Thrashers

By PJ

June 17, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Ohhh, first!!!

By Boulton's Bruisers

June 17, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Glad we cancelled our 4 Seats for this mess. Looking forward to the Falcons Season Tickets we purchased instead. This organization will not be getting a dime from us anymore.

What a joke.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’m more than willing to take the word of Boudreau in regards to Anderson.

Just bring him on, already. Waddell said he wants a coach by the time he leaves tomorrow. Good. Hire one instead of just talking about it.

By kracker

June 17, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Waddell say he would make his decision by Wednesday before he left for the BOG meeting? So are we thinking that timetable may slip as DW waits on Torts and LA to decide?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

I just hope Anderson is still willing to take the job. After the Zhitnik comments yesterday, if I were Anderson, I’d turn the job down and try to find a rational GM to work for.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I’m sure Boudreau did give Anderson a glowing recommendation. However, AHL success does not guarantee NHL success. As Thrasher fans we know that first hand via Sterling, Krog, Haydar, et al. Anderson’s comments about basically all offense, all the time have really got me concerned. It took Babcock pairing up two Selke finalists to keep Crosby and Hossa contained - and that only worked because Dupuis can’t finish worth a darn. Anderson hasn’t seen the likes of the Ovechkins and Crosbys…guys like that don’t play in the AHL. I’m just no longer convinced he’s the right guy for us, or probably any NHL team.

As for Crawford, that guy wouldn’t know class if you beat him upside the head with it (which is tempting). I saw this guy at his worst when he coached Colorado (though some would argue that was his best since they won a Cup). He’s a bigger a-hole than Torts. I just don’t want someone like that representing my franchise.

Unfortunately we got screwed this year because too many other teams also made coaching changes. Don did the right thing to wait until after the season since more people were available. But who honestly is going to come to ATL over SJ or OTT or even TO given that kind of opportunity? Those franchises are more stable than we are (even the dysfunctional Maple Leafs, although not by much).

Based on what’s available, at this point I’d prefer Sullivan, then Quenville, then Anderson, then McCrimmon. Not even sure that JQ is in the mix but at least his teams know how to play defense. Anderson’s don’t and McCrimmon certainly hasn’t gotten that done here.

Why do I feel another really long depressing season is on the horizon?

By kracker

June 17, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Eklund today says there is huge UFA interest in Kwiatkowski and Brian Fahey. Kwia has a job lined up in Russia I thought…which juat makes his NHL bargaining position all the stronger, I suppose. But Fahey, he says, may be the more sought after defenseman, a puck mover. If he’s that NHL ready, I know of a team he can play for.

Thoughts on Fahey?

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I think the Sharks took our best coaching option, so I’m kind of numb to the final decision now.

Dammit San Jose for not hiring Joel Quenneville a month ago? :(

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Everybody needs to wake up and look at what just happened:

ASG/Don Waddell “Plan”

You put out smoke to start rumors, dangle names of “possible” candidates for the job, get the fans all excited, and then when the smoke clears, you keep the guy already on the payroll… And say “We knew he was the right guy for the job all along.” So, it looks like BEAST will be Coach… Pi$$ed Off Yet???

Do they really think we are this NAIVE???

By Mike Knobler

June 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

kracker Don Waddell backed off that timetable when I spoke with him yesterday evening. He said he was doing his due diligence and making sure the Thrashers get the best coach possible. If that takes him beyond Wednesday, he said, so be it.

I shared that with someone whose wisdom is greater than mine, and that person said Waddell might just have been sending a signal to whomever he’s negotiating with, something like: I am negotiating from a position of strength and am not going to reach a deal on your terms just so I can get it done quickly.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Off topic… Mike, I can’t look at your name without thinking Mark Knopfler. You realize this is what you look like in my head?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Sara - Anderson played in the NHL for 14 years. I think he probably saw the likes of Orr, Park, Lafluer, Dionne,…you get the idea.

By Bob

June 17, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Why do I feel another really long depressing season is on the horizon?

Because you’re a pretty astute hockey fan.

And it’s going to stay depressing and futile as long as Waddell is left in charge.

I completely agree with you that Anderson is not the guy for us.

Why did these quality coaching candidates all wind up in other locations this year? Think about it, would you take a job here under Waddell? Reason #297 why he should have been fired long, long ago.

You think any quality UFA’s are going to sign here under Waddell?

You think Kovy is going to stay here under Waddell?

You think any fans are going to be left watching this club led by Waddell?

Retaining Don Waddell this year, much less the year before, or 5 years before that, is completely mind boggling to me. I undersand business, I understand hockey, but I will never understand why they keep this incompetent GM in charge.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Anderson’s comments about basically all offense, all the time have really got me concerned.

Ditto for me… especially with the current fire power.

To be devils advocate, keep in mind he had that offensive success with Krog and Haydar… I’d be curious to see what he does with the likes of Kovy, Kozy, Perrin and Christensen. Throw in Doughty or Filatov… help bring along some guys like Lavallee, Esposito and Sterling.

