Thrashers

By Jarndyce

February 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, but are they all wearing the right uniforms?

By Midfield

February 25, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Craig, could you snoop around the locker room and see if there are packed suitcases stacked somewhere in a corner?

By EROCK

February 25, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

There is NOT enough time remaining before the trade deadline to get all our UFA gone with something in return…….. so that means we will be having some WALK FOR NOTHING !!! Thanks Waddell……..FOR NOTHING !!

By B. Thenet

February 25, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Are you absolutely sure that none of them are in an airport?

BTW, some Montreal radio station reported that the Canadiens press conference room was being cleaned up…Now that is top notch rumormongering

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

So how does this work. DWad sets a press conference time and then we know something is going down or will Craig get the scoop before that?

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Gonna be a really strange day tomorrow if Hossa is traded to Montreal the same day as their match-up… I almost want it to happen just to see it unfold. :)

By B. Thenet

February 25, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

I understand that Hossa just pulled off his Thrashers jersey at practice, and there was a Canadiens jersey underneath. He then hit Lehtonen over the head with a folding chair and proclaimed he will “Layeth The Smackdown” upon the Thrashers tomorrow.

What an exit ;)

By Billsen

February 25, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

EROCK - Calm down - last second trades happen in sports all of the time. With Mats Sundin off the market, DW holds the most coveted prize in the market - he should get a king’s ransom in return.

By Russ

February 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Is DW at practice? I assume not, hopefully he is busy with his GM duties right now.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

If Hossa gets traded to MTL, watch Kovy run at him tomorrow

By Russian

February 25, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hm, Everyone on practice. Intersting idea. I heard rummor that Montreal give us Kosticin Brothers for Hossa. I say that it is a good deal. Come on do something, I can not work today. to Craig Is Zhitnik practicing today???

By Sara

February 25, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

You just know all hell is going to break loose tomorrow. I can’t ever remember getting within 24 hours of the deadline with pretty much nothing happening.

By EROCK

February 25, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

BILLSEN…ALL trades have to be approved by the league office.They only deal with 1 trade at a time per team. With all the other teams trying to close a deal at one time they ALL will NOT get looked at in time for the 3pm deadline !!

By Bored

February 25, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

If DW does nothing by the trade deadline I don’t think that I’ll be renewing my season tickets. What a boring team! Far worse than last year. It’s almost like they don’t even know eachother on the ice.

By Hip Czech

February 25, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Maybe I’ll go into a state of suspended animation until 3PM tomorrow…Hmmm, maybe a case of Brooklyn Brown Ale will do the trick.

By thrashyou

February 25, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

* I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!! WILL SOMEONE DO SOMETHING, I CANT GET ANY WORK DONE TODAY!!!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!*

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Seriously. Someone throw a pie or something!

WE WANT A DEAL NOW!!!!

TRADE HOSSA TO THE DEVILS PLEASE

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Erock… all trade requests have to be submitted by 3pm… the approvals can go on all day long. You’ll be hearing trade approvals for hours after the deadline.

By Vonlindner

February 25, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, I am from Montreal and checking this site from time to time, as well as other sportsnews sites in Atlanta to see what is being said on your side.

Just to tell you, our Coach in Montreal said that Huet wouldn’t be goaling the game against Atlanta… this goes against everything he said for the past 2 weeks.

You have to know that at the end of the year Huet is also a free agent without compensation so a trade would be possible there… Maybe not though…

Anyhow, regarding the rumors about the Kostitsyn brothers… I can garantee you that this is not going to happen. If it does happen, the GM and Coach will be crucified in the Bell Centre on Tuesday.

If there is a trade with Montreal you will necessarily get Ryder not sure who else, but count on Ryder, draft picks and a young prospect.

Not sure about the rest. Remember, Waddell does hold the big end of the stick anymore. Everyone knows Hossa is gone and the clock is ticking… In less than a day Hossa will be a free agent without compensation et Atlanta will lose him and all the value he represents.

Don’t expect too much guys. It is your GM’s fault, he totally mismanaged that file. Let’s just say that if Waddell was playing strip poker, he wouldn’t have much clothes left on him “lol”

By Jarndyce

February 25, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Buzilla: Maybe we could trade Hossa to the Devils for their 6th round pick in 2008…and their entire scouting crew. Then we could move Zhitnik for a 5th and Holik for a 4th and still get better value out of those picks than if we had gotten 1st rounder picks for them!!!

By Ilya k

February 25, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Can a team trade the GM? Whatever DW does will be a bad move. He has made 9yrs of bad moves which has produced a team that is dead last in the NHL if you look at goals for/against. I hate to keep beating this drum but Kari’s save percent ranks 14th so the goaltending is fine. The skaters DW has put together are pathetic. Bad GM’s build bad teams! Hey lets change the jersey color, turn up the music and raise ticket prices!

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Nice… according to TSN, Tanguay is off the market. He won’t waive his NTC.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

F-ing Canadian Frogs

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Vonlinder… it depends on how much Le Habs want a Stanley Cup this year. :)

You won’t get Hossa for Ryder and picks…if you were Waddell, which would you rather hold onto? An unrestricted Hossa or an unrestricted Ryder?

By Ilya k

February 25, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Vonlindner, This is the deeeeeep south. If a hockey GM has no clothes on no one notices. If your team gives up 20 shots in every first period. No one notices. We just have catchy names like Blueland, music so loud between faceoffs you could’nt hear the fans even if they were cheering. We do have some of the best cuisine for the suits and suites.

