By MB

June 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Sounds like it was another snafu for the Thrashers PR/Marketing team.

Let’s hope for the best with this, and IMO either Bogo or Pietrangelo tonight.

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks MIKE…

Thrasher fans should be pleased with the way this day is progressing… SO FAR.

4.5 hours until judgement time…

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

What, no trumpets, no fanfare? No jugglers and jesters?? DW must be upset.

But as you say, glad this thing didn’t drag on any longer. How retarded.

Anxious to see what goes down during the draft.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Are you sure? :)

By The Other J.B.

June 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

First!!!

By NASCAR Dave

June 20, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

HOKIE, would MTL be willing to move KOMISAREK???

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

What, no trumpets, no fanfare? No jugglers and jesters?? DW must be upset.

I’d say the marketing and PR teams are more upset. They’re the one’s that wanted the pomp and circumstance.

By The Other J.B.

June 20, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Boy my ‘First!!!’ post sure took a while to show up…

Happy about Coach Anderson. Congratulations and welcome to Atlanta. Now, let’s move on to Bogosian tonight and how about a blockbuster trade or two?

New coach, new defence, new season…feeling more optimistic as of late about the Thrash.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

But in all fairness, I’d blame the Toronto media… it probably WOULD have been a nice surprise tonight had they have left it alone.

Thanks TSN… you’re a real barrel of monkeys. Glad you got your “story”. Would you like to tell me what I’m getting for Christmas this year?

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

HOKIE, would MTL be willing to move KOMISAREK???

Nope.

By chc4

June 20, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

All this time waiting for our minor league coach? Just another in a long line of head scratchers.

By GaVaHokie

June 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

This will be my last post… I’m heading home! My computer at home is fried right now, so you might not hear from me until Monday… sorry!

Everyone have fun tonight… I think things will go better than you expected.

By Alan

June 20, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

All this time waiting for our minor league coach?

He’s an awesome AHL coach, though, who looks quite ready to bring his game to the NHL. I’m happy he could do that with us.

By Top_Shelf

June 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Not, trade the older players, play the young guys and rebuild

By Hockeyfan

June 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I am shocked that the Don lied to you last night Mike. [that’s what we call sarcasm].

Wasnt it the Canadian Press that broke the story about us hiring Hartley years ago which was then denied by the Don? I am seeing a little bit of a pattern

By Midfield

June 20, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

It’s official: if anybody had any doubts about Waddell being an idiot, all bets are off now. What’s this bull sh*t with denying the fact about and why are they treating the public with such a contempt?

By David

June 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Midfield…that’s his job.

By Smoothie

June 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

DWad needs to stop playing games and start doing things in a more professional manner. But I’m still apt to give him some benefit of the doubt considering how obviously inept his bosses are. In this day and age, it is admittedly hard to play it close to the vest, but DW is putting together a track record of looking foolish. Hopefully, Anderson will have full autonomy when it comes to personnel decisions once training camp begins. Cuz I don’t trust DW to stay out of his way entirely…hope I’m wrong.

By Jake

June 20, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

This hire tells you what top coaching talent thinks of the Thrashers AND how cheap the ownership group is, unwilling to spend for a top notch coach and instead throwing a bouquet to a career minor leaguer. This guy won 5 titles with veteran minor league free agents and beat up on teams who load their minor league teams with prospects.

Thrashers will be lucky to win 30 games next year.

By Mike Knobler

June 20, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

John Anderson will be calling in to the Thrashers draft party at Philips Arena tonight. If you can’t be there, you can hear it on 680 AM. He’ll be speaking with Dan Kamal and Jeff Odgers toward the start of the draft, according to the Thrashers.

By Billsen

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

This is a FANTASTIC hire. For those who are whining that we didn’t get someone with “NHL Coaching Experience” look at how Washington did when they promoted their AHL coach. Also, JA has coached against a lot of the current NHL coaches and won. Lastly, he’s already familiar with a bunch of our players, so getting up to speed shouldn’t be too hard.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 20, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t know what all the negativity towards Anderson is about, but this was a great hire. I am pleased.

