a player like that.

By Smoothie

February 21, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Streit is a good offensive defenseman, but a liability in his own end. If they are both suspect defensively

Hey Russ, how much more defensively suspect do you think we can get when our team D is a combined -42!!?

Last year, with old man DeVries and Andrea Sutton, our team was a net +24 (yes, + 24!) on the season. One of the biggest reasons for that is we do not have a defenseman other than Toby who is inclined to shoot the puck (and Toby needs to shoot a lot more if you ask me).

Do you realize our team D has a combined 9 goals (count ‘em 9!!) for the year. Last year, we had 26 tallies from the blueline. That accounts for much of our putrid goal differential this year as we are on pace for 12 measly goals.

I for one would welcome Mark Streit and Ryder and a pick if the price (contracts) is right and the Habs are desperate enough for a Cup to rent Hossa at that price.

By Alan

February 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Detroit for Filppula+others or San Jose for Cheechoo+others would be good in my book. The Hossa sweepstakes winner should be prepared to give a player, prospect, and pick (if not a first, then definitely a second rounder) in return.

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

And if he goes to Ottawa, I want Vermette

By Alan

February 21, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

like the Marleau & Carle for Hossa & Holik

Yes to Carle, no to Marleau. Marleau pulls in $6.3m/yr, with a couple years left on his contract. and you want to re-sign Hossa, potentially at $7M-$8M/yr? Regardless of the $4.1M cap hit, how will we afford all of that?

By B. Thenet

February 21, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Craig Does the CBA allow teams to include cash in trades?

The rumour du jour in Montreal involves $5 million coming to the Thrashers. I didn’t think that was allowed anymore.

By Del

February 21, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Hey guys…montreal news headline this morning “Montreal equipements has been ordered for Hossa” Trade is coming….Hossa is going to Montreal

By Bob

February 21, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

If all of these quotes about DW saying “There is no offer on the table I’m considering,” then I believe him.

Actually, you should not believe him. And that’s not because he’s dishonest, but because he’s doing his job. That is the exact right thing to get published so all the other GMs who have offers on the table know they have to up the ante.

Never, never, never, never believe one thing that a GM says in a situation like this. Watch they do, not what they say.

By EROCK

February 21, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

WE CAN AFFORD HOSSA AT THAT PRICE…GETTING RID OF HOLIK AND RUCCHINS SALARY OFF THE BOOKS WILL PROVIDE US WITH THE $$$…EVERY OTHER TEAM IN THE LEAGUE PAYS MORE THAN 1 PLAYER THE BIG $$ WHY NOT US WITH ILYA AND MARIAN ????

By Del

February 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Hey guys….Montreal newspaper headline this morning…”Montreal equipments has been ordered for Hossa”

trade is coming….hossa is going to montreal

By Joshgekko

February 21, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Alan First off, I would love to get Cheechoo instead but theres no way they package him with carle without us giving up the farm as well. Second lets be honest Holik is going to be gone next year. Marleau is right at $2 million more than holik and thats doable. I think that the former 2nd overall has something to prove.

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Del, don’t put all your trust ono the Montreal papers. If a deal was that imminent I think we would be hearing about it from more places than just one paper. And what does that even mean ‘ordered equipment for Hossa.’ Is that really something they would need to do that far in advance? I think everybody freaks out during trade season. Bob, I understand what you are saying, and I think DW was being a little truthful because the media is always a good way to try and get teams calling, but I really think the best offer won’t come until this weekend or Monday even. Teams get desperate at the last minute so this is all part of the process. But I really don’t think DW has heard the deal of a lidetime so far. I also believe there is truth to the fact that DW will likley try to re-sign Hoss one last time, therefore that crap about the equipment is just that, crap.

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Joshgekko, yes but Marleau is hurt right now and he has had a crap year. Last I checked Holik wasn’t that far behind him!

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Joshgekko, yes but Marleau is hurt right now and he has had a crap year. Last I checked Holik wasn’t that far behind him in points!

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Joshgekko, yes but Marleau is hurt right now and he has had a crap year. Last I checked Holik wasn’t that far behind him in points!

By Boulton's Bruisers

February 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

And if he goes to Ottawa, I want Vermette

Do we really need another LW?