By JD

February 25, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

WIKIPEDIA page on Hossa… sometimes wrong, I know… but reads… On Monday Feburary 25, 2008, Atlanta traded Hossa to the Montreal Canadiens for prospects Mikhail Grabovski and P.K. Subban, as well as Montreal’s 1st Round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Midfield: If Hossa puts a restraining order on me, I’m blaming you.

Russian: I chatted with Z this morning and he’s ready for anything. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s moved, but that salary makes it tough.

By JD

February 25, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Wikipedia page on Hossa - On Monday Feburary 25, 2008, Atlanta traded Hossa to the Montreal Canadiens for prospects Mikhail Grabovski and P.K. Subban, as well as Montreal’s 1st Round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

By JD

February 25, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Wikipedia page on Hossa - On Monday Feburary 25, 2008, Atlanta traded Hossa to the Montreal Canadiens for prospects Mikhail Grabovski and P.K. Subban, as well as Montreal’s 1st Round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

By B. Thenet

February 25, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Can we ease up on the French Canadian slurs. There is no need for it.

By JD

February 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry I entered that 3 times. (pretty new blogger).

I know Wikipedia can have some un-truths… just thought I would throw it out there for everyone who is looking for any movement/news/rumors

By Sylvain

February 25, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Hi from Montreal ! Hossa will stay here tomorrow night and bring back the stanley cup where it belongs, the real HOCKEYTOWN Montreal.Stanley Cup #25 is coming our way. Thank you Wadell…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Lighten up will ya. I love slurs

By vonlindner

February 25, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Habs’ fans do want a stanley cup… However the management is a little bit more rational than that.

We have a team that can aspire to go far in the playoffs, however, I don’t know that we can pretend to be a serious contender. We are a contender but not a serious one.

Montreal has its development plan. We have a lot of youth and amazing draft picks in our farm club. Offensively and defensively. We are 3-4 players away from being a serious contender and knowing Gainey, he is not going to sacrifice the depth of the team for a couple of players.

He will try to make a trade that will add so oomf to our existing roster… espacially in attack and maybe in defense… we certainly need more experience. Guys we have i believe 9 rookies on our team this year and the younger ones are already pushing.

Anyhow, my point is that there is a plan and I am convinced our management will stick to it. We want the cup but not to any cost. Like some team do win the cup a year and be at the bottom of your division for the following 10 years.

Doesn’t make much sense.

I think your manager should be looking for a sniper, a defensman (good one - maybe prospect), a very good prospect (forward) and a draft pick… maybe a goalie. Basically Atlanta needs to rebalance its team.

10 medium players is much better than one star and 9… well… less than average players.

My humble opinion

By Chum

February 25, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I can almost believe the Wiki article, because both of those guys are 5’11”. Sounds about right for DW.

By Barmy

February 25, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t get too excited about the Wikipedia entry — it listed no source and has since been deleted and replaced with a trade to Ottawa (for two prospects and a 2nd rounder), then that was deleted.

He’s currently listed as being the Pokemon Master (though I’m sure that will be deleted in no time).

By Russ

February 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

No way Wikipedia would have the trade info before TSN or any other site, right??? Right??? Please, someone tell me this trade isn’t real!!!

By vonlindner

February 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

ease up on french slurs… Btw, lots of english people in Montreal too… It’s a big international city here.

I am english speaking… I speak french too though.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 25, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Vonlindner - Why do you think the Thrashers need goaltending or a sniper? I won’t argue on needing defensemen (Plural- that one is obvious)

By Brickhouse

February 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Wikipedia has now revised their site back to Hossa playing for the Thrashers and no mention of today’s date or trade. Guess is that someone sent in a false edit.

By Bruce

February 25, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

EROCK:

About the trade deadline: All the teams have to do involved in a trade is inform the league by the deadline. The league will then work the administrative side and approvals after that if they cannot get to every trade request by the deadline.

TSN’s NHL trade page has the trading rules on it. Don’t freak out. As long as the league’s informed of the trade by 3, it will happen (unless there is some other reason the trade can’t happen).

By JD

February 25, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Read the Don Waddell site on wikipedia…under Management career…. Priceless!! Someone is having “fun” with the Thrashers fans today.

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

TSN is reporting that Peter Forsberg is going to Colorado. That puts a little more pressure on some of the teams in the West (yes, you Detroit) to match the big move.

By atldave

February 25, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Forsberg to Colorado. confirmed let the trades begin.

By Ilya k

February 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Braydon Coburn is a young defensemen in Philly with a +11 on the season. I think we should offer Zhitnik for him. I know he is a little to tall for Don’s defensive system but I think he will be great defensemen some day.

By Andy S

February 25, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I’m agreeing with Vonlindner that DW waited too long. By waiting until Hossa is basically forced to announce that he won’t sign, his trade value goes down. Other teams aren’t going to bet the bank to get him, since DW would be a fool not to let him go.

And I’ll agree with the Falconer, sell sell sell!

By HairyHeckler

February 25, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Zhitnik should be our ‘sweetner’ on any deal involving Hossa. He should come with baggage. That is how we got de Vries. They dumped his salary on us. We should Z’s on someone else. That is better than getting an able body. We can buy one in the market with his money.

