Thrashers

By Tony C.

June 21, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

a comment about a commentfromK-Nobes other blog:

NASCARDave-Dude. Paquette isn’t small. Might not be a giant, but he’s no smurf

By Buzilla in CT

June 21, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

2nd

By kracker

June 21, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Not too bad for Day 2. Dealer Don: he didn’t this time. Everything I read about Paquette is that he is tough as nails. Here is some as-it-happened commentary from over at hfboards (sometimes my AJC access goes squirrely).

Thrashers Day 2: Rounds 3-7 Selections

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I like our “Zach” D-men! CCHA!!

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

TONY - He is 6’0”. But he is heavier than I thought (he just looked small in the Video Denny posted), so yeah, not too small I guess. Someone compared him to AVERY, I forget who though.

ZILLA Donnie only took 3 USA Boys this time! STAAL would have fit in good here, HUH???

Maybe one day we can pair up the 2 ZACK’s on D (Both Americans)… We’ll call it “The Zack Attack”…

You can never go wrong picking a GEORGIA boy either…

I saw old FLETCHER working his magic once again… That’s one thing I always remember about Atlanta Flames… They ALWAYS drafted well… FLETCHER knows how to draft…

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Cliff Fletcher FLEECED the Islanders. He needs to open a laundromat, because he took Garth Snow and Charles wang to the clearners! Schenn, a foundation piece, at #5 for a 2nd and 3rd round pick.

By ToF

June 21, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Dave Jared is by far the worst player in the Staal family. He would be no help to use what-so-ever. Just because his brother are great players means jack squat about him.

By erock

June 21, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

I hope HOSSA gets left out in the dark and plays for somebody who does not even make the playoffs next year…The GREEDY BAS#$#$.

By Alan

June 21, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Dave - I don’t know if you read Kukla’s Korner at all, but here’s what a ‘guest writer for the Draft wrote in a post about Staal:

Make no mistake – the media have taken notice. Overheard backstage as a potential opening question for the youngest Staal: “So Jared, why do you suck?” Ouch.

So let’s assume Waddell used that #29 to draft Staal. In two or three years, when he’s still in Gwinnett or Chicago, tell me exactly how you would react to this draft? How would you react to the type of player he is? Would you save face and say how much you think picking him up was an awesome idea, or would you rant and rave about Dumb Waddell and Dumb ASG? Yeah, I’m definitely not a fan of Waddell, but Staal was 50th in TSNs ratings (43rd CSB, 63rd ISS), and he was drafted 49th. And as we all know, anyone after the first round is usually hit or miss.

I know, it could go both ways. Staal might surprise us this or next year, while our “high risk, high return” potential is in college. But overall, I think avoiding Staal was a good thing.

erock - Alas, I think Hossa will go crawling back to Pittsburgh.

By ranallo10

June 21, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Alan — You’re definitely right regarding the Staal pick (or any really). As Brendan always says the draft is a crap-shoot after the first 15 picks or so. There are relatively no “immediate impact” players available after that unofficial mark, and most players are drafted on potential based on intangibles, or a high quality of tangibles.

So, while I preferred to see a player or two drafted who I knew a little about based on a scouting report, YouTube, or namesake, I can’t consider this draft a failure until the players prove their worth…which is another 2-5 years from now!

I would’ve loved to see O’Dell (#39 ANA) or Staal (#49 PHX) drafted at #29, Toews (#66 NYI) or Niemi (#77 NYI) drafted at #63, Carle drafted (#203 TB) drafted at #184. But in reality the scouts know A LOT more than me about drafting and player development, and clearly these players did not fit the scouting reports BETTER than the players drafted. Everyone says you draft “the best player available that fills a need of your team”, and I can only assume that’s what was done during this draft.

It’s easy to second-guess a draft, which is why everyone decides to do it. But in all reality they’re going based on information learned during interviews and abilities viewed during scouting trips, instead of data read over the internet compiled by professional scouting services. We’re basing opinion on filtered information, they’re basing it on first hand information. Just like sources, it’s wise to trust the primary source before the secondary source.

Will you see me around here in 2012 saying “SEE, we should’ve taken Toews! Ranallo10 was right AS USUAL!”? Nope…the draft is a crap shoot, and hopefully more research was done in picking these players than what I did in highlighting my hopeful selections.

(politely steps down from soapbox)

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I’m okay with DW passing on Staal. If Staal turns out to be stud, I’ll be wrong, Waddell would have been wrong, and so would have every other GM that passed on him through the first 48 picks of this draft.

At #29, with Leveille, we might just have picked up a terrific player. But he’s 4-years away, barring something unforeseen. Had Waddell not gone with Leveille, I would have liked to have seen Nicolas Deschamps (#35, Center, selected by Anaheim), Eric O’Dell, (#39, Center, taken by Anaheim), or Philip McRae, (#33, Center, taken by St. Louis in Atlanta’s 2nd round slot).

We cannot, and should not, at this point congratulate nor bereate ourselves too much over this draft. It’ll take YEARS to evaluate it anyway. I want to say this, I think Waddell’s “sleeper” pick just may have been Nicklas Lasu, at #124, the Left Winger from Sweden. He’s 5’11”, and 176-pounds. Sweden is producing some of the best young players in the world in the past few years. In International play, the Swedes have been utterly dominant. A favorite to win the 2002 Olympics, they suffered a humiliating defeat which they avenged at the 2006 Games, in Torinto, Italy, with a Gold Medal. In World Cup play, the results speak for themselves. For a 5th round pick, I think Waddell did well, with Lasu. That’s the benefit of favorable draft position.

I’m glad he did draft the “other” Zach defenseman with the 7th round pick. Waddell did well to pick up a goalie along the way. And, above all, Zach Bogosian was the right course of action for the Thrashers.

I’ll give Waddell a solid “B” for this draft. I disagreed with the pick at #29. But he’s a GM, with a scouting staff, and I’m blogger. He’s supposed to know far better than I about such matters.

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

I would’ve loved to see O’Dell (#39 ANA) or Staal (#49 PHX) drafted at #29, Toews (#66 NYI) or Niemi (#77 NYI) drafted at #63, Carle drafted (#203 TB) drafted at #184.

RANNALLO I agree 100% with that. I would be FINE with that scenario…

But in reality the scouts know A LOT more than me about drafting and player development, and clearly these players did not fit the scouting reports BETTER than the players drafted. Everyone says you draft “the best player available that fills a need of your team”, and I can only assume that’s what was done during this draft.

And this is where I disagree with you. Because YOUR SCouting Reports are BETTER than DAN MARR’s!!! Thid is a MAJOR problem with our Organ-I-Zation! We seem to have very difficult time evalating talent!

WHY is THAT???

Even GAVA has said that here before, about DAN MARR… He is just NOT that good!

I trust RANNALLO Scouting Central over the junk we have now… Seriously!

I just feel that with WADDELL in the position he is in, VERY Low Approval Rating right now, he needed to make a BIGGER SPLASH with this draft. Remember them talking about the most important draft in Franchise History???

But this CLEARLY looks like a Stockpiling the System Draft, for 3 Years Down The Road… Which makes me wonder…

Did DONNIE get the 3 Year Extension??? Sure looks like it to me… But if so, why NO announcment??? This Organ-I-Zation SO SECRETIVE about things…

WHY is THAT???

By NASCAR Dave

June 21, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

That’s my issue BRENDAN… I Disagreed with Pick 29… But don’t worry, this wouldn’t be the first time something like that happened…

By Brendan

June 21, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Very true, NASCAR Dave.

The thing I took away from the draft … was that the team didn’t try to land the Tier I player that it didn’t get in the Free Agency period of 2007. So, if there is going to be some appeasement as a strategy/tactic to keep Kovalchuk beyond 2010, it’ll have to come from the 2008 Free Agent Market.

But, I’m sort of guessing we won’t see that, either. And to land an RFA via trade will require us to cough up something good in return. Any notion of coughing up our 1st rounder next year would be devastating. Imagine if we finish in the bottom third of the league next season? But we traded away that lottery draft pick, for some RFA. I would not like to see that happen. Atlanta can control the rights of a Top Five pick a whole lot longer than some RFA, who never asked to play here.

I think Waddell got the 3-year contract extension. And, I also think the ownership has eased off of the pressure for making the playoffs. I think their goal is simply “re-sale.” So, as long as Waddell turns a marginal profit, or at least doesn’t lose a lot of money, then the Spirit Group is happy, the NHL is happy, and the future buyer of the Thrashers is happy. The only unhappy people will be the fans, who expect their ownership to try to win the Cup.

But, what does retaining Waddell, lo these many years, given his track record, tell you? It tells me that they aren’t gunning for titles. They want a nice yield on their investment. And I’d say … they’re going to get it. Take a look at what NHL clubs are being shopped for, these days. The AS, LLC bought in at $131 million. They’ll sell for no less than $181 million. I think they’ll push $200 million. You tell me. Do they stand to profit, big-time, or what?

For them, if the teams does well, it’s a “fortunate accident.” We call that serendipity.

By ranallo10

June 22, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

The only unhappy people will be the fans, who expect their ownership to try to win the Cup.

I’m pretty sure the players will be unhappy playing on a non-competitive team for a few years…as is evident in Hossa’s departure and Kovalchuk’s warning.

By LAC

June 22, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this

Brenden & Ranallo are 100% correct, I fail to understand why these IDIOTS do not want to win and we the FANS and players, to a lesser degree, pay the price.

I could care less about what “profit” asg would make in selling the team, I just wish they would sell to someone who is committed to winning and is REALLY committed to putting a top notch lineup on the ice every game, every season…

What we saw last season was terrible, and the LIES told us by that hack snydel really spells a sad state of affairs here.

How long would waddell last in Toronto as GM ? 10 minutes ?

Sure wish Cliff was still here or David Polie, Cliffs son’s is working with Poile in Nashville, that would be an interesting choice for GM now wouldn’t it !!!!????

By Tim

June 22, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this

LAC, no matter how often you complaint about DW, it won’t do nothing. DW would still be at the helm and for however long the ASG decided, not you nor me. So do please save some virtual bytes and room on this blog repeating always the same thing. How about try to say something new for a change, that would be a much more better investment for thos bytes.

By LAC

June 22, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this

Well tim, why don’t you barb at the dozens of OTHERS who do the EXACT same thing on here day after day and week after week… OK ?

You OK with that tim ????

Tell us, are you don’s kid or uncle, or pucksNsnot in drag ?

