AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWill Wolves Success Hurt Anderson’s Chances?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In life, they say, timing is everything. Sometimes that’s a good thing…sometimes it’s un-good. In the case of John Anderson, the latter could be true when it comes to the possibility of landing his first NHL coaching job with the Atlanta Thrashers.
Obviously, the Wolves coach is atop the short list of candidates and the team has been planning to discuss the opening with him just as soon as he is done with the post-season in Chicago.
However, it may be too long to wait for him.
Seeing that Anderson’s Wolves have recently defeated the Rockford IceHogs in seven games to win the AHL’s Western Conference title and are now poised to face the Toronto Marlies for the championship of that league…he may not be through with his current responsibilities for a couple of more weeks.
If that series were to play out to a game seven, (which would be played on May 27th), it would mean that the Thrashers would be without a coach until about 3-1/2 weeks prior to the NHL entry draft. Given the fact that some quality names have been tossed on the market recently, it may just be too enticing for the Thrashers organ-I-zation to decide to make a move now, rather than wait for Anderson to become available.
I mean, when coaches like Ron Wilson and Joel Quenneville are dusting off their resumes and teams like Toronto, Ottawa, Florida and Colorado are seeking applicants to fill the same opening we are…well, let’s just say we don’t want to be slapping ourselves on the forehead down the road because one of these guys just lifted the cup over his head with another team. Watching this happen with a coach that we knew we could have had … but instead ownership fiddled around …would cause a great deal of wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Also, I think that the ASG is starting to understand that their fan base is just a tad disgruntled. They are feeling it primarily from the less-than-robust season ticket renewals. Thus, ownership may be inclined to move forward with getting a “name recognition” type bench boss in town sooner rather than later.
Now, I’m going to go on the record and say that of all the coaching options the Thrashers have available to them, the two best scenarios is to bring in either Anderson or Wilson. My personal choice would be Ron Wilson. I just think that the best route for the Thrashers to take right now is the one that is navigated by the experienced coach that is already wise to the ways of the NHL. However, having said that, the one exception I would make to that train of thought is John Anderson…who is very familiar with this team and it’s young players.
Either way…both would be excellent choices and the team would be better for it. Also, (and this is just as important), either would move many yet-to-renew season ticket holders to pick up the phone and become just-renewed STH.
Actually, what would move almost every yet-to-renew-ers to become just-renewed-ers would be if either Wilson or Anderson were to be announced as the new Thrashers head coach by a general manager not named Waddell…but I digress.
The Thrashers have been without an official coach since dismissing Bob Hartley seven months ago. Five weeks from now the NHL will hold it’s entry draft…five weeks after that the free agency signing season begins. The league isn’t going to postpone either for the ASG to get their act together.
If…IF…Don, Bruce and Michael get a clue to this fact of life, they might just feel the need to get their rears in gear and get a coach in place soon.
Unfortunately for John Anderson, that might mean that he coached his way right out of a job here.
Like I said…timing is everything.
Post-post edit: The Wolves are indeed playin the the Western Conference Finals of the AHL…thus Anderson sould be tied up in Chicago into June should the Wolve be successful vs. Toronto
Comments
By Bob
May 15, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
either would move many yet-to-renew season ticket holders to pick up the phone and become just-renewed STH
Wouldn’t move me as the underlying problem would still be in place. As long as Waddell is the one making decisions, I’m on the sidelines.
Wilson as coach would be a good start, but as my father used to say “you can’t make shi-t shine”. Wilson will be handicapped if Waddell is still the one making the personnel decisions (or overseeing some lame lackey they bring in under Waddell).
By Tom
May 15, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Well, looking at the coaches that have had success in the Eastern Conference, Washington and Philadelphia come to mind. They both brought up there AHL coaches and have turned around the programs.
Just saying, ya know…
By Rawhide
May 15, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Good news…Coburn may play tonight….he pacticed yesterday and things went well.
Bob - I hear ya…but would you be counted among the ones who would be enticed to return if some type of move was made to replace D-Dub ouright?
Obviously you’re not a fan of the “move him upstairs and get a new GM” plan…
Tom - Good point.
By Bob
May 15, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Yes, if Waddell is out of the organ-i-zation and they bring in a competent GM with autonomy to make his own moves and the ownership allows him to make the right moves come July 1st, then they can count me in.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I’m just worried that fan pressure will cause ownership and Waddell to make a bad decision that we’ll all regret down the road.
