Thrashers

By Mike Knobler

July 3, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

The Kamloops Daily News reports that Kamloops native Mark Recchi told them Tuesday night he was close to signing a contract with an NHL team. I can’t find a link, but here is the key content:

“Recchi, who turned 40 on Feb. 1, split last season between the Pittsburgh Penguins, who waived him after 19 games, and the Atlanta Thrashers, totaling 48 points in 72 games. With Atlanta, he had 40 points, including 12 goals, in 53 games.

“Recchi earned $1.75 million last season, down from $2.28 million in each of the two previous seasons. Asked if there was any chance he would return to Atlanta, Recchi replied: ‘Uhhh … no.’ “

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

As an aside, the link code you used is broken. This should help.

I’m optimistic that we can make some sort of deal, though. Ottawa needs cap space, and we need immediate help. My concern is: At what cost?

By russian

July 3, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Intresting news!? What Ottawa will ask for those two Players???

By Sara

July 3, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Wow, you know you’re headed in the right direction when even the almost-washed-up-has-beens are turning your club down. Ouch.

I went on a rant the other day about poaching RFAs which IIRC Brendan tried to talk me out of. He made valid points - you don’t want to give away a bunch of future draft picks for a quick fix now that might not even end up being a fix. At the same time, Don is under a LOT of pressure to make something happen (especially after the initial bust of free agency). While to those of us more knowledgable fans, poaching RFAs seems like a questionable idea, to a more casual observer, landing some high-profile young stud may make the difference between ST and no ST.

There are some intriguing players available at the moment (Bouwmeester for one). BUT, even with RFA, the player has to actually ACCEPT the offer to put it in play. While a young player confident his team really wants to keep him may accept our offer in order to force his club to pay him more than they originally planned, a player with a team more on the fence might not want to press their luck. If I were Vermette, I’d probably rather take my chances negotiating with Ottawa than risk having to come to Atlanta (cause you just know all the wonderful things Heater’s had to say about us).

At this point, I’m just praying this court case gets settled and we get sold to someone who gives a crap, is financially solvent, and can come in, clean house, and start all over. I don’t think even Karl Rove could put a positive spin on this bunch down here.

By B. Thenet

July 3, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

If we end up signing a RFA and giving away a 1st rounder, I will go off like a NASCAR Dave or Sage of Blueland around here.

However, there should be some values out there via RFA. Especially if we poach teams in cap hell right now.

I think there is enough out there for Don Waddell to not have to go the RFA route…yet. If we miss out on some of the remaining UFA’s that can help us out, Waddell might not have a choice.

By Bri

July 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/

The link to a blog about Rex leaving. I am sad to see him go, but if he goes to the Flyers my husband will pee his pants.

By GaVaHokie

July 3, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

We’d probably be looking at a $3 million offer to a free agent (2nd round draft pick compensation)… the one’s I see to fit that bill would be Filppula, Vermette and Bouchard. I’d expect their teams to match that.

I think Demitra (C/RW) or a trade is the best avenue for a Center.

By Mike Knobler

July 3, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Alan. I have fixed my original link.

Thanks, Bri. That’s the full story.

By Bri

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/2008/07/recchi-on-verge-of-finding-new-home.html

the specific part of the blog. Sorry.

By Bob

July 3, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Asked if there was any chance he would return to Atlanta, Recchi replied: “Uhhh … no.” A deal could have been done, he added, but “I’m a little bit picky at this point, too.” “At some point,” Recchi continued, “there would probably be more teams but I don’t want to be on a bad team again. I know what my role is now and I want to be on a good team that has a chance. I want to help out leadership-wise.”

Is this some kind of a bad joke? Uh, no?!?! Recchi won’t even sign here? He was talking last year about how he loved it here and appreciated the chance. What in the H E double hockey sticks is going on around here? Have we entered some kind of alternate universe? Even I didn’t think it was this bad, what the heck?

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Awesome, Mike!

As much as I liked Recchi, if he really wants to go, then show him the door. He was a stand up guy while he was here, but he’s also 40. We should strive to go younger here. Furthermore, I honestly can’t see him getting the same TOI or being on the first or second line anywhere else like he was here.

By Bri

July 3, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

I read somewhere that Rex and McCrimmon were buddies, maybe that has something to do with it?

By Russ

July 3, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Rather than an offer sheet, trade Pavelec and a second round pick for Vermette and Meszaros. Then get them both signed long term. Ottawa doesn’t look real good on this deal, but they could use a good young goalie and it’s better than losing them to an offer sheet or having to match and be in salary cap hell the next few years. If the Thrashers could pull off a deal like this they might be pushing for top 10 in the Eastern Conference.

By Ryan

July 3, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Kovy’s bags have been packed since Hossa made it to the finals. All other Thrashers players don’t want to be here. Look for this team to move to Oklahoma City with the B-Ballers.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Congratulations, Ryan, for the “Baseless Speculative Post of the Day” award!

By Jim

July 3, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Someone help me understand not signing anyone! Sorry, 1 d-man. How, looking at this roster can you sign not a single forward? I am really curious to see someone but a spin on this that makes any sense. The NHL has a floor that all teams have to spend and we are 15mill under! I am really confused.

By Bob

July 3, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I think the first two sentences of Ryan’s post is a lot closer to reality than you think, Alan.

The last sentence just plain ain’t gonna happen, but don’t think it just didn’t kill Kovy to sit there and watch what Hoss has done in the past few months (almost got the Cup and now got himself on the Wings).

Crap, if Campbell, Rolston, Recchi, and who knows who all else don’t want to be here, what makes you think Kovy will want to stay?

