Thrashers

By sisu

January 13, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this

Mike, any news on the sweater number for the newest addition?

By Mike Knobler

January 13, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Sisu No numbers in practice. I’ll ask him afterward.

By Russian

January 13, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

That is mean lines will be:

Little - White - Slava

Kovy - Peverley - Army

Slater - Reasoner - Crabb

Boulton - Perrin - Throburn

Interesting combination. I guest Crush and Williams are ready to trade.

Who is going to play as Goalie???

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

I’m just wondering how long it will take for NASCAR Dave to start calling him Beverley?

By Sara

January 13, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

That’s kind of bunk. Crusher’s had a rough season overall but lately has been finding his groove. He hasn’t done anything to deserve getting benched. Not the way you handle a young player IMO but whatever. Perrin also doesn’t fit at ALL on that 4th line - he’s too much of a wuss this season to belong on an energy line. Slater’s earned extra ice time and he and Crabb seem to fit well together so I don’t have a problem reuniting them. I don’t mind Army getting promoted either necessarily. I’d just rather see Peverley on the fourth line, Perrin’s butt in the press box, and Crusher on the top line again.

I’ll give it all the benefit of the doubt, but I’m not liking it on first blush.

By THRASHYOU

January 13, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

can anyone on here build web pages???? I have an idea and I went and bought the domain name RETIRE37.COM I would like for everyone here to help with this so maybe we can convince the ASG to put that number in the rafters. let me know and i with give you my email. I hope everyone pitches in and we can do this.

By timmyf

January 13, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

sisu - Ben Wright reports (via twitter : www.twitter.com/ben_wright ) that Peverley will wear 47.

By sisu

January 13, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

Thanks timmyf

By Jarndyce

January 13, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

Sara: Sitting Christiansen for a game to see how Peverly works out is a fine idea, I think. If the word on Peverly is true that he’s an offensive-minded center that has (essentially) second-line skils, then try him out there and see what he can bring. Putting him on the fourth line shows you nothing. If he brings any improvement at Center for Kovalchuk’s line, great. If not, reset the rotation.

By Mike Knobler

January 13, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

timmyf Darn, twitter is too fast. Yes, Peverley is wearing No. 47. He wore 37 in Nashville, but that’s not available with the Thrashers. “Change of pace. Change something up,” he told me.

By Nikita

January 13, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

I’m sorta with Sara. Crush struggled, but he’s been finding his groove lately. Why disrupt that, especially if you do want to trade him?

I don’t agree on Perrin, though — he’s doing ok right now and making a fresh start. To do that, he needs to be on the ice.

I’d suggest scratching Boulton (because he’s injured, and he doesn’t suffer mentally from being scratched) and Williams (who is streaky and not playing great right now). And I’d put Peverly on the 3rd, rather than bump Reasoner.

But of course, the problem is that we only have a handful of players who are capable of banging. Those being Reasoner, Crabb, Little, Thorburn, Slater, and Perrin in a pinch. We need to trade a midgrade forward, stat.

By Mike Knobler

January 13, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Also, Garnet Exelby says he thinks he’ll be back either for the last couple of games before the all-star break or for the first game after it.

By Tix no More

January 13, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Who cares about exelby, he is popular, but not very good, which is a lot to say when he’s on this team

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

I’m not surprised to see Pevy(?) play with Kovy. At this point, they are desperate for some combo that may work better than any of the others heretofore. So what Crusher is playing better of late…he’s still a bit soft and perhaps too fancy in his play-making skills to adequately compliment Kovy. However, I would have no problem letting EC try to prove himself in the rest of the games before the ASB with Kovy and Army.

As for the 3rd line shake-up, I’m happy to see Slater get his just reward for playing so well of late. But to tell you the truth, I think he’s better playing against the other team’s 4th line. As a 3rd line, you typically have to play more of a shutdown role going against a 1st or 2nd line. Not to say Slates can’t excel in that role, but why take Marty out of the circle where he’s prolly better on avg than Slates? Also, Slater may be more effective scoring from the wing with less responsibility a la Little at RW. I think the line could be dangerous tho with Crabber and Slates flying everywhere and hitting anything that moves.

