AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHello Kids & Bye-Bye Moose?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A couple of quick shots, then I have to prepare for some days away in Florida due to the loss of the Divine Mrs. R’s grandfather, (97 and passed in his sleep…we should all be so lucky). I have a couple of blogs “in the can” for later in the week …a series post mortems in which look back at the season, discuss some key issues, and then we can bury this abysmal year once and for all.
And remember, next week we begin our post-season blogging!
Extended Pre-season
The past several games have seen some new faces in the line up. It has been, as I like to say, an extended pre-season before next fall.
Tuesday night saw rookie forward Jordan LaVallee notching his first NHL goal and helper in just his second game. Boris Valabik now has 6 games under his belt with the Thrashers and seems to look more comfortable each and every game. Certainly he looks very comfortable in the role of blueline enforcer, quite the good sign for possible things to come.
However, the true test comes with time … specifically how they continue to develop once they gain more playing time at this level. But, combined with what has been seen of Little, Enstrom, Stuart and what we saw of Sterling, as well as the recent additions of Armstrong and Christensen…the future looks somewhat promising.
Now, most will get some playoff seasoning back in Wolves uniforms.
So, how do the newbies look to you? (And I’m referring to their play on the ice, ladies).
Last Moose Sighting?
Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss to Florida might well be the last we see of Johan Hedberg in a Thrashers uniform, as he becomes an UFA this summer. However, there is a logical argument that can be made for inking him to a one-year deal, (if the money is right), in order to give another year to Ondrej Pavelec’s development.
I still haven’t made up my mind on this yet…I mean, is Opie better off playing 20 or so games in a back-up role here…or getting another season with 60-ish starts in Chicago? Then again, if he is deemed ready for the NHL, shouldn’t he be here competing for the starting gig next fall?
While we are on that subject, the same question goes for Mark Recchi. Certainly he has been a great asset since picking him up…at the least, a good value. But does a player who will turn 41 next season fit into a rebuilding plan? His veteran leadership would be a great thing to have in the locker room, no doubt, but which player would you keep in Chicago for him? Or, are their players to obtain via trade or free agency that can fit the bill better?
Honestly, I go back and forth on these questions…but I guess, when push comes to shove, I would say bring up Opie and pat Recchi on the back telling him “thanks”, but we are going to go a different direction.
The Thrashers are going to go through some serious changes this summer, (hopefully), so let’s go all the way with it.
Falling Stars & Embattled Senators
Looks like something you might read on the cover of the National Enquirer, eh? But I’m speaking of the two hockey teams.
I do not generally buy into in the concept of “backing in” to the playoffs. Points in the standing are a cumulative thing over the course of 82 games. If a team finished with enough to qualify for a run at the cup, then it really doesn’t matter how the last 2 weeks of the season played out.
That being said, I have to point out two teams that are not exactly going into the Stanley Cup Sweepstakes on an up note.
Dallas, who has at least guaranteed a spot out west, is 2-6-2 in their past 10 games and have watched the Sharks run away with the Pacific Division title. While they currently hold the number five spot in the conference, it is not outside the realm of possibility that they could fall as low as seventh.
Finishing in that spot would pit them against San Jose. An un-good situation for sure!
But Ottawa is in an even worse position. Once the frontrunners in the east, this team has fallen back to the 6th seed in the conference and could find themselves as low as 8th after tonight’s play. Not only that, but they could be out of the playoffs all together if they drop their last two games, at Toronto and vs. Boston, (Think about THAT for a second).
These are not teams the Senators want to be facing right now as the Leafs would just love screwing up their rival’s post-season aspirations and the Bruins are still fighting not just to get into the big dance but better their positioning as well. And both are playing well of late.
All in all…not the spot either the Stars or Sens want to be in. Of course, I’d love the Thrashers to be facing the same “dilemma” right now.
Now, behave yourselves while I’m away, kids…I’ll check in when I can.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By PJ
April 2, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Oh Oh I’m first!!!!
By TR
April 2, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
2nd!
By five_hole
April 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
I tend to agree with your assessment of Onjrej (can we call him OJ?) and Recchi, but for different reasons.
IMO, you have to see if the kid is ready, and unfortunately in the NHL, it means doing it without the safety net of Moose. Also, not having the Moose around would mean more pressure on Kari to succeed. Goodbye Moose, and I will miss you.