By Russ

February 25, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t be more excited to watch Forsberg play about half as effectively as he once did and then succumb to his chronic foot injury after about 10 games. Good stuff!

By Martin

February 25, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Hossa ŕ Montréal…ça sent la fin pour les Thrashers dans la NHL

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Ilya K… I hope you’re joking about the Braydon Coburn thing.

By Ilya k

February 25, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

GaVaHoki, I was thinking Don could ask for a “do-over”. Ya know like kids do!

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

If Waddell would’ve traded Hossa in October the same people on here saying “he waited too long and screwed Atlanta” would instead be saying “he did it too early and didn’t get proper value, he screwed Atlanta”.

You can’t argue that any perceived biases of your own towards Waddell is influencing your opinion, otherwise you’re lying to yourself. Waddell gave himself as much time as possible to re-sign Hossa, it’s that simple. He was doing WHAT WAS BEST FOR THE TEAM prior to the deadline, now he’s hopefully (I can’t stress that word enough) doing what’s best for the future of this team.

After tomorrow at 3pm I expect everyone to lambaste every GM who didn’t rent out his impending UFAs to the highest bidder. Any UFA is suspect to criticism, no matter how small. I’m just saying, if you’re going to criticize Waddell you have to be fair and stick to your guns with the other GMs in the league. Otherwise your bias is glaringly obvious.

By Will

February 25, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig, me and my friends are in Montreal now and going to the game tomorrow. Where are you or the thrashers going out tonight?

By Christine

February 25, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

To trash’s fans : what would YOU want from MTL for HOSSA ? (Do not even think of any of the Kostitsyn brothers)

By David

February 25, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

DW didn’t wait too long to trade him. Just because a deal hasn’t be done yet doesn’t mean teams don’t want him. There’s definitely an auction effect happening right now. The bidding price gets higher as each team makes offers. That’s how it works.

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Will — I’m hunkering down at the hotel chasing Hossa stuff. I’ll be happy if I even get out for dinner. I can’t speak for the Thrashers, but I know they had a great time last night running up a nice tab for Toby Enstrom at the rookie dinner.

By Boulton's Bruisers

February 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Everybody accounted for at practice

Damn, that sucks. Not what I was hoping for.

Hey, at least we can finally stop hearing about Peter Footberg!

By kracker

February 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Ilya k What is Don’s defensive system??

By Sara

February 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Fastest way to give a Thrasher fan a heart attack? TSN.ca headline “Habs’ practice facility collapses”! Fortunately it’s a new facility under construction (and more fortunately no one seems to have been injured).

Somehow not surprised at the Floppa outcome. As a Wings fan, not happy.

By rockdr99

February 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Hopefully DW gets value for the players being offered, Hossa, Holik, Recchi,Hedberg, and Zhitnik — By value, I mean similar to what the sellers got last year — He is holding all the cards — If he does, I can give him some credit as a GM —

Then we have to blend this young talent into something resembling a team — Any championship team starts with defense — I am tired of listening him try to defend the differential in shots on goal, year after year (reference his town meetings) — If our team has plans to approach the elite, we must have a positive differential in SOG — Our goaltending, Lehtonen and Pavalec can then keep us competitve — As the defense comes then we start on the offensive pieces —

A first line center is a must — It enhances the production of the NHL’s greatest sniper — I don’t want to hear anymore about the Steve Rucchins and Todd Whites of the world as Number 1 centers —

Free agent money should be properly spent in July, not “rent a player” in February — Ever notice how expensive they are and how in any sport, they almost never work —

The sellers almost always win — That is why DW better come home with a boatload of assets — It’s the only way he should possibly survive as GM — As a coach, give me a break — Our team has no definition at all —

By Andy S

February 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

ranallo: I am a classic DW apologist. I think he has done a pretty average job. I wish he did better in some aspects, but he has managed the team fairly well. Sure, he failed at his five-year plan, and he can’t sign a good UFA, but he’s done well. Heatly, Kovy, Kari, Exelby, Enstrom are all draft picks of his. He brought in Hartley, which helped provide some structure to the team and taught Kovy some defensive responsibility.

However, I think he sold the farm a bit last year before the trade deadline and didn’t manage to lock up any of the players that helped and were still available. I was hoping that he’d be able to buy a bit of the farm back this year, and as I see it now, he’s failing terribly. He needs to ditch all the UFAs now, including Holik and Recchi. I’d be willing to bet that Recchi would be a perfect rental player, signing with Atlanta again after July 1.

By Andy S

February 25, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

kracker: I think it’s “not in the face!”

By R. Stroz

February 25, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

What is Don’s defensive system?

In the words of Sara, it’s the Wack-A-Mole defense.

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Craig — I know it’s good for chemistry and all, but is it really a good thing for this team to be in a celebratory mood (rookie dinner) when they’re 7 points out of first in their division and at an influx in terms of consistency?? I’m sure it’s calming for them considering the impending deadline, but it seems to be poorly timed in my mind.

Sometimes it seems the priorities of the players are a little off, but maybe that’s my “outsider looking in” point-of-view.

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

What is Don’s defensive system?

The system is the “Oh God, Oh God, OH GOD!!!” defense, and the selection method for the defenders is the “No entrance for people taller than this line (set at 6’)”.

