Thrashers

By R. Stroz

June 16, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

GOOD NEWS

By ronald

June 16, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

you know I don’t know what Don Weddell was thanking this guy Hedberg is a bust as we seem he no good and this guy will be making the choice on who the coach will be come on

By gmlane

June 16, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

The thing I don’t understand is the multi-year part of the contract. For all three options above that you mentioned, it’s a decision that would happen this year. Why the second year?

By David

June 16, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t be happier about it. Personally I’d like to see us trade Lehtonen and have Moose split time with Pavelec.

Good to see DW is starting the offseason right.

By Andy S

June 16, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Good stuff. On top of being a quality goalie, he is a fan favorite. Even my girlfriend likes yelling Mooose! when he stops one.

I hope that Pavelec is ready for the big-time and proves himself quickly, but I’m not ready to see Lehtonen go either. I’d guess that we’ll see Pavelec in Chicago for another year.

By Smoothie

June 16, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Smartest thing Waddell could do with respect to our goalie situation. Gives us plenty of options depending on how Pavs plays in the pre-season. But chances are, Pavelec will need one more year in the AHL. And you can never have too many solid goalies. I reckon the 2nd year was a way to keep Moose from opting to test F/A. See Slava for an example of why vets want that extra year…Moose wants to retire in ATL.

By kracker

June 16, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Yep, Mike we have plenty of tender options now. If both Kari and Pavs are judged to be of starting goalie quality, one needs to go. Which one? Seems to me that Kari’s upcoming contract will be a factor in this, assuming he isn’t traded or allowed to leave via an RFA offer sheet.

gmlane Moose got a two year deal to get him to resign. He probably would get another offer for two years elsewhere.

By kracker

June 16, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I should about one of Pavs or Lehts being moved, that most likely would be next season or at this years trade deadline it at all.

By kracker

June 16, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Geez, I wish I could type better…I think I’ll try my toes.

By midtownrebecca

June 16, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Moose is a leader in the locker room. He’s first on ice for practice and stays as long as he is needed. Solid decission by DW.

By Brendan

June 16, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Is $1.15 million, cap hit, “confirmed?”

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 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. So, he tossed us a bone. All the more reason why he’s won the “Teammate’s teammate” Award two years running! That is, unless he asked for a “no trade clause.” And I haven’t heard anything about that.

By Maali

June 16, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

MOOOOOOOOSE! Great news!!

By Bob

June 16, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

He’s a good guy in the locker room and good backup. Leaves the club the options as you laid out above. Good move.

By Mike Knobler

June 16, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Seems like a popular move, judging by the comments I see on this blog. It’s good to find something on which almost everybody seems to agree.

When I spoke to Hedberg, he seemed genuine about liking Atlanta and thinking things can work for the Thrashers.

He’ll be back from Sweden in time to enroll his kids in school for the fall.

By kracker

June 16, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Crap Mike I just saw your Zhitnik article. No buyout - cheap and sucky rules for the ASG. DW: “We expect him to be a big part of our team.”

Somebody just shoot me.

By jd

June 16, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Great team guy - Yes Likes the city - Yes..which is a huge positive after some of the Hossa and Dupuis comments. Great for the community - Yes Right move for the Thrashers… sorry but not in my opinion. I would rather the Thrashers go with Pavs and Kari. The points Mike makes do make sense. But I really was not happen with Moose’s play last year, and ultimately I think we need to judge Goalies by their play on the ice. And to sign a guy for possible trade in midseason.. I don’t buy it. Especially because of Waddell’s (and the Thrashers fans) obsession with the popularity of Moose. They’re not trading him. end of story. Don’t get me wrong I love the guy as well… but take what he did on the ice. Look at his numbers, look at him at face value. It was not even average. And I don’t want a below average goalie on my team, regardless of his attitude…

Zhitnik… As far as “he’s still part of the plans”… OMG!! Are you kidding me?!?! If the plans are clean Phillips after a game… yes… If the “plans” are having him as one of the top 6 defensemen… I’m glad I haven’t renewed my ST…as I can’t watch that slacker play in person again.

Sorry for all the negativity… but that’s my opinion of the news today. We need to go younger… (been saying that for 2 years now)

By kracker

June 16, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

The biggest problem for Moose last season was the same as Lehtonen’s - the team defense in front of him.

By Tony C.

