AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLecavalier ‘09 = Hossa ‘08?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This coming season the Tampa Bay Lightning will pretty much be in the same boat with Vincent Lecavalier as the Thrasher were with Marian Hossa last season. He is slated to be a UFA at the end of the ’08-’09 NHL season and the Bolts could be looking to move him come the trade deadline.
Orrrrrrrrrrrrrr……. maybe, just maybe the Lightning could be interested in entertaining offers for the 28-year old Lecavalier to unload his $7.16 million salary this summer. See, it sure looks like the future for that team is found in Steven Stamkos, so why not free up the space and the money for him… and get a little something in return for it as you go into the season?
If indeed Tampa Bay would be of mind to move the center now rather than later, what do you think of providing Ilya Kovalchuk with Lecavalier as the answer to his request for a true top line center? If you like the thought, then what would… and/or who would… you be willing to part ways with to bring him in?
Would it be a prospect and our #3 pick in the draft? If so, that would give the Bolts 2 of the top 3 picks…that sure would help them in their rebuilding effort. Would it be the pick we got from Pittsburgh in last February’s trade deadline deal along with a starter, say Ken Klee or Todd White? Maybe both?
Either way…we would have to part ways with something of value for a player with one year left on his $7 million-plus contract. But I have to tell you… the thought of him centering a line with Kovy is quite enticing to me.
Of course, the other option is to pass on it altogether because he might not sign with us after the season. That seems to be the most common excuse around here as to why certain deals should not go down. If that is your stance…and it is indeed the truth…then isn’t that the most damning piece of evidence as to the failure of the current GM and the futility of him remaining at that post?
Ah, but I digress…
Anyway, back to Vinny Lecavalier… the Bolts certainly may not even be interested in moving him. Even if they were, they could be very reluctant to do so inside the division. But, the Thrashers may need to make some type of deal like this in order to provide their star player with the one thing he needs and has made very clear he wants…a top line center.
And if Kovalchuk doesn’t get it…and next season turns out anything like last…then Hossa ’08 = Lecavalier ’09 could also equal Kovalchuk ’10.
And who likes that equation?
Anderson Watch Put On Hold
With Friday night’s 3-2 game four loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Chicago Wolves will have to wait until Saturday night to claim the Calder Cup at the earliest. It also prolongs the start of “Anderson Watch” in Blueland as many feel the Thrashers are waiting for him to finish up in Chi-town before asking him to come on down to the ATL.
Darren Haydar scored both Wolves goals in the loss.
Other Odds And Ends
Glen Wesley, the last remaining original Carolina Hurricane, is retiring after a 20-year career. He has been rewarded with a front office job and the Canes have stated that his No. 2 jersey will be retired.
Scott Burnside of ESPN.com feels as though Sidney Crosby has proven himself worthy of all the hype during Pittsburgh’s great playoff run.
Looks like you and I weren’t the only ones watching the Penguins and Detroit. This is very promising news for the league.
A few days ago we discussed how Nashville Predator’s co-owner William “Boots” Del Biaggio III had been accused of load fraud. Now…Boots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The CBC has decided to change the theme song to the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Big deal, it’s just a song, right? Well, not to some people.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Sam
June 7, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
You are the best ever Rawhide but this was your dumbest column yet and I must respond. Lecavalier has invested HUGE in the Tampa Bay community and he isn’t going anywhere. In the tiniest remote possibility of another Lightning last place finish and not having been signed, you know he is heading to Montreal, not Atlanta. Just a silly column today. Sorry.
By Rawhide
June 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Sam - First, thanks for the compliment….as for your response, I understand 100% what you are saying. He has indeed been a huge presence in the TB area and is a fan favorite.
As I stated, the team may not be interested at all in trying to move him… instead wanting to try and sign him, much like we were with Hossa last year, (granted they probably have a better chance at doing so then we did).
Also…like I said, the team will need to make some sort of deal to get a center of his calaber I here for Kovy or we run the risk of giving him reason to question whether or not his furture is here…and that is a scary thought, would you not agree?
Obviously, Vinny isn’t the only option out there…but the idea was worthy of bantering about, I thought.
Anyway, you make good points.
On another note…I think you mentioned that you liked the thought of Torts coaching here. What are your thoughts of San Jose showing intrest in him?
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 7, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
It’s great to see the ratings were decent for the Finals. Of course, it was even better to not have a California or Florida hockey team in it. Now, as a Detroit fan, I can start to look forward to Lions football! Curse you Matt Millen! … Sara, on the other blog I mentioned a five-year grace period. On an ESPN article a few years back, it was about rules of sports and one of them was there is a five-year grace period for the team. It was written by Bill Simmons (who I am not a fan of). This is the exact quote - “After your team wins a championship, they immediately get a five-year grace period: You can’t complain about anything that happens with your team (trades, draft picks, salary-cap cuts, coaching moves) for five years. There are no exceptions.” That’s all I was talking about.
