Thrashers

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

John Anderson must have turned us down.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Mike - Any news on a Hedberg re-signing?

By Alan

June 13, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Good question, Stroz! I’ve heard since yesterday morning rumors of a Moose sighting on our roster for next year. Add to that a mysterious little blurb that was present on the Thrashers page briefly yesterday… and we have ourselves the makings for a pretty interesting rumor.

As for whether or not Anderson turned us down … we will probably never know. Hell, we may have turned him down (asking too much $$$, no NHL experience, etc?).

By Mike Knobler

June 13, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz

No. I have calls in on that, but they have not been returned.

By Bob

June 13, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Jar Jar Binks workin his magic once again, eh?

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I can’t imagine what the hold-up would be on announcing a Hedberg re-signing. It’s a great move, even if Moose winds up sitting in the pressbox.

Atlanta needs insurance in net. Moose doesn’t cost a lot. He’s a 14-game winner with a GAA way up over 3.00. And he’s 35! As long as he doesn’t insist on some “no trade clause,” I think his re-signing a great move. It won’t deter Pavelec any. If he wins the starting job from Kari, then that’s what happens. If he is sent back to Chicago for development, that’s still good for the Thrashers and for Pavelec’s development.

Kari Lehtonen will still be re-signed. Now, let me ask you this. If Lehtonen asked for a “no trade clause,” would you give it to him??

By Thrashers27

June 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Why in the H-E-double hockey sticks would Kari want a “no-trade” clause. I’m sure he’d love to skate on outta here now if his stock were high enough and he weren’t a RFA.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

If I were Lehtonen, I would demand a get me a f-in defense clause.

By Tony C.

June 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

wOW! That must sting to have Anderson shoot us down.

Way to go Jar-Jar!

By Alan

June 13, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I declare Stroz the winner of this blog entry for his 4:57pm post.

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

You didn’t answer the question. In the world of hypotheticals, would you, or would you NOT give Kari a “no trade clause.”

I know. This requires you to imagine a world where a Thrashers WANTS to stayyyy at Blueland. I realize the daunting task I have laid before you.

By BG33Brown

June 13, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Are we just conjecting that Anderson turned us down or did I miss something?

By Big_Momma

June 13, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Any word on if Anderson has already met with Waddell?

By BigMomma

June 13, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Mike - any word on whether Anderson has already interviewed?

By ranallo10

June 13, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown — It’s all conjecture at this point.

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Mike Sullivan will cost more than John Anderson. So, I’d say Anderson is still very much in the running.

Tortorella just might be the most expensive of the coaches who still have their hat in the ring for NHL jobs next season. That is, provided that the rumors of $2.0 million, per year, for Melrose are false, for that job down in Tampa.

All that’s truly needed to complete the “ThEatre de l’absurde” is the press conference announcing the return of Bob Hartley.

I apologize. It should just be a standing rule that you don’t sip beverages when reading my posts. And yes, I’m kidding. The Thrashers won’t bring Hartley back. I think the Thrashers want to at least attempt to re-sign Kari Lehtonen during this offseason.

By BigMomma

June 13, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post - received an error and didn’t wait long enough…

By Alan

June 13, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

All that’s truly needed to complete the “ThEatre de l’absurde” is the press conference announcing the return of Bob Hartley.

And like I said a few days ago … that wouldn’t surprise me.

By Tony C.

June 13, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Hey why not? hiBob is always good for a laughable quote….and yes it’s conjecture re: Anderson snubbing the gig.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Talking to Sullivan is smart to do if an agreement has not been finalized with Anderson. Plus, Sullivan may have already been scheduled for an interview or he may have lately asked for the interview.

Who knows?…but one would think an agreement-in-principle could have already been announced with Anderson if they are close.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Mike Congrats on getting your Thrashers Blue name color.

By Wintirwolf

June 13, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Well, Peter DeBoer is definately out of the picture now. He just signed with the Florida Panthers as their new head coach!

By Sara

June 13, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I think I’d prefer Sullivan over Anderson. While Anderson has some pluses, I’m not sold on his defensive schemes so much. As the coach on the commercials says, our defense is our offense. While Detroit is able to pull that off, our blueline looks nothing like theirs, nor do we have a bunch of Selke finalists (and winners) on our roster. So there’s my two cents.

Stroz I still think Kari’s agent needs to write in a bonus clause of $1,000 for every shot above 30 PG Kari faces. Which based on last year’s SAA/PG, is about the same as actually paying a real number one d-man. :o

By MB

June 13, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Off topic, but just out of curiousity…are there any of the top draft choices [Stamkos, Bogosian, Doughty, Schenn, Pietrangelo, Filatov) who you disagree with completely?

Full disclosure, it’d be nice to know this now for those moments later when bloggers proclaim “I knew this pick would be a bust!”

Of the six, I least like Filatov and Doughty for the Thrashers. Not to say they won’t prove successful, just that I think the defensive d-men are better for us right now.

Odds are, though, that not all six will be stars in the league. So if D-Wadd is predestined to make the wrong pick, who is it?

By Mike Knobler

June 13, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

kracker Thanks. Blue is the AJC’s color, too.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

MB I like Bogo for his defensive game with some O to go along with it. And his size and skating is pretty good.

Bust? They will all be good players, it’s just whether or not they fulfill the individual expectations placed upon them as a high pick in a rich draft. And how long it takes them to do it.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 13, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Anyone who accepts the Thrashers head coaching job—under the leadership of that bumbling, lisping idiot Don Waddell—will have already proven to me he has lost his self-respect…

Nothing to be gained from joining this pitiful and pathetic excuse of a franchise.

Looking forward to Don’s next ten-year “Five-Year Plan”…

By MB

June 13, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

I’m with you on Bogo, kracker. Next choices, for me, are Pietrangelo and Schenn.

You should know, however, that I’m horrible at predictions, and thus Doughty and Filatov will end up the best of the bunch.

By ranallo10

June 13, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Anyone who accepts the Thrashers head coaching job[…]will have already proven to me he has lost his self-respect

I’m sure the $800k+ contract will get that person over the disappointment they’ll feel.

By MB

June 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Sage, as a fairly vocal D-Wadd critic, who would you acknowledge as a “wise” draft pick, and who would you proclaim as a likely bust?

By HookyBob

June 13, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, Stroz, Bob, Tony C, Thrasher27, et al: Have you been reading my (e)mail?

Moo: Have you been reading my mind**(your post from earlier blog)?

LAC, Sage, and NASCAR: It pains me to say this,…but I have to wonder if I’m not coming around to your way of thinking.

The question that now comes to mind;. Has the current ownership, and GM, so messed up that no one wants to sign with this franchise? Or,… How desparate must someone be to sign here?