Remember, it was fan pressure that got Milan Hnilicka signed to an extended contract when Waddell was scouting Tomas Vokoun in Nashville.
Pressure to make the playoffs is what sent Coburn out of town and got us Zhitnik.
So, is fan pressure going to land us a hot-headed coach like Ron Wilson or Quenneville, when a more thought out process might have given us a budding new coach like Anderson or DeBoers?
… time will tell.
By Brendan
May 15, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Five weeks from now the NHL will hold it’s entry draf … about a week or so after that the free agency signing season begins. The league isn’t going to postpone either for the ASG to get their act together.
Lauging heartily … you got me this morning, Rawhide. That was a classic. If there ISSSS any good news in the ASG’s lengthy proscratination, it’s this: Bobby Holik remains un-signed, and potentially uncontacted, for playing in Atlanta next season.
YAY!!! They are, tacitly, doing “something” right!
Umm, Rawhide … I have a question. Since Don Waddell is still the GM of this club, has he made ANY contract signings, or negotiations, whatsoever, in this offseason? The offseason officially began on April 6th. If not, could that be seen as a sign that he’s the GM in NAME only?
In six weeks and four days … it will July 1st. I mention this only because I’m hearing there will be this a “big hair band” 80’s style glam concert coming to Atlanta, and I think it’d be totally “boss” to attend.
Okayyyy, I made that up. I mentioned it because at 12 noon that day, it’s OPEN SEASON on any UFA without a contract.
I have a second question, Rawhide. Which direction do you think the PRICE will go for these players, from now until then? I’m looking for a “one word” answer. Hint: Think “up” or “down.”
I have forgotten if RFA offer sheets become an option on July 1st, or if some other team must wait a mite longer than that to steal Kari Lehtonen from us for minimal draft pick compensation. Help me out.
By Russ
May 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Anderson is the best choice…just as he was 7 months ago when the job became open.
By NASCAR Dave
May 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Anderson is the best choice…just as he was 7 months ago when the job became open.
YEP. NASCAR Dave agrees 100% with this statment. Ron Wilson would be good as well, if it’s not Anderson.
By LAC
May 15, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Tough to begin to figure what this asg crowd is capable of… So far nothing… Esp the Right moves !
Quenneville is NOT a hot head as suggested in an earlier post… Calm and calulating is more like it. Wilson is not a screamer from what I know of him… So GOOD choices ?
But thinking of waddell even still here parking cars is a disturbing aspect. I just simply cannot understand why a person who has failed at every aspect of the GM position and has a record to back it up, is “so highly thought of” and is still retained for any reason.
The draft is closing in, will we be trading down again… could be or will an act of GOD allow us to trade up or have a couple ofthe top three picks ? A good GM would explore this as we have a few assets that could be moved out of town. Right ?
Lastly see where Ilya ran some defenseman in the Worlds and is suspended for his next game, Bet he wishes it was don waddell they took off on a gurney instead… ME TOO !!!
By Rawhide
May 15, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Hokie - Where I agree with you is that I don’t want a “rushed” decision either. But let’s be honest, if they hired a coach tomorrow it would be 7 months PH, (Post Hartley). Hardly rushing things.
Where I part ways with you is the “hot headed coach” bit. I know that was a knock against BH, but the fact is that a coach sometimes has to be a disciplinarian. Last season is proof of that. Wilson is much like Hartley in the regard of being tough?he disciplines but with a purpose. And I’d rather have that than a softie allowing the inmates to run the asylum.
Plus, as I have stated before, when a coach is guiding the team to better records every season but the players are whining that the coach is “too tough” or a “hot head”…well, theyshould try living in the real world with a “hot head” boss who demands that you meet your quota or sales goals.
Life is tough…
Russ - One thing I continue to scratch my head over is why, if Anderson so qualified now, was he not given the chance last October. Again, I like him and, as stated, put him in my top two.
The point I’m making is that if the team moved to place him behind the bench last October, then at least there would have been some reason?some logic to firing BH. As it played out…it just started what turned out to be “The Wasted Season”.
Brendan My Gawd, professor…why do I always get the hard questions????