Let’s face it, Sterling was doomed under a strict “two-way game” coach like Hartley.

Our GA average will be ugly under Anderson, and I can’t imagine a scenario where this team has to score 5 goals a game to win.

By nfieldr

June 17, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz, I missed the Zhitnitk comments. Do you have a link to those? Or could someone at least summarize for me please? TIA

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Sara - Anderson played in the NHL for 14 years. I think he probably saw the likes of Orr, Park, Lafluer, Dionne,…you get the idea.

And it would be hard to argue with that when he’s about to inherit the second coming in either Doughty or Bogosian.

Given the choices, I’d be happier with an enthusiastic Anderson than a “Pfft, sure why not” Torts or Sullivan.

By kracker

June 17, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I want a good defense. I don’t want to go thru another season of watching the red light keep shining on the other end of the ice in the 1st and 3rd periods. I want more play on my end of the ice. Usually the puck came my way mostly when the Thrashers iced it.

By B. Thenet

June 17, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I know I am nitpicking here, but there is no such thing as a perfect hire. When you bring any GM or coach in, it will 99% of the time end with them being fired down the line.

I was a bit concerned with what Anderson had to say in the AJC piece the other day, but the man wins. If I am not mistaken he has made the playoffs every year with the Wolves…and has beaten some of the better coaches in the NHL head to head in the AHL in many playoff series.

Is he a perfect fit, no. However, he is the guy I would take over the other known candidates(even Torts) we have been looking at.

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty excited about our #3 pick, and will give Waddell less grief if he could turn the #29 pick into a REAL top 2 line center (#29 and Pavelec or Lehtonen for ???). And, even misguidedly excited about signing a top 4 D man and a forward from the UFA pool.

BUT, if McCrimmon is named head coach all enthusiasm is gone, left the building, kaput. Outta here…

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

More points for Anderson… he’s going to be playing against his best friend (Boudreau) 8 times a year. You KNOW he’s going to want to win those.

And, look what he did with Kwiatkowski… we’re not talking about stud defensemen here… we’re talking Kiwi.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Bob you always harp on who’s going to come here under Waddell’s leadership, but I think more apropos is who is going to come in here under this ownership group? It’s not all about Waddell, considering no one knows with certainty how many decisions in the last eight years have been his alone, or forced by ownership? If owners won’t pay for a highly-talented and high-priced FA (or to retain one), then Don can’t do it and that’s not his fault. He isn’t perfect, but he hasn’t exactly been given free-reign either, in basically 7 out of 8 seasons (first year under ASG being the exception).

GaVa I can exactly envision that scenario - last season. That was the model that Waddell built…our D would be mediocre but we would score so much it would be ok. We all saw how that turned out. Now, that said, I think Anderson is better suited to coach that style than Hartley was, but I’m not sure it’s a very good style. That’s a big DW brainfart IMO. We tried it once, that’s fair enough - maybe it could have worked. And if we had been moderately more successful with it, I might say it warrants trying again with a more suited coach. But it failed so miserably that I think that gameplan has to be scratched for something new. To DW’s credit, I think he has realized that to a certain degree, given he went with some grittier guys when he made the Hossa trade.

Stroz I get that. But I also think the crop of young talent in the league now is like nothing really seen in the past - especially because there is so much of it. In the “old NHL” offense-based systems worked well. These days, not so much. You have to have a complete game from as much of your roster as you can.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet… I concur… if not for plain curiousity alone. I atleast admire his honesty on being more offensive when the rest of the league is clamoring for defense. It would seem to be the “nail in the coffin”, but I find it kind of humorous.

By Ronald

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

you know my filling is that Don Waddell will mess this up by getting the worng person I look for the Thrasher to always be loser when you have a GM that don’t know how to get the right player it not good to have that person build a team with

By Mike Knobler

June 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie You are not the first to make the Knopfler connection. Unfortunately, our bank accounts (and our musical abilities) are dissimilar.

B. Thenet You are mistaken, but not by much. The Wolves missed the playoffs in 2006.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

BUT, if McCrimmon is named head coach all enthusiasm is gone, left the building, kaput. Outta here…

You have no idea how much I’ll back pedal on my Waddell support if that decision is made… I don’t understand why it’s even an option outside of Kovy and Hossa’s support.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Mike - Are you a fan of Dire Straits?

DW is, money for nothing.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I remember when Bill Walsh installed a new passing oriented ball control offense in the NFL when everyone said it would not work. Well, Bill proved them wrong.

Maybe an outside the box system is what is needed.

By Mike Knobler

June 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz I’m a “chicks for free” kind of guy.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Stroz - Here, I’ll fix it so it’s hockey-relevant for you…

I remember when Mike Babcock installed a European captain in the NHL when everyone said it would not work. Well, Mike proved them wrong.