By Bob

July 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Someone help me understand not signing anyone!

They tried. They had a plan, like they said they did, the problem is they left the wrong guy in charge of executing it. They tried to sign Campbell, they tried to sign Rolston. The owners bucked up for the two top guys we could use, but both thumbed their noses at us. Then they went to Plan B, C, and wound up with Hainsey at Plan D on defense. Now they’re onto Plan E, F, and who knows what trying to get a forward to sign here. I have hopes for Morrison, that will help a little.

I am really curious to see someone but a spin on this that makes any sense.

Oh, you just wait, Waddell will be doing his waltz as usual pretty soon and the clueless ones will lap it up.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Bob - Until we see what kind of season we have, his whole post is baseless speculation at this point.

By jeff

July 3, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Wow. As much as I love this sport I am scared to see what this year is going to turn out like

By Corey

July 3, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

I can’t even imagine this team without Kovy… that sounds scary…

By Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come!

July 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Hokie

You can’t offer more than $2.6 million to keep the compensation for a RFA to a second-round pick. Anything above that up to $3.9 million means you sacrifice a first rounder and a third rounder.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

I dunno Alan, if I’m #17, I’m pretty sure I’m looking up the road at saaaay Montreal-they play an O-ffensive game, they know what it is to win…and they’ve gotten over their Europhobia. It’s got to look pretty attractive when compared to a team where even shot-out veterans are like:

“there would probably be more teams but I don’t want to be on a bad team again”

Especially when THAT was your best opposite winger last season’s opinion.

By Ryan

July 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I guess you have not been watching the Thrash over the years Alan. But I will gladly accept this award for all of those ticked off season ticket holders. It is safe to say that the “Until we see what kind of season we have first” is getting old. You could or ,more importantly, should know exactly how the season is going to go.
Were you at the All-Star game? The GM of this team got a very loud BOO. When that is going on and nothing is being done about it only a mater time before this team ships off to some other city.

By Ryan

July 3, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Also Alan, sarcasm is not understood by many people.

I like pancakes!

By Mike Knobler

July 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Guys, we’ll have a story posted sometime today updating the Nikulin situation. His agent is optimistic Ilya will be playing in Atlanta this season.

Also, I had the opportunity to speak with Ron Hainsey for awhile today by phone. I’m saving it for a time when I can do a feature on him, but I will share a little of what he said.

He just got married in his home state of Connecticut on June 21 to a woman named Hayley, so it’s safe to say this has been one heck of a good two-week stretch for him. He is excited about being able to play for John Anderson, whose system he saw firsthand when Anderson was a minor league coach and Hainsey was with Hamilton in the Canadiens’ system.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

WRT acquiring RFAs, is an option per the CBA for the owning team to negotiate a sign and trade with the RFA? We just can’t be sending away any significant draft picks.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

FYI - RFA Compensation per TSN

Salary Range Compensation

Below $863,156 No Compensation

$863,156-$1,307,812 Third-round pick

$1,307,812-$2,615,625 Second-round pick

$2,615,625-$3,923,437 First- and third-round picks

$3,923,437-$5,231,249 First-, second and third-round picks

$5,231,249-$6,539,062 Two first-rounders, a second-round pick and a third-round pick.

$6,539,062 or more Four first-round picks

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241735

By Wheatfield Blade

July 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I hate to enlighten you but we saw a listing of contracts offered and Atlanta never offered anything to Recchi, so he never turned you guys down.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Ok, if Don Waddell were to pull off a trade for Dan Boyle today, how many folks would like the deal? Of course depends on what we give up, but if you could add Dan Boyle would Thrashers fans be happy?

By Alan

July 3, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Ryan - I’ve been watching since day one, thanks for asking.

You also seem to have me pegged as a fan of Waddell, based on your bringing him up. Failure on your part. You know what they say about assumptions, right? It seems to be one thing you are strikingly good at today thus far.

Lastly, at this point, we have no idea how this season is going to go. You can assume (there’s that word again!) that we will be in the dumps, but we won’t know that until after the season starts.

Tony - I call what Recchi said “b******,” simply put. He’s right, we stunk this past season. But he also seems to think he is in a position to call the shots. Waiver-boy seems to have forgotten what landed him here in the first place. Atlanta took a chance on him, and he had a good year here. A fine year, playing as Kovalchuk’s wing. And I’m betting he thinks he can improve upon his numbers with another franchise?

We’ll see.

As far as Kovalchuk is concerned, it is too early to tell whether he is looking to leave or not. He wants the team to improve, because he’s here for at least another year and a half (as he can easily get dumped at Trade Deadline 2010, if it really comes down to it). He wants to win. And since he’s here, he wants this team to win. This is how it is, and how it will be until he is either traded or re-signed.

But my point stands: It’s too early to tell, so all the baseless speculation is just that.

By Fred

July 3, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

My partial season ticket package will not be renewed. I’d be ashamed to wear my Hossa jersey to games this year and won’t spring another $100+ for one. The team has given me NOTHING to get excited about.

I’ve lived my whole life in Atlanta and I don’t think I’ve ever seen things so bad across the board.

A horrible hockey team has added a rookie blue liner and one that is a minus whatever lower lever free agent while losing several frontliners. When the biggest thumbs up in the off season is “Thrashers re-sign Moose” - I’m not impressed.

The horrible basketball team (save 3 playoff games) is hoping to be able to put the same group out there again this year. WHAT??? Success for a 37-45 team is to have the same top 6 players on the team with the same cement head coaching them? Again, I’m not impressed.