You need to pay more attention to the issues and less on other bloggers, so go party with don and see what fish stories he can dream up for YOU tim…

By ThrashDawg

June 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Tim You just as well save your breath because some of these guys are so jaded they will never stop spewing their hatred. They are so warped by hatred it has caused them not to think in a rational way. When I see by LAC I just try to skip over reading it because I know what is going to be said before I read it. It is a shame because I have somewhat become addicted to reading these blogs. Pity me! I keep telling myself that we are all Thrasher fans and just want the best for the team.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Actually, players which are truly minor-league (which the Thrashers have had in abundance during their mostly wretched history) will absolutely LOVE playing in the ATL…along with those grizzled old vets who are on their last legs and getting that last sweet NHL-type salary…

Of course, any player worth anything will be gone (or bide his time until allowed to)…and the pitiful sheep will make every excuse in the world for the reasons for our perpetual rebuilding…

Sheep: Grow up; Wake up; STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE. How much clearer does it have to be for you to stop enabling the current management/ownership?

By T-Bone

June 22, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

With the draft obviously being a stockpiling event, save for Bogosian, DW most assuredly has that 3-yr contract in his pocket. Now the more interesting UFA signing period comes. We’ll definitely see the direction that ownership wishes to take: (a)save money and buy time with another round of Todd White-type signings until a jackpot sale in a couple years, or (b)seriously go after filling the huge holes in this roster. I vote (a) is the course that will be pursued.

By LAC

June 22, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey thashdawg… What a name, you should include about a dozen others besides me that think waddell should be fired.

So why not SAGE or NASCARDAVE or Stroz or Bob for starters, then we can include Rawhide and Brenden and the list just goes on and on.

You, like tim, are sheep as Sage calls it, too busy to see a real issue for what it is.

The facts are is waddell was a good GM we would not be doing anything but singing his praises, but he has NOT done a good job and if so upsets you that MY specific posts offend you, I suggest watching reruns of The Weather Channel, it would make more sense after a week or two…

Sage what do YOU think of this attack ?

By Hockey Biltong

June 22, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Ok so far on the draft.Now for the ‘big’ payoff in free agency.Who will the Thrash pick up on ‘D’???? And who will Kovys’ centreman be????

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

LAC, sheep-bites are nothing to be concerned about…Don’t let the dim-witted and the stubborn keep you from telling the truth…

It will set you free—even you, sily sheep who bewieve in bwuewand…

By horacio

June 22, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

hey man, I believe in blueland, or try, but I do Not believe in DW. it’s like the announcers said with the 3rd pick, he is covering his tracks for BAd Colburn trade. why is DW always covering his own skin?

By Brendan

June 22, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Yes, Ranallo. The players will also be plotting their “exit strategies,” the very same way the Season Ticket Holders have. That will change, however, once the team becomes more competitive.

By volgrad1985

June 22, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I agree with LAC, he should not be singled out. Other culprits who generally spend the majority of the time on these boards bashing Thrashers management do include Sage, Nascardave, Stroz, Bob, and others. But we all knew that already.

But for the life of me, I just don’t understand why? Why waste your time coming to a message board designed for fans of a team, not detractors? Do you feel better by getting things off your chest while dragging others down?

OK, I get it….not everyone is happy with everything our team does! But to preach about it with every single posting gets a bit tiresome, doesn’t it? Worse than that, it’s not just the message that’s the same, it’s even the same words, over and over again (“sheep”, “Fraudell”, “FUBAS”, “blah blah blah incompetence”). Do you all just click copy and paste, or actually type them out still?

Save me the lecture on free speech and protest bringing about a change. I understand. However, you need to understand your audience here…we are all fans of the Thrashers. We don’t want to overthrow the government, or in our case, run the team off to the north. If you don’t want to be a fan, that’s fine. But don’t try to turn others away from the team just because you’re not happy with it.

And yes, I know I am opening myself up for bashing from the ‘negative core’ that frequent this blog, but I don’t care…go for it. All I know is that when opening night is upon us, I will be there with season tickets in my hand, just like I will the rest of the season, rooting for my team to win. I will not be staging a little one-man protest in front of my big screen HDTV (which I do have, by the way…and Center Ice is amazing, when the Thrashers aren’t playing. I recommend it completely). And after the game, I won’t be sitting in front of the computer, saying the same tired words that I’ve read the past couple years, trying to bring other fans and the team down.

Ok, the soapbox was a bit wobbly, but I’m off it now. Thanks!

By MB

June 22, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Just so you know, following his terrific rookie season, Jordan Staal was outscored by three of the Thrashers centers (Eric Perrin, Bobby Holik, and…wait of it…Todd “Charmin” White), while outscoring Todd Christensen by 4 pts, though Staal played in more games).

Meanwhile, his brother Marc would have ended up third among Thrasher d-men in points behind Enstrom, Havelid, and knotted with Ken Klee with 10 points on the season.

Now obviously both of the Staal boys have great promise, but so far Eric is the only great player among the three. And Jared is reportedly the least talented of the four (as evidenced by his seemingly appropriate draft position).

So right now he’s just a big guy with a good name, while we got a skinny kid who’s a great skater and who was generally rated as a better prospect than Staal.

None of us knows how it’ll all pan out, but for now, I wouldn’t worry too much about “missing out” on Jared Staal.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Volgrad—The ownership and Don Waddell THANK YOU for your support…

Only in the sporting world will incompetence be subsidized and, even more remarkably, DEFENDED!!!

Enable away!!!

By volgrad1985

June 22, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

sage - I’m impressed. You only used the same phrase you’ve used the last 2 years once (blah blah imcompetence) in your entire previous post. It’s an improvement.

By Alan

June 22, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Don’t get him started, volgrad. He’ll come back with something about sheep, something about “bewieve in bwuewand” and about a dozen other overused, cutesy phrases.

By volgrad1985

June 22, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

ha,ha….my point exactly, Alan!

Everyone has a choice, and I choose to support my team. Whether that be by not denigrating the players and management, attending every game, etc, so be it.

For those who do not want to tough it out and enjoy the satisfaction of sticking with your favorite team when they do become winners, go find a Red Wings, Devils, Ducks, Senators, or other perennially safe choice team’s blog to comment on.

By JLH

June 22, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Volgrad - thank you for your post. I couldn’t agree with you more. The way I see it, anyone who loves hockey is just hurting themselves by denying themselves the best live experience in sports. Staying away from the games will accomplish only one thing - the loss of our hockey team to another city full of grateful, fans.

If I stand in front of Bruce Levenson, with my season ticket in hand, and voice my displeasure with specific rational criticism I’m more likely to help my hockey team than sitting on my couch or blathering on a blog.

Maybe, Levenson just looks at me and nods and smiles inside, knowing that he’s got my $ no matter what he does….. but I’d rather take my chances on shaping this franchise in my own minimal way from a position of strength rather than catharsis.

Has Waddell screwed up? Sure Should he keep his job? Probably not Is it more enjoyable to watch a winning team than a losing team? Of course

That said, I refuse to let management’s mistakes destroy my appreciation and enjoyment of a Kovy slapshot, or a Perrin shortie or a Let’em’in glove out of nowhere, …..

Enabling? perhaps. Defending? not in the least. ASG definitely has something I want, and I’m supporting it no matter what they do. But, until my lottery money rolls in thats the best we can do for now.

By Jason

June 22, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Since we’re on the topic of draft keepers and sh*ters, the NHL network just had the top draft picks of ‘99 on. Of course they had Stefan at six or so, it was a relativly weak draft that year. But can anyone remind me of what the main reason we decided to go one player in Stefan, over doing what Burke did and select both Sedin twins in a trade of picks? I know hindsight is yada yada, and I can’t remember the thought process at the time by DW, but would’nt you want to have started off a franchise by picking the two brothers. They were close to, if not regarded as just as talented as Stefan at the time. Maybe we didn’t have the assets to get both. If so, ok.

But I kept thinking/falsely hoping early on this past Friday night that DW would remember that ‘99 draft, or all the other woeful ones, and find a way to trade with the Blues or Islanders for the 4th or 5th pick, and draft another franchise type defenseman. Looking back, the Islanders didn’t want much to do with that 5th pick, and I think we could have found someway to get it reasonably if we really wanted it. I think that would have been the more realistic, cheaper, and logical option than the chances we have at the rumor of us pursuing Brian Campbell in FA. You know that will cost us at very least 6-7 mil over long term, and that’s only if we could convince him to come here, which I don’t think we have a shot at.

It’s just a rumor from an Ottawa newspaper, but I don’t doubt Waddell would like to have Campbell. But overpaying for him is not going to help sell anymore seats, and neither would another rookie dman. Though, the first four rookie dmen in the draft are suppose to be can’t misses. So for the growing pains the team and rookies would/will have to endure, it would have allowed the Thrashers to focus avalible cap money elsewhere, and reap cheaper benifits for some time.

I just don’t see us being able to attract big time players to come here for a variety of reasons. Or if they do, we have to overpay. So I think it is obvious our best shot and biggest focus should be through the draft. I think we missed another chance to do that Friday.

Feel free to disagree/agree.

By JLH

June 22, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Jason, I think its a given we will overpay for a top line d-man, but I’m okay with that.

Maybe, Don believes we have enough young d-men - Enstrom, Bogosian, Valabik, Kulda, Ostyrick, et al - some offensive, some not- and we need that expensive, exciting, effective guy on the blue line.

I’m okay with that too, as long as it doesn’t stop us from getting Kovy a center. I’m still getting over not having Savard in our lineup for $5m/yr……..ugh! I like Brian Little, but I don’t think he is going to be good enough next year to keep Kovy here.

I was hoping we could get Jokinen for something like Little/Esposito and the 29th pick, maybe throw Exelby in if they needed a d-man and a 3rd piece. No dice there.

I’m intrigued by Kubina and Antropov possibly being available in Toronto. Two big guys who can score at $5m and $2m respectively for the next two seasons? Antropov plays hard, and is Russian, but I don’t know if he’s a #1 center? Kubina may be available since McCabe won’t waive his no trade clause. I wouldn’t want McCabe at almost $6m anyway.

By R. Stroz

June 22, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

volgrad1985 - Spend away, it’s your money. You think you are supporting the team the best way possible.

On the other hand, I disagree. I’ll try to be succinct, since your tired of reading my opinion.

