Thrashers

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Welcome back MIKE…

Do you know if we Qualified any RFA’s???

Today, at 5:00pm, was the deadline…

By Darren

June 25, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

From the Thrashers Web site:

Qualifying offers went to Kari Lehtonen, Brett Sterling, Nathan Oystrick and Joey Crabb.

Guillaume Desbiens is the odd man out.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

RFA news would be most welcome…

I wouldn’t mind Cheveldayoff as GM here, but he wont have the luxury of a good owner like he has in Chicago.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

ajc.com got scooped by Ben Wright over at Atl Thrashers.com:

Qualifying Offers Made Permalink Posted by: Ben Wright at 5:56PM EST on June 25, 2008 As you may have read, today was the deadline for teams to tender qualifying offers to their restricted free agents. The Thrashers had five players who entered the week as restricted free agents. Four of the five were given QO’s. The other will become unrestricted, although that doesn’t mean the Thrashers have no interest in him staying in the system. Qualifying offers went to Kari Lehtonen, Brett Sterling, Nathan Oystrick and Joey Crabb. Guillaume Desbiens is the odd man out.

There you have it! Phew!

Have a good vaca Mike and keep your eye on tsn.ca in the coming week!

By kracker

June 25, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Do we have an asst. GM spot open? Or if DW moves up to president, maybe a hire happens, if you were thinking of hime getting a position here. But probably Cheveldayoff gets hired elsewhere. Good luck to him.

Enjoy the vacation, Mike, FA frenzy starts soon. I’m hoping the Spirit Group gets in on it but we need to hear about trades or buyouts to open the roster spots.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Thank you Darren and Smoothie.

Too bad about Desbiens, his offensive game never seemed to come around at the AHL level. He’s got some highlight reel fights, which were always exciting. I could see him being picked up by a team in need of a project player/enforcer. He’s fourth line talent at best, currently, but with some seasoning I think he could be a strong presence in-front of the net.

Good to hear the others were tendered.

By LL

June 25, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

The Assistant GM is Larry Simmons.

By Jason

June 25, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

I wonder how much input Anderson has or will have from this point on about minor league talent being cut out for the NHL? Case in point with Desbiens. I remember DW said earlier in the year that Desbiens was the meanest player he had seen in a long time. So, was it time to give up on him? I don’t know much about the guy. Maybe some of you that may have seen him play for the Glads can offer your opinion.

My curiousity is more about the time Desbiens got in Chicago. Does Anderson believe he’s AHL talent at best, and there’s no point in keeping him?

I realize we could just as easily resign him next week. Just trying to figure out if DW is going to lean heavier on Anderson when it comes to determining our minor leaguer’s talent.

By Jason

June 25, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Here’s some fodder from another hockey writer/blogger that likes the Anderson deal as coach.

text to be linked

If that part about Paul Maurice almost coming here…..puke! I don’t know why I hate that guy so much, maybe it’s his constant self-depricating post game interviews he gave with the Leafs.

By Sara

June 26, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Excellent news about Sterling. I was talking about him yesterday on Rawhide’s blog when we were creating our line-ups. I would really like to see what he and Haydar could do here under Anderson.

By Sara

June 26, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Interesting link Jason. I’d never seen that site before - wonder how accurate it is. Maurice’s name came up right at the end of the search, and while I like the guy ok, I still think Anderson was the way to go there.

Btw, that bit about Hossa at the beginning was interesting too. Some of you can say what you want, but Don handled that Hossa trade impeccably. He put a high price on him and didn’t waiver. Filppula, Kessel - man, it’s like being back in the day when everyone always demanded Heater or Kovy in a trade. Wonder how many deals Don could never make because of that asking price?

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I’ve never understood why Joey Crabb never got a look during the regular season… every preseason he does nothing but rack up points. He even had a hat-trick in preseason a few years ago, if memory serves me.

Glad to see he’s sticking around (hopefully).

By Frontman

June 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Sara, We’ll see how DW did with the Hossa trade when we see how Armstrong, Christenson, and Esposito develop with Atlanta. If these guys end up just being depth guys (maybe one 2nd liner among them), then we just did not get enough. Pittsburgh has already gotten their money’s worth from Hossa, not even counting Pascal Dupuis. The jury is way out on whether that was a good trade or not.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Today is the first day of RFA shopping… teams are allowed to talk to RFA’s.

I guess since Mike is on vacation, we’ll have to settle for Eklund and Spector rumors for now.

By NASCAR Dave

June 26, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

If CRABB is so good, WHY is everyone here whining about a FA RW???

At some point, this team needs to have faith in their prospects - How do you know if they are ready if you never GIVE them the Chance???

By kracker

June 26, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Well, Dave with Anderson as coach, the youngs will get their shot. Young player development was one of Wad’dells reasons for hiring Anderson.