By Toby

January 13, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Mike This seems to add to the rumors of a Schneider-to-Montreal deal…have you heard anything on this or any other activity?

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, one more thing, don’t expect Jason Williams to play another game as a Thrasher unless someone else is injured. My guess is he will be rested for a trade to upgrade our blueline. Someone like Havelid may be vulnerable too now that Bogy is back. Package Havy and Willy and you have some value which could yield a younger, bigger D-man and a middle round pick. As for Schneids, we’re stuck with him till the 3/4 deadline when he finally becomes somewhat of a bargain.

I would have no problem seeing the following D pairs the rest of the way:

Hainsey / Bogy

Enstrom / Valabik

Oystrick / Schneider / Ex / (via trade)

By DB

January 13, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Peverly is not a grinder. Playing him as a grinder and then sending him down would possibly equal what was done with Kunitz several years ago. Crusher has had many chances.

By Tony C.

January 13, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we need to “retire” #37. To me that is kind of like erasing the last bit of Snyder from the Thrashers. Let’s just eave it “active but unavailable”-Danny may no longer be with us, but I’d like to think that way, a piece of # 37 will always be here with our club (course I’m all sentimental).

Also, Smoothie, Marty is still taking the draws on the checking line-think f it as a for-real promotion/recognition of Jimmy’s hustle and overall play the past little bit-I think he’s really stepped it up and it seems like he’s ready to “level up” if you will.

Also, I would take Williams over Christensen if I’m another GM-the guy’s [crusher]only real juice is as a shoot-out artiste’. Williams has the hands to do that as well as play the point on your #2 PP. Also, he’s played for Detroit, so you know he knows about what it takes to win in the second season. Plus you put the fact that Williams is on a “Show&Prove” 1-year contract, you know your man will bust it for you in the playoffs-as Hossa showed last year, a strong playoff run and you just earned an extra $1.5-3M on your next deal. So why not trade for the slick vet with the sweet hands and plenty of motivation over the enigmatic kid with the tough-guy name and the limp-wrist game?

By Barry

January 13, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

I think Williams and Boulton need to be scratched. EC is starting to gradually get his game back. Why halt that before it gets started? I think Schneider needs to be a scratch for a game at least. What a horrible horrible game he had against Panthers. It was just uuuuggggggllllyyyy. I don’t care how much you want to try and drink…it didn’t make that game any prettier.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

why not trade for the slick vet with the sweet hands and plenty of motivation over the enigmatic kid with the tough-guy name and the limp-wrist game?

Tony C — PRECISELY!! It’s time for loafing Willy to take a hike! He can be valuable to someone who needs to bolster a PP or add some scoring punch on a wing. But you can tell he needs additional motivation. Plus, with playlists like this for the lockerroom it’s no wonder this team is so helter-skelter!! Are you telling me a room full of Canadians, Russians and Swedes really cares for most of this crap??

Willy’s Master Mix

Uh, wow. That would get me pumped up to play!!

TRADE SILLY WILLY!!!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 13, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

Peverley on the top line is an interesting experiment. This team is going nowhere fast, so why not try it out?

Best case scenario: Peverley is the center Kovalchuk has wanted next to him since Savard’s departure.

Worst case scenario: Peverley is discovered to be no better than the other centers who have lined up next to Kovalchuk this season, and is bumped around the lines trying to find a true role.

If the best case scenario happens (not very likely in my opinion), everyone is happy. If the worst case scenario happens (likely in my opinion) then the team has spent several games (and a minimum NHL contract) trying to force chemistry with their superstar, but the experiment results are the same as they’ve been since Savard/Tkachuk’s departure.

It’s a gambling worth taking until a Spezza (Tier I center) or Comrie (Tier 2 center) falls into our laps, like Savard did.

