Thrashers

By smasher lives

June 11, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

I guess Pat Quinn is out of the mix ? Haven’t heard his name in a while..he at least ‘wanted’ to coach here..knowing full well the dysfunctional mentality we have at the helm. I vote Crawford or Anderson. Sorry beast..

By kracker

June 11, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Some poster has already quipped that Bob Hartley is still available and will be paid for this season by the ASG unless he coaches elsewhere.

9 days until the draft.

By LAC

June 11, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Boy a curt response…so Atlanta is THERE now, makes it sound worse than HELL…

But McCellen made the RIGHT move. He wants to coach a winning franchise,with winning players and an owner who wants to win very badly.

Plus he will get paid a decent salary and have a chance for the playofs in the foreseeable future… I ask what would he have here ? Nothing more than a 10 year old expansion team.

By Dunwoody_Joe

June 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Surprised?

Chaotic ownership group, incompetant GM, dwindling season ticket base, aging, unproductive vets, weak defense, disgruntled star player, few top prospects, but plenty of cap room—but no UFAs likely interested: …Hmmm, where does an “A” coach sign up?

By R. Stroz

June 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers are nothing more than a bargaining chip for coaches to get paid better somewhere else.

By Tony C.

June 11, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Ouch.

sucks to be plan “D”.

By BuzzEng

June 11, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Mike, Thanks for your many posts and keeping us updated. I’m checking frequently waiting for the word to break. This is as stressful as the days leading up to the Hossa trade - lots of rumors moment to moment, but no annoucement. 9 days to draft and STILL no head coach! C’mon! Stop the madness! Name a coach!

P.S. I’ll miss you on the GT beat - you helped this NC resident feel closer to the flats.

By Mike Knobler

June 11, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks, BuzzEng.

By B. Thenet

June 11, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Right now there is no question San Jose is the better job.

By David

June 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

McLellan is a capable guy, but i don’t think he was right for us. I personally think Anderson is. I’d like to keep McCrimmon on as he gets along with players. However, next year our roster is going to be young with lots of former Wolves players. Who else to win with them than a coach who has been winning with them for years?

By Robert

June 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard reports that Ottawa is about to name DeBoer as their head coach. I hadn’t heard his name mentioned for Atlanta in a while, but that would leave just 4 teams without head coaches.

I want to be all for Anderson, but I really don’t know much about him though. Does anyone here know what kind of system he runs?

By Mike Knobler

June 11, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Robert

DeBoer isn’t a candidate in Atlanta, so Ottawa hiring him would have no effect on the Thrashers.

Anderson is a long-time minor league coach who has had great success after a long NHL career. Here is a story about him. Here is another that has a lot of Anderson content

By nfieldr

June 11, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I’d be real surprised if Beast stays if he doesn’t get the head job. At best, it would be awkward, I’d think….

By JLH

June 11, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading the blog for a while and I don’t recall Jokinen’s name coming up as a center for Kovy. News today is that he’s on the block. What do y’all think? Would Fla send him our way for Little and the #29 pick? Is that too much to offer? With a dozen teams reportedly interested, it may take that much. What’s his reputation as a teammate? Why is he on the outs? His +/- has been on the extremes. At $5.25 cap hit seems reasonable for a player that produces like he does.

By Disgusted Fan

June 11, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or is the coaching search for te Thrashers just a sorry (dare I say pitiful) continuation of a sad sack organization lacking in effective team ownership and management. This is looking bad and getting worse by the day. I predict Brad McCrimmon becomes coach and the team says “we wanted him all along”. Sh*tcan Waddell now, hire a GM with a clue and get a coach in here, please.

By NASCAR Dave

June 11, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Everybody needs to calm down a bit and relax. We’ll get ANDERSON, and he’s the RIGHT guy for the job! Read the links Mike posted above… I bet he’s named tomorrow… And I’m excited to see all these prospects Donnie picked and talks so much about… Anderson won’t be afraid to use prospects, and he already knows the Wolves. Drafting accountability, at the very least…

Is our DRAFT BOARD created yet??? Do we know who we are TARGETING??? Do we have a game plan ready yet??? A course of action??? Have we set up any good deals on the side, like a Plan B??? Have we DONE ANYTHING yet???

Sorry, but when you run a business like a child would, it’s hard not to talk down to you like a child… LOL.

