Thrashers

By kracker

June 20, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

By Brendan

June 20, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I like the Anderson hire. I’m glad the source of distraction is finally, finally over after all these months. Now, let’s just focus on the rest of the draft. Phoenix just took Viktor Tikhonov, with the #28 pick. If DW had his eye on him, well he’s gone now.

Thrashers are up next!!!

By kracker

June 20, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

We’re up next for the 29 pick. Will we get a player or do we get Trader Don?

By kracker

June 20, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

We get a center….Daultan Levelle…small, super fast, needs to work out and add weight. I don’t kow this guy, any body know him??….they say he has good long term upside, will go to Mich St.

By Brendan

June 20, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I like the move Columbus made to get R.J. Umberger, whose stock skyrocketed after that remarkable playoff performance. Check out his 2008 Playoff stats next time you’re at www.nhlpa.com.

Daultan Leveille, 6’1,” 158-pounds, Center. From St. Catherines, Junior B. Not an NHL-ready player. He’s headed off to college for the next couple of years. So much for the RFA player with #29.

Calgary make some roster moves. They dumped the aging and expensive Alex Tanguay. But later on, they got Cammalleri, whose future with the Kings saured when he wound up in arbitration.

Toronto has given Montreal exclusive negotiating rights with Mats Sunding until July 1st. Is this the end of Sundin in Toronto? Sundin refused to waive his no trade clause at the deadline. Are there lingering “hard feelings” about that? Will Toronto re-sign Sundin, if the Habs don’t?

By kracker

June 20, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

OK, I misspell his name, he is:

Daultan Leveille C, St. Catharines (GHJHL) TSN Rank: 35

I never heard of him but his TSN draft rank is 35 so 29 isn’t too far off, especially considering ATL has no second rounder.

By Russ

June 20, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

kracker - He was a relative unknown before this season. He dominated playing against inferior competition at the Junior B level in Canada. He’s supposed to be one of the best skaters in the draft. Size is obviously going to be an issue, he’s listed at 160 lbs. Going to a U.S. college, I believe the Thrashers can retain his rights longer. Some of the bloggers that know the CBA may be able to verify this.

By Hip Czech

June 20, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Deschamp? Wow…can’t believe he didn’t go in the first.

Caps moved up big time to get Gustafsson…I’m disappointed with that, but for nostalgia sake I guess he was meant to go to the Caps.

I like Phoenix’ moves in this draft. Hated to see Cammalleri move and not come here. Let’s see if DW can get it done via FA. Huselius and a D man please…

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Ok I think I speak for many when I say:

“Daultan Leveille-WTF?”

Then I read this…DW may have many faults, but you gotta admit, this guy is loyal.

I still would’ve rather seen somebody else. But who knows?

I mean Staal’s got the “pedigree”. I don’t think that EVERY brother gets on the NHL draft list by mistake. I mean he may not be the hoss-bad@ss his brothers say he is, but man, this Daulton better be.

By David

June 20, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I like the coach and both players. We get a dman who should be able to step up and play next fall and a good speedy center in our system. I like the balance in that. No reason to sell a pick for a mediocre defenseman.

By Smoothie

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

I’m a little surprised DWad didn’t take Nic Deschamps with the 29th pick. He’s a little bigger than Leveille and McGuire and MacKenzie were gushing over this guy for an hour plus. They were quite perplexed as to why Deschamps fell out of favor as a mid 1st rounder.

Mike — any word on the phone as to why the Thrashers weren’t sold on Deschamps? Guess it doesn’t matter as only the 1st 12 picks are so are apparently NHL ready this year in terms of potential. At least we nabbed a center and addressed another future need…too bad it will be 4 years into the future!

By kracker

June 20, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

I’m seeing Deschamps as a mid 2nd rounder. Too bad we don’t have the 2nd round pick.

By Mike Knobler

June 20, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Guys, I just got finished updating the story for many home-delivered papers and all the ones that are sold at the news racks and newsstands.

I just got off the phone with the guy.