By Midfield

January 13, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Why was Peverley waived in the first place? It’s kind of embarrassing when you grab a waived guy and make him the first line center, eh?

By Alan

January 13, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

Why was Peverley waived in the first place?

He was being sent down to make room for Sullivan’s return to the Nashville lineup. The folks in Nashville used him as a checking line winger instead of his natural position of center.

Regardless, we’re going to see how well this arrangement works out. He’s UFA at the end of next season..

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 13, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

Midfield — First question: It was reported he was waived because he was logging minutes on the 3rd or 4th line and is a top two line (i.e. scoring) talent. Also, he was playing as a wing for Nashville, not his natural center position.

As I said (and someone else said earlier), he’s a cheap experiment.

Second question: Not really. Anaheim took full advantage of the waiver wire by claiming Kunitz back from Atlanta when he was waived. He since has blossomed into a top two winger and has won a Cup with them.

But, I understand the point of your statement. You’re saying it’s embarrassing that this team is built so poorly that a waiver wire player who is relatively unknown is to be expected to fill a top 2 forward roll.

By Tony C.

January 13, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Wow. That is kind of a crappy mix.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah Tony, wouldn’t you get super hype for a game listening to Rihanna and Beyonce prior to???

I mean, c’mon. He should have been put on waivers just for his crappy mixes!!

By Tony C.

January 13, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

I mean at least for a pre-game mix-I don’t know that that mix would inspire the proper level of energy-we should send the guys some Mastodon or something.

By h

January 13, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind those lines at all with one exception……switch Crusher for Boulton. As for d-lines I think Hainsey needs a Bogo type to play with him. He needs someone who can skate AND play physical. Toby-Havy, Bogo-Ronsey, and Schneider-Bobo/Oystrick, although that last line should get limited minutes if possible.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

BTW, is it just me or does it seem like the only thing good these days about the in-game experience (aside from the quality of hockey which ain’t too good either) is the organist? We used to have some pretty good pre-period tunes, nice video recaps of our team set to music (I mean, it’s not like we’re not scoring goals!), and better video hi-jinks for the Kiss Cam and such. Plus, in the 5 or so games I’ve been to, they’ve only played the “Good ‘Ol Hockey Game” song twice and both times it was towards the end of the 3rd period when we were getting drubbed!! What’s the point of doing it then…no one really cares to sing along when you are down 4-1 to the Bolts!! ASG sucks!!

By Sara

January 13, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Crusher is 25 years old - still young enough that improvements can come to his game. Besides, Anderson himself talked about ice time being a reward. Crusher has come back from injury and played quite well, comparatively. 1-7-8 and -8 in 21 GP before injury, 2-2-4 and even in 8 games since. Going from 0.38 PPG to 0.5 PPG is a nice jump IMO. So why, when he’s playing well, do you bench him? Whereas there are other players who have not done so well.

Nikita Perrin hasn’t registered a point in his last nine games and is -4 in his last 10. Sorry but those stats don’t equal “doing ok.” On top of all that, he’s barely noticeable in games - unless you are specifically looking for him. By comparison, Williams also has 1G and is -4 in his last 10, Army in his last 10 has 4 G and is -2, Slater has 2G, 2A and is +2, Boults has 2A and is even, Crabb has 1G, 2A, is -3, and Thorburn has 1A and is -6. So I guess Thorburn is slightly more useless at this juncture than Perrin or Williams and on the season, Williams has twice as many points as Perrin. So if Little is coming back I’d bench Perrin AND Thorburn.

By Sara

January 13, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

Smoothie how can you complain about the in-game experience that allows you to “Become One with a Blue Crew Member?”

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Sara — I think EC will be trade bait soon as well so don’t get too attached. He did exactly what the Thrasher’s brass wanted him to when he came back from injury. Perform well over a 8-10 game stretch to prove he still has value. Now if you had designs on trading him, would you want to play him on the 3rd or 4th line now and risk him to injury? He may get a few more shots to shine on the 1st line agains the right opponents (i.e. less physical) before we ship his a$$ out!