By Sara

June 26, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Dave I’m hoping that’s where Anderson is going to come in. I think he’ll be more than willing to bring up some of the young guys like Crabb, Sterling, Valabik, et al and let them prove themselves at the NHL level (for more than just a handful of games).

I know everyone wants to see some big free agent splashes but there are some negative considerations there. The pickins is slim this year at multiple positions (including the ones we need the most). And it isn’t worth paying way too much to land someone like Campbell if we screw our cap down the road. Additionally, it’s always possible we could have a diamond in the rough in the AHL that negates the need for big name-high price FA talent. We’re basically rebuilding anyway…we might as well find out this season exactly what it is we’ve got in Chicago. When Zhitnik and Klee drop off the books next season, we’ll have even more funds to fill key holes if FAs are going to be necessary.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Sara — Since the minimum team salary has risen to $40.7M, this team will have to spend big money on the UFA market to fit within the confines of that salary restriction. We’re currently $7M under the floor.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

My opinion of Crabb based on what I’ve seen is that he’ll be a third liner at best in the NHL. He’s not a top line winger.

By kracker

June 26, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

$7M will buy us Campbell or one of Finger or Rosivall, etc. + a good winger. Looks like the ASG are going shopping whether they like it or not. Ansd that is just to get to the floor. Hopefully they spent to about $50M. They will have to shed players, though, to bring in new ones.

By Waffleboy

June 26, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Just because a qualifying offer wasn’t made doesn’t mean there’s no room for Desbiens. Don’t be surprised to see him re-sign here anyway. Gotta give him some love he is leaving though. This is a brutal fight.

As far as who Anderson brings with him, I will be shocked if Sterling, Little and Valabik are not on the roster on opening night. He kows what these guys are capable of and I’m sure he feels he can “coach them up” to the level that need to be at to compete in the NHL.

Still need to make a big splash and none of the UFA centers makes me giddy at all. Plenty of good UFA d-men, however, and that is where Waddell needs to spend a boatload of money.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

i REALLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE US TAKE A SHOT @ rYDER AS WELL.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

I agree about FA CentRes….not at all one that I want to see here. I would like to see us go after Vrbata and Ryder (RW’s).

By Hip Czech

June 27, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

I am not sure whether I would want us to pursue Darcy Tucker or not…at 33 he’s no spring chicken, but man he always played well against us. And we could use his toughness.

Why aren’t we buying Zhitnik out? Other teams have the guts to cut their losses while we bury our heads in the sand.

I would think if we are going to make a serious offer to one or two FA D Zhitnik should go.

If 2 FAs: Havelid-Enstrom FA-Exelby FA-Bogosian Klee and Valabik

If one FA: Havelid-Enstrom FA-Exelby Klee-Bogosian Valabik and another Wolve D (Oystrick?), resign McCarthy?

At any rate, no room at the inn for Zhitnik.

By GaVaHokie

June 27, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

Ranallo… I’m not sure I’d call Tucker an a*****. Yes, he’s a prick on the ice, but teammates like seeing that. Unlike Avery, Tucker is well respected off the ice. Here’s a good article that will give you a better idea.

By Terry in Dahlonega

June 27, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Are we “moving in the right direction” yet?

By Alan

June 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Terry - You’re aware that free agent frenzy isn’t until Tuesday, right? The draft looks to have been fairly successful, but one cannot say we are “moving in the right direction” without going through free agency first.

By Jason

June 28, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Here’s some great news for all.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241904&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

I expect this means DW is expecting to make a big splash starting Monday, with either a Campbell type signing soon or the Russian Nikulin coming over at the very least. Rumors were DW tried to package Zhitnik to Toronto and that was why you read him saying he was a big part of the teams future. Not sure about that, but it does make better since.

Also, even with a cap hit on Zhitnik’s buyout, ASG are gonna be forced to spend around 12-15 mil just to get up to the minimum. Hopefully they will let DW spend a little past that if needed. Now the only trick is convincing worthy FA to sign here.

Should be interesting starting Monday. Hope we finally have some luck getting what we want.

By David

June 28, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

That is the best news i’ve heard all year! DW putting him on waivers makes me soo happy.

By Terry in Dahlonega

June 29, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess that’s a step in the Right Direction.

By JOsh211

June 29, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

PAGING AJC…….AJC……NEED NEW POLL QUESTION……….NEW POLL QUESTION PLEASE……….

By Sham Rock

June 30, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Does it tick anybody off to see year after year teams that go after needs with a vengence, (ie..Tampa) while the Thrashers sit around with there thumbs up there rearend and watch!! It is enough to make you sick. I don’t blame our top players past and present for wanting to leave. I dont even depend on ASG and Don “I should have been fired before Hartley” Waddell, for my career success and they make me want to leave. Kovy will be our next player exiting stage left, unless there are ome serious changes on and off the ice.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 30, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

“…Kovy will be our next player exiting stage left, unless there are ome serious changes on and off the ice.”

