By Alan

June 8, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Haha, and my post on the other blog posted one minute after this blog entry posted. We have some sort of good timing here, I think.

By Rawhide

June 8, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Absolutely scary, Alan…scary.

By kracker

June 8, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Blake Wheeler: The Pang blog doesn’t say what position Wheeler plays - bad on Darren. For us guys only thinking about hockey part of the day, what position does he play?

Tuesday is the next Calder game? Then Thursday? Ugh, this is really dragging out way too long but it is what it is, I guess, if Anderson is the guy. Hope he doesn’t stiff us, lol!

By Rawhide

June 8, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Kracker - hockeysfuture.com has him listed as a center.

Anderson “stiffing” us? OMG… could you imagine if, after all this, he pulls a “Bill Parcels” on us?

YIKES!!

By kracker

June 8, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Yikes! indeed. I don’t think that would happen, of course. NHL HC jobs are rare indeed, so DW surely has it thru an intermediary that Anderson does still want the job. As an entry level NHL coach, he must be in the ASG’s price range so money shoudn’t be a problem….did Hartley get the Sens job?…I don’t see that he got it.

All-in-all, i’m satisfied with Anderson, especially for his Chicago Wolves connection. Surely that will help get the two clubs closer to the same style of play.

By Brendan

June 8, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

If the Wolves cannot close out this series with Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night, would it alter your opinion of John Anderson? What if, they blow the 3-0 series lead and lose the Finals? That probably won’t happen.

If McLellan really wants to come to Atlanta, I think it’d be a good thing. Of course, how Don Waddell is being allowed to hire a 3rd Coach speaking volumes about how “committed” the Atlanta Spirit is to winning a Cup. If I were McLellan, I’d wait for a better opportunity to come along.

By Thrashers27

June 8, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

I’m reading in multiple locations that Wheeler is a RW. The kid puts up some good numbers. Maybe our buddy at U of M, Alex Kangas can help lure him to Atlanta.

By kracker

June 8, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Begone loser troll. Go back to the Habs board where they appreciate you.

By Alan

June 8, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Sens were interviewing DeBoer, last time I checked. They’ve been interviewing quite a few candidates.

By Alan

June 8, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

I think Waddell and the Thrashers have come to realize that they’re running out of time. In a major way.

They need to find and secure a coach, and fast, if they have any hopes of having one present for the draft. The lack of a new coach may also be why there have been no re-signings. The players want to know who is going to be here and what they hope to accomplish by coming here. Anderson? McLellan? Who? They may also want to know if the coach will be able to bring in staff of his choosing (new asst, goalie coach, etc).

The Thrashers have dicked around for long enough with this, and I think they realize this now.

By JB

June 8, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

McLellan would be one of my top choices. He runs their whole offense from a forwards point of view and is their mastermind behind all their PP success. We all know we had a tough time on the PP the last couple of years, but McLellan style would help that…….and it certainly doesn’t hurt that he has coached under a genious in Mike Babcock for the past couple years.

By Alan

June 8, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to see this sort of thing. Especially when so many people in this market think of Lehtonen as “Letemin”:

Q: Who is the best goalkeeper that you ever worked with?

I have to say that it is Ari Sulander… (snip) Right after him come goalies like Niklas Bäckström, Kari Lehtonen and Pasi Nurminen.

Lehts and Nurminen, two Thrashers goalies. Looks like we’re doing something right, on the goaltending front.

In short, stop blaming the goaltending and start looking at the horrible defense we keep playing in front of them.

By Wings fan in Ga.

June 8, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how successful Todd McLellan will be as a head coach if he decides to leave and coach the Thrashers. Maybe he will win, maybe he won’t. Just remember, Dave Lewis went from an assistant coach with the Red Wings to head coach and lasted a couple of years before moving on to Boston as a head coach and failing there too, and he was an assistant with the best coach ever - Scotty Bowman. So, just because he was a winner in Detroit as an assistant doesn’t mean he will be successful as a head coach in Atlanta. Just something to think about…

By LAC

June 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Alan, resign WHO ? Not holik or recchi, those guys are way way past their prime and the absolute last thing we need is more OLD players.

It has NOT worked here with these “veterens” and there is NO reason to continue that proven road to disaster, but with dumb boy waddell anything BAD is possible and we will never improve until HE is gone.

By Alan

June 8, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

resign (sic) WHO ?

Let’s see. How about Lehtonen for starters? Recchi would be a good locker room presence, this you can surely admit. We have no news on any of