By NASCAR Dave

June 11, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

This is looking bad and getting worse by the day. I predict Brad McCrimmon becomes coach and the team says “we wanted him all along”. Shtcan Waddell now, hire a GM with a clue and get a coach in here, please.*

That’s an excellent point DISGUSTED FAN… I would have to say, I agree with you… And I could TOTALLY see that happening… It would not surprise me in the least bit… But it would be Completely Unacceptable!!! Look at last year if you wanna see what BEAST can do — NOTHING!!! (but lose)

By Tony C.

June 11, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

I still say Bogo over Schenn, but I don’t know about Filatov he keeps everybody say nice things… how much of that is gamesmanship??? “Don’t throw me in the briar-patch” type commentary?

By polskidawg

June 11, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Disgusted Fan Is it just me, or is the coaching search for the Thrashers just a sorry (dare I say pitiful) continuation of a sad sack organization lacking in effective team ownership and management. - No, its not just you.

Dunwoody_Joe Chaotic ownership group, incompetant GM, dwindling season ticket base, aging, unproductive vets, weak defense, disgruntled star player, few top prospects, but plenty of cap room—but no UFAs likely interested: …Hmmm, where does an “A” coach sign up? - Certainly not here.

If Anderson is the guy, I really hope he does well, but until there is a complete change in management (President, GM, Scouting, Personnel) and possibly ownership things will not improve beyond small moments (like 07).

But hey, we can figure that a change like that should happen at least by 2015 or so…

By Brendan

June 12, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Imagine all the surprised faces on the draft floor in Ottawa when Don Waddell meanders through the door. Someone will announce, “The ‘Teflon Don’ has arrived!” They’ll call him that, because nothing sticks to him. Coburn for Zhitnik is shrugged off as “bad ownership placing undo pressure on him.” Moreover, the move was successful, as far as making the playoffs was concerned. I’ve heard it advanced that Don Waddell would never make a stupid trade deadline move because it would jeopardize his chances at any future GM job. Well, if you’re a Dave Ramsey fan, (radio host on 640 AM, drive time,) get your big “We’re DEBT FREE!” scream ready. Because when the St. Louis Blues take our 2nd round pick this year, we’ll finally be free of the liens from the Tkachuk rental. Well almost. When the Blues gave us our “conditional” 1st round pick back, we offered “future considerations” in return to the Blues, thought to be a late round, “throw away” draft pick. Bygones.

On the plus side, every GM who has ever been fired, for “accountability,” will now look at the Atlanta GM gig with an eye for longevity. Well, assuming Don Waddell ever gets fired.

Seriously, if the Atlanta Spirit, LLC, cannot figure out, after seven seasons out of eight in the bottom third of the Conference, that Don Waddell has to go, when will they?

What would it take to effect that epiphany? Would pigs have to fly past their window, with a dangling streamer banner that reads, “Fire him now!” And even then, the ASG would figure the pig meant McCrimmon.

By kracker

June 12, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

Mike RE Nikulin, Holly Gunning at hfboards said she will have an update on her blog soon. But she thinks him playing here is not imminent.

By Tom

June 12, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

The NHL Grapvine knows what we all have known for a while now, until Donnie Waddell is gone this is a dead end job. Face it, who wants to work for a guy who fires a long time coach 6 games into the season.

Add being a coaching poison to Waddell’s resume, at least he squeezes nickels well for the owners.

He sure will not be bringing winners to town anytime soon.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

I still say Bogo over Schenn, but I don’t know about Filatov he keeps everybody say nice things… how much of that is gamesmanship??? “Don’t throw me in the briar-patch” type commentary?

The bigger question will be what happens if LA takes Bogosian over Doughty… then you have a decision to make. Doughty is purely offensive and Schenn is purely defensive. With Bogosian, you’d get a little bit of both.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

The NHL Grapvine knows what we all have known for a while now, until Donnie Waddell is gone this is a dead end job. Face it, who wants to work for a guy who fires a long time coach 6 games into the season.

How about Lou Lamoriello firing Claude Julien at the start of the playoffs last year? Does anyone think less of Lou?

A coaching poison? If anything, Waddell gave his coaches the benefit of the doubt. Curt Fraser got WAY too much time. Hartley was lucky to even START the season after his decision making in the playoffs. If Waddell had fired him over the summer like he should have we might have had Claude Julien by now.