The Falcons are being picked to be 1-15. Hardly reason for optimism, but I will note that when I’m in Vegas in a few weeks, if the over/under for Falcons wins is 1.5, I’ll take the over.

The Braves are beat up for sure, but they have not done anything for 3 years and their 2 best hitters are either always hurt (Chipper) or doing their thing till they become a FA (Teixeira). Again, wake me up when it’s all over.

I guess since I’m not a Bulldogs fan, I’m just $OL for a few more years!

By russian

July 3, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

to Mike Wow…. This is a Great news for Thrasher and Fans. I hope Nikulin will come here. Kovalchuk and Nikulin (both Ilia)are good friends. They played together in Kazan. Hope it is happend.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

That is great to hear about Nikulin, Mike! Can he bring a RW lol?

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

and how exactly do you see a listing of contracts offered? Seriously, I’d love to see that.

I think most of us weren’t wanting Recchi back, so for him to say “uhhhh, no” makes him look bad. I’ve never liked him anyways and don’t think he’s the right veteran guy leading the group of Wolves we’re throwing to the Wolves next year

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed - no thanks to Boyle

By Thrasher_Ed

July 3, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Wheatfield Blade, Since you have access?? Who did we offer a contract too, HMMMMMM?

By kracker

July 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

EK: The Wild have signed Miettinen to a 3year/7 Million deal.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

His agent is optimistic Ilya will be playing in Atlanta this season.

WOO-Freakin-HOO! That’s the best news I’ve heard all day! I really hope they can make it happen, and that we can finally see Nikulin here this season!

By B. Thenet

July 3, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

2 Ilya’s are better than 1

I would be very excited if Nikulin comes over. He certainly isn’t someone I would expect the average fan to get that excited about right now, but wait til you see him on the ice. He is a major upgrade, probably would be the best overall defenseman on the team at the end of the year.

By Sara

July 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I guarantee Recchi’s leaving has something to do with McCrimmon. Because before all of that went down, Recchi was all about wanting to play one more year here and help this young group develop, blah blah blah. But now suddenly, when his recommendation for coach doesn’t get the job, he’s outta here?? Umkay.

As for Nikulin - YAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, Don should just forget any other FA D signings at this point. I know some of you will think I’m nuts but why sign on someone else before we see exactly what we have (will have) in Enstrom, Nikulin, Valabik, Bogosian, Kulda, possibly Oystrick. That’s 6 younguns RIGHT THERE with Hainsey #7. Folks, brace yourselves, but in a couple of years, I think we might have D overload. Wouldn’t that be something new and different.

In light of that real possibility, Don might want to take a swipe at Vermette for now, or a young center (who’s left unprotected at the moment??). Focus on getting scoring up (without compromising any more of it by trading away the Little’s of the world).

Well, that made me a little more optimistic than I was yesterday. I might not have to slit my wrists after all.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Mike’s Nikulin story:

Nikulin close to signing with Thrashers

By Jim

July 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Why has it taken 8 years to get Nikulin to come to the states?

By Ryan

July 3, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Come on now Alan, speculation is fun and it keeps me mind workin’. You are right about assumptions. I think they are fun too. But you’ve never made an assumption in your life so I’m wrong.

It will be hard to compete in the SE Division with these shenannigans going on.

Bacon is good!

By Sara

July 3, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Jim my understanding is that a lot of the sticking point in the past is that Nikulin made a lot more money in Russia than he could make here in the US where he’s bound by taxes and rookie salary caps.

If the only thing standing in the way of Nikulin signing on the dotted line is a guaranteed slot on the team, I will personally string Waddell up and force him to watch the first three seasons of Thrasher hockey 24/7 until he cracks (yes I know - so cruel and unusual - although I could make him watch our playoff attempt - that was even more depressing). This guy has GOT to be better than Klee AND X and probably Valabik and Hainsey and even Bogosian (at least for the time being - Nikulin’s got better experience - honestly don’t know if he has better raw talent). There is NO EXCUSE for this particular deal to get done. Our D is solidified for at least next season if not years to come by this deal.

To quote NascarDave GIT ER DONE

OK, suddenly I feel the need to shower.

By JLH

July 3, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Sara - Even though we are jumping the gun, I’m right there with you about the defense. Does this mean that Waddell’s draft score might have risen to “okay” from “crap”. Enstrom, Bogosian, Valabik, Kulda, Nikulin, Coburn… not a bad group. (I know, I know - only 2 off that list are even starters in the NHL; we don’t really know what the others might do) Boyle would be tempting, but not in lieu of a RW and C for Kovy….. What the heck, we’ve got enough cap space for all of em!

By Darren

July 3, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

This just in. The New York Rangers have not only signed Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Dmitri Kalinin and Markus Naslund, but in addition, they’ve managed to sign Mats Sundin, Joe Sakic, Jaromir Jagr, Pavol Demitra, Peter Forsberg, Brendan Shanahan, Rob Blake, Sergei Federov, Brendan Morrison and Bryan Smolinski.

Not only that, but they’ve signed Tobias Enstrom and Ilya Kovalchuk a few years ahead of time, just to make sure they haven’t signed enough people.

Seriously though, I didn’t think it was possible for me to hate the New York Rangers more.

I was wrong.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Oh, come now, Ryan. Everyone makes assumptions. I just tend to more carefully evaluate the situation instead of going off the deep end like a crazed maniac who thinks the sky is falling.

But you’re right about one thing: Bacon is good.

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Sweet, I would welcome Ilya # 2 to the Thrashers and I hope he makes the team.

