By HookyBob

May 22, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Moose for GM. Maybe we’ll get some good european draft picks. Seriously I sure wish we could find a spot for Hedberg.

By Brendan

May 22, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

If Hedberg would agree to a one-year deal, I think that would be ideal. It’s “insurance” for Lehtonen and Pavelec. But, really, Moose will get “nice offers” in this offseason. Maybe as much as a 3-year contract, which would be great for a 35-year old career backup.

If the Los Angeles Kings are willing to “shop” the #2 overall pick, they’ll ask for Pavelec or Lehtonen in the return. I said, “if.” This is where Atlanta must decide … how much value would having BOTH Doughty and Bogosian, as a 1-2 punch along the blueline, be worth for the coming years??? Is this Daneyko and Rafalski?? Is it Niedermayer and Pronger?? Is either one of these two the caliber of a Raymond Bourque or a Chris Chelios? Nobody hit like Scott Stevens. Is there a “controlled hitter” like that in Doughty or Bogosian?

Well … before we go off on such a wild tangent … is Lehtonen our guy? Yes … or no? There’s another way to look at this. You’d be trading the 2nd overall pick from 2002 for the 2nd overall pick of 2008. Which is MORE VALUABLE for the future?

If you think Lehtonen is LETEMIN, you probably want do this deal in a heartbeat. But you’re not taking into account that Kari doesn’t have much by way of defensive support. Nor will young Pavelec, until the blueline is adequately addressed. Both netminders’ GAA would improve with a better defensive corps.

So??

So, Doughty and Bogosian would be adequately addressing the blueline for the coming years. Whether the man in net is Pavelec or Lehtonen. And Lehtonen, per Waddell, is restricted for three more seasons. And Kari shouldn’t really cost all that much. Though, procrastination is driving up the cost of his contract. Bygones.

Yeah, well … there’s something ELSE to consider. Atlanta’s track record with healthy goaltenders isn’t exempliary. Which is why re-signing Hedberg as “insurance,” even if he sits in the pressbox, isn’t such a bad idea.

If Atlanta and L.A. really did make a trade, which is “iffy” at best, the Thrashers would survive with Moose and Pavelec or Moose and Lehtonen. And they’d have Doughty and Bogosian to finally, finally address this woeful defense.

By erock

May 22, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

We will NOT MATCH the BIG offer that someone is going to give LEHTONEN this summer. Say BYE !!

By Midfield

May 22, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Why the BIG offer to Lehtonen? This is still very much a buyers’ market for goaltenders. All this stuff is irrelevant anyway, given the fact that noone between the owners and the front office can see their a* form somebody else’s elbow. Show me just one of those suites who is committed to make this a winning franchise, and I’ll start thinking about a season ticket.

By The Right Direction

May 23, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

New Coach? NO

New GM? NO

Any re-signings either RFA or UFA? NO

Heading in any direction? NO

Bought any tickets for next season? NO

By Rawhide

May 23, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

G’ Morning all… found this write up about Jason Krog this morning and thought I would pass it along.

By B. Thenet

May 23, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Why would the Kings want a goaltender? Jonathan Bernier will be ready sooner rather than later, and their recent top picks have all been forwards. They are similar to the Thrashers, in that a high end defenseman is one of their needs.

I think Pavelec is ready. With Lehtonen and Pavelec the Thrashers are as strong as any team in the NHL when it comes to young goaltending prospects. The Thrashers will have to decide which one to keep within the next couple of years, and I am sure they do not want to hold on to either of them too long as the Sabres did with Biron.

Bring Pavelec up, let him get some limited starts, and over the next couple of seasons use one of Lehtonen or Pavelec as the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade.

By PuckedUP

May 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Could be that Krog never really ever got a fair shot in Atl as well. As I recall Atlanta has not done a very good job of developing talent. Those who are young and can make it do. Seems like those on the border line tend not to make it. Maybe that is just another example of problems within the organization. Maybe it means nothing.

By Hockeyfan

May 23, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Tell the world publicly that we’ll match any offer on Kari and then when somebody makes a crazy offer this summer dont match it and take the picks next year to keep rebuilding the team. Bring up Pavs then and let him and Moose split the goaltending duties. Oh and hire a real goaltending coach.