First off, I thought I was gonna crack you up with the link connected to Don, Bruce and Michael’s name. Oh well…
Next, if you are referring to signing contracts of current Thrashers, say..Lehtonen, I don’t know. They tend to do such things in privacy and quite. Kari should be…should HAVE been by now…signed. You are right about the price only going one way… the same direction as a barrel of oil.
As for D-Dub being a “name only” GM right now…if the smoke coming from Camp Blueland is indicative of an actual fire with all this talk about him moving up the chain, then it could be so.
Maybe stated, or unstated, ownership has told him what is going to go down regarding him and the GM spot…and because of it he is to do NOTHING.
Who knows…
In Other News - Dave Nonis has completed the interview process with Toronto. Nothing set in stone…and it seems as though St. Louis has an interestest in him as well.
Notice, in the write-up, the third option he has…”do nothing”.
What??? No….wait, what about the ASG’s interest in him…have those bafoons not even TRIED contacting him to jet down here for a chat????
Hello..? Bruce?
Hello…Gearon?
Anyone…???
Hellooooooooooooo…?
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
If there ISSSS any good news in the ASG’s lengthy proscratination, it’s this: Bobby Holik remains un-signed, and potentially uncontacted, for playing in Atlanta next season.
Well, Holik is probably still looking for an agent, seeing as he last one is now the GM of the Canucks (Mike Gillis).
By The Other Bob
May 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well, Holik is probably still looking for an agent, seeing as he last one is now the GM of the Canucks (Mike Gillis). - Good…maybe Bobby can follow him on out there!
By LL
May 15, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
ASG = All Star Games
AS = Atlanta Spirit, LLC
Get it right Rawhide!
By ranallo10
May 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Am I the only person who feels that it doesn’t matter if the ASG and Waddell speak with Wilson now, tomorrow, or two weeks from now, but a coach of his caliber would not be interested in coming to Atlanta and working for the ASG??
Seriously, I don’t feel any of those veteran coaches or GMs are even close to the ASG’s list, because they’ve shown nothing but ineptness when running this franchise. To assume they’ll do “the right thing” is p** in the wind, in my opinion.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
ASG= Atlanta Spirit Group
I think I’ve posted this before, but I just watched it again. I like Tyler Ennis for our second first round pick. I don’t care that he’s small. The kids got skills.
Does anyone know if we still have our 2nd round pick this year? I can’t seem to find anything besides the first round order.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Nevermind, I found my answer. We lose this years 2nd round pick to St. Louis as part of the Tkachuk deal.
By R. Stroz
May 15, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - If memory serves me, our second round pick went to St. Louis as part of the Keith Tkachuk deal.
Too bad the Thrashers didn’t move Holik for a draft pick when they can a chance.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Where I part ways with you is the “hot headed coach” bit. I know that was a knock against BH, but the fact is that a coach sometimes has to be a disciplinarian.
I was more referring to Quenneville and Wilson directly. I agree on the disciplinarian thing, but I’d like it more on a Bill Cowher level than say a Bill Parcels level… does that make sense?
While Bill Cowher can be a hot head, I think players are genuinely inspired by him and want to win for him.
Scotty Bowman and Peter Laviollette come to mind… not that those two should be mentioned in the same sentence. :)
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Let’s just say I don’t want to end up with a Tom Coughlin type coach… which is a bad example seeing he just won the Super Bowl… shut up Rawhide, just because I can’t come up with an example doesn’t make you right. :) haha
By LOL
May 15, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
There is no Atlanta Spirit Group the name is Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
By R. Stroz
May 15, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Should we use AS,LLC?
Atlanta Spirit, Loudmouth, Losers Corporation
By ranallo10
May 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter what you call them, ASG, ASLLC, FUBAR…they’re still the same group of somewhat dysfunctional owners, right?
By Rawhide
May 15, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena are indeed owned by Atlanta Spirit, LLC…even though the ownership group has been refered to as the AGS, we won’t pick at nits about it.
So, LL ..or LOL, is it?…is correct. AS,LLC.
Now given that…LL or LOL, what do you think the AS,LLC should do in regards to the Don Waddell and the coaching job?
Hokie - Glad you caught yourself regarding the Tom Coughlin comment. You know I was gonna jump all over that.
ranallo - I share your belief that while these clowns are running the show it’s gonna be hard sell.
But, from what I understand, D-Dub does have a working relationship with Wilson…so….there is that hope.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Sorry… that’s a little too nit picky for me… ASG it remains.
