By Jenny

May 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

oh G-d, I hope so.

By Russian

May 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Are we still waiting???? What should be happend to get our Owners asses moved???? We are going to loose Gold Opportunity to get good coach. And Please make a move with our GM. He has to go home and watch hockey on TV. As I did whole season, because I could not spend money for those S** at last year.

By FormerIslesFan

May 13, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Okay, RH, it’s been a while since I’ve added a link, so how about this one from the Bellowing Moose on msnbc.com regarding why Waddell has to go…

By ranallo10

May 13, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

FormerIslesFan — This is the best tidbit I got from that person’s opinion…

By polskidawg

May 13, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

The only problem (allegedly) with Wilson is that he apparently has an ego the size of Alaska. Over time, that seems to wear on his teams.

Having said that, I would concur with those who believe he would be a huge improvement from DW, and I personally think he would be immediately respected by the players.

The next question is - who’s going to provide him with players? Who’s going to negotiate with UFAs? Who’s going to draft Juniors?

If its DW, the long-term prospects don’t really change regardless of the coach (just ask Bob Hartley).

By B. Thenet

May 13, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

The Bellowing Moose said we had lousy attendance, as far as I can see the Thrashers attendance was higher than two playoff teams. Higher than 2 of the 3 teams in the NYC area. Certainly higher than the putrid 3rd from the bottom of the league finish deserved.

In addition, how can you bash DW for drafting Bourret, and in the very same sentence bash him for trading Bourret? Bourret for Dupuis and a 3rd rounder…that one is a steal for the Thrashers.

Wilson=Hartley, and loudmouth screamer who gets some good years from his players and then they lose interest. I do not think that is the direction we want to go in, again.

By GaVaHokie

May 13, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Wilson=Hartley, and loudmouth screamer who gets some good years from his players and then they lose interest. I do not think that is the direction we want to go in, again.

I think that could be said about every coach that’s available right now… Quenneville, Quinn, Wilson, Hartley, Maurice… and soon, maybe Tortorella.

By R. Stroz

May 13, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

If Wilson was hired and missed the shark tank, there is a large fish tank down the street from Philips.

By J(Z)

May 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Here’s a blog that amuses me. They have a post today about waddell being f-ing clueless…

Puck That Hit

By J(Z)

May 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks for fixing it :)

By GaVaHokie

May 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

J(Z)… no offense, but those were kind of weak. Both Larry Brooks and whoever wrote that follow-up.

I’ve heard better arguments on this blog.

By d

May 13, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that a highly sought after coach would join a club without a GM in place. After all, who would go to work without know who’s the boss? Worst case, the ASG will need to ink-in a new contract for DW - or ideally hire a new GM, before the club can hope to attract a world-class coach.

While the ASG may not care about hockey - they are motivated by revenues and profits. I truly believe the ASG recognizes that attendance could be off sharply next season if bold changes in management are not announced.

By J(Z)

May 13, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

sorry, I’ve been out of the loop on this blog lately. Just seeing it getting national attention I thought was a big deal.

By Tony C.

May 13, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Russian-Dude. I love your posts. You are so on point with the following:

“Please make a move with our GM. He has to go home and watch hockey on TV. As I did whole season, because I could not spend money for those S* at last year.*”

That and “This is not a hockey!” exactly my sentiments.

Does the guy from yahoo have one of those medical marijuana licenses that they hand out in The People’s Republic of California?? I mean why on earth would Wilson pick ATL over COL? Or putting his name in the ring for the deadwings gig (I doubt they’ll let Babcock go)? I mean I can see about not wanting the TorontoMapleLeafs job-those people are nuts-but I hard time believing that ATL is anywhere on Wilson’s top 3.

By LAC

May 13, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Ok…Time for asg to ACT on Wilson & Nonis…

Kick waddell to the curb and get him the Hell out of the franchise once and for all. These owners are too dumb to realize that if they, can waddell, hire Wilson & Nonis we would REALLY be heading the right direction for a CHANGE.

Change is GOOD, and The Atlanta Thrashers, perhaps, more than any other NHL team NEED CHANGE… I mean POSITIVE change, not this crap we keep hearing and watching these owners do not ONE DAMN THING to help grow the franchise.

The time to ACT IS NOW, not next week or the following week, NOW… If not, I feel more DOOM & GLOOM will hover over the Thrashers and that is NOT GOOD !

Come on owners… Time to quit sucking your thumbs and be real men and show the Thrashers and their Fans you want to win… keeping worthless don waddell means more losing on the ice and our star player… Better start making those calls NOW !