Please give me a reason why this franchise would not be the last choice for a coach or NHL player. Brendon as a voice of reason (and knowledge) let me hear your thoughts.

Seems like the coach search has almost akin to “musical chairs.” What coaching candidate is left in play for our chair? While two other (musical) chairs remain open,… ours has been available (for how long) and no one shown any (public) interest.

Other Bob, Hokie, et al: Or anyone,…please show me the error of my thinking this way.

BTW: Stroz have you checked the “Anderson Watch….” blog lately?

111 days until the puck drops on the next run for Lord Stanley’s cup. While I still can’t wait,..I’m entertaining looking for another team to follow.

Bloggers,…come to my rescue and convince me to remain loyal to our local NHL team.

It’s been a long day. I’m ready to drink beer from a fire hose.

By Jason

June 13, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Sullivan deserves just as much a chance to interview here as Anderson. Now in saying that, what is his claim to fame as a former head coach in the NHL? Was/is he known as a defensive guy, offence first, player developer or what?

Mike, do you get any kind of vibe on the likelihood or not of us still seeing a Nonis type brought in to work with DW? BTW, thanks for all good reporting so far.

By LAC

June 13, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Just amazing that other teams that replaced GM & coaches have new ones in place.

Just shows they are acting to improve their teams and move forward…

Meanwhile in Atlanta… The laughable continues, this franchise is just about in ruins. don waddell is proving more and more every day that he is as stupid as stupid gets.

But I guess the real picture tells the story, franchise OUT OF CONTROL, star players want OUT, GM is a COMPLETE FAILURE and the owners, well they continue to make complete FOOLS of themselves every day that passes.

Simply put nobody in their right mind would want to come here, this whole franchise is tearing itself apart, and we have to have the bleeding stopped… I wish these owners would get off their butts and wake up…

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Hooky Bob - LMAO, that’s great.

Nothing funnier than returning serve.

By Bart

June 13, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Wait. Sullivan is most recently an assistant coach in Tampa. If he was that great, wouldn’t Tampa have already gotten him on board as THEIR head coach when they dumped Tortorella? They’ve gone several weeks without signing him, which means that there must be some better options out ther.

By Bart

June 13, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Wait. Sullivan is most recently an assistant coach in Tampa. If he was that great, wouldn’t Tampa have already gotten him on board as THEIR head coach when they dumped Tortorella? They’ve gone several weeks without signing him, which means that there must be some better options out there.

By MB

June 13, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hooky Bob, I can understand having debates about the merits of the owners, the GM, the coaches, and even individual players, but if you need convincing to remain loyal to the team, maybe it’s best to part ways now.

By Mike Knobler

June 13, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

No vibes yet, MB. I’m just a week into this.

By ToF

June 13, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Please do not sign Sullivan. His records in the NHL are nothing special (granted he has a somewhat small sample size as HC). His record with Boston is nothing to write home about (70-56-15-23). He gets a little leway considering his last season was the year they traded Thornton and brought in Chiarelli, who promptly fired him. It seems like Tampa has done excellent under his mentoring. Anyone know if he was their D coach or Forward coach?

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

HookyBob, these are my thoughts on the Thrashers situation/. Better put on a pot coffee before you start. It’ll be ready by the time you finish reading it. What can I say? I’m a passionate Thrashers fan. But right now, I do feel as if my flight has been hijacked by a bunch of “businessmen” who have no intentions of fulfilling any Stanley Cup promises, like the ones they utered during the banner raising cerebonies, on “Opening Night 2007.”

MB, the question you’ve posed is a difficult one. I think all those players have excellent potential. They wouldn’t be ranked so highly by the NHL’s Central Scouting, if they didn’t. It’s up to the coaches who handle them from now, forward, to properly develop them into Tier I players. But I want to go a different route. My answer is Filatov.

What????!!!!

Hear me out. It’s not that he’s not a great prospect. In fact, it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with his hockey playing abililities. But rather, it’s that until there’s a transfer agreement with Russia, I cannot run the risk of drafting a player who doesn’t play here.

Remember Atlanta’s 2nd round pick from 2000, #31 overall? It was defenseman Ilja Nikulin. Does Nikulin “suck?” I wouldn’t think so, necessarily. But until he sets foot in an NHL arena, wearing a Thrashers jersey, it’s a WASTED PICK!! And sadly enough for the Thrashers, that 31st overall pick was slated to be one of the building blocks of this franchise. Uhh, bygones.

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Uhh, “utered” and “cerebonies” … probably something Freudian going on there. Sorry, folks. I meant “utered” and “cerebonies.”

Look folks, you know uttered and ceremonies when you see them misspelled, okay?

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Brendan — If you’re going to go that route, then you must understand there isn’t a transfer agreement with any European country. The Czech Republic ALSO didn’t ratify the newest IIHF agreement, which means they’re working off a soon to expire agreement plan. For prospects who might not SIGN until 2009, this is risky PERIOD.

But seriously, if the Penguins would’ve been “scared” of a lack of transfer agreement, they wouldn’t have drafted Malkin. There are ALWAYS ways around the Russia players situation, so long as the player wants to come to the US.

I don’t blame Waddell for Nikulin’s disinterest in coming to the NHL…I blame Nikulin (only partially, because I respect him wanting to play for his home nation).

By LAC

June 14, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

HookeyBob… Glad to see you see the light of the biggest problem this team has… don waddell.

Like Brenden said SO WELL on the 14th from one problem flow ALL your problems and doing NOTHING is the worst mistake of all.

The teams Ottawa/Florida/Colorado/San Jose/Toronto, who fired coaches within the past TWO months are up and running with NEW coaches.

Vancouver got a NEW GM within about three weeks, TB and LA have only recently made changes, but whoever they hire, whenever they hire them, will be heads and shoulders better than THE HAPLESS ATLANTA THRASHERS.

Even teams like St.Louis brought in additional management to get better, and what do the Thrashers do… Not One DAMN thing, nothing.

I also point to Brendens comment of how the asg LIED on opening night “promising to bring The Stanley Cup to Atlanta.” What a LIE and rutherford snydel or whatever the hell your name is, you are a BALDFACED LIAR ! Someone should sue him for his LIES…

So HookeyBob, I know I rant about these guys, so do others, but at some point they have to start acting responsible and make some smart moves. What really scares me most is no coach less than a week from the draft… I believe few want to come here, because of waddell and these owners, same with ANY UFA’s.

The franchise, in my mind, is near collaspe, the fans are fed up with their crap and waddell, and they ignore the ones who pay the bills.

Time for these little lying clowns to stop bragging about being sports owners and act like sports owners, make the tough decisions, waddell may be your buddy, but he is killing NHL hockey in Atlanta and much more of don’s on ice losing, will chase away even the most loyal of fans.