The only guys who are not expendable right now are Kovy, Little, Enstrom, Hainsey, Bogy, Kozzy (unless he wants to be), Army perhaps and maybe Boris due to his upside. Everyone else could get traded. Even Crabb-shacky as much as it would pain my crustacean-loving heart.

By pond scum

January 13, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

I follow the Preds as well as the Thrashers,I live in Chattanooga and both are easily to follow and they both play in opposite divisions(just threw that in for some who might say I’m not a true fan).>

Pevs has been miscasted into a role he didn’t fit. He was stuck behind Arnott the captain of the Preds and Legwand,who has become a pretty decent playmaker for the Preds and now is their all-time scoring leader.

I do think Pevs is gonna surprise some folks here and make them forget about Crusher very easily. He’s a very good skater,defensively responsible, not afraid of the front of the net and sets up his teammates pretty well. It wasn’t his fault he was paired up with Smithson,Hordichuk, and the Preds other numerous grinders. When he filled in on the top 6 lines due to injuries,he picked up points,scored timely goals and the top 2 lines still rolled pretty well.

Sully has been out awhile,that was the reason in letting Pevs go by the Preds. Unlike the Thrash,the Preds have some pretty good looking young forward prospects in Antti Pihlstrom,Ryan Jones and Patric Hornqvist.

His “true” potential in all fairness hasn’t been given a real shot to prove his offensive worth. Trotz is very demanding that his grinders be defense before offense since he’s been in Nashville.Kinda hard for a guy to achieve anything monumental when his icetime is very limited,and no real PP time…..an area the Preds have sucked in for almost their entire exsistence.

I think Christensen has been better lately,but he was scratched repeatedly for more than just not producing points. I think his time with the Thrash isn’t gonna be much longer.

Perrin has been a HUGE disappointment this season.

The lines suggested by Russian should be given a real shot. Williams,Christensen,and Perrin should be used in trade.

But I still got a good feeling about Pevs,I’m hoping he’s given a real chance.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Sara — ha ha, LOL!! That’s right! I was going to mention how embarrassing it is to see those vapid dunderheads stealing oxygen from the arena during the game. Not to mention the silly “get to know my stupid a$$ promos” they run on the jumbotron rather than feature one of our young players like Little. I’d much rather know if Bryan likes spaghetti-O’s or Ramen noodles than why Blue Crew Bimbo # 2 thought hockey was cool.

Qualifier: let me add that I have looked at most of the profiles for our esteemed Blue Crew and some of them do seem to have their act together (hell, a couple even play hockey which you have to respect), but the majority of them come off sounding so stooooooopid on the big screen at Philips. Of course the questions they are answering usually don’t lend themselves to a discussion of molecular quantum physics!

By volgrad1985

January 13, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

I think Pevy should be our ace, the number 1 starter right before Lowe and Jurrgins in the rotation.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 13, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

pond_scum — More importantly they have Colin Wilson in the pipeline, who will be a top 2 center that is said to play similar to Arnott in the PWF type of role.

Peverley was clearly logjammed, but hopefully he has the talent to translate to top 2 minutes (i.e., Kovalchuk minutes as White wont be dislodged from his current place alongside Kozlov and Little due to their obvious chemistry).

What’s sad is that he’s already being given more of a chance than Sterling ever was. Granted, they play different positions, but when some team claims Sterling off of waivers and he’s slotted into a top 2 roll, many of us might be regretting the fact he was ever let go for nothing. Or, he could fade into AHL oblivion.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 13, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

molecular quantum physics

Perv.

By Hockey Biltong

January 13, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

urrrrrp! scuse me, but I have gas….we’ll see what happens Wednesday in Boo Hoo land…..

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

So, basicly Pevs comes in carrying the same baggage as Crusher did… tons of potential, buried in the line-up behind Top Tier talent.

