Thrashers

By NASCAR Dave

April 4, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

No Beast, please. No Waddell either.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/

By MB

April 4, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

CC, doesn’t Tampa Bay hold the 30th spot as of this moment?

Looks like they’re tied with LA at 71 pts., but LA has won one more game (which I thought would give them the edge, if they remain tied).

Keep rooting for St. Louis…GO BLUES!!!

As for Beast, I’ve said my peace before. If he’s the choice, then I hope I’m totally wrong about him. And since there’s little doubt that Recchi knows more about hockey than I do, I very well may be wrong.

By Mac

April 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

A loss would definitely be the best thing as far as the draft, but with Lacavalier out the chances for a win just went up quite a bit. I can’t actively root for them to lose, but I’ll be happy if they do. Thinking of Kovalchuk and Stamkos playing together takes me to a happy place, but I’m not holding my breath, since when has this franchise ever had any good luck? If miracles involving lottery balls and Stamkos don’t happen, I’d like Pietrangelo.

As for Beast, I wouldn’t have picked him, but who am I to argue with the guys who work with him everyday? If his hands have really been that tied, I guess it would be interesting to see what happens.

Oh - and a drawing to go to the draft lottery? AWESOME!

By Craig Custance

April 4, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

MB - If we’re keeping it real, I don’t know what the tiebreaker would be for the last spot. Anybody care to look it up?

By Mac

April 4, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Kukla’s Korner posted the tiebreakers for playoff standings last night, and I see no reason they’d determine last place any differently:

To be clear, it’s the 2nd list.

By silverpork

April 4, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I’m curious as to why some people are so against the Beast. I realize there are certainly other great candidates, but when so many players are so vocal about their support for him, and so many analysts have said that if DW does not hire him, he will get hired away from ATL within a year or so and given a head coaching job elsewhere, what’s the basis for being so convinced he’s the wrong choice?

By kev

April 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

That’s right. Since TB has one fewer win than LA, Tampa is looking at the first pick if they lose and LA loses, or if they win and LA wins. TB will have the second pick if they win on Saturday and LA loses to Anaheim. Would love to see Stamkos with ATL but I won’t be too disappointed with one of the defenders (Doughty or Pietrangelo).

By d

April 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

What’s the big deal about the #1 draft pick for the Thrash - just remember these two words: Patrik Stefan.

By A$G

April 4, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

McCrimmon is a good choice. We won’t have to spend any more money. We don’t like spending money. We want you fans to spend money. Come down for fan appreciation night. WE APPRECIATE YOU FANS SO MUCH! You continue to spend your money on our tickets while we stay at the bottom of the league on salaries!

Thank you all so much for your support!

$incerely, A$G

By silverpork

April 4, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

d - I think the consensus amongst pro scouts is that the only similarity between Stamkos and Stefan is the first letter of their last name. Beyond that, two completely different players. Granted, many 1st rounders have gone on to early retirements, but Stamkos seems to be the real deal.

By Craig Custance

April 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Kev - I agree that the Thrashers are in good shape no matter what. I really like what I hear about Doughty, although he’s not the biggest defenseman.

By BG33Brown

April 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

silverpork I am against the beast b/c these players haven’t done anything to justify keeping any coach on that bench around. If they wanted Beast to be their coach, they should have spent the last 76 games showing that he deserves it.

By B. Thenet

April 4, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I have not been pleased with Beast’s lack of accountability for the teams performance this year. “Don’t ask me, I’m not in charge”, “That decision is above my pay-scale”, that doesn’t sound like HC material to me at all.

In addition, other than Enstrom and Havelid, our defense took a major step back this year across the board.

It is hard to see this team getting any better with Beast running the team.

By Bob

April 4, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

silverpork, the reason that I and many others don’t want Beast is that Beast has been in charge of our defense since he’s been here. Any more questions? lol. The club needs a complete enema, which we aren’t going to get and they’ll wind up going cheap and signing Beast as he may be the only guy that would take the job under Waddell, which brings me to this…

I read between the lines the info from Craig above about sending a fan up there for the draft, and I’m thinking it’s because they firing Waddell Monday morning, right, so he won’t be there at the draft since he got s** canned, right? Right? Uh…I get the Atlanta Business Chronicle and guess what one John Mannasso reported in there in his article about the Spirit and how season ticket renewal sales are down for the Thrashers (there’s a shocker). Try this on for size, I’ll paraphrase here “in an unpublicized move last year, the Spirit gave Waddell a 2 year contract extension after he took over the coaching reins and went 11-4”. Yes, that was the sound of my head banging on my desk that you heard earlier today. Here’s the link if you have a subscription

Excuse me while I go get liquored up tonight trying to forget what morons we have for owners, they gave Waddell a 2 year contract extension after 3 weeks of coaching and getting the standard bounce after a coach firing. Morons. Did I say they were morons? Morons. Complete and utter morons. We are poly-screwed. Completely and utterly screwed. You just know they’re not going to eat that money. Morons. Friggin morons. Levenson, Levenson, Levenson, You Suck!