By R. Stroz

May 13, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

If LAC and GaVaHokie agree that Nonis should be GM and Wilson should be coach, the Spirit boys should listen loudly.

This is the first time these two have ever agreed on anything, other than wanting to see a good hockey team representing Atlanta.

Nonis for GM, Wilson for coach.

By Rawhide

May 13, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

FormerIslanderFan - You are the Link Master!

d - Good point, which makes it even more important to make the move to replace DW…whether that is releasing him outright or pushing him up the ladder…

B. Thenet - Wilson=Hartley? hokie starts to roll his eyes ‘cuz he knows what’s about to come…I’M SORRY…BUT 518 WINS OVERALL VS. 426 LOSSES AND ALL THOSE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES ARE SCREAMING WAY TOO LOUD…I CAN’T HEAR WHAT YOU’RE SAYING!!

Seriously though…I have to say that I disagree with the “he’s too much of a hard nose…players lose interest” theory. Coaches are payed to coach, players are paid to play. If a team is winning but the players “tune out” the coach, then maybe THEY should leave.

I don’t believe in letting the inmates run the asylum.

And, Like Hokie said, that thought process eliminates any qualified coach and limits the team ONLY to someone yet to prove himeslf at this level.

I like Anderson, but would personally rather see a known commodity in here. We cannot affort to wait 3-4 years to see if a coach is gonna pan out or not up here.

(Again, Anderson is about the only one I would feel comfortable with that).

Stroz - Yes, you are right…LAC and Hokie agreeing is something to pay attention to. We should, first, hire Nonis and Wilson…then check for other signs of the Apocalypse

Jenny - Hi there.

J(Z) - Your welcome.

Tony C - I mean why on earth would Wilson pick ATL over COL? - Tony, Tony, Tony…I think mayme given the right circumstance he would cosider it. If nothing else…maybe throwing a decent amount of $$$ at him?

But I think he’ll be pursuaded more if he knew the GM was not going to be DW but if someone like Nonis was being place there instead.

By R. Stroz

May 13, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

I think everyone should read Craig’s newest article, with special attention to the last sentence.

By kracker

May 13, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I would hate it but I could survive the disappointment of a Wilson coached Thrashers team losing in 7 to the Wings in the playoffs next year.

By Tony C.

May 13, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

kracker-don’t worry.

IF we get to a finals against the deadwings, I will personally make it my mission to ensure that Zetteberg is arrested with hookers & coke/crack/meth whatever the cop has handy.

I kid, I kid….but seriously, I think we’d all poop golden chickens if we took DET to 7 games in the finals. Also, I just don’t think #17 will allow the team to loose if they got that far.

By Rawhide

May 13, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

OH my…who else just saw the goal Hossa scored….zig, zag, fake, shoot…SCORE!!

Tony C - OK, you are in charge of planting incriminating evidence on Zetterberg…and as long as I’m given the proper ointment, I think I can “produce” that golden chicken for you….but, I mean, OUCH!

By Marion Hossa

May 13, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I see the “blueland circus” is still going strong. Now you know why I am in Pitt. So what is Waddel’s job now!player…coach… president… gm..king!!!!!!! Ha ha aha ha ha ho ho ho ha ha ha

By kracker

May 13, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link J(Z) I have talked about how DW passed on drafting Anze Kopitar in the 05 draft while trading the 8 pick and ending up with Bourret at 16. He did pick up Pavelec and that gets a ‘good’ rating on the RH Scale. In the reply to the posted text, I see that we also passed on Marc Staal with the 12 pick that DW traded to the Rangers, who drafted Stall. Spencer Machcek was also acquired somewhere in these manueverings. DW still lost big time and it’s worse than I previously thought. We go from 8 to 12 to 16 and end up with Alex Bourret. Yikes!

Best comment about DW: “Maybe he should play a fantasy league for a year or two ‘till he gets the jist. I think there’s a fern in his office that’s been watching him for the last couple years that could probably fill in for him in the mean time.”

By Rawhide

May 13, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

RStroz - Wilson lives in Hilton Head, SC!!!

Gas up the Thrashermobile, Stroz-man…were gonna take us a road trip and bring Wilson back to Atlanta with us!

By kracker

May 13, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Marion Hossa We’re wondering the same thing….King Waddell? When will this nightmare end?

By Rice8891

May 13, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

If Hossa had played like that here, maybe he’d still be here and the Thrashers would still be playing. I hope Detroit sweeps the Pens andHossa never touches the CUP.

