Thrashers

By Tony C.

February 3, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

Weeks ran practice. Hrrrm. Well, let’s see how he does with that. I know I’ve been sour on him as the goalie coach, but he’s a sharp guy who’s been around the league a long time. Certainly he’s one area of “continuity” for this club (here since Hartley).

Knobes Saw your article on Waddell’s K.o.D. for Anderson-one thing that scared me was DW’s comment that he’s been helping Anderson out-really? Wow.

Also, I dunno if you saw it, but if you get a chance, please ask about Hoffman.

FIRE WADDELL

By Mike Knobler

February 3, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Tony C. I haven’t asked about Hoffman but will.

By the way, here’s a link to Puck Daddy reiterating the success Slava Kozlov and Erik Christensen have had in shootouts.

By B. Thenet

February 3, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hopefully all that sitting around during the Graves ceremony will prevent them from stinking it up in the 1st period this time. Maybe not though.

I do think it is funny(and sad) that Don Waddell is guaranteeing the safety of other peoples jobs.

By Midfield

February 3, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

I think, this piece about Anderson is a nifty way for the owners and Waddell to change the subject. It’s quite obvious who the Thrashers fans hold accountable in the first and the second place. That would be them.

By sisu

February 3, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Mike, nice to meet you in Carolina. What if anything have you heard about who might go and what is the market for dmen?

By Mike Knobler

February 3, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Sisu Good to meet you, too. I think Mathieu Schneider is most marketable and Niclas Havelid might be second on the list.

By the way, I left the Predators off the list of teams that are here. I have fixed that above.

By Glovesave29

February 3, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

Tony, we haven’t been sour on Weeks as a goalie coach because he NEVER DOES coach the goalies. He’s always off running drills. Can’t judge him on a job that he hasn’t filled.

By Kaat

February 3, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

Interesting new feature idea, Mike. Sometimes, perhaps, you could give us some perspective on what some of these teams — especially Western Conference teams — might be looking for as they scout. Sometimes it seems obvious, sometimes not.

And go Kozlov!

By Tom

February 3, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

So let me get this straight, Donny Waddell is giving Anderson a vote of confidence?

The worst General Manager in the history of the NHL and who built a team that other teams threaten their players with trades so they will submit, is giving a coach with a great record a vote of confidence?

What a messed up organization. Seriously. How Donny Waddell is not FIRED by now amazes me.

By UpperDeck4Life

February 3, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this

Mike, thanks for the updates on who’s in the building.

Since you are asking about Hoffman, could you ask if Lewis or Kulda could get a call up this season. Wouldn’t mind seeing what either of them could do.

NASCARDAVE, Kari is an RFA, with the contract the Thrashers offer him, it would probably cost another team a first round pick to sign him away, although I am not completely sure of the compensation stipulations. Kari makes 3 mil this season, he will make more than that next season. Kari may not get much now at the deadline but he could be worth a lot more in the summer if he doesn’t resign. With the cap going down for the 10-11 season probably, Kari would be foolish not to push for a multi year deal from somebody, because if he does another 1 yr deal he will probably lose money the following season with a lower cap.

By Mike Dennis

February 3, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this

Mike, this is Mike. My opinion is that Waddell is the one to blame for this mess. He had a Stanley Cup winning coach under contract that won the southeastern division. When it came time to rise to a playoff calebre, some players couldn’t. They quit on Coach Hartley in the playoffs and during the next year’s 6 game season. Instead of backing the winning coach, Waddell chose to massage the butts of his players that he loved. He even thought that he could love them to death while coaching them. They, in turn, let him down, just like soft players always will. Now, he set’s up a winning coach to fail with no support of pro players and damns him with minor leaguers. The front office with their legal team fights against each other, their unwillingness to purchase proven pro players and their support of “Who Me?” Wadell are to blame for the dismantling of a division winning pro team! I hope pro hockey continues in Atlanta. I’m afraid we may be labled as 2 and through as far as franchises here are concerned. We have loyal and faithful hockey fans here. We diserve better.

