AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFree agent update (2:30 p.m.)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No Thrashers signings to report yet.
The Thrashers made qualified offers not just to Kari Lehtonen but also to Joey Crabb, Nathan Oystrick and Brett Sterling, the NHL announced.
Here is the official list of Thrashers unrestricted free agents: Milan Bartovic, Eric Boulton, Kevin Doell, Darren Haydar, Bobby Holik, Jason Krog, Joel Kwiatkowski, Steve McCarthy, Karel Pilar, Mark Recchi, Steve Rucchin, Mark Popovic, Jesse Schultz, Guillaume Desbiens*.
*Desbiens would have been a restricted free agent if the Thrashers had made a qualified offer.
Comments
By THRASHYOU
July 1, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…..ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ….. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE SOON! NO MOVES BY ATL.
By Bob
July 1, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
I feel like Carroll O’Connor in Kelly’s Heroes when he tunes in Clint and the boys crossing the river.
Let’s get in the game, we’re sitting here on our asses and the games on out there, let’s go, boys!
By Russ
July 1, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Mike. Any news on who the Thrashers are talking to? Is anything close?
By Brendan
July 1, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Waddell is busy “counter-offering?” I haven’t heard Hossa ruminations yet. The Hossa watch is still on, FULL FORCE!
By Tom
July 1, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
By THRASHYOU
July 1, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Kolzig to T.B.
By ranallo10
July 1, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Thrashyou — I’m not sure where you’re seeing that, but TSN says Theodore to Washington.
By Tom
July 1, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed) ugh…
By Brendan
July 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
The Capitals now have Cristobal Huet, Olaf Kolzig, and Jose Theodore??
By Denny
July 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
No - Huet did not like the Caps offer, so now he is an UFA - much to the dismay of my Fantasy team!
By Mojo
July 1, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Good to see them give a qualifying offer to Nathan Oystrick. Clearly he has proven himself at the AHL level with his play and leadership. I think he’d be a great call-up or regular on the Thrashers roster next season. I’m sure he’s hungry.
By Bob
July 1, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I also liked what I saw out of Oystrick in the Calder Cup Finals. Good move keeping him.
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Wow, just saw where the Canucks offered Sundin 2-yr deal at $10mm per. Also heard Oilers offering Hossa $9mm per deal, not sure of the length. Nothing signed as yet, but that’s some serious coin!
By UpperDeck4Life
July 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Mojo from what I heard, a lot of people are surprised that Oystrick was qualified. He took a step back this past season and was getting 3rd pairing minutes down the stretch and in the playoffs for the wolves. Kulda, on his armature tryout contract was getting more minutes than Oystick was. Just what I heard, thought I would pass it along.
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Huet signs with the Hawks, clearing some of the logjam in net for the Caps.
By Hockeybiltong
July 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Where is next great D-Man coming from?????
By Nikita
July 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Why are Kwiatkowski and Rucchin listed? Kiwi’s going to Russia, and Rucchin will never play again.
By Midfield
July 1, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t see Hossa coming back here. ‘The bridges are burnt…’ or, perhaps, ‘the well is poisoned’ is a better headline.
By AHL
July 1, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Hello, Is Don W up for the day yet?
By Ron
July 1, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Tampa Bay signs UFA goaltender Olaf Kolzig to a 1 year deal worth $1.5-million (plus bonuses).
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, busy as beavers down in Tampa Bay. Just signed Olie the Goalie: 1-yr, $1.5mm.
By Brett
July 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
rumor on the minnesota wild reporters blog that a nhl player told him that the atlanta thrashers offer brian campbell 8 year $60 million contract, just a rumor but thought id throw that out their. a lot of players are getting signed, however none of them are guys i would think that the thrashers would have interest in so calm down everyone. also desbiens wanted out. he got no ice time in chicago.
By Brett
July 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
rumor on the minnesota wild reporters blog that a nhl player told him that the atlanta thrashers offer brian campbell 8 year $60 million contract, just a rumor but thought id throw that out their. a lot of players are getting signed, however none of them are guys i would think that the thrashers would have interest in so calm down everyone. also desbiens wanted out. he got no ice time in chicago.
By Brett
July 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
rumor on the minnesota wild reporters blog that a nhl player told him that the atlanta thrashers offer brian campbell 8 year $60 million contract, just a rumor but thought id throw that out their. a lot of players are getting signed, however none of them are guys i would think that the thrashers would have interest in so calm down everyone. also desbiens wanted out. he got no ice time in chicago.
