Thrashers

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

DW wants to break the news himself.

EGO, EGO, EGO

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

If Anderson is named the coach, we can all see that things are starting off on the wrong blade.

By Sara

June 20, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Actually one of the Nesters apparently came across someone affiliated with the organization and was told they intend to announce the new coach at the draft party. Unfortunately that was apparently as forthcoming as he was going to get…no hints as to who it’s going to be.

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Stroz-I gotta go with you on this one…what an @sshole huh?

Looks like the boobz aren’t going to let me off the reservation, so yall make sure you don’t thrown in the pokey…but bring the bullhorn.

By Sara

June 20, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

And Mike I don’t think is was the word Clinton was debating the meaning of. ;)

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

I say that if he does hire Anderson. If, by magic, Queneville ends up being the guy, then…well, I’ll take it back

By Brendan

June 20, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Not that I think this is the case, even in the slightest, but one of the shortest stints I can remember occured not that long ago, with the NY Islanders. They hired Neil Smith, then fired him 41 days later.

I doubt anything of the sort, like that, has transpired. Nothing I’ve read says, “Anderson told TSN.ca he was named Head Coach, when … in actuality, a press conference was supposed to be called in the morning to announce it. When Waddell caught wind of this, in Charles Wang-like fashion, he fired him for failing to adhere to company Public Relations policies.”

Thank God, it’s nothing like that. I can’t imagine a story that would make us look worse. When the dust clears, I’d bet Anderson is the selection. And all this will be a “blip” on the radar. I really hope Anderson is our selection, if for nothing else, so we can all start moving forward, without a lingering cloud of doubt over the team.

By LAC

June 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Boy it makes one feel OLD when you see these kids at the draft friday night with 1990 birthdates… It’s a young mans sport for sure.

Let’s hope Zach B. is our pick, has that mean side, along with Boris would start keeping other forwards honest for a change and their defensemen on their heels a nice change of pace.

Like a lot have said, I would go with losing left and right with kids who are learning, rather than old vets who’s days are in the past.

Let’s hope this draft starts some positive vibes and a few GOOD UFA signings would really help for the upcoming season.

We can only wait and see if the right course is taken… Just wish the FANS were thought of more by the Franchise !

By Jason

June 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Great job with all the diligent and solid work so far Mike! We all appreciate it!

I’m fine with Anderson as the coach. We’re not gonna be very good next season anyway, so hopefully the year will be dedicated to developing the youth on our roster. If we win a few more than people expect with Anderson excelling in motivating and pushing the right buttons on players, then that’s icing for me.

Now I would like to know most of all what ever happened to the hiring of “help” for DW in the front office? DW, Levenson, and Gearon all publically stated wanting/needing to do this in some fashion. So with Nonis signing on as a consultant with the Ducks for example, why didn’t DW and gang do something similar? Mike, any news on that thought? Could we still possibly see the Chicago GM brought in to assist for example?

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Tony C.

Warming up the vocal cords, checking the BULLHORN for cracks, finding extra BULLHORNS just in case the need arises, I’m ready to rock.

Don’t worry, I’ll behave…no profanity…no throwing things

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

I’ll bet Schultz will get a good laugh out of this situation.

Would someone please nominate the Thrashers for the best daytime and nightime soap opera?

By J (Z)

June 20, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

We’re not gonna be very good next season anyway

Huh? we’re already ahead of the Flyers rebuilding plans from where they were last year!!!! (hahahahahaha)

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

J(Z) - Do you where we could rent a GM? :)

By Jared

June 20, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Espn.com claims Anderson is the new coach.

lets hope he can develop our very young team. its Bogosian or bust in this draft

By J (Z)

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

LOL, let me check our inventory…

By Sharon

June 20, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, have fun at the draft party tonight. Don’t get into too much trouble (unless it’s really worth it, haha)!

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Would John Anderson be a good choice for the job of Thrashers coach?

Look they changed the poll question.

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Thinking of the movie Office Space

Um yeah, Don, did you get the, um, memo, we, um, hired a new GM. By the way, where is the TPS report?

By LAC

June 20, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

Liked how TSN said Anderson was “promoted” from Chicago… which we all know is NOT the case, he has never been an official employee of Atlanta.

Lots of deals heating up, Meyers to Toronto from St.L was interesting for a third rounder…

Let us all HOPE with a lot of high picks this time around that we hit GOLD and not granite like in 1999.

This draft will REALLY be make or break for waddell, he cannot come away empty…

By Don Waddell

June 20, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this

Now…I want you people to listen to me. I’m only gonna say this… one… more… time.