It needs to be done and done NOW, waddell has to go and take his arrogant detroit attitude back to detroit, we do not need anymore of it here…. Hey don,You say you love this team, then at the least resign and give us a chance to excell rather than implode, which is coming very, very soon !

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this

I also must understand that Atlanta is having real trouble attracting and maintaining star players for their market. Russian players get to play TAX FREE in their Motherland. Now, that very well may be true of most or all of European leagues as well.

Rightly or wrongly, Russian players, in particular, get accused of “playing solely for the money.” And well, if the TAX FREE money is better over there than the TAXED money over here, especially if they’re slated to be drafted for a downward spiraling franchise that doesn’t especially show signs of recovery, it could affect their thinking.

The point of Malkin is “spot on.” In 2003, the Penguins had moved up to get young Fleury. By 2004, things were hardly “fixed” in Pittsburgh when they drafted Malkin. Who knew they’d win the Sidney Crosby sweepstakes in 2005. In their shoes, I think Pittsburgh had to take Malkin. He was next best player available in the draft. And if they didn’t take him, someone ELSE would have. Ovechkin, a Russian, went 1st overall that year. I’d wager than Malkin wanted to show the world he belonged in the NHL and could be every bit the player that Ovechkin is. I like a guy with confidence.

I cannot explain why Chrepanov, a Top Five prospect in last year’s draft, slipped all the way down to #17, where the NY Rangers claimed him. Some people did speculate that it “might” have been due to the lack of a transfer agreement.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Esposito dropped too, it happens to all nationality players. It’s not indicative of people scared of a transfer agreement…perhaps people were worried he wasn’t worth the hype.

Or perhaps teams worried about his desire to play, or his desire to develop, or his desire to play in the AHL for two seasons.

Who knows?

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

I heard Pierre McGuire opine that some GM’s didn’t like Chrepanov’s conditioning and work ethic. Fair enough. Those are reasons not to pick him.

By LAC

June 14, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this

Brenden, you open to taking the HC job here ????? Then we could have blogger night and get in FREE !

What is the line on this Esposito ?

Is he someone who could help or a flash in the pan, here today gone tommorrow like a thunderstorm ?

His tryout in Chicago did not last long, one game I think… Or is he trade bait ?

Let’s have Bill Tiller NEW GM and Brenden NEW COACH !

I bet BOTH would be available and at the RIGHT PRICE, no not 10 Million a year Bill… Sorry.

But NO doubt, both of you guys could turn this franchise around in NO time flat and FINALLY get the Thrashers moving in the right direction !!!!

Tiller - GM

Brenden - Coach

Lets GO FOR IT !!!!!! Sure beats the crap running the show now don’t it !

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 5:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Esposito’s tryout in Chicago is indicative of anything…Anderson gave him one game then allowed him to watch from the stands for maybe two. Then it was playoff time and Esposito’s spot was given to more deserving people. I’d be willing to bet since his role is a top two scoring line role, Anderson felt it was best to go with the people who’ve been playing there all season (Krog or Martins at center) or for major parts of it (Little). So I assume Esposito’s assistance was not needed, thus it was a short lived “tryout”.

That was my take of the situation.

By FormerIslesFan

June 14, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this

Mike,

This may sound like a strange question, but if you have access to Kovy, can you ask him whether he has spoken to Ilya Nikulin about his plans to a) come over to the NHL to play; and b) whether he has any intention of playing for the Thrashers?

I have no idea whether this is something that Kovy would even be allowed to due under some international “tampering” rule, but I thought it worth asking…

By FormerIslesFan

June 14, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this

For that matter, I suppose the same question should be put to Kozlov as well. Am I missing any other Russians??

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I never like to disappoint anyone, LAC, but there’s no way I’d ever coach. Hmmn? Maybe PeeWee? I’d want to hire a coach, not be one. And if presented with that opportunity, I’d want to hire, if they’re even available, (1) Craig Ramsay, (2) Don Luce, (3) Larry Robinson, (4) Borje Salming, etc. Former prominent NHL players who know, understand, and can devise a “checking system” that will reduce Atlanta’s Goals Against. (And get Kari Lehtonen out of the mental clinic for recurring “nightmares.”)

I’m very confident that several of the AJC.com’s hockey bloggers would and could replicate Don Waddell’s success as Thrashers GM. Well, if you doubt that, riddle me this, Batman? Could you manage to miss the playoffs seven times in eight years? Could you field a team of yesteryear’s All-Stars, desperately clinging to an NHL paycheck and reputation? Could you plug the roster with AHL-NHL “tweeners” at the league minimum? Could you consistently have your team at the bottom of the league in Goals Against, on a semi-annual basis? Could you manage to run a draft, just on the basis of the advice in the morning edition of the draft venue’s local newspaper? I think the answer is “yes.”

Well, then … ostensibly … you’re qualified to be an NHL GM in Atlanta! You wouldn’t do any worse than Waddell. If any of you are thinking about being an NHL GM one day, that can be your “inspiration.” Take a picture of Waddell to your wall. And in your “daily affirmations,” you can cite, “I’m at least as good as THAT man!”

By Bill Tiller (Rawhide)

June 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

LAC - That’s very nice of you… but I’m gonna take the same path as Pro. Brendan.

If ask, I will not run. If elected I will not serve!

Besides…If I were to become GM, this beat writer Knobler…he would be all over my A$$.

Who needs that?

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — But…you promised me a position as head of European scouting!

By B. Thenet

June 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Considering it seems to take 3-4 days for a backup goaltender signing to be announced, it is not surprising that the coach hiring process is taking so long.

I am not excited about seeing Sullie in the mix for HC. So we go from wanting to interview the assistant for the SC Champs to the assistant for the worst team in the NHL?

I don’t get it.

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

B.Thenet makes an excellent point. Well done, sir. What in the Holy Mother of God just happened? We’re looking at the 30th place team’s assistant Coach? Scratching my head. I’m sure that makes some sense, in bizarro world, where hamburgers eat people.

Look, Spirit Group. If you want John Anderson, hire him. If ya don’t, then you don’t. But don’t string the guy along to the point where he looks like he’s your “sloppy seconds, last resort” choice. That’s a slap in his face.

To be honest, I wasn’t sold on McClellan. But good for San Jose. Ron Wilson, for as much as I deride him for his playoff machinations, has over 500 NHL wins to his resume. Why didn’t the Spirit Group/Waddell push as hard as they could to get him?? I realize, of course I do, that Wilson would have turned us down, pretty much no matter how hard we tried. But it at least sends a message to the players that you went after the best possible candidate during the offseason. And you put it out there in print how hard you were charging for him.