By d

May 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know what ever happened to Andrei Zubarev? If he’s still in the organization can he get a release and tryout in 08? How does he project for one of the top 6 d-men?

By Manley

May 23, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hello all. I am back in the good ol’ U. S. of A.!

Great to see that the guys in Chicago are doing so well, especially Pavelec. I would hesitate to let Moose go, though. A young goalie needs to play, so if Pavelec is not going to platoon with Kari he should stay in Chicago—barring injuries, of course. Bringing him up to sit the bench doesn’t seem like a great move. An even split might work, but then where do the Thrash turn if there is an injury? Also, not all goalies perform well in a situation like that. If he has starter-level talent then his development shouldn’t be jeopardized—just my opinion, of course.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Like Rawhide mentioned, please take a couple of moments to remember those heroes that this weekend is dedicated to.

By R. Stroz

May 23, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Welcome Back Manley

By Rawhide

May 23, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

WOO-HOO!!*

Welcome home, Manley!!!

Job well done, soldier!

By ranallo10

May 23, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Manley.

By Michael

May 23, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Here’s what the Tharshers should do. Let Kari and Pavlec battle it out next season and then trade the lesser of the two (hopefully both are studs) at some point for a good young d man or a really high draft pick. Competition is always a good thing IMO.

By PJ

May 23, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Welcome Back Manley Enjoy your visit home! God bless you and all those who serve (and have served) our country. Thanks!

By Alan

May 23, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Welcome home, Manley!

I think what we do with Pavs next year depends on what we do with Lehtonen. Remember, he’s still not signed.

Los Angeles is looking for a goalie, but they expect to have to develop one in their system - which they very well can do. Just don’t be surprised if Waddell trades Lehtonen to LA for their first rounder or LA gives an offer sheet to Lehtonen.

By Tony C.

May 23, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I really don’t see LA trading for KL maaaaaaaaaybe Pavelec…but they have several “promising” goaltenders in their system. LaBarbara in particular has shown “promise” this past season…add to him to the other guys they’ve got stacked up in the minors and I don’t see why they would trade for “promise” maybe for “established” (think Huet), but not for somebody they hope will be a stud-they’ve already got 3-4 hopefuls.

By Alan

May 23, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Tony - All indications I’ve read on their goaltending situation shows that those goalies may be a few years out still, as far as development is concerned.

Pavs is showing promise, yes. But Lehtonen is another story. We know he can make the spectacular plays behind the net, and even generate scoring chances for our offense from the crease. His GAA may have been less than spectacular, but he still had a .916 SV%. That speaks volumes about him.

Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

By Tony C.

May 23, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

I feel ya Alan, I just think that keeping KL is a slam-dunk. Unless the deadwings want to trade Zetteberg for him-or something equally outlandish…DW is sentimental, and they’ve invested a lot into KL already

By WW5

May 23, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

IF YOU COULD DO A MOOSE-LETEMIN BRAIN SWAP, THEN KEEP LETEMIN-OTHERWISE DUMP HIM WHLIE SOME TEAM THINKS HE IS WORH SOMETHING.

By ranallo10

May 24, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this

Re: Kings acquiring Lehtonen — From an LA Kings REALISTIC perspective, there’s no reason to trade for Lehtonen. He’s not PROVEN to be an improvement over Labarbera, and Bernier is the heir apparent in net. Bringing in Lehtonen will not SOLVE their problem, but rather throw another person into the mix that doesn’t need to be there.

The LA Kings are much better served keeping the number 2 pick.

I personally feel Lehtonen is an improvement over Labarbera, and would be happiest if he stayed in Atlanta. I don’t think it’s realistic to see a team like the Kings (far away from competitive in their division) giving away a can’t miss pick (number 2 selection) for a goalie who hasn’t proven he can lead a team to sustained success. They should draft the best player available, and continue on the path they’re currently on…developing Bernier while keeping a cheap/capable goalie in net.

Gosh, why do unrealistic scenarios like this one pop up on these boards every offseason??? It’s like Hockeybuzz-Lite around here sometimes.