By funcused
July 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
well … every team in our division has done something with Tampa and Carolina making the biggest news. Caps have upgraded in goal, sorta. Florida is MIA . but who cares about them .. . come on Don . . lets get movin!
By atlthrash
July 1, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
rumor on the minnesota wild reporters blog that a nhl player told him that the atlanta thrashers offer brian campbell 8 year $60 million contract, just a rumor but thought id throw that out their. a lot of players are getting signed, however none of them are guys i would think that the thrashers would have interest in so calm down everyone. i think desbiens wanted out. he got no ice time in chicago.
By AHL
July 1, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
What ? calm down? Don W is full of himself. And is going to bury this team 6ft in the ground !!!
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Ok so Campbell, Gainsey, Morrison, Redden, Hagman & Ryder re still available…I’d like for us to have two of those guys signed in the next few hours
By Yachtdawg
July 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
oooh. I can’t wait to see what 3rd line player DW signs and tries to pass off as a viable 1st line player. ASG management of this team is a joke. Hopefully Kovy escapes this hellhole and gets on a team where he can actually play with a real live center!
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Also, looks like they’re busy over in Raleigh
By Mike Hunt
July 1, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell in typical fashion waits for the good players to go then he grabs any old big name available, thinking he will appease the Atlanta fan base. While Tampa loads up, we wait till the end for a few scraps. Don’t expect the Thrashers to spend anywhere above last season as they try to ride through another disapointing season so the Atlanta Spirit Owners can save a few pennies!
By Mike Hunt
July 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Don’s too busy shopping for mock turtlenecks in the summer instead of quality players.
By kracker
July 1, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Could signing in Russia be a fall back position for Kwiatkowski? It could also help in negotiating w/ Thrashers or another NHL team.
By Sara
July 1, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Holy cow some of you people are being ridiculous!! Almost ALL of the big names on the market this year are still not signed. Frankly, most of the signings have been the “3rd tier” players which should indicate Don’s still working on the big fish.
Tony C. don’t forget to add Orpik to that list - he’s still in play as well.
By Ron
July 1, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
NO WAY, Brian Campbell 8 year $60 million. That’s crazy. He’s 29 years old.
By kracker
July 1, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Mwybe Waddell’s watch says it’s June 31st.
By Mike Hunt
July 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter who Atlanta qualifies from the minors. They will eventually be packaged in a trade for some aging veteran (Coburn for Zhitnik)and another prospect will play for somebody else. What a joke.
By icedog
July 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
With few exceptions our top targets (defense, center > Campbell, Ralston) are still out there. Letting others blow their wad first is not necessarily a bad thing.
By Geneen
July 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Don’s too busy shopping for mock turtlenecks in the summer instead of quality players. Best comment ever.
Go Thrashers! If you can’t be the best, be the best at being the worst! Yay!
By Michael Shapiro
July 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Whew, 16 of 30 teams [Anaheim, Boston, Chicago, Colorado (2), Detroit, Florida, Minnesota, Montreal, NY Rangers, Ottawa, Phoenix (2), Pittsburgh (2), Tampa Bay (3), Toronto (2), Vancouver (2), Washington] have already made deals and it’s barely 5:10. As for D-Wad, he’s friggin’ sleeping in the corner. What’s it gonna take for us to find a top tier D-man and a center for Kovy? JA says he’s on the sidelines while D-Wad makes the calls. D-Wad, are you there? Friggin’ get off the pot and DO SOMETHING! JEEEZ-US-H PLEEEZE WAKE UP. You are SO LAME.
By Hockey town
July 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
What a hockey base we have here in Atlanta. What a lame attempt at hockey coverage. Do the rest of the league a favor and keep mailing it in Atlanta. Worst group of fans in sports today. Lame
By kracker
July 1, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
You can kill time by reading nhl.com’s Southeast Review. It’s on panel #4 of the rolling picture stories on the home page.
By Mike Hunt
July 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Big Fish? Atlanta? How are we going to sign a “big fish” when all we do is let our own walk out the door!
By jen
July 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
FWIW, ANdy Strickland says CHI matched our offer of 8.5…WHY ON EARTH ARE WE TRYING TO PAY CAMPBELL AS MUCH AS SIDNEY CROSBY ???