First, I want a low price guarantee on my seats. After the discounting of tickets last year, which effected every price stratum except those over $90/seat, I think the ticket package holders were screwed and deserve some form of restitution.

Second, I want a GM who is honest and admits mistakes. For example, if DW were to say, “The rebuilding plan is taking longer than expected”, or “This year the team failed to improve on the prior year’s performance and I’m responsible”, then I would at least have some faith in what he says.

Third, I want to see Levenson and Waddell follow through on their promises made at the Town Hall Meeting and the Open Letter from Bruce Levenson.

Fourth, I have relayed my concerns to my sales rep and have agreed to pony up if DW follows through on his UFA promises and the sales rep guarantees a low price guarantee.

Last, I want Kovy in Atlanta three, four, five years from now. The only way that will happen is to do everything possible to motivate Thrasher’s management to procure a team which can potentially be a Stanley Cup contender. If I withhold my money contingent upon DW fulfilling his UFA promises, I think I’m increasing the likelihood of seeing Kovy in Thrasher blue and watching a Stanley Cup contender in Atlanta.

Well, I tried to be succinct.

By Jason

June 22, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

JLH, I agree with you on the Antropov type of player coming here, big, experienced and relatively cheap. The tough thing, as you said, with all the Antropovs of the world, is are they really legit number one centers and wingers? We all still hope at least one of the Little, EC, Esposito, and other forwards in the system turn out to be a number one for our team, or any team for that matter. But no one knows for sure yet. So that makes it tough to continue to go after 2nd tier FA on the cheap and call them Kovy’s number one like White, where we already are set with plenty of 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier types we’ve tried on the top line. So I agree, if we really want a number one winger or center, then pay the price to find one and bring them in. The patchwork fix has run its course.

Maybe we are set with enough young blueliners with little or no NHL experience, and we need at least one or two proven dmen like Campbell, Orpik to bring in that can teach these younger one/anchor the learning curve. I know we have veterans like Havalid and Zhitnik still. But, if that’s the attitude, then I would think it is time to move the inexpensive Exelby and Klee types to make room for the Valabik, Popovic, Ostyrick and such in the system. Trade those shorter and cheaper contracts to teams like Toronto and Ottawa, who are looking for cap relief, for one or two legit scoring forwards to help Kovy out. Then go and overpay for a Campbell type. At least we all could agree he is a legit top 2 dman. Whether he would be worth the investment, if he would even come here, is another debate.

By NASCAR Dave

June 22, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Right On, STROZ! Well said!

Why is there so much hostility in here??? LAC/STROZ/SAGE/BRENDAN are telling it like it is. Theres no “spin”… What NASCAR Dave is wondering is why is there such a RUSH to go blog about defending DONNIE and bash the DONNIE haters??? After reading some of the posts above, I feel as if someone is trying to “SELL” me something…

WHY is THAT???

WHY are we trying to sell Season Tickets by bashing bloggers??? That’s not really necessary now, is it??? I know it sucks for you Reps and all, but chill out! Do they pay you to do that???

LOL it’s so funny how PATHETIC they run their Business! I really hope they UNDERSTAND how much of an IMPACT they MUST make During FREE AGENCY!!!

PROMISES were made, and we EXPECT you do your part…

No MORE Has-Beens… We need BIG NAMES… We need Immediate BUYOUTS/WAIVERS/TRADES… GET going on it DONNIE… Time To ACT!

Go bring us BRIAN CAMPBELL…

NUFF SAID.

By Alan

June 23, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Dave - Everyone here can see that Stroz puts the feelings of the masses far more eloquently than the others. When Stroz posts, I read it. When Brendan posts, I look for the Cliff Notes, but it eventually gets read. But the others have a lousy way of getting their point across.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

ALAN… Do you understand Marketing or PR???

Do you “SEE” the Spin Doctors???

Why the ATTACKS???

Business is Rough, and STROZ speaks for many… That’s why I RESPECT him… We ARE making an IMPACT, ALAN! Now it’s Time for DONNIE and the SPIRIT to make an IMPACT… Like They SAID they WOULD!!!

GET ER DONE!!!

By Alan

June 23, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Dave - You seem to forget quite often what page I’m on. If you’re that confused, you should go back and read some of the previous comments I’ve made in the past month, before you try to paint me with a broad brush.

Get back to me when you’ve done this.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Ugh… I was looking forward to coming back and talking about the draft, but I see the “Debbie Downers” have taken over the blog. We MUST hang out sometime, you guys must be the life of the party.

By Denny

June 23, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

At the expense of bringing down the Rath of the NEGATIVE bloggers, let me direct my comments to their intellectual leader stroz - AND I SAY GET REAL.

Based on your criteria for buying tickets, you have either been a hypocrite your entire life while buying tickets or the Thrashers have caused you to have metamorphous in your expectations, because NO SPORTS FRANCHISE can meets all your demands.

By Denny

June 23, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

AND for those that want to “Hate on Hossa” or read an interesting comment from DW on Thrasher D-Man UFA plans check out this story in the Hockey News. I would be interested in seeing some insightful comments from you bloggers. (http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16773-Draft-is-over-now-its-time-for-NHL-GMs-to-resign-key-players.html).

By Bob

June 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Goodness. It’s pretty simple, guys. The only ammunition we hold in the attempt to get the owners to improve this club, is how we decide to spend our money. That’s it. There is nothing else you can do to try to affect change.

Some of us have decided to withhold our funds to try to get the Spirit to change. We’ll see how that works, but I can tell you this, it isn’t just a few of us, I have heard season ticket renewals are down 40%. That is significant.

I love this team. I want nothing other than success. I see the root problem being Waddell’s inability to recognize talent. So, if I love this team and want it to do better, than I want Waddell gone. Pretty simple equation, really.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Can the Waddell bashers go to Rawhide’s blog? (politely pointing to the door) You can scream and yell until you’re blue in the face over there. Some of us would actually like to discuss the draft and free agency without having “Waddell will screw it up” tagged on to the end of our sentences.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Mike… are we going to have any official local press conferences here in Atlanta now that Waddell is back? I’d like to see a more formal Anderson and Bogosian press conference.

By kracker

June 23, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie Rather than pollute Rawhide’s blog, I think it would be more appropriate for the Fire Waddell/Don’t But Tickets group to have one of their members have their own Fire DW blog where the posters can vent to their hearts content.

It’s not that I am unsympathetic to their cause(s), I just don’t need it screamed at me several times each day. For a variety of reasons, there are several names I just scroll on past. Life is too short, one must make choices. Assuming I make retirement in a few years, I’ll have plenty of time to read the bloviaters.

By Alan

June 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I too like the idea of a press conference of sorts, Hokie.

By Bob

June 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

it would be more appropriate for the Fire Waddell/Don’t But Tickets group to have one of their members have their own Fire DW blog where the posters can vent to their hearts content

This has to be one of the most inane comments I’ve seen posted on these blogs. In my opinion, a real fan of the Thrashers would spend every available resource in trying to accomplish the single thing that can fix this team, and that is getting us a real GM.

Where in the world do you get some idea that a Thrashers’ fans blog is only for clueless types who want to say Rah Rah sis boom bah!

one must make choices

Why don’t you take your own advice there and make some choices, and choose not to read this blog if it bothers you. After all, one must make choices

lol

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

It’s not that I am unsympathetic to their cause(s), I just don’t need it screamed at me several times each day.

That’s why I suggested Rawhide’s blog… he’s more sympathetic to their cause as well. I like Rawhide, but if he wants to open that door, then please take one for the team and host it on your blog… I’m just flat out sick of it.

I’d like to make suggestions like “Huselius would be a great pick up for Atlanta this summer” without hearing “dude, do you really think he’s going to choose Atlanta? Who wants to play for that incompetent GM?”

So, I’m just making a polite request… Debbie Downers go to Rawhide and Schultz blog. Anyone who wants to discuss players, without relation to ownership, stay here.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Why is asking for Thrasher management to be forthright considered Waddell bashing. I was personally mentioned above by volgrad and responded accordingly.

Do me a favor while asking me to go over to Rawhide’s blog**, make the same reasonable request from the pro Waddell/Thrasher management supporters.

One of the Waddell supporters has even resorted to blissful name calling as result of my statements demanding accountability and integrity from Thrasher management.

Denny - Definition of a hypocrite

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

Just for the sake of proving your argument, please provide concrete examples of my behavior which fall into the definitions listed above.

By Bob

June 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Just for the sake of proving your argument, please provide concrete examples of my behavior which fall into the definitions listed above

Dude, don’t even bother getting into an argument with that guy. I started ignoring Hokie long ago, as it’s easier to just ignore some of these types.

It’s pretty telling that the reasonable, rational, and insightful people on these blogs are the ones that recognize where the problems lay, and are trying to address them for the good of this hockey club. And the other goofs just want to say “Waa, shut them up, I can’t deal with it”.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Now as GaVaHokie suggested, lets move on to other matters.

First, the draft. We have Bogo. good. The 29th pick has wheels but will take awhile to get here. OK. BTW Hokie, Buffalo grabbed Ennis to fill the void left by Briere.

Second, Kari needs to be re-signed. There are only seven days left before the offer sheets could hit.

Third, Zhitnik needs to be bought out. Once agin, there are only seven days left to accomplish this task.

Fourth, UFA signings. We have all heard the Thrasher management promises, so it will be interesting to see where that goes.

So instead of solely discussing the draft, I would like to suggest discussing the four matters listed above.

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Mike Knobler - PTI, please….but my ears were burning.

Hokie - Actually, my most recent blog spoke very highly of Waddell over the past several day…with hiring Anderson and the way the draft went.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

ALAN, don’t worry brother, I know where you stand. You are a WISE person, who can “see” thru the smoke. I could have used a better choice of words above, but oh well. Sorry to confuse you!

I just thought it was funny how all these Pro-Waddell fools showed up at THE EXACT SAME TIME…

WHY is THAT???

By Bob

June 23, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Second, Kari needs to be re-signed. There are only seven days left before the offer sheets could hit

I would think they are going to offer him the minimum raise to qualify him, and this may drag on through the summer.

Third, Zhitnik needs to be bought out. Once agin, there are only seven days left to accomplish this task

You really think Waddell will do this? That’ll mean he gave Coburn away for nothing. Actually, less than nothing as they will have wound up paying for Philly to take Coburn off our hands. I really think that he’s going to go to camp with Zhitnik penciled in. Really.