By silverpork

April 4, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown, I’d argue that had they played well over the past 76, it would only serve to validate DW’s coaching ability, not the Beast’s. I don’t think you can judge his performance based on the play of the team when he clearly (as Recchi even pointed out) had such a limited amount of control.

I’m not saying he is THE guy, I just think you can’t easily discount some pretty strong support from his peers and the players.

By Sam

April 4, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

What a great recommendation! To have the players who have worked with you for a couple of seasons act as your advocates says a lot, IMO. I thought the coaching question was the one Don stumbled through the most today in his 680 interview.

I wonder if Beast feels he got a bum deal this season (he did) and if he’s looking for work elsewhere. Why not put some feelers out? He’s got very little reason to be loyal to those in charge here, from what I can see. I’m sure lots has gone on behind the scenes that we’ll never know about. But that brings me back around to player recommendations. Says a lot for Beast.

Man, I want to be the STH who goes to the draft lottery….unless we end up picking last, LOL .

By silverpork

April 4, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, you make valid points and there is part of me, like many of you, that wants a total house cleaning, starting with DW. I guess my only question is this - was Beast truly “in charge” of the D, or was he asked to run it within the confines of a system dictated by DW? If he was handcuffed by that system, do we really know what he can do?

Sounds like an excuse, which is basically what B. Thenet said, and maybe it is, but I’m just not ready to toss him out yet.

By 123

April 4, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Sure, let McCrimmon have this job, so we will secure 1 overall draft pick next year. No more sliding to 3d or 4th. Afterall, he was in charge of our defense for so long. Just take a look how many quality defensemen we produced under his wing.

Enough of this crrrrap. Are you @)$@ kidding me??? Bring in a REAL coach. Not a player favorite guy who is dearly loved by every player. Bring the one that can earn respect among players by his actions, by making players work, so they play with 100% effort every game.

McCrimmon….what a joke! Gimmme a break.

By ThrasherNY

April 4, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

CC: Can you explain what the table above represents. I read it as the chance each team has at the #1 pick based on where they land in the standings. My problem is that it doesnt add up. If the bottom five teams have a chance at the first pick there percentages should total 100%. Subtraction tells me that based on the table provided by DW the 26th place team has a ~26% chance???

By MB

April 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

ThrashNY, the way I understand it, teams all the way down to 17th have a shot at winning the lottery, but whoever wins the lottery can only move up 4 spots, which is why everyone focuses on the top 5 teams.

I think the 17th place team has like a .5% chance of winning it.

The other end of things is that no team can slide more than one spot, so if we end up 3rd worst, we’ll pick no worse than 4th.

Right?

By Barry

April 4, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

I have one question. McCrimmon was a dman in his day. He is responsible for dmen positioning and strategies right? Well my question is isn’t he partially responsible for the bad play of our dmen all the years he’s been here? I know we haven’t had the best defensive crop on this team over the year, but surely Klee, Zhitnik, and the others should be able to play at least a little better under a better structure than what we saw this year right??? I guess it’s great the players believe and trust Beast but I’m all for reinventing our play style and strategies with a new head coach. For one thing our PP needs to be reinvented. It has sucked for the last 2-3 years with very little improvements.

By brian

April 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

these blogs are funny! the only chance the Thrashers ever have to become a good organization is to start over. Waddell has to go back to the minors where he belongs. 8 years and not one good D - pathetic. His draft picks that earn him praise would have been chosen by anyone! Now to the beast, who will be a good coach SOMEDAY. He needs to move with Waddell and keep earning his stripes. The ownership is a joke, so how van anyone under them be considered anything more than a joke. It is time to bring in Pat Quinn and start over. If you do not agree, you know NOTHING about hockey.

By David Duke

April 4, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

When does ice puckey season end? Are the Trashers in overtime or something?

By funcused

April 4, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I am wrong, but during the trade deadline, the time period where we won, what, 2 games, wasn’t Beast handling 100% of all practices while DW focusd on the “future”?

It seems to me that if he was the best candidate for coach DW would have put him in there.

Personally, think it is time for a house cleaning. Get rid of excuses. Fresh coach, fresh players, fresh year and all of it to go along with the fresh coat of paint at the CNN Center.

By moo

April 4, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Ottawa is considering hiring BOB HARTLEY — a real coach for a real organization. Nice.

By Bob

April 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

I have one question. McCrimmon was a dman in his day. He is responsible for dmen positioning and strategies right?

You’re Headed In the Right Direction (copyright ASG, patent pending). Now, Riddle Me This, Barry, what position did Donny Waddell play before he blew his knee in 1980?

By moo

April 4, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

we need to hire Johann Hedberg as goalie coach and let him work exclusively with Lehtonen and Pavelec.

By Patrick

April 4, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Craig, what’s so good about Stamkos anyways? What makes it so good that if we win the lottery and we get him, that it changes our plans for next season? Why is that?