By ranallo10
July 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
kracker — No, it can’t be a fall back. If he has a signed contract with an international league he’s not allowed to sign with an NHL team. Per the IIHF newest contract stalemate, the IIHF and NHL have a working agreement to not “poach” talent currently under contract. Russia, though they haven’t been part of the IIHF’s transfer agreement for the last four years, also have that standing agreement.
So, any player signed by Russia cannot go to the NHL, and any player signed by the NHL cannot bolt for Russia.
Knobler — Do you know if Nikulin is still under contract in Russia? If so, he cannot come to Atlanta unless there is a clause in that contract for an NHL callup. Since Russia doesn’t like losing young talent I doubt Nikulin has such a clause, but who knows? Is there any way for you to get clarification on Nikulin’s situation??
By jen
July 1, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
FWIW, ANdy Strickland says CHI matched our offer of 8.5…WHY ON EARTH ARE WE TRYING TO PAY CAMPBELL AS MUCH AS SIDNEY CROSBY ??? Look, I like the guy, he’s a great puck moving dman, but come on…he’s not a franchise cornerstone.
By jen
July 1, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
FWIW, ANdy Strickland says CHI matched our offer of 8.5…WHY ON EARTH ARE WE TRYING TO PAY CAMPBELL AS MUCH AS SIDNEY CROSBY ??? Look, I like the guy, he’s a great puck moving dman, but come on…he’s not a franchise cornerstone.
By Alan
July 1, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Sara - That’s why I stopped posting in Rawhide’s blog, and probably why I won’t post here until free agency is done with. The amount of ignorance by most of the posters here and there is petrifying, agonizing, and frustrating.
By kracker
July 1, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Campbell offer matched by Hawks according to Andy Strickland: “Atlanta’s Offer of 8.5 per yr for Campbell is being matched by Chicago”
By AHL
July 1, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Sara, You are correct! But 10 years, 1 playoff round, and no wins EVER in playoffs.
You have to agree the problem is DW and no one else. He is the cancer of the team.
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Hainsey, Rosival & Campbel are still out there… So are Morrisn, Hagman & Ryder…
By kracker
July 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
ranallo Nikulin appears to have the NHL out clause
By Waffleboy
July 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
$70 mil for Brian Campbell? I hope Waddell doesn’t do it. Get Roszival and Orpik instead for less money. I’m more concerned about a trade for a #1 center. There are no UFA’s worth signing.
By funcused
July 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I was wrong about Florida . . forgot about Jokinen trade with Phoneix … so that makes Atlanta the only team with no movement… tick tock tick tock tick tock
By Jane
July 1, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Don Honey, No more loving until you sign a free agent not over 35 and that can play! And no more mocks..they are not sexy!
By Sara
July 1, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
ranallo there was an interview with Nikulin posted over on the Nasty Nest last week in which he specifically said his Russian contract has an out-clause to come to the NHL. He also said the Thrashers have pitched him an offer. He’s apparently going on vacation for a couple of weeks and will sort it out and make a decision when he comes back. But he indicated he wants to come to the NHL so this might finally be the year.
AHL I do not concede any such thing nor have I ever. While Don has certainly had some moments, he has often been handicapped by cheap as crap owners - that has been the same since day one as well. This is the first FA season I can recall where it was pretty much known Don has been given the green light to spend money.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
no, dons doing the typical penny pinching move, hes gonna wait out all these expensive players while they sign for teams that are willing to spend big bucks (thanks alot ASG, you simpathy for thrashers fans is about as deep as your wallet) then he will see who is left and try to save money by signing them late. its to bad saving money in hockey only earns you two things, 1 overall draft picks :-(, and being the punching bad of the nhl again
By silverpork
July 1, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
If you believe anything written on Hockeybuzz, Campbell just went to the Hawks. If the reports of 8.5 per are true, I can’t say I’m too broken up over it.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
don and ASG doing the typical penny pinching move, there gonna wait out all these expensive players while they sign for teams that are willing to spend big bucks (thanks alot ASG, you simpathy for thrashers fans is about as deep as your wallet) then he will see who is left and try to save money by signing them late. its to bad saving money in hockey only earns you two things, 1 overall draft picks :-(, and being the punching bad of the nhl again
By kracker
July 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
TSN: Unconfirmed: Campbell to Blackhawks. $60M+
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
campbells out he just agreed to sign for hawks, worth 7.1 mil
By Wintirwolf
July 1, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Looks like Campbell is Chicago bound!