By Tony C.

May 13, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

OOOOOOH A CURSE.

Well done Rice8891.

By Tony C.

May 13, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

In other news, Nashville announced that they have signed Martin Erat to a 7yr-$31.5M contract. He’s 26 and has averaged 53 pts for the past 4 seasons. His 23G this season was a career-high.

So um. uhhhh. That’s 4.5/yr avg. Now if we accept that A-O’s deal is the pinnacle of the curve for scoring forwards, then I think we can safely look at this deal as the bottom of the curve.

Which begs the question: What are they going to have to offer #17 to keep him here? I would think that a 7-11 year contract is not innappropriate. I understand about the risk to the team in the event a player is injured, but also the player risks the opportunity for a big(ger) payday.

By Rice8891

May 13, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Keep Kovy? Ovechkin +$1. Plus build a winner. Levinson and Waddell seemed willing, at least to the former at the season ending town hall. The latter? We’ll know July 2nd.

By CNN

May 13, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Two middle aged men kidnapped the former coach of the San Jose Sharks, Ron Wilson, off a golf course today in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

The automobile has a Georgia license plate and was headed west on I-20. If you spot the two assailants, please do not try and stop them as they are trying to save hockey in Atlanta.

By John

May 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

For those who keep hating on Hossa, let it go. How can you blame a player for wanting a chance to win. Listen, I hated to see Hossa leave, but we all knew this was coming. He knew this franchise was headed nowhere and the blame rest on Waddell and his sorry tenure as GM. We didn’t get enough for Hossa (a couple 3rd liners and a boom or bust prospect), DW can’t draft or develop young players, and he certainly cannot coach. Don’t hate Hossa, b/c he loved ATL, hate DW for putting Hossa in this position. Hopefully, Hossa lifts up the Stanley Cup and smiles because he sure does deserve it.

I really hate being the bearer of bad news, but what are people going to do in 2 years when Kovy bolts? It’s inevitable and there is really no long term solution coming to please Kovy. Back to square one for us Thrashers fans, but hey at least things can’t get worse, right?

To the owners: (you guys are the worse owners in sports)…oh back to my message- FIRE DON WADDELL

By Sherriff Buford T. Justice

May 13, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Those two sumbitches! I done told ‘em don’t go runnin’ bootleg coaches across the state line!

By B. Thenet

May 13, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Considering the youth that should be up in Atlanta over the next couple of years: Enstrom, Valabik, Little, Esposito, Machacek, Zubarev, Kulda, Pavelec, Lavallee, Holzapfel, Enlund, Sterling.

I just question whether or not we need another Bob Hartley who wouldn’t play guys like Coburn and insisted on putting a well past his prime Scott Mellanby on the PP over and over and over again.

Despite what some think, we do have plenty of young talent coming up in the system. Do we want someone to teach them to play better, or someone who will make them play as if any mistake they make will land them on the bench for a couple of games?

Wilson is a poor choice for the situation this franchise is in right now.

By Michael Guillemette

May 13, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Wilson had in-fighting w/ some of his players and his talented teams (who cares about payroll..the players on the Sharks are good so that argument doesnt make much sense to me) failing in the playoffs every year doesn’t get me too excited about Wilson. I would rather have a coach who has had tons of success at minor league levels..or the Canes coach if he becomes available (he won’t..but i can dream). Although any coach will be a huge upgrade from Waddell.

By Brendan

May 13, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

I’d take Ron Wilson as Coach. Nonis simply cannot be worse than Waddell. Nonis didn’t do anything worthy of being fired in Vancouver. Unless you consider not reaching the Conference Finals as “utter failure” for the Canucks franchise.

If it’s Nonis and Wilson, I’d feel better about the immediate future. Would it be enough to keep Kovy? Would ANYTHING be enough to keep Kovy? Kovalchuk didn’t fail the Thrashers, (four 40 goal campaigns and counting …) the Thrashers failed Kovalchuk. If Waddell has any real oversight over Nonis, I doubt anything will change. Retaining Waddell, in any shape, form or fashion, reeks of a “business plan.” And if the business model remains the same … then we haven’t yet turned the corner to a fresh, new day.

With the exact same budget, roughly $43 million, I’d say Nonis and Wilson could and would do better next season. And in the years to come. But step one is the removal of Waddell. I don’t care if resigns. I don’t care if they fire him. I don’t care if Waddell up and “quits.” But making him a part of the decision-making process, even if “by committee,” at this point, is beyond absurd.