Recchi is (and I really hate to say things like this) old. Frankly, he’s closer to my age than Bryan Little, and I’m of the opinion that (assuming you get to the playoffs) old legs wear out over an 82 game schedule. Also, he made $1.75 mil this year (we paid less than half). I’m guessing he’d want close to that kind of money and he only scored 14 goals. I think we could get someone better for that kind of money (or at least let a kid play for less).
The third thing is that, in the age of the salary cap, you need (relatively inexpensive) rookies/young players to fill out the roster. Which is why you need to draft well, Mr. Waddell.
By Rawhide
April 2, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
So, did everyone hear that the Chicaco Blackhawks will televise all 82 games next year. Hmmmm, there’s a thought…put the product in the homes of the people you want to come out and spend money at your arena….all of the time!
By PJ
April 2, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Rawhide I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Take your time and be supportive, we’ll all behave…….really.
I really love watching the kids skate. It means something to them and it shows. Even if they make rookie mistakes, I would have much rather seen us lose games that way then they way we did. Oh well, by gones. Of course I feel the need to comment that Valabik needs some special training geared toward a man his size.
five_hole The one thing that troubles me about giving up Moose is who will back up Opie when Kari pulls his groin and misses a month here and there. Who do we have, Turple?? As for Recchi, I like him, he strikes me as having a strong work ethic and a positive attitude which we havn’t seen alot of this year. I hope he remains in the limelight of the NHL for many years to come. I still think he may have another year of skating left in him if the price was right.
By BackRowBum
April 2, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, I’m a former season ticket holder in Section 121 that didn’t like getting jacked by ASG, so I not only didn’t renew, but have held a season long protest. Not one penny to ASG. But I have watched every game that I could on TV, and have read your blog and CC’s blog all season.
Thanks for the great energy that you have brought this season. Too bad our veterans didn’t bring great energy. And thanks to all your regular bloggers for the entertainment.
Hope springs eternal, so I gotta look forward to a new GM, new coach, draft picks, a top blueliner. While I make my Christmas list, do you think it would be too much to ask for new ownership? I mean, if we have been moving in the right direction, I would prefer to move in the wrong direction.
Before I go, I gotta make a confession. I thought Hossa mailed it in this year as a Thrasher, so I was actually rooting for The Rangers to beat The Penguins the other night. And I Never thought I would Ever root for The Rangers.
Keep up the great work!
By Ben
April 2, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
One day the Thrashers will be as charming as the Cubbies. The loveable loosers of Hockey do, in their own way, try. DON WADDELL IS SAFE BUT THERE WILL BE A SHAKEUP WITH THE PLAYOFF-BOUND HAWKS. ASG HAS SHOWN US THE CARDS NOW! THEY ARE WAITING TO SELL THE TEAM!
My question is who will by this team?
By R. Stroz
April 3, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Bruce Levenson defines heading in the right direction as moving toward an open bar.
By Sara
April 3, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
Rawhide my condolences on your family’s loss but you’re right - sounds like he had a good long life which is all any of us can ask for.
I have to say I am taking some enjoyment in the Sens’ misery of late…couldn’t happen to a better club IMO.
As for our situation here…I’m really torn about the Pavs/Moose thing. I would hate to see the team rush Pavs up here and risk overburdening a young netminder (we’ve already been down that road once). Plus Moose brings a lot of good things to the table for this club. At the same time, Pavs has to make the jump sometime. Plus it might be a good motivator for Kari to have some competition. However, if something isn’t done about the blueline and overall team system, it’s a moot point because this year’s play could make even Roy look bad between the pipes.
As for Recchi - in some ways I’d like to keep him. If he doesn’t have to log minutes like a work mule he could probably hold up all season. 41 is generally a scary number for a hockey player but there are guys that defy that logic (see: Chelios). I think he is realistic about the type of money he could get and I imagine it means more to him to just be playing. And if we’re presuming that Holik and Zhitnik are gone next season (please God), we need to retain some veteran presence with the club aside from just Kozlov.
By Michael Shapiro
April 3, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Rawhide
Sorry for your loss, but agree 97 and in my sleep is the way to go (especially if I’m sleeping one post-game celebration off).
Two quick shots: Keep Moose for one year if he’ll bite. Give Opie a year to mature, or bring him up with Kari strains the glass groin (it’s obligatory, isn’t it?).