I love his size at 6’3” and I reckon the pay will be very reasonable for a 26 y/o with World Cup experience on a very good Russian team. He’s not flashy or spectacular but if he is truly a reliable stay at home D-man who can block shots and take the body smartly and consistently, then we will be very pleased with the outcome. Just think, we’re going to have 6 D-men under the age of 27 if he signs! Go figure.

Now Don needs to get a deal done for a RW and / or Antoine Vermette. I’d gladly part with a 1st and 3rd rounder for a solid 3rd line C like AV. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic if we ink Demitra to a 3 yr deal to give Kovy a RW and solidify our checking line with Vermette??

By Brendan

July 3, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Mike, great potential news on Nikulin. Maybe it won’t be a “wasted” draft pick after all? It sure would have been nicer to have him in the lineup back in 2003, however. Bygones.

Kracker, thank you for the link. Interesting figures, no? Russ, question for ya. When DW traded for Keith Tkachuk at the 2007 trade deadline, he gave up two 1st round picks (2007 & 2008), a second round pick (2008), and a third round pick (2007). Was Keith Tkachuk’s salary $5,231,249 in 2007? I think Tkachuk re-signed with the Blues in 2007 for 2-years, $4 million. Atlanta got the 2008 “conditional” first round pick back when it didn’t re-sign Tkachuk. So, in essence, it was a “rental” for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. My question is … wouldn’t it have been better for Waddell to “poach” an RFA back in July 2007 than it was to “rent” Tkachuk from “late” February through April? Russ, you’re very good at analyzing all the data. I’d like to get your opinion on that. I honestly don’t remember Tkachuk’s 2007 salary. But I bet you do. You’re on top of things like that. Please post it, if you can recall it.

Sara, I don’t think you’re the slightest bit “nuts.” The team does need to evaluate what it’s got on its blueline right now. Besides, I really don’t think this team is trying to make a playoff dash this year. I think we’re really, truly “rebuilding” right now. And with that in mind, it’s not really the time to go on some SPENDING SPREE. With regards to RFA’s, the DRAFT PICKS are Atlanta’s ticket out of this mess. They must use lottery draft picks and high 2nd and 3rd round picks to rebuild.

Stop. If we go TRADING for RFA players who didn’t choose our market, we’ll wind up with Hossas and Zhitniks and Vishnevskis. They all want out, because they never chose to come here. Plus, any RFA we trade for, still has to be signed. There could be a long “hold out” situation. Or the player could opt not to play in the NHL until they hit UFA status. Or, RFA player could demand a trade. Now, in the case of an RFA offersheet, that’s different. If the player signs it, it’s binding. He’s agreed to play in Atlanta, assuming the rights holding team doesn’t match the offer. It’s a game of chicken for a player who doesn’t really want to come here; he just wants his current team to pay him what Atlanta is willing to pay him.

Really, truly … I think Atlanta will only get out of this mess by using its future draft picks to get better. With Waddell in charge, Tier I UFA’s won’t come. We’ve seen that. Oh, we might find someone just willing to play just for money. But we’ll get a “demoralized” effort out of said player. The key is longterm building with Bogosian, Valabik, Enstrom, now Hainsey, and the remaining years of Havelid and Exelby. Maybe even Nikulin. Who knows?

By Tim

July 3, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

The good thing about Nikulin taking his time to come over here is that he will come with a bagage of experience. He would be a rookie but at the same time, not really one. We all know that defenceman take longer to develop, well that part is behind him now and all he need is just to fine tune to adjust to the NHL and he would be one heck of a player to have. Plus hes a buddy to Kovy right? incentive for Kovy to resign with us??? :D

I think we should all thank to Ilya to convince Ilya if he really come as per the report. There is no doubt that winning the gold medal in last world championship (playing against NHL players) might have been enough to convince him to come over here.

By Hockey Biltong

July 3, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I think Boyle would be good for the Thrash. Bring on Nikulin and poach for a center and winger. Perhaps we could interupt Mats’ ‘Aquavit’ binge to get him to play here if we all smuggled some of it back to Atlanta…

By MB

July 3, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Brendan, just out of curiousity, how would you handle our current situation of being well below the cap floor?

By Sage of Bluesland

July 3, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Best news I’ve heard ALL week (on Nikulin)…The bumbler did good on that, if it comes to pass!

By scottbravesfan

July 3, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

You know the team is crap when you offer players more money and they say no, no, no and sign for less somewhere else.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

I’m still ordering the Safety Orange T-shirts…

By Marty

July 3, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Craig Custance reported that ASG/Waddell didn’t offer more money to Campbell. I’m starting to think Tier 1 players don’t avoid the Thrashers the way everyone here says they do. Hossa was intent on playing in Detroit, Campbell had a higher offer from the Blackhawks. Rolston had offers from 10 teams so it wasn’t like he was just avoiding Atlanta.

By Waffleboy

July 3, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

If Nikulin does sign, he’s a far better deal than blowing six mil a year at Campbell. How did this guy get that kind of money. Who would put him as one of the top 5 d-men in the league? Me, I take Phaneuf, Chara, Lidstrom, Pronger and Niedermayer just to start before I’m giving that kind of money to Campbell. Nikulin could be this year’s Enstrom. A guy who matured overseas before bringing his “A” game across the Atlantic. Now we did to relieve some teams of their bloated cap space and get Ilya Kovalchuk the center he deserves.

By Buzzard

July 3, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I have been traveling a lot and have just caught up with the latest in feeling “Blue”land. As long as Waddell is GM, it really does not matter who we sign. Donny is the problem folks, he is the common thread of poor performance.