By kracker

February 25, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

I would have been quite happy doing a Thornton type deal in early November, though with better results for the superstar-moving team. Dealing for some young near-NHL ready talent (center and D), a replacement winger and some picks. Zhitnik included if possible (this is partly hindsight but DW could see by then that Zhit was out of it this year).

I don’t know that such a deal would have been possible, just saying that having some young blood fighting for the playoffs now would be better than where we are currently.

DW has unfortunately lost some bit of leverage because of the Thrashers current 3 game losing streak. OTOH, if we were still in the division hunt Waddell might really have kept Hossa for the rest of the year. Now, surely he will have to move him but I am just very uneasy that he won’t get a good return of young talent and picks.

By Red Light

February 25, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10

Would you rather them sit in their hotel rooms gnashing their teeth over their recent failures instead? If you had a horsebleep day at work, were in a city like Montreal, New York, Toronto or wherever, and didn’t have to be at a meeting until 10 a.m. the next morning (RE: the morning skate), would you sit in your room and look for the nearest cord to hang yourself with. They may be a poor hockey team, but they’re adults. Life off the ice doesn’t stop because they suck!

Please.

By GaVaHokie

February 25, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Ilya K… phew… I thought you really didn’t know that Coburn was on the team last year. :)

Higgins a prospect and a 2nd round pick is what I want from Montreal for Hossa.

Otherwise, I’m shopping him to Ottawa or Detroit.

By Anson D

February 25, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hi ATL fans, i’m from Montreal. I would like to know if a trade like this would be possible for you… M.Hossa vs Ryder-Grabovski-P.K Subban-1st round pick

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Red Light — I didn’t realize the options were so cut and dry (pardon the bad pun). If I were in the midst of “recent failures” I’d be working my butt off to rectify those problems, and wouldn’t WANT to take a breather for fear of becoming complacent. Even at my skill level (I use the word “skill” loosely) I always try to overcome slumps by working my way through them. And unlike these players, I pay money to play sports.

I’m not saying they should be melancholy all day and mope over their failures, I’m saying they should be focusing on their flaws and working on them and NOT cajoling with rookies for “traditions” sake (especially with a pivotal point of their season impending at hand).

Go out with the rookies next week, or the week after. Focus on winning now while you’re in the midst of losing.

But you’re right RL, I would probably be hanging out with friends trying to distract myself from my present problems until I had to face them the following day. Thanks for your answer, it’s why I posed the question (no sarcasm intended).

By Barmy

February 25, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, I don’t think anybody is saying the Thrashers should have moved Hossa sooner just so they have something to pick on Don Waddell about, they’re saying it because over the last few days Waddell has lost a lot of leverage. Everybody knows Hossa isn’t signing an extension, plus the Thrashers look like they’re dropping out of the playoff race. There’s a good chance that if Waddell had made the trade a week ago he’d have gotten a bit more than he’s going to get now.

As for the rookie dinner thing, I think you’re reading way too much into it. The players have already been traveling, practicing, meeting, and/or working out all day, so they would have been going out to eat, drink, catch a movie, or whatever anyway. Most teams save the rookie dinner for a long road trip during the doldrums of the season before the final playoff push begins, so these dinners are common throughout the league at this time of year.

By kovylover

February 25, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Hoss is pretty good, but I still wouldn’t be supprised if he got traded to the f-ing canadiens with the way he has been playing lately, i mean not bad, but definately NOT his best………we’ll see what happens tomorrow…..

By Barmy

February 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Craig, I can’t say I agree that the Forsberg signing puts pressure on Detroit (or any other team in the West) to make a big trade. Colorado is four points out of a playoff spot in a conference with 10 teams battling for four slots. Forsberg or no, I just don’t see teams quaking in their boots trying to figure out how to stay one step ahead of the Avs.

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Barmy — Two counterpoints…

1 — There was a five-day lull in activity for the Thrashers this past week, they could’ve done the dinner anytime during that period. Why do it the night before the trade deadline while in the midst of continually giving up positioning in the division to first and second place? It’s like saying you’re going to hang out with your “boys” a day after having an argument with your wife/significant other. Is that wise?? Focus on the problems at hand and enjoy yourself when it’s a more fitting time…that’s my opinion.

2 — Waddell has gained just as much apparent (key word) leverage as he’s lost due to Sundin declining to waive his NTC, Sutter announcing Tanguay will not be traded, and Forsberg hushing the masses and actually going against his word and signing with Colorado. Hossa is now the PREMIER player that is available, and teams will hopefully be forced to outbid each other for his services. Had Sundin or Tanguay been traded things would be different, but right now Waddell is in prime position to get an immense return due to the recently thinned pool of tradeable players.

Remember, Hossa doesn’t have to be traded, and could quite possibly still be a Thrasher if no deals are good enough.

Any inkling of an opinion that Waddell could’ve gotten better prior to today is purely conjecture as none of us here know what has/has not been offered for his services. Teams could’ve been trying to low-ball Waddell since July ‘07, and we wouldn’t know anything about it.

By MB

February 25, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Barmy and kracker, you may well be right that there were better offers on the table last week than the ones currently there.

Or, it just could be that with Sundin out of the running, the teams that considered him a viable option have put DW that much more in the catbird seat.

On the Forsberg deal, it’s a smart call by their GM to try to maximize the energy with the returns of Stastny, Sakic, and Smythe, plus bringing back a big fan favorite. He loses $5M, but no player assets, and almost certainly boosts their horrid PP.