I did NOT hire that coach…Mr. Anderson. And I did not tell anyone report about it…not a single time.

Now, I’ve got to get back to work for the Blueland people…

Thank you.

By Bobbleted

June 20, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Another classic DW and ASG move, we can’t even hire a coach without it becoming a mess. If Anderson is the man, he’s got to feel uncomfortable about his beginnings here, and if it’s Brad, what took so long to hire him? No confidence there either. Neither one have NHL experience coaching, as DW said he was looking for…so why hasn’t he even interviewed some of the other top ex-coaches like Torts or Queneville? Their styles may not much but they’re winners.

We need decision makers who can lead this team, and nothing shows me, a long time season ticket holder, that DW and ASG are those types. If they’re waiting for the draft party to announce Anderson, the party’s over! Just do it and quit dragging the fans along!

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Maybe it’s a game of chicken to speed up Sullivan’s decision. Did I read somewhere that he was waiting until July 1st or something to choose between Atlanta and LA?

By joyaman

June 20, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

CLASSIC DW

Even when he tries to make a face-saving move by hiring Anderson, who definitely deserves an NHL shot, he bungles the deal. Not that I don’t want Anderson, but now I almost wish he would walk to further underscore that the man behind the curtain is an idiot.

Maybe then ASG would wake up and hire Kevin Cheveldayoff as his replacement. Chevy could then hire Anderson without F’ing it up. That would leave us with a non-dysfunctional Hockey Department that actually has a solid track record of making the playoffs and winning championships.

-joyaman

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Actually, my guess is Waddell wanted to announce it Wednesday, but the gay “Blueland” marketing team said “Wouldn’t it be just dandy if we saved it for the draft party?”

That would be typical of the clueless marketing team to think they could fleece the Toronto media.

By Bobbleted

June 20, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

What I meant to say in my early morning fog was that Torts or Queneville’s coaching styles may vary but they are both proven winners in the NHL. I’m not a Sullivan fan, I see him as an Asst. and not a viable head coach. There’s a reason why Boston let him go and he’s not in the running in TB. He’s just not that good of a head coach, which is why DW may hire him.

I have no problem with Anderson, although I do have a problem with our inability to start him off on the right foot. He deserves more than a denial and then later a weak announcement that he’s been hired. Regardless, let’s hope DW doesn’t screw up the draft as bad as he’s screwed up this coaching situation.

By Mike Knobler

June 20, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

FWIW, The Daily Herald in Arlington, Ill., a Chicago suburb, wrote of the Anderson hiring early this morning: “a source close to the Wolves said it looked to be a done deal.”

By Bobbleted

June 20, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

GAVA, you’re probably right. The crack (on crack) marketing team probably thought that they should hold the news for the 50 or so STH’s that actually are going to the draft party. Good thinking.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

FWIW, The Daily Herald in Arlington, Ill., a Chicago suburb, wrote of the Anderson hiring early this morning: “a source close to the Wolves said it looked to be a done deal.”

In all fairness, that was probably written last night and was too late to take off the presses.

By KLS1

June 20, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Ok…we got a coach, now which goalie are we going to trade tonight?

By Serge45

June 20, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I think DW wants to get up on the podium tonight for that #3 pick, and either bring Anderson up there with him, or announce it right before they announce the pick. What he lacks in picking out free agents, he makes up for in charisma.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

If Waddell had made the announcement that Anderson was the coach before he left town, he wouldn’t be around to hold local press conferences… by the time he got back on Monday, it would be old news. Everyone will have moved on to Zach Bogosian by then.

That’s what happens when PR and Marketing folks get involved with real business. Now it’s a big cluster-fluck… nice going.

By robo

June 20, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Waddell-your a moran… you take forever to hire a new coach and then your considering a minor league coach who may be good but if you want to get to the elite level like you say you want to do, why not get a professional. I guess no one wants to come to Atlanta cause your still calling the shots. When we lose Kovy, I hope present ownership will ship you out too. This franchise is going nowwhere except in reverse.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

You’ll also notice that TSN hasn’t retracted it yet. Or maybe they just haven’t gotten to work yet on one of the biggest Canadian news days of the year. ;)

By Ryan

June 20, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Hired….Not Hired…Can we just get a freakin’ coach please?

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Ok…we got a coach, now which goalie are we going to trade tonight?

Zero… there’s no reason to.

Pavelec is still only 20 years old… he can hang out in Chicago another 2 years. It’s no different than what Jaro Halak (23) and Jimmy Howard (24) are going through.