By UpperDeck4Life
July 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Campbell and his 60+ million go to the Blackhawks. I am actually relieved. I think that would have been a major waste of money and overpayment. Hainsey, Smith, and Redden are still available.
By MB
July 1, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
According to TSN, looks like Campbell’s headed to Chicago.
By Michael Shapiro
July 1, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
TSN just reported that Chicago signs UFA defenceman Brian Campbell to an 8 year deal worth $56.8-million
…and still we wait for D-Wad to wake up and do SOMEthing.
By Mike Hunt
July 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
There goes Campbell…Uwe Krup is still available Don..
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
yep its real, just was on NHL Home Ice
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Wel looks like we can stop worrying about overpaying Campbell
By B. Thenet
July 1, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Plan B, here we come.
By Mark
July 1, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Campbell gone!
Does anyone really think a top flight UFA is going to want to sign with Atlanta? I don’t.
By Denny
July 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
TSN = Campbell to Hawks for $7.5 Million means he passed on Thrashers for about $3.5 Million Windy City Discount.
CONGRADS to the Hawks for building a WINNER.
Its NOT EASY once you get that LOSER Tag.
By Darren
July 1, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
I would much rather see Kevin Cheveldayoff be the GM of Atlanta than Waddell, but with that said, just because Waddell hasn’t signed anybody doesn’t mean he isn’t trying.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
mark is right, no one wants to play in atlanta, the best part for the players that do is looking forward to the day they leave for a team that wants to win
By ThrashersFan
July 1, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
It’s really hard to keep supporting this team…
By English Teacher
July 1, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
I just heard that Waddell called asking for my father. My dad never played hockey, but Waddell had a hunch he’d help bolster the Thrasher’s defense. My mother told Don that my dad died three years ago, so Waddell said he’d wait for him to call back.
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
I still think we’d do well to get Hainsey Morrison & Ryder or Hagma
Unless he’s cool with $6.75M/per I want nothing to do with Redden.
By Bob
July 1, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
If the rumor is true that Waddell offered him 8 years at $60m, then Campbell just thumbed his nose at him and took less to play for the Hawks.
And I really don’t blame him, if I was a player, I wouldn’t sign to play for Waddell for just 5% more money over 8 years. I’d want to win, and that ain’t happening here under Waddell, everyone knows it. Hossa, now Campbell, what’s it going to take for the Spirit to see the real problem here.
By Mark
July 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
The only way this team is going to acquire top flight talent not already on the roster or through the draft is through trade. Hossa showed everyone that was paying attention all that you needed to know. If you have a choice and you want to win, you’re not going to sign with Atlanta. The Thrashers are going to be stuck with the Todd White’s of the NHL or for overpaying for 2nd tier free agents.
Watch, we will way overpay for a Rosival type and Waddell will try to sell us on what a great deal it is for the Thrashers. Just like last summer with Todd White.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
D man commodore goes to blue jackets for 5 year 18.75 million
By Michael Shapiro
July 1, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
27 deals in six plus hours and NONE of them the Thrashers. What gives? Are we asleep at the switch? We’ve been promised that we’d aggressively pursue free agents and that we had the money to spend. At this rate, we can just bring up guys from the Gladiators and save the cash. Maybe the ASG will give us some money back on our season tix? This sucks.
By 10yr plan
July 1, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Not true. A majority of players love playing in Atlanta. Unfortunately, they are the visiting team. Players bring their golf clubs, stay an extra day, go out for a nice dinner and have an opponent that will roll over for the most part.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
i just realized that this caption on the article is thrashers shop for top d man… well… we are waiting
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Nichael-successful or not, you’ve got to admit that $60M/8years is aggresive
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
dude, season tickets are the last thing on my mind right now
By kracker
July 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
We sure do have a lot of loser visitors here today to talk trash about the team.
By kracker
July 1, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
8 years was too long to sign Campbell. He could be Ken Klee by year 5 or 6 - experienced but with declining performance. And that’s assuming he is a 60 point guy and a + player the first 4 or 5 years. If Campbell demanded that many years, I’m glad he got it elsewhere.
By Toby
July 1, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
DW must be wetting himself…Doesn’t he need to spend $14 mil just to hit the minimum?
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Want to make your stomach turn? Listen to the Campbell interview … I have to give Campbell full marks for not naming names and throwing us under the bus.
By Toby
July 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
DW must be wetting himself…Doesn’t he need to spend $14 mil just to hit the minimum?