He says he’s 17, 6-foot or 6-1, 168-ish. For comparisons, he says he patterns himself after guys like Edmonton’s Andrew Cogliano and Colorado’s Joe Sakic.

His strength is his skating. The guy can move. But it will be a while before he plays at Philips. He’s headed to Michigan State.

“I’m trying to progress as fast as possible to make it to my dream of playing in the National Hockey League,” he said. “I’ll stay there [at Michigan State] as long as I need to.”

He’s a Kovalchuk fan and, with the Michigan State connection, a Jim Slater fan.

Good night, all.

By Tony C.

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

Would somebody lease find me video of this guy Daulton???

I mean he sounds good, but I don’t know hat I would’ve gone that way.

Now I think is the par where DW actually is among the best in the biz: NHLer-forNHLer trades…. we’ll need some serous magic.

Because I’m having a hard time expecting good things from rounds 3-5…but who knows. Perhaps the hockeygods will smile on us and our Euro-scouting finds us another out-of -the-way prospect who is good. Like Tobi.

By kracker

June 20, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Tony C. Kulda is a 7th rounder, #200 overall. Tobias was an 8th rounder (before they cut the draft to 7 rounds.)

Exelby was a late round pick. So I am hopeful we draft well (get lucky late) again.

By kracker

June 20, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Oh, somebody here thought perhaps that scouting Bogosian a few years ago was how we got onto Arturs Kulda. Could be…

By Tony C.

June 21, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

kracker-exactly. I am wondering how much we’re going to have to overpay to get Hainsey? BTW: If Campbell is walking away from the table with SJ, I am positive that he has to be off the list as of right now. I mean that team’s stocked, only thing I’m wondering is if McCellan(spl?)’s hiring brought it on. From either side. Either way, he’s going to be prohibitively pricey, and I just don’t think he’s worth the coin. Don’t get me wrong he is a bad@a*, but…not that bad.

I’m voting Hainsey because I think he’s a good player who will be (barring injury or something), at least this good if not significantly better for the next 4-5 years. Perhaps even more importantly, he’s in FUBAS’ budget…if just barely. His agent is talking $4M+/per! Again, over-paying (which you reckon we’d have to) we’re looking at $5.5M!

Let’s hope Anderson’s a hell of a salesman. His pitch might work also, because I think Hainsey has the idea that he can be a 1st-pair puck-moving, scoring defenCeman.

By PJ

June 21, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

MIke Knobler My big question now is will the Beast get the boot. Can you find out the status of McCrimmon?

By MB

June 21, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

Very excited about the day. We got a coach, first of all, after a long, long wait.

Got the consensus favorite of these boards in Bogo who hopefully will be a blue line mainstay for us for years to come.

As for Leveille, I saw reports on him several weeks ago and believe I even mentioned him here on these boards. He’s a burner and may well turn out to be a great pick-up…let’s hope so.

A good day for the Thrashers, in my opinion.

By Alan

June 21, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

PJ - That’s what I’m wondering. Does he feel slighted and say “I quit,” or does Anderson say “Sorry, I want my people here?”

I wouldn’t blame either one of them for their reactions, either.

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

What in the world HAPPENED??? We HAD it going in the right direction, grabbing BOGOSIAN… I was SO HAPPY we grabbed him… I thought Donnie might have one of his better nights in his illustrious career in Blueland… But then what happens??? WE WASTE a 1st Round Pick on a “Project” Player??? GREAT! We NEED players who can step in NOW!!! That was a WASTED 1st Round Pick!!! No doubt about it! I am extremely upset we did not grab STAAL… We have NO 2nd Round Pick and STAAL will go very early in the 2nd. We lost out on him for a guy that’s going to College. Great. We also coulda had DESCHAMPS, or one of the D-Men still there…

We needed IMPACT players in this Draft, and we got one with our first pick, but SCREWED UP with our 2nd 1st Round Pick!!! The worst part about it is we lost HOSSA for a 1st Rounder, and we probably won’t see this kid for 4 years! All I can say is ESPOSITO better step it up BIG TIME or Donnie FRAUDell is going to have to explain how this pick was worth it… Because I think a lot of people are going to view this as a Bad Pick. Because it is.