Crusher behind Malkin and Crosby

Pevs behind Legwand and Arnott.

I’ll add another… Belanger (before the Nashville stint) basicly came to Atlanta behind Staal and Brindamour in CAR.

While I understand the sentiment, none of these deals have really panned out to be anything spectacular.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

LOL ranallo! Spank you very much.

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

I won’t be satisfied until someone of atleast Vermette’s quality comes here by the trade deadline… he’s more than available, he fits the team… all you gotta do is give-up Lehtonen.

Go out this summer and make Nik Backstrom (MIN) your #1 priority.

By Sam

January 13, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

I think this is all good. Competition for those top line spots has got to be a good thing. Getting Exelby back will be great. No D-man ever really stepped into his slot for playing with a physical edge…not in the same way, anyway. Boris is getting good in corners, but X still owns the open ice. And I’m looking forward to seeing what Bogo has to offer. Too many decent guys for positions gives Anderson options.

Kovy had a spirited practice, I thought, too. He takes leadership to heart. Good man.

By Russian

January 13, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

In Our situation that we are bottom on the NHL we have to try any combination. I hope Pevs will play OK with Kovy. I remember how Belange played with Hossa and Slava. He moved very good in First line. Why did Don not keep him??? Any way, I like Crusher. I will be very upset if he is leaving Atlanta. I told very many time that it will be good idea to try line lie this:

Kovy - Crusher - Army

It was never happend. Why??? Williams has to be trade plus Perrin. He is done with Thrashers. Also Shnieder has to be move somethere, but it is not easy. M******* gets to BIG PAYCHECK.

By The Other J.B.

January 13, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

I feel the need once again how much I LOVE Russian’s posts!

Anybody heard of Brett Skinner (D) from NYI? Apparently he’s a Thrasher now… We gave them Lessard; don’t imagine i’ll lose any sleep over that one, but it leads me to believe more movement is coming.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Trade Winds a Blowin’

Looks like DWad is up to his old tricks again. Obviously something bigger is in the works. Generally Waddell pulls a move like this to bolster his AHL team for a Calder Cup run before he plunders them for 2-3 guys to take the place of deadweight such as Schneider, Willy and Perrin.

By McArty

January 13, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

Sarah - I swore I would NEVER write on this post again (and I will regret this after I hit the send button). Perrin has gotten shafted this season and for you to point out his stats against players that have had every opportunity handed to them on a silver plater (Williams, Christensen), then you really are clueless.

And, if you go by plus-minus determining how well a particular player is playing, again clueless. You all love Reasoner SO much, why don’t you go check out his plus-minus during his last couple of seasons.

By Mike Knobler

January 13, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers swapped Junior Lessard for a defenseman, Brett Skinner, from the New York Islanders organization. Skinner is 25 and has played 11 games with the only team in the Eastern Conference worse than the Thrashers. (The Senators have fewer points than the Thrashers but have games in hand.)

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

You all love Reasoner SO much, why don’t you go check out his plus-minus during his last couple of seasons.

That’s because Reasoner is a checking line Center whose expected to go out and match up against Top lines, the likes of Iginla, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Thornton, etc. in the West.

Reasoner’s having a great year… You wanna compare Reasoner, put him up against Michael Peca, considered one of the best checking Centers in the league.

Reasoner plays a role on this team… what role does Perrin play?

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t look much into the Lessard for Skinner trade anymore than I looked into the Stephen Baby for Andy Delmore trade… it means nothing… just AHL shuffling… the Wolves are probably hurting for depth without Oystrick in the line-up.

By GaVaHokie

January 13, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

Thrashers better hurry up and make a trade, they’re already a $1 million over the cap minimum. I can’t believe they allowed that to happen. :)

By MashaPlayer7

January 13, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Stats may lie, but watching the games doesn’t. Williams and Perrin are not getting the job done. Williams - too soft, too many blown defensive coverages. Perrin, too soft, couldn’t finish a puck even if he had to shoot at a soccer net. And don’t forget, Perrin DID have some games on Kovy’s line and looked out of place.