Everyone carry on as you were.
By ranallo10
May 15, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — “Good news…Coburn may play tonight…he pacticed [sic] yesterday and things went well.”
Bad news, Coburn wont play tonight according to ESPN.
By R. Stroz
May 15, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - How about FUBAS?
Fooled Up By Atlanta Spirit
By ranallo10
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
That works too
By Bob
May 15, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Remember, it was fan pressure that got Milan Hnilicka signed to an extended contract when Waddell was scouting Tomas Vokoun in Nashville.
Pressure to make the playoffs is what sent Coburn out of town and got us Zhitnik.
So, is fan pressure going to land us a hot-headed coach like Ron Wilson or Quenneville, when a more thought out process might have given us a budding new coach like Anderson or DeBoers?
Yougottabekiddinme.
Even you can’t be this inane, can ya?
GAVAHOKIEbeallFUBAS
By Buzilla Baby Blues
May 15, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
When is the next video contest?
By LAC
May 15, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Gee Whiz bob !
By Tony C.
May 15, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Hokie-I think most of the pressure to make the playoffs two seasons ago was more internal than external-after all, ASG had just spent max-cap and fallen just short the season before.
For myself personally, I thought the push to make the playoffs was too desperate. I’m pretty sure I made mention of that fact on these very boards.
Now I don’t know about folks you know that’re “regular fans” but almost everyone I spoke to was very skeptical the general sentiment seemed to be “Well we better win at least the first round, we just gave up an awful lot.” I think fan pressure for playoffs started after the Tkachuk deal.
By Brendan
May 15, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I think, and could be wrong here, that the pressure to make the playoffs came from the Gearons and Levenson. Basically, if we hit “rewind to 2005,” Waddell approached the ASG (or AS,LLC) and explained the potential benefits of spending to the cap limit on Opening Night.
The Spirit Boys were intrigued and enthused enough to AGREE to that. Had Kari not injured his groin in the 1st period of Opening Night and remained healthy all year … or if Pasi Nurminen hadn’t blown out his knee in Finland while practicing with his Finnish National team, the 2005-06 Thrashers would have sailed into the playoffs.
The above sentiment is only an opinion, not a fact.
Instead, the Thrashers fell 2-points short of the playoffs and the Gearons, and Levenson and Seydel, didn’t get a nickel’s worth of “free profits” that the playoffs would have otherwise generated.
That’s a bummer for EVERYONE. The owners, the fans, the players, the GM, the Coaches, even the scouts. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did. So, when 2006-07 rolls around, there can be no more excuses, given the outlay of capital. The Opening Night figures aren’t as high, but the prevailing “thought” is that the team will hover around the #6-9 slots all season, and moves could be made at the trade deadline to improve the team’s chances a bit.
Well, that’s what happened. But the February 2007 Thrashers were in a “freefall” and something had to be done to stop the bleeding. Enter the Tkachuk, Dupuis, and Zhitnik deals. They worked for short-term gain and longterm loss. The Spirit Boys got their playoff revenue at long last: Two soldout games.
The costliest successes the team has yet known. It’s a classic case of “buyer’s remorse.”
By Brendan
May 15, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Ron Wilson does not need to prove that he can transform “mediocre” to “below average” teams and place them in the playoffs. He’s already done that numerous times. No, Ron Wilson’s next challenge is: “Operation Monkey Off My Back.” It’s … to find a team, ANY TEAM, that is “close” to winning the Cup and then guiding them to that victory. If the Red Wings fall short this year, and if they fire Babcock as a consequence of that, Ron Wilson will look LONNNNG and HARRRRD at the Detroit Red Wings.
By NASCAR Dave
May 15, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
HMMM… SO THE HAB TROLL JUST OUTED HIMSELF OVER ON CC’S BLOG…
HE “SAYS” HE IS ACTUALLY A THRASHER FAN…
By Sage of Bluesland
May 15, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Oh my goodness, did I actually just read that , “fan pressure” caused us to overpay for Milan Hnilicka???!!!
Full spin mode by the sheep today! I guess every other horrendous decision was also made by the fans and their “pressure” as opposed to Don Waddell?
How utterly asinine and lamblike!