By A$G

April 4, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

brian….. “The ownership is a joke” No no no not at all. We will cut out 17 million in salary between the UFA’s (this summer) and shipping out Hossa. Our average attendance is down less than 1,000 per night from last season. We held on to most of the season ticket holders with that bs town hall meeting thing when we told everyone we were going to make changes. We can stand to lose alot of ticket sales and still come out ahead with the 17 million we will save. We will get some aging vets that are at the end of their careers. They are cheap and they have name recognition. We will fill the rest roster with RFA’s (they are cheap) ship em out once the are UFA’s and start wanting some money, or 3rd and 4th liners that are a dime a dozen. Salaries stay low and we still sell enough tickets. The joke is on the fans. We laugh out loud at these blogs were the fans are so distracted with which draft position we will get or who will be the coach that they never notice our strategy of holding payroll down and just keeping them believing we will bring in real players in the future.

By Sam

April 4, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9949/2008prospectssteven_stamkos/

and from The Hockey News:

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/12518-Steven-Stamkos-tops-midseason-entry-draft-rankings.html

By Firsty McFirst

April 4, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

First! Just like the Thrashers’ lottery pick! SCORE!!!!!!!!!!

By Tim

April 4, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Must I remind that there is still a draw? Last season, Chicago have the least chance of winning the sweeptake yet they end up with the 1st overall pick. Sure, finishing last have a greater chance of winning the lotterie but it is by no mean a garantee. Now what if the team that won the lotterie is the 27th position which is the one currently occupied by St. louis but not the one currently occupied by the Thrashers? Then wouldnt we said that we should win that last game instead? That’s the beauty of the lottery. While we know that last team get the best chance, as long as you have chance at winning, that’s all it matter.

By Brendan

April 4, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Unbelieveable that Carolina lost at home tonight to Florida. And with it, they may have not only lost the Southeast Division title, but a playoff berth as well. When Brind’amour went down with a serious injury, we didn’t think Carolina would be much of a factor. But they turned it on. Meanwhile, Ottawa went into a freefall. Carolina deserves to be a playoff team more than Ottawa. Same goes for Washington.

Okay gang, time to start thinking about your “dark horses.” These are not your “picks,” per se. But rather, they are your “longshot” picks for a lower seed to make it to the Conference Finals or beyond.

Who wants to go first? I like the Rangers as a “dark horse” in the East. I know, what if they nail down the #4 spot, then they’re not a LOWER seed. Well, if NJ winds up 5th, then I can take them, now can’t I? They’re also a decent candidate to go far into the playoffs, with Brodeur.

Out West, I’m looking at Colorado. Maybe Foote and Forsberg can make believers out of this bunch, which just missed the playoffs last year? Patrick Roy is gone, but Budaj and Theodore don’t suck. I think they may get Minnesota as their 1st round opponent. If the Aves advance, they may get another crack at the Detroit Red Wings, and that’s always a great series. President’s Trophy winners don’t have a glowing track record of winning Cups.

By LAC

April 5, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

The Hockey News has a poll up right now to name the BEST NHL GM… There are 10 entries to choose from… and guess who is NOT included… our own Master of Disaster DUMB don waddell, he of the infinity plan.

Just proves yet again what a JOKE GM he is, If we did get the first pick… Can’t you see him trading down for a couple third & fourth rounders, after all those are the type players waddell and Atlanta STUPID Group employ.

Just another sign of the SAD state of affair’s in Atlanta… Guess our post season GLORY is monday night… OH BOY !

What should happen I am still waiting for an answer Craig, as to is waddell aware for the calls for his head ??? You never answered. If waddell holding a press conference an announce he is resigning as GM by noon monday, what a neuse off our necks that would be and real progress will start, but more waddell means more losing, he is just a hopeless LOSER !

By Krust

April 5, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

On a Hockey Rumors Site Coach Hartley coaching Ottawa next season. I got a bad feeling about this one. Marion Hossa signs and Hartley signs with Ottawa. Stanley cup win in 2009. Maybe the Thrashers should hire Hartley back because he was not the problem.

By Thrasher_Ed

April 5, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Anybody still have the link for the discounted tickets from a few weeks ago? Looking for a cheap lower bowl seat for Saturday’s game vs. Tampa!

I hope we win the lottery and get Stamkos. If we get Stamkos maybe we can package some baggage and a pick or too to fill a need area. I would like to see either Beast or John Anderson get the Heac Coaching job next year.

By BeatTheBolts

April 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Don’t you think it’s kind of ridiculous to presume that Thrashers players might have a vested interest in throwing the game, Craig? I could possibly see management having that motivation, but not the guys out there on the ice playing for pride. If coach/GM Don Waddell comes to me asks me to try to lose tonight, I crack him in the forehead with the butt end of my stick!

The draft is a big gamble anyways. Unless there is a can’t miss superstar like Lemieux or Crosby available then the fifth guy taken has as much of a chance as being a star as the first guy usually. Sometimes the can’t miss draft superstars don’t have the careers the pundits envisioned for them either (Lindros and Daigle?)

By R. Stroz

April 5, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Thrasher-Ed

www.ThrashersCoupon.com for $15.00 off per ticket

or

go on ticketmaster and use GUIDE as a password

By Tony C.

April 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Also, I got some two-for-one vouchers if anyone needs them.

email me:

hispeedtest@hotmail.com

By Rusty

April 5, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I like Beast. But, I liked Hartley, too. Professional sports isn’t about who you like…it’s about how you win.