By kracker
June 7, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I doubt it would ever happenand probably should not unless VL were to handshake-agree to sign here long term - but TB only would only explore such a deal if Lehtonen or Pavelec is the big player coming back. Even then, Vinnie is the face of their franchise….I hope the Thrash and Kovi aren’t the object of similar speculation at this time next year.
Anyway, I don’t think you can do a trade of this magnitude inside the division. I think two GMs look for a partner for this kind of deal in the other conference.
By Sam
June 7, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, thank you for responding so quick. What a plus you are to Thrashers hockey! I don’t post much because there are just too many wide-eyed Atlanta-only fans, and making relevant points is fruitless. There are fans who post here who wouldn’t trade Perrin for Zetterberg. Enough said. I read the anti-Torts posts after I posted mine the other day and you can see what I mean. Atlanta-only fans have so much hatred for the Lightning that they wouldn’t hire a winner in Torterella. How much would I love to have Atlanta go to the playoffs year after year after year. How about Torts bringing that relentless forecheck system to Atlanta. WOW!!! Yes, the Thrashers have serious needs but toughening up this club is just what is needed. I could see Kovalchuk’s game being brought up another notch just like Vinny’s in Tampa Bay. If San Jose gets Torts, good for them and I see a Cup coming their way within two seasons. They have many of the pieces in place out there. They won’t play ‘soft’ like they did in the playoffs this year, not under Torterella. I still hope he comes here. I want playoffs for the Thrashers each and every year.
By Waffleboy
June 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Anybody read this?
Pens’ Hossa emphasizing Cup over cash
In the article Hossa says: “If I wanted to make a couple more dollars, I would probably just re-sign with Atlanta… I hope I can stick with a great team like this.”
Hossa’s lackluster play all year are the main reason the Thrashers tanked. He clearly was not injured and played for below his usual standard of play to avoid getting hurt. He wanted out of Atlanta and he got it. If Waddell entertains the notion of bringing this prima donna back I’d be outraged. Hossa had a contract and didn’t live up to it. Whether he thought the team was good enough or not, the team paid him and for that, they should have gotten his best effort. Hossa didn’t drive to the net all season long. His back-checking was non-existent. He purposefully strung out the drama when he had no intention of re-signing with the team. I pray he ends up with the Rangers or at the least another Eastern team so we can beat up on him a few times a year. If Hossa wanted a Cup that desperately, he should have followed the example of a true champion and man of character like Raymond Bourque.
By kracker
June 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Amen to that, Waffleboy. Hossa owes Atl a cheap year and anyway, it won’t happen. His time here is done no matter what he may say in some interview quote.
By David
June 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Why B*** about hossa, when we cant figure out that we need to fire Waddell
By David
June 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Why Whine about hossa, when we cant figure out that we need to fire Waddell
By David
June 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
fire Waddell
By Tony C.
June 7, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Sam-it’s not that I hate Tampa so much that I don’t want to see Torterella it’s that one of the big reasons the team tanked on Hartley was because of his penchant for head-games (See: goalie rotation in playoffs) and singling players out in the media. Torterella is infamous for doing just that.
Nw part of the reason for the disciplinarian style not working with Le Thrash may be due to our vetrans finally having had enough-a lot of those guys are UFAs and most likely won’t be re-signed.
BUT….I think the last thing ATL needs now is a coach who will be quick to put players in the doghouse and never let them out (another trait that Torterella & Hartley share). We watched as Bradon Coburn never saw the ice for a month because he missed his mark on back-to-back shifts…that led to DW making the worst trade of this decade (honestly, outside of the bill for Tkachuk, name a worse NHL deal). Hartley was disappointed with Coburn, and because Coburn was in the doghouse, DW traded the future for a three-week run at respectability.
I don’t need a repeat of that. While I respect Torterella’s schemes (tactically he really is quite good), I don’t think we need another dictator behind the bench… I believe half the reason Beast is getting the player’s vote here is because he was “good cop” for Hartley.
Oh and I would trade Perrin for Zetterberg. But admit that Perrin isn’t a bad player, but a great example of Torterella deciding a player is only good for the doghouse-whatever caused Torterella to put Perrin there, I think his season here last year did indeed show the guy has the skill and the heart to play in this league-something Torterella was very hesitant to agree on, as I recall, he had Perrin as a 3th liner, and some spot time with Richards…You don’t want to bring in a guy who already has an axe to grind with players-what we desperately need is a breath of fresh air
By Tony C.