Maybe then the sheep will wake from their slumber?

(Probably not—they’ll wholeheartedly sip what the organization next serves up to them…It’s their very nature…and it’s really quite funny!)

By chc4

June 30, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

FA starts tomorrow and the beat blog hasn’t been updated in 5 days… unbelievable! Vacation or not the AJC’s coverage is once again shoddy.

By Alan

June 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

chc4 - Let’s be fair, here. There has been nothing of any real note to report. Zhitnik was waived, and there’s a small blurb on it. If you’re looking for speculation, you’re reading the wrong blog.

By chc4

June 30, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Alan… FA starts tomorrow!! The rest of our roster will be determined in the next 2-4 weeks and the team beat writer hasn’t posted anything new in almost a week!!. Sorry but that’s inexcusable.

By Lanny McDonald

June 30, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Let’s be fair, here. There has been nothing of any real note to report.

But Alan, let’s not forget all the many other moves other teams are making while our owners and GM sit on their collective arses and do nothing but twiddle their thumbs and watch everybody else make their teams better.

It’s always a reactionary response with this group, never proactive.

By Alan

June 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Lanny - Indeed, let’s not forget the plethora of other moves other teams have made. Fortunately for us, Mike is the beat writer for the Thrashers, not the Wings, Stars, Ducks, or Flames. That’s my point. Atlanta has done nothing, and as such, what do you expect Mike to do? Post a blog every other day based on nothingness?

Inexcusable is expecting the beat writer to report on the going-ons of every other team in the league. TSN.ca can provide that for you.

By Rocco D.

June 30, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I am so happy they buy out Zhetnek! Hooray, for a happy Monday!! Yes!

By Sara

June 30, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Alan Mike has definitely done a wonderful job and I’m certainly not upset with him. Lord knows he only got this job a couple of weeks ago - well after he had planned a vacation likely.

I do think, however, it’s a bit bunk the AJC couldn’t have asked someone else to step in with at least one blog - especially after the Zhitnik news came out. Last season, when Craig went out of town, Carroll Rogers frequently filled in for him (most admirably I might add). Why couldn’t we get that this time? I’d understand if it was August…but this is prime time in the off-season.

By Vince

June 30, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Who friggin’ cares? Zhithead’s gone! Be happy and quit crying about Knobler!

By Denny

June 30, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Alan & Lanny - GET REAL. The Thrashers have always made Bold, but not necessary SMART moves. This story indicates discussions by the Thrasher must be taking place with Campbell. * Bruce Garrioch reports Sharks impending UFA blueliner Brian Campbell would consider signing with the Senators. Garrioch lists Campbell’s potential suitors as ” Rangers, Thrashers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins and Blackhawks” and reports the Thrashers could offer up five-year, $42 million contract worth $8.4 million per season.*

By Alan

June 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

I wholeheartedly agree with you about the Zhitnik news, Sara, as I did expect that to be covered a little more in-depth than just a copy-paste job from TSN.

By Hockeyfan

June 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Mike please keep in mind for as long as you are the Thrashers beat writer (which I hope is for a long time) that among the Don’s first comments to you were that Zhitnik was going to be a vital part of our defense next year and that the reports of Anderson being hired were a lie.

By R. Stroz

June 30, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Paging Mike, vacation is over. We are in Dire Straits for some Thrasher information.

By David

June 30, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Everybody lay off Mike..geez. The only news out there is Zhitnik was waived and bought out, which we didn’t need Mike to tell us. What do you want? A play by play of DW’s plans? Get real. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the next couple days.

By ranallo10

June 30, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

David — Word.

By chc4

June 30, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

The Hawks beat writer just posted a new blog and they didn’t even have a draft pick. There’s a tribute page for UGA6 filled with over 140 pages of messages and we can’t get one new blog leading up to the biggest day of the NHL’s offseason? Sorry guys… that’s pathetic.

By joyaman

June 30, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

$hitnik gone! - whew! Just wish we had some shut-down guys to replace him.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 30, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

It is very disappointing that once again the AJC drops the ball in it’s coverage of the Thrashers! I am sure Mike deserves a vacation and probably had it scheduled long ago, however! Tomorrow begins the Free Agency period for the NHL. Yet we have no new articles or info about our Thrashers. If I were a Hockey Beat writer I think I might could find a way even on vacation to get a interview with Waddell about the teams needs, what it hopes to accomplish thru free agency etc. No knock on Mike, we as fans deserve better from the AJC!

By Boulton's Bruisers

June 30, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t think it really matters if Mike is here or not. All the info Waddell gave him was bunk anyways, so how is that any different from no info? Chew on that for a bit.

By chc4

June 30, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Bruisers… so then why even have a beat writer? May as well not even bother… just print all their moves under the transaction page.

By ranallo10

June 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

chc4 — Your wish has been granted…