Heh. :)

Either way, an outside-the-box approach might help. So long as we have some semblance of a system this coming season. Last season was horrid.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

So, can we talk about the draft again, or are people still having convulsions about Waddell’s Zhitnik comments?

I’m worried that the 2007 selection by the Kings might dictate who they’ll be drafting this season. Since Thomas Hickey (4th pick by LA) is an offensive defenseman and is somewhat undersized (5’11 186), I’m concerned that means they’ll take Bogosian with the number two selection. For their team it’d be the smartest move in my opinion, as it’d compliment the 2007 pick of Hickey.

I hope Armstrong doesn’t do that, but I’m worried he will.

Hockey’s Future predicts Pietrangelo will be their draft pick…that would utterly shock me. As a Thrashers fan I’d be pleased, as it’d mean Bogosian is ours for the taking.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

*Ranallo I brought it back up on RH’s blog and gave you my choices for the #29 pick.

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

We’ll be okay with Doughty, Ranallo. The concern I have with Doughty is based on rumors that he wanted L.A. If that’s true, and I don’t know that it is, it means if Atlanta drafts him, he’ll be disappointed.

Well, probably ANYONE drafted by Atlanta will be disappointed. But this is the price a top prospect must pay.

Who knows? Maybe one day … Doughty will get lucky and Waddell will move him in some trade deadline deal to save the job of the Head Coach he’s about to hire. Ask Braydon Coburn how well that worked out for him.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 I’m still having convulsions. Think of DW saying, “we think J.P. Vigier is a big part of our future.”

Mike - You better be careful with those free chicks. Maybe you should interview the contestants for the new Blue Crew. Just don’t freeze up like Craig did when interviewing Alyssa Milano and try to avoid staring at the headlights.

By Buzilla in CT

June 17, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I would like us to draft the Stall brother with our 2nd or 3rd pick

By Sara

June 17, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Brendan but then again, if LA doesn’t draft him, maybe that will burn his butt and he’ll channel all of that into an “I’ll show you” kinda thing for us?

Mike and Stroz I hate to break it to you guys, but there is no such thing as a “free chick.” We’re all expensive, one way or another. :p

By j nes

June 17, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

So we are three days away from the draft and still no coach. I thought Wadell said he wanted a coach “before” the draft so the new coach could have some input into what the team does with their picks. Bringing in anyone besides Mcrimmon (who is familliar with the team) with less than three days to go is not allowing adequate time to evaluate the roster and make decisions about the draft. Maybe Wadell just doesnt want someone coming in and telling him what a horrible team he has in place?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Sara - You’re absolutely right.

By dj

June 17, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the big grip about Anderson. He plays a system. That’s better then Hartley and Beast’s system. You complain about defense. Well, if you noticed this year the puck was in our end all year, you know why? Because we couldn’t keep the puck in the other end. Sometimes a good offense is the best defense. Look at detroit. They play puck possesion and they pursue the puck carrier like I do with ice girls. (ok, I don’t really pursue the ice girls, but you know what I mean.) The few playoff games I saw the Wolves were simliar. Anderson let Krog be free that last game and he got a hat trick. Imagine if it’s Kovy. I have been very patient with DW but I’m getting a little p** at this point, hire a coach anyone at this point…hire me, i’ll just require 3 dates with the ice girls of my chosing.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I’m also curious about his lust for LA, but that’s because his profile on NHL.com has the New Jersey Devils listed as his favorite team. He could be like me and be a childhood fan of Los Angeles, but grew up to love another team (in my case it was Detroit, and then Atlanta once they got an NHL team). Since I was born in LA I have an excuse for my fandom history, so maybe he’s got a good one for his own (regarding his statement of love for Gretzky and the Kings).

Or, if you want to look at it in a COMPLETELY negative way, maybe his lovefest for LA is so that they draft him AND ATLANTA DOESN’T! You never know really.

Regarding post-draft the cynicism, I’m sure Braydon Coburn has thanked Waddell a copious amount of times — if not in person, I’m sure he’s done it in thought. He was given the chance of a lifetime: to play for a traditional team with a knowledgeable and unyieldingly passionate fan base, and to play for a coach who gave him the chance to play more than 10 minutes per game, in a defensive system. He’s recently been re-signed for several million dollars, so I’m sure he’s got plenty of reason to THANK Waddell for the trade.

Anyways, I’m not worried about getting Doughty. I’ve said before that I’d be fine with either of the two, but my preference is Bogosian.

Stroz — I’m sorry, I blacked out from that comment alone. Where am I?? I’m sure I’d react similarly if they announced Modry would be coming back to Atlanta…ICK!

Seriously though, nothing seems to phase me with these sorts of comments, because half of what Waddell says is PR/GM Speak, while the other half is half-truths or hopeful commentaries (like the top line center, playoff guarantee, two top 4 defensemen, etc)…I’m sure he’d love for it all to happen, but he’s probably blowing sunshine up the owners butts and they’re too stupid to realize it. I think Waddell would be better off saying nothing at all most of the time, but his position (and apparently his personality) doesn’t allow him to be shut off from the media.