By Russ

February 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

*Hey Russ, how much more defensively suspect do you think we can get when our team D is a combined -42!!? *

Smoothie - That’s my point, if the Thrashers are going to bring in a d-man in the Hossa trade, wouldn’t it make more sense to bring in a defensive one than a power play specialist? I understand the goal output from our blueline this year is paltry, but the Thrashers are still ranked higher in goals for than goals against. DW has tried to build this team to win games 7-5 from day one and the results speak for themselves. This team’s biggest problem is the defensive ability (or lack thereof) of the d-men…has been all along and I don’t see it changing any time soon. That’s why I said if the report of Boston offering Kessel and Stuart is true I would jump all over that deal if they would throw in a #2 pick. Stuart won’t put up points, but I guarantee there aren’t many forwards in the NHL that look forward to going up against him.

On a related note, if Kari is truly turning the corner and becoming a legitimate #1 netminder, do you think the fact that he is going to consistently see about 35 shots a game will effect his desire to sign long term with Atlanta? I don’t know the answer to this question, but I am just saying, if I’m an NHL goalie and I see how ineffectively the Thrashers help out their goalies, I would think Atlanta would be about near the bottom of my list for possible destinations when I become a free agent.

By Bob

February 21, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

eRock, let’s just suppose that Marian really doesn’t want to leave, no matter what the money (and I really think that’s the case, he doesn’t think we can win here, and he wants out). So, let’s dream that he agrees to sign for 6 years $8m per year. We’re then going to have to re-sign Kovy in a couple years and give him $9m per year, probably. Lehtonen will cost $3m per year. That would be $20m in Cap space, or about 1/2 the Thrashers’ budget, tied up in 3 players. Let’s say they go to a $44m self imposed cap, that would leave $24m to sign 7 dmen, 14 forwards, and a backup goalie. We’d still have no #1 center, we’d still have no #1 dman, it can’t be done, we can’t tie up that much money in 2 wingers.

Waddell has to trade Hoss for someone young that doesn’t cost much, then there’s money freed up with Hoss gone and Rucchin and Holik’s contracts off the books that can be spent this offseason to acquire a dman and a center.

Now, eRock, you’re right that it could be done if the Atlanta Spirit would spend all the way to allowable cap, but anyone think that’s gonna happen?

By R. Stroz

February 21, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

The only way this team keeps Hossa is:

1) Both Hossas get a contract.

2) The ASG agrees to pony up for a real center.

3) The ASG agrees to pony up for a real blueliner.

4) The Thrashers get a real coach that understands how to create an effective power play and offense, John Anderson at the minimum.

Short of those points, Hossa doesn’t see the Thrashers having any kind of future. Yes I know, the first point is more about family than the Thrashers.

By Bob

February 21, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I really think the best offer won’t come until this weekend or Monday even

I agree, and I think the return we’ll get will be nice, something we didn’t expect, and just may save his job, if he plays his cards right here.

By Tony H

February 21, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t profess to be the hockey expert that some of you are, I have followed the Thrashers for years and consider myself to be a real fan. Having said that, I wonder if the game tonight against Carolina will go a long way in DW’s thinking regarding what to do with Hossa and maybe others. If we win, we are within one point of the division lead. If we lose, well it’s a four point swing in the wrong direction and becomes ever tougher to make up. Hopefully, we can pull out a win against Carolina in regulation - no OT please.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 21, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Is Zhitnik a free agent at the end of this year?

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Boulton’s Bruisers, I thought Vermette doubled at center?

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Do you guys think there is any way we could get a guy like Filppula or Marleau (especially after his $#!+ year) without giving up Hoss? who knows, if we got a guy like that it might convince him to re-sign.

By Terry in Dahlonega

February 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

By Terry in Dahlonega
February 20, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
While the Detroit news is interesting, I still have a funny feeling about Montreal. Something will happen with us and Montreal, there’s just too much evidence to argue against it.

This is what I have been saying all along. Something is up with us and Montreal, there is no doubt about it.

I’m just looking for opinions here, but what about Hossa/Holik/Zhitnik/Sterling/Pick to MTL for Ryder/Komisarek/Higgins/Pick or Prospect?

On a side note, I would try to ship the Moose to St. Louis for Barret Jackman, a UFA D-Man St. Louis will have to trade if he does not resign. It would be a quick fix, but Moose is gonna walk this summer anyways, why not get “something” for him now?

By GSU-Lee

February 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

“…an just may save his job…”

Much to your disdain, right?

By Craig Custance

February 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Marian is back on the ice right now for the morning skate, so the flu must not be that bad.

By Red Light

February 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Andrei Markov is -1. Is he a defensive liability? Chris Pronger is -3. Is he a defensive liability? Lubomir Visnovsky is -20. Is he a defensive liability? Kimmo Timonen is -7. Is he a defensive liability? Braydon Coburn is +12. Is he