Fourth, UFA signings. We have all heard the Thrasher management promises, so it will be interesting to see where that goes

Yes, we heard the promises, didn’t we? Let’s see if they put their money where their mouths are. Campbell? Can we really think that is realistic? I’d go down the list of available dmen a bit, this year’s Ken Klee for example.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’d go down the list of available dmen a bit, this year’s Ken Klee for example.

Good point!

Personally, I can’t wait… This should be exciting, huh???

By Russian

June 23, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I just checked our Roster for D-men. It is not very good. We have 5 D on contract. Zhitnik - I do not want him

Havelid - keep him

Ex - keep him if he can not be trade.

Klee - I do not want him

Toby - kepp him

Valabik and Bogus are on System. They are may be push to Roster for next year.

Mac, Popovic and Kiwi - UFA. They are moving.

Why I checked the current roster, because, GM and Managment will not Bring any extra D-man. Sorry, but it is true. I expect to see all our D-men will present on the Camp.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Stroz… you shouldn’t worry about the above, because we all know Waddell’s going to screw it up. :) Bob, LAC, Sage, Nascar… we all know what’s going on here.

… blah, sorry… I don’t even feel like talking intelligently today.

But Bob, discredit me all you want… I’m the only one who picked Ennis for the first round. And who took him? The team with the draft record everyone drools over.

Oh, I also said we should trade our #29 pick for RJ Umberger since Philly wanted to sign Jeff Carter… sure enough, Umberger got picked up by Columbus for a 1st round pick.

It’s funny… I remember when I first started on this blog it was always a battle between Ranallo and Bob… bob was always trying to discredit Ranallo. “Don’t worry hokie, I just like giving this Ranallo kid a hard time.” I never really took a side at first, but the longer I posted the more I realized that Ranallo knew what he was talking about and Bob was just a wind bag.

It’s probably where my support of Waddell come’s from… “If Bob and Sage hate Waddell so much, than maybe Waddell might actually know what he’s doing.”

By Alan

June 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

What’s done is done, Dave — Kudos.

I too am waiting to see if the ownership keeps their promise. Hell, I’ll even ease up on them a bit. I expect at least the following:

One top-4 Defenseman. Could it be Campbell? We’ll see! In all honesty, I think Atlanta should be a destination for him. We can afford to throw gobs of money at him, and we have a specific need for a player of his caliber. The other teams ‘in the running’ aren’t exactly looking for defense, they’re looking more closely at forwards. Which brings me to …

One top or second line center. See what I did there? Second line. Second line guys on most teams would probably end up playing top line minutes here. That’s just how this team is built, currently.

That is my expectation for the free agency period, when it comes to adding on to the club.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

*I just thought it was funny how all these Pro-Waddell fools showed up at THE EXACT SAME TIME… *

The only two people on the blog I know how to directly get ahold of are Rawhide and Buzzilla.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

There are so many options in free agency I don’t even know where to begin… Campbell would certainly set the pace.

This team still needs a top line RW to go with a Top line Center.

Brian Campbell at $7 million

Michael Ryder or Miro Satan at $4 million

For Center, the Thrashers will need to be aggressive and qualify one of these guys.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

The only two people on the blog I know how to directly get ahold of are Rawhide and Buzzilla.

HOKIE, Please quit be so DEFENSIVE… I was talking about the people bashiong LAC and the others… Yesterday…

We know where you stand; You have your choice.

Many of us here would like to help you see “The Problem”, HOKIE… One day you will understand…

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

HOKIE From that link, I’d take either STOLL of Filippula…

Will either one come here???

Nope.

WHY is THAT???

NUFF SAID.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Rawhide… would you please confirm for these people that I have told you, in person, that I don’t care as much about Waddell as I let on?

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hokie - Yes…yes…indeed, you are not a Waddell sycophant at all. Of that, I can attest.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I would be surprised if Kari Lehtonen doesn’t get a “qualifying offer.” A failure to do, at least this much, opens up some doors the Thrashers don’t really want to open.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Now… moving on… what the hell were they thinking taking Leveille when Deschamps was still on the board?

I bet we could have still gotten that kid in the 3rd round.

By MB

June 23, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Alan, I think your expectations are the most realistic I’ve heard.

There are quite a few solid top-4 dmen out there, most of whom would represent an upgrade to our blueline.

If you look at the forward pool, though, there just aren’t that many strong UFA centers or right wings, other than older, past-their-prime guys for whom we’d have to overpay. There are a few younger guys with talent, though, who we could target.

Hokie, on dropping a sheet for an RFA, that one’s a harder sell for me. I’m fairly confident that we’ll be picking in the top 10 of next year’s draft, which I’ve heard on this blog is expected to be another strong one.

Coming out of this FA period with a top 4 dman and a top 6 forward would be a step in the right direction.

Then Anderson gets a season to implement his system and assess his needs moving into next year’s draft and FA period, when hopefully a real top line center can be brought to the team.

A little pollyanna-ish, I’ll admit, but I can see the possibilities.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Hokie, I completely agree with you on that one. At #29, I liked Nicolas Deschamps, Eric O’Dell, or even Philip McRae. But, I must say, in Don’s defense, that we have no idea what we may have found in Leveille. The Leveille kid is four years away. And he’ll be developed in a highly competitive CCHA environment, at Michigan State. If he develops into something good, say a “mainstay” on our 2nd line, then I was wrong and Waddell was right. We’ll just have to wait and see. But I cannot call Leveille a “bust” just yet. Not days removed from a draft, anyways. I do understand the concept, though. It was that players who were perhaps more skilled, or closer to being ready to play at the NHL-level, were available at #29. That’s why Don’s the GM, right? He knows best. Or better. Or something.

And Hokie, I never once laughed at your concept of trading #29 for RJ Umberger. Anyone who paid attention to the 2008 Playoffs knows what Umberger did. Much moreso than just his stats, Umberger did all the “little things” that Coaches like during these playoffs. He hit. He won puck battles along the corner boards. He had timely goal scoring and assists. I would have welcomed Umberger here, had Don pulled that off. There is still the matter of re-signing him, however. Which could have gotten sticky. Umberger’s value lept exponentially because of these playoffs. I never like to overpay for a player. I’ll be interested to know what GM Scott Howson, Columbus Blue Jackets, actually winds up paying for Umberger. Hokie, let’s agree to keep an eye out for that contract signing. Deal?

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Now… moving on… what the hell were they thinking taking Leveille when Deschamps was still on the board?

See HOKIE, NOW you are talking! That was another DAN MARR foul-up!!!

We WASTED a 1st Round Pick on a “Project Player”!!!

WHAT a JOKE!!!

NASCAR DAVE likes the PAQUETTE pick… His YouTube videos are SWEET!

SWEDE could be a good one in a few years… Good job on the Georgia kid, but was this a “PR” pick? Just wondering…

Got a Goalie, some RW depth, etc.

So yeah, HOKIE, DONNIE stocked up the system for his 3 Year Deal, buying time you know…

Always watching his back… LOL.

By Lanny McDonald

June 23, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Boy I can’t wait to watch Filatov score a bunch of goals on a line with Nash. Too bad we let that slip by us… NYI were acting stupid trading down, we could have jumped in there, I guarantee you.

By Bob

June 23, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

One top or second line center. See what I did there? Second line. Second line guys on most teams would probably end up playing top line minutes here. That’s just how this team is built, currently*

Yep. That’s Waddell’s M.O. Go get a Todd White and call him a top line center. So, who’s the likely victim this year to bring in at center? Will they bring anyone in at center or is it Armstrong and White as the top 2? That would hurt. But White at 3rd and Armstrong at #2 would be better, if they could bring in a real center.

By Alan

June 23, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’m hoping for, Bob — a real top center. However, I expect a very thin crop of FA centers to be available… virtually none who are young and of the top line variety.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Hokie, let’s agree to keep an eye out for that contract signing. Deal?

Brendan… Umberger is restricted and Columbus has nothing but money to spend this summer… they’ll match any reasonable offer.

Lanny… Filatov is a LW just like Nash… I’m guessing Filatov will be 2nd line LW with Umberger at RW… Zherdev and Nash on the top line.

Nascar… Paquette was a 3rd round steal. Waddell probably didn’t expect him to be available. He was actually ranked higher than Leveille by Central Scouting. Paquette will be a nice gritty “front of the net” guy.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Bob… I hope after Kapanen, Metro and White, Waddell has learned his lesson.

I believe Savard got him in the wrong frame of mind. That you can put any average Center between Kovy and Hossa and they’ll put up numbers.

The indication was that Savard would leave the team and his numbers would diminish as a result of not having Kovy, Hossa or Heatley.

By Sara

June 23, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Bob Christensen, not Armstrong. Army’s a winger.

Center depth chart: Little, Christensen, White, Slater w/ Perrin as an alternate and Esposito as the wild-card. Personally I think Little-Christensen-Slater make a fine 2-4 set, retaining Perrin as an alternate. (White is better than Slater but not necessarily by as much as the difference in the salaries would indicate - Slater = good enough for smaller bucks.)

I know everyone is antsy to address the top-line center issue. There are a few guys in FA that maybe could hold us over until Espo can make the jump and/or we get a better selection on the FA market in another year. But to poach someone else’s RFA is bad juju. Desperate though we may be, we can’t afford to dump lots of draft picks (and if we’re going to poach someone great, it’ll end up costing us a LOT of picks). It also p** off other GMs (see: Vanek, Thomas or Penner, Dustin - especially that one). Caveat - if we cherry-picked Stoll from the Oilers, it would be less problematic since most GMs probably figure Edmonton has it coming (and they do).

Outside of that - I’d steer clear of RFA offer sheets. But then, I’m big on trying not to promote bad kharma.

As for the draft - I think it went fine other than Cammelleri and Jokinen changes teams and neither came here (not that I think that’s really Don’s fault per se - maybe we coulda gotten Cammelleri but we had no shot at Jokinen given what Phoenix gave up to get him). Still sucks tho.

I guess all that’s left is to see if they’ll go after a solid D-man. Russian I noted several days ago that technically the blueline is already full for next season. If they aren’t willing to buy-out Zhitnik, I’m not sure how willing they are going to be to buy-out anyone or ship an NHL-paid player to Chicago next season. Not amusing. But at least we got Bogo - I’ll settle for something over nothing at this point.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Sara - I’m looking forward to a real power play.

No more singing:

The puck on the ice goes round and round, round and round, round and round, the puck on the ice goes round and round, all power play long.