Don’t tell me the best candidate was DeBoers. It wasn’t. And best of luck to him, by the way. Shoot, even approaching Barry Melrose would have shown itself to be an aggressive, proactive approach.

Marc Crawford is still out there—to the best of my knowledge, anyways. While his Stanley Cup is a faded memory, he’s not a horrendous coach. He seems like the sort who can work with younger players. And right now, his reputation is “smarting” to the point where he should be PAH-LENTY MOTIVATED to prove himself as “NHL viable.” He’s been cut loose a few times now. Enough times to make people start to wonder if he’s still got what it takes. I’d rather have him than Sullivan, every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Would I rather have Crawford than Anderson? I don’t know. Anderson has coached several of the Thrashers in the past. And he has coached several of the Thrashers of the future. It’d be a nice gesture to move the guy up to the parent club as a form of “promoting from within.” The Spirit Group doesn’t own the Wolves, however. But hiring Crawford, a former Stanley Cup-winner, does send a message to the players that this ownership and this GM are still “theoretically” trying to get back to respectability and playoff contention.

By Alan

June 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I don’t mean to nitpick, but every time you say McClellan, I think of McCrimmon. And it give me false hopes that the man is gone from the Thrashers. Drop the extra C from McClellan, and you’re golden. :)

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Consider it done, Alan. I appreciate reasonable requests.

By LAC

June 15, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this

Rawhide & Brenden, well it WAS toung in cheek so to speak…

I’d love to wheel and deal, but like yourselves… no time to do that now…

But at least let’s have one BLOGGER night this coming season, I bet it would be a SELLOUT to see Rawhide drop the first puck…

Just think how, let’s say Vinny, would react when the local papers BLOG KING is announced, HUH ??????

Then Kovy would say like… me too, but the entire arena would erupt in cheers for perhaps THE defining moment of the 2008-2009 season had just taken place !!!!!!

Now let’s go drink CHEERWINE !!!!!!

By Bill Tiller (Rawhide)

June 15, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

LAC - Now THAT I’ll do…but only if me and the two tax exemptions get to participate in the Sumo Wrestling Hockey in between periods as well!

We’ll go up against Knobler. If he has kids, then they can be on his team…if not then he can choose two bloggers to join him. Say…Falconer and Sean Grace?!?

You hear me Mike???? Ya up for it???

That’d be a hoot!!!

By Tony C.

June 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Brendan- I’m hurt. I like to think that I could’ve done a better job than last season!

By Brendan

June 15, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Tony C., you have have done better, no doubt of that!

By NASCAR Dave

June 15, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

So i’ve heard LA Kings are eyeing BOGOSIAN and FILATOV, not DOUGHTY as many here had previously suggested… I have said before we need to deal with LA if possible, but assuming it doesn’t happen, if LA takes BOGOSIAN, Atlanta should take FILATOV… I have looked at the tapes… DOUGHTY is TOO small for what we need… If LA takes FILATOV, Atlanta should take BOGOSIAN…

If not used to trade up, the late 1st rounder (via Pitt) should be used on STAAL or TOEWS, OR an NHL READY D-Prospect…

Buyouts start today right???

Time to buy out: ZHITNIK, LARSEN, KLEE, SLATER, WHITE, etc…

By LAC

June 15, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Right you are NASCARDAVE…

Would be nice it waddell was bought out too !!!!

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — Where’d you read that?

Doughty is 6’0 219. What are you considering the need for Atlanta’s defense? Schenn, Pietrangelo and Myers are the next best defenseman in this draft, and are 6’2, 6’3 and 6’7 respectively. Would you think they’re a better size?

Filatov is 6’0 172. Not exactly big for his position…doesn’t that bother you if you mention Doughty being too small??

My preference is still Bogosian and then Doughty, but IF Bogosian is drafted I would look to trade that number 3 slot because I believe many teams would be interested in moving up for the assurance of drafting Doughty or Filatov. SO I’d hope, if Bogosian goes to LA, the trade down scenarios (no lower than 7, Toronto’s pick) should be fully explored. I’d imagine those conversations between Waddell and other GMs have already taken place in an effort to gauge interest for that number 3 pick. But, Bogosian off the board AND staying within the top 8 picks is the only way I want to see a trade down scenario unfold.

By R. Stroz

June 16, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

ranallo10 - If DW trades down, I’ll be on the Friday late night newscast.

“Thrashers General Manager Dung Waddell was assaulted by a group of Thrasher fans at tonight’s draft party at Philips arena. Waddell was seen wearing a BULLHORN stuck in his ear afterward.

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute R. STROZ… Don’t get ahead of yourself there buddy… Silly ole Donnie will be up in Ottawa trading down to grab WILSON or something… Blabbing about how he got the “the guy we wanted all along”… Sound familiar??? Does this remind you of the draft where we got the Glass Groined Wunderkind??? :D

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

RANALLO - We agree on BOGOSIAN. I like him first, FILATOV 2nd… I am happy with either of the 2 at #3…

I don’t think DOUGHTY is big enough… Where is he listed as that? I thought he was 5’ 10”??? Regardless, he is Enstrom-size. I love Toby, but we need to go bigger on the Blue Line. 1 Toby is enough.

And for the others, Rannallo, honestly the 6’7” guy sounds like he might work… If he’s TOUGH enough… But honestly I haven’t read much about him… We don’t need another Lane Manson-type bust, you know what I mean???

By R. Stroz

June 16, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - The worst trade down was the “double trade down” to get the player DW wanted all along, Alex Bourret. Lets see, we passed up Kopitar (center) and Staal (big D-man). Just think, Kovy’s center could be Kopitar instead of Charmin. But, that’s way DW rolls (puns intended).

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Yeah, STROZ, don’t forget, if The Islanders didn’t draft DIPIETRO, Donnie woulda passed on HEATLEY for Rickie D… Blabbing about it during All Star Week…

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — The height and weight I gave you came from NHL.com.

If you think 6’0 is the same as Enstrom (5’10), I guess you consider Kronwall (6’0), Robidas (5’11), Campbell (6’0), and Markov (6’0) TOO small for this roster? I don’t agree with that assessment. 6’0-6’2 is the range in which the majority of NHL defenders fit, so I highly doubt this blue line would be adversely impacted by Doughty’s height.

If your point is height on the blue line, I guess you then want to go with Tyler Myers. Remember though, this team already has Boris Valabik (6’7), is another big guy needed?

Does Filatov, at 6’0 172, get a free pass because he’s not on the blue line?

By Tony C.

June 16, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

I would entertain trade-down offers, but very select, And I’m going to need another guy-NHL guy I mean. Doughty ain’t chump change…have you seen him skate? There’s a clip where rushes up the left-side ice, does a nifty little yo-yo move as he accelerates past the D to drive to the net and score (? maybe scoring chance…either way)- dude looked like the second coming of Coffey. No B.S. Kid was that smooth.