June 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
One other point: Oh yeah Bill Simmons is almost cool. I like his stuff except when he takes the detours to inflict me with tales of his metrosexual L.A. life….honestly, do we need 90210 references in a column about the Habs-Bruins series????
By HookyBob
June 7, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Tony C:
From the “Best team one” blog:
Say whatever you want about DW’s abilities, you cannot fault his ability to bring things in on a fixed budget, and his player-for-player trades have been pretty good to above avergage,..
From this blog:
…that led to DW making the worst trade of this decade (honestly, outside of the bill for Tkachuk, name a worse NHL deal).
While it may seem contradictory, …I agree with you that DW has made some good trades, and I thought that was one of his strengths. Although those trades to help us get into the play-offs last year were about as bad as they get. Sign of a desparate man I guess.
So, I agree with you again that Torts isn’t a good fit here.
By LAC
June 7, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
I can see keeping the budget and bottom in line… But in sports that, while not that smart, is not what the FANS want.
We want a WINNER and Atlanta needs one real bad…
I get the sense that waddell works from a knee jerk reaction, he gets an idea and pounces on it without thinking out the long term possibilities.
Like his last second deals in 07’ and todd white, he was the FIRST UFA signed last year and he was not much. Although, I checked and Belenger scored one more goal that white and their points were within a couple of each other.
I still gripe he thrded Visch, a GOOD defenseman who was solid and he just gave him away.
As for Vinny…. NO Thanks, a one year rental and to give TB TWO first round picks is NOT a smart thing to do.
Should be more like Lethonen/White+ a second rounder for THEIR #1 pick, and send a bunch of players, like Little/slater/Exelby and a group of AHL players to LA for their #1 and Kopiter… and then lets say… our second #1 (29) and some 2-3 rounders and maybe or our #1 next season to NYI for theit #1 this season…
Then we would have 4 of the first five picks, yeah a pipe dream… but interesting…
By 12345
June 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
See where USA hockey just got a lot better, naming Brian Burke as GM.
He was also named the #1 GM in the NHL, and he replaces a hopeless in loser Don Waddell, who has and will forever be a complete loser at any level of hockey he is involved in, we’ve seen enough of his crap here to last a lifetime !
By Alan
June 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Well, looks like we’ll be waiting a little longer still for word on Anderson. Game 6 will be Tuesday in Chicago, after a horrifying 5-1 loss.
By Rawhide
June 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Sam - Thanks for your input…you should chime in more often. That’s what really makes this blog, ya know.
I will say I don’t share your enthusiasm about Torts. True, he has a proven record of success. But I just can’t stand the guy. Granted, a lot of that is that he’s coached a rival in our division, so that has a lot to do with it I’m sure. Plus, I would echo a lot of what my friend Tony C has to say about him, (except his comparison to BH).
If I recall correctly, he had some kinda personal battle with Vinny or St. Louis, (can’t remember which one), a few years back and it just seemed to be childish.
Anyway, we may just agree to disagree on him. Resonable minds can do that, ya know.
OK all… Wolves lose 5-1 in game five…so now it goes to a game 6 on Tuesday. Little with the goal and Lavallee with the assist.
By Brendan
June 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Thissss will spark controversy. But I think there’s a better chance that Lecavalier will spend the next 3-5 years in Tampa than there is of Kovalchuk remaining a Thrasher past the 2010 season.
I know. I know. It’s a difficult topic. No one wants to talk about it. We want to bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich and pretend that Kovalchuk will be re-signed next July to a multi-year deal. Or, if not thennn, sometime during the 2009-10 season.
Do I have that correct? That’s the mood? The prevailing thought is, “Who knows? The ownership situation could change by then? The GM could change by 2010? We’ll magically be a Stanley Cup contending team in the space of two seasons? Enough for Kovalchuk and HIS AGENT to think that this market will be some well-run, perennial contender?
Sorry, I should have told you to put down your coffee, beer or soda before I typed that. I don’t accept dry cleaning bills.
Yeah, well. What if that sentiment is wrrrrr. Is not correct. It will be sad, sad day when Ilya Kovalchuk is no longer an Atlanta Thrasher. Whether that happens in 2021, when he retires. Whether it should be in 2010, when he hits the open market. Or sometime between NOW and 2010. About that, there is little argument among Thrasher fans. We want Ilya to stayyyyyyy.