Now, try getting that out of your head the rest of the day:)

By Thrasher_Ed

June 23, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

I think we all would love to move on past the negatives from last year. ASG and Waddell don’t seem to be going away any time soon so as a passionate Thrashers fan I am choosing to move on and be POSITIVE about next year. Hope springs eternal that with some well spent money we can improve our team and make the playoffs this year.

I really wonder if Steve McCarthy, Mark Popovic and Kiwi are truly goners. Coach A may just bring like to bring one or more back, that remains to be seen. If we can get 1 or 2 UFA’s like Campbell, Roszival, Steit, etc. that would help our defense markedly. I am so ready to see if the ASG will put their words into action and help bring the Thrashers wonderful fan base the winner we all deserve.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

WHO are they gonna put on the New “Legends Of Blueland” posters???

THAT’S what I WANT to know…

LMAO.

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — If Waddell traded away a draft pick for an immediate impact player (someone on an expiring contract), wouldn’t THAT be considered “watching his back” or “serving his own interests”??

I don’t understand your logic of Waddell protecting himself by drafting a young prospect who requires time to develop. Every GM drafts those types of players…and many do it in the first round (Phoenix did it with the #28 pick, immediately before Atlanta, and took someone who was UNRANKED).

Your statement makes no sense, so please feel free to clarify.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Hokie, I meant, “let’s see what Umberger’s salary turns out to be.” It might be “just right.” Or, Columbus might overpay for him. Or, the poaching team, by definition, will overpay for him.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

BRENDAN, Let’s “POACH” STOLL from the OIL…

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Ranaldo, the point is simple. That was a wasted pick. There were better players available that are CLOSER to being NHL Ready…

Waddell took a “project”… BAD MOVE! Even GAVA agrees…

He got the 3 Year Deal… This Draft PROVES it…

CAPICHE???

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Kovalchuk, Enstrom, Lehtonen.

That was easy…what next NASCAR Dave?

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

We could see a lot of prospects moved in the next few weeks… now that Waddell can sit down and chat with Anderson about who he likes and dislikes? “Do you like Lavallee, does Stuart have a chance, what about Sterling, Oystrick and Denny?”

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I’d love to have Jarret Stoll. I’m not sure, but I thought I heard somewhere that he was injured. In the 2006 playoffs, Stoll was terrific.

Darren Eliot absolutely the guy. If DW pulled off that move, I think Darren would be overjoyed.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t say it was a BAD move, I just think there were better options. They could have traded back a few spots and still got him probably.

But, while they reached on Leveille, they got an absolute steal with Paquette in the 3rd, so it balances out.

I don’t think any of us know enough about Leveille to say wither it was bad or not.

By Tim

June 23, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Dave, it is already possible to draft a “bust” a top 10 pick already, so i try to imagine the possible that happen at #29. Sure there are player who are “better” then Leveille but after reading what a lot of analyst (who are paid to do that job), the more I read, the more I like that pick. After all, if there were 15-20 professionals scouts who rushed to see a High School hockey game, and just to see Leveille, then I feel happy about the pick. Like Brendan say, only time will tell if DW made the correct pick or not.

LAC: sorry to single you out. Not my intention but it just strike me because you wrote a lot here. Anyway, my point is I have no problem for you and the others to want changes. I agree, this team have serious problems and need change of direction. However with the recent events, I see that we moving in the right direction IMO. Now you may not agree with this and I am perfectly fine. What I find annoying is that it’s always the same words that keep posted and the same idea. I do enjoy reading Lord of the Ring. But after reading it 4-5 time in a row, I just feel like reading something else, unless of course if you enjoy reading every single harlequins book then that’s your choice. My point is that I would appreciate if you can just being new idea instead of recycling what you have been sayin for the past.. 3 years since I joined the AJC blog, really. Then again, no offence. Thx

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Brendan… Jarret Stoll played the entire season last year, so I don’t know where the injury thing is coming from. His numbers were down considerably this year, possibly from his concussion the year before, but he might be a bargain basement kind of guy the likes of Savard.

Another guy along those lines could be Jason Williams (CHI).

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Washington just put Clymer on Waivers… Carolina put Hamilton and Tanabe on waivers.

I don’t want any of them, but I thought I’d point it out.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Brendan & GaVaHokie

Horcoff was the Edmonton center that was injured, not Stoll. My bad.

In February 2008, Horcoff underwent a shoulder surgery ending his 2007–08 season.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

In case you didn’t see Ben Wright’s article about Leveille

Interesting comments by Waddell that no one was offering roster players for the 29th pick, only draft picks.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Stroz… and I believe Torres was the one with knee surgery.

Stolls numbers this season coming off of a concussion worries me a little.

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I noticed those waivers and Hamilton is a big surprise to me…I remember Brendan being very disappointed by Hamilton’s signing with Carolina, as he (and I didn’t disagree) felt Hamilton was a solid #2/#3 center who could flourish in the Carolina system. Well, apparently he didn’t flourish quite the way Laviollette wanted.

NASCAR Dave — He got the 3 Year Deal… This Draft PROVES it…

Okay, that’s completely backwards logic. Tell me one instance of a GM not drafting players for four years down the line? Are you saying that because of ONE pick (#29) it’s obvious Waddell has a long term deal and is making a pick to “watch his back”? How does that make any sense??? Do you honestly believe it or are you just typing it for posterity’s sake?

Explain to me how picking a project player is “watching his back” while picking an immediate impact player is NOT watching his back?

Somehow that makes no sense, as when Waddell last traded prospects/project players for NHL/immediate impact players the general consensus was that he was doing it to save his job.

It’s all hypocritical…you’re leaving the man no room to win. Of course you don’t WANT him to win, but it’s evident in your “points”.

Explain the logic to me, please.

The way I see it you’re upset because you’ve never heard of this kid (who was ranked #35 by TSN), and you preferred a different player in that position. You also wanted a player who could contribute immediately. You also wanted the goalie, Markstrom (drafted #31). You also wanted Staal (ranked #50 by TSN, drafted #49).

You have a lot of WANTS for that pick, and none of them came to fruition, so I see you thrashing about finding an excuse to hold the player selected over the coals.

I see your criticism as a desperation attempt at devaluing Waddell’s pick.

Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve LIKED to have seen other players taken too…but the scouts and Waddell get paid to do these things, where as you and I simply read online scouting reports for our enjoyment. No matter how inept the scouting department might be they are NOT more inept than you and I regarding talent analysis.

All cynicism aside, you can’t honestly believe you are truly SMARTER than hockey professionals. I don’t care how dumb GMs have been over the years, none of us are smarter general managers than the worst of the bunch.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… aren’t you getting a little defensive by making valid points? Don’t you think you outta settle down and stop making sense? ;)

Hamilton is probably on the outs to make room for Eaves and possibly Boychuk. I’m pretty peeved that Carolina came out of this draft with Boychuk and Dalpe, two players ranked in the Top 20 by Central Scouting.

Back to Jeff Hamilton… I think he has back issues. Looks like Carolina tried to waive him back in January. Check out the goose eggs on this chart.

By GaVaHokie

June 23, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

On the Leveille issue again, you gotta remember these are 18 year old kids… could you imagine if the NFL drafted kids BEFORE college instead of after?

Going by high school projections, the Falcons would probably have Kyle Wright at QB instead of Matt Ryan.

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hokie — Silly me, I should know better. I’m getting all riled up over here spouting nonsense. I guess that means I work for the Atlanta Spirit, since I’m disagreeing with and engaging in discussion with a person who clearly dislikes the ASG and Waddell.

Doesn’t one of the people who likes to claim ASG employees are on this board the same person that calls you a conspiracy theorist for assuming some people blog under different names in the same thread? Hmmm, pot…kettle…NAH!

Anyways…

I definitely understand WHY Hamilton got dropped, it still surprised me. I would’ve thought they’d give him a chance to bounce back (pun not intended), but instead they cut the chord after only ONE year.

At 5’10 185 he might be an indication of what we can expect from Sterling…I hope not.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

June 23, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait until the new ice puckey season. It’s going to be great at boobooland.

By kracker

June 23, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

What do you think? Does Paquette = (perhaps) A young Tkachuk? If so, I’m pumped.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Lanny McDonald, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Islanders got taken to the cleaners for moving that #5 pick. But I’m not as confident as you are that Atlanta could have been the beneficiaries in that situation. Atlanta didn’t own a second pick in the Top 10 for which the Isles could slide back. For Atlanta to get the #5 pick, or later on, that #7 pick, Waddell would probably have to agree to cough up next year’s 1st round pick. If Atlanta offered this year’s #29 and next year’s 2nd rounder, the Islanders would not have received a comparable equivalent to the pick they owned. Not even Charles Wang is that stupid. At least, I don’t think he is.

Wang and Snow can, at a minimum, argue that he needed a Center/Forward and really liked Josh Bailey. Well, Josh Bailey probably is a “Top 10” pick, but he’s not enough to cover up the VALUE represented by L. Schenn. Period, the end. When I heard the Isles were trading down, I figured it would be to Columbus, so that the Blue Jackets could get either Filatov or Schenn at #5, leaving the other for the Islanders at #6. When I heard they’d slid all the way to #7, I watched Schenn and Filatov disappear to other teams, and wondered what in BLAZES the Islanders were possibly thinking!!!

Then, they pass on Center Colin Wilson, at #7, to fork him over to Nashville, for #40 overall?? D’ohh!! Gretzky swoops in at #8 to claim LW Mikkel Boedker for the Coyotes. Now, I don’t know how good Boedker might be. But if he turns into a franchise player, the Isles have kick themselves over him, too.

To recap, they passed over L. Schenn, Filatov, C. Wilson, and M. Boedker, to get #40, #68, and Toronto’s 2nd round pick (31-60) in 2009. I hope it was worth it for Garth Snow and Charles Wang. I really do. I wish there was a way to know, for sure, how much Maalox was sold out on Long Island, back on June 20th. I’m willing to wager that it was a “banner day” for sales of the product in Nassau County.

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Patience in development. A lot of teams think in the short term with prospects and expect almost immediate return on players who need more time. The Wings stick by prospects, even those who are way down their draft lists.

That’s a quote from Detroit’s director of amateur scouting, Joe McDonnell.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

It’s all hypocritical…you’re leaving the man no room to win. Of course you don’t WANT him to win, but it’s evident in your “points”.