Accommodating people often set themselves up for disaster, as he does almost every time he answers a reporters questions.

P.S. — Libby — If you read my Vigier comment don’t tell Richard, he wouldn’t be happy. :-)

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Mike… let’s have a new blog so we can discuss the #29 pick.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 - Are you going to the draft party? I figure that will be the last opportunity for all of us chuckleheads to sit down and talk hockey before you go across the pond.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Buzilla just an fyi - our 3rd pick is in the 3rd round, don’t know that he’d drop that far with his pedigree.

By Mike Knobler

June 17, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie

If we start discussing the No. 29 pick now, what are we going to talk about on Thursday, the lack of a transfer agreement with the Europeans?

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Ranallo and Sara, great posts! I hope if Doughty is drafted, that he will do his utmost while here.

Bogosian would be a fine, too. My greatest fear is that Waddell will move up to #2 to select either Doughty or Bogosian, when either one would still be there at #3. The Bolts won’t pass on Steven Stampkos! No chance.

But we must draft a Tier I quality defensemen and both Doughty and Bogosian have that kind of potential. I know, I’d love to go get them both, but what would thaaaat cost? And L.A. won’t do it. It doesn’t make sense for them.

By Sara

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

Mike we’re going to start talking about the 29th pick anyway from now til it happens so you might as well go with the flow. ;)

BTW, came across this just now. I wonder what would make them think we would pick up Mara? As I said in another blog, I just don’t see a UFA defenseman headed this way this off-season given all the guys we have under contract already, the fact that buy-outs apparently aren’t going to be considered, and that we have a few young d-men on the way also.

By Thrashy Thrashy

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

Brendan,

I fervently hope the Bolts will draft Steven “Stampkos”. That means the Thrashers might still have a shot at drafting Steven Stamkos.

(I couldn’t resist.)

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

My greatest fear is that Waddell will move up to #2 to select either Doughty or Bogosian,

Fear not… I cannot imagine that would happen… I’d be more afraid of a trade DOWN.

As long as he takes Doughty, Bogosian or Pietrangelo, there is no wrong choice in that mix.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Also, ESPN is predicting we’ll draft the leftover at 3 and Staal at 29.

By kracker

June 17, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Hey don’t be busting on J.P. He wasn’t all that good but I liked him anyway. His team picture looked like a hood in a police lineup photo.

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

I would like us to draft the Stall brother with our 2nd or 3rd pick

I agree with ZILLA… If we keep Pick 29 take the Staal kid…

Like I have said before, I suggest we trade up and try to grab either FILATOV or 1 other D-Man… I am assuming we take either BOGOSIAN or DOUGHTY with Pick 3… I prefer BOGOSIAN… If LA takes him, and we have to choose between DOUGHTY/FILATOV, I would take FILATOV and keep Pick 29 to get the Best D-Man available there… I know we need DEFENSE first, but when you have a chance on a kid like FILATOV, you HAVE to take it…

The only way we trade up is packaging LETEMIN/Pick #29/Another NHL Roster Player or 2 Prospects… That is what it is gonna take… I would surmise very few teams already in the Top 10 will want to trade down, unless somebody presents them with an OFFER THEY CANNOT REFUSE… And PAVELEC and VALABIK should be Off-Limits… We don’t know what all we have with them yet… We know what we have with LETEMIN…

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

I don’t like what i’ve read on PIETRANGELO… Can’t see why that report has LA interested in him… If they take him at #2, that will be a SHOCKER…

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

kracker — His picture reminded me more of Quasimodo. It didn’t help much that he’s from Notre Dame de Lourde.

By MB

June 17, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Dave, what have you read about Pietrangelo that you don’t like?

Are you saying you don’t like him as a prospect in general, or just as a top-3 (or top-5) guy?

I’ve only read a few things, but the basic message is he isn’t ready yet, but is likely to be a horse once he comes around.

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

MB I don’t think he’s a good fit here in Atlanta…

IMO, he is NOT Top 5 Material…

As far as that report, it makes no sense… Why would LA grab a guy that’s not ready yet when there are other (and better) D-Men who are ready???

Whatever LA does with that pick will set the trend for the Draft… That #2 pick is a definite Wildcard… Everybody is waiting to see who they take… So far, I’ve read they are taking DOUGHTY, BOGOSIAN, FILATOV, PIETRANGELO… So, it appears nobody really knows much of anything…

Everyone is just gonna have to wait and see who they take… Then the Draft will begin.

By MB

June 17, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Ah, okay. I like the guy, and I like him for the Thrash if Bogosian’s gone. Let’s hope TSN is right, though, and that LA takes Doughty and we take Bogo.

You’re right, though…that LA pick is going to be very interesting…the first domino, as it were.