Looking forward to the Thrashers to have plenty more offense next year.

GO BLUE!!!

By ranallo10

June 20, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Anderson’s system will limit the amount of times people yell “SHOOT IT”?

See, there’s a bright side to EVERY situation!

By Alan

June 20, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Don’t know what all the negativity towards Anderson is about, but this was a great hire.

I’m confused as well. By most accounts around the media, people seem to feel that the Thrashers organization is “starting to mature” by hiring within. Not to mention how much of an outstanding coach Anderson is.

Anyway, I’m leaving work now. Will see you all at the party tonight!

By Remie

June 20, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

This is a “”GREAT”” hire!!!! I am so happy for the team and fans - great decision!

By MB

June 20, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Mine may be one of the comments viewed as negative, but it’s more along the lines of unsure.

I really like the fact that the Thrashers are hiring from within and rewarding someone who has had success.

I really like the fact that Anderson has taken several teams to championships and is familiar with a number of our younger players and has gotten them to perform well.

I am concerned about the rep (fair?) that he has of running an offensive system when our shots against is so woeful (and we don’t have the personnel to run a puck control game).

I am also slightly concerned about the about of freedom he’ll be able to command from D-Wadd.

So, I’m hopeful, but not yet ready to pop the champagne.

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

good point Hokie… in semi-related news, I found this….they better not trade # unless they RAPE the other guy. I mean it. Burn the bridge, we are dying for good defenCemen, and here’s two of the best of a generation from all reports

By SCN

June 20, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I like the hire, and hope Anderson has the magic, but can’t help thinking of the Braves hiring minor league managing legend Eddie Haas to replace Joe Torre … that didn’t work out so well.

By R. Stroz

June 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Billsen - I agree concerning Anderson, great choice. Every player that came up from Chicago was great at forechecking and their fundamentals were excellent.

Maybe Anderson can overcome DW’s stupidity.

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

SCN Then you also remember that team’s offense was Dale Murphy and maybe Horner (if his hip wasn’t out that day). Pitchers were Neikro and 285 Perez.

Granted, the lineups right this moment are actually quite comprable, but I think we’ll see some pretty dynamic restructuring. I hope so at least.

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Also it looks like the Sedin Sisters are up for grabs

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

so doughty is off the board, DW’s walking to the podium… and blahblahblahblah…Hey! We got Z. Bogosian kikass

By Tom

June 20, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Now is the time to fire Waddell.

He hires a very offensive styled coach and then goes on TSN-Versus and says we are building from the Blue Line out. ugh…

By Bob

June 20, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Alright, can Bogosian move the puck, or is strictly a defensive guy? How’s his skating.

Damn, I hadn’t see the Doughty film yet, he looks slick. Anyone have a link to more film on Bogosian? I liked hearing him say his competitiveness was his strong point, can’t teach heart.

By Bob

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

Another good sign for our young draftee, his name- Zach Bogosian The kid’s name is classic, he’s either a middle linebacker or a dman who plays like one. Nice.

By Bob

June 20, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

I watched the video on the Thrashers’ site that was linked from the email they just sent, Bogosian can skate, I like the looks of this kid.

By HookyBob

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

So often I find myself in Bob’s wake (gladly).

I agree on the new coach,..concerned about our D but am willing to give the benefit of a doubt.

Also, like Z-Bo’s potential,.. attitude and grit. I would so like to see this team get tougher and feel this is a good step.

By UpperDeck4Life

June 20, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

After he was drafted, TSN asked Z-Bo what his greatest attribute was, he was voted top 3 in like 4 different categories (skater, intelligence, defenseman, etc ) and he said it was his competitive nature. He said he can’t stand to lose and does anything and everything to try to win. He is a team and win first kind of guy.

By Hip Czech

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

Thought it was kind of interesting the TSN comments on the Bogosian pick (which I am absolutely thrilled with) - their comment was it was a CYA pick by Waddell to make up for trading Coburn. The made the comment ‘could you imagine a blueline of Coburn and Bogosian?’.