Sign Recchi for $1.25 next year if he’ll take it. While 14 goals may sound small to five_hole, remember a few of things: Spittsburgh didn’t play him much at the beginning of the season, he played well with Superchuck in the middle of the season, D-Wad moved him onto Kozzy’s line of late and we all know that Kozzy has been mailing it in, and finally….14 puts him in a tie for third on the team in goals (yes, it’s Kozzy, aka “the Mailman” who’s ahead of him with 17) but Recchi is second on the team in terms of overall points…that alone is worth another year.
Steppin’ down from my soapbox.
By Bob
April 3, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
My sincere condolences on your loss, Rawhide.
So, how do the newbies look to you?
From the ones you mentioned Enstrom looks good. But we’re playing him as a #1 dman and that he is not. We need a real #1 dman and pair Enstrom with him, move Havelid down to #3 and this d would improve exponentially. Valabik would be ok playing 3rd pairing minutes. I grimace watching Coburn now, he looked incredible in the Pens-Flyers game last night, man.
Sterling has shown me nothing, he’s a career NHLer, his game does not translate to the NHL. Stuart looks good, I’d bring him up next year. As for Little? I look at his stats and scratch my head. He’s got 15 points in 47 games or so, and he’s skated with Kovy! I am underwhelmed so far, he’s got a lot of Todd White in him, skates around looking pretty but gets little to nothing done. I’d bring Lavallee in for next year as well.
I think they need to turn Holik loose and retain Recchi for one year if it can be a $1m contract and give him the C.
By BAF
April 3, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Certainly, I would like to see some of the vets be escorted out of town. But the locker room and the ice needs some veteran leadership. If Recchi can be signed for a reasonable price, I would do it and give him the “C” next year. The guy can still play and has points to give. He is versatile playing all three positions and can play with almost anyone. That is needed in a rebuilding year when there are so many blanks to fill.
By Nikita
April 3, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
We’re not really in a position of having to pick and choose the cheap players, except within the usual league limits. So I think recchi is a good risk — he’s pretty inexpensive, he only wants to play a few more seasons, he wants to be here, and he’s playing pretty well. In general, I don’t think any veteran is a bad risk unless we’re putting them on long-term contracts at high dollars.
I wouldn’t bet Holik is gone, by the way. I think it’s possible we’ll see him back with a less expensive contract. Depends on how the rest of the team shapes up.
As for the Pitt/Flyers game…great game! It was a nail biter until the :45. Hoss played pretty decently (not on the first line), but I was throughly vindicated in our decision to trade Dupuis when midway through the game he did his characteristic breakaway-and-fail-to-shoot move.
By Thrashers Girl
April 3, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
I’m still pushing the “Give Slava the C” from last season. Time to bust out the window chalk. I don’t care what anyone wants to call Kozzy. We all know that he’s the Professor, so let’s leave it at that. “The Mailman”, like the rest of the team hasn’t “Mailed it in”, give me a break.
Speaking of that, I remember seeing several cars in Atlanta and Gwinnett with the “GIVE X THE C” slogan on the back windows. Guess that idea fell through.
I’m sort of torn on the Moose-Pavs Issue. What’s better, Having Pavs come in if Kari gets hurt again or Moose? I don’t know, even based of this season. Only time will tell…
By Russian
April 3, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I am going to talk about Young and Old Players on this Season.
I want to see next season:
Little
Stuart
LaVellee (he played only two games, but he is going to the net every time)
Valabik
Pavelec as Back-Up goalie
I do not want to see next season:
Haydar
Krog
Doell
Sterling
Kiwi
Moose needs to go, I hate to say that, but he will be expencive to Back-up Goalie. Ricchi is big QUESTION. He looked great when he came here, but he is disappeared on end of season. If he want to stay, his price will around $1 mln, no more. He has to play on 4-line.
By ToF
April 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Russian Why no Sterling? He has played 13 games in the bigs, most of which was on his off wing (he is a natural left-winger). Also, he’ll be 24 at the start of the season; that’s not too old to break into the league. He gets another chance (but neds to capitalize).
Bail on Recchi. repeat BAIL ON RECCHI. We need veteran leaders not 40 year olds who give up on a play (while the puck is near them) to yell at refs or opposing players. That is NOT what the kids need to learn. Also, remember why/how he left Pitt. He wasn’t excelling in his role, but he didn’t want to change it.