By moo

June 17, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Mark my words. Don Waddell will become the most powerful man in Atlanta hockey history. He’ll be the reason the NHL leaves the ATL forever.

MR. GUERIN, where are you? You promised help in the front office a month ago. Big words from another little creep.

By Libby

June 17, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

We want Bogo. Message for Renallo 10 from Richard. Do not mess with my boy.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Libby — You weren’t supposed to let him read that!!

Both David and I agree, Bogosian is who we want.

By NHLHockeyPersonalChecks

June 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Moo why do you think don is going to become the most powerful man in Atlanta hockey history? What is the basis of that statement? can you back it up?

Link:NHL Hockey Personal Checks

By Alan

June 17, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

NHLHockeyPersonalChecks - As per your link, Re: Detroit Red Wings: “They hold the record of having won the most Stanley Cups (11 times)”

They do not. That honor belongs to the Montreal Canadiens. They have won the cup a total of 24 times. If you want to count only victories as part of the NHL, however, that number drops to a paltry 23.

I love the Red Wings (and the Thrashers, of course), but am all about giving credit where it’s due. Might want to make a site correction, if your site is legitimate. :)

By moo

June 17, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

NHL Bounced Checks: Waddell will be remembered for destroying Atlanta’s NHL legacy. THAT’S why he’ll be the most powerful force in Atlanta hockey history. It’s always been and always will be about his ego.

He’s the one that refuses to acknowledge Atlanta’s hockey history of the Flames. I really believe he’s still here because Atlanta $pirit wants to dismantle the team so it can sell it off.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

He’s the one that refuses to acknowledge Atlanta’s hockey history of the Flames.

moo — What do you mean by that statement? Please clarify.

By PJ

June 17, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 I have to ask, sorry it’s off topic, but where in L.A. are you from.

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

The Celtics are running away with this game vs. the Lakers. Stay with me, this is hockey-related. I can hear the Spirit Group now … “The Hawks took three (3) playoff games from the NBA Champs. And it’s only a matter of time ‘til the Thrashers do likewise in hockey.

The Spirit could make such hypothetical statements because they don’t realize that “words mean things.” Words like, “We’re going to do whatever it takes to bring a Stanley Cup to Atlanta,” for example. I bet … if you ran that one past the Spirit Group today, they’d rub their collective chins and utter the following in response: “Regrettable words that were uttered in the heat of the moment and excitement of raising a Championship banner to the rafters.”

On second thought, they’d probably say, “That’s is exactly right! We’re going to do all we can to win the Stanley Cup!” Ya know, because they don’t realize that words mean things. The lesson learned? Don’t listen to their words or empty election-year promises, watch their actions. Their actions will speak LOUDER than their words.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Waddell is a cancer that has turned from benign to malignant and eventually the Thrashers will be the casualty.

The sickening part is that history will say Atlanta fans didn’t support hockey when in reality the Atlanta Spirit didn’t support hockey.

I’ve lived in Atlanta my entire life and the revisionist history of the Flames is that Atlanta didn’t support the Flames, when in reality, the owner, Tom Cousins, was in financial trouble and needed money fast. The result, the Flames were sent to Calgary.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Atlanta hockey fans were ever to get an owner(s) that has the same passion and knowledge of hockey as the fans.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 - If I remeber correctly, when NHL hockey was being brought back to Atlanta, there was a suggestion that the Thrashers tie Atlanta’s NHL hockey past (the Flames) to the future (the Thrashers).

Waddell, in another display of his ignorance of the Atlanta market and desire to fill his ego, was against doing so. Waddell’s reason, and I use that term loosely with Waddell, believed that there weren’t many Atlanta Flames fans still around in Atlanta to warrent tying the past and future. Waddell didn’t want to share NHL hockey glory with the former Flames, many of whom still live in Atlanta.

Waddell wants to make NHL Atlanta hockey all about Waddell, past and future. The irony is that Waddell will eventually fullfil his desire in that he will cause NHL hockey in Atlanta to be history sometime in the future.

Waddell will not swallow his ego and resign even if it dooms NHL hockey in Atlanta. Southern fans will be blamed for not supporting hockey, when in reality, southern fans will not support a lousy product.

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

The current Thrasher owners and GM are a match that will permanently melt the ice in Atlanta, or put another way, will send NHL hockey in Atlanta straight to hell.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Atlanta hockey fans were ever to get an owner(s) that has the same passion and knowledge of hockey as the fans.

I’m almost certain this team will be sold again. I am hoping that maybe some of the former Flames here in town can maybe form an alliance of sorts and buy the team. Depending on who wins the court battle will determine who sells the team.

Either way, I would love to see the past tied into the future. It’s what one would expect, after all. I’m certain they would do this in Oakland, Cleveland, Hartford or Winnipeg.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

PJ — Northridge

Stroz — Can you provide any links of that statement. It’s news to me (not surprisingly though, I often discount the whole Flames = Thrashers and Knights = Thrashers fiascos because I’m pretty adamant about my points…no surprise).