As for the minor-league coach—Hey, it works for me…After all, he’ll be joining a minor-league GM here in Atlanta…
(ba-dum-pah)
Thank you, Thank you…I’ll be here all week; be sure to tip your waitress generously…
“Fan pressure” to overpay for Milan Hnilicka! Next to the feces to the effect that “Don Waddell hasn’t made a bad decision yet” from just last year now has company as the most idiotic thing ever written on this blog…
By Rawhide
May 15, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Not that we needed anyone to confirm this for us…but here is a nice piece that supports the belief that many of us have of where the main problem resides with the Thrashers.
By LL
May 15, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Ok since you ask, Waddell should go into the presidents position. I think that would be a fitting role. As for a coach and GM, I am not sure who it should be I have my opinions but hindsight is 20/20.
By Rawhide
May 15, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
LL - Stating your opinion on who you think should be coach or GM isn’t hindsight.
So, reading your opinion here would be interesting indeed…I gave mine hoping to get the reader’s. If you have different thoughts…well, that’s what what this whole blog thingy is all about.
As for DW taking the president’s role…well, I’m personally cool with that. However, it’s more out of being a realist than anything else.
I think the 10 years has more than shown that he’s not up to the general manager’s job…I would have perferred to see the ASG, ….er, sorry…the AS,LLC and Waddell part ways on April 7th.
But, that is not going to happen for whatever reason.
So, given that reality…let him take the role of president or simply stay as Excec. VP.
Either way, get another GM in here…
By Sage of Bluesland
May 15, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Too bad, RH, the sheep are pleading for ‘one-more-year’ in the laughably vain attempt for our bumbling Donny to finally ‘get it right’.
They’ve gotten their wish. It will make me laugh to say—again—“I told you so”.
(If they’re still around, that is)
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
So, reading your opinion here would be interesting indeed…I gave mine hoping to get the reader’s. If you have different thoughts…well, that’s what what this whole blog thingy is all about.
Yes, wouldn’t that invitation be interesting for SEVERAL people on this blog.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
“Fan pressure” to overpay for Milan Hnilicka! Next to the feces to the effect that “Don Waddell hasn’t made a bad decision yet” from just last year now has company as the most idiotic thing ever written on this blog…
Tell we what you deem a bad decision and I’ll tell you why the decision was made… let’s go.
By ranallo10
May 16, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Hokie — That would require an opinion, why would you expect him to foster one other than “sheep” and “Bwueland”? It’s easier to make fun of other’s opinions than to form one of your own, backed by something more than emotion.
Raw to the Hizzle — Assuming Waddell is remaining employed by this organization (all signs point to yes), I would think his most suitable role would be the old Mullin position. To my understanding, Mullin had no say over personnel acquisitions…so the fear of some that Waddell would still mess up such personnel decisions is slightly off base. However, it depends on who the GM is that comes in. I would think a Nonis quality GM (experienced GM with success) would need little in terms of guidance from Waddell, where as a GM new to the NHL will likely receive assistance from Waddell in most hockey related manners.
However, that new position also requires Waddell to spend time between the new NBA GM and the new NHL GM for the FUBAS/ASG/AS,LLC…so it’s not like he’d be focused solely on the NHL, and would thus give the GM some leeway into his decisions of the day-by-day nature.
If Waddell is remaining with the organization, then I would be happiest if he were elevated to that title. He has a skill set the owners appreciate, so let them keep him around for their amusement.
And no, I don’t think the ASG will be smart enough to hire a Nonis type GM, but it’s still in the realm of possibility.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
To my understanding, Mullin had no say over personnel acquisitions…so the fear of some that Waddell would still mess up such personnel decisions is slightly off base.
I’d have to point to John Davidson in St. Louis (President) who seems to be pretty heavily involved. Still, it doesn’t worry me… it’s Waddell’s connections that make him valuable. It’s his choice of talent people are most concerned with. I would look for a GM with a good track record of finding talent, not necessarily someone who is well connected… we’ll have that in Waddell.
By Rawhide
May 16, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Rannalus Maximus – Your 10:31 opine is logical and well stated. I believe, as you seem to, that D-Dub is indeed going to be with the organ-I-zation in some capacity. And I too think that if, given that reality, the position formerly held by Mullin is a good place for him.
Also, I would love to see Nonis brought in here. Like you said, he would be one that would not need any hand-holding from Waddell and, most importantly, he would more than likely insist on having none as a prerequisite for taking the GM job in the first place.
And that is how it should be.