By Rob Ray

June 12, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Good LORD WHAT IS THIS FRANCHISE DOING? Lets keep dragging our feet with EVERYTHING. I can imagine Donnies big board for the draft. He’ll go Euro and f the whole thing up. I wouldnt be suprised if packages the 2 number ones for D.Hatcher (DW loves has-beens). Nothing would suprise me. He is a complete bofon. Lets name a coach, lets sign Kovy to a giant extension, lets draft well and get this franchise out of “clipperland” ahhahaha. WHAT A MESS. On the upside I will be able to scalp great seats all next year for next to nothing. ahahhahahhhahhahhahahha

By FormerIslesFan

June 12, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Mike

I just read your last “Tech” blog and noticed that you made reference to learning to love hockey as a kid watching Vachon, Dionne and Goring. Being a Isles’ fan growing up, and remembering that the Isles obtained Goring from the Kings (not that anyone would have any doubts about Vachon and Dionne played for) are we correct in assuming that you grew up in or around LA?

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hokie — If that were the scenario, my vote would be for Doughty.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Hokie — If that were the scenario, my vote would be for Doughty.

It’s a good problem to have… and I would agree.

Have you watched any of the other player videos yet?

I still like Tyler Ennis with the Pittsburgh pick. I’m not really blown away by anybody else sitting around that spot.

I wouldn’t mind trading up to #18-#20 and taking Tyler Cuma or Nicolas Deschamps.

I’m hearing that Filatov will be the ONLY European taken in the First round, which seems crazy and improbable to me. However, looking at Petrov’s (ranked #2 in Europe), he flat out sucks.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Hokie — I’m not so sure about Ennis. He’s 5’9, 146…as a pivot. That’s too small for me. Hell, I’ve got him beat by 10-15 pounds, 20 with gear on. Now, he scored a ton in the WHL, a physical league, but I have a hard time believing he could bring that scoring to the AHL and NHL with such a size disadvantage. Give him a growth spurt of about 2 inches or 30 pounds, and I might be a little more comfortable.

Red card number two is that he has “mmmBop” by Hanson on his iPod. Wow…just, wow.

I’m still saying to go for the reach and take Staal. He was one of five draft eligible players nominated for the OHL’s 2008 Red Tilson Memorial Trophy for most outstanding player – Josh Bailey, Doughty, Bogosian and Stamkos were also nominated. Since those 4 other players are top 15 prospects (Bailey is #14 for NA prospects), I’d say he’s in pretty good company. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’3 and is in a family of currently successful hockey players.

By Mike Knobler

June 12, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

FormerIslesFan

You would be correct. Grew up watching the Kings and the Lakers at the Fabulous Forum, the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion and the Coliseum, the Rams at the Coliseum.

By Smoothie

June 12, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

ranallo — is Staal not projected to be a 1st round pick? Aren’t some scouts saying he’s better than even Eric or am I dreaming that up? Hell, if he’s physical, can play 2 way hockey and forecheck, I say nab him with the 2nd 1st rounder!

By B. Thenet

June 12, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Anton Gustafsson should be taken in the 1st. A two way Swedish forward, one of those dime a dozen hard nosed Swedes the Red Wings seem to produce in a cloning lab. If he is around at #29, he could be the pick there.

There are a couple of minor knocks on Doughty that could have him slip a bit. He took a step back in production this year, and there are some conditioning concerns as he dropped about 20 pounds after the season before arriving at the combine.

Now when you look at his skillset, these are not exactly red flags. He was on an awful team in the juniors this year. However when you have all these GMs nitpicking these kids to death, it could hae an impact. It might be enought to have him available for us at #3.

By B. Thenet

June 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

From what I have read from people who have watched him in juniors, the youngest Staal has all the talent in the world, as much if not more than his older brothers. However he doesn’t have the motivation or drive that his brothers had. He will likely not get taken in the 1st round.

By Midfield

June 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Rob Ray, I personally don’t think that winning the Cup is part of this franchise’s mission statement - I mean this franchise’s REAL mission statement under the current ownership. Once I made this assumption, everything else falls into place. They probably have a decent business plan and all that, just don’t kid yourself about them trying to be competitive.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

There are a couple of minor knocks on Doughty that could have him slip a bit. He took a step back in production this year, and there are some conditioning concerns as he dropped about 20 pounds after the season before arriving at the combine.

The step back in production was him proving he could play both ends of the ice… one of his knocks before last season was he was too offensive.

ranallo — is Staal not projected to be a 1st round pick? Aren’t some scouts saying he’s better than even Eric or am I dreaming that up?

You’re dreaming that up… he’s a wild card… the scouting says he’s still growing into his larger frame, so I’m guessing he’s a little awkward.