By Brendan

February 3, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

If you’re counting ping pong balls for the upcoming lottery draft, take note of these scores: NY Islanders 3, Tampa Bay 1. Florida erased a 3-1 deficit, thanks in part to a “questionable” late boarding call against Toronto, to tie that game in the final minute. Which is great, because it ensured that two teams ahead of Atlanta (Toronto and Florida) would gain at least a point. In overtime, the Panthers won it, 4-3. A late 3rd period goal gave the Los Angeles Kings a 1-0 regulation time win over Ottawa. It would have been better if the Kings had gone to overtime, 0-0, so that Ottawa could also pick up a point in the standings.

Atlanta leads the NY Rangers, 1-0, with 4:30 left in regulation. Motzko, from Reasoner and Armstrong. If there are Penguins fans reading, that Panthers win over Toronto really hurts, as Pittsburgh lost in regulation to Montreal, 4-2.

By Tom

February 3, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

And thus the definition of Losers:

Your Atlanta Thrashers

How the hell did Kolvachuk miss the empty net. O’ Captain, our faithful Captain, Our losing streak continues.

10 seconds to go. yuck

By Jared

February 3, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Kovy channeling the spirit of Patty-Cake Stefan on that empty netter methinks…

By Brendan

February 3, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for Lehtonen, who deserved to earn the shutout. And believe me, a shutout playing for the Thrashers is like scaling Mt. Everest. Everyone knows what hyperbole is, right? Less than a minute left in OT. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kovalchuk insists on being the Thrashers 1st shooter, if it goes to the shootout. He must feel terrible about missing an empty net goal.

By Brendan

February 3, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

Tom, let’s not also forget, it was Kovalchuk’s man at the point who scored for the Rangers. Kovalchuk was “lost” up at the blueline, not really covering anyone. It might be apt to say that he was “cherry picking” for a 2nd shot at the empty-net.

By Brendan

February 3, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Kari Lehtonen is … the winning goalie of record. I think he made five stops in overtime, too. Kari stopped the last two Ranger shooters, while Little and Kozlov scored for Atlanta. Two BIG POINTS? Uhh, sorta. Are we still talking about the playoffs? Wait, I knew I shouldn’t have said that with Jim Mora, Sr., standing so close by.

By stendec

February 3, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Kari Letemin could not close the deal in regulation! Allowing the tying goal with less than a dozen seconds to play. What the Hell is that shet? Rebounded in the shootout but this one almost feels like a loss. Had to hand those damn Ranjerks a point they did not deserve! I proclaimed that none of the Toiletlids could hit the damn ice on a faceoff drop. Never knew exactly how right I was until now. Right captain, captain my a##, Ilya Kovalchuk? I would be downright ashamed to miss a wide yawning empty net so badly! I guess two points are two points. The tempo was set when a Ranjerk shot beat the Toiletlid netminder in the opening seconds but somehow did not go in. Those who saw the game know what I am talking about. Would have been a lot different night had that one found the back of the net!

By dhj_1962

February 3, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this

not Kovys man on the tieing goal, that was the 6th skater. altho you can blame him anyway, since he missed the open net. Finndick(aka stendec) is gonna have fun with the missed empty netter. but he cant blast Kari, well, he probably will anyway. Great game, Thrashers makeing there move for the playoffs, we will be buyers at the deadline!!!!

By dhj_1962

February 3, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

i hate being right all the time!!!

By pond scum

February 3, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

Brendan,you beat me to the punch on Kovy’s man being the one who scored.

And Kari can blame Mr. Cherry picker for him losingt the shutout.

Why didn’t our captain skate on in,drive to the net to seal the deal? He might’ve drawn a penalty (maybe penalty shot) if he didn’t score. In the OT, Kovy picked up a loose puck off the boards and drove 1 on 2 or 3. What in the world is his problem?

I don’t know about some of you,but I can’t take the floating,no back checking, very cherry picking thinking Kovy. He wasn’t moving around alot at the point on the PP…. thus not helping create any space for another shot by either himself or his teammates.