By Ryan

June 20, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Okay who cares about the coach at the moment the draft is upon us and I just read the following:

Martin shops Panthers captain Jokinen The Panthers, who don’t have a first-round draft pick, continued to talk to other teams about a trade involving Olli Jokinen.

Give up our first round and either Sterling or Exelby (who for those of you who know let more goals in last year than he probably blocked)

I know this will cause a rash of comments, because people like Exelby, but you have to face facts, he’s not lived up to his first year young star hype. Tough guys shouldn’t wear visors by the way and then start fights. He’s lost a step since the concussion. We need a team captain, a first line center, an immediate impact, and someone to show Kovy we want him to stay.

DO THE RIGHT THING HERE DON WADDELL!!!!

By Bob

June 20, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Does DW wants to break the news himself? EGO,EGO,EGO

You got it. He probably wants to announce it tonight at the draft. It’s Anderson. Why are they are going out of their way to make Mark Knopfler look bad in his first job after retiring from Dire Straits?

By Bob

June 20, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I know this will cause a rash of comments, because people like Exelby, but you have to face facts, he’s not lived up to his first year young star hype

I have no problem with that. Exelby is way overrated. He is constantly out of position chasing the big hit, which he brings less of after his concussion.

I wouldn’t move the #3 and Ex for Jokinen, however. Because we do need dmen, and there will be a prime chipper at #3 (please let it be Bogo and not the Doughboy aka Norm Maracle Junior).

I would move Ex AND Sterling and the #29 for Jokinen, and laugh all the way to bank if we got it done.

However, I do not see Jacques Martin being brain dead enough to move Jokinen within his own division.

By kracker

June 20, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Gee, it’s gonna be a really big surprise tonight when Anderson is announced at the new HC, hunh? But it’s nice to do it for Anderson so let’s make him feel welcome because….he is.

But what is up with Waddell!? He’s a typical political hack, his first instinct is to tell a lie when asked a direct question about a situation where the news is already out!.

By Stan Drulia

June 20, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

C’mon Waddell.. for once in your career do something in a timely fashion! This ridiculous habit of waiting until the absolute last minute to do things is getting really old. It also speaks volumes of your management style… wait until you are up against the wall and then just go for it!!! Lame. Hope you are either not around or have learned a few things in the next couple of years when the future of our team is on the block as a free agent. If you lose Kovy I will write this whole organization off. I could never actually do that.. but I will threaten!

Hire Anderson and stop this stupid PR lameness.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Martin is going to get a huge payday for Jokinen that the Thrashers can’t provide.

Perhaps a Spezza for Jokinen swap… or Pitkanen, Stoll and Edmonton’s first round pick for Jokinen. Something along those lines.

By Alan

June 20, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Stroz - Thinking of the movie Office Space

Ooh, ooh! Can it be the part where they take Don Waddell to the middle of the desert and mercilessly beat him?

By Alan

June 20, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

TSN is still running the “Anderson hired” story, though still with no in-depth details, on the front page of the NHL section. I’m pretty certain this story has legs of steel.

By Sara

June 20, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Re: Jokinen. It may take a three-way to get him here but it’s an angle I pray desperately Don is trying to persue since that is the best possible scenario for us getting a #1 center. From my standpoint, I’d be willing to offer Christensen, the #29 pick, choice of X, Klee, or Zhitnik (might as well put him out there), and Sterling or Haydar (neither of which I think will make it in the bigs although with Anderson potentially coming on board he may feel differently about that). It’s a lot to give up in some ways but in others, not so much. Jokinen >>>>>> Christensen, we can live without the #29 since we’ve got the #3, Sterling or Haydar may never really be NHLers and we can afford to lose one, and we can easily afford to drop a d-man since we already have 7 set for next season anyway. It would make it easier to either go get another top-notch defender (since Jokinen is cheap relatively speaking) or re-sign Pops or bring up another prospect to fill the last d spot. If it really really got desperate, maybe offer up a goalie. Florida likely doesn’t need one since they have Vokoun but in a three-way, the other party might. It’s possible though if DW offered enough to Martin straight up, he’d take it. He can always hope Jokinen decides to split after his contract is up (although I personally think we could keep him).

Let’s face it…with the d-man we’re about to draft and picking up Jokinen, we would already be a much different team than last year. Still would need some tinkering, but those two things alone amount to significant steps forward.