Anderson could be a good coach. Too bad we did not sign the Wolves GM along with him, maybe we would have a legit Thrasher System evolve in a year or two.

We know what the Waddell System is - sign the occassional decent player, waste draft picks, trade good players, bring up and down perenial AHL’ers - and then keep saying “we’re a young team”. That is so much B.S.. The ASG has no gonads.

This will remain one of the most frustrating franchises until we get a capable GM. Sorry.

By LAC

July 3, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Good news on Nikulin, now if we could get Vermette & Mazaros WOW !!!!

We have SOME trade bait like todd white or jim slater or ken klee and of course brad larsen. Who else, Exelby ???????

We need more scoring folks, the defense from the three mentioned players, draft pick, UFA and Russian make us better.

But we still need more scoring.

VERY disappointing we did not get in the trades this week… really need to move white & slater for something ASAP !

By Jpuck

July 3, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Look at the 5 mil San Jose paid Blake for one year - Hainsey looks much better and we have him for multiple years. I wonder if this takes them out of the running for Boyle that would put them at almost 12 mil for both of these guys for next year.

By Sean

July 3, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t so much worried about players rejecting the ATL as I was about:

1) The lack of activity especially a backup plan on the blue line

2) the total inactivity

Don the wad has finally made a move, but it’s just one move. I am waiting to see if any of the possible remaining UFA signings or RFA offers or trades or the bringing over of Nikulin materialize. If none of that happens, I will be right back here b*** about DW and the ASG. If we make some moves, I will wait and see how the roster comes together. I do feel good about the release of Zhitty and Holik and the Anderson hiring overall, but let’s give the man a team to work with. Remember, the first 7 games last year couldn’t just be pinned on Hartley. I think we have some good pieces, but we sure as hell ain’t THERE. Please, no more re-treads just to spend $! I know any team needs vets, but please no more guys who are my age! I am really hoping that the ASG really has some $ to spend and that DW can pull something off here. I hope like hell that next year I am apologizing for all the bad things I said this past year and demanding props for old DW! I b*** a lot, but I love the Thrashers just like I loved the Flames and the Knights. C’mon DW…let’s get there. Can we drop the I believe in Blueland BS though? Let’s just do our talking on the ice!

By Thrashy Thrashy

July 3, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

If Waddell signs Nikulin, I think he’s done adding to the defense.

This team needs some forwards that can score some. Vermette would seem to fit that bill.

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea:

Make a trade with Philly (not for Coburn!) for Mike Knuble to play RW with Kovalchuk. The Flyers are $4 M over the cap right now and Knuble is a UFA in ‘09/10 who currently makes $2.9 per year. Since he’s only under contract for one year, it might be worth taking on the risk that comes with an aging veteran like Knuble.

DWad could unload Sterling and some conditional draft picks (a # 1 in 2010, if Knuble reaches certain performance goals, along with a 2nd rounder in 2009) in return for Knuble and Sami Kapanen (more RW help) who makes $1.25 M per to make the numbers work.

Philly gets a solid prospect (again) to develop in the AHL and a couple picks (and cap relief) in return for two UFA’s to be, which we could always sell at the trade deadline if we are out of the playoff race (likely scenario anyway).

It’s temp help for Kovy and sures up our 3rd line (just think Stuart or LaVallee with Perrin and Sami…scrappy & quick!) and gives us a legit 2nd scoring option on the 1st line. With a space eater like Knuble drawing attention away from Kovy, Little will have room to maneuver behind the net and in corners to center passes for MK and one timers to IK.

This also gets us very close to the salary floor and sets us up to really make a mark in FA next year while the scenario of a futility-driven chance to win the Tavares sweepstakes is still very much in play.

What do y’all think about having Knuble in the fold for 1 year to complement Kovy and accelerate the development of B Little? I’d say it’s certainly worth considering.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Can we drop the I believe in Blueland BS though? Let’s just do our talking on the ice!

Amen.

Although I’m not against “Blueland”… It is a good name for ThrasherNation (once/if it develops), but the “let’s do our talking on the ice” is a much better ideal for the boys to aspire to.

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Post Script — if we were to make the trade outlined above, our lines would look something like this:

Kovy — Little — Knuble

Slava — EC — Army (Perrin)

Stuart / LaVallee — Perrin (White) — Kappy (Army)

Boults / Lars — White — Slater

Assumng Knuble can pot 20-25 goals and Little can rack up 50-60 pts, this team might actually make a run at the 8 seed.

I like the way the D is shaping up with Ilya N more likely to join the show:

Nic & Toby // Hainsey & Nikulin // Klee & XLB (Bogo as the spare D man)

Anyone still reading this blog tonite?! lol

By Tim

July 3, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Smoothie, not a bad idea but it really depends on the price to pay. Klee or Exelbu stright up for Knuble, I wont say no. But if you involve picks or someone younger (Sterling), then its a defenitive no in my book. This is just a temps solution hoping that next season UFA for center and wing will be deeper (stragely Hossa is UFA next season again).

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

That’s why I suggested the trade Tim. Because we can take on salary that Philly will need to dump. They’re more likely to dump a guy who’s 35 than a younger guy like Lupul or Coburn of course. I’m fine with trading Klee or XLB, but Philly can’t take them on…they’re already over the cap by 4 mill. While I certainly think we need to continue to build through the draft, it is no secret that that is a 4-5 yr process. Fans of this team are not going to wait patiently while DWad embarks on another 5 yr plan!