Alan — Do you really think most former Atlanta Flames have enough money to purchase an NHL franchise? Even pooled together I’d be willing to bet most don’t have enough to pay for this current roster, much less the Thrashers, Hawks and rights to Phillips Arena.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Do you really think most former Atlanta Flames have enough money to purchase an NHL franchise?

A boy can dream. Don’t crush that dream for me.

By PJ

June 18, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Ranallo10 Wow, small world, I went to GHHS! You?

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

ranallo10 - I’ve asked a source for any links or quotes. Hopefully, he can find some tangible proof.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

PJ — Left before highschool, sorry. Valley View for me though!!

Stroz — That’d be cool if he could because I haven’t heard this prior. Seems interesting.

Alan — On top of that, Santa Claus isn’t even real! He died when his sleigh was hit by a 747 in November 1985 (during a test run prior to the Christmas season). It was quick, but Gary Larsen took a grizzly photo of it, and Ryan Air even decided to make a marketing campaign commiserating his untimely demise.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

ranallo - I remember that Far Side comic. I grew up reading Far Side, Calvin & Hobbes, Grimmy, and Doonesbury in the comics section. I can’t seem to remember if Bloom County was in the AJC comics back then, but I do have a few of those books.

(Oh, yeah, and I read the rest of the paper too. No lie!)

By Tony C.

June 18, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this

Dude.

Ok. The boys at the worldwideleader were nice enough to spell it out….do ya reckon Jar-Jar will muff it up?

NASCARDave, don’t answer! I’m afraid you may be correct!

I would say we take the chance, even if the last Staal turns out to be the least Staal, we can still flip him in a year or two if he busts badly based on the pedigree and canuckian arrogance “Those idiots down in Dixie don’t know a thing”-type mindset. Of course that assumes Jar-Jar is no longer running things because that would take more acumen than the guy’s shown recently.

Oh yeah, get Hainsey. He’s big but not as nasty as you’d think with his size not that he might not learn to), but he would give us a very nice PP presence from the point and could be a real compliment to Bogosian.

But truthfully, as long as it isn’t Filatov, I’ll be pleased with 1A Bogosian or 1B Doughty.

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Sara thanks for the link.

By Tony C.

June 18, 2008 4:49 AM | Link to this

Bloom County was in the AJC.

By Russian

June 18, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Today is Wendsday! Are we have Head Coach yet? Whio is going to Ottawa?

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I find this article very humorous. I’m glad to hear Ryan Malone is going to test free agency. I feel the same about the rumors of Pittsburgh trading Hossa’s rights to Montreal… why would Montreal be that stupid? Hossa wants his UFA status.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

OK, I have to post a retraction. I can’t remember who made the original comment (I tried looking for it but there have been so many blogs in the last week that it’ll take me an hour or two to look through them all).

Anyway, someone had suggested Jokinen might be available and I scoffed, because every year someone out there starts speculating about an OJ trade and it’s always nothin’ but rumors. Apparently, however, this year it is not. According to Dreger at TSN.ca, OJ has finally requested he be traded from the Panthers. The asking price is believed to be two young roster players and a first round pick. OJ has two more years remaining on his contract at $5.25M and $5.5M.

Soooo, even assuming FLA did the virtually unthinkable and traded him to a division rival, who do you give up for him? Obviously we can toss that #29 in their direction, but what roster players do you offer? If I though they’d be content with really good prospects I’d offer both Sterling and Haydar (cause let’s face it, they’re going nowhere in this organization).

Anyway, thoughts? (And please do not bother to include our “trash” in a proposed trade - FL isn’t about to cough up Jokinen for Klee and Zhitnik, k?).

By Universal Dawg

June 18, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Question about the draft….Are there any “NHL ready” players available? We need help now and whomever we draft will need time in Chicago to develop. Therefore, is it conceivable that our bumbling GM would package our #3 and possibly #29 and trade for a current NHL D man?

By Sara

June 18, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

GaVa I’d laugh my butt off if Hossa’s rights got traded to Montreal right before he went UFA. It would complete the humiliation. :) Altho, at least then it might justify that guy’s jersey in the commercial (you know the one - the Habs fan stands at the concessions, guy looks at the back of his jersey and says to him “that guy doesn’t play for us” and he wittily replies - “he will by 10 o’clock tonight.” Now, honestly, I know I’m not the only one who thinks “Hossa” at that exact moment and chuckles deviously).

As for Malone, I’d love to have him here but I think he’s going to get way over-priced on the FA market. If anything, I’d love to take a run at Orpik presuming the Pens don’t lock him up before July 1. But again, he may well get overpriced too.

By Sara

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

Universal Dawg the top-ranked guys in the draft this year are all considered NHL-ready. In particular Bogosian and Doughty, one of which we should end up with at #3. Bogo is considered the more developed of the two, but some experts note that they are both highly talented and that Doughty will only get better while Bogo is likely about as good as he will get (which still ain’t too shabby). Either way, either one can step in next year to help bolster our blueline.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Now, honestly, I know I’m not the only one who thinks “Hossa” at that exact moment and chuckles deviously.