Having said that, it’s Bogosian all day from this corner.

I think the LAK-for-Doughty talk was a comment made by LAK mgmt. in an interview, and Doughty’s agent has pumped it up for all it’s worth. Doughty’s been pretty outspoken about wanting to come to L.A.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 4:52 AM | Link to this

Tony C. — I agree Doughty is no chump change at that third pick, which is why I’d entertain offers that work out exactly to my liking. If the pieces aren’t right (such as a NHL ready player and a top 8 pick, or a top 5 pick and a second round selection), then I am happy with Doughty or even Filatov.

And I liked Doughty’s smooth skating, but I’m curious if those highlights are more a product of poor defensive units than of his overall ability (that skepticism comes for all highlight reels I see with prospects, not just his).

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Other Bob, Hokie, et al: Or anyone,…please show me the error of my thinking this way.

I’d keep in mind how Waddell waited til the last ten minutes of the trade deadline to trade Hossa for the ultimate package. Value and price would certainly seem to be a factor in this situation as well… I would say the race is down to Torts and Sullivan.

Does anyone know how Torts being under contract with Tampa effects how much we would have to pay him? Do we assume that cost, or is it guaranteed money that Tampa pays him regardless? Knowing FUBAR, if that money is guaranteed, then I’d say Torts is our next coach.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

*Yeah, STROZ, don’t forget, if The Islanders didn’t draft DIPIETRO, Donnie woulda passed on HEATLEY for Rickie D… Blabbing about it during All Star Week… *

Ummm… and if we had DiPietro we would have Bouwmeester instead of the Glass Groined Wonderkind, who by the way we drafted #2… so I don’t exactly understand your example of Lehtonen, trading down and being “the guy we wanted all along”.

Do you realize the hypocrit nature of your posts or is it just me?.. Ranallo, am I crazy?

By Sara

June 16, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

GaVa Torts’ contract with TB guarantees him his contracted salary from TB for the duration of the contract as long as he doesn’t take a job elsewhere. If he signs with us (God forbid), that makes his contract with Tampa null and void and he’ll get paid whatever he agrees to get paid by us.

Another note - no Crawford. He’s a big time A-hole. Of course, that is tainted by the viewpoint of a Red Wings fan who knows Crawford best as the Avs’ coach during the heyday of that rivalry. But he acted completely classless on numerous occasions during that time and I don’t ever want him coaching a team I root for.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

History would tell you that 1 of the 6 defensemen will be a bust, but I just don’t see it in this case. I think it comes down to preference and who’s the best fit for your team. I don’t think there’s a bad decision in the bunch. All 6 will play for a long time. The real question is which one’s will be sure-fire top pairing defensemen?

If Enstrom has managed to be a top pairing defenseman as a smallish puck moving player… than certainly Doughty will be a top pairing, puck moving defenseman with a bigger frame.

I think in 4 years, looking back on the draft… Filatov will be the bust and Pietrangelo and Myers will be the steals. That’s why I’m willing to trade down to #7, pick up a roster player in the move and take either Pietrangelo or Myers.

Myers being my favorite… he’s got good wheels for his size (better skater than Chara at his age), and has the same big stick and long reach (for poke checks) as Chara.

Doughty has game-breaking potential… but Myers has the shut-down skills I’m looking for.

By Buzilla in CT

June 16, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Has anybody thought that maybe they are interviewing Sullivan for the GM job? Waddell takes over as President, Sullivan is GM, and Anderson is the coach. I doubt they are trying to hire Anderson an assistant. That line of thinking makes no sense. Most reports point to the Thrashers all but announcing that Anderson is the coach. If these reports are correct maybe they have moved on to getting the new GM to make the fanbase happy and have Waddell around to supervise.

Just my 2 cents

By Sara

June 16, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Actually, GaVa we wouldn’t have Bouwmeester, we’d likely have Rick Nash. Columbus and Florida swapped picks one and three (so no NASCARDave Waddell didn’t “trade down” for the “Glass Groined Wunderkind”). That swap took place partially because Waddell said he did not intend to take Bouwmeester, so FLA was willing to let him “fall” to #3 to draft him.

Either way, if FLA had believed Don was going after Bouwmeester, they wouldn’t have swapped picks with Columbus, thus retaining the #1 overall pick, taking him anyway, and still leaving us Kari at #2.

By Sara

June 16, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Oh, I forgot a detail. NASCARDave not only did Waddell not “trade down” in the ‘02 draft, he actually got two draft picks from FLA to guarantee he wouldn’t take Bouwmeester (who he wasn’t going to draft anyway). One of those picks was turned into Slava Kozlov that very same day. Not too shabby for a day’s work.

Doesn’t mean the busts and bad decisions never happened, but it hasn’t all been as bad as some like to “remember” it being.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Hokie — I think Myers has the longest development time needed, and I’m not sold on his abilities as a big man (comparing him to Chara). Valabik is already a big project in the works, and though he had “better skating abilities than Chara” and is still lauded as being further in development than Chara was at his age, I still think Valabik could be a year away (though I’d give him a shot this season). I don’t think I have the patience for another Coburn/Valabik situation…especially since drawn out development for these types of players immediately makes them trade bait for deadline deals.

I’d rather Schenn or Pietrangelo than Myers, based on perceived development timelines and tools they bring to the game.

You probably realize how I feel about the “bust” tag in relation to draft status, so I’ll refrain from commenting on predicting a draft bust. I don’t think the Filatov will be anything like Pavel Brendl, but my career prediction for Filatov is similar to Zherdev (with a lot less contract headaches).

Oh, and no you’re not crazy…it seems to happen all the time from a select few. Especially when people talk about past drafts (you know, hindsight being 20-20 and all, plus the inability to accurately and easily search archives for those person’s predictions and prognostications).

By Chicken Parm

June 16, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Lol, it would be great if we had a coach before the draft. Mike, have you ASKED DW what the hold up is? I get so angry at this franchise, what a mess. I can’t wait to see how DW bungles this draft, one of the deepest in years (supposedly). We are the joke of the league and it continues.

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Does Filatov, at 6’0 172, get a free pass because he’s not on the blue line?

Yes. you and I have had this converstaion before, and we both agree that when drafting, you take the BEST AVAILABLE player. If LA takes BOGOSIAN, the next BEST AVAILABLE player is FILATOV… That is who ATL should take.

I would say the race is down to Torts and Sullivan.

NOPE. Wrong again…

so I don’t exactly understand… “the guy we wanted all along”.