That said, I don’t care one bit for a player being allowed to sit all season and come back with 20 games left. That’s just weak, in my opinion.

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

“impending at hand”…I’m clearly drunk

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

ranallo - Rookie dinner was last night, not tonight. Actually it was the perfect time to do it. Great city, no practice until 1:30 p.m. And I have no issues with a team bonding event.

Barmy - You may be right, but I really like that Colorado team now that they’re getting healthy. Plus there’s still some deep-rooted feelings between Detroit and Colorado.

For those of you who get RDS, Bob Hartley will be doing some trade deadline analysis. Better brush up on your French.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 25, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Maybe our bumbling Donny will come forth from his hole in the ground and “guarantee” that we’ll make the playoffs this very year…

Deja-vu all over again.

(Haven’t we learned to lower our expectations concerning Donny and his “judgment”, folks??? We have his track record of nine years of mostly ineptitude—and you have one ounce of faith that he’ll ‘finally’ get it right???!!!)

You should feel foolish. Don’t listen to his little pied-pipers around here, either—they’re just as laughably clueless…

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Custance — I too have no problem with “team bonding events”, just rather the timing due to the 3 game losing streak and likelihood of a turnover in players in the next day. Last week you wouldn’t have heard a peep from me, but today it comes off as a lack of understanding what situation they are in. But Red Light’s point about relaxing between practices is valid, I can’t dispute wanting to be chill during a trying and tiring time of the season.

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Mike Babcock told Ansar Khan with Booth Newspapers that Filppula isn’t going anywhere: “Guys like Val Filppula and (Johan) Franzen … they’re not going anywhere. I can tell you right now, they’re not going anywhere,” Babcock said.

By Barmy

February 25, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, I understand what you’re trying to say about the dinner (which was not the night before the trade deadline), but I don’t understand what you expect them to get accomplished just sitting around the hotel. I imagine they came back to Atlanta during a five-day lull, so that isn’t really a road trip (and there are reasons — family, personal business, avoiding drinking and driving, etc. — they do these things on road trips). And I think if you read interviews with players and coaches you’ll find that they widely regard these dinners as a team-building exercise. In short, I think you’re making way too big a deal about it.

As for waiting to trade Hossa, I completely understand your viewpoint. My point, though, is that people who hold my viewpoint don’t hold it just to gripe, there’s a legitimate argument behind it. Whether today’s events increased Waddell’s apparent leverage “just as much” as it has declined is debatable and depends on just what GMs are willing to give up this year.

You’re right that Hossa doesn’t have to be traded, but what constitutes a “good enough” offer when the alternative is to get nothing? Put another way, what do the Thrashers gain by not trading him, particularly if they don’t make the playoffs?

The general consensus among GMs is that teams overpaid for their rentals last year, so if Waddell is holding out for 2007-type offers then I think he’ll be disappointed. At this point, I think his best bet might be to wait until 2:59pm tomorrow, then take the best offer on the table no matter what it is.

MB, I agree Forsberg is a good signing for the Avs, I just don’t think it’s something that will force the hands of other GMs (at least not amongst the elite teams). As for sitting out all but the last 20 games, it’s what he would have been doing anyway if he were under contract — he just would have been getting paid to sit.

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

ranallo: This rookie dinner was planned long before the three game losing streak.

By Barmy

February 25, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Craig, I can’t find it at the moment, but I seem to recall an article in the Detroit Free Pres a couple of weeks ago where Ken Holland said he wasn’t going to trade anybody from the NHL roster — picks and prospects only.

By bart

February 25, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Will DW let all of the UFA’s walk without getting anything for them? Will the owners let that happen? Does all of management/ownership think this team can get into the playoffs? Do something already we are tired of waiting.

By ranallo10

February 25, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Custance — That just makes too much sense, stop using sense when talking to me.

Barmy — You’re probably right, I’m likely taking this rookie dinner too seriously (though I don’t feel i was taking it seriously, just kinda bothered by how the timing worked out). I’m sure Enstrom enjoyed the last dinner he’ll possibly have with Hossa as a teammate. No more “remember that time I passed it to you and you scored? That was wicked sweet, eh?” for him.

As for “good enough”, it’s determined by Waddell and NOT us fans. Waddell’s making a business decision, it’s his job. He’s not making a move to placate his fans, but rather to please his bosses. Moving Hossa for Ryder (two UFAs after this season) is what I would consider “not good enough”. Hossa for Ryder and picks is not good enough still. In fact, I feel most of the scenarios people keep spouting can be improved upon to the point that they fit the “good enough” intangible (by throwing in young talent and/or prospects). However, this team could still be best served by a side deal, where a spare part is given up for immediate help with Hossa still on the roster.

“Good enough” is different depending on who you talk to, but from what I’ve been seeing out of Waddell’s reactions regarding Hossa, “good enough” is just short of the name Hossa on the back of a Thrashers uniform. He seems to want an immediate impact player to help cushion the loss of Hossa, one that can shoulder the same burden as Hossa and still play admirably, and he seems to want future prospects or draft picks to boot. Is that asking too much? Possibly, but if he doesn’t receive what HE deems good enough, he does not HAVE to move Hossa. Waddell’s job is not to sit around in November and trade away his best all-around player because people will feel he’s trying to salvage his job, but rather to attempt to build a competitive team WITH Hossa. Most feel he failed at that (competitive team), and now he’s trying to make the best of what he’s done/not done.