Bring in someone who’s leadership trumps anything else in their career. This is why Scott Melanby was so darn handy. He was a scorer in his prime, but everyone talks about his leadership. Also, no more quiet leaders. Kozy and Havelid are enough. We need someone who will hold everyone (including himself) accountable. Kovy might b able to do this, but I have a hard time beliving his speeches are all that rousing (assuming he does speak up).
Apparently Machacheck (sp?) is a big time leader. I would love to see him make the jump straight from juniors (highly doubtful, but we can hope).
By Russian
April 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
to ToF
Why is Sterling need to go??? Look his Stats in team. He played 13 games and got 1G 2A = 3points. This is a one of my point. Second one he is 5’7” and 180 lbs. We already have Perrin as Midget.
By Thrasher Ryan
April 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I agree with Russian here. Sterling had his chance here, same with Kiwi. Recchi comes back for $1 million, no more. And he would be on the 4th line (with Slater, if Slater is even back - I hope not.)
ToF—I’d rather have Recchi than Sterling, at least I can expect Recchi to rack up 10+ NHL goals; Sterling may be a great AHL player, but that doesn’t always guarantee a great NHL player.
By Nikita
April 3, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Sterling doesn’t have the goods, is too small, and in general isn’t our best shot at a stellar new player.
Recchi should probably play a final season with the C. If not him, then Perrin — I’d lean toward Perrin. In Perrin’s favor, he remains driven regardless of what’s happening around him, and every line he’s been on has been a producing line because his personal philosophy is about making the group look good rather than making himself look good. Plus, playoff experience.
The A’s stay with Havelid, Kovy, and Rex.
By NASCAR Dave
April 3, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
WELL, WELL, WELL….
THE BRAVES WIN 10-2, THE HAWKS WIN IN OVERTIME, AND INCOMPETENT DON WADDELL AND HIS INCOMPETENT GUTLESS LOSER TRASHERS STILL SUCK A$$!!! AND THEY’RE STILL THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE NTIRE LEAGUE!!!
AND NOW WADDELL GETS TO MAKE OUR LOTTERY PICK? HELL NO!!!
WHY HAS IDIOT DON WADDELL NOT BEEN FIRED YET???
WE HAVE 4 DAYS TO LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD!!!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! END THE INCOMPETENCE!
WADDELL IS A LAME DUCK GM.
NUFF SAID.
By Stats
April 3, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
I believe it would make sense for Atlanta to try and resign Hedberg, even if it is a little expensive. He is a good mentor to KL and a good backup to handle 15-20 games/yr.
Pavs is a hot commodity and promising talent, but his timeline is not right. If KL resigns this offseason, he will be a roadblock to Pavs for the next 3-4 years. The Braves had this happen with Andy Marte and J. Saltalamacchia. Both were ultimately traded.
The smart move is to resign Hedberg. Next season, if ATL needs help at the trade deadline, Pavs makes good trade bait to a team that is out of the playoffs and looking to rebuild with young players.
If you bring up Pavs and he only plays as a backup and doesn’t perform well, his value drops.
By NASCAR Dave
April 3, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
STATS - If you trade Pavelec, what goalie do you have to back up Lehtonen? Moose will take better money elsewhere; we cannot and should not overpay to bring back Moose.
(http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/)
By NASCAR Dave
April 3, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/
By Alan
April 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
If you take a young, developing goalie and put him in a 15-20 games per season backup role, you’re only stunting his development. Pavs would be better off as a starter in Chicago than he would be in a backup role here in Atlanta. That’s not only the facts, that’s just good common sense.
By Brendan
April 3, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Alan, I want Pavelec to challenge Kari and win the starting job, not play 15 games in relief. Competition makes a better product. We need to find out if Pavelec is the better goalie.
By Alan
April 3, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Brendan, that can wait until 2009-10, couldn’t it? Couldn’t Pavs challenge Kari when he has more development time under his belt? Must we rush it? Part of our problem (Slater) is that we’re (Slater) rushing the kids out there (Slater) in an attempt to “make a better product” (Slater).
See: Jimmy Slater.
By five_hole
April 3, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Michael Shapiro - Recchi is making $1.75 this year. I doubt seriously if he’d take a $500,000 pay cut. I like Recchi as a player; I’m sure he’s a good guy in the locker room & provides veteran leadership, but if we could sign, say, Ryder from Montreal for $3 mil to $3.25 mil, I’d much rather have him.