Neither do I, but the quote came from Silly old Donnie’s piehole… It is what it is…

Doughty has game-breaking potential… but Myers has the shut-down skills I’m looking for.

See, Rannallo, that’s what I’m talkin about…

Oh, I forgot a detail. NASCARDave not only did Waddell not “trade down” in the ‘02 draft, he actually got two draft picks from FLA to guarantee he wouldn’t take Bouwmeester (who he wasn’t going to draft anyway). One of those picks was turned into Slava Kozlov that very same day. Not too shabby for a day’s work.

SARA, I don’t need your history lessons… I saw it happen LIVE. Who was the othere pick??? SLATER??? What a joke. 2 Busts in the 1st Round of that draft, and a tired, has-been veteran in KOZLOV… Wow, SARA, that’s definitely worth bragging about… LMAO

Oh, and no you’re not crazy…it seems to happen all the time from a select few. Especially when people talk about past drafts (you know, hindsight being 20-20 and all, plus the inability to accurately and easily search archives for those person’s predictions and prognostications).

Awww. Don’t get so upset trying to defend your Donnie Boy’s PATHETIC drafting record. You’re getting your panties all in a wad over something ALL OF US can see…. (except for a “select few”)… That Don FRAUDell is the problem here. Why don’t you search the archives for the post where I told BUZILLA Don FRAUDell will take WILSON???

If you are asking my preferences, like I said before… It is BOGOSIAN first, if not him then FILATOV…

Also, bookmark this quote for your archives … FILATOV will NOT be a bust… DOUGHTY will.

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Lol, it would be great if we had a coach before the draft. Mike, have you ASKED DW what the hold up is? I get so angry at this franchise, what a mess. I can’t wait to see how DW bungles this draft, one of the deepest in years (supposedly). We are the joke of the league and it continues.

I agree 100% with what this poster said…

By Sara

June 16, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Dave you were the one who specifically referred to Don “trading down” yet “getting the guy he wanted all along” and doesn’t that sound like when we got Lehtonen. Seeing it LIVE doesn’t mean you remember it accurately. And “two busts and a has-been” is only your opinion and not shared by 100% of the hockey-viewing world. The jury is technically still out on Lehtonen (although most experts and fans tend to fault the crappy D in front of him, versus some supposed lack of talent/drive/skill on his part). Slater is a regular NHLer, which pretty much disqualifies him from being a bust. He may not be what you expect from a late first-rounder, but that’s drafting. Four players drafted ahead of him have never played in the NHL, two played 3 games or less, two played between 60-70 games, and another 96, although he spent last year in Russia. Slates contributes in his own ways (including on the PK as of late last season, which further increases his role) and he gets paid accordingly. Nothing wrong with that. And Kozlov has one bad season here (when almost the entire team had a bad season) and now he’s suddenly a “tired has-been”? Must be nice to view the world with 20-20 hindsight. Too bad that’s not how real decision-making works.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Chicken Parm — In your opinion what is lost by not having a coach prior to the NHL Draft?

I feel that having a coach with a concrete system in place (thus allowing the players that would best fit that proposed system to be drafted) is ideal, but not necessary. I also have this back of my mind notion that it doesn’t matter who the coach is before this draft, he might not have a job long enough to actually COACH the players drafted this Friday and Saturday. What I mean is I wouldn’t be surprised to see this next hire fired by an incumbent GM in 2010 (assuming the ASG fires Don Waddell, which by their track record seems unlikely).

But, what’s your opinion?

If LA takes BOGOSIAN, the next BEST AVAILABLE player is FILATOV

This is where we are in disagreement NASCAR Dave. In my opinion the next best available player is Doughty (assuming Bogosian is off the board at #3). Your opinion differs based on Doughty’s size. Yet you give Filatov a pass on his lack of weight because he’s the “best available player”. I guess we agree to disagree.

Out of curiosity, what makes you think Doughty will be a bust? Is it just a hunch, or have you seen something in his game you just don’t feel will translate to the NHL? Maybe you’ve seen something that was missing? I’m curious why you’ll feel he’ll be a bust.

Hokie — Same question to you, why do you feel the players you’ve marked as potential busts deserve that prediction? Have you noticed something you don’t like?

Sara — Kozlov’s point totals since coming to Atlanta (2002-2008):

70 - 52 - 71 - 80 - 41

His highest points prior to 2002: 73 in 1993-1994 and 1995-1996, and 58 in 1998-1999.

So yeah, I agree that coming away with Kozlov for little in return (he was traded with a 2nd rounder for a 2nd and 3rd rounder, those three picks turned out to be Konstantin Glazachev, Kamil Kreps, and Tyler Redenbach respectively) is one of Waddell’s successes on the trade front. Unfortunately he doesn’t have too many to hang his hat on (the only others that comes to mind is Savard for a prospect who stayed in Russia, and maybe Hnidy).

By Lanny McDonald

June 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

You know, David makes an excellent point @ 10:50.

Filatov will not be a bust. That is who I would take at #3. But it all depends on whether or not he will come here if he is drafted. I would think we’ll need # 17’s help with that - If he will agree to come here, I would take him.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Yes. you and I have had this converstaion before, and we both agree that when drafting, you take the BEST AVAILABLE player. If LA takes BOGOSIAN, the next BEST AVAILABLE player is FILATOV… That is who ATL should take.

Is that based on Central Scouting or Nascar Dave scouting… because you’d be wrong by Central Scouting. But feel free to discredit the experts with your obvious expertise.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

The reason I think Filatov will be a bust… and I only say this potentially… is despite his scouting report, I’ve heard he’s not as fast as his Russian counterparts… combine that with his lack of size and that could be an issue in a more physical league (NHL) compared to the less aggressive leagues he’s been playing in. He’s also a puck dangler, and if he’s slow with it, that creates turnovers.

That’s why I like Ennis better… yes, I realize he’s even smaller, but he’s not a dangler. He makes quick decisions. Better speed, better change of direction… great sense of time and space around the net. And he’s played in a very physical league. So, his ability to stand up to the hits is less in question to me.

I also like that he’s easy to lose track of around the net.

I might be over critical of Filatov, but I’m just doing what GM’s have to do, find reasons to pick one guy over another.

Take Bogosian or Doughty… take Ennis late first and get Toews in the 3rd. That would be a very successful draft in my mind.

By RS

June 16, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Clip from TSN of Filatov opening his mouth and saying in practically perfect English that he is playing in North America next year even if he has to play junior.

http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip56236#clip56236

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Is that based on Central Scouting or Nascar Dave scouting… because you’d be wrong by Central Scouting. But feel free to discredit the experts with your obvious expertise.