For him to be wearing the “C”,he sure isn’t playing with the emotion or fire like he was those 3-4 games after being named the man.It’s like he’s turned the light switch off again until he feels ready to switch it back on.

I’m with all of you in Waddell to be fired,but I’m hoping for it even more so now. Hopefully the new GM will trade Kovy for 2 other top-6 forwards or a young,stud defenseman and a top-6 forward. I noticed Nashville had scouts in attendance, I wouldn’t mind seeing Erat and Hamhuis being traded for Kovy,not 1 bit.

I’m fed up with his moodiness,one trick pony self. PLEASE dear GOD let he and Schneider go first and quickly.We can really retool this roster with them moved. And I hope we keep Havelid,he seems to be our best all around defenseman (covering for Toby,heck that’s 1.5 defenseman in 1 body LOL!)

I have always liked Kovy,but he isn’t going to break his bad habits anytime soon and I think moving him for his maximum value is very attainable.

Alright,fire away.

By dhj_1962

February 3, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this

we type the same ole stuff, kovy this, kovy that, i’m guilty too, but, you just don’t trade a kovy, unless he says, “i am not resigning” i watched the game tonite, no one feels worse than kovy, you could see it on his face, not about the bad d he plays all the time, but the missed empty netter. i wonder if Mike K. has ever heard of any player asking Kovy “why don’t you play D?”

By Hanson Brothers

February 3, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

Pond scum just for the record. If there is a penalty shot on an empty net, they award a goal. No penalty shot is taken.

By Brendan

February 3, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley flat out told Kovalchuk, “If you learn how to play defense, you’ll be the #1 player in the NHL.” I think Kovy smiled and thought, “I can be the #1 player in the NHL, even if I DON’T play defense.” And if contractual dollar value has anything to say about it, Kovalchuk may find himself as the highest paid player in hockey, despite a lack of defensive prowess, until Sidney Crosby’s 5-year deal with the Penguins expires, and he signs another, with whomever.

Any player, in the offensive zone, who draws a penalty skating towards an empty net, while in possession of the puck, is awarded a goal. The same holds true if a player throws his stick to prevent an empty-net goal. The result of the play is a goal.

Mark Bradley, about a year ago, had a column in which he stated, “Don Waddell’s (high 1st round) draft picks are looking less and less special every year.” We, as bloggers, essentially read him the Riot Act and offered tickets for Mr. Bradley to actually attend a Thrashers game before making such baseless claims. Right about now, I half expect Mark Bradley to repeat the claim. Funny thing is, this time around, Kari might have more defenders than Kovy. Well, Lehtonen did just about (within seconds) have a shutout, and Kovalchuk missed an empty-net.

Personally, I think Kovalchuk and Lehtonen are good players. Could they be better? Stop. What player couldn’t be better? Does such a player exist? There’s always room for improvement. Pretty much, by definition. I think Bob Hartley was right. If Kovalchuk converted himself into a Selke Trophy candidate, he’d be the best player in the NHL. But, such things are much easier said than done. And human beings are, generally-speaking, creatures of habit. Kovy has played his style of play for two decades. Roughly. It’s hard to unlearn certain tendencies.

By Kaat

February 3, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

Slava Kozlov once again shows up Kovalchuk. I continue to hope that, before he retires, Kozlov can somehow impart some of his wisdom and professionalism to Kovy. It looks to me like Little has taken notes. He looked like a mini-Kozzie in the shootout.

And I swear I want to cuss out the person above for saying Lehtonen couldn’t “close the deal.” Lehtonen played another stellar game (nearly 40 saves!). Kovalchuk screwed up Lehtonen’s shut out bid. Plain and simple. Open your eyes, dude! You’re ridiculous.

Kovalchuk just looks like he’s sleepwalking. I find it incredibly frustrating.

By Mike Knobler

February 4, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

dhj_1962 Nobody has ever asked Kovy that question when I have been within earshot.

By pond scum

February 4, 2009 12:59 AM | Link to this

Sorry,but I haven’t ever seen anyone hauled down on the empty net and awarded the goal before. I been lucky enough to be in attendance at a Preds game a couple seasons ago when Mason scored,first ever goal by a goalie for me.