By Toby
July 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
DW must be wetting himself…Doesn’t he need to spend $14 mil just to hit the minimum?
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Also, Rolston goes back to where it all began….tsn’s FA tracker says its official now.
By Bob
July 1, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Unless he’s cool with $6.75M/per I want nothing to do with Redden
It shouldn’t take that to sign Redden, I would guys $5.5m should get him on a 4 or 5 year deal.
8 years is not too much for Campbell, kracker. And $7.1m per year is a good # for him, Chicago is much better off and a contender in the East now, we are much worse off not winning his services. Spin it whatever way you want, but he’s only 29 yrs old, 8 years is not too much for him. Great move by Chicago.
By Terry
July 1, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Something just doesn’t seem right here. A LOT of blame is being put on Don, but I think this has more to do with the Spirit and their on going legal issues. Aren’t both teams limited to signing long term deals? Secondly, this was the first year since Don has been here that he hasn’t made a trade on draft day. Maybe he is being held back. I also understand they have some big contracts to sign on Hawks end. Just a thought
By Terry
July 1, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Something just doesn’t seem right here. A LOT of blame is being put on Don, but I think this has more to do with the Spirit and their on going legal issues. Aren’t both teams limited to signing long term deals? Secondly, this was the first year since Don has been here that he hasn’t made a trade on draft day. Maybe he is being held back. I also understand they have some big contracts to sign on Hawks end. Just a thought
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Flyers signed Metro according to tsn
By Rob Ray
July 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Glad Campbell is gone, too much for him. Keeping up the hope we get Orpik and a few other solid players. Sundin getting offered 10 mill a year is RIDICULOUS. The Canucks are desperate. I’m curious to see how much Huet got? They have Khabubilin (bad spelling, I know!) for 6.5 million for one more year. He will be tough to trade for that amount. That’s a lot of money for two goalies, even if it’s for one year. I love this day, watching for updates, my boss doesn’t like it too much though!!! ahhahaha. Hoping DW has something up his sleeve, please, please, please!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Darren
July 1, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Huet’s making $5.6 million, which is more than the $5.2 million that Brodeur is making this year.
It’s stupid money. I wonder when “The Morning After” will kick in.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
rangers resigned defenceman Michael Rozsival.
By ThrasherNY
July 1, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Rangers sign Rozsival
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Terry not to open the door for a recitation of DW’s gaffes, but you’ve got to admit if he’d have drafted and retained drafted talent better, it wouldn’t be such a big deal what his UFA shopping budget is.
That being said, I’m not upset that we lost out on Campbell, he’s a talent but I don’t think he’s as good as the market showed-there was only one other “Top-tier” D-man going UFA today…Anyway, it hurts that allegedly he turned down almost a MILLION DOLLARS MORE a year to go play in Chicago.
Now if it’s something where DW told Campbell’s people “take it or leave it, I’ve got sh!t to do.”
Then good. Go do that GM sh!t DW.
By Tom
July 1, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
DW must be wetting himself…Doesn’t he need to spend $14 mil just to hit the minimum?
Yep, the good money will be spent and then Waddell will be picking up the trash.
By Tony C.
July 1, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Hagman to TorontoMapleLeafs 4yeras/$12M according to tsn.
Also, Rozsival stays with NYR. $5M/per.
I’m still waiting on Hainsey….
By Rob Ray
July 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
WOW, Huet 5.6 million!! GEEZ. That’s crazy. 1 subpar playoff round for 5.6 million a year. The Hawks are really overpaying!! Thanks for the info Darren.
By Sunny
July 1, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Holik returns to NJ
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/signings_2008/
By AHL
July 1, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
kracker you mention losers, Well what about the TEAM.
Many want the team to Win but can you prove to me we are making the RIGHT moves. I think alot of people are showing they care but they are mad because in over TEN YEARS we HAVE NOT won ONE playoff GAME. WHO IS TO BLAME? DO YOU HAVE THE ANSWERS?
By Sunny
July 1, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Holik back to NJ
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/signings_2008/
By kracker
July 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Well, Bob you may be right, time will tell. But if Campbell turns out to be one of those players where their career year is also their contract year, this may be one of the best deals we never made.
I wanted Campbell, sure, but for more of a salary dictated by his career to date: Say, $6M for 5 years and that is pushing it based on his career numbers. 114 points (26 goals) in 244 games the last 3 years. And more than half of those, 62 points, came in his contract year last season (8 goals). For this contract to be worth it for the Hawks, IMO, Campbell has to stay at 60+ points until he is 35 or so. He is in his prime right now so which way does his level of play go? Up, down or stay the same?