Rannallo I LOVE the Thrashers. I always want them to WIN! Don’t EVER tell me I don’t want them to win, you know NOTHING about me. Your post clearly shows how you are grasping for straws to try and discredit me… It’s kinda funny, too!

As for DONNIE… I’ve given him 10 YEARS to win… Isn’t that enough, Rannallo??? How am I not leaving him “Any Room To Win”, when I have given him a DECADE of my TIME and PATIENCE to win… What MORE do you want from ME, Rannallo??? Am I not a TRUE FAN because I can see WHO is HOLDING this franchise down??? Am I a BAD person for demanding a DECENT product for my MONEY??? I am not an enabler, Ranaldo… I will not Enable INCOMPETENCE!!!

Explain the logic to me, please.

Rannallo, I think you’re reading too much into it. It seems to me like you’re searching for reasons to disagree with me. Deep inside, you probably agree with me more than you disagree with me, whether you will admit or not. That’s fine. To each his own… BUT, Since you obviously didn’t catch it the first time, let me RECAP my stance…

The Draft… Pick 3 was good, it was a No-Brainer. If you messed that one up, you are an IDIOT.

NO, I did NOT like the 2nd Pick. IMO, Rannallo, you take the BEST AVAILABLE player in the 1st Round… A 1st Round Pick is VALUABLE. And honestly, I believe that is too early to draft a kid that is going to go to College for 4 Years. Hence, why I have called it a wasted pick. For the time being. In 6 Years, It could be a “good” pick… In 6 Years! With 2 1st Round Picks, DONNIE could have made a bigger splash.

Overall, I though PHX, TOR, MTL, TB, LA had the best drafts…

I like the PAQUETTE pick, he brings GRIT and TOUGHNESS, which we REALLY lack… The Swede could make an impact in a year or two…

The rest, we will see. The rest will take time.

I thought we could have gone after JOKINEN or CAMMELLERI too, RAnaldo, but NO… Donnie must think we’re “OK” with Tidey WHITEy and Jimmy Can’t FINISH, LARSEN, etc…

Free Agency better SHOCK Atlanta Fans THIS year… That’s my only advice… Otherwise it ain’t gonna be a pretty picture…

NUFF SAID.

By Alan

June 24, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

I’ve always heard that you take the best available player that fills a need in the first round. And even then, you only do it with your first pick and in the top-10 at that. Our second 1st rounder was 29th in the pecking order. Perfect position for a project player.

Regardless of what I think, what’s done has been done and there’s no undoing it now. Why are we re-hashing the draft when free agency begins in a week?

By Denny

June 24, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

See comment from Recchi’s agent: [http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/atl080624.html]

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the link Denny… my guess was Atlanta offered around $1 million. He’ll want to see if he can get more first.

Fair enough.

By Bob

June 24, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Free Agency better SHOCK Atlanta Fans THIS year

So what qualifies for that? Campbell? Can we really think Waddell can get Campbell to sign here? I would guess not, but let’s keep the dream alive for another week, hope is all we got.

I wonder why Recchi wouldn’t just re-sign here now and why they’re waiting until after July 1st to see what other offers they get. I thought Recchi had said he wanted to come back here, this smells like Waddell lowballed him. Nice move, once again, by the Wad. Take the guy you want to be your captain for next year and lowball him. Nice.

By Russian

June 24, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Yes. They want to bring Ricchi back. He is old. What line he will play? 3-d or 4-th??? Not good idea to sing him back.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Take the guy you want to be your captain for next year and lowball him. Nice.

So, you’d rather us overpay him like Holik?

You’d be happy to hear that Recchi was resigned at $2.5 million a year?

I would think this is something a Waddell-hater would commend him on… you didn’t overpay to keep a 41 year old on the team.

By Tony C.

June 24, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

I’d offer $1.2M with performance clauses that max out at saaay $2.75M (we’re talking crazy numbers too, like 100-pt season, Hart-type numbers… but, throw him a bone like say $500K if he pots 20+) to Recchi, and if he’s not feeling it (which he apparenty did not when he got to see his lines in ‘The Sidney Crosby Show’), let’s get hima nice “Peachtree” shot glass from the gift shop on the way to the plane.

By MB

June 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Free Agency better SHOCK Atlanta Fans THIS year

Cue Nascar Dave rant in T minus 7 days.

Dave, there’s almost know way D-Wadd can shock us, unless it’s by more incompetence (which really wouldn’t be all that shocking, would it?).

Landing Campbell would be a surprise, but since we already know the Thrashers have thrown their hat in the ring, it wouldn’t qualify as shocking.

Looking at the rest of the FAs out there, it’s not a very deep pool.

The bigger name forwards available are mostly older and likely to be over-priced…not a good investment for a team that’s rebuilding.

cue Dave…and WHYYYY are we rebuilding? WHOOOO is responsible for the mess that is this team? DUMB FrauDELL, that’s who!

Anyway, back to my point, it think it’s reasonable to expect a solid top-4 dman (hopefully a true top 2) and a top-6 forward.

The answer to our dreams? Hardly. An overall improvement? Almost certainly.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

A couple rumors I’m interested in on Spector’s blog today… Toronto isn’t planning to offer Kyle Wellwood a qualifying offer making him unrestricted instead of restricted. While injury prone, this kid is great with finding time and space. I put him in a class with Dupuis, except more effective.

The other rumor I like was the Jarrett Stoll story.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

cue Dave…and WHYYYY are we rebuilding? WHOOOO is responsible for the mess that is this team? DUMB FrauDELL, that’s who!

Hey brother, Please don’t make up quotes and attribute them to me… That would be construed as Libel, would it not???

I’m sorry you can’t see the Problem… Truly, I am. I only hope you don’t get upset when DONNIE brings in some (More) washed up Veterans who will contribute NOTHING. Are YOU looking forward to this MB???

Landing Campbell would be a surprise, but since we already know the Thrashers have thrown their hat in the ring, it wouldn’t qualify as shocking.

Again, MB. I’m really sorry, because you will be very upset when CAMPBELL does NOT come here… Because he WILL NOT be coming here… Mark My Words.

Seriously MB, I CAN’t WAIT for this year’s “New” Crop of KLEE’s, WHITE’s, and JESSE SCHULTZ’s??? Can YOU??? Are YOU excited, MB???

Would THAT be Moivng in the Right Direction, MB???

LMAO.

By Sammy

June 24, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Patience in development. A lot of teams think in the short term with prospects and expect almost immediate return on players who need more time. The Wings stick by prospects, even those who are way down their draft lists.

Too bad the Thrashers have never done this. Especially with Coburn. That is the only deal that I wholeheartedly disagree with DW on.

I will not be spending money on the Thrash until I see the direction of the team. I can not wait to get back to actively supporting the team when a positive direction and proper course is set.

By MB

June 24, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Actually, Dave, I have no difficulty seeing that DWadd and the ASG are big problems that are difficult to overcome. Lest I forget, there you are repeating it, ad nauseum, on every one of your posts.

I think you are the one fooling yourself if you think Donnie is going to shock anybody come July 1st.

I agree that Campbell is a loooong shot to come here, so I’ll hardly be upset when he goes to a contender.

I will, however, be unhappy if DWadd can not even land us a solid top 4 dman and top 6 forward, as I mentioned above. I’ll deem it as yet another failure in his tenure.

But, if he does bring in a couple of good young players to the fold, maybe a Hainsey and a Ryder, I’m willing to give him a little bit of credit.

What about you? What could DW possibly do to make you say, “well, I still think the guy should be dumped, but I’ll admit that he did okay on this one.” Just curious.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

What about you? What could DW possibly do to make you say, “well, I still think the guy should be dumped, but I’ll admit that he did okay on this one.” Just curious.

Well MB, by bringing in the “RIGHT” Free Agents - FOR ONCE, would be a Step.

But yet, again, DONNIE has failed at this EVERY year…

So WHY should I EXPECT things to be different THIS time???

Honestly…

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Again, MB. I’m really sorry, because you will be very upset when CAMPBELL does NOT come here… Because he WILL NOT be coming here… Mark My Words.

Nascar… this is the s** that gets on my nerves… give it a rest. We know how you feel for f*** sakes.

Can we have a discussion in peace without it being followed up with “that’s never gonna happen”?

Spare us the Nascar Dave “reality” checks.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

But yet, again, DONNIE has failed at this EVERY year… So WHY should I EXPECT things to be different THIS time???

Jesus… just answer his question… with a period this time.

By MB

June 24, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Alright, Dave…looks like we’re coming around to some agreement here…we’d like to see DWadd bring in the “right” FAs.

On D, I could see Hainsey, Hejda, Liles, Rozsival, Orpik, Streit, Rachunek, Finger. Forwards, not as many…maybe Jason Williams, Ryder, or Miettinen. I’m having trouble finding many I like here. Any help?

Who’s on your list as the “right” FAs?

And I can’t give you any solid, logical argument as to why you should expect DW to succeed in the FA market this year, but maybe as a Thrashers fan, in your heart of hearts, you hope that he does.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Spare us the Nascar Dave “reality” checks.

HOKIE, why are you getting so upset??? It’s not MY fault these things will never happen here… Seriously. WHO is pulling the strings here??? Not Me…

I think you need to stop being so overly emotional about things…

And also, when KOVY leaves town, HOKIE… Just please remember to make sure you check your tears at the door…

Personally, I don’t like to think about it; He is MY favorite player… But we all need to think “realistically” here, HOKIE, and quit trying to bring up these “Dream Scenarios” where Top Players WANT to come here and actually DO come here…

It’s just not realistic to think that things will be different this time…

Just look at our Free Agency Period HOSTIRY, GAVA… That should show everyone here just what to expect…

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

*HISTORY…

(typo)

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

You need to adjust that camoflauge mesh hat down a few holes… let your brain breath a little bit and realize I’m not talking about hockey… I’m talking about you being annoying.

…you’re like a bull in a china shop. Let people talk.

WHO is pulling the strings here??? Not Me…

Neither are we… so let people have their “dream scenarios”, whatever they may be… or atleast be less annoying with the retorts.

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Yes. They want to bring Ricchi back. He is old. What line he will play? 3-d or 4-th??? Not good idea to sing him back.

Good point RUSSIAN. I agree 100%.

We do NOT need RECCHI back… He is too old…

I would rather let the 4th Line RW Spot go to one of the Kids…

And I’d bet ANDERSON will agree…

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Toronto has officially put Wellwood on waivers.