If this team really wanted The Beast to be it’s head coach, it would have performed. He ran the practices and did everything a head coach does except he stood at the end of the bench instead of the center during games.

Practice prepares the team for the games and this team rarely arrived at their games prepared. I’m disappointed, too, that Beast failed his audition, but fail he did … or at least the players failed him. If they failed him this year, what makes anyone think they will perform better for him next year.

The Caps did a 180 with an AHL coach. Maybe we should look in Chicago for the next Thrasher bench minder.

By LAC

April 5, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Love it… Craig will not answer my questions… Why Craig ????????????

By David

April 5, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Waddell isn’t on that list…neither are how many other NHL GM’s? Get over it. He’s not getting fired. Get over it. Move on. Find something more interesting to whine about. The team is losing. It’s tough, but that’s part of the game. He’s not the best GM, but he’s not the worst either.

On a more intelligent note….good finish to the year.

By kevin

April 6, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this

Wake up BLUELAND,If the THRASHERS don’t make the BEAST the ONLY**Headcoach and get rid of the boring and useless headcoach this team won’t make the playoffs for 10 years!@!@!@!@!@

By Alan

April 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

If the THRASHERS don’t make the BEAST the ONLYHeadcoach, we might not have to hear Craig talk about how McCrimmon pulled our players off the ice because the moron blew a gasket and had a hissy fit.

No thanks. He can walk with the rest of our do-nothing free agents.

By Jim

April 6, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Waddell will be back as GM. McCrimmon will become the coach. Klee and Exelby will continue to give the puck up in their own end and Kari will get shell shocked. Talk about rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

By Christy

April 6, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Craig - First - thanks for the great coverage all season - will you be there for the draft lottery Monday?

Second - Sheesh - I was actually feeling pretty good after last night and then I read your wrap up and now I’m all bummed out instead of enjoying the fact that they at least won their last home game.

Was there really not even one bit of lightness in that locker room? On the one hand, good, they realize they didn’t accomplish all they could have this season. But on the other, good grief, take two minutes to enjoy the fact that even though the season was a disappointment the fans appreciated the evening’s efforts and results.

By Brendan

April 6, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Jim Slater scored his 8th goal, Christy. That’s something “positive” to talk about. Who would have thought that, back at Christmas, when he had a goose egg? Craig ran a blog whose theme was, “Who still has something to play for” and Jim Slater was discussed. Slater, a former 1st round draft pick, 30th overall, from 2002, will be back next year. Or rather, he is still under contract for next season. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Slater could be sweetener in some Draft Day trade. We seem to have an abundance of secondary centers.

When Waddell speaks of Todd White as part of the Thrashers future, I believe he makes reference to the void left by Holik, who is a pending UFA. White’s contract, 4-years/$9.5 million, adequately addresses the role of 3rd line center. We now have Armstrong and Christensen, thanks to the Hossa trade. And it appears that Eric Perrin is now the 2nd line center. But who will play 1st line Center minutes?

Well, we’re all looking at free agency for answers. But if, by serendipity, the Thrashers win the draft lottery and select Steven Stampkos, he could be the one playing our top line minutes at Center.

Depending on what the San Jose Sharks do, Patrick Marleau’s name could surface as a center on the move. I’m not saying that’s the right answer. I’d rather see the Thrashers acquire roster players via draft or via free agency, rather than by trade. When a player arrives as a result of a trade, it wasn’t his choice to be playing in Atlanta. We’ve seen the results of that.

By Brendan

April 6, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Something piqued my curiosity in Craig’s column today, “Waddell shook hands with all the players in the room and thanked them for not quitting when they were out of it.” Does Waddell “normally” shake hands with all the players at the end of the season, or is there … something brewing … like a pending announcement? Could Waddell be wanting more time to spend with his family? Could Waddell be deciding to focus FULL-TIME on the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC? Hmmn?

Allright, with the Capitals winning 11 of their last 12, including the last seven (7) to end the season, is there much doubt who the Hart Trophy Winner is? And now, we’ve got to mention Bruce Boudreau’s name as a potential “Jack Adams” (Coach of the Year) candidate. Though, I suspect that will go to Montreal’s Guy Carbonneau, especially if the Habs wind up with the #1 seed.

As Thrashers fans, we point to the Capitals as a team beneath us who rose above us by changing coaches. While none of that is particularly in dispute, were the Capitals “brilliant” or “lucky” with Boudreau? If Bruce Boudreau were such a fantastic coach, why did he coach over 1,000 games in the minors?

That said, I can’t help but root for the guy. He seems like a “likeable” underdog. The Caps did something ELSE this season that was noteworthy. (What was it?) They re-signed Ovechkin to a 13-year/$124 million contract. There’s no doubt in my mind that that was the source of player inspiration in DC. That’s an owner commited to winning. It took a lot of “guts” to make a contract like that. And then, they made trade deadline moves. Olaf Kolzig is a tremendous goalie, but he’s not a spring chicken anymore. So, they went out and got Cristobal Huet, for a 2nd round pick, as insurance. Great. They get Sergei Federov, to bolster the offense. They picked up Matt Cooke. Green has come along for them. Speaking of “dark horses,” are you SURE the Capitals won’t advance into the second round? Or the third? With the Caps being the #3 seed, and the Penguins potentially being the #1 seed, the NHL could get its wish: Crosby vs. Ovechkin in the Conference Finals. That’s “win-win” for TV ratings. And one of them would go the Finals, guaranteed, in that scenario.