There is no arguing that this team is better with Hossa on the roster. “Good enough” could be keeping Hossa and improving elsewhere, not giving him away for log-jammed prospects and current non-NHL caliber players.

The verdict on the Hossa decision will not be out for some time, so I think it’s rather useless to claim Waddell’s already made a mistake.

HAS THE DEADLINE PASSED YET!?

By MB

February 25, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Sage, I don’t think it’s faith in DW or his abilities that has people somewhat hopeful. I think it’s the general perception that not even Jerry Lewis could screw up this one. But we’ll see soon enough, won’t we?

By Mike

February 25, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

In response to the rookie dinner discussion, I see ranallo10’s point. This team should be on the ice or in the film room trying to solve their problems. They shouldn’t be celebrating ANYTHING. Granted it was planned a long time ago, but still seems odd to be celebrating when they SUCK.

By thrashyou

February 25, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I CAN’T TAKE IT!!!!!! WILL SOMEONE TRADE SOMEONE!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

By B. Thenet

February 25, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

We should be happy the rookie dinner did not involve someone stealing a purse like the Canadiens did.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

MB—and WHO would have thought that an expansion team with numerous top-five picks would turn into the 2nd oldest team in the league—and just as close to the bottom of the league as in winning a woeful division???

2nd oldest team in the league??? Brendan has said it before and it’s worth repeating: ‘THINK’ about that.

Don Waddell. The problem—not the solution. The problem for near a decade. The little fraud of a GM is so far in over his head it’s not even funny anymore…

By Bob

February 25, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Whether today’s events increased Waddell’s apparent leverage “just as much” as it has declined is debatable and depends on just what GMs are willing to give up this year

Actually, today’s events decreased the return for Hoss. Why? Foppa to the Avs scares no one. Sundin will not be moved, if he had been picked up by a contender, that forces the hands of the competition to improve their clubs. People stand pat, no one has an impetus to move.

Now, tomorrow, I expect Brad Richards to be moved, depending on who picks him up, that might help us get a better return for Hoss and let’s hope Richards goes first.

I’ve been saying since last summer that the time to trade him was then, when it was obvious that Hoss wanted out of here. Waddell told everyone and their sister that his first priority was to re-sign Hoss before the season started. When it was clear he wasn’t re-signing here (and that’s been clear all year, if you’ve been paying attention), then that was the time to trade him. The return we would’ve received for Hoss would’ve been much higher if Waddell had traded him this past summer. But old Don played poker and lost again, he gambled up until Friday’s sitdown with Hoss that he could re-sign him. Oops. Once Again.

Hoss would’ve brought a great return prior to the season, since the buyer would’ve been willing to give up roster players that would’ve helped us all year, probably could’ve got the center we needed and a decent dman. Now, no one wants to touch their roster, except for us and a few other schlubs, everyone is pretty competitive. Oops.

My guess is we see Hoss moved, and that’s it for the selling. No Holik, no Zhitnik (please, who else is that stupid to trade for him). And I wouldn’t be suprised to see him bring in Ryder in a gasp effort to try to save his job.

By Brendan

February 25, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

I do wonder about “what if” scenarios. You, Brendan?? No, it’s true. :) But what if Hossa had PRIVATELY told Don, on July 2, 2007, “I want to be traded.” And Don got the chance to “stealthly” shop him, until he heard an offer he thought was “good enough.” Effectively, that made Hossa a FREE AGENT last Summer. No one would know except the GM’s Don actually contacted.

What if the Flyers wanted Hossa more than Briere? What if the Rangers wanted Hossa more than Drury or Gomez? Couldn’t something have been worked out between Atlanta and Philly or Atlanta the Rangers?

What if the Oilers wanted Hossa more than they wanted Vanek?, whom they targeted with an RFA offer sheet, for $7 million? What if Edmonton wanted Hossa more than they wanted Penner? I mean, GM Kevin Lowe was willing to part with four (4) 1st round draft picks to get Vanek. And he parted with a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounder for Penner. Wouldn’t Waddell have been offered that much for Hossa?

Well, c’mon now. Philly, NYR or EDM would want Hossa “locked up” for a few years. Again, couldn’t that have been discussed back in July? On the “QT?” Couldn’t Hossa have even said, “I want to go to Detroit.” Or “I want to go to New York.” Or “I want to go to Chicago.” Or whereever.

Call me “certifiably crazy,” but I still have “some” faith that Don could have found NHL players or a tremendous return of draft picks for Hossa, while he STILL HAD the rest of July, August and September to manage his cap and roster.

Food for thought. I don’t think anything in this post could label me a “Waddell-hater.”

By Craig Custance

February 25, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Prospal to Philly.

By kracker

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

hockeybuzz: prospal signed w/ flyers

By Tom

February 25, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Team dinners have to be on the road. How the heck could you have one at home with all the commitments the guys have to family.

And if they had it at home the wives would want to come. And you just can not have that… :()

By LAC

February 25, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Well CRAIG… Sorry to see you ignore my request of asking about waddell resigning…

With Marian wanting to be with a WINNER, he is telling ALL NHL players, YOU DO NOT WANT TO PLAY IN ATLANTA.

What he means, we are CHEAP, Poorly run by some “owners” who have NO clue and are as dishonest as the day is long.