If the Thrashers hire Nonis, they’ve got to give him TOTAL CONTROL. From the hiring of an equipment manager to “final say so” on draft day decisions, trades, waiver acquisition-removals. Obviously, the ownership sets the budget, not the GM. There’s little Nonis, or any other GM, can do about that. That’s an ASG “business model,” which is also something that must change. Additionally, Nonis must be given the opportunity to squash the “Blueland” ad campaign in favor of something else, if he so desires. The point is … the Czar is dead. It’s a new Day. And there’s a new Sheriff in town.

Oh by the way, Detroit will draft no worse than 30th this June. So if the Red Wings want to offer Kari Lehtonen an RFA offersheet that “cash-strapped” Atlanta can’t match, either in term of length or dollar value, the compensation they give up isn’t much. (#30, #60, #90, etc.) Food for thought as the pending RFA netminder remains un-signed and uncontacted, apparently.

By PJ

May 13, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Rawhide What’s the latest on the Wolves playoff run?

John I have to respectfully disagree with your post about Hossa. He has now proved that he was capable of doing more. It is apparent to me that he chose to not push himself to his physical capabilities while he was here this past season. It’s shameful. He is a professional, he gets paid well to put his personal feelings aside and kick a$$ every game. I hardly find him more “deserving” to win the cup than a player that did give 110% all season long regardless of his personal tragedies. That being said, I don’t hate him, I wish him well where ever he decides to play. I just don’t think that engaging in difficult contract negotiations (thur an agent no less) is an acceptable excuse for lacking integrity nor do I consider is a triumph worthy of holding the cup.

As for Kovy, if he chooses to leave after playing his heart out another season, I will wish him the best, he IS deserving but I truly hope that day never ever ever ever ever ever ever happens (do I hear a Amen?)

By Brendan

May 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

John, I hope Hossa wins the Conn Smythe Trophy! He’s got the OT winner that closed out the Rangers and the GWG tonight in the “back-breaking” game of this Flyers series. I don’t blame Hossa for his choice not to re-sign here. I thank him for 2 years and change of admirable service to an organization he didn’t choose. Hossa’s 100-point season was the best of his career. Hossa should, at least, have some fond memories of Atlanta, based on that.

Also, let’s be honest about something. Marian Hossa is in his “contract year.” Quite literally, his playoff performance could spell the difference between $7 million-per-season versus $9 million-per-season in his next contract, for however many years that might be. Digest that one yet? If Hossa’s next contract is a seven-year deal, and he makes $9 million per season, that’s a $2 million raise, times seven years, equals an additional $14 million in his bank account. Hossa should be very, very motivated to succeed in these playoffs. Although, he claims not to play for the money. Or rather, he cited that “money is not the problem for his next contract with Atlanta.” I believe him there.

Rightly or wrongly, the accusations of “playoff bust” hang about Marian Hossa. To my satisfaction, coming into this seasons, Hossa had never placed a team up on his shoulders and carried it.

In Pittsburgh, he’s got Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Malone, Whitney, Gonchar and more … for nightly relief of any expectations for “leadership.” In Atlanta, the leader of our team is Ilya Kovalchuk. And yet, the organ-I-zation cannot see fit to even making him “Captain” of the team for which he is the “face of the franchise.” And then we wonder why he might leave in 2010.

By Rowdy Yates

May 14, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Brenden, You are right on buddy !

When LAC & GaVa agree WOW… We Win !

First things first, like the Great Brenden said, dump Waddell once and for all, the guy reeks of failure and to keep that guy for any reason would be a disaster.

Second, It seems the planets are all lined up… Do the asg boys see it ?????? Or are they still blinded by the Waddell syndrome ?

Nonis + Wilson = Winners.

What do we need here…

Winning NHL hockey year after year !!!!!!!!!

The owners need to act now on this, enough of this worthless defense of Waddell, I wish our ON ICE defense was as good, we would be IN the playoffs. They need to seize the moment, show the NHL who is taking charge in Atlanta, enough of this p*** hockey, let’s kick A$$ and start winning.

Losing Waddell and replacing him with Nonis would be Great, Wilson would bring a winning attitude and then get the players to do the job and dump those left behind.

Come on ASG guys, you are THE laughing stock of ALL pro sports, Isn’t it time to change that ?

Well fellows NOW is the time, act on it, make the changes, nobody is going to fault you if you DO… Everyone will if YOU DO NOT !

Quit defending Waddell, get Nonis & Wilson in here and spend some bucks and get the same tough defense on the ice as you have for Waddell, because he is done in Atlanta !