By Sara

July 3, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

I’m seeing a lot of “trade Sterling” comments and I think those are very premature. The kid has skills…whether those skills will really work in the NHL remains to be seen but in all fairness the kid’s never really been given the chance. With Anderson coming on board, Sterling will finally get an opportunity to really play in the bigs. If Anderson’s system translates to the NHL the way it plays out in the AHL, Sterling will likely prove to be a valuable asset.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Knuble?

Why don’t we just re-sign Rucchin. At least you know he ain’t gonna lace ‘em up.

Knube will give us 15 games of the funk. Then his back/hip/coxix will break or his acl/mcl/wrist tendon will tear…. and we traded away the kid who’s our best (signed) option to fill the gap.

By Brendan

July 4, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

MB, how close are the Thrashers to the floor? I’ve seen varying accounts for this.

If totally stuck, there is a (right or wrong) perception that some Russian players tend to play just for the money. If un-signed in August, see what Federov wants. It’s no longterm solution, but throwing blind money at him for a 1-year deal could bridge the gap to the floor of the cap. You can always “rent” him at the trade deadline for some pick or other. When the season is over, don’t re-sign him. Kari Lehtonen is unsigned. If he’s still unsigned in September, throwing a little extra moolah his way could also help bridge the gap to the $40.7 million floor.

I absolutely love Dan Boyle. Tampa Bay might not have won that Cup in 2004 without him. (2G, 10A, for 10-points, while logging 21:27 in average TOI in the 2004 playoffs.) In 2006-07, Boyle put up career-best numbers. In 2007, Boyle scored 20G, 43A, for 63-points, including 10 PPG’s, while logging 27:03 in TOI. Woah! In the 2007 playoffs, Boyle logged 28:03 (!) versus New Jersey. I think his deal is 6-years/$40 million (6.667 cap hit). He is a Tier I defenseman. Trouble is, he’ll be 32 on July 12th. And this deal pays him until he’s roughly 38. There’s no way Tampa would trade him to Atlanta. So, it’d have to be some 3-way deal. And I don’t know how to make that work without giving up something “good” in the return to the non-Tampa team. As I’ve said, our draft picks are the way out of this mess. I don’t want to give up any draft picks or core nucleus players in the years while we’re still rebuilding. We need John Tavares. Or some other high-end draft pick, in 2009. And there it is. “Quick-fix” solutions are what got us into this quagmire. I’m sorry to say that it’ll take a slow, steady build to get this team back on track. But there it is, with no “sugar-coating.”

By J (Z)

July 4, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Hey thats not a bad idea! Lets go resign Rucchin and maybe a veteren presence…ummm Eric Lindros. We’ve gotta get to the cap floor somehow!!!! :P

By MB

July 4, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

In all honesty, Brendan, I was counting on you to know how close we are to the floor. But I guess if Donnie said we were around $33+/- (and I believe he factored in re-signings, such as Kari), and Hainsey is at $4.5, that leaves us around $3-4 to get there, right?

Right now I’m torn about what to do…though I couldn’t agree more that we need to hold onto our draft picks. The harsh reality is that in all likelihood we will struggle again this season.

There are still a few FAs out there that are at least moderately desireable, each with his own baggage (which is partly why they’re still available). I don’t mind the idea of bringing in a more veteran player for a year or two to help show the young guys the ropes (along the lines of your Federov idea, which could be a good one for the two Ilyas).

I also don’t mind the idea of bringing in a “not ready for prime time” player, such as a Jason Williams, who’s not a first liner, but increases the competition on the other lines…because I’d rather not see, for instance, Slater and Larsen skating regularly with the Thrashers in two years (unless something changes dramatically).

Option 3, I guess, is that we go into the season under the cap floor, which means the young guys would certainly get their chances to hang with the big club and, possibly/hopefully, would be seen as a big failure for DW and enough to relieve him of his duties. Again, it would lead to a tough, tough season…but it would give Anderson plenty of time to assess the talent and leave us with plenty of $$$ to address specific needs this time next year.

By Sam

July 4, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I agree with Brendan completely about Boyle. What a great pickup he would be, BUT what would the Thrashers have to give up?? Boyle should be completely healed up and rested after last year’s wasted year trying to come back too early. Never a great defensive player but not many better in the whole league on the PP and that first pass out of the zone. We’ll see. The Thrashers sure have the money for him.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Sam and others - If we pick up Boyle, I just want to know who we have to ship out. We’ve got defenders coming out of our a* at the moment. Bogosian has most likely leveled past the OHL (sending him back will stunt his development), Valabik looks poised to make a run for a roster spot this year in camp. Oystrick may very well nail a spot, too. Then we have the Dynamic Duo. Not to mention our newest acquisition of Hainsey. That leaves Klee, Exelby, and McCarthy. As it stands, two of ‘em are going to get cut. So if we get Boyle… where does Klee, Ex, and McCarthy go?

Yeah, this is worst-case scenario. I’m not counting on Valabik or Oystrick to make the team, but those kids may very well surprise us in camp. Bogosian will be running hard for a roster spot, too.

And I didn’t even address the situation if we manage to add Nikulin to the fold.

By Thrasher_Ed

July 4, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Alan, Steve McCarthy is gone!. He is a UFA that is on the market now. So is Mark Popovic!

By JLH

July 4, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Thrashers are $8.5 below the floor. This currently does not include Kari.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=ATL

I’m backtracking on Boyle. He was -29 in 37 games last year?!?! Holy Zhitnik! We don’t need that kind of player in front of Kari.