But our organ-I-zation cannot even see fit to give #17 the Captain’s “C.” He’s the FACE of the franchise! He’s our best chance at someday winning a Stanley Cup. And winning him in the draft lottery in 2001 was ARGUABLY the single greatest moment in Thrasher history. But our management says, “No frekkin’ way is he ready for the Captaincy,” after how many seasons?
The Atlanta Spirit group has declined to fire Don Waddell, citing instead that there’s no point to tearing it down now, so close to the draft.
Uhh, those comments were back in April. Ya know, when there ACTUALLY WAS TIME ENOUGH to try to find a suitable GM to right this ship.
Ilya Kovalchuk must sit back and wonder … “How serious is the Atlanta ownership is about winning?” They cannot even see fit to fire the lone architect of the “vision” that has landed the Thrashers in the bottom third of the NHL’s Eastern Conference for seven times in eight (7/8) seasons. Twenty-seven (27) defensemen draft picks later … we have Enstrom and Exelby to show for it. Eighty-two (82) draft picks later, we have Slater, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, Enstrom, Exelby and Bryan Little to show for it. More will probably follow. But are they foundation pieces? Hmmn, maybe Pavelec.
Let’s just stop here. These are minor details compared to the bigger picture. Which is this: After two (2) first overall picks, two (2) second overall picks, two (2) eighth overall draft slots, a 10th overall pick, and a 12th overall pick, the Thrashers are about where they were in 2000-2002. The most stinging indictment of this GM is not the organization’s lone playoff appearance, nor is it its failure to win a single playoff game, it’s the failure to win a playoff series.
Stop. If you told some “prospective” GM hire … that’d he’d be given eight (8) seasons before any sort of accountability kicked in … and that he’d get SEV-VEN (!!!!) picks in the top 10, overall, to build that club … well … he might just have an orgasm.
There isssss a banner hanging from the rafters of Philips Arena. Unfortunatley, it’s not a Stanley Cup banner, or a Conference Championship banner. It’s a division title from 2007. And it cost a lot. In fact, we’ll finally be “Debt FREE!” (plug for all you Dave Ramsey fans out there) on June 20th from the Tkachuk rental.
Ilya Kovalchuk rubs his chin. He wonders what in blazes is going on. He wonders what he has possibly done to offend the hockey gods thusly. And he picks up his cellphone … and the voice on the other end … is his pal … Dany Heatley. And Heatley says, “There is life after Don Waddell and the Atlanta Thrashers. Your sentence will not be eternal.”
By Kovy
June 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
its worth a try give the 1st round from pit and 2 players
By LAC
June 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Brenden, these jerks running this mess could care less about winning.
They only care about being pro sports team owners, they are and that is where it stops.
They are as Jeff Schultz said months ago, So out of their league…it’s NOT funny. They have no interest in the fans, refer to the STH meeting where levenson made a COMPLETE FOOL of himself and even cursed at the people who make him money… THE FANS !!!!!!!
He needs to be B*** slapped once and for all, he is a little punk with no regard to anyone but the little band of LIARS he is in this with.
They have no interest in winning, Hossa saw it, Ilya sees it, WE see it, and for the life of me why don’t they see it and make the needed changes is way beyond me.
Nonis is out there, go get him !!!!!
By Tony C.
June 8, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
I was saying his player (just one) for player (just one) have been pretty good; Kozlov, Savard come to mind, also Thorburn if I’m not mistaken.
Tkachuk was player & picks for player.
Coburn deal was like prospect-for-player….
By Alan
June 8, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this
A quick aside, then we can resume the “talk” about the Thrashers:
Johan Franzen’s head injury (I know there were a few people here wondering about it) was revealed today to be a subdural hematoma. The link goes into minor detail on what that exactly is.
Also, Lidstrom and Osgood will be on Leno on Tuesday night. If anyone here cares.
By Ben
June 8, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Does anyone remember how bad the Braves used to be in the 80s and before? Well the good news is the Thrash have much better fan support than they did. They’ll be better. The Ownership won’t hold on to it forever. I just hope they stay in Atlanta. From reading all the posts I get the sense that this is the main worry. If the NHL went to all that trouble to keep a team in Nashville, surely they wold do the same for ATL. The reason that the Blackberry guy can’t get a team in s. Ontario is because of all the teams around there. There are more people in Atl than Las Vegas or KC. We’re keeping the team. We’re just having a bad Decade, that’s all. Do I love the Thrash, yes. I love them, not because of Hossa or Kovy but because I am a hockey addict who is from here. No matter what the dolt who runs the show does I will love the Thrash. I am not stupid nor am I being led in this persuit. None of my friends or family are hockey fans, so I came to this sport of my own accord. I have found that this is the best sport on can play while standing. This is why I watch Le Thrash.