Really GAVA??? Is that why CENTRAL SCOUTING has FILATOV at # 1 for International Skaters? And DOUGHTY at # 3 for North American Skaters? Hmmm, let’s see… Which is the higher ranked???

But actually GAVA, I was going off of International Rankings… Where FILATOV is ranked # 3, Doughty # 4.

NUFF SAID.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Really GAVA??? Is that why CENTRAL SCOUTING has FILATOV at # 1 for International Skaters? And DOUGHTY at # 3 for North American Skaters? Hmmm, let’s see… Which is the higher ranked???

What kind of horrible reason is that?! They’re also saying that Filatov could be the ONLY European taken in the first round.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

The Kings are suspending their coaching search until after the draft.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Ranallo and Sara… if you want more scouting video of Zach Bogosian, I noticed he’s the guy defending Stamkos in Stamkos’s Scouting video… he also scores on Lalonde’s scouting video… that’s not going to help Lalonde’s rankings. :)

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

But actually GAVA, I was going off of International Rankings… Where FILATOV is ranked # 3, Doughty # 4.

I’ll take defeat on this just for the sheer fact you took the time to look something up for once.

But that list also has David Toews going in the first round while Central Scouting has him in the 3rd round… so take it for what it is.

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

What kind of horrible reason is that?! They’re also saying that Filatov could be the ONLY European taken in the first round.

And you aren’t even gonna apologize for your inaccurate statement??? I was right, and you were wrong… AGAIN.

You are one petty boy, fool…

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

HOKIE - Apology accepted.

DOUGHTY is just too small, GAVA.

We have the smallest D-Core in the NHL… It’s time to get BIG!!!

So NASCAR Dave takes BOGOSIAN… If LA takes him, NASCAR Dave takes FILATOV…

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Central Scouting has him in the 3rd round

So that must mean DAN MARR has him going in the Top 10… LOL

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

There’s clearly a discrepancy between the two scouting agencies. Toews is ranked 27 on ISS, yet he’s ranked 79 on Central Scouting for North American skaters. Likewise Eberle is ranked 30 on ISS, but 33 of NA skaters on Central Scouting. Tyler Myers 15 (ISS) compared to 4 (CS). I’m sure I could go on…

I’m guessing they don’t even use the same point in time in which the measurements are being reported, because ISS has Filatov listed as 165 pound (even lighter than his 172 on CS, ouch).

Hokie — Size and over reliance upon puck handling are my two biggest concerns with Filatov (note, both are negligible, but as you said it’s the weaknesses I’m looking for). In Russia he has a ton more room to work with, thus allowing him more time to be creative with the puck and creating less body to body contact with him and defenders. The game is different on bigger ice surfaces, and I’m not convinced from the few scouting videos I’ve seen of him that his game will easily translate to a more physical and condensed North American game. But I stick with my Zherdevesque prediction, he’ll be a top liner with scoring abilities…in my opinion.

Doughty doesn’t worry me, but he’s more offensive of a defenseman then I want. I think it was kracker who mentioned his parents being of a larger ilk, but that doesn’t concern me too much. I like that he voluntarily cut weight in order to be closer to NHL conditioning…that speaks volumes to his dedication.

Bogosian is my man though, hands down. I’ve seen nothing that worries me (the injury doesn’t bother me in the least bit), and he’s the type of defensive package I’d look for in any defender.

Schenn is my next pick, followed by nobody sticking out until you get to Colin Wilson. I think Wilson will be as effective as Kessel eventually.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

DOUGHTY is just too small, GAVA.

6’0” 220 lbs is not too small. Especially for an 18 year old.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

But I stick with my Zherdevesque prediction, he’ll be a top liner with scoring abilities…in my opinion. At only $3.25 million a year, I’d rather trade for Zherdev than draft Filatov if given the choice. Whatever it takes to turn that 3rd pick into a defenseman.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Hokie — Agreed, but I don’t think that’s a possibility. Zherdev has been thrown into the center position, plays both wings at times, but is a top line left winger…he plays for a defensive minded team with an overly harsh coach who leaves no breathing room for defensive lapses.

In Columbus, Zherdev is a square peg in a round hole in my opinion. He’d excel in a system that allows him offensive freedom. The knock on him has been his tough contract negotations (has threatened to play in Russia several times, or hold out), and his lack of effort. I’d peg the effort on his frustrations with the system he’s a part of.

Anyways, I like Zherdev, so if Filatov could play anything like him I’d be content with Filatov.

One other thing to think about when ranking where you’d take a player is the scope of this roster in 2-3 years time (when most players make a full time impact upon a roster). IF Kovalchuk is gone (may the hockey gods strike down the GM who allows him to walk off with nothing in return), where is the Tier I talent to replace his offensive burden?? Filatov could be seen as that person in 3 years time, so perhaps it could be wise to take Filatov as a succession plan for Kovlachuk. I don’t believe Filatov can adequately replace Kovalchuk, but clearly that scenario has to be fully though through in THIS draft.

Food for thought really.

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

At only $3.25 million a year, I’d rather trade for Zherdev than draft Filatov if given the choice.

And clearly you don’t work in Business, because that is such an asinine idea…

By NASCAR Dave

June 16, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

6’0” 220 lbs is not too small. Especially for an 18 year old.

Well, if I’m comparing the 3rd ranked guy and the 4th ranked guy, I am taking the 3rd Ranked guy… PERIOD.

GAVA - I think you might have already forgotten all the offensive production that left with Hossa… WHO do we have NOW, to replace that??? And no, GAVA, KOVY does not count… BUT, I can ask you the same question very soon when KOVY walks… And who’s fault would that be???…

Looks like RANALDO is starting to agree… I would suggest you think a little deeper about our needs here HOKIE… Clearly you are a bit confused in your thinking…

Who will be the next “LEGEND OF BLUELAND”, GAVA??? DOUGHTY??? Nope.

By Floyd

June 16, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Here’s my opinion for the DRAFT:

Trade: Lehtonen/Exelby/Esposito/1st Rd Pick (Pitt)/2nd Rd Pick to LA for LA’s 1st Rd Pick. DRAFT: Bogosian and Doughty.

We would be set for years, and even if Pavalec isn’t quite ready for the NHL, he’ll have a BA defense in front of him so he won’t have to worry about being bombarded with shots. Our blueline would look like: Enstrom-Havelid Bogosian-Doughty (pairing of the decade) Klee-Valabik Kulda/Zhitnik

Very solid and promising. Once Zhit is out of here Kulda will be NHL ready and We’ll have a solid core of young D-men. Everyone, including Pavalec, will ripen at the same time (2 years from now or so) and we will be a VERY dominant team.

My opinion is to go into the draft with some authority, pull off this crazy trade and make a name for ourselves and draft these two prodiges.

THRASH!