June 16, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Mike-I was wondering how many of our guys are going to that stick-handling camp in Sweden (Or was it IN Switzerland, but run by Swedes?)? Any info about our guys going there, and especially about the school/camp itself would be huge.

By R. Stroz

June 16, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Concerning Zhitnik, DW stated ” We expect him to be a big part of our team.” Does this mean Zhitnik consumed more doughnuts during the offseason?

Would someone please take the bong away from DW.

By Mike Knobler

June 16, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Tony C. I’ll see what I can find out.

Guys, as kracker alluded to, there are three Thrashers stories posted today online, about John Anderson and the coaching search (which won’t necessarily end by Wednesday), about Johan Hedberg and about Alexei Zhitnik.

jd Don Waddell agrees with you about going younger. You’re going to see some new faces. As for Zhitnik, maybe what happened in March will light a fire under him.

By polskidawg

June 16, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Great news with Hedberg. I wonder if he’d be interested in being the GM next year as part of his contract…

As far as numbers go, his numbers are more a symptom of the “offensive” play of his (and Kari’s) “defensive” teammates.

By kracker

June 16, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Let me say in defense (pun intended) of Alexei, he was my dealer on Casino Night and he let me win.

There, I have been fair to Zhitnik. Now trade him, waive him or buy him out. Trade is best, for 8th round pick or higher.

By Alan

June 16, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Would someone please take the bong away from DW.

…and pass it to the left hand side.

After Zhitnik news like this, I think we could all use some hits from the bong. Might make this news easier to take.

Funny story: I was watching a game between Atlanta and Pittsburgh this past season… in Swedish. Yes, the announcers spoke in nothing but Svensk. Whenever they pronounced “Zhitnik,” it literally came out “Sh!tnik.” My thoughts? “Why, I’ve been calling him that all year!”

Why he’s not being bought out is beyond me. Unless by “big part of the team,” Waddell means he’s going to be moved.

If he’s not moved, I hope Mike is right, and all those games Zhitnik sat for will have lit a fire under him. If he continues to play crappy, sit him at length some more. Make sure not only he knows it, but all the players know that crappy play will not be tolerated on this team.

By B. Thenet

June 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Hopefully there were some off ice issues that led to Zhitnik’s pathetic performance last year.

Havelid had a bounce back year, lets see how much pride Alexei has…he owes us.

I would prefer we bought him out, I suspect this decision will come back and bite DW.

By Hockeyfan

June 16, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Holy Zhit! So if we are keeping Zhitty and supposedly going to use our first pick for an NHL ready D-man AND get a top D-man through a trade or signing, who does that leave us to get rid of? X? Klee? Havelid? Enstrom? Boris?

By Eric

June 16, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Good idea polskidawg. Let’s let Moose play between the pipes as long as he wants and then move him into DW’s office.

By Brendan

June 16, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

No goalie is going to have great numbers playing behind the Thrashers defense. Patrick Roy’s GAA would be around 3.5 on the Thrashers.

Hedberg’s no Spring Chicken, that’s for sure. But he’s a capable enough “back up.” And what are you paying him, again?? $1.15 million?! I bet, for the value, you cannot find another goalie in unrestricted free agency who can deliver 15-20 for a team as bad as the Thrashers.

If Hedberg winds up playing the vast majority of our games, I’d agree that we’re probably in trouble. That’s not his role. And he knows that, as well. Hedberg truly did do us a favor. If he pressed hard enough, someone might have given him a 3-year deal, for about the same money. I cannot fault Waddell for a multi-year deal on Hedberg, as that’s what he would have gotten anywhere else he signed. I’m still very interested in knowing if there was a “no trade clause” involved. If it’s true that Moose only costs $1.15 million, that wouldn’t break ANY team’s bank. Especially at the trade deadline, when it’d be a fraction of that cost, at a “pro-rated” salary. From Hedberg’s perspective, he had to get a multi-year deal, for job security. He’ll get paid that money no matter which team he’s playing on. And if he wants, he can accept a “buy-out” in the offseason and surely get picked up by some other team for 2009-10, for even more money than had he remained on with the Thrashers for that second year. He gets paid two-thirds his salary from the Thrashers, plus another $500,000, minimum, from his next team.