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Got home to a voice mail recording from John Anderson, begging me (us) to renew season tickets. Well, after today it’s all the more apparent this management won’t (can’t) get it done. Everyone here is complaining about how much this or that player got. Well, that’s the nature of the beast right now. I guess we can all sit thru a 30th place finish but remind ourselves how fiscally responsible our GM/owners are. Three cheers for being fiscally responsible! Hip, hip horray!
By MB
July 1, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear that FrankenBobby is going back to the Devils. A little surprised they’re paying him $2.5, but good for him. That’s a nice way for him to go into retirement.
By Mike Knobler
July 1, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Redden is gone, too.
By Waffleboy
July 1, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Rangers sign Redden
By Thrasher_Ed
July 1, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Ok, so let’s move to the trade market! Tampa can’t afford Dan Boyle, let’s trade for him. PP quarterback, good defensively! All that is really left is Streit, Hainsey, and Orpik.
By Waffleboy
July 1, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Bob-Chicago is much better off and a contender in the East now Chicago’s in the West, dude.
By David
July 1, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I’m sad nothing has been done today, BUT i’m not sad to miss out on campbell for that price. Again, I have to say..well done DW on that front at least. No reason throwing away money
By rimbaud
July 1, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Redden to Rangers. The list of d-men is getting much shorter. Do you think Mark Streit would like Atlanta? Nah, not a Swiss guy.
By John 43
July 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
I heard Waddell had a line on this guy who just made URFA his name is Zhitnik and he played for a sorry team last year that benched him and then started losing every game. Don thinks he can sign him to a 10 year 50 million dollar contract
By David
July 1, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Orpik could actually be a great pick up
By j nes
July 1, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
I think it sucks we couldn’t land campbell, redden, or rozsival—but I do take some relief in knowing that DW got used by those players to drive up thier prices. I hope he feels as miserable as the rest of us do.
By Bob
July 1, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I know Chicago’s in the West, I’m sitting here crying so hard my fingers slipped on the keyboard.
So now Redden is gone? Rolston is gone? goodness.
Get ready for Streit, fellas. Waddell is the only moron that’ll sign him to $5m per year, Steit is awful, just plain awful in his zone, should fit in great here!
By Bob
July 1, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
*Again, I have to say..well done DW on that front at least. No reason throwing away money *
See, this is one of the reasons why Waddell still has a job, you have got to be kidding me with this nonsense?!?
First off, Waddell offered him more money than Chicago, Skippy. Second, Anderson’s offense needs puck moving dmen that can join the flow, Campbell fits that to a T and $7.1m is perfect value for him, Redden got $6.5m for goodness sakes, Campbell is a bargain at $7.1m
Watch, we’ll get stuck with Streit and Waddell will claim that’s the guy he targeted all along. Streit will make you guys pine for Yannick Tremblay when you see him try to play defense in his zone.
By Mistress Jane
July 1, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
You know if DW was the GM in Detroit, Montreal, etc..he would have been canned years ago. However, he has always been GM for southern expansion teams(San Diego, Orlando, Atlanta) and they are just so excited to have a new team and they hire this guy who’s selling point is the budget. Too bad that’s all the Spirit boys care about.He doesn’t know talent, can’t draft, can’t trade..etc..when is this guy gonna get exposed!
By MB
July 1, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Well Bob, the good news is you don’t have to worry about Streit any more.
By Brian
July 1, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Stick a fork in the Thrashers, everyone else is getting better and well, we are not getting anything! I really was optimistic we would make some moves. Guess I was wrong. Waddell really wanted Campbell and went after him hard. I think he had no doubt he would sign in Atlanta
By rimbaud
July 1, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Streit signed with NYI (per TSN)-no mountains on Long Island either.
By Sharon
July 1, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Watch, we’ll get stuck with Streit and Waddell will claim that’s the guy he targeted all along.
No worries there, Streit just signed with NYI.
That dman list is getting smaller and smaller by the minute.
By Jane
July 1, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Streit to the Rangers…Uwe Krupp is still a bargain DW
By Michael Shapiro
July 1, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Twenty-two friggin’ teams make deals today (some even four deals like the Rangers), but we save our money and do NOTHING. This truly sucks the big one.