By Nikita

January 13, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

I think Perrin is doing fine given how effed up his line assignments are this year. He’s shown some spark in the last few games, and I want to see him allowed to ply more. I don’t want to see him checking, though, since he’s not really right for it, so I suppose if it’s check or sit then I’m fine with sit.

The guy played his heart out for us last year, and is still playing fairly hard. And the chemistry is starting to work. So where’s the love?

By Trip

January 13, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

I know many will not agree, but I would trade Hedberg for whatever, draft pick(s), minor leaguers and bring up Pavs, let he and Kari battle it out…..then I would trade Boulton< Perrin, Williams, Scheider, Exelby, and Havelid (for whatever center of wingers we can muster, Spezza, Comrie,etc.)….go “youth”….and tell KOVY, this is your young group, we will look for help via trades, but for now, here is what you got….

Kovy - Peverley - Army Little - White - Kozlov Crabb - Reasoner - Slater Hoffman - Thorburn - Christensen

Enstrom/Kulda or Lewis Hainsey/Bogo Oystrick/Valabik

…..and bring up Lavalle and/or Stuart and also Lewis and/or Kulda for extra D

Thoughts???

By Sara

January 13, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

McArty one - I didn’t even bring up Reasoner. Two, what “opportunity on a silver platter” was Crabb or Slater or Boulton handed?

And if the line combos at practice today were anything to go by, Coach apparently sees some of what I do since Slater and Crabb now have both been promoted to the third line and Perrin just got demoted to the 4th. Unless you think coach is clueless too that is?

Perrin has had to put up with all the same crap everybody else on that roster has had to - line shuffling, fluctuating TOI, good games, bad games, frustration, etc etc etc. So while maybe he’s gotten “the shaft,” by comparison so has everyone else not named White, Little, or Kozlov and some of them at least are still contributing. It’s not my fault the guy hasn’t put up a point in 9 games - and last time I checked, that’s what he was brought here and paid to do.

I’m not trying to intentionally hate on the guy - but fact is he needs to step up his game, along with a few other people. If it takes sitting his tail a few games to get him revved back up (and he’s already been a healthy scratch once recently as it is…wonder why?), then he needs to sit. These guys as a collective whole have had it too easy this season in terms of getting away with lackluster effort in games.

By Ilya's Dad

January 13, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

I would like to see a package put together to get Jordan Staal. He’s locked in for 4yrs now and fairly reasonable at $4mil/yr. This could be the center that Kovy needs.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 13, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

Ilya’s Dad — I don’t think the Thrashers have the pieces necessary to get a centerman of Staal’s caliber. If Pittsburgh were to make him available (that’s a big if in my opinion), I would think Atlanta would be near the tail end of cities with realistic packages to give for him in return.

Just like any Spezza rumors or Gaborik rumors, I don’t think Atlanta would qualify for those deals unless they were including Bogosian and/or the rights to draft Tavares or Hedman.

I think I’d take Tavares over Staal. Hedman over Staal is a tougher call for me, as defenders typically take much longer to develop.

However, if Kovalchuk were to go to Waddell and say “you bring in Spezza/Staal today and I will re-sign for 10 years”, I would be more than happy to see that player acquired and Tavares/Hedman drafted by the other team. Kovalchuk long term and a viable #1 center for 3+ years is much greater than a future stud center for the next 5 years (if he even signs in Atlanta upon being drafted), in my opinion.

By dhj_1962

January 13, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

other than Kovy, Slava, White and Little, no other Thrasher has been good. The other 14 skaters and 2 goalies have been either somewhat bad, somewhat terrible, a little good, somewhat ok, not too good. they have never been good, real good or very good. strongly agree? somewhat agree? somewhat disagree? strongly disagree?