However…as you astutely point out…since we are dealing with the AS,LLC/ASG/PMS/USDA/MSG/FUBAS/FUBAR…attempting to apply any logic may prove to be futile.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Read it and weep… Here is Dave Nonis’ draft record, you’re looking at 2004-present.
I think Doug Armstrong has slightly better results with drafting, but the majority of his successes came from late rounds.
By LL
May 16, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
OK Rawhide…..
Promote Beast to Head Coach, he already has the players backing. Hire Anderson as an Associate Coach. IMHO I think they would make a hell of a coaching staff. Bring in Nonis as GM. Move DW into the Presidents Role. Wether anyone likes it or not he is still going to be here and I would much rather have a knowledgeable hockey president rather than a basketball one.
Sage of Bluesland No sheep grazing here. Just realistic of the fact that it has already been stated that he will remain here by ownership.
By NASCAR Dave
May 16, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
RAWHIDE! Care to explain this???
You don’t get days and hours off buddy… we need Rawhide 24 hrs/day!!!
Seriously, what is that all about???
By Rawhide
May 16, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
LL - Thanks…well done & well stated. I would only disagree with making Beast the head coach and making Anderson the assistant.
I really don’t know if Anderson would leave the Wolves top job to be an assistant, even if it is at the NHL level. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see it.
McCrimmon…well, to me, last year was in effect a dress rehersal for a McCrimmon-lead team. It really didn’t work out if you consider the record. Now, this may be viewed as an unfair assessment given that McCrimmon ran practice but DW drive the bus come game time…so I know there is room to speculate there.
Also, from what I know, the Beast’s “specialty” on the coaching staff was as the defensive specialist. Again, based on last year’s performance on the blueline…I would not fell comfortable with him running the show behind the bench.
Between the two, I would prefer Anderson.
I guess we’ll see….either way, I hope you chime in more from time to time.
NascarDAVE - I dunno what’s up with that….I have Trixie and the rest of my dedicated staff looking into that as to procure an explaination.
By PJOSKI
May 16, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
The AS does not have the money to bring in a “top notch” GM and/or COACH.
Period…End of story…
Anyhow, what GM/COACH canidate would want to come into the hockey side of the operations with Don Waddell still around with some degree of responsibility/authority. Forget it!!!
The AS is nothing but a “dog” and “pony” show. When is the circus coming to town???
By LAC
May 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Gee looking at those two IDIOTS in the photo tells us what we have running the show, guys who have NO clue as to pro sports, and should GET THE HELL OUT ASAP !
By Trixie
May 16, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
NascarDAVE - The issues has been addressed and resolved.
Rawhide 24/7 shall continue.
Thank you
By Sunny
May 16, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Lavi is staying in Carolina:
www.newsobserver.com/1005/story/1075188.html
By ranallo10
May 16, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — Might I suggest a pre-draft blog idea for you?
By R. Stroz
May 16, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - I assume I’m allowed to play the name DW’s mistakes game.
Peoples Exhibit A: Steve Rucchin
Unable to re-sign Savard and when Cullin(a.k.a Boger) signed with the Blueshirts, DW signed an over the hill center with multiple head injuries.
By Rawhide
May 16, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
PJOESKI - The ASG, …er AS,LLC …or….oh whatever! OWNERSHIP…is not hurting for money. Remember, they are a “profitable business” as many correctly point out here….pointing it out as a means to defend DW.
It isn’t a matter of if they could pay for them….if if they could convince them to come.
Sunny - Thanks for the update…the Canes made the right choice keeping him.
$#@%&!!
rannallonator - Suggest away…
By ranallo10
May 16, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — First, ability to pay for high-priced talent is much different than the desire to pay. I am sure you’re ABLE to afford season tickets, yet I know you would rather spend your money as prudently as possible in an effort to maximize your dollars spent. Instead you buy the 12 game plan (the Eric Perrins of hockey for this analogy’s sake), instead of the Full Season Ticket (the Drurys in hockey).
If the FUBAS/ASG had the impetus to spend “as much as it takes” for building this team, they could likely afford it while making many people happy. However, it doesn’t appear they WANT to spend that money, but rather would spend as little as it takes to make a profit.