There’s PAH-LENTY of things to criticize Waddell about when it comes to managing this team, but the Moose signing isn’t one of them. We have plenty of options. We can trade him. We can buy him out for two-thirds contract value. We can “waive” him and only be on the hook for HALF his salary (from re-entry waivers). And if some team claims him, outright, off waivers, his salary is COMPLETELY GONE from the books. All this, provided that there isn’t an ‘NTC.’

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

BRENDAN Reading Knobler’s 3rd Bullet Point in his column above, I would surmise there is not a NTC.

I will not argue that it is a bad idea, but I would have preferred having PAVELEC and LETEMIN battle it out for the Starter… Can we put Moose in the Press Box for games???

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

There’s no problem about doing precisely that, NASCAR Dave. The team can carry 23 roster spots. We had healthy scratches all the time last year. Moose can be healthy scratched for games. But here’s what I think will happen. Pavelec will come to camp and try to wrest the #1 goalie job from Lehtonen. If he fails, he’ll go back down to Chicago for more seasoning. Moose will be the backup.

If Pavelec wins the starting job, Kari won’t like riding the pine for 50 or more games. He can’t be re-assinged to Chicago for anything more than a conditioning stint, or he becomes subject to a waiver claim. Hold up, someone double-check that. Can RFA’s be lost on waiver claims? And if so, wouldn’t the losing team get compensation for that loss? I’ve forgotten now.

But no matter what ANYONE thinks, losing a player the organ-I-zation invested a 2nd overall pick in, would be bad. Even if the team did get some form of compensation for his loss. Kari Lehtonen was drafted by the Thrashers to be our “foundation piece” for a drive to the Stanley Cup. We’ve endured six long years to start reaping the benefits of a “homegrown” high pedigree goaltender. We will sink or swim with Kari Lehtonen. We haven’t sunk yet, believe it or not. We’re merely bobbing in the water. If the SS Thrashers takes on much more water, Waddell will be spitting up a flounder. And he knows it. He sold us all on the concept that Kari would deliver a string of playoff appearances and single-handedly steal series.

Let’s be fair, here. It’s not all Kari’s fault. Not by a longshot. He needs something resembling a “system” in front of him. If Kari lost the starting job, the organization has a difficult decision to make. From the moment Pavelec was drafted, I thought he’d be moved for assets. I hope that isn’t true. I want to keep him. What’s wrong with having a 1-2 punch in net? It’s the most important position on the ice.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know Don Waddell’s full name, including middle initial?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know DW’s full name, including middle initial?

By Vic Palucci

June 17, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

Holy Mary mother of God! They’re gonna bring back zhitnek? what a mistake that is. this guy has no clue what he is doing with this team.

By LAC

June 17, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this

Mike… Change question of the week to this simple one for next week PLEASE.

Should don waddell be replaced as GM. YES or no…

I, as would others, would like to see the results, Thank-You !

By TableHockey

June 17, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Mike - this is my first post since you took the beat. Glad you’re hear and keeping everyone in the loop. I’m sure I’ll run into you up in Duluth at some of the practices.

On Hedberg - interesting move. I was fully expecting to not hear about any resignings until a coach was announced. It seemed logical to wait until the new coach was on board to make those decisions. Could it be this is part of a move to work a deal to move up in the draft or make another pick up all together? I’m sure it’s been pointed out but ottawa is in need of a goalie.

On Zhitnik - I don’t even understand this. Based on what was reported last season there were ‘trust’ issues between DW and Zhitnik. I can’t imagine those were addressed since the end of the season. Something smells about the Zhitnik news…

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Crap Mike I just saw your Zhitnik article. No buyout - cheap and sucky rules for the ASG. DW: “We expect him to be a big part of our team.”

Call me crazy… but he can still be valuable if he can get back to his 29 point average and is given a more offensive role and not relied upon so much for defense. I’d like to see him paired with Valabik this season… if he stays.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

I will not argue that it is a bad idea, but I would have preferred having PAVELEC and LETEMIN battle it out for the Starter… Can we put Moose in the Press Box for games???

You can never have enough goalies in the system, we learned that two years ago. I think Pavelec needs one more year in Chicago… there won’t be a trade… I think it’s exactly how it looks. Moose backing up Lehtonen for two more years.

I’m thinking the Moose signing is two-fold… the team loves him, including Kari (who we need to resign, this helps) and it may lead to Hedberg becoming part of the front office when he retires (Player Personnel/Advisor).