Hokie — I’m not so sure about Ennis. He’s 5’9, 146…as a pivot. That’s too small for me. Hell, I’ve got him beat by 10-15 pounds, 20 with gear on.

Patrick Kane did just fine listed at 165 lbs this past year and I’m willing to bet that’s a lie. Meeting him in person at the All Star game, I’d be shocked if he was a pound over 150.

E.J. McGuire says Ennis “may be one of the best pure offensive players in the entire draft”

By Hip Czech

June 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Let’s just hire Anderson and get the heck on with it.

Give Anderson free reign to fill out the roster (i.e., feel free to dump Holik, Boulton, Recchi, Hedberg, eat Zhitnik’s salary..make Slater and Larsen earn roster spots in camp) and develop a ‘system’. Aslo, send McCrimmon packing.

Assuming Waddell isn’t going anywhere (ouch) what are the chances of a top UFA signing here? Next to impossible. Also, seeing there really isn’t a first line center UFA I don’t see much help from that route anyway.

So that leaves us either trading for a center or standing pat and waiting for Little, Christensen, Esposito or a draft pick this year turning into a top line center. If we wait for one to develop we can kiss Kovalchuk goodbye. Is he going to put up with another two years of having to be a one-man scoring machine?

And trading for one scares me to death…bad, bad, situation with Waddell calling the shots. Trading for Jokinen might not be all bad, but we would only have him under contract for 2 years…and if DW is still here at the end of 2 years we won’t resign him.

Maybe best case scenario is trade for a younger not quite proven talent (Kopitar, Cammalleri, or O’Sullivan) and resign him to a long term deal while we can. Then throw all the cap money at two defensemen and hope that Armstrong, Little, Christensen and one or two Wolves players can carry some offensive load.

I love hockey, and I am a die-hard Thrashers fan, but right now the glass is half empty with no refill in sight.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hokie — Patrick Kane was also talented enough to warrant a number one pick, Ennis is the 31st ranked North American skater. There’s probably a reason that there’s a 30 rank discrepancy between the two, beyond the 20 pound difference.

Ennis might be talented, but many defenders can do bench reps of 146 pounds. He may be shifty, he may be offensively talented, but he’s also VERY small for a center, both height and weight wise.

Size isn’t everything for prospects, but at his size it’s definitely a big obstacle.

Smoothie — From what I’ve seen scouts are concerned with his production level (compared to Jordan and Eric) at the minor league level, as he’s not scoring nearly as frequently as his older brothers did. He’s projected to be a high second round selection…which is why I wouldn’t hesitate to reach a little due to pedigree. For me, the abilities of a sibling speak a long way for a prospect, which is why I wouldn’t mind seeing Staal [RW] taken with the second first-round pick, and David Toews [C] or David Carle D with the 3rd round pick.

Thenet — I had not heard about a problem with Jared Staal’s motivation/drive, but have heard he’s a little more laid back than his brothers. Do you remember where you heard that?

If he drops that low, Gustaffson would be a good choice…good call.

Regarding Doughty, I’d agree with Hokie’s sentiment about the “knocks”. The offensive slide had to do with him making a conscience effort to focus more on his defense. He still won the best defenseman award, so I’m not too sure it impacted his game, but rather helped his overall skillset. His conditioning was done on his own accord, because he WANTS to be playing in the NHL this coming season. He lost weight because he saw how athletic the current pros are, and he wanted to be able to compete physically with them, thus he got himself into better shape. I think that speaks volumes to his competitiveness and work ethic.

I hope LA is sold on Doughty or Filatov, because Bogosian is my choice.

By MB

June 12, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hokie and ranallo, I’m interested to hear why you prefer Doughty to Schenn and Pietrangelo. I’m thinking that with Enstrom we already have a d-man with some offensive upside, so I’d rather have a defensive-minded guy with size who can still move the puck.

For some reason, I have reservations about Doughty…maybe it’s seeing his very large parents and projecting weight issues onto him…aka Doughy.

Thenet, Gustaffson caught my eye as well.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

a conscious effort, not conscience. DUH

And I forgot about the linking problem, after “David Carle [D]” I was saying he is Matt Carle’s (defender in SJ) younger brother.

Hip Czech — Good summary.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

MB — I’d rather not have to choose between them, but I feel he’s proven more at his level than the comparable defenders (Schenn and Pietrangelo). Schenn makes the decision tough in my mind, but I don’t think you can have too many of either type of defender. I personally prefer the offensive defender when having to choose, because I think a good offensive defender is more rare of a commodity than a good defensive defender.