By Sam

July 4, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Alan, who cares about some of these d/men you mention? Are they Stanley Cup material? Have they been there, done that? Are they potential All-Stars? The goal of the club is to make the playoffs and hopefully, by some miracle, go deep, not watch more rebuilding and potential projects. Atlanta fans are tired of that. Boyle can do most everything as he has proven in the past. I’m stunned the Bolts are even moving him. The big key, as we BOTH stated, is what is the loss going to be from our roster? It can’t be too bad or it wouldn’t be worth it.

By Midfield

July 4, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Why does this AJC page feature Hossa’s picture for a week now? How is he relevant to the team at present? Just curious. I for one would rather see the guy who sharpens skates for the Thrashers.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Ed - Thanks, that part slipped my mind. Hopefully they find what they’re looking for elsewhere, because our roster is going to be full. :D

Sam - Think outside the box, then get back to me. My point is we have a ton of D-men. Instead of trying to refute it, you wasted a paragraph essentially berating me for thinking about the future of those other guys. Congratulations on the irrelevancy, but now how about you try to refute my point. Or agree with it. I don’t care.

By Smoothie

July 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

To you naysayers who think Knuble’s too old or washed up (a la Ruchhin…what a dumb comparison by the way), do you realize he’s played a full season 3 of the last 4 years since the lockout and in those seasons has averaged 27 goals / yr. Are you telling me that a combo of Sterling, LaVallee and Slater are going to do that much better? I doubt that trio scores 27 goals combined!!

Y’all might want to re-think your view on Knuble…the guy is a gamer. Admittedly, he’s not a long-term solution, but where did I mention him being a LT solution?

By JLH

July 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Omsk told espn that they signed jager

By MB

July 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

And apparently Boyle is headed to San Jose.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Omsk did sign Jagr, yes.

Speaking of transactions for today, it looks like Boyle is a Shark.

Not sure how the Flyers could have been a team “in the running” for him, when they’re over the cap by a pretty hefty margin. But there you have it.

By Tim

July 4, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I wonder how this whole Boyle saga will affect the players who play for Tampa and who just recently sign a contract (and I was thinking about Malone and Lecavalier).

By HookyBob

July 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Ideally (key word) a team becomes a contender primarily by building through the draft, especially when a salary cap is in effect. Trades and FA signings are also critical components that (help fill the gaps / put the team over the top, etc and) bring home the cup. While the Wings are really strong at drafting,..you can look at recent Cup winning teams and identify all three pieces.

Building through the draft, however, presupposes two things,…1)Wise player selections; and 2)Effective player development. IMHO the Thrashers are dismal in both of those areas. (It all points back to the GM,..doesn’t it?) Interestingly,..should Nikulin play here and be a success,..you may argue our best development is overseas, where we have no influence.

Consistent with what other bloggers have opined…it may not be an overstatement to say that “it is our drafting (and development) that have put us in this mess”. It would then be unreasonable to expect it to pull us out of this mess without meaningful change in drafting and development. “No meaningful change will occur until meaningful changes are made.” (Apologies if I butchered your quote Bob)

If building with draftees is not your strong suit,..then trading and signing FAs become much more important pieces (A presupposition here is that the owners want a contender.) Our low level of activity during this FA signing is troubling.

It is not too late to sign FA or make trades to strengthen this team. I’m thinking we may have shored up our D (even if I didn’t,…there isn’t much left out there to go after). So, I like the idea of pursuing Vermette, Dimetra, or even O’Sullivan from LA. M Knuble is OK with me as he seems to have been pretty effective against us. Right now, looking at our forward lines (Rawhide gave us this an excellent exercise in this a week or so ago) kinda makes you feel sorry for an offensive minded coach.

Here’s something to chew on,…What single player (UFA, RFA, or reasonably potential trade acquisition) out there would best fit Kovy’s needs? Or, what single acquistion will most help an offensive minded coach move this team forward?

By Smoothie

July 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Good post Hooky Bob! Couldn’t agree with your more. That’s why I contend we need to re-tool through FA and potentially a trade with a cap-strapped team. We’ll still be mediocre enough to be eligible for the Tavares sweepstakes. But who knows, if you sign Demitra, trade for Vermette and Bogosian and Nikulin are the reald deal, you make the playoffs and voila, you become even more attractive to UFA’s the next year.

By Sam

July 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Never mind. So much for wishful thinking. We’ll go far with what we have and what Alan will think will bring us a Cup. Yeah, right!

By Alan

July 4, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

There’s no way we’re going on a cup run this year, Sam, but thanks for playing.

By Brendan

July 5, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

I’m starting to wonder how Jay Feaster was ever the GM who led a team to a cup. Since the lockout, he severely jumped the gun on a then league MAX contract for Brad Richards, 5-years @ $7.8 million, he let Khabibulin go, something for which they still haven’t recovered, and let depth and role players walk out the door or be traded. Depth guys like R. Fedotenko, B. Clymer, A. Roy, J. Cullimore, C. Dingman, P. Kubina, B. Lukowich, F. Modin, C. Sarich, D. Sydor, Cory Stillman, and even our own Eric Perrin. No one can blame Feaster for Andreychuck’s retirement.

Feaster kept Brad Richards, thinking that Khabibulin’s inflated $7 million-a-year contract too excessive for the then $39 million cap in 2005. He’s rued the day he let Khabulin go, and he’s even wound up moving Richards at last year’s trade deadline. And the contract he’s just given Lecavalier, 9-years/$77 million, cap hit over $8.5 million, will keep him around until he’s 38/39.