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Before we drag out the torches and pitch forks on Zhitnik, let’s revisit his career stats. Last year would appear to be a fluke. His point totals before last season were 38, 29, 28, 21, 34 and 37 in the past 6 seasons.

The fact that a player with his point totals ended the season with 8 points would make me evaluate the system… not to excuse his lack of heart and effort.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Oh, by the way, NascarDave… I take back my retraction yesterday as it’s a difference of opinion across the board. There is no doubt that most experts find Doughty to be more valuable than Filatov.

By kev

June 17, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Knob — you have got to call out DW on his Zhitty quotes. How can he bench this guy at the end of the season and not even allow him to travel with the team and then turn around and call him a big part of the future?? So the D is: Havelid, Enstrom Zhit, Klee Valabik, Exelby

With maybe a freshly drafted rookie in the mix somewhere?

That is not the formula for a successful Defense.

I think (pray) that DW is not being forthright. Even so, to call Zhithead a big part of the future is laughable. How could he even say that with a straight face? How could someone receive that information with a straight face?

By The Other J.B.

June 17, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Very good news to wake up to… I’m backing the Moose-Opie ticket in 08-09 and hoping we can deal Kari in a big package trade for a strong center or blueliner.

I was really hoping we’d find a way to get rid of Zhithead with minimal loss, but i guess that’s not happening; maybe a new season, with an updated roster will motivate him to play like we pay him…

Hope to see Bogo in atlanta soon too. A Bogo Boris Blueline would be pretty damned sweet if you ask me.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Ranallo… it’s interesting that Toews isn’t listed by TSN as a Top Prospect… not even honorable mention. Strange.

I’m hoping Deschamps slides down to us.

By T-Bone

June 17, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Regarding DW’s statement on Zhitnik, one of the things I really liked when I became a hockey fan was the brutally honest appraisals offered by many a GM in the league when it came to player evaluations. DW, however, has never followed this script. He’s always painted a rosy picture even in the bleakest of times. This might have been nice and/or necessary when we were a spanking new expansion team but we’re long past that point and being relentlessly upbeat regarding the roster and certain players just further undermines what little credibility he has left.

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

From an article about the Florida coaching hire:

‘Martin said it became “very obvious” DeBoer, coach of the Kitchener Rangers the past seven seasons, would be “the perfect candidate” after he spoke with DeBoer and some of DeBoer’s former players attending the developmental camp.

“I looked at all the options. … After doing a tremendous amount of research, I always came back to his name as the top candidate to lead our club,” Martin said. “It was an easy decision for me to make.”’

Why do I get this sick feeling that our coaching search is NOT ‘looking at all the options’ or ‘doing a tremendous amount of research’?

Also, seems Ollie J is still on the outs in FL…I don’t know about that one. Certainly he would be our top line center. Worth pursuing?

By Sara

June 17, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Is it April 1st again already??

Pardon me, but wasn’t there some speech right before the end of the season that involved plans to sign 2 top-four defensemen???? That can’t happen if Zhitnik is still here.

This is ridiculous. Havelid-Enstrom. One top pairing down. Then what? Valabik can’t be paired with Zhitnik - that’s a recipe for disaster. Zhitnik struggled to keep up last season and took a bunch of retarded penalties. Not what we need paired with a guy coming in for his first NHL season. I want Popo back - the only one out of the top-pairing that didn’t get caught looking like a rookie last season. X is worth hanging on to - he at least hits on occasion and I have more faith that he’ll bounce back next year than I have in Zhitnik. Which would put X and Popo as 3rd pairing. Then you get Valabik and someone NOT named Zhitnik on the other top pairing. This bites…big time. At least bring up Oystrick or something instead. I’d rather watch a young guy stink cause at least he’s getting experience.

I just want to screech!!!! Totally just ruined my entire f-in’ day!

By Bob

June 17, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

“That’s never been talked about,” Waddell said. “We think he’ll be a big part of our future. We expect him to come back and be part of our team.”

Hey Stroz, I think I just figured out Waddell’s middle name, as I just said it, kind of like how I use my kid’s middle names when they screw up.