NUFF SAID.

By sisu

June 21, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

I would like to see all of the Wolves coaching staff here! Get rid of Weekes, he cannot coach goalie. Replace him with Wendel Young right away!

By Alan

June 21, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Dave - Just about any player we took at that point was going to be a project player, anyway. You’re seriously fooling yourself if you think a 29th could come in here and make it out of camp the same year as he was drafted.

Also, while ISS ranked him 47th, TSN (35) and THN (26) ranked him higher. All in all, Waddell was “in the ballpark” as far as his pick is concerned.

We will, hopefully, address our problem at Center during the FA period.

By Alan

June 21, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

The above is also an example of “renewed optimism” for the future of the franchise, along with a stern warning of “Don’t f- this one up, Waddell.”

Overall, I’m happy with 20 June 2008. I hope I can say the same about the FA period starting 1 July.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Did anybody else think IMMEDIATELY when the Leveille pick happened that PERHAPS Waddell was doing what is actually best for the franchise, and not what’s best for himself?

Think about it…this pick, kinda like the Wheeler pick by Phoenix a few years back, is a long term high-reward type pick. He KNEW when picking this player that the kid wouldn’t contribute until around 2011-2012.

For what many people to consider a GM who is in this to save his own skin and keep his job, I think a project pick at #29 is quite ballsy. I only HOPE this kid can make Waddell look like a genius in 3-4 years, because there will be a lot of criticism for not drafting someone like Staal based on name alone.

Staal (50) by the way is ranked LOWER on TSN’s top 60 prospect list than Leveille (35).

Alan and PJ — I feel bad for the guy (McCrimmon), but I think it’s best for this team if they work with someone else defensively.

By Alan

June 21, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

ranallo - Agreed, we need fresh new minds in this organization. Both at the ice level, and in the front office. One task at a time though.

But I do feel a little bad for McCrimmon, too. I just don’t think he did a good enough job with the defense, and it kind of showed last season.

I never really paid much attention before, but how often does a Junior B player make it to the draft as a Junior B player? How often does one rank as high as he did (CSB 47, TSN 35, etc)?

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

Waddell not grabbing an RFA for pick #29, when the Flyers were willing to deal Umberger, I’d say speaks volumes about the organization’s intentions with this draft. The Kings were willing to part with Cammalleri, who is now a Flame, and the Flames were only too happy to unload Alex Tanguay. I saw that Florida traded its Captain Olli Jokinen. And the Capitals dealt Steve Eminger.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Perhaps it’s just me, but I think Philadelphia was LUCKY to get such a high return for Umberger. I think Umberger is a good player, and definitely raised his stock in these past playoffs, but I don’t believe he’s a 1st round quality player. Call it the “Cam Ward effect” (one great offseason in the midst of average career numbers)…I just don’t think Umberger’s that good.

But you’re right, I would say the lack of moves and the second pick made speaks volumes towards the intentions of the GM regarding the direction of this franchise. Umberger or Tanguay could be viewed as the “quick fix”, and it appears Waddell either was interested in them or never bit.

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

The “quick fix” route is what got Waddell in the most trouble of all, Ranallo. Perhaps, he’s learned his lesson?

For a GM who has every outward sign of a “longhaul” approach, I have to start giving serious consideration to the possibility Waddell really does have a 3-year contract in his pocket. And if that is so, the CBA will expire at the same time Waddell’s contract does, in 2011.

It raises the question, “What could possibly make Waddell get fired?” I do recall Bernie Mullin, after separating from the AS, LLC, stating that it was his belief that the organization intended to embark on what it hoped to be a groundbreaking trend of longevity for Coaches and GM’s. It was Bernie Mullin’s premise that GMs and Coaches need to know that they have job security, so that they can learn from their mistakes, and become better GMs and coaches. Mullin then cited legendary basketball coach John Wooden’s regrettable first two years of coaching. Mullin was quoted as saying, “In today’s world, Wooden wouldn’t have made it to even a third season. And look how much he improved, because he was given second chances.”