If you think Lehtonen is going anywhere this offseason, start looking at the teams with little depth in goal and/or an aging goalie currently in net, competitive in their respective division, and with money and/or picks to spare. Detroit and Washington are the first teams that come to mind (though I wager Huet will re-sign in Washington).

By Manley

May 24, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

I was going to ask if there were any good sports bars in ATL showing Game 1 tonight, but then I saw that CC recommends TJ’s in Alpharetta in his blog (good thing I read that). Since my family is still in Italy I am coming to ATL to see if I can still stand on my skates, so I might check the place out. Any others gonna be there? Any other suggestions?

By Alan

May 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Gosh, why do unrealistic scenarios like this one pop up on these boards every offseason?

Probably because there’s nothing else to talk about. Besides, I’m pretty sure I did not say it was a sure thing, nor did I follow any of my sentences with one of Eklund’s stupid E-codes. This was merely something to mull over. It should alarm everyone here that Lehtonen still remains un-signed.

By Sara

May 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Alan I don’t think it’s all that alarming that Kari isn’t signed yet. Don has bigger fish to fry at the moment. Aside from that whole finding a coach thing, he also needs to keep evaluating the talent in Chicago. Whether or not any players down there are ready to make the big jump may have a HUGE impact on what he does both at the draft and in free agency. There’s still over a month to sign Kari before free agency begins.

Now if you all will excuse me, I need to go start drinking - there is no way I can watch the game tonight sober. Oy.

And welcome home Manley!

By Brendan

May 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness. Talking about scenarios (trade or draft), un-signed players, RFAs vs. UFAs, and drafts are absolutely, 100% appropriate topics of conversation on an offseason Thrashers message board. Or any other team’s message boards.

Like it or not, the Thrashes ARE at one of the crossroads of their existence. There’s no point to burying one’s head in the sand, like an ostrich. These offseason moves shape NOT ONLY next season, but the seasons to come after that. Kovalchuk sits back, with an unofficial ultimatum on the table. “Get me into the playoffs … or ELSE.” Okayyyyy. His exact words were, “Hopefully, we can make the right offseason moves and compete not just for playoff berth, but for Stanley Cup.”

But who thinks failure to make the playoffs again next year wouldn’t pretty much signal the end for #17’s hopes for Atlanta being the pony to bet on for a future Stanley Cup title?

A Head Coach absolutely has to be named. A search for a new GM should also be happening. A draft will happen in a little over 3 weeks. Which wouldn’t really be all that fair to a new GM, at this point. And “player retention issues,” such as any pending RFAs, are something of concern, since July 1st is just over a month away.

Sara and Alan, good luck to your Red Wings tonight.

By Brendan

May 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness. Talking about scenarios (trade or draft), un-signed players, RFAs vs. UFAs, and drafts are absolutely, 100% appropriate topics of conversation on an offseason Thrashers message board. Or any other team’s message boards.

Like it or not, the Thrashes ARE at one of the crossroads of their existence. There’s no point to burying one’s head in the sand, like an ostrich. These offseason moves shape NOT ONLY next season, but the seasons to come after that. Kovalchuk sits back, with an unofficial ultimatum on the table. “Get me into the playoffs … or ELSE.” Okayyyyy. His exact words were, “Hopefully, we can make the right offseason moves and compete not just for playoff berth, but for Stanley Cup.”

But who thinks failure to make the playoffs again next year wouldn’t pretty much signal the end for #17’s hopes for Atlanta being the pony to bet on for a future Stanley Cup title?

A Head Coach absolutely has to be named. A search for a new GM should also be happening. A draft will happen in a little over 3 weeks. Which wouldn’t really be all that fair to a new GM, at this point. And “player retention issues,” such as any pending RFAs, are something of concern, since July 1st is just over a month away.

Sara and Alan, good luck to your Red Wings tonight.

By Manley

May 24, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Good news is, after a year and a half off the ice I only fell once. Bad news is, now my feet are killing me! Oh well. No matter how many miles you walk in boots, skates take some getting used to.