By Jameson

January 14, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this

Smoothie- Actually, according to NHL.com, Slater wins 52.6% of face offs, second on the team to Christensen at 53.0%. Reasoner is fourth on the team at 51.5%.

By Nikita

January 14, 2009 1:22 AM | Link to this

Disagree. First, Kovy isn’t “good” all the time. He is immensely talented — he has been streaky and temperamental. Slava/White/Little have been awesome. I would argue that Slater has been consistently improving, and Reasoner is a great surprise.

By Nikita

January 14, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

P.S. on the organist, I think the man is insane, but I love it. I wish the rest of the arena experience were less lame/more fresh. And I’m basically indifferent to the Blue Crew videos, except I think Jamie should be shot for singing so poorly and so long. The night they debuted her video, the audience booed.

By dhj_1962

January 14, 2009 6:49 AM | Link to this

wow Nikita, you were up late. but, disagree wasn’t a choice. must of been sleepy. hope to be up there Feb 6 when the devils come to town. hope Peverly is doing the job Thrashers need him to be doing, so the arena wont be half empty…and the Thrashers are winning some games….i hate the devils, i’d like to ask “pat” zajak how vanna is doing. Go Thrashers….fire waddell

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 14, 2009 7:20 AM | Link to this

dhj — I’d somewhat agree. I think most of the players have maxed out at “a little good” but haven’t been consistent enough to rate in the “good” category.

By dhj_1962

January 14, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this

yep, if they were good, they would not be 14-24-5.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 14, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

Well, clearly. But that’s an overall rating of the team. The players as individuals haven’t even been consistently good, much less the team as a whole.

By GaVaHokie

January 14, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Just like any Spezza rumors or Gaborik rumors, I don’t think Atlanta would qualify for those deals unless they were including Bogosian and/or the rights to draft Tavares or Hedman.

ranallo… thinking along these lines. I bet Waddell thinks he could make a trade of Lehtonen for Spezza, when in actuality, Ottawa only sees a trade of Vermette for Lehtonen.

You probably have LA giving up Kopitar, Calgary offering Regehr and Lombardi, and Edmonton offering Horcoff and a prospect.

So, I agree with you… we can’t be viable trade partners for guys like Spezza and J. Staal.

By rj

January 14, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

Why don’t they bring up Esposito ??

By Sam

January 14, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

FYI, unless Ilya’s dad is speaking from the grave, you might want to come up with a new name. He died of heart failure a few years back at a fairly young age.

By GaVaHokie

January 14, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

Argh… why aren’t the italics working for me?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 14, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

rj — I have no qualms with that, if they were to wait until after he’s finished his season in Montreal (minors). A few game tryout in Atlanta wouldn’t hurt a thing, in my opinion. If it works out keep him up, if he still seems too far behind in development force Chicago to offer him a tryout for the remainder of their season (ala Kulda last season).

Seriously, any experiment with young players should be tried. There’s no harm in trying with those players, so long as you keep a safety net available for them (i.e., make sure you can send them back to Chicago so they’re not rushed into the NHL and receive shell shock from being outmatched physically by their competition).

Hokie — I assume you meant those other teams giving up their players for Staal or Spezza, in which case I agree that Atlanta cannot compete talent wise in such trades. However, anything can happen (see Thornton and Luongo’s trade), but I highly doubt it would be Atlanta winning such a blockbuster trade.

By EA

January 14, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this

I don’t think trading Moose makes any sense. Pavs needs one more year of regular play (just like Bryan Little last year). Being Kari’s back up does not provide that opportunity. If Kari does not prove himself this year, he is the one gone. Pavs can then move into the #1 slot with Moose as the back up.

By NASCAR Dave

January 14, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

I’m just wondering how long it will take for NASCAR Dave to start calling him Beverley?