Rawhide Should have added my condolences to Mrs. Rawhide. Please pass them along.
By Brendan
April 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Alan, I think Pavelec was a 2005 draft pick. It’s three years later. That’s not “rushing it” too badly, is it? If it begins to look like he needs more time down in the AHL, by all means, give it to him. But I expect him in camp, at least TRYING to wrest the starting job from Kari.
By Midget Line!!
April 3, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s bring up Sterling. Maybe we could pick another shorty and call it the midget line.
Whatever, Sterling plays well. There might be a place for him. However, if he does get brought up, then everyone else needs to be extra big. COME ON.
Also, let’s play Tobi with Boris. I have a good feeling about that Big and tough with short and fast. UNSTOPPABLE?
And stop the Slater hate!
By Alan
April 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Brendan - I think you confused what I was saying. I never once said I didn’t expect Pavs in camp. You’ve also got to remember that he finished up the 2006-07 season in the QMJHL and this season is his first in the pros. Goaltenders need a LOT of time to develop, so these years are kind of critical to him if he’s going to be in the starting role. Regular roster players can’t be rushed, and goalies especially so. Imagine how much better Kari’s mental game would be if he spent more time in Chicago in 2005-06?
Just consider what I’m saying here. It’s not that I don’t have any confidence in Pavs, it’s that I want him to be mentally focused and able to stop practically any shot.
By Brendan
April 3, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Alan, we want the same things here. If Pavelec is ready, and turns out to be the better goaltender, I’m not opposed to that. Every player develops differently. If he’s not ready, then he should get the time he needs for that development. Next season is a rebuilding season, anyway. It’s not as if we’re going to challenge for the Cup, and it all has to hinge on Pavelec.
Now, Kovalchuk doesn’t want to hear ANY of that. He wants to go for the Cup NEXT YEAR, after a “magical whirlwind of roster upheaval.” I can only imagine his level of disappointment when that doesn’t happen.
I hope he can see the “bigger picture” and the value of rebuilding properly this time.
By Rawhide
April 3, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Washington beats Tampa Bay!!!
We clinch 14th in the conference!!!
WE CLINCH FOURTEENTH!!
popping cork on champagne
WOO-HOOoooo!
Bubbly anyone?
By PJ
April 3, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Cheers!!! a toast,…. to getting the first and best pick. Rawhide We need a countdown to Bob’s day. T-4days.
By PJ
April 3, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Roll Call Who’s all going to the game on Saturday? Is the food court open? And will there be someone down there selling “FIRE WADDELL” T-Shirts? Anybody?? Somebody??
By Donald Trump
April 3, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell….
YOU’RE FIRED!!
By BuzzEng
April 3, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Roll Call I’ll be coming down from NC to see the game Saturday night with Mrs. BuzzEng (the Canadiens fan). I’m paying for the Montreal-ATL game we went to last year - she in her Habs jersey, me in my Thrashers jersey. The Thrash won that night and I’ve been paying for it since - especially this year.
By Alan
April 3, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Unless something comes up, I should be there. I can’t imagine what would come up to prevent a trip to the game, though.
By Thrasher Ryan
April 4, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Roll Call Who’s all going to the game on Saturday?
I might be attending.
By Tony C.
April 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Uhhhh.
Here’s the thing about Recchi-he wants to come back at say, $750K (bonus multipliers up to $1.75M) then I’m down. But something tells me that he’s going to want more than the 8-10 minutes a game I’m hoping our lineup is good enough to slot him into. He faced a similar situation in Pitt. and look what happened. Now, if he’s learned whatever lesson there is to be learned (and I’m with whoever called him out for taking time to b!tch before the whistle blew-I bet I know the play you’re talking about) then maybe he’ll be cool with it-I think a third line of he Slater and LaVallee could be good. But again, I’d be happier if we had a roster that would make Recchi superfluous. Ryder somebody mentioned-I think he’d fit nicely on a #17/(please tiny infant Baby Jesus in golden swaddling cloth use your Baby Jesus powers to help the Thrashers win the lotto) Stamkos/Ryder line. I’d rather Ryder than Huselius.
So if I’m outside Saturday selling SafetyOrange “Fire Waddell” Tees, who’s buying?
GO BLUE !!!
OPERATION: Believe in Tankland IS GO!