In the tradition of Bucky Dent, I give you:

Don F’in Waddell

By Sara

June 17, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

HipCzech Jokinen’s been “on the outs” in FL for the past 5 years. One of those rumors that pops up every off-season and trade deadline. I can’t see FL moving him anywhere - he’s loyal to that franchise and certainly isn’t complaining. He’s productive, they don’t have anyone waiting to take over otherwise, and he’s also pretty cheap at $5.25M with 2 years left on his contract.

Nice thought - not gonna happen tho.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

“I looked at all the options. … After doing a tremendous amount of research, I always came back to his name as the top candidate to lead our club,” Martin said. “It was an easy decision for me to make.”’

Waddell will say the same thing when he finally makes a choice… it’s GM speak.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Interesting article from Eklund today… he says that Kwiatkowski and Brian Fahey will be coveted this summer.

I know Kiwi is UFA this summer, but I can’t find anything on Fahey’s contract status. Does anyone know?

By Sam

June 17, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Really, what’s Don supposed to say “Zhitnik really stunk for us last season. I’m trying to move him now. Some sucker team please take him and his huge salary”?

Its called m-a-r-k-e-t-i-n-g.

I hope.

By ThrashDawg

June 17, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Sam It sure is good to see somebody on this board that has a lick of sense! Why would you buy a guy out of his contract and lose a good chunk of change if there is a possiblity you could trade him and pickup some asset for him? I think maybe since so many guys on this board are willing to buy out his contract, maybe they should take up a collection and cough up the money to do so! Also, everything DW says is wrong and everything he does is stupid, no matter what! Is that about right?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

ThrashDawg - Most of us were happy about the Moose re-signing; however, after the Zhitnik article, our feeling of hope quickly subsided.

Do you really think there is another GM willing to take a chance on Zhitnik at 3.5 million? Come on, of course not.

It’s time to cut the cord, fish or cut bait, Zhitnik is useless. Sometimes you have to sell an investment, take the loss, and invest the proceeds elsewhere. This is one of those cases.

GaVaHokie - The fact that a player with his point totals ended the season with 8 points would make me evaluate the system

Wasn’t it DW’s system that Zhitnik failed under.

Besides buying out Zhitnik’s contract may be the only way the Thrashers meet the NHL salary floor next season.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Sam It sure is good to see somebody on this board that has a lick of sense! Why would you buy a guy out of his contract and lose a good chunk of change if there is a possiblity you could trade him and pickup some asset for him? I think maybe since so many guys on this board are willing to buy out his contract, maybe they should take up a collection and cough up the money to do so! Also, everything DW says is wrong and everything he does is stupid, no matter what! Is that about right?

Exactly… just because we’re in the buyout period doesn’t mean you have to do it yet. It’s like donating your car before you even trying to sell it.

From our brilliant Business man Nascar Dave yesterday.

Buyouts start today right??? Time to buy out: ZHITNIK, LARSEN, KLEE, SLATER, WHITE, etc

That would only cost, what, $4 million? So, now we’re only going to spend $39 million instead of $43 million? Yeah, that’s genius.

… Nuff said.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - If there is another GM willing to trade a draft pick for Zhitnik, which I doubt, fine. But after the draft, if there are no takers, you have to get rid of this guy, he’s deadwood.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t it DW’s system that Zhitnik failed under.

What system is that, he’s not even a coach? Besides McCrimmon led the practices, that’s where you develop systems, not during game time.

Zhitnik was misused… he’s not suppose to play 25-28 minutes a game and he’s not a shutdown defenseman. If you’re not going to pair him with a stay at home defenseman and give him an opportunity to join the rush, and if you’re not going to use him on the Power Play… he’s useless. That’s why his numbers are down.

I’m not saying I’m happy to keep him around. I’d much rather deal him away… but if the choice is to buy him out or play him the final year of his contract, I’ll write up last season as a fluke and give him another go.

Let’s open our brains and think of the timeline folks… we got Zhitnik because this team couldn’t find a Power Play QB since Kaberle left (Modry wasn’t up to par). Now that Enstrom has come in and emerged into the Power Play role, Zhitnik’s numbers have diminished.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

GaVa actually, it’s more like $5.6 million to buy out just the five guys ND mentioned, and of course, you still have to replace them. White is the only one of those under contract after next season. Larsen is depth - he isn’t great but then again, you don’t usually see him do anything stupid either (cough Holik cough). Slater is useful, and if he can keep clicking on the PK with Perrin next season, he’ll be even more useful. And he’ll still come cheap. Klee…well…whatcha gonna do. I think he and X should be battling as the 6th/7th d-men, putting Pops as 5th on the depth chart, Valabik 4th paired with some undetermined really awesome blueliner whose initials are not AZ, then Toby and Nik. It’s decent enough for this year, with more room for improvement by moving out Klee and X as their contracts expire and bringing up kids to replace them. Continued development as it were.