We have no prospects, we have no solid feeling that we will ever sign UFA’s that will HELP the team, and I sense the fans here have just about had it with the ownership and ESP don waddell.

I akin the current state of affairs with that of the Charlotte Hornets of the nba several years back.

The owner Geroge Shinn, was a lot like the owners of the Thrashers… CHEAP, he raised ticket prices, put a poor product on the court and the fans revolted. They went from leading the league in attendence to drawing about 7,500 per game their last season in Charlotte… The fans had enough of his BS !

Same case here, it is about a carbon copy. Only difference in the equation is owner VS owners…

Shinn was cheap, asg is very cheap, Hornets were poorly run, Thrashers very poorly run and so on.

Fans said enough of a bad product, quit going and team moved to N.O.

Same thing is going to happen here, at least with the fan revolt I believe. The fans here want a WINNER, this team This year stinks period.

We have gone from Champs of the SE to duds… The fans are NOT going to support this team in it’s current state, either they get their act togather, a NEW GM, a NEW OWNER and a whole NEW direction or 7,500 per game is very, very likely.

It’s very sad, but after close to 10 years in the NHL we should be one of the better teams in the league, but a TERRIBLE GM and lousey liar’s as owners… well we see the results.

Good Luck Marian, you have been a REAL professional while playing here, You have been a true example of what a professional is all about, YOU deserve better, we know it , You know it,It’s a DAMN shame the Atlanta STUPID GOOFS and IDIOT don waddell have no clue to what being professional is all about.

Good Luck Marian Win The Stanley Cup !

By The Falconer

February 25, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

LAC: The Thrashers spend up to the cap max the 1st two seasons after the lockout. It is quite a stretch to call that “cheap” since they finished above the league average each year. This year they’re below average but not by a whole lot. You can say many critical things about A.S. but they’re not as “cheap” when it comes to player payroll so far in this history.

By David

February 25, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Not to be a douche, but if marian hossa wanted a “winning” team…maybe he would have played better all year.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 25, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Well, David, you ARE being a douche…Just man-up and admit you were wrong about Waddell—like so many other sheep…

By David

February 26, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

how am i douche for saying that?

hossa’s numbers last year

43 goals, 57 assists, +18 and 340 shots on goal

this year…

26 goals 30 assists, -14 and 229 shots on goal

he’s projected to finish with

34 goals, 39 assists, -18 and 298 shots on goal

as of right now a 32 point difference in plus/minus. That’s HORRIBLE. I’m sorry, but as good of a guy as he may be…i don’t like somebody using the “winning” team attitude towards a franchise when they themselves don’t produce how they should.

By GSU-Lee

February 26, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

David, you have to remember that Hossa has been used in much more of a defensive role this season. And I think the +/- is because of his time on the pk, which has increased this year. And, it isn’t all his fault. The team was a lot better last year. Hossa is the real deal my friend, and that kind of pressure would make it harder for you to perform too. And as of late, he’s the team’s best player

By LAC

February 26, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

The Falconer… Come on, Please give me a break…

The cap was $39M then $42 I believe, Not it’s over $50 and they are way under that, and sign worthless UFA’s ?

No CHEAP is The Word for this gang.

After the nine season’s we should be blogging about what a great win last night, so and so is so hot right now, we lead the East by 20 points. Did you see those saves, WOW held them to 10 SOG, another shutout, we sweep Carolina this year…

That is WHAT we should be doing instead of watching one of our best players leave, because HE KNOWS they are CHEAP B******* !!!!!

Hang the cheap label some where else Falconer, these GOOFS are DUMD/STUPID/DISHONEST AND CHEAP AS HELL !

By Mike

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

David is pointing out stats that are a direct result of Hossa’s effort, or lack thereof. He has not tried, and it shows. He constantly gets beat on the boards and can’t seem to maintain puck possession like he did last year. He didn’t loose his skills over the summer. He just stopped trying. Except for the Detroit try-out.

TO HELL WITH HOSSA. Good riddance. Take Don Waddell with you PLEASE.

Maybe Hossa will go to Montreal and Boulton, Exelby, and Kovy will KICK HOSSA’S @$$ Tuesday night. SCREW HOSSA.

By GaVahokie

February 26, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT site has just announced all Southerners are relative boingers as well as eating straw and watching hee haw. So what if we do that. LMAO, AND tHRASHERS ARE BITDS, SO GO FLY OFF.

By Sara

February 26, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this

Bob if Waddell had shipped out Marian last summer or earlier this season, then you and others would be griping that yet again Donnie let another prime player just leave Atlanta without even attempting to sign him.

As for the owners - they have gotten stingy and the evidence is all around, not just in the payroll department. Less staffing in the arena for games, few perks, fewer decent give-aways at games. And having the gall to raise ticket prices after a clunker season cause they need more money.

By Keeing It Real

February 26, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Speaking of trades, Mike Vick reportedly traded his Herpes with women for a few minutes of PLEAZURE.