Actually, I haven’t thought that, but I will now! :)

On Jokinen: It would probably take the #29 Pavelec and Enstrom to get Jokinen… let’s be realistic. Calgary would have to cough up Langkow, Vancouver would have to cough up Kesler, Toronto would have to cough up Stajan… I can’t imagine, a division rival like Atlanta, could give up less than that.

It’s not what you’re WILLING to give up, it’s what you HAVE to give up.

On Bogo and Doughty: They’re saying that Pietrangelo could be the best player in this draft class a few years from now. It wouldn’t shock me in the least if Atlanta or LA took Pietrangelo, and I’d have no problem with it.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

SARA… can you imagine how nasty our blueline would be with Valabik, Exelby and Orpik? Too bad Vishnevsky didn’t pan out.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Oh… and lest I forget… Bogosian, or even drop down and take Schenn.

Enstrom, Exelby, Valabik, Orpik and Bogosian/Schenn… that would be a nice blueline for years to come.

If Tyler Myers starts slipping into the “teens” on Friday… I’d like to trade up and grab him.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

SARA… can you imagine how nasty our blueline would be with Valabik, Exelby and Orpik?

Yes I can and it makes me smile. :D

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Here’s a question… would anyone be willing to trade our #3 pick to either Columbus or Nashville for their two first round picks.

Columbus has #5 and #19 Nashville has #9 and #15

We’d have 3 first round picks. A move with Columbus could get us Filatov (#5) Del Zotto, Robak or Cuma (#19) and the usual suspects at #29.

A move with Nashville could land us any combination of Myers, Beach, Wilson, Boychuk, Teubert and Hodgson.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Ooh ooh I forgot something. I was reading Burnside’s chat yesterday on ESPN.com and he was asked about the coaching vacancy in LA. He said he had been talking to an agent friend who said LA wanted a coach better suited for their younger players. The two candidates he mentioned were Kevin Dinean (sp?) and Mike Sullivan. NOT Torts. I bet THAT’s been the hang-up. Don probably wants Sullivan, but has to wait for him to choose between LA and Atlanta (gee 2nd worst team, 3rd worst team - decisions decisions).

At least we’re apparently not waiting on Torts - thank the lord for small favors. So my guess is, if Sullivan doesn’t take the LA job, we get him. If he does take the LA job, we’ll hire Anderson.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

He’s the one that refuses to acknowledge Atlanta’s hockey history of the Flames. I really believe he’s still here because Atlanta $pirit wants to dismantle the team so it can sell it off.

Good point MOO… How come there is NOTHING at Philips honoring the FLAMES???

Thaey ARE a part of Atlanta Hockey History, right???

At least a banner or something… Widespread Panic has one, why not thge FLAMES???

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Ok. The boys at the worldwideleader were nice enough to spell it out….do ya reckon Jar-Jar will muff it up?

NASCARDave, don’t answer! I’m afraid you may be correct!

As long as he prints that out and takes it with him to Ottawa, we should be okay…

I’m just worried he’s gonna try to get clever on us and trade down and get the wrong guy or something…

Now tell me, WHY would that thought cross NASCAR Dave’s Mind???

By MB

June 18, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Hokie, interesting scenarios regarding trades with Nashville or Columbus if Lamoriello’s in charge, but let’s remember who we’re dealing with here. D-Wadd chases his tail enough as it is without any help.

Nice and easy does it, on this one. Keep the 3rd, take Bogo, Doughty, or Pietrangelo, and exhale knowing that we at least should have a solid top 4, possibly a top 2, d-man coming to the club.

After that, it’s a pick your poison type of deal…do you want the Wadd getting creative with the deal-making or would you prefer to roll the dice on his draft acumen?

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Here’s a question… would anyone be willing to trade our #3 pick to either Columbus or Nashville for their two first round picks.

HOKIE Good catch… I would actually consider the Columbus trade. Nashville’s Pick #9 is too far back…

We could grab FILATOV at #5, and then use Picks 19 and 29 to grab the 2 Best Available D-Men…

I kinda like this idea HOKIE… But is it WORTH passing on BOGOSIAN???

That is the question…

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

ND…I still like Bogosian at #3, but if Nashville threw in Koistinen or Klein with #9 and #15, it would be hard to pass up.

A trade with Columbus could STILL get us Bogosian if LA takes Pietrangelo. Columbus would take Doughty, St. Louis, I think, is going to take Filatov… we could essentially pick up an extra first round pick and still “get the man we wanted all along”. :)

By bobbleted

June 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Please no Sullivan. There’s a reason why Boston let him go, why he’s been an asst. in TB, and why they haven’t hired him for their job. He’s just not that good of a coach.