And it’s not so much the missing the empty netter,it’s the half hearted effort his giving.

He is supposed to lead by example now wearing the C. Honestly,if he was scoring as his usual self…. i’d do what I done in the past and that’s overlook some of it.

But considering he’s our highest paid player,captain, and as I pointed out in another blog here he seems to only have found chemistry with 1 centerman in Savard and maybe Pevs.

Do ya’ll find that not……. odd?

I know Fraser it seemed to never really get on Kovy for not playing D,and I remember Hartley also going as far as to bench him a couple times for it. But yet he still glides on?

And,yes you can trade a Kovy. Boston moved Thornton,they suffered cause they didn’t wait to get fair value and they suffered a couple seasons for it.

Now look at them,especially this season. Pens moved Jagr, no one should be untouchable,not when your in the cellar and your cupboards are dry.

We all know he’s capable of more,and alot has been done to cater to him to re light his fire………question is for us,is that fire still here in atlanta? Cause his body language and such say to me IMHO ……… no.

By nfieldr

February 4, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

Mr. Pond Scum, it would not have been a penalty shot. If a penalty shot type infraction is called with an empty net, a goal is awarded

By Glovesave29

February 4, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this

Or if an out of position goalie throws his stick at the puck it is an automatic goal. If a player throws a stick at the puck with either a goalie who is out of the crease or has been pulled…it is an automatic goal.

I figured after Kari’s .975 last night, and being beaten on a nice shot where the forward did not back check and let the guy just walk right in, that our village idiot would be silent today. I guess I figured wrong. My dog, who sits with watching the games on TV, knows more about hockey than stendec.

By dhj_1962

February 4, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

thank you Mike look at kovy’s missed empty netter, in all sports, even the great ones slump, he could be in one now, baseball players squeeze the bat a little to much, he looked at the empty net, looked down, looked at the net again, squeezing the stick. #%it happens, they won, lets move on. KL starting against NJ?? I hope so.

By GaVaHokie

February 4, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

Jared… I understand the joke, but Kovy missing the net is WAY different then Stefan missing the net from point blank and then falling down. :)

As far as Scouts in the building… gotta think teams like Detroit are looking at Armstrong… if Armstrong really is on the trade block.

Armstrong would make a great Red Wing, and it would allow Detroit to part with guys like Samuellson and Hudler this summer… maybe even a swap of Hudler and Filppula for Armstrong and a draft pick, thus allowing Detroit to extend Franzen.

By J.B.

February 4, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

I’m probably one of the biggest Kovalchuk fans there is, but I wonder if maybe he needs his vision checked again. he’s been off on his accuracy lately. Does anyone know whether he wears lenses? It’d be that scene right out of Major League with Charlie Sheen…

By GaVaHokie

February 4, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Now, if the Ducks are in the building… I’m giving them just about any defenseman for Pronger (1 year remaining on his contract). He can be extended this summer, if he shows signs of not wanting to stay (most likely) then you make a “Hossa” trade next March.

Only player off the table for me is Bogosian… I’d even give up Enstrom for Pronger… call me crazy. :)

Next year, Pronger, Hainsey, Valabik, Oystrick, Exelby, Bogosian

By Old Time Hockey

February 4, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

Great effort all the way around. Great game by Kari…made all the big saves when he had to. If he played consistently like that…….

Where has that Toby Enstrom been? What a great game he played jumping up into the play and going toward the net. What I expected from him after last year.

Colby Armstrong looked like an impact player last night. That is the way a power forward is supposed to play.

I bet Ilya has a big game against NJ. He made a mistake and felt horrible about it. He will try to make up for it Friday.

By the way, hate to bash anyone after playing such an outstanding game, but did you see the post game interview with Kari? He may be the least muscular athlete since Terry Forster was pitching.
How does a professional athlete have a double chin? That is dietary. Does the team have nutritional counseling?