By Ga Hockey

February 26, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

If they do trade with Montreal tonight, at least the traded players wouldn’t have to fly to their new city. Heck they could be traded and play for their new teams that night.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Hi Craig. I will be in the minority in what I am about to say but so be it. I would rather field a team WITH NO superstar than one which has been completely neutralized. I would much rather see a team of above average players busting their buns every time they hit the ice than a franchise player who may score a load of goals one outing then go silent for games on end. It is much easier to game plan defensively for ONE player than 20! Shut down Ilya Kovalchuk and Thrashers are impotent. Same with my beloved Calgary Flames and that Iggy guy. Supporting cast goals scored from time to time not nearly enough! Much rather have four players with 15 goals each than one with 60. I like and respect IK but he will never be a one-man team. No one can. Not even Wayne Gretzky was. Although he and came close! Anyone else in tune with these sentiments? Oh well. Getting primed for big showdown later. Will Thrashers go bellyup again? Will Letemin exit LaLa Land long enough to make a few saves? If he plays! Stay tuned to same bat channel at same bat time. GO BLUE!

By Tony C.

February 26, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

“go fly off”????

BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAAAHAHAAAA

Snow-Elves are funny.

By Bob

February 26, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Bob if Waddell had shipped out Marian last summer or earlier this season, then you and others would be griping that yet again Donnie let another prime player just leave Atlanta without even attempting to sign him

Dead wrong, ma’am. I have been blogging on here since before the season started that Hoss obviously wanted out of here and Waddell should trade him before the season started so he could max the return for him. I said that last September and 20 times since.

So no, I would not do what you wildly and incorrectly accuse me of, you obviously haven’t been reading these blogs all year. I would have applauded him for a correct decision as my view was not with the benefit of hindsight, it was foresight as I was saying it at the end of last summer. You know, foresight, like the most important quality our GM should have had?

By ranallo10

February 26, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Tony C. — Yeah, I’m still trying to figure out what “BITDS” are, and how someone becomes a “boinger”.

Bob — The problem I still see with your point is that you’re assuming there were trade partners willing to move NHL caliber players for Hossa before they realized what sort of team they had assembled in November. This year is proof that GMs are approaching trades differently than in the past, and unless the CBA is adjusted to allow for money to exchange hands in transactions we might see this type of year yet again.

Prior to the Stillman trade I can think of only one trade that happened involving two substantial NHL caliber players, Andy MacDonald to St. Louis for Doug Weight. This was about the time Burke was complaining publicly about not being able to shed salary in trades (yet he built the team up to the salary cap BEFORE Selanne and Niedermayer hit the books).

I feel your assumption that Waddell would’ve gotten greater value in November has no foundation. Facts don’t seem to back up that assumption. HOWEVER, you could also be right and Waddell simply said “no, I’m not interested” to any interested GM. Once again, this entire discussion is simply debatable and not able to be proven one way or the other.

By Brendan

February 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I want to amplify Bob’s post. I don’t think anyone would “claim” Waddell shipped out another star player without even attempting to re-sign him. I would argue, without being able to prove anything, like Ranallo says, that Waddell did reasonably put forth an effort to re-sign Hossa in July, but when he realized that wasn’t going to happen, he traded him … right then and there, in the 1st week of July. For whatever the best return was.

Now, I want to clarify. There’s no “time limit” on that trade that says it has to be the 1st week of July. On the contrary, the trade has to occur when it MAKES SENSE for Atlanta, in terms of an acceptable return for Hossa. And, also, I would argue, without being able to prove it, that Waddell could have even re-worked Hossa’s contract for the gaining team, had Waddell asked Hossa to which team he wanted to be traded?

Stop. Why is that “unreasonable?”

On July 1, 2007, Waddell signed Centers Eric Perrin and Todd White. On or About June 28, 2007, Waddell said, “I’ll get Hossa re-signed soon. I won’t say July 1st. Or July 3rd. But sometime thereabouts.” Parphrasing a bit, that ISSSS what Waddell said. So, on July 3rd, or so, when he realized the negotiations weren’t going so well, he could have said, “Marian, if you’re displeased with our offseason moves, and you want to be traded, and you’re willing to sign a longterm deal with a new team, would you please tell me which team you want to go to, and I’ll make it happen for you. Just give me some time to work out the details with …sayyy … Detroit.”

Had Waddell taken this approach, or if Marian Hossa had “flat out” demanded a trade, privately, Waddell could have stealthly shopped him to Hossa’s choice of team, or any team from which Waddell thought he could get a “good return.”

I’m not a Waddell-hater. I just think he missed an avenue of opportunity, in favor of “wishful thinking” that Marian could be swayed into re-signing with Atlanta. A GM has to “take stock” of what he’s got and his situation.

Now, maybe, Waddell did just that. And he concluded that it was in Atlanta’s “best interest” to simply let Hossa play out his contract here, and gamble on the playoffs. I think that’s what happened. Theoretically, the playoffs are still in sight, with 14 wins in the next 19 games. But why even take this risk, back in July? Why not get two players, maybe three, while teams are still setting their rosters and budgets for the coming year. I’m sure some contending team could have found a $6 million cap hit for Hossa, while shipping assets back our way. In July, perhaps Kronwall could have been procurred, with J. Hudler, and a draft pick for Hossa? As Ranallo says, “it’s all debatable.” But Bob and several other bloggers voiced this very concern, back in April, May, June, July, August … etc. I doubt anyone would have blamed Waddell for trading Hossa … when … realistically … what ELSE was he supposed to do? With Hudler, Kronwall, and a draft pick in tow, possibly as a yet another negotiable trade instrument, Waddell might have even plucked a 3rd player, elsewhere in the league. Three players for Hossa … before the season even started … wouldn’t mean, necessarily, that the Thrashers would have been out of it, in terms of playoffs. Think about it.