Mullin went on to say that Waddell’s ability to learn from past mistakes was irrefutable. Then talked about how much the drafting improved, the Opening Night budget improved, the trade deadline approach improved, and even cited successful offseason signings.

You see, apparently, the ownership does recognize that Waddell has failings. It’s just that … they think he can overcome all his mistakes, and in 5 years, or 10 years, will be the smartest GM in the league, with all the knowledge that he will have accumulated by that time.

Now that I think about it, rubbing my chin, Waddell is in his 10th year. So, I guess it’s not just some “theory” they’re tinkering with. It’s REALITY. Waddell was hired in 1998 as Thrashers GM.

Ummn, is he the SMARTEST GM in hockey today? Has the practice of the theory been successful? I guess more studies are needed.

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this

I just can’t believe we passed on A STAAL… For a “Glimmer Of Hope” in 4 Years… Huh??? We NEED Help, NOW!!!

Tomorrow I’d like to Grab a GOALIE, and some RW depth…

Coulda had a pedigree name who plays RW in STAAL but now ANOTHER team gets him…

ALAN - Don’t kid yourself about Pick 29… We could have traded it for IMMEDIATE IMPACT (NHL Player) or Traded Down to Add Some 2nd Rounders… And even if we kept it, there are MANY Players up there BETTER than LEVEILLE!!! And MANY of them are NHL Ready, ALAN! DONNIE and his SCOUTING GOOFS straight up bunked that pick up!!!

WE better TRADE into ROUND 2, or this is gonna be ANOTHER Terrible Draft! DAMMIT!

By UpperDeck4Life

June 21, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Brendan. The fact that DW kept the pick and drafted a player is a major improvement…that is unless you enjoyed the Majesky trade? This team needs to quit trading away draft picks and prospects and try to build something. Leveille projects as an NHL forward. I went to find stuff out about him last night and a lot of places have him projected as a 2nd line center. He’s not small, he’s 6’1, he’s skinny, which even he admits he’s never worked out in his life and I am sure that MSU will put him in a weight room. In 4 years you could be looking at a speedy center who is 6’1-200 lbs and ready to make an offensive impact for our team. I am very happy that we kept the pick for a change, I didn’t care who we drafted, I just didn’t want to see the pick wasted in a trade.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 21, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Hey-Ho, yet another ten-year “Five-Year Plan”, here we go!

Maybe one day everyone will see…Put the Kool-Aid down and look at the record—it’s not an aberration…

By Jason

June 21, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I can’t remember where I read it or heard it last night, but Waddell supposedly said he was only offered more picks for the number 29, not existing roster players. He said existing players were the only way he would have given that pick up. Obviously, take that quote from DW with a grain of salt.

No pick in the second round today at the moment. Wonder if we will see just as much movement as the first round?

By Tony C.

June 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

eh, Staal’s still there, but I wuld be surprised if he makes it past early 3rd round

By T-Bone

June 21, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

And how many project players have actually emerged from the Thrashers system to be anything in the NHL? I recall Slater was a similar late 1st round pick and a Spartan to boot! Yippee! I can hardly wait the four years to see the 2nd coming of Jimmy Slater!

By You might be a redneck if

June 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

You might be a redneck if you’re watching the NHL draft and say “WTF, we needed an NHL ready player with that 29th pick!” In your infinite wisdom, do any of you realize that the number of NHL games played last year by players picked in the 1st round after Patrick Kane was less than 5 games (all played by the 3rd pick Kyle Turris). Do you people realize that your top rookie last year, Tobias Enstrom, was drafted in 2003? Yet you want someone to come in at the 29th pick and be an impact player this year? Let me know if your paper ever gets an article on your new picks.