It’s kinda like choosing between Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Stevens. Both are/were great, but had different talents brought to the position. You can’t go WRONG, so it’s up to preference.

But yeah, I wouldn’t be completely disappointed with Schenn, I just feel Doughty is the more talented defender at the moment, thus warranting the #2/#3 pick over Schenn.

And I didn’t know he had large parents, but it’s not a concern of mine.

By Smoothie

June 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

I just read a scouting report that praises Jared for his work in the corners and his willingness to mix it up for the puck along the wall. Yet, the same scout questions his motivation in the same paragraph. I guess they question his motivation to improve his speed rather than his motivation to improve his team by scrapping and hustling in the corners. A RW with a 6’3”, 195 lb frame…hmmm. I like the sound of that for a 3rd liner with 2nd line potential. Perhaps he’ll slip to the later 2nd round and we can trade down with our late 1st to pick up a young NHL ready (i.e. actual NHL experience) defenseman to go with the 4th Staal.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hokie and ranallo, I’m interested to hear why you prefer Doughty to Schenn and Pietrangelo. I’m thinking that with Enstrom we already have a d-man with some offensive upside, so I’d rather have a defensive-minded guy with size who can still move the puck.

Funny you should ask, because I’ve been looking closer at Tyler Myers and Pietrangelo… both being compared to Chara and Pronger respectively and BOTH being considered better at their age then Chara and Pronger were at 18.

I’m changing my mind… if Bogosian goes to LA at #2, I’m shopping the #3 pick to the Islanders (#5), Jackets (#6) and Leafs (#7). Whichever one wants to move up and take Doughty or Filatov… then I’d take whats left of Schenn, Myers and Pietrangelo.

I think Filatov is high on the Leafs list, and they probably won’t get him at #7.

By Bob

June 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Why am I not suprised that we didn’t get McLellan. Par for the course with this franchise.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Bob — It is an indictment upon the state of this franchise when a potential head coach will cancel a scheduled interview in order to take a job elsewhere.

Either that, or Doug Wilson blew him away with his offer.

I’m guessing it’s a combination of both.

By Hip Czech

June 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Is Anton Gustaffson Bengt Gustaffson’s son (lot of son’s in there…)??

In a prior life when I lived in the DC area in the mid-80’s Bengt Gustaffson was my favorite Caps player (with Gaetane Duchesene a close second - still love that name).

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech — Yes.

By Tony C.

June 12, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Staal has fallen from the first round to high-2nd round according to central scouting.

Similarly, Bogosian has moved up to the #2 spot. Doughty looks so darn smooth on the rush, I just don’t knkow about him being able to stop guys. Take the puck away, yes intercept passes? yes. But stand a guy up and make him look for a new into our zone? I don’t know…I mean Bogosian goes 6’2” and skates really well. He laughs when talking about playing “nasty”…I like that. We’ve got plenty of guys with a penchant for the pretty play; let’s get some guys who like to mash.

What do yall think about Boychuk?

By Hip Czech

June 12, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

That seals the deal…I would love to grab Bogosian and Gustaffson.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — I also like that Bogosian molds his game after Chelios. Those are some tough skates to fill…nasty player (200+PIM several times in his career), point producer (30+ points several times), and solid defensive player. Bogosian is the complete package, in my opinion, much like Phaneuf (more than willing to be physical, has a scoring ability, excels at defensive hockey). I just hope he’s not as much of a punk as Phaneuf.

I’d be interested to see Atlanta move up to nab Boychuk, but I’m not so sure it’s worth it with this draft. I’m of the belief that unless the movement is into the top 10, it may not be worth moving up to grab a player who is only marginally better than those at the bottom of the first round.

A move up for Colin Wilson, I’d be all for it, but moving up for a 15 pick might not be worth the roster player/prospect/draft choices that would be given up to do such a move.

By dmatos

June 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

The ownership cost us Hossa, now it’s costing us potential top tier coaching. It’s cost a ton of season ticket holders (me included) and soon it will cost the city an NHL franchise.

By GaVaHokie

June 12, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it strange that most of the Defensemen in the First Round are considered Offensive Defensemen, and a lot of the Forwards in the first round are Checking Line/Defensive Forwards?