By Tom

June 20, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

I’m a rabid Chicago Wolves fan, and I’ll be sorry to see Anderson go if he does. He’ll be missed, but he deserves a shot there.

Now, I don’t know much about the other management gaffes you guys are describing, but some of the other teams here in Chicago have gone through similar stupidity when hiring/unhiring/rehiring coaches/managers in the span of a day or two. It always screws up the first season and often poisons the coach’s stay altogether. I’d be pretty pleased to see Anderson tell them to find someone else (assuming that meant he could continue to coach here), but frankly he’d be a fool to pass up his shot at the NHL.

And I can’t think of anyone better with a young team — we have a lot of young kids on the Wolves right now, and they end up more mature by the end of their first season. No arrests, no DUIs, no spectacles in nightclubs, nothing. He seems to have a way with them.

Sorry to see him go if he does, but he’s earned a shot at the big time.

By Ryan

June 20, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Bob, know what you mean by moving in the same division, however I think we have a lot of dead weight and of course I like to be optimistic (Thrashers Fan for sure). We need a first line center for sure, I think Kovy could carry the “C”, we need to show Kovy we’re trying to surround him with talent. Maybe a three way with Ottawa, we get Spezza or Redden, they get Jokinen, and FL picks up the pick and a player. I think when Anderson is named, our players seem to be able to run his system (ex. Haydar, Krog, rest of the Calder Cup Champions) Let’s get an impact player for today, we have enough for tomorrow, at this point.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the kudos Tom… I’m just hoping the story is true at this point.

By Radio

June 20, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Waddell waits until the last minute to hire a coach before the draft and because no veteran coach wants to work for him, he hires Anderson. Good luck Anderson, because you can only work with the cards that are dealt to you, we hope Waddell can give you a good hand. But based on his past history, you won’t have much experienced players to work with. But in Anderson’s defense, he is obviously good at developing young talent, and that is essentially what he will have to work with here in ATL.

By Jason

June 20, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

So this may be a dumb question, but is the draft tonight going to be televised? Last year I thought it was on the NHL Network, but my directv guide does’nt have it listed. Anyone know?

Thanks

By Jason

June 20, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Sorry, I had a brain fart like DW. I see it’s on VS. I just watch so much of the NHL Network now, I tend to forget about VS.

By Alan

June 20, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Mirtle is also running with the “Anderson new Thrashers coach” story. At this point, I don’t think many people believe Waddell would name someone different.

By Bob

June 20, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jason, the draft is on VS at 7pm

Come on, Waddell, show us what you got, don’t let Anderson be the big announcement for tonight, blow our socks us with a big deal bringing us that #1 center and/or #1 dman we so desperately need. Please?

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Why are they are going out of their way to make Mark Knopfler look bad in his first job after retiring from Dire Straits?

LMAO!!! Classic!

Let’s hope Zach B. is our pick, has that mean side, along with Boris would start keeping other forwards honest for a change and their defensemen on their heels a nice change of pace.

Like a lot have said, I would go with losing left and right with kids who are learning, rather than old vets who’s days are in the past.

Right On LAC! I agree 100%! BOGOSIAN is who we need… If LA takes him, we need to pass on the Doughboy and grab the FILATOV kid… It is NOT a GAMBLE to grab him… He WILL be coming to the States!!!

DON’T F+++ THIS UP FOR US DONNIE!!!

GET ER DONE, YEAH COME ON!!!

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

To pry Ollie away from the Panthers, the Thrashers would have to give up at LEAST the following:

later round pick (prolly) Pavelec or Lehts B. Little E. Perrin

Let’s be realistic folks. Jokinen is a proven talent in this league and the price will be pretty high.

If we could do the above without giving up Little, I would pull the trigger. I love Kari but I’d rather keep Ilya happy by giving him a real center. But I don’t think we can afford to give up Little & Perrin.

Kovy / Ollie / Thor Slava / Little / Armstrong White / Crusher / Stuart Boulton / Slater / LaVallee

Enstrom & Havelid Bogosian & F/A Klee / Popo / Zhitnik (cringe)

Pavs & Hedberg

Who could live with this lineup?

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks Sara, I forgot completely about the presence of Vokoun. I was thinking they had a void to fill after Luongo was traded…guess I’m stuck in time! You’re right, perhaps a package of # 29 / Crusher / Exelby or Klee and Perrin or Slater to sweeten the deal might be enough if Fla is that desperate.

But chances are, it will require a third team like Ottawa to get Fla a higher first rounder before they even consider trading Ollie to us.