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Interesting article from Eklund today… he says that Kwiatkowski and Brian Fahey will be coveted this summer.

I know Kiwi is UFA this summer, but I can’t find anything on Fahey’s contract status. Does anyone know?

Well since KIWI is going to play in Russia with KROG, I don’t think it really matters HOKIE…

That news broke on here months ago… Where were you??? Probably wasting your time trolling around on EKLUND’s crappy little Hack Site!!!

From our brilliant Business man Nascar Dave yesterday.

Buyouts start today right??? Time to buy out: ZHITNIK, LARSEN, KLEE, SLATER, WHITE, etc

That would only cost, what, $4 million? So, now we’re only going to spend $39 million instead of $43 million? Yeah, that’s genius.

Well, well Mr. Business 101… Since you wanna talk about wasting money, let’s take a look at a comment you spouted off yesterday…

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

Now, wouldn’t spending $3.25 million as opposed to paying a guy $700-800,000 on a Rookie Contract for EQUAL production be considered WASTFUL SPENDING???

Please, enlighten us with your brilliant business acumen, young lambchop…

Even SARA disagrees with you on ZHITHEAD, GAVA… I seriously question your motives here, because even Sara and Ranaldo have turned against you now… You are now one of the select few left here that actually thinks “Waddell hasn’t made a bad decision yet”

It’s truly laughable, as well as your ASSumption that we will be spending to the Cap… Guess what, smart guy??? NOT HAPPENING!

NUFF SAID.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Now, wouldn’t spending $3.25 million as opposed to paying a guy $700-800,000 on a Rookie Contract for EQUAL production be considered WASTFUL SPENDING??? Please, enlighten us with your brilliant business acumen, young lambchop

Wake up and stop arguing with me… $700,000 on Doughty or Bogosian… $3.25 million on a top line Winger for Kovy who’s a consistent 200+ shot taker.

That was the point… pass on Filatov… draft a franchise defenseman. Spend money on a proven top line performer.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

It’s truly laughable, as well as your ASSumption that we will be spending to the Cap… Guess what, smart guy??? NOT HAPPENING!

Wow… I’m going to have an aneurism talking to you… I’ve never dealt with someone so aggressively stupid. Please link to where I said we’d spend to the cap? This is going to be funny… pay attention folks, because I know what he’s going to post. This is going to be great.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I’m all for buying out Zhitnik. But why people continue to say we should buy out Larson, Klee, and Slater is beyond me.

I personally like Slater. He really stepped up his game in the second half of the season, and I sincerely hope it’s an indication of things to come from him during this season.

Larson and Klee need a bit of work. Pops was pretty good last year. McCarthy needs to pull his head from his rear… say, that might set a good example for Waddell.

Zhitnik just needs to go. Period. Just get the hell away from this team. He was bad news last season, and I think he will continue to be bad news this season… if we keep him.

/Praise be to the Hockey Gods that intervene to expedite the ousting of Zhitnik.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Ranaldo and Sara… I’m sorry to hear you’ve turned on me. :)

By Sara

June 17, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

GaVa not sure where that came from but ok. I do think buying out Zhitnik is the right move, but mainly because we need to replace him in the roster (and I recall a certain owner who said we were going to spend some money on top-line defensemen this off-season). And while I’ve never said Waddell has never made a bad move, I think ownership (prior and current) has impacted a lot more of DW’s decisions than some people want to realize. In fact, this thing with Zhitnik reeks all over of ownership meddling.

Let’s face some facts. Klee, X, Toby, Havelid, and Zhitnik are all under contract for next season. Now, obviously Havelid and Toby are locks. The assumption should be that Valabik comes up next season full-time and we are supposed to be drafting an top calibre d-man who is supposed to step in next year. That’s four roster spots gone and 2 + pressbox warmer left to be filled by 3 guys under contract. That also doesn’t include if Nikulin decides to come over (hold your breath) or if any other d prospect like Oystrick is ready to make the jump.