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — In your opinion is the foundation for a team in the offense or in the defense? Because if you’re assuming Kovalchuk is gone, that’s what you’re drafting based on. Replacing his offensive contributions is nice, but useless if you don’t IMPROVE the defense.

So really it’s not just about replacing a person who might depart, it’s also about your philosophy for building a team.

I’m of the mindset that a good defense and a capable offense with defensive responsibility is what is needed to win a championship. When was the last team to win The Cup with a statistically bad defense?

By Alan

June 16, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Trade: Lehtonen/Exelby/Esposito/1st Rd Pick (Pitt)/2nd Rd Pick to LA for LA’s 1st Rd Pick. DRAFT: Bogosian and Doughty.

This is your first time putting together a trade proposal, isn’t it?

I’m no GM, and I won’t even pretend to be, but this will never work. Want to know why?

St. Louis owns our second round pick.

Oops.

(And that’s just the beginning)

By Floyd

June 16, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

My apologies Alan, I meant 2nd rd pick 2009. I wouldn’t mind if you would elaborate on your immediate shoot-down. The Kings had horrendous goaltending last season and their prospects are not as promising as Lehtonen would be. They also need blueline grit and a throw-in like Exelby will give the proposal some juice. Getting this pick from them may require trading Valabik as well, but so be it, Doughty>>>>Valabik.

By Alan

June 16, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

The goalies in their system, from what I’ve been hearing, are fine. Their D is shoddy, sort of like Atlanta’s. Furthermore, if you get rid of Exelby, that leaves another hole to fill in Atlanta’s D, as far as size is concerned. We need the blueline grit. Hell, we need grit all around, because we were a pushover team last season.

And there’s no way in hell I would give up a stay at home defender like Valabik for an offensive defenseman.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Floyd — I think LA can find a comparable goalie to Lehtonen in the UFA market (Huet and Ellis are available at the moment, Emery is rumored to be bought out any day now). Those goalies might be better or might not be — that’s an opinion thing — but they’re fine replacements until Bernier is ready.

An offer of ALL of the players you mentioned could definitely improve Atlanta’s defense long term and expedite Pavelec’s development, but is a high risk maneuver. It also might entice LA, but it does sacrifice a lot on Atlanta’s part.

Esposito is truly the number one center currently in the system, based on offensive talent. Lehtonen is Atlanta’s best goalie. I think all three you mentioned would be palatable, but Lehtonen is the most experienced/valuable of the three and is beaten in quality by current UFA’s.

So I think if LA wanted high picks and a defender/unproven center prospect, a number 2 overall pick would be too much to give up. I think if they felt they were a goalie away from being consistently competitive that Huet could be signed for as much as Lehtonen would command, and have a proven and better track record.

That is why I personally do not feel that trade could happen.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

And clearly you don’t work in Business, because that is such an asinine idea…

Acquiring a player who’s a proven 250 shot taker and using your 3rd pick to get a franchise defenseman instead is asinine?… I beg to defer.

By ranallo10

June 16, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

47% of respondents on TSN’s poll state that Doughty is the next best prospect in the draft behind Stamkos. Filatov is at 25% and Bogosian 11%.

Since polls are the gospel…nevermind.

By Brendan

June 16, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I definitely like the thinking of picking up Doughty and Bogosian in the 2008 Draft. But coming up with a scenario that makes sense for both clubs is difficult. The Kings have an 11th overall prospect in their system named Jonathan Bernier. What makes the most sense for the Kings is to draft a defenseman, as they have pretty good offense in Brown, Frolov, Camalleri, Kopitar, and a budding center in Patrick O’Sullivan. On the blueline, they have the top blueline prospect from 2005, Jack Johnson.

L.A. might be wise to see what Atlanta would take off their roster, or future draft picks, for its #3 overall pick, so that the Kings could pick up both Doughty and Bogosian, to join J. Johnson on their blueline, with Bernier as the heir apparent to Labarbara in net. But, again, that trade has to work from Atlanta’s perspective, as well. And clearly, the Thrashers need defensemen. Right Now.

I’m hard pressed to see a scenario where the Kings and Thrashers can make out a deal that is mutually acceptable to both clubs. Right now, I’d advance the idea that both clubs must draft quality defensemen. And Doughty and Bogosian fulfill that need for each club. I suspect that’s precisely what will transpire on the 20th.

But, that’s why we have to tune and watch! I’ve got my Maalox handy for whatever move Waddell might make. Bracing yourself for the worst is hardest part of watching a Thrashers draft pick.

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

The Hedberg signing is official… and it’s a muti-year contract… interesting.

I wonder if Kari’s negotiations had anything to do with it? Not to downgrade Moose’s contributions, but I know how much Kari likes working with Moose.

By R. Stroz

June 16, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Moose Re-signed

By GaVaHokie

June 16, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

GAVA - I think you might have already forgotten all the offensive production that left with Hossa… WHO do we have NOW, to replace that???

To be discussed after July 1st when the $18 million in free salary is spent.

By TRON

June 16, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

MOOSE RE-SIGNED…… GREAT…….. NOW LET’S TRADE LETEMIN TO THE KINGS……….. WE’LL BE FINE WITH PAVELEC AND MOOSE………..

By Brendan

June 16, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I’m curious to learn the financial terms of the Hedberg re-signing, as well as if there is any “no trade clause” involved.

I like the signing, generally-speaking. Hedberg is much needed insurance in net, for the often injury-plagued Kari Lehtonen. If this season plays out with Pavelec and Hedberg getting most of the starts, then I still think Atlanta will be “okay” in net.

I think Waddell will wait until after the Draft to re-sign Lehtonen. If he cannot re-sign him during that time, I think he embraces the concept of the RFA offersheet, hoping that one does come in, shaming his ownership into matching it.

The “likely” draft pick compensation for Lehtonen is a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. That all sounds nice, but the practical reality is that two of those picks are complete “crapshoots” (somewhere between #31-90) and the 1st round pick could be in the viscinity of 25th-30th, depending who the other team is. It’s not necessarily some “lottery draft” pick, in the top Five.

I think Waddell wants to go longterm with Kari, but cannot get authorization from the ownership, without being forced into matching some RFA offersheet. That’s just my speculation, however.

I still think the longterm goal is having a 1-2 punch of Lehtonen and Pavelec in net. The clock hasn’t even started ticking on Pavelec’s RFA eligibility. Kari cannot hit RFA status for another three years, per Waddell.

I think Hedberg should be commended for his re-signing here. He could have signed almost anywhere in unrestricted free agency. This Thrashers club needed his acquiescence. And he gave it to them. I think he knows he’ll wind up traded before his contract expires. That is, unless he asked for a “no trade clause.” And I haven’t heard anything about that.