By Hip Czech

June 20, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Any scenario where we land Bogosian and either Spezza or Jokinen I’ll take…

Rumored cap ceiling is $56M this year…we have roughly a $26M cap hit for players under contract now. That leaves almost $30M of cap money folks. Of course the cheap ASG won’t let us spend anywhere close to $56M, but the room is there. Shoot, that even leaves a few $$’s to swallow a Zhitnik buyout.

There is no reason on earth that we shouldn’t be able to sign a legit D and forward in FA, except for the sorry ownership group we have.

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

SMOOTHIE I would take JOE THORNTON over JOKINEN… But that’s just me…

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I’m hoping we’ll start hearing trades or rumors around 1pm after a few GM “Power lunches”.

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I hear ya Dave, who wouldn’t want Thornton on their team…can you imagine how many goals Kovy would pot if Joe was feeding him the puck?? I just don’t see any scenario where he would leave Cali for the Thrashers.

By Sara

June 20, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Dave I think a lot of people would. However, Thornton isn’t for sale, Jokinen (and apparently Spezza) are. The interesting thing with either OTT or FLA is there could be potential with a sweet enough deal to get both a center AND a d-man. I don’t know that FLA ever got Bouwmeester under contract and OTT is having issues with Meszaros. It would almost assuredly take a goalie to make one of those happen but if we could put together a package for two, I’d gladly give away either Kari or Pavs.

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

OK SARA, I see…

I guess I would prefer JOKINEN over SPEZZA… If we trade a Goalie, It needs to be MOOSE or LETS…

The following players should be OFF-LIMITS:

LITTLE
PAVELEC
LAVALLEE
PERRIN

Everyone else (minus KOVY) are fair game…

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Goalies are going cheap… Chris Mason is now in St. Louis for a 4th round pick

Can’t imagine we’d get more than a second or third round pick for Pavelec.

By BG33Brown

June 20, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I would rather have Marleau than Olli. Correct me if I wrong but the reason Olli is on the outs in FLA is b/c he has had office problems.

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Dave, I wish Perrin was off-limits, but a guy making that little money is a bargain-bin type of player that must be considered for a trade. I love him to death, but we have very few players worth much to anyone outside of Atlanta. I’d say the only players that should be off-limits would be Enstrom, Kovy, Army (cuz we had to give up Hossa) and perhaps Little.

By Barry

June 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Um Nascar Dave you forgot Enstrom.

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Good points SMOOTH…

Let me make some adjustments here…

Also OFF-LIMITS:

ENSTROM VALABIK

Can’t believe I forgot those guys!

As far as CHRISTENSEN/ARMSTRONG… I would let them go… What did they do here? Not much…

SARA - Actually, I prefer MALKIN over JOKINEN… Marleau I would pass on (again, TOO SMALL)…

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Can’t imagine we’d get more than a second or third round pick for Pavelec.

Don’t worry GAVA, PAVELEC is NOT going ANYWHERE…

Question for you GAVA… After PAVELEC, WHO do we have Depthwise for Goalie??? And don’t say KANGAS because he’s still in College… That is why PAVS is going nowhere…

LETEMIN or MOOSE will be moved before PAVS would… And I seriously doubt MOOSE would be moved after signing here… That would be an all time SNAKE for Don FRAUDell to do that to him…

So, which Goalie does that leave us to trade???

Yep, that’s right. Boy Wonder from Helsinki…

We’ll see…

By Hip Czech

June 20, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Wow, I know I’m going to take heat for this, but I am not so sure Kovy should be off-limits.

I would say it depends on the direction, strategy, and system that the organization has (yeah, yeah, I know, we have to HAVE one first). If we are going to continue the never ending building phase of this franchise why not move Kovy? Besides the #3 pick, any other draft picks are going to be 2-3 years away from the NHL, Kovalchuk isn’t going to give us the time of day when his contract is up.

Unless we get a true #1 center, a top 2 defenseman, and another top 2 line winger in here this year than Kovalchuk is as good as gone anyway.

If we keep the #29 pick and come away from this weekend with no proven NHL-caliber players Kovalchuk might as well be traded while he has maximum value (I think Brendan already made this argument).

If DW pulls some deals and we keep the #3 but move some other picks and come away with 2 players that help us now and then we can sign 2 FAs there may be hope to convince Kovalchuk to stay.

Under that scenario he would be off-limits, but still no guarantee we would avoid a Hossa-esque soap opera again starting next summer.