By B. Thenet
July 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
This day is slowly turning into a Thrashers trainwreck.
What on earth are we going to do with this cap space?
By Wintirwolf
July 1, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
So have many other teams stood pat with their current group of players? Does this mean that if we don’t meet the salary minimum that the NHL comes in and takes over? After todays lack of ANY impactive moves we really need something
By Hockeyfan
July 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Streit to Islanders not Rangers
By LAC
July 1, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
No season tickets or tickets period until the team is sold to a person who is committed to winning.
No season tickets or tickets period under any condition until waddell is FIRED.
This day is another prime example as to why this franchise is going down the drain really fast.
If we finish above 30th next season it would be a unbelievable and as long as asg and waddell are calling the shots we are DOOMED to failure and no commitment to winning period.
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
DW will have to throw money around like a drunken sailor on shore leave to the dregs that are left just to get us to the cap minimum. I hear the champagne being uncorked and backs being slapped for a job well done by DW in the Spirit offices tonight!
By joyaman
July 1, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Hmmmmm. Eight and one half hours have expired, and DW has squat to show for his efforts, while Redden, Campbell and even Streit are already gone. Good thing we have such deep pockets and such an adroit GM.
Tampa Bay upgrades at every postion, while nobody worth a crap wants to take a dip in the cesspool that Donny has dug out and filled in ATL. Don’t think that the assessment that Hoss and his agent made in February is lost on anyone in the league.
Wait ‘til the talent is gone, then load up your wagon with cheap retreads that define your “system.” Just don’t expect me to pay ASG another dime to see them play at Get-a-Clue-Land. -joyaman
By Bob
July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Yea, we don’t get Streit!
So, only puck moving dman left is Hainsey? He’s played on the Blue Jackets the past couple years, nothing special, but at least he’d kind of fit into Anderson’s scheme.
Our top line would still be Enstrom-Havelid and Hainsey would be a #3 guy. Actually, whoever is left will not be a top guy for us, we are so screwed as we needed a true #1 guy. Ah well, Bogosian should be ready for that role in a few years.
Who’s the consensus #1 next year, is it Tavares? Time to talk about him yet?
Nice job, Donnie!
By zeke
July 1, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
so as it currently stands the thrashers are below the minimum salary cap. Which means DW is forced to eventually sign a player or two and given his sterling personal record, at least we know that player(s) will be good…. oh wait, all the good players are already signed. Next year is going to be fun
By Wintirwolf
July 1, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Even the Stanley Cup Champions jumped in the water to shore up a need by signing Ty Conklin for tending goal for the Red Wings. So what excuse do the Thrashers have for the impotent showing today. UNLESS they are just transferring all the remaining Thrashers players from the Wolves up to the parent club and filling out the roster that way.
By T-Bone
July 1, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Anybody wonder why they scheduled the select-a-seat event last Sunday and not say next Sunday? Those Spirit boys may be cheap but they’re not completely dumb.
By brian gura
July 1, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
look at it this way… our goaltending is subpar with kari… who has continuly been listed in the scouting reports as needing to take the next step, hasnt done so and only shows breif brillance. we have no room for pavelec after signing moose. our defence is well, non existant, and our offense is powered by a single man, and when he doesnt score we lose, big suprise. but im still greatful to have the thrashers in atlanta, even if ASG drives them into the ground or waddell doesnt do his job. at the end of the day, theres still hockey in atlanta..
still theres not much to be excited about, but hockey by itself is still exciting
By Sharon
July 1, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Michael Shapiro - Atlanta is the only team that sat completely idle today (so far, at least).
Anaheim, Montreal and St. Louis didn’t sign any UFA’s yet either, but they did resign or make matching offers to their own players.
How sad for Thrashers fans.
By ranallo10
July 1, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Streit is now the top scorer from the 07/08 season on the Islanders roster, with 62 points. Comrie led the Islanders with 49 through the season.
At $4.1M annually and with no stay-at-home defenseman, I’m fine without Streit. But yeah, he’s no slouch defensively despite what God wants you to believe…the Islanders’ contract supports that point.
I guess the Islanders didn’t watch nearly as many Montreal games this past season as Bob did.
By MB
July 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.
By KLS1
July 1, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Can’t we just give Hossa $10M a year…at least he made the games worth watching.
By Mike Knobler
July 1, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
So, folks is it Orpik, Hainsey or bust?
By R. Stroz
July 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Waddell Speak
Big Splash = Nothing