What?? It’s not ENTIRELY impossible. Take a second look at the Capitals. They’re a much better team today than they were at Christmas. Only San Jose is hotter, headed into the Big Dance. Can you imagine … Ron Wilson faces the Washington Capitals, his former team, in the Stanley Cup Finals? That’s an interesting storyline.

By kracker

April 6, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

We need a new person as coach, who I don’t know. I fear, however, that the ASG will go as cheap as possible and that will be McCrimmon. The players like him? Bah, the Falcons’ players liked Mora, too, and that didn’t work to the benefit of the franchise. I want a coach (and a GM) the players respect and also fear a bit, not a locker room pal.

By kracker

April 6, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Craig Here is a great explanation of why the Lightning have a 48.2% chance of keeping the 1st pick instead of the 25% (or 30%) chance listed by the NHL.

Clarifying the draft lottery details

It’s all down to the ping-pong balls now. The Thrash can win the lottery (14.2% chance), maintain the 3rd draft position (56.1%) or move down to 4th if one of the next four teams below them wins the lottery (29.7%).

By Tony C.

April 6, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Ok, here’s a quote from DW that really worries me:

“It was a disappointing season,” he said. “It is important to give our young guys ice time to help our future. Kari was solid tonight, and we think we have a bunch of good, young players. I think we’ll be in good position to add some youth next year.”

Weren’t we adding youth this year? But if it’s something where they realize that band-aid makeovers aren’t going to produce the results everyone’s looking for-then cool. I’m just wary of DW and “youth movement” type talk.

By Alan

April 6, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Tony - We were adding youth this year, until Waddell decided to gut the team of its young talent.

By NASCAR Dave

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

Well, well, well! Brother RAWHIDE has hit the jackpot once again over his blog!

EVERY single problem on this team is directly ATTRIBUTED to Don Waddell! This guy MUST GO! This is completely UNACCEPTABLE!

Will they fire him BEFORE the lottery tomorrow night? How about let him (DW) SEE the pick WE get, THEN FIRE HIS A$$??? Sounds good to me!!!

DON WADDELL is NOW DONE WADDELL… GOOD RIDDANCE!

With Waddell around, we”ll NEVER be ANYTHING MORE than a mediocre playoff threat at best.

YEAR AFTER YEAR, he FAILS at drafting, signing free agents, addressing needs, building rosters, TRADING… the list goes ON and ON!

The writing is on the walls people! ALL of our STAR-PLAYERS WANT to walk because they don’t Believe in Blueland! This is Waddell’s fault! We CANNOT allow Don Waddell to make this year’s draft selections! He has HAD his CHANCE!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Kovy said it, now the damn ASG NEEDS to STEP UP and do WHAT’S right! FIRE WADDELL!

The New GM can come right in, CUT PAYROLL, lock up our youngsters, and build an NHL ROSTER… something Don Waddell proves year after year, he is COMPLETELY INCAPABLE of doing!

FIRE WADDELL!

NUFF SAID.

By Tom

April 6, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Kolvi has politely drawn the line in the sand with his demand things improve.

Will the ownership recognize that by change it means change the GM spot?

I doubt it. Very depressing.

By Brendan

April 6, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Tom, I think it would be BETTER if Kovalchuk told the GM exactly WHO he wants. That way, if the GM gets it, Kovy can’t complain about it. He did what he asked, ya know?

For Kovalchuk to say, “get me a Center and hire McCrimmon to coach” is not enough. Kovy has to know that he’s the “face of the franchise.” Now’s not the time to be timid. Players talk to each other. Surely, there’s a Center in the league who has expressed interest in Centering for Kovalchuk—and whom Ilya would also like to see in that role. Pin him down, Don! Find out who he wants. Then make it happen, if it’s “doable.”

Also of interest is Craig’s assertion that McCrimmon turned down the request to be the Head Coach of this team after the All-Star game. The article doesn’t indicate WHYYYY he turned it down, however. We’re forced to speculate.

By BG33Brown

April 7, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Today is probably the most important day for our franchise going forward. An unprobable Stamkos win, and I don’t think it would be too difficult to find some talented players to come to the ATL.

If we don’t win the sweepstakes, and don’t make sweeping changes to our front office-no matter how much money we throw at top players like Redden or Campbell, I feel we will have no such luck.

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Come on ASG - BE REAL MEN!!! Cut this clown Don Waddell NOW!!!

This was the year HE WAS EXPOSED for his LACK OF ABILITIES!

We the THRASHER FANS want to WIN, and we want TO WIN NOW! We are READY to move forward WITHOUT DON WADDELL!

Come on ASG, PLEASE make Don Waddell = DONE WADDELL!!!

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Come on ASG - BE REAL MEN!!! Cut this clown Don Waddell NOW!!!

This was the year HE WAS EXPOSED for his LACK OF ABILITIES!