McCarthy won’t get re-signed, which is ok, although I think he made a good 7th guy mainly cause he never ever complained about hanging out in the PB. I would like Pops to be back because I think he is a solid stay-at-home that could really work out for us long-term on the 3rd pairing. That won’t happen of course, since we already seem to have a glut. I’d like to see X used on the third pairing for some extra impact, literally. Plus that part of Valabik’s game is going to need to be tempered until he can get into the flow of the NHL game and understand when is the right time to lay the smack down and when isn’t the right time.

But think about this…we are going to have two young players coming into this blueline, at least. Who exactly is supposed to mentor them? If I have to choose between Klee and Zhitnik…I go with Klee. He screwed up less. It still leaves Zhitnik the odd-man out and what, exactly, is the point of that? Even if we keep him, someone else has to be odd-man out even if we don’t go get an FA.

So basically I guess what I’m saying is…folks, welcome to your ‘08-09 blueline.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Sara… I was responding to ND’s accusations above.

Even SARA disagrees with you on ZHITHEAD, GAVA… I seriously question your motives here, because even Sara and Ranaldo have turned against you now

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Sara… I’d say Klee and X get moved if Waddell can get interest from someone like Roszival, or if he can trade for Klein in Nashville. Room can and WILL be made.

That’s what usually happens right? You see a team make a move for a player, and then you start speculating who get’s traded as a result.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Hokie — Toews’ rankings bother me not, I’m trusting the Central ratings paired with TSN’s, since ISS seems WAAAAAY off on some of their overall rankings. So I assume he’ll be a mid second or early third round pick. As I said on Rawhide’s (now old) blog, I’d take him in the third or the other David (Carle), if either are available.

Kwiatkowski is signed in Russia, but that’s relatively easy to get around. The “gentleman’s agreement” with the IIHF members (now that the official agreement is expired) is that they would not poach players already under contract. Since it’s Russia, and Russia hasn’t ever been a fixed part of those official agreements, I’m sure a team REALLY interested in Kwiatkowski would go through that pain. But I anticipate he’ll play in Russia.

Fahey was not an Atlanta prospect, he was a UFA whose contract was paid for by Chicago (Wolves). If anyteam had interest in him they could’ve signed him all of last season. The bit of him I saw in the playoffs did NOT impress me, and did not make me wish he was under contract with Atlanta. Oystrick seemed more useful, as did Valabik and Kulda. Just like Sipotz, I feel there’s no reason to sign Fahey given the relative depth of the defense for this team.

Sara — Yep, I’m assuming this is most likely the defense we see on opening night. I don’t deny it’s POSSIBLE for something to change (be it through trades, waivers, and/or buyouts), but I doubt it’s likely. Can you identify ANY player ever bought out by this ownership, or GM? Can you identify any player with extended NHL experience in Atlanta being waived? Trade is the only way something is happening, and I don’t know many teams that would be interested in Zhitnik or Klee. Exelby supposedly drew interest from Ottawa during the Hossa talks, so maybe he could be shed (I’d be okay with the depending on the return). Popovic and McCarthy are not under contract, and Havelid and Enstrom aren’t moving.

So, unless Exelby is traded (or some team is duped into taking Zhitnik and Klee), I think we’re stuck with what we see.

Such is life (I don’t like French).

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Obviously the UFA route is also a possibility, but with no roster changes (defensively) before July 1 it seems less likely. If spots aren’t freed for those UFAs, it’s risking the potential development of players like Valabik, Oystrick (possibly), or Kulda (long shot).

I’d rather develop the talent, personally.

Of course, I’d rather see Zhitnik and Klee off the roster, but it’s not like my desires are going to change anything.

By Braden Colburn

June 18, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

The problem with Zhitnik is he is a CANCER in the locker room. Always has been and always will be. He has never been a team guy. See LA, Buffalo and Philly. They couldn’t wait to get that guy out of town in all 3 spots, not because of poor play, but because he is a me, me, me player and never has been willing to take one for the team. If the Thrashers want to get serious, they HAVE to buy him out and eat it for this year. Send a message. That said, we can’t even get a head coach, ahhahahahha. Are we the only team without a coach? hahahahhahahah, joke of the league. How many FA’s do you think want to come here? NONE is my guess, unless we grossly overpay, isn’t going to happen. What a GIANT mess. lol.