By Toby

February 4, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

FINALLY!! 790 The Zone is discussing the state of the Thrashers after an article was written in Toronto trashing the franchise. The media is finally getting the “fire DW” chants over the airwaves. The article is stating that Gary Bettman may have to step in to help get this franchise relevant (or move them).

Great quote…”Nobody knows if hockey works in Atlanta because they never had a franchise to begin with.”

By RS

February 4, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

I noticed that too. I couldn’t believe how fat Kari looked.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 4, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

Hokie — I’d like to see them pursue Abdelkader, if they’re picking prospects from Detroit. True, Detroit will likely not give him up, but a 21 year old LW/C with a knack for DEFENSIVE hockey is something this team could always use. Plus, he’s from Michigan which, as Brendan pointed out recently, should greatly interest Waddell.

I think Filppula and Hudler for Armstrong and picks is undervaluing both Detroit players, and not very likely to happen.

I also don’t see Pronger being dealt to a non-contender, if he’s even traded.

By R. Stroz

February 4, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

Prior to the January 16 Thrasher game against the Maple Leafs, I had a rather interesting discussion with a NHL official, not an ASG employee.

After briefly discussing hockey’s history in Atlanta, we discussed the current situation. The details are interesting.

1) The NHL is waiting for the court ruling. The NHL really doesn’t know who legally owns the team.

2) After the court ruling, expect changes quickly. The NHL is unimpressed with the current owners and even less impressed with Waddell. In fact, the NHL expects Waddell to be gone soon after the court ruling, no matter who wins the case.

3) The NHL realizes Atlanta is not the problem. The problem resides with the owners and GM, both are not highly thought of by the NHL. The NHL believes hockey in Atlanta will work if the owners stop p** off the fans with there ticket sales policies and if a decent product is put on the ice. The NHL is aware of the boycott and has taken notice.

Now, we must wait and see.

By Glovesave29

February 4, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this

TORONTO? Who cares what they think of us there. Don’t they have bigger fish to fry? Last time I checked, it’s been about 40 years since they got to raise the cup, and they are not much closer to it that the Thrashers. They are the most valuable team in the league with the greatest revenue stream. So what’s their excuse? They are just putting us down to make temselves feel better about their horrible team.

By Toby

February 4, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

*R. Stroz * That would be great. The ownership group is so far removed from the hockey team right now, there will be no changes until the end of that court case.

Glovesave29 I agree Toronto is in no place to talk records. The article was really about the state of the NHL during the bad economy. It also talks about teams like Columbus, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Nashville. When it came to the Thrash, it was really saying that it’s sad because the fans don’t get a fair chance because the ownership group and GM are so bad, but not going anywhere.

By Hotrod

February 4, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz - thats good info and I guess good news.

       I just hope the Thrashers stay in Atl.

By Spud Webb

February 4, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

Brendon great posts, the Everest comment was great and true. Good effort tonight, nice to see. I too wish Kari would’ve gotten the shutout. A couple of things, Kovi did feel sick about the empty net, but again, someone else posted it, LOST at the blueline with the game tying goal. Why was he still out there??? JA should know better. Second thing I noticed maybe Knobs can help me? We suck in OT’s. We act like we are there to go to the shootout or just to lose. Why with our record are we not going hard and heavy in OT?? We still leave two guys at the blueline (on Offense) and just have two guys trying to score or even get control of the puck. Watch the Rangers, 3 GUYS attacking in the O zone at all TIMES in OT?? That’s what kills me, we have NOTHING to lose and we play hesitant?? Makes zero sense???? And the third thing and I’ve said this for over 8 years, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A TEAM GIVE UP THE BLUE LINE LIKE THE THRASHERS???? It makes me sick. I love DW giving JA an endorsment. Was this ever in doubt?? DW YOUR THE IDIOT WHOS GOTTEN US INTO THIS JA should be giving you the riot act everytime he sees you (I know, thats his boss!!!). FIRE DW, EVERYTIME YOU OPEN YOUR PIE HOLE DW YOU SEEM DUMMER AND DUMMER

By Glovesave29

February 4, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

St. Louis? Really? That’s surprising. After the debacle in the 1980’s when they did not participate in the draft and they were going to move to Saskatoon (they had “save the Blues” night against the Calgary Flames and I was the only red jersey there that night…and it didn’t help that the Flames scored in the waining seconds to beat the Blues 5-4, but I digress….) I thought they were the model of stability. I hadn’t heard anything about them in any trouble.