We the THRASHER FANS want to WIN, and we want TO WIN NOW! We are READY to move forward WITHOUT DON WADDELL!

Come on ASG, PLEASE make Don Waddell = DONE WADDELL!!!

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Too funny…. It hurts NOT to laugh at you Hokie!

By Midfield

April 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Brendan,

I would have to disagree with you here. I am a staunch Kovy supporter around here, but I think “ask what they want” approach is exactly what keeps losing tradition alive in this city. Yes, there should be players’ buy-in, but it has to be very clear that the players do not run the team. Of course, Don Waddell should still be fired, in my opinion, if only in an attempt to restore some credibility to the franchise. Elliot has just quoted Havelid as saying that without the system he felt exposed and that resulted in inconsistent performance from one game to another. I also remember somebody here quoted Hartley as saying that the pre-season moves were made entirely without his input. I’m sure, the players knew about this, and I won’t find it implausible that this knowledge made it this much harder for Hartley to regain control over the locker-room during that tail-spin in October. This sends a disturbing message out: some are accountable for the result without having necessary means to influence it, and some are simply exempt from any responsibility. Take the three mail-men: Hossa, Kozlov, Zhitnik. As far as I am concerned, all three are equally guilty of underperforming. Yet, Hossa is rewarded by the trade to a contender, Kozzy is the “untouchable”, and Zhitnik is all but beheaded in public. This is not good management.

By Brendan

April 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s the night, folks. PJ, NOW MORE THAN EVERRRR, we need a prayer to the mighty “Thundermaker.” Tune in to NHL TV to watch it all unfold.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Nascar… umm, what was wrong with that statement?

You’ve still proven to know NOTHING about hockey. No suggestions, just criticism with no support.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Nascar… since you’re so obsessed with me (which is getting kind of gay). Keep an eye on this chart for the next 4 years. And tell me who will make less, and will continue to make less for the next 4 years that has more value than Todd White… keeping in mind UFA and RFA status.

By Brendan

April 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Midfield, you do make some very good points there. Kovy can’t “run” the team. He’s not the GM, as he points out in his quote, “I’m not GM this year. He’s over there (pointing to Don Waddell).”

I remember Kovy saying, in reference to Hartley, “He’s the coach this year.” And we ALLL jumped over the ‘this year’ segment of that quote.

Some wanted to argue that Kovalchuk was a “coach-killer.” I disagree with that. Kovalchuk was trying the HARDEST of all the Thrashers in those first six losses. NHL TV’s “On the Fly” Analyst Dave Reid implied that Kovalchuk wasn’t trying all that hard under Hartley, because Hartley made him play defense. Dave Reid doesn’t watch any Thrashers games, aside from the highlights he’s forced to comment on.

But, ultimately, Kovalchuk’s future in Atlanta is tied to this offseason’s moves. With that in mind, I don’t think it’s terrible to get his input. If Kovy produced a short list of names … without issuing an ultimatum … I think that’s reasonable. It’s up to the GM to then make the best possible move, provided that it doesn’t wreck the franchise in the process.

In other words, if Kovy says, “I want Joe Thornton,” that’s not reasonable. There’s no way we could get him from San Jose. If Kovy said, “I want Crosby,” he’s out of his mind. Now, if he actually said, “I want Jagr, Sakic, or Sundin,” … well those are unlikely names, but offers could be made. But none of those players are coming to Atlanta. And they’re all too old to make any kind of impact three years from now, when Kovalchuk’s contract would have been hypothetically renewed. So, we’d be right back to where we are now. And this team doesn’t need any more free agents in their mid-30’s!!! For the love of Pete!!! We should try to get younger.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Hokie — You’ll also notice from Nascar’s link that he/she was not partaking in the blogs at that point in time…or at least not under the current name he/she’s using now.

Much can be surmised from that fact alone.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10… Classic!! Good observation… we could probably go through that particular blog and make a guess at which one he/she is.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10… might I point out the next-to-last name on that blog?

By Nikita

April 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve decided that Kovalchuk should neither be captain nor substantially running things. I’m fine with him making requests about his line — for one thing, it’s clear he’s highly capable if he’s happy, but that’s as far as it goes. His play isn’t above reproach — he can be sloppy, he’s a puck hog, and he needs physical backup to take full advantage of that amazing slap shot. His defensive play isn’t stellar, either. And Marian Hossa’s issues weren’t just with management, either. Plus, he occasionally acts like a spoiled brat (which may be shyness, but it doesn’t come across well) off the ice.

Why don’t we pretend this is junior hockey if we care so much about what the team thinks, and let them pick their own captain? Or maybe just let anyone who’s scored 10+ goals vote for captain? Or hey, just let anyone who’s played better than average for the league vote?

Switching gears, I’m getting worried about Don Waddell again…comments to the effect that Todd White would be on the 3rd or checking line scare the &^%$ out of me, especially given the strong likelihood that we’re losing both Holik and Boulton. White is a good player in many ways, but he’s not particularly physical and we’re losing our two most physical UFAs. So a 3rd line similar to this year’s would be two midgets, only one a brawler, with another midget (White). The checking line would be exchanging Slater for White and leaving the line with ?????Larsen???? So I amend my earlier comments about who we need to acquire — either we keep Holik and Boulton or we upgrade with new, large, physical forwards. Or both. But we can’t lose them, fill in with who we have, and expect to do well.