If any of you wind up at TJ’s, I will be the guy wearing the tan US Army hat. I figure they gotta show the game since the owner played for the Wings, right?

As for the Finals, I gotta go with the Wings. The Pens are on fire, it is true, but the Wings are locked into their system and get contributions from deep in the lineup—not to mention the wealth of experience. It will help if Franzen comes back, too. I think it likely that the home team wins each game. I hope it goes to Game 7 with overtime in all of them!

By Tony C.

May 24, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Manley-

I got at least one drink for you.

Even if you’re rooting for the deadwings

anybody else coming out?

By kracker

May 24, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

OMG is the fix in for the Pens or what? We get a goal waved off when Fleury is outside the crease?? AND a Wings penalty on top of that BS? (the 4th in a row)

By Alan

May 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Sara - I respectfully disagree about Kari. A phenomenal goalie like Kari should have been signed before season’s end. I will agree with you, however, when it comes to drinking. I have been drinking since 5pm (don’t want to get too drunk too early, after all) in preparation for the PIT-DET game this evening. Currently 1-0. DET.

May the hockey gods smile upon us, and all the other Wings fans who are firmly lodged in the fetal position aboard the stress train.

By Alan

May 24, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Oh and Brendan, thank you muchly for the well wishes.

By Brendan

May 24, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s looking good for the Red Wings, up 2-0 with less than half of the 3rd period to go. I must say, Hossa has looked good tonight for the Penguins. I think he’s been the best Penguin on the ice.

Red Wings are in the zone tonight. I won’t use the “S” word to jinx it, but Osgood looks like he’s got everything under control.

By Brendan

May 24, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

The team that wins Game 2 of any best-of-seven series in hockey almost always wins the series. No matter what round. For Pittsburgh, this is their challenge.

Technically, no team is “in trouble” until they lose a game on their home ice. In the 2003 Finals, the home team won every game.

By Wings fan in Ga.

May 24, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Three more wins!

By Brendan

May 24, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Manley, welcome home. We salute you. Thank you for your service.

By Sara

May 25, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this

A shutout?? Are you f’in kidding me???? Never in a million, bajillion years would I have seen a shutout coming in this series for either club. But damn if I don’t LOVE IT!!

Kracker I said the exact same thing to my friend after they waved off the goal and gave Homer a penalty too boot. Actually I think it was more along the lines of “why are they even bothering to have this series - just cancel it and give Crosby the (very rude expletive) Cup already.” Fortunately the refs balanced it out for the duration of the game (wonder if they got a talking to?) Ah well, all worked out in the end.

Brendan both Hossa and Dupuis looked good tonight - drat it. In some ways it is so hard to root against those two, but if either one scores in this series I may just have to kill them. ;)

Alan I hear ya on signing Kari - I sure don’t want it to go past July 1 because I could definitely see an offer sheet coming his way in either a genuine attempt to sign him or an underhanded way to try and screw our cap space. But I do think Don has some other priorities at the moment. Contrary to popular belief, Don isn’t a complete idiot. He’ll get something done before we get to danger zone. Although that said, those won’t be easy negotiations. Kari hasn’t proven himself to be worth a mega-contract yet, but he can make a darn good case that a lot of that isn’t really his fault - he’s not the one who told the D to s*ck!

By Alan

May 25, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this

Now, I find myself in complete agreement with you, Sara. Well. Almost. I’ve found myself disappointed far too many times in the past about multiple things, so I never say I am “sure” something will happen unless it is indeed a sure thing. I will say that it is my hope that Waddell gets Kari signed before we approach the “danger zone” of sorts.

And yeah, another Wings shutout. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I for sure thought Pittsburgh would somehow manage to get a goal of some sort, til Ruutu (remember him?) took that penalty with under 2min remaining. Any chance they had of spoiling the SO went right out the window at that moment.

By Tony C.

May 25, 2008 5:13 AM | Link to this

Osgood looks better and better for Detroit….he keeps this up and he may win the Conn Smythe

By Tony C.

May 25, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

Oh and sorry didn’t get to meet you manley-that place was pretty packed glad to see you made it home safe. Thanks for putting it on the line for the rest of us.