There is nooooo way I take Pronger for Enstrom. Anyone recall the game he played with Edmonton the summer after they play for the Cup? I’ll take Toby, the learning curve and a decade on the ice, thanks. Pronger is a goon and a cry baby…I hate that cross check to the kidney area from behind he always pulls.

Stroz - interesting insight. It’s funny what happens behind the scenes and what doesn’t (and does) make it into the papers. I had a similar situation in my industry where the media was handed a story from a rival industry lobbyist that was filled with errors. The reporter ran with it without fact-checking. Once we showed the scientific proof supporting us, the reported admitted what he’d done and the Times fired him. But it was a learning experience! Leaves me a bit weary of what I read.

I’d be up for a COMPLETE overhaul once the ownership issues are resolved. EVERYTHING new…even think about changing the name of the team. Get the public involved. Have a contest to name the team (a la the Flames and Flyers did) even design a new logo. We need some free pub and some goodwill to the community.

By UpperDeck4Life

February 4, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz thanks for the insight. I hope that is the case. I have had the feeling all along that DW would be out as soon as the court case was settled. To be honest, I hope both sided loose because I don’t want either side owning this team.

By KR

February 4, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Kari plays a great game, so now his we are discussing his weight. Maybe he just has a chubby baby face. I have seen him in street clothes and he does not look fat. He may not be slim, but let’s face it, he doesn’t skate up and down like the others. Cam Ward lost 20lbs. a few years ago and it helped his game tremendously.

By Bob

February 4, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Kari has a drinker’s face, the rumors seem to be true about him. Kid likes to party. That’s ok, Belfour was a notorious booze hound, but had a pretty stellar career.

If we hadn’t gone through some of the winning streaks where we’ve won five in a row, three in a row, won a great game at New Jersey, it’d be one thing, but we know we’re capable of winning games.”

I’m sorry, but this guy is a just a maroon. I truly thinks he believes that the players he assembles are capable of playing winning hockey.

Uh, Don, any given night, any team can beat another team. Our first year club won games. In the NHL, it’s what you do over the course of the 82 game season, and more importantly what you accomplish in the real season, the playoffs.

By Toby

February 4, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

FYI…

That article on the state of the NHL and Thrashers is… HERE

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 4, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Glovesave — I’d argue against your Pronger-Enstrom statement, merely because we have to bring the totality of the franchise’s situation into context.

Pronger, though a grade-a douche bag, is obviously an upgrade over any defender ever to play in Atlanta. Enstrom, though playing well, is not nearly as well-rounded of a defender as Pronger-who improves the PP, and PK as soon as he steps on the ice.

Enstrom for 10 years is great, but Pronger for two could be a step that convinces Kovalchuk that this team is serious about winning.

Don’t get me wrong, I too would rather Enstrom for his career (I assume he can still improve and be a fine second pairing defender and PP specialist) then 1 year’s worth of Pronger’s playing time (he wont re-sign here, obviously, and would be traded away for prospects and picks). However, if I were in the GM position and went to Kovalchuk saying “if I bring in Pronger, would you re-sign?” and he responded “(expletive) yeah!”, I’d trade Enstrom away without batting an eye.

Kovalchuk -his defensive flaws and all- IS the Thrashers. Enstrom is an 8th round gem that could be turned into solid gold if his departure meant Kovalchuk stayed. I’d hate losing him, but I’d be happier with the net effect of retaining Kovalchuk.

Alas, things aren’t that simple, and this is 98% a moot point because Pronger will not be traded to Atlanta, in my opinion.

“I’d be up for a COMPLETE overhaul once the ownership issues are resolved. EVERYTHING new…even think about changing the name of the team. Get the public involved. Have a contest to name the team (a la the Flames and Flyers did) even design a new logo. We need some free pub and some goodwill to the community.”