By beau vighn
June 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Have you lost your mind… For one thing Vinnie would never come to Atlanta because we suck. As long as Dumb Waddle is in charge we will be bottom feeders.
By Jim
June 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
c’mon Rawhide- drink some liguid and don’t let the hot sun play games with your mind. When the Bolts traded Richards there were assurances by the Bolt ownership and management that they intended to build around Vinny and that they would not let him go. He has committed to the Tampa Bay area and they aren’t about to make the same mistakes that DW does.
By T-Bone
June 8, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it before but will mention it again, as it appears to bear repeating. The ownership group cares not one whit about winning anything other than a big payday down the road when they sell the franchise. Thru the simple passage of time alone, and not due to any outsized performance on the ice, they stand to net a big profit when the club is sold. Operating below the cap, and having an obedient DW on a short leash also helps until that glorious day arrives when they reap the jackpot from a sale. We can only hope that day arrives sooner rather than later and that the new owner(s) keeps the team in the ATL.
By Rawhide
June 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
It looks like Toronto and Ron Wilson are very close to a deal.
beau & Jim - There is a common theme to both of your posts…the lack of confidence that you have in DW. In fact, you could take Vinny’s name and substitute it for any other center in league, could you not?
“Are you kidding…(fill in name here) isn’t going to come here because as long as Waddell is GM”.
See?
And there is much history to go on to bring one to that line of thought…anyone who frequents this blog knows I share it too.
But, it seems that he will indeed be the GM this summer and going into the season…so he will be making the decisions to shape the team… shudders.
And he is going to have to find a way to bring in a center of that type either by trade or UFA signing.
I like Little…I like Perrin…I’m willing to give Christensen a shot their too. But, really, I see us having to bring IN someone to be the center Kovy wants…and wants now.
And…if we are right that no one of note will desire signing here because of DW…then it will HAVE to be done by way of a trade…yes, probably not Vinny Lecavalier…but someone like that.
By Brad
June 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
I think Spezza would be more of an option than Lecavalier. I have heard Ottawa may want to move him.
By Alan
June 8, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
The blurb about it was too small to bother linking to, but I thought this might be interesting to some people here:
*Thrashers in pursuit of McLellan?
Once the Stanley Cup final wraps up, there’s expected to be a flood of moves to fill the numerous coaching vacancies around the league.
One new face that’s expected to get serious consideration for his first NHL head coaching job is Detroit Red Wings assistant Todd McLellan.
The Atlanta Thrashers are reportedly very interested in talking to McLellan about their opening.*
Holly at the Thrashers Prospect Annex has more about it, it seems.
By Rawhide
June 8, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Alan - You’re scary, dude…I just posted a new blog about just that.
Hooly’s peice quotes the Detroit News. My link goes to The Detroit Free Press’ piece about it.
So, there must be something to it…
By odft
June 9, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
let sund and woodson be gm / coach for the thrashers. have dw for the hawks gm and let him look for a basketball coach. i wager the season for either team will not be worse.
By Josh
June 9, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
I completly agree with you on the Thrashers needing to get a star center for Kovalchuk…I was already extremely dissapointed when we did not fire Waddell after this past season…Did you see that Pittsburgh Penguin top line? Pascal Dupuis, Marian Hossa and Sidney Crosby…the two players that we traded starting for the eastern confrence champions…It made me sick…We are obviously having trouble with creating the right chemistry for our first two lines. I think Anderson would be the perfect fit, who wouldn’t want someone who has one a few championships…and i don’t care that the championships were won in the IHL and AHL…the first head coach we hired Kurt Fraiser, in the previous season was runner up for the IHL championship for the Orlando Solar Bears…Also Anderson in his whole career behind the bench for the wolves has only missed the post season once…this is a guy who knows how to win and will make this Thrasher team just as successful as his Chicago Wolves.
By Michael Guillemette
June 9, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Lets see. Trade the future for a player we would probably only have for a year..hmm. Won’t happen anyway since Tampa is in our division (as was stated in the blog). I would like to actually see us build and not trade away the future. I know we have already “built” (thanks to Don what has amounted to a house of sand) but we need to do it again. That’s the only way for long-term success. I do agree that we need to get a center for Kovy. As I don’t see much in free agency, maybe we can trade Kari or Pavlec at the trade deadline for one.
By A$G
June 9, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
You people are idiots!!!
WE DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON PLAYERS!!
If you have suggestions on how we can save money we will listen. Buy tickets now!
By scottbravesfan
June 9, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
No way Tampa would trade him within the division. And this team isn’t doing anything in the playoffs or the regular season till they fire Don Waddell.