By Alan

May 14, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this

Stroz - Just read the article. “The Thrashers” have made a lot of “plans.” Like the plan to have Hossa signed in July. And August. September. Christmas. New Years. All-star break. Wait… he never got signed at all? Oh. Well then.

Enough “plans.” Bring in a damn coach already.

By Alan

May 14, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this

Oh, and the Wolves won game seven. They’re going to the conference finals.

Meanwhile, there’s also a pretty good HF article about Valabik.

By NAFIZA

May 14, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

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I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

By GaVaHokie

May 14, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

I might stir up a storm here with this comment, but I’ll say it anyway… I just hope if Nonis comes in, he’ll have the freedom to make whatever move he sees fit… let’s say Nonis comes forward with a proposal to trade Bryan Little, Riley Holzapfel and this years 2nd first round pick to Philly for the rights to Jeff Carter. I’m not sure I’d want Waddell standing in the middle trying to block it.

Let’s face it, if Dimitroff didn’t come to the Falcons, do you really think Rich McKay would have let Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler walk away and trade DeAngelo Hall?

By GaVaHokie

May 14, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I mean why on earth would Wilson pick ATL over COL?

If Wilson ends up in Atlanta it will be BECAUSE of his relationship with Waddell… I’d like everyone to keep that in mind. Because you’re exactly right, why WOULD he choose ATL over COL?

Besides Ron Wilson’s best track record was in the Southeast division (WSH)… maybe that would be motivation as well.

I’ll have to say, if Waddell finds a way to get Nonis and Wilson in Atlanta, you should never speak ill of him again… regardless of what most think, he’s well respected among league insiders and he’s got a huge Rolodex.

By R. Stroz

May 14, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Alan - Great Articles.

A few thoughts:

1) Believe it or not, DW was telling the ticket sales force, after trading Hossa, that the Thrashers might get Hossa back. Has anyone seen the tooth fairy, the easter bunny, or pigs flying. So, yes Alan, I get your drift on DW’s fantasy league plans.

2) The first article mentioned the effectiveness of the Wolves power play. Can the Thrashers procure the memo and diagram please.

3) Since the Wolves are going to the next round, John Anderson will probably not be available for another two weeks. Time is running out.

4) The Icehogs are in their first year as the Blackhawk’s AHL farm team and doing better than expected. Maybe the Thrashers should try this model instead of the current one with the Wolves. If it only takes one year to get an AHL up and running, the Thrashers need to get off their @$$ get one running of their own.

By Alan

May 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Stroz - There’s the proposed arena in McDonough that is supposed to be under construction soon. As reported by the AJC late last year, it’s supposed to be owned by the same people who own the Central Hockey League, and they plan (if I remember the article correctly) on placing a CHL team in that arena. I would instead suggest they place an AHL franchise in the arena. It would be win-win for everyone involved. Being “called up” wouldn’t mean having to move from Chicago to bunk up with a player in Atlanta, it would be just a simple drive from McDonough to Atlanta. It would save on travel expenses in that regard (how much does a next-day ticket aboard a major airline from CHI to ATL cost? probably more than a tank of gas). It would also give the Thrashers easier access to their prospects. Best of all, we the Thrashers fans can keep an eye on our own prospects and gauge their development ourselves instead of relying on video broadcasts from the AHL.

I like Chicago, really. No hard feelings there at all. But it would be nice for us to be able to keep tabs on development of our prospects. And I’m sure the team would feel better keeping their farm organization under a microscope 40 miles to the south instead of 700 miles to the north.

By Packmule

May 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

No coach or team will flourish as long as Don remains in charge of assembling a team.

You could bring Scotty Bowman and he woudl fail with the team Don has put together.

By GaVaHokie

May 14, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see this? Scott Mellanby was hired by the Canucks as a consultant?!

Good for him, but you just fired Dave Nonis, hire a new GM and now a consultant?!

By NASCAR Dave

May 14, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Don FRAUDell been FIRED yet???

Is he DONE Waddell yet???

Has DAVE NONIS or PAT QUINN been hired as GM yet???

JOHN ANDERSON or RON WILSON been hired as Coach yet???

Has LEHTONEN been re-signed yet???

WHAT THE F+++ IS TAKING SO DAMN LONG???

WHAT are we WAITING on???

F+++ING DO SOMETHING!!!

NUFF SAID.