Regarding the idea…I was hoping you’d put up a forum for people to place THEIR first round selections, prior to the draft. Anything solely focused on the draft, and what us the fans would do (instead of hindsight guidance of what we would’ve done). Custance’s current blog is looking like what I’m searching for (discussions about the difference in taking Filatov or Bogosian), but I’d love to see this the day before the draft, all the way up to the first pick by Atlanta.
By Rawhide
May 16, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Mellow Yellow Ranallo - Your point is taken regarding the ability to spend vs. the willingness to.
I would like to think that the ASG/AS,LLC/USDA/PMS/JROTC/FUBAR/FUBAS/WTF/LMAO/ASAP would consider the procuring of a quality GM and head coach as an “investment in the future”….not simply a capital expenditure.
As to your idea…yes…I have thought about posting a blog, say the Thursday or Friday morning proir to the draft weekend, dedicated to the draft and allow commenters to post their ides then…as the draft unfolds…express their thoughts on how the Thrashers and other teams are doing.
Then, in July and August…we’ll discuss the UFA season as well.
So, we’ll be bloggin’ pretty much through the summer and right into training camp.
By R. Stroz
May 16, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Concerning the draft and the team’s need to “make Kovy happy,” should Thrashers management ask Kovy if he would prefer to have Filatov (another comrade) or Bogo?
By LL
May 16, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
I will have to state a fact about the ownership. Trust the fact that they know what they are doing. They used to own part of the Washington Capitals & Wizards. Atlanta is not new to them and neither is owning a sports franchise.
By Tony C.
May 16, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, more salt for your wounds: Laviolette Returns
By ranallo10
May 17, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this
Concerning the draft and the team’s need to “make Kovy happy,” should Thrashers management ask Kovy if he would prefer to have Filatov (another comrade) or Bogo?
In my opinion no, because neither player should make an immediate impact upon this franchise, and could possibly not make the team until after Kovalchuk’s contract is up. So to take someone’s word while jeopardizing your franchise’s future is far too risky, as all Kovalchuk has to say is “I’m out yo” and you’re stuck with the player HE wanted, that maybe you didn’t want nearly as much.
I’d leave him out of all discussions about drafted players, unless he’s had playing time with any of the players. I would however discuss free agent acquisitions with him, to see what he (and other team leaders like Havelid, Kozlov and Lehtonen) feel about the player and his possible role. I’m all for allowing the players a voice, but not to the point of them guiding the decisions.
By English Teacher
May 17, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Iceman, Spellcheck has not been your friend. Ladder? Whaling? Unless you’re climbing to the roof to harpoon Shamu, I think you meant “latter” and “wailing.” I know, it’s just a hockey blog…in the AJC, no less.
By Rawhide
May 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
English Teacher - Thanks for the catch…normally I would claim, “Hey…I wasn’t an English major”…however, those two I knew.
YIKES!
The corrections have so been noted and logged.
Now…back to pressure washing the deck….
By David
May 17, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
it is time for these twit owners does change their ownership..
Anyone else think that??
By Tony C.
May 18, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
trust me dude, if I win the lotto, I’m buying the team….Again, I’m not saying I’d do as well as Illitch (which let’s be real, the deadwings were a happy accident of tax-convenience and boyhood dreams colliding), but we would be more interested in winning than p/l reports (not that it wouldn’t be a factor, but if it’s a question of $500-750K, then a situation like Savard is not happening-I would’ve come with the cash to keep him)
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. I like Don Lever as a Coach, he’s a former NHL Captain, former Flame (and trust me, the thrash would do very well to embrace that legacy), very successful coach and all-around solid choice.
By Tony C.
May 18, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Also, #17 just tied the game in the 3rd … glad to see he found the net, and that he is continuing to hone his “clutchness”
By ToF
May 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
LL Having done something does not mean you know what the hell you are doing. I’ve flown a plane before, but by no means could I do it without an instructor telling me what to do. Being part of ownership means you gave them your money, that’s it. It does not mean, in any way shape or form, that you can make the proper decissions in terms of management personell to allow your team to have success.
By GaVaHokie
May 19, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - I assume I’m allowed to play the name DW’s mistakes game.
No, sorry… I don’t want it to get out of hand… I made a direct invitation to someone who never shares an opinion.
Rucchin’s kind of unfair seeing we didn’t see much of him. He could be a typical veteran who would have “poured it on” in the second half like Holik, and have been a playoff warrior. My best guess was playoff experience, veteran leadership, and faceoff ability.