Yeah, that would have been sweet.

Let’s see what we do the #29 pick. Man, Jokinen went for 2 dmen and a later pick…Phoenix is looking VERY good for next year and beyond.

By ranallo10

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

Hip Czech — I noticed that too…

“This is a cover-up pick for a bad deal, though, when Atlanta traded Braydon Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik.” — Pierre McGuire.

Bob — He’s the prototypical all-around defenseman. He can hit, he can skate, he can score. I’m glad you liked his video clips, cause I think this kid could be a stud.

By kracker

June 20, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I like the Z-Bo name…that may stick! The guy is in tremendous shape, I just hope he doesn’t over train the next 2 months. But I expect he knows what he is doing.

By kracker

June 20, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

I was hoping for a trade up w/ the #29….they are to the #22 pick up next.

By Bobo L'Eponge Au Pantalone Carre

June 20, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

We have to see if this team can actually develop the guy now.

If it looks like he’ll get stuck in the minors like Coburn did, Waddell will likely trade him for Derian Hatcher, or the rights to Rob Blake.

By Brendan

June 20, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

I’m pleased with the Bogosian pick. Although, Waddell fumbled at the podium a bit, which I expect Sage to comment on. Expect words like lisping and bumbling. Waddell wishes he got a 2nd take at making that announcement.

What can you say about the NY Islanders, hmmn? They owned #5 overall pick. The correct course of action is to take Schenn and slap high fives for your prowess and good judgement. Instead, they let Toronto have him for their choice of 60th overall this year and a 3rd rounder next year, or … they can have #68 this year, and Toronto’s 2nd rounder next year. I’d take Toronto’s 2nd rounder next year, as you’d probably do better than 60th overall, which is the 2nd rounder they’ve offered you this year. Okay, everyone likes stockpiling picks. But not at the expense of a potential franchise player. Schenn has that potential. Oh, not quite as much as Bogosian or Doughty, or Pietrangelo, necessarily. But Schenn is a solid, solid pick. But Charles Wang and his lackey GM, Garth Snow, weren’t done proving that “stupid is as stupid does.” They refuse to pick 7th, opting instead to continue passing on what’s left of the best available players in the draft, to let Nashville pick in their stead. The Isles then slip back to 9th overall, where they finally take a Center, Bailey, for the Preds #40 overall pick (2nd rounder).

Yeah, well … if Bailey and the extra draft picks they got don’t pan out, and Schenn, Filatov, Colin Wilson, and Mikkel Boedken turn out to be franchise players, it’ll mark a major misstep in that franchise’s future. We won’t know for some time if the Isles will come out of this smelling like a rose or fitted for goat horns. But philosophically, I’d never move a Top Five pick for 2nd and 3rd rounders, unless I at least picked up a quality RFA player in the process. Top Five is the “cement slab” of your house. If the draft year is “weak,” maybe. This year’s draft isn’t weak. FIF, your thoughts please.

By Tony C.

June 20, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Bob-

The kid can skate. Not just “for a hitter, he can skate”. Dude flys. Dude is nasty. Dude has a shot. Here’s some youtube-age.

By Isles fan in ga

June 21, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

I have to wholeheartedly agree with Brendan … once again the N.Y. Islanders are the laughing stocks of the league. Trading down twice and then picking the 12th rated player with the No. 9 pick? Brilliant for a washed up second-rate goalie turned GM. Thrashers, on the other hand, stood pat and took the best available player. You can’t take back the Coburn deal, but maybe Donnie will remember how important young defensemen are. Lehtonen has suffered from such a poor group in front of him, not that it’s an excuse for his own poor play. ATL fans, when you’re dumping on the Thrashers remember that at least you’re not as dumb as the New York Islanders.

By Icebyrd

June 21, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your frequent informative reports on the Thrashers. I know Custance is a hard act to follow but you are doing a good job. If you have any influence, please do not allow Jeff Schultz to ever post another hockey article. He is clueless and oozes toxic negativity.

By Dave

June 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

KT

Jay Gibbons