By joyaman

May 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

* Hire a Freaking GM First *

Hey. I’ve got a great idea! Get a real GM in place before the draft - not a stinking coach of DW’s liking. If you hire Wilson now, then you reduce the size of the pool of qualified GM candidates that don’t want to be anchored down with a any coaching decision made prior to his arrival.

If Wilson’s the right guy, then let the new GM sign him. The GM-Coach working and reporting relationship is the cornerstone of cohesive club management and setting its direction. Letting Waddell saddle his successor with such baggage is just plain stupid.

Do what the Falcons did. Have a coaching search going on (gee, too bad we shut ours down back in December), hire a qualifed GM, then let the new GM survey the search pool and decide which, if any, of the emerging candidates is the right fit.

You need a real GM at the draft, not a freaking coach. It’s too late to get new player personnel people in place, so if you want to move in a new, positive direction at the draft you have to hire a GM that knows the current draft pool and can filter through the reports filed by the current scouts.

-joyaman

By Bob

May 14, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Believe it or not, DW was telling the ticket sales force, after trading Hossa, that the Thrashers might get Hossa back.

And there’s alluding to it in the ThrashTalk magazine that just showed up my doorstep. They really think we fans are morons, eh? Unreal.

And a big ditto to everything that packman and joyaman just said.

It’s exactly why they should have fired Waddell last year, they’d have had the new GM in place by now who could have brought in his scouts by now, and the new GM can then have the opportunity to hire his own coach.

By NASCAR Dave

May 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Hossa will NEVER come back here… No way, No How… NEVER. NEVER. NEVER!!! And yes, that is FRAUDell’s FAULT!!!

Don’t let the Sheep Whisperer FRAUDell blow smoke in your ears…

You people are not as dumb as he is and as dumb as he thinks you are…

By Brendan

May 14, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

While I certainly think Waddell shoulders a lot of the blame about the direction of the Thrashers, there is another aspect to consider. This is not some “apologist drivel.” I’m not a Waddell fan. But I think, genuinely, that Hossa’s agent looked into Atlanta’s cashflow and advised his client that even if the Thrashers changed GM’s and Coaches … there wouldn’t be enough “quality depth” left to seriously contend for the Cup, after renewing Hossa’s contract. Then, I think Hossa’s agent looked at the Kovalchuk situation and thought, “he’s the face of their franchise. They’re probably going to try to lock him up, longterm.” Well, if you’ve got two guys on the payroll that will each be earning $8 million or more dollars, then you haven’t got very much leeway to go sign “quality depth” players. Particularly, when a team is $8 million below the cap on “Opening Night,” because it’s trying to remain solvent moreso than it is trying to win by acquiring the necessary and sometimes expensive players.

Allrightee then. I buy that one. Hossa wants to win a Cup and he doesn’t forsee Atlanta’s finances as being able to field that team, while at the same time paying him his “fair market value.” Is that entirely Waddell’s fault?

Just looking at the financial side of it, I’d say, “no.” But when you look at the body of Waddell’s personnel decisions, particularly along the blueline, I’d come to the conclusion that Waddell, even with a larger budget, would not field that Stanley Cup-winning roster. And he especially couldn’t do it within the current fiscal parameters.

Let’s be honest … it’s going to be a serious challenge for ANY GM to win a Cup on a $43 million budget, when other teams get to spend much closer to the cap limit. Some teams spend to the ENTIRE limit. But winning a Cup without spending to the cap limit can be done! It just takes phenomenal drafting, roster management, trades, contract negotiations and signings, and waiver acquisitions. Gee … is THAT all?

Difficult. Not impossible.

By Sage of Bluesland

May 14, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

“…And there’s alluding to it [re-signing Hossa] in the ThrashTalk magazine that just showed up my [Bob’s] doorstep. They really think we fans are morons, eh? Unreal…”

If anyone—and I mean even those pitifully delusional sheep at the official message board and Nastynest—believes this drivel, then there is simply no hope for your ignorance.

It’s become surreal—and laughable!

Whoever subsidizes this incompetence is a part of the problem, and not the solution…

By sydney

May 16, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

All depends upon the thought process of Don Waddell but I personally believe that he will most certainly look closely at Wilson,on a personal basis Wilson can rub some people the wrong way as he is at times rude and full of himself but he is an excellent hockey coach,all that should matter is can he do the job which I am certain he can and does he want it, if he does not want it than the man to come in should be Dineen or Hartsburg as they can adjust quickly, maybe it is time to give Johnny Anderson a chance, something wrong there as no one has taken him with his outstanding track record, Burns is not healthy enough to handle this position in my opinion and Quennville will be under other skies,