By Alan

June 20, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Besides the #3 pick, any other draft picks are going to be 2-3 years away from the NHL

Doughty and Bogosian are both expected to play for their teams this coming season. Filatov and Pietrangelo as well. Stamkos will, of course, be in a Lightning uniform this winter. I think below the number five pick is where it starts to fall into “minor league seasoning.”

But remember, this draft is deep. Next draft is deep, too. Otherwise, on average, you would be right.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling Kyle Beach will play this year… he doesn’t necessarily have to be a Top 2 line guy yet. He plays a big enough role with his toughness that he could play enforcer for a few years.

By Hip Czech

June 20, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Alan…sorry, I meant any of OUR other draft picks (29, 64, 94, 124, 154, 184).

It’s possible the #29 pick might break camp with the team but even if that happened I really wouldn’t expect them to be a top 2 line forward or D.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Nascar… that’s my point, we’re not going to trade any goalies. We have no depth at the position. We’ll probably pick up another journeyman this summer (ala Braithwaite) to back up Pavelec in Chicago. Turple will probably stay in Gwinnett.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

It’s possible the #29 pick might break camp with the team but even if that happened I really wouldn’t expect them to be a top 2 line forward or D.

I can’t imagine anyone could leapfrog guys like Lavallee, Little or Stuart at this point. The only wild card out there I like to break a roster this summer would be Tyler Ennis… I can’t help but think if this kid was 185 lbs. he’d be a Top 10 pick.

By Hip Czech

June 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Now here’s a twist to the Malkin situation…pretty bad when the Russian economy is better than ours.

By Bob

June 20, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I am not so sure Kovy should be off-limits

I agree. No one on this club is off-limits, and especially Kovy. I can’t see him staying here under Waddell. If the return is right, trade him while his value is maximized so we don’t wind up with another Hoss situation.

By Alan

June 20, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t expect it either, but it would be an interesting surprise if our #29 did come out of camp with a roster spot.

By Ferris Buehler

June 20, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Geez why the haters for John Anderson? Do you really think the Thrashers are better off with a recently fired recycled coach who had one or two good pre-lockout years?

People were saying the same kind of hate about Bruce Boudreau, and look at him now.

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t expect it either, but it would be an interesting surprise if our #29 did come out of camp with a roster spot.

If it’s STAAL, he will be here…

But I expect that pick to be traded…

Too bad we can’t trade with Russian teams… Send ZHITTY back to his Motherland (which I believe is actually Ukraine)… and get someone here with some GUTS.

By dmatos

June 20, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Maybe they want him to coach both the Thrashers and the Wolves. Everyone else in the Thrashers organization does 2 or more jobs.

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I say Kovy is off-limits THIS year as we can’t even negotiate with him until July 1, 2009. Why rush when there isn’t exactly a high probability of making the playoffs this year, with or without Kovy. Might as well see how the chemistry takes shape under Anderson anyhow. And if Ollie or Spezza were to get traded here, we owe Kovy a year to see how he would gel with either one…not to mention lead the team as the new captain. Peace out Bobby!

By AuburnZ

June 20, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

As of 2pm on the Thrashers Blueland Blog, Ben reports that John Anderson has been hired as the new Thrashers coach. Says he will be at the draft tonight.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 20, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

According to the Thrashers website, Anderson has been officially named the Thrashers new Head Coach! What does that now mean for the Beast and Steve Weeks?

By volgrad1985

June 20, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I see alot of similarities between the Thrashers and last season’s Capitals now. AHL affiliate head coach in charge, Russian superstar LW, some complimentary forwards, young budding offensive minded defenseman, etc…..let’s see what happens.

By Brendan

June 20, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

HipCzech, we cannot trade Kovalchuk. It’s suicide. Even if Kovalchuk walked into Waddell’s office to let him know that he won’t re-sign in 2010, Waddell has to sell tickets. That’s the bottom line. If Kovy left today, who’d show up?

Yes, he could, possibly, pull off some “monster trade” that pleases Thrasher fans. But, how likely is that? Unless the return was Malkin and Crosby, (I’m joking here,) most Thrashers fans would gripe about a Kovy trade. And there it is. Kovalchuks can’t be replaced. I’m sorry that we’ll lose him in 2010, but I won’t blame Kovalchuk for pursuing his Stanley Cup goals. I’ll blame the decision-makers and financiers, who allowed this situation to manifest itself.

By acnori

September 16, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

olocnatroc

By acnori

September 16, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

olocnatroc

By FIELD_NICKNAME_noalgetlib

December 23, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

http://www.FIELDMESSAGEliolomonnoel.com/