So, if you want offense, draft a defenseman… if you want defense, draft a forward. :)

By Todd Smith

June 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Typical Thrashers…Why would they beat around the bush when McLellan would have been the right choice for the Head Coach. Waddell just doesn’t want to succeed since he knows he won’t be fired no matter how bad he does. The Thrashers will never achieve anything until the people in control get the balls to fire people, even if they have been with the organization from the beginning!

By kracker

June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

OH CRAP I misread the poll and voted to resign Holik. I must be extra diligent in voting NO once every hour. In fact, the other vote for Holik was probably in error as well.

By Tony C.

June 12, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

I’m just looking at guys that stand out as enjoying Olde Tyme Hokky. A nice thumb in the eye on face-off, McTavish-as-a-player kind of guy. I noticed that basically anyone who felt like it has taken liberties with #17, and basically with anyone on the team (even lil Toby!!!). That kind of crap cannot be tolerated. I’m not advocating we go and get Boogard or Larouque, but we do need to instill some on-ice accountability for hitting Slava after the whistle, for knneeing Toby when getting up from a goal-crease scrum. Not saying goonery, but I would like to see somebody not named Boulton drop ‘em and maybe even win.

It’s painfully obvious that we’re looking at this #3 overall pick to be wearing thrasherbleu next winter, so let’s get the guy with the most grit.

By Brendan

June 12, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell does not WANT to fail. That is, he does not set up to fail. He’s doing the best job that he’s capable of.

Ya know, I really got excited about the prospect of a new GM, when I saw virtually no activity on the UFA and RFA signing front. I figured that the Spirit Group or Wadell, or both, wanted the “new guy” to do the contracts.

I think my optimism was misplaced. If you were Don Waddell … and you were dealing with cheapskate owners … not committed to winning … would you approach Kari Lehtonen with a deal? Orrrrr, would you wait for some other GM to shame your organization into matching a 5-6 year deal, at an inflated price?

Hold on there. Maybe you would. Maybe Waddell wants to “go long” with Kari, but he can’t get approval from the ownership. But if an RFA offersheet came in … then they’d have to match the deal, or accept the draft pick compensation. Uhh, that would probably simplify the Moose and Pavelec situation, if Atlanta failed to match the offer. Well, assuming Hedberg would still be willing to play for Atlanta. He gets to choose his next team on July 1st.

But honestly, I don’t see an RFA offersheet coming for Kari. The other GM must overpay or over-commit years on the contract to steal him. And with his laspses in concentration, perhaps some other GM can find another goalie without draft pick compensation expenditures. I actually feel bad for Kari.

No, I do. He’s trying to establish himself as a star goalie in the NHL. He plays for a team that has been last, or close to last, in Goals Against since the Inaugural season, in 1999-2000. He’s had to deal with Bob Hartley’s “rotation” system. And it’s probably affects his confidence, whether he’s willing to admit that or not. There’s aren’t any strong signs that Atlanta’s defense is about to improve dramatically. I’m sure Lehtonen wanted to become a $7 million-a-year type goalie. Instead, he’ll sit back in his goal crease, watching “whack-a-mole.” (TM, poster Sara, all rights reserved.)

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

kracker — The poll is poorly worded, I see how you could’ve messed up. Apparently four other voters have done the same thing!

Tony C. — His name is Valabik. You may call him “Boris the Great” or “Big Boris”.

Your next best option is probably Bogosian or Schenn, if you don’t want to waste that top pick. Beech is the scrappiest of the top 10 prospects, you could always trade down for him. But he’s an absolute punk, I HOPE Atlanta doesn’t sign him.

By Brendan

June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Kracker, you’re not going to be the only one to do that. It’s a simpler and better poll question to ask, “Should the Thrashers re-sign Bobby Holik?” than it is to pose one with a double negative in it. Like using the words “mistake”—negative connotation with the negative, “not.”

“Don’t do what ‘Donny Don’t’ does.” “Isn’t it untrue that it isn’t fair not to re-sign Bobby Holik?” Confused yet?

By Thrasher Ryan

June 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — His name is Valabik. You may call him “Boris the Great” or “Big Boris”.

I call him Ogre.

By Tony C.

June 12, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

ranallo- Yeah, I know Boris is coming, but I like to have a forward or two who can also “tidy a guy up” in Mad Mike’s words…(BTW: loved his response to elder woods jr.’s quip)…

Let me ask you this: would you entertain moving Doughty to winger???

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan — Ogre works too.

Tony C. — No. Maybe on specific situations, but at his age no.