By Russian

April 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I am wondering… What is a player as Stamkos????? Can he play in NHL? I know Ovechik, Crosby, Heatly, Kovy did it. What is about Him? If we get him Is he staing in Junior one more year??? I do not know. May be if we win first draft we can trade it for Bid Name D-men???? Too much questions and no answer at all. We will see who get Number one today. ;-)

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

ANOTHER CLASSIC “Hokie” post!!!

By Midfield

April 7, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Brendan,

I certainly agree that Kovy did not mail it in at any point of the season. In fact, he was the only guy who found unequivocally good things to say about Hartley when Bob was canned. To me this says much more about Kovy’s leadership qualities than smiling (or not) to kids during practice in Duluth as some have suggested here. I guess what I am getting at is monumental leadership void in the front office, and it trickles all the way down on to the ice.

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Still think so, Sparky(Hokie)?

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

NASCAR… wow, that was a great post. I can’t believe I said that, I was spot on! Thanks for finding that.

By GatorGuy

April 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

It would be better for Hockey if LA gets Stamkos. I’m sure Uncle Gary will do what is best for all of us.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

It’s cute, I equate this rehashing of old posts to flirting…

Moving on, who would be opposed to sending both first picks to Los Angeles (my assumed winner of the draft lottery) in exchange for Stamkos? If they declined that offer, would anyone be opposed to sending the second first round pick to LA for O’Sullivan, Brown, or Cammalleri?

Camalleri is the most likely due to his contract situation and recent arbitration ruling, but I would think (read: hope) Los Angeles, IF THEY WON THE LOTTERY, would have an abundance of NHL caliber centermen and be looking to jettison one for a good return.

If I were LA or TB, I’d take Stamkos and decline almost any offer for that pick. If I were LA, I’d hold onto any young player on my roster now.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… I was thinking the same thing regarding LA. However, Cammalleri is also a LW, so that would probably be their first option. I’m not sure if they’d move anybody… just reshuffle.

LA certainly needs defenseman, but how could they possibly pass up Stamkos?

That Michal Handzus contract was just plain dumb. They’d love to get rid of that I would imagine.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

As much as I would love to have Stamkos, I’m perfectly happy with staying where we are, getting either Doughty, Pietrangelo or Bogosian and then trading the 2nd first round pick to Philly for the rights to Jeff Carter.

By Brendan

April 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Definitely Midfield. Just look at the Capitals. Everyone likes to point to the hiring of Bruce Boudreau, a guy who coached 1,000 games in the minors, as the turning point. But what was the REAL turning point? Wasn’t it Ovechkin signing that 13-year contract extension?

All of a sudden, the players on the Capitals didn’t have to plot their “exit strategy” if Ovechkin were lost to some RFA offersheet. With AO all locked up, all those Capitals players got reenergized.

Now, look at our Thrashers, going through the same thing with Hossa. Now, I could be wrong here. Had Hossa re-signed some 5-6 year deal, back in November, the Thrashers still could have finished 27th out of 30. We’ll never know.

But if I had to guess, I’d say that contract being successfully resolved would have given the team a bit of energy. Bygones.

To be clear, I don’t blame Hossa. I blame ownership and management. I don’t want to put “percentages of blame” on this situation. They’re BOTH to blame. Let’s leave it at that.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I agree regarding Cammalleri, I would hope he was kept on the LW and Stamkos allowed to play C. I can imagine O’Sullivan could also play wing, but does it really matter?? Having four potential Top 2 Line centermen is a nice spot to be in.

I don’t see Philadelphia trading Carter. I wouldn’t mind Kesler (don’t see him being moved either) for that pick. I’d think if anything we could package a prospect and that pick for someone of importance…I don’t think that trade scenario is too far out of the realm of possibility. I could see Exelby, Sterling, and maybe even White used in such a trade, as they all have a contract and are suitable replacement players.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Did anybody else find it amusing that Stan Hauseman (Thrasher’s blogger at Hockeybuzz.com, and occasional member here) won a uniform at Saturday’s game? It was such an interesting coincidence, I half expected to see “Bill Tiller” and “Craig Custance” on the list of “randomly selected fans”…then I remembered Tiller wasn’t in attendance and Custance is a member of the local media. So I guess Hauseman was all that was left?

Falconer — Did they give you a uniform too??? If so, then there’s a conspiracy at work here.

By Brendan

April 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I wouldn’t mind Brown, from Los Angeles. I can’t remember, but I thought he got a contract extension fairly recently. But, I’d really rather draft players than trade for them. Players who are traded here … are playing out of professional obligation rather than by choice.

I hope we get Stampkos. But if not, I’m perfectly allright with Doughty, the defensemen. Trouble is, will he still be there at #3 overall, if that’s where Atlanta drafts??

And yes, I am AWARE that defensemen take much longer to develop than forwards. Well, we’ve got to nail down some blueline draft picks, other than hoping another 8th rounder materializes out of thin air.