LOL! Good point, GAVA!!! See, if PEVERLEY sucks as bad as CHRISTEN and ERICA PERRIN and JENNY SLATER, then I just might have to do that… Thanks for the tip, buddy! :P

By the way, I’m glad to see everyone here complaining about the players I have been complaining about since October… Finally, you see what I saw many moons ago… These guys are just not quality players, and they serve no purpose on this team, other than blocking Roster spots that could be used by some of the young Wolves to learn the NHL game…

FIRE WADDELL!

FIRE FRANK WREN!

NUFF SAID.

By Buzilla in CT

January 14, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

*So, basicly Pevs comes in carrying the same baggage as Crusher did… tons of potential, buried in the line-up behind Top Tier talent.

Crusher behind Malkin and Crosby

Pevs behind Legwand and Arnott.

I’ll add another… Belanger (before the Nashville stint) basicly came to Atlanta behind Staal and Brindamour in CAR.

While I understand the sentiment, none of these deals have really panned out to be anything spectacular.*

I disagree Hokie. When DW traded Ruslan Zainullin to Calgary for Marc Savard. Savard scored 65 pts with Calgary as a high before being sent over to us for a guy that has yet to set foot on an NHL sheet of ice. I believe Savard was traded because he was expendable after the trade for Craig Conroy.

So DW (the broken clock) was right once. Hopefully the unfulfilled promise of Peverley will work out as well. If it does, I hope we are smart enough to sign him

By GaVaHokie

January 14, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

I have no doubt that Waddell is great at spotting bargain basement prospects like Peverley, McCarthy, Kunitz, Junior Lessard, Giroux, Belanger, Thorburn, Christensen, Sutton, etc. I just wish we could parley all those nickels and dimes just once into just ONE proven $2-$3 million player.

If we could have put all those half-million salaries together, we could actually get something of value… it’s like Penny stock trading versus buying a safe, reliable stock with proven dividends.

Maybe one or even two pan out, but you can’t have 60% of your portfolio invested in Penny Stocks.

By Buzilla in CT

January 14, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

well said Hokie. Waddell is a piker, penny stock w*******.

By Buzilla in CT

January 14, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

apparently you can’t write “ho”

By Midfield

January 14, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

A pennypecker? This is funny

By dhj_1962

January 14, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

everyone saw what you saw dave, we were just trying to be optimistic. vermette, i do believe, has scored 5 goals, 9 assists and is -10. why trade KL for that? we got plenty of those guys.

By GaVaHokie

January 14, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

Buzz… oh yeah, add Zainullin and Safronov to the list of penny stocks, which we got by trading Darcy Hordichuk… we turned around and traded Zainullin for Savard (correct).

It worked once, and Waddell’s been “going to the well” ever since.

Waddell just needs to change his frame of mind… he’s thinking “diamonds in the rough”… what they really are? Penny Stocks.

By BorisTheFinkasauras

January 14, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Somewhat disagree “dhj…”. I don’t think you should overlook the consistent play of Valabik and Crabb. They’ve been great for us. Crabb works hard every single shift and has produced. And, Valabik doesn’t let anyone push our guys around. He provides protection without taking dumb penalties a la Boulton (although he’s looking decent this year, eh?) or getting himself out of position like the way-overrated Exelby - yeah, send XLB packing please. Also, Reasoner has been really consistent. Christiansen is looking better. And Colby needs to stay. I like that dude.

Get rid of Schnieder, please. Same story every game it seems… gets beat around the corner again, hooks or holds, sits for two minutes - other team scores.

Williams needs to go, too. He doesn’t want to be here.

Not sure what happened to Perrin this season. He looked great last season.

Hainsey (pansy) has been a huge disappointment as well. Not enough effort every single game in my book. And, he’s waaaay overpaid - which everyone knows.

I hope D-Wad has some magic up his sleeve. To sum it up…I think we should get rid of:

Schneider Williams Exelby Hainsey Lehtonen (I’ve been behind this guy since day 1 - but he has continued to be inconsistent and injury prone. Make Pavelec number one. I think with regular play he could be something)

Bring up Espo for a 10 game cup of coffee at the end of the season and he may be ready next year.