But now, he’s gone and traded the very soul of his blueline, Dan Boyle. Jay Feaster, Buddy, why’d ya just give the guy a six-year deal, if you were going to trade him?? Is the answer is really?, “So I could make this deal with San Jose!” I know. I know. The Bolts have been busy this offseason, while we’ve done something close to standing still. But nothing can bite a team faster that the costly route of re-tooling via Free Agency. Anytime a GM overhauls a roster in this fashion, it’s going to take time for the new players to gel. Time will tell how the Bolts “team chemistry” all comes together.

By Tim

July 5, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

Brendan Not to defend Feaster, he is in the same class as our beloved DW, I dont think he have control of his team now, just like the Snow/Wang relationship. If rumors are true, on draft day, there were actually GM that called Feaster about potential trade started by TB new owners. See any similarity with how Islanders are mnaged? :)

By Tim

July 5, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

Anyone read K Lowe replay to B Burke? Hillarious. Here is the link:

http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=242532

By Brendan

July 5, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

My goodness, folks. I cannot stand before you and profess Don Waddell to be some Draft Day Guru. He isn’t. But can’t it be said that Waddell’s ridiculous AARP free agent signings have done the MOST damage?? I think the correct answer is, “YES!” Don’t make me go through them all. You know who they are/were.

Patrik Stefan was the poster child for a weak draft year. I don’t blame Waddell for him. Nor do I congratulate him on “consensus” picks like Heatley and Kovalchuk. Ilya Nikulin was a high-end Second Round Pick from 2000, who has never played a minute for us. If he signs here, and plays well for us, then it wasn’t necessarily a wasted draft pick.

Is Braydon Coburn a bust? Isn’t the answer: Only while he was here. Coburn wasn’t given time to properly develop in Bob Hartley’s system. Is Valabik, necessarily, a bust? How ‘bout we give the guy a chance to actually develop? Novel concept, huh?

What about some second rounders, like Ondrej Pavelec and Chad Denny? Same deal, there. They need time to develop. Let’s give a look-see to Nathan Oystrick, Grant Lewis, Jordan LaVallee, Colin Stuart, Brett Sterling, etc. If we actually gave prospects the chance to develop, instead of signing the Uwe Krupp’s, T. Reardons, R. Smeliks, K.Klees, Y. Tremblays, D. Tjarnvists, P. Svartvadeks, T. Hrkacs, C. Tamers, H. Domenicellis, and A. Karlssons of league, lo these many years, how much better off might we be today?

Now, I hear you. What was that Alex Bourret pick all about? I couldn’t rightly tell you. Personally, I’d never move from #8 to #16 in a draft year. I could not run the risk of players #8-15 turning into major stars (Kopitar, Staal), knowing that they could have been mine. But that’s how we got Pavelec in the second round, and Denny.

As long as Waddell takes a Zach Bogosian with his lottery draft picks, in the coming years, he should be okay. (And not trade down!!) For all we know, this pick of Leveille, at #29, could be a decent-enough player. I’d have prefered Deschamps, O’Dell, or McRae at the Center position, but I’m not a scout. Or a GM. We also don’t know what might come from those latter round picks, particularly, Lasu, from Sweden.

Waddell’s “shots in the dark” have produced Exelby and Enstrom. No one could have expected that from the 8th round. Nor should they. And more is expected from a player like Jim Slater, a 1st round pick, selected 30th overall, from 2002. And yes, it can be argued that Kari Lehtonen has let this team down, given the pressure that comes from being the 2nd overall pick in a draft.

But at the same time … let’s be fair. Since 1999, no team has surrendered more goals than the Thrashers. Is this because our goaltending has been just that darned atrocious? (Rhodes, Maracle, Cassivi, Fankhouser, Hnilicka, Dafoe, Shields, Garnett, Berkhoel, Dunham, Hedberg, Lehtonen) Or, has the more likely culprit that Waddell’s coaching staffs have never come up with a defensive system better than “whack-a-mole?” (TM, Poster Sara, all rights reserved.) If you stop and think about it, you’ll realize that Patrick Roy couldn’t have saved this club. Kari Lehtonen doesn’t need “therapy” so much as he needs a quality of core defensemen and some sort of “back-checking system” in place for the forwards.

By Brendan

July 5, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Tim, je crois que t’as raison. Jay Feaster very well may be a “puppet GM,” like Garth Snow. When Davidson ran the team, Feaster and his decision seemed vastly different from what we are seeing now. Quel dommage pour lui. There were even rumors regarding Feaster being let go this offseason.

Waddell’s situation is different. Waddell won’t get fired, even if his team finishes 30th. Those high-end draft picks and low payroll help make the team even more attractive for re-sale. The part the owners don’t want … is empty seats. But, they need a P.R. campaign that suggests the team is “but a player or two away” from that playoff berth, otherwise people won’t fork over the moolah for season tickets. Luckily for these owners, there are enough Flyer fans, Bruin fans, and Ranger fans, to pack the house when these clubs come-a-callin’ to Philips Arena. Any time the Leafs, Habs or Sens come, or ANY CANADIAN TEAM, the able-bodied fans from the Great White North will invade Philips Arena. All the money’s GREEN, right? Who cares if the arena “boos” Thrasher goals, from the ownership’s perspective. Even when Carolina, Tampa and Washington come, there are enough hardcore hockey fans who just want to see Eric Staal and Brind’Amour, Vinncy Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, and Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom. There is enough corporate sponsorship, like Coca-Cola and Home Depot, to keep seats and luxury suites operating. This is, ostensibly, the plan now.

By R. Stroz