Brendan, Sara, or Ranallo… do any of you know what the deal is with taking a guy off waivers who’s an impending RFA/UFA?

By Bob

June 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Landing Campbell would be a surprise, but since we already know the Thrashers have thrown their hat in the ring, it wouldn’t qualify as shocking

I would be shocked. Pleasantly, no, ecstatically shocked. And Waddell would get kudos from me if he can pull it off, that would be a huge coup for him.

On D, I could see Hainsey, Hejda, Liles, Rozsival, Orpik, Streit, Rachunek, Finger. Forwards, not as many…maybe Jason Williams, Ryder, or Miettinen. I’m having trouble finding many I like here. Any help?

Ditto from me on the forwards, I have my eye on none. Kind of worried about that aspect of our lineup, I fear a Ryder signing and that would be a Waddell mistake, methinks.

On D, I like either Liles or Orpik and I won’t be disappointed when we don’t get Campbell, but if he does sign either Liles or Orpik. I think either signing would be a good move from Waddell and improve our D.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

It would seem, if I translate the CBA correctly, that Wellwood is free for the taking… I don’t think Toronto gets any compensation if a team grabs him.

The only question I have is, what happens with his restricted status? If we claim him, does he still become unrestricted on July 1st?

By Alan

June 24, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hokie - Only if we can’t sign him. That’s my guess, anyway. I would have to brush up on the CBA to figure that out …but it’s my understanding that having been placed on waivers as RFA makes you UFA.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Hmmm… trying to grasp what the benefit would be to take a guy off waivers. I guess you get exclusive negotiating rights until July 1st, is all I can guess.

By kracker

June 24, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

From the TSN article: If Wellwood is claimed on waivers, his new team could retain his rights by giving him a qualifying offer and he would not become a free agent.

Seems pretty straightforward. TO has relinquished his rights (waivers), so any team can make him an RFA offer with no compensation due TO. That is how I read it.

By Brendan

June 24, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

You can claim a player off waivers, but if you don’t sign him by July 1st, you must compete against the other teams for his services.

Remember, waiver claims start at the bottom of the league. So, the 30th place team was Tampa Bay. They’d have the first shot. If they pass, it pass to Los Angeles. If the Kings pass, then the Thrashers get a shot at him.

By kracker

June 24, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

So the Thrashers have a pretty good shot at getting the right to make offer. Do you know, Brendan or anyone, if an offer sheet has to be rejected by the player before the next interested team can make their offer?

By ranallo10

June 24, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hokie — kracker and Brendan answered your question.

There is no compensation since he was placed on waivers. If the Maple Leafs had given a team exclusive negotiating rights (like they did with Sundin and Montreal) then there would be compensation. In this case Welwood’s contract is free for the taking.

Conditioning and groin issues aside, I would think grabbing him would be wise for ANY team. At his age (25) he’ll be p** about being waived and WANT to prove his worth…in my opinion. He’s a talented player, and has put up 40 points twice for a BAD team. In Atlanta he’d be under far less scrutiny than in Toronto, which might be good for his ego (I assume he’s p** and hurt by being waived, I would be).

I’d consider a claim of Wellwood to be a wise move. And this is a player I will be disappointed to see claimed by ANOTHER franchise. He made $.925M last season, so I’d be happy seeing a qualifying offer made at the $1.25-$1.75M range, and consider it a fine investment. Not too expensive if he gets hurt, but not severely undervaluing a two time 40 point scorer.

By MB

June 24, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Bob, I’m right there with you.

I really, really want us to pick up a good young forward who can help us even out our scoring…I just don’t see too many out there.

This Wellwood kid sounds like a risk/reward type situation. The good thing is our trainers have lots of experience with groin injuries. Looking at the boards on TSN, some think the Laffs will regret it, while others say good riddance, noting a me-first attitude and a reluctance to get hit and fight for the puck along the boards.

Lots of skill and creativity, though. Maybe a new environment will do the kid some good.

By Brendan

June 24, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

My offseason strategy would be to look at teams with cap issues, like Pittsburgh and the NY Rangers, and try to raid players from their rosters on July 1st. On Defense, I like Orpik, Streit, Roszival, even the bargain-barrel priced Steve Montador, for a little size and toughness.

I like Malone, from Pittsburgh. I’d try for Kristian Huselius, from Calgary, but I refuse to overpay for him. He’s very inconsistent. But I do like him. I’m not sure Calgary can keep him.

My fear is that Waddell will go after a 34-37 year old vet, on a 3-year deal, that truly hinders our ability to re-sign quality RFA players down the road, as well as inhibit our ability to land a Tier I guy, when the team is competitive enough to do something like that. Who needs to be saddled with a prohibitive contract like that? It has “buy out” written all over it.

And, of course, along those lines, I fear Wade Redden’s arrival, at $7.5 million, for three-five years. That’s a mistake, for ANY team. He’s not worth it. The money can be better spent. If that much money is earmarked for a UFA blueliner, I hope it’s Campbell. But again, now’s not the time to go spending like Eugene & Rusty at the Cheetah, on Penthouse Pet appreciation night.

This upcoming season should be to give our young players NHL experience, as we prepare to add Tavares, or some other high-end draft pick, into the fold next June (2009). In time, (not now!, two years from now) as our rebuilding project nears its conclusion, provided that we actually developed into a Stanley Cup contender, we should be able to command the attention of Tier I players during FREE AGENCY.

I’m surprised Waddell is being tasked with the rebuilding project. But the ASG has a groundbreaking guinea pig project in the works. And sadly, our team is subject of that “experiment.” It’s the ASG’s theory, per ex-member Bernie Mullin, as referenced on 680TheFan, shortly after his release, that if Coaches and GMs didn’t have to worry so much about job security, that they’d do a much better job of managing and cultivating the roster. The premise here, is that GMs and Coaches get SMARTER over time, as they get more EXPERIENCED, having learned their their mistakes.

That’s a right, pretty theory. Wonder why no one ever tries it? Stop screaming the word: Accountability. It doesn’t apply to the ASG. Their practice isn’t some hypothetical experiment. Don Waddell is in Year 10, Season 9 of the project. And you know what the results have been through eight completed seasons. In fairness to Don, I think his drafting has improved since the lockout. I think his cap management strategy, of not MAXING OUT on Opening Night, has been a step in the right direction. But the team cannot expect to chase championships, of any sort, while being $8 or million BELOW the Cap limit on “Opening Night.”

Once the new Cap parameters are announced, we can begin the “Guess the ‘Opening Night’ budget sweepstakes.” Without even knowing the cap limit, my guess will be $42.5 million.

By ranallo10

June 24, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Perhaps when the ASG spouts “moving in the right direction” they actually are referencing the learning curve Waddell has been allowed. Perhaps they are meaning he’s made enough mistakes and had enough successes to finally understand what he should be doing, and these experiences are moving Waddell in the right direction (which is to become a better than average GM).

Just another way to translate their little snippet.

By Alan

June 24, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Brendan - My guess is $48.3M

Just ‘cause.

By Brendan

June 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Alan, I definitely like your “gusto” on that $48.3 million figure. That would definitely mean the Thrashers went AFTER some free agents.

Ranallo, I think you’re entirely correct. That’s precisely what I think the ASG thinks. Well, to reject that notion would mean … they’re flat out lying, or intentionally “misleading.” Or, they’re wholly delusional.

By GaVaHokie

June 24, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Last season was strange for free agency because we already had our Super Stars in place (Kovy, Hossa, Kozy, Holik, Lehtonen) and free agency was about filling in role players (Thorburn, White, Perrin, Little, Sterling, Schultz, etc.)

This year, we need Super Stars again.

By Bob

June 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Brendan, do you not like Redden, or just not like him at $7.5m? If the money was the same and you could take Redden or Campbell, who do you take? I’ve always liked Redden and think he would be great here, but I do agree that $7.5m is too much.

By Tony C.

June 24, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Looks like TorontoMapleLeafs are going to waive Wellwood, making him a UFA…Given his injury history, do you think we should take a shot at him?

I honestly do. Granted the guy has been Glass Joe the past year or so, but the guy definitely can play, and I don’t think we have anyone not named Kovalchuk or Enstrom that’s as good a passer-watch some film on this guy, he finds time and space even when things are happening at very high speed… Good hands, superior vision… here is a highlight reel. I think he’d be worth the risk, just put in very tight conditions on his contract… something where it gets voided pending any medical issues discovered during his physical & includeout-clauses for any pre-existing issues that Dr.s feel might be a concern in the future (bad ACL etc.).

But I think he is a real talent. Also, Rumor-mongers out of Alberta have Stoll available for trade.

Two guys to think about. I think with the UFA addition of Ryder/Vrbata/Wellwood* and a trade for Stoll/Antropov, gives us realistically, two credible scoring lines, as well as allowing developing talents to progress, guys can get slotted in appropriate roles, etc.

Of course Anderson may like Haydar so much that he becomes the RW on the Slava-Matic line. Who knows? This sort of speculation is fun though huh?

By Brendan

June 24, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

I like Redden at $5 million. But his present salary is $6.5 million. So, unless he’s willing to take a paycut, it won’t see the light of day at that price.

If the question is, “Irrespective of salary, who do you pick, Redden or Campbell?” My answer is: Campbell. If the question is, “For the same money, who do you take?” My answer remains: Brian Campbell. But I’d add, “anytime that you OVERPAY for a player, it’s a bad business practice and, if possible, it should be avoided.” It’s bad to overpay for Campbell, just as it is bad to overpay for Redden. Particularly, for any market on a tight budget. It’ll really hamper that team’s ability to go get missing pieces later on. And who wants that??? Think Bobby Holik, these past three seasons.

Our Atlanta Thrashers hockey club would be better with Wade Redden on it. But at what price? Once it gets up around $7+ million, it’s time to weigh that against finding a Roszival and Streit, for more depth. Your Tier I guy will be Zach Bogosian, down the road. And he’ll need to get paid, down the road. Properly.

But, let’s face it. There’s a real possibility that Campbell, Redden, Roszival, and Streit won’t return our phone calls. In time, when our hockey club is more deeply laden with talent, and is younger, faster, and more skilled, Tier I free agents will call us instead of the other way around. But it requires patience, which has worn a bit “thin” these days.

By Tony C.

June 24, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

“thin” Brendan???

Seems to me for many it’s worn out.