Braydon Coburn is gone. Crying about it won’t solve anything. He wasn’t impressive when he was here. And his loss was part of the reason Atlanta got its only playoff berth. What to do with Zhitnik for next season becomes part of the offseason “strategy.” I’d love to get a 5th or 6th rounder for him at the June Draft, but that may be ‘wishful thinking.’ Of course, it is Zhitnik’s ‘contract year,’ and that ought to motivate him to play his best hockey and to report to training camp in better shape.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan — After witnessing Zhitnik’s play for a year and about 15 games, I’m thoroughly convinced the only “motivation” he gets is from being guaranteed a shot in the playoffs. I personally feel he saw that 15 game stretch as his “chance”, (thus why he posted 18 points), and upon the sweep he went back into hibernation (as he’s done most of his career).

Also, I would contend that Coburn was impressive while he was here, just to the wrong people. I found his and Popovic’s play to be fine, and given the limited roles they were playing, I found them to be suitable players in a development role. If Hartley would’ve trusted Coburn with second pairing minutes (and not ridden Havelid and deVries to death, along with Hnidy in the long run), I think Coburn would still be in Atlanta. I pin Coburn solely on Hartley, because there is no excuse for him not getting ice time BEYOND Hartley not giving it to him.

Finally (regarding your post), I think a defenseman isn’t a smart plan with this team, because even with those high draft picks that were defenseman, the minor league “system” has shown no ability to develop defensive talent. Thus, my pick would be on a forward who could use a year at the NHL level IMMEDIATELY.

By Midfield

April 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, you said that you were impressed with Coburn, and - in the same breath - you stated that the minor league system has shown no ability to develop defensive talent. If memory does not fail me, it was the very minor league system where Coburn came from to the Thrashers.

By GaVaHokie

April 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… I’m pretty certain that Philly is going to lose Carter unless they make significant trades. They’re already at $49 million for next season… Carter is sure to make atleast $4 million on his next contract.

Brendan… Dustin Brown is going to be in LA for a long time. Los Angeles a good amount of money to spend this summer.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Midfield — Aberrations are allowed in my above statement, are they not?

I also think Valabik has a foundation to work from, which comes from the “system”. Could they have been better developed to match the NHL system had they been developed through another franchise? I contend they could.

Coburn and Valabik have tools that are hard to teach…size. They both are fine skaters, and needed some positional and situational training/development. They’re cerebral players, and I don’t feel that Chicago was the best situation for them to LEARN how to play defense, but rather thrown into the thick of things and told “do what you can, we’ll tell you what you did wrong during the offseason”.

I’m not completely knocking the Wolves system, but I feel that they’re more interested in players like Kwiatkowski and Brian Fahey than they are Braydon Coburn or Boris Valabik. They have one purpose, win. “Win” at the AHL level doesn’t correspond to “mold talent to NHL standards” (i.e. develop talent).

The learning curve for a defenseman is just as large (in my opinion) as for a goalie…so perhaps this team is better suited using the 2nd and later picks for that position, and drafting a soon-to-be-NHL-ready forward with the first rounders.

This team, historically, has had more successes with their offensive first round selections than with their defensive selections. But, that’s my opinion.

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Like it matters, fellas! Get Real! With Waddell in charge it will only be more of the SAME = An AHL Roster (minus Kovy/Toby) playing and LOSING in the NHL… Why should we look forward to that, Sheep?

We’re not gonna win tonight. That’s what happens when you keep the cancer around (DW)… It spreads. To all facets of the organization.

I still hold out hope Waddell gets FIRED AFTER the pick, you know, kinda like rubbing his nose in it!

HAHA. Waddell is a LIFELONG LOSER with a BIG A$$ head!

NUFF SAID.

By ranallo10

April 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Weird, I think Sage sneezed…

Hokie — Good point about monetary restrictions upon Philadelphia, they’ve got little room to wiggle…all for a playoff spot. Yet Holmgrem is being hailed as a great GM for his “win at all costs” mentality. Next thing someone’s going to try to tell me Sather is a good GM.

Anyways…I would think Philadelphia would rather re-sign Carter and move players like Knuble, Kapanen, Hatcher, Rathje, or Gauthier. I’ve got this feeling Hatcher might call it quits, and Rathje was on the LTIR, so he may be able to be wiggled under the Rucchin clause next season, or simply waived.

Philly’s got no monetary restrictions, just salary restrictions. Rathje’s $3.5M being paid as he plays for the Phantoms would be more likely to be used to re-sign Carter.

I think Jason Smith might be the cap casualty that is not re-signed, unless Hatcher retires (which frees up another $3.5M) or one of the aforementioned defenders is traded.

By Breaking News!!!

April 7, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS!!! WADDELL TRADES #1 OVERALL PICK FOR EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING RIGHTS WITH ADAM FOOTE! OTHER SOURCES SAY IT MIGHT BE ROB BLAKE…. STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!

By Hockeyfan

April 7, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Craig What ever happened to a season ticket holder drawing our lottery spot tonight? Did they do this?

By NASCAR Dave

April 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

HOKIE What in GOD’S NAME are you smoking to make you think JEFF CARTER would WANT to come here?

Moron.

By