The only thing I would limit is the name change. “Thrashers” stuff is already sold, and changing the name now is just spitting at the former season ticket holders and fans who have stayed with the team through thick and thin. I don’t have a problem with the rest of your ideas, though. I even liked that one logo design you shared during the offseason (though, I can’t remember the site).

By Russian

February 4, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

to Toby Thanks. It is a Great link. I hope NHL will help Atlanta to get out Don and bring one Respect Owner. I will be first person to buy a Ticket Package if Thrashers change Owners and GM.

By Glovesave29

February 4, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Ranallo…there are too many other leaders we can bring in to stabilize this franchise without adding Chris Pronger. He is a cancer. He was hated in Hatford, St. Louis, Edmonton and now Anaheim. And didn’t we just learn about upgrading defensemen with the stellar addition of Schneider? Wasn’t Holik brought in for the same….veteran leadership with a cup ring? I think you would also get the opposite reaction by the team if you were to solicit feedback from them in regards for an Enstrom / Pronger deal…another Coburn / Zhitnik, eh Donnie Boy? Chris will only go to a contender anyhow, so it is true this debate is moot.

Mark Messier wants to get into hockey management. Wouldn’t you love to see him in the fold here. Getting on the ice now and again and working the hell out of the team? He’d work nicely with Mr. Yzerman as the GM!

Offer the fans discounts on the new jerseys, etc if they trade in the old materials…purge the old spirit of the team and start anew! Have the old Thrash stuff destroyed and start fresh…a symbolic gesture to be sure, but it would sure grab some attention.

The site I mentioned in the past is icethetics.info, but the guy who runs the site has been busy with other projects and hasn’t added much lately.

By Brendan

February 4, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Pronger would be a phenomenal acquisition, but one that we could not keep. In 2010, he’ll hit the Open Market. And even iffff he’d agree to re-sign with the Thrashers, what’s THAAAAT going to cost? Plus Kovalchuk. Plus Kari, if Kari only signs a 1-year deal this Summer. Plus Pavelec, unless Pavelec is proactively re-signed this summer. Plus Bryan Little, also, in 2010. That is, assuming Bryan Little isn’t PROACTIVELY re-signed on July 1, 2009. (Like he should be.) That’s a lot of talent to be re-signed, with a “shoe-string” budget. Sara has pointed this out on numerous occasions.

GM’s will have an interesting decision on Pronger in 2010. He’s 33-34 years old now. Or thereabouts. The 2010 market might place his value up at $9-$10 million, in cap hit. He’s a Tier I player. And he’ll probably look for a 5-year deal. Well, that’s putting him a little bit close to 40, by the end of it, at WHAT KIND OF CAP HIT?? And all the while, he’ll be suspended for chippy play, become more susceptible to injury, and slow down, through the natural progression of age.

Still, a Pronger acquisition is sooo tempting to any team “close” to winning a Stanley Cup.

By Alan

February 4, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Enstrom wouldn’t be on the block anyway. He re-signed in the off-season.

By GaVaHokie

February 5, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Brendan… ownership showed they were willing to pay Campbell $8 million, and he’s arguably not worth it.

I’d be willing to throw $8 million and Pronger and actually see results.

By Brendan

February 6, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

Hokie, the key would be if the ownership would throw $8 million at Pronger once they’d already met the floor of the cap. That would reflect an ownership trying to win. As Ranallo points out, the $8 million the AS, LLC threw at Campbell was in an effort to get OVER the FLOOR of the cap. Instead, that money went to Schneider ($5.75M) and Hainsey ($4.5 million), to put the team at $45.5 million on Opening night. Which was more than $10+ million UNDER the cap limit.

They ownership, I agree, is willing to get OVER the floor of the cap. There are penalties, if they don’t. As well as revenue-sharing consequences, in addition to the penalties, which includes a loss of a draft pick. And if they have to overpay for a player, past his prime, to get OVER THE FLOOR, they’re apt to do that, as well.

By Friend of Fraser

February 6, 2009 5:23 PM | Link to this

Great feature. Thanks.