Just put Anderson in, or bite the bullet and get Torts in here. He may be tough on his players but he backs them and he knows how to win in this division.

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t make sense to me that DWad would want Sullivan over Anderson when Anderson already knows a lot of our roster players. Perhaps he wants leverage so he can low-ball Anderson to appease our cheap-a$$ ownership group.

Just hire the guy already!! Jeez.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

or bite the bullet and get Torts in here. He may be tough on his players

…and the media …and anyone else he feels like lobbing ‘the blame’ at …but it’s not like anyone should care whether there’s coverage of hockey in Atlanta to begin with, right?

As for knowing how to “win in this division” …I seem to recall they were 30th in the NHL this past season. Out of 30 teams. Doesn’t bode well for that claim.

No. Absolutely no Torts.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Anderson doesn’t preach defense… that’s the hang up Waddell has (former defenseman).

I still think that a “strike first, high transition” offense can work if you build an aggressive, hard hitting blueline.

Valabik and Exelby… draft Bogosian/Pietrangelo/Schenn… pick up Orpik in free agency and your defense has an identity to it.

We need tree trunk defensemen (like Vancouver) that can separate guys from the puck. That doesn’t need to be coached… it is what it is.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Hokie — The #5 pick still guarantees you get Filatov or a top three defensemen. So, it’s an interesting scenario. However, I’d be willing to bet that Columbus wouldn’t pull such a move, but would rather take the number 2 selection from LA (if they’re giving up two first rounders) so that they can choose out of all available options after Stamkos.

I PREFER Bogosian and Doughty, but if Columbus were to cough up two first round picks and Pietrangelo (analysts say he’d be the best defender in any other draft class) or Filatov are still on the board, Atlanta would be FINE, with an extra pick to boot. What would be interesting to me is if they could package those two later first round picks (assuming Columbus is the trade partner, it’d be #19 and #29) to see if you could convince someone to let you back into the top 10.

Colin Wilson (8-9 pick)and Pietrangelo (5) or Tyler Myers (who knows) and Filatov (5) would be quite a coups.

But seriously, that’s expecting WAY too many good things to happen for this club (and as many here would argue, way too many things to be done right by Waddell).

How come there is NOTHING at Philips honoring the FLAMES?

Well NASCAR Dave, I haven’t been to Fenway or Milwaukee’s stadium, but to your knowledge do they honor the Atlanta Braves?? There’s a point in time when a city’s history does not get honored in a departed sports franchise. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong to honor the Flames, but I think a 19 year hiatus (after the acrimonious departure of the original franchise) is enough time to understand why some people truly feel the lineage is only worth remembering, but not worth honoring.

The most the Red Sox or Brewers do is wear throwback uniforms during select games…but the NHL doesn’t allow for throwback (alternate) uniforms at this point in time.

Would I be against the Thrashers embracing the Flames history, not really. Would I be supportive of it, not really. I’m impartial, but I do see both sides have logical arguments.

And for the record, the Wide Spread Panic banner is the most ridiculous banner I’ve ever seen. It’s embarrassing to see a musical group (not even a GOOD musical group) honored in a sporting facility…but I guess it goes to show that it’s not a sports facility, but rather an “entertainment” facility.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

No. Absolutely no Torts.

Unless he is willing to take it to the streets with Donnie FRAUDell… Winner stays, loser walks…

NUFF SAID.

By Russ

June 18, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I thought Anderson should have been the choice right when they got rid of Hartley. Almost 250 days later (numbers courtesy of Rawhide) he remains the right choice. Hopefully, they will name him Head Coach…it will just be 10 months later than it should have been. Isn’t it fun supporting a team that consistenly looks like a bunch of idiots from top-to-bottom??? Oh well, go Thrashers!!!

Also, I posted this a long time ago, but I want to reiterate my stance on the top pick.

I say look to trade down, but stay in the top 10 and get a proven, young defenseman thrown in. For example - my suggestion was trade the #3 pick and Exelby to Vancouver for Bieksa and the #10 pick. At #10 I think Kyle Beach would be a good pick. He sounds like a high risk/high reward pick, but at the very least he has a lot of talent by all accounts and doesn’t sound fun to play against. The Thrashers could use a few guys like that.

If the Thrashers stay at #3 I would lean towards Doughty if he was still available.

By David

June 18, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Waddell put this team together and tore it apart. Period. Every player that has left, and those that are still here, have taken shots at him and clearly indicated that McCrimmon should be given the job. Waddell is looking out for himself, not the fans, not the franchise, not the other owners. Waddell is no idiot when it comes to political games, he know that the next person to leave if the new coach does not work out is HIM. Why the other owners don’t stop paying attention to basketball and their other business interests is beyond me. There is one person to blame for last year’s collapes - the GM and acting head coach. He let talent leave, made bad trades and put the future of this franchise in Atlanta at risk. Fire Waddel, hire the Beast and lets move on. And for you earlier posters, McCrimmon played many more years in the league and has his name of on the Cup.