By ranallo10

June 24, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Assuming a player of his caliber MUST be overpaid to play in Atlanta, at what point do you feel Redden is being overpaid (by Atlanta’s inflated standards of acquiring a Tier I player)?

By volgrad1985

June 24, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t see the Thrashers making 5-6 FA signings/trades this off season. I believe that turning over 25% of your roster, even on a team that underachieved, is pretty drastic and whatever positive chemistry may have been brewing last season with the core players would be out the window.

Having said that, I am 100% in favor of doing all possible to sign up to any 4 of the following players:

1. UFA/RFA D-men in this order: Campbell, Rozsival, Green, Streit, Orpik, Liles, Hainsey.

2. UFA/RFA Centers in this order: J.Williams, Filppula, Morrison

3. UFA/RFA Right Wingers in this order: Perry, Vrbata, Ryder, Svatos, Rolston

If we come out of the free agency season with any combination of 3 or 4 of the guys I listed above, I will be very pleased with the off season.

Granted, though some of them may be RFAs, I honestly believe that if our team consisted of those signees and the core we have now, our draft position next year would not be such that we will be disappointed in losing it in compensation.

Comments?

By Alan

June 24, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I can’t see Waddell poaching Filppula off of Detroit’s roster. Not gonna happen. He’ll go after Stoll if he goes after any RFA.

By volgrad1985

June 24, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Regarding RFAs, if I had my choice, the first one I’d go for is Corey Perry (RW), then Mike Green (D). Any others on my list above pale in comparison to these two. As I said, get either or both of those guys, and I don’t feel bad about the draft pick compensation at all.

By Tony C.

June 24, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Anaheim is not going to let Corey Perry go. They swapped MacDonald for Weight specifically to free up Cap-Space to sign Perry.

Svatos is also a very improbable addition to Le Thrash. Sakic is leaning towards hanging them up (but the lure of the Olympics in ‘10 apparently is a very real desire for him), Hejduk is getting on in years, and well, Svatos is good. I don’t see them letting him go for anybody on our roster not named Kovalchuk (unrealistic as it may be on their part, who else of comprable-or-better talent do we have that is signed?). I think we have a decent shot @ Vrbata and a little lower probability signing Ryder…Morrison is an intriguing option.

I dunno. I like the fact that we’re apparently going after Campbell…I would think we’ve got a decent shot, and if not he then I say Hainsey then Liles are my prefences

By NASCAR Dave

June 24, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

I think we need Both CAMPBELL and LILES…

By Alan

June 25, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

I’m with Tony here. I like the fact that we’re going after Campbell. And who knows? If he signs here, it might spark interest in some of the other top UFAs. It might show that the organization is actually trying to get the ball rolling in the right direction for a change.

I think we have a decent shot at Campbell. And this isn’t optimism talking, either.

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

According to Eklund’s lasted blog, Atlanta is interested in Darcy Tucker. I’m not crazy about the idea. I’d rather have Wellwood, but the one benefit is Tucker shoots left-handed, so we could play him on the RW side of Kovy… let’s face it, last year was a bad year for Tucker and he STILL managed to score 18 goals. But, he’s not exactly the heir apparent for Hossa… of course Campbell would make up the difference.

Would you be satisfied with Tucker and Campbell as our only UFA pick-ups?

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

HOKIE, I would have to pass on TUCKER…

By MB

June 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I’d have a really, really hard time bringing myself to cheer for Tucker.

Vrbata could be interesting. He really perked up in Phoenix. Wondering if he could replicate his numbers here, or if the Coyotes just have the right system for him.

On another note, the deal with TB and Lecavalier (sp?) is reportedly $77M for 9 years. Wow.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

The Canucks have claimed Wellwood off waivers. Waddell had the good sense to pass on him, it seems. Anyone shocked?

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Wellwood did just break his foot/toe or something this summer… he is definitely a china doll and would have been a gamble. But, I’d have taken the chance on him.

I think Tucker could be more useful since he can play RW. I’d like to see us target Ryder, Tucker or both.

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

HOKIE, I think we’re fine on the Wings…

I would prefer us targetting (2) Top Line D-Men and (1) #1 Center…

The same things we need every year.

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Mike… where are you today? Any word on which RFA’s we qualified today?

Today is the deadline.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Alan — He’s a risk/reward pick up, but I think it was wise of Vancouver to claim him. It cost them NOTHING for a 25 year old versatile forward who has put up 40 points at the NHL level twice already. He’s had some injury problems true, but that wouldn’t dissuade me from acquiring him for no cost. You can always waive him again if you’re unhappy with his performance.

Hokie — I’m against Tucker coming to Atlanta just as much as I was against Quinn or Tortorella coming to Atlanta. There are better options available, cheaper, and with less of an attitude.

On the plus side there’s still some of his face plastered along the boards (where Sutton face planted him during the Atlanta-Toronto brawl of 2005, or 2006)…so perhaps that missing piece will give him the production back that he lacked last season in Toronto?

NASCAR Dave — A top line RW or C would be fine in my opinion, as both would hopefully bring another scoring threat to pair with Kovalchuk. I think Little would be great on his line if the wing were someone of Ryder or Huselius’ quality.

Who would you put on the RW if a C were signed for Kovalchuk’s line?

By MB

June 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Dave, I’m with you on the need for a top C and a Dman or two, but I’m not as confident as you on our wings.

At L we have Kovy, a disappointing ? on Kozzy, and some good hope with Lavallee.

On the R, we have Army, Thorburn, and…and…and, I guess possibly some guys playing out of position there. Hopefully Haydar or Machachek.

I’d like to see us pick up a RW who can help us with our scoring now.

What are your thoughts on our wings?

By Thrasher_Ed

June 25, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Mike, Has there been any news on who will be the assistant coaches for Anderson this year. Are either Beast or Steve Weeks likely to stay? What about Mike Sullivan from Tampa?

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed… I just read that Brad McCrimmon is being considered for the vacant Detroit assistant coach position.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 25, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Hokie, Gotta a link for that?

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I tried to find it again… can’t remember where I saw it. I definitely read it somewhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. :)

By Tony C.

June 25, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Like I said when considering possible FA pivots, Morrison in between #17 and Thorburn is kind of intriguing. Now he [Tohorburn] hasn’t shown the type of hands & finish that Bertuzzi had, but he did surprise me with his effectiveness in the O-ffensive zone. Who knows? Perhaps going to that Swede stick-handling camp will help improve his O-fense…and just being around the net when #17 lets a bomb go is probably a good area for rebounds… while I think it would be foolish to expect that all-star type production Morrison had with Naslund and Bertuzzi, but I think that you have the pieces for success if you put an above average playmaker in between those two. Does Morrison still have it like that? Most likely not. Would it be the best line we’ve had since Hoss/Belly/Slava??? I’d bet yes.

I agree that Little (or Christensen for that matter) should be very successful if a good-quality RW can be found for the top-line slot via FA. That would then set up a possible reunion of the “Gods” Line. Which was perhaps our most successful combination last season.

I like what I’m hearing/reading about our bid for Campbell, seems like they’re making a serious offer.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Knobler — Have any updates for us regarding RFA qualifying offers? The 5pm deadline has passed, so have any of the RFAs from Atlanta been given an offer?

By Tony C.

June 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, get me Avery over Tucker.

In fact, don’t get Tucker. Bring Desbiens up before we bring that jackalope here.

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Who would you put on the RW if a C were signed for Kovalchuk’s line?

Hi Rannallo, I don’t know if you saw my lines over on RAWHIDE’s blog…

I was assuming we get a #1 Center (I prefer STOLL)… at RW I have BRYAN LITTLE… Could also use THORBURN…

I’d like to see us pick up a RW who can help us with our scoring now.

What are your thoughts on our wings?

MB - A new RW would be sweet, but I was going off of priorities… IMO, Priorities are 2 D-Men and a #1 Center… If we get that, I won’t cry if we don’t sign a RW… Ideally, MB, I would hope the MACHACEK kid is good enough to play here, and remember, like I posted to Rannallo above, LITTLE can play RW too…

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — If you’re going to put Little on the wing, wouldn’t it work similarly if you signed a scoring winger and had Little up the middle?

Personally I think RW makes more sense due to the situation this team is in right this second (a plethora of #2 centers), and also plans around the future development/maturation of prospects like Little and Esposito, or possibly Lucenius (if he ever makes it here).

I’m not saying I’d be disappointed going after a center, I just think that limiting the acquisitions to C is also limiting the offensive capability of Kovalchuk’s line.

So here’s your next question…would you be upset if Ryder or Huselius were signed instead of a trade for someone like Stoll? Would you be content watching Kovalchuk — Little — Ryder?

How I see it, I think both scenarios work, but ONE of those positions should be filled via free agency this offseason (top line RW or C). But, I think it’s more realistic to find a top flight RW via FA than trade for a top line C…and I honestly don’t think either will happen.

By NASCAR Dave

June 26, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this

Good points Ranallo but with LITTLE at #1 Center (which I wouldn’t mind either)… That’s giving KOVY another example of DONNIE not bringing him the #1 Center he keeps asking for… I don’t want KOVY to use that as another reason to leave.

As for LITTLE, he still needs to step up his game AND numbers to justify being a #1 Center… I’m not saying he can’t do it… I like the kid.

So here’s your next question…would you be upset if Ryder or Huselius were signed instead of a trade for someone like Stoll? Would you be content watching Kovalchuk — Little — Ryder?

I prefer HUSELIUS over RYDER, but I would NOT overpay for him…

How I see it, I think both scenarios work, but ONE of those positions should be filled via free agency this offseason (top line RW or C). But, I think it’s more realistic to find a top flight RW via FA than trade for a top line C…and I honestly don’t think either will happen.

Well, it looks like they really wanna get CAMPBELL… If they do, that’s AWESOME. If they then grab a RW rather than the 2nd D-Man I wanted, I’m fine with that as long as they STILL sign KOVY’s Center.

So, I’d be happy with CAMPBELL/RW/#1 Center OR CAMPBELL/2nd D-Man/#1 Center…

So are you saying you think we will only grab 1 D-Man Rannallo???

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this

Honestly NASCAR Dave, I think only one UFA will be signed this offseason, and he’ll be of the Rozsival/Hainsey/Streit quality, and still overpaid.

I base that on the minimum salary requirements that this team can’t fulfill without another $3-4M invested in a single player.

I don’t think Campbell is a realistic signing, but that’s because I don’t think ANY Tier 1 players will sign here unless drastically overpaid (read $7.5M annually).