By kracker

June 21, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Thrashers, Round 3, #64 ATL DANICK PAQUETTE Jul 17, 1990 MONTREAL, QCCA, 6’ 0” 210, QMJHL, LEWISTON - RW

Pretty good size. How does he project?

2007-08 Lewiston MAINEiacs QMJHL 63gms 29g 13a 42pts

By kracker

June 21, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

4 #94 ATL VINNY SAPONARI Feb 15, 1990 POWDER SPRINGS, GA US 6’ 0” 179 USDP USA U-18 RW

So Waddell picks the local guy.

By Denny

June 21, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Paquette’s a star of U-Tube hockey fights and as this one shows ONE TOUGH DUDE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Sx7usd6Hw&feature=related

By Ronald

June 21, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

you know this guy Don Weddell don’t know what the hell he’s doing to bring in a guy ho never coach in the NHL what have he learn in his first hire who came from same place with no NHL experican it took three year for him to fired that guy I don’t see why the ownership can be true to themself and say they need to bring somone in that know how to make the right and good decision I look for them to always be loser under Don Weddell as GM

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

RONALD Glad you see WADDELL is the problem here…

Does anybody know about this SAPONARI kid from POWDER SPRINGS, GA??? Looks like Donnie took some advice from the BRAVES and started snagging the Local talent… Sweet. Is he going to College too???

We Got A Goalie I see too… however, I would have preferred the Swede (Markstrom).

Too BAd we missed out on STAAL…

So, what I REALLY wondering is… Are we still bringing in 2 Top Line D-men (as we were promised)???

Can I get verification on this??? Anybody who was at the Season Ticket Holder Meeting at the Wild Game… Did they really promise us 2 Top Line UFA D-Men???

ESPOSITO better make this team… Then we can do without SLATER… I agree with LAC, SLATER can be useful if HE WILL LEARN how to step his game up and PLAY CONSISTENT… Otherwise, he is just wasting one of our roster spots… If that’s the case, I’d rather let a new kid have the chance (HOLZAPEL, ESPOSITO, LUCENIUS)…

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Nice clip DENNY! That kid can fight for a little dude… Will he be at GWINNETT with DESBIENS??? How come we draft goons and they never make it here (well, except HORDICHUK, whom we TRADED)???

Why is BOULTON always the answer???

Our team is just not tough enough… WHY is THAT???

By Hip Czech

June 21, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Help at center via FA is limited to a bunch of 35 year olds - Stilman, Demitra, Rolston, Naslund. That is not too encouraging.

There is better (i.e. younger) help at winger - Huselius and Jason Williams for example.

We ought to be able to land ONE FA D…Streit, Hainsey, Roszival, Liles being targets in my book.

We’ll see…I would have loved to seen Cammalleri come here, maybe a trade can be made for another Cammalleri type center, maybe Edmonton (Stoll, Cogliano?).

If we do not sign at least two quality FAs, preferably 3 then I am not real optimistic about the coming season. Another year of wait for the system players to develop and one year closer to Kovalchuk walking.

By David

June 21, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve very optimistic about the future of our defensive corps. Enstrom, Valabik, Bogosian, Kwiatkowski…these are all going to be good solid guys, which i hope we hold on to. Now the task is getting a center. I honestly think our best chance at that is trading Lehtonen to a team looking for a solid young netminder, but we shall see.

By Alan

June 21, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

kracker - You know, I think Rawhide and I talked about the local guy last night. This could be a good marketing tool for the Thrashers here. Truly, we have “home grown” talent.

He’s also the first player from Georgia to ever be drafted in the NHL draft.

Congratulations to him.

Ronald - Nothing can make you people happy. Why, if we picked up Ron Wilson as coach, you all would complain “aw, that’s just another retread! Why couldn’t Waddell get a coach from somewhere else?”

You know it’s true.

Dave - I hear you loud and clear on Slater. He does need to crank it up a notch. I’m hoping he’s getting some conditioning in this summer that will help. However, I highly doubt Espo will make the team this year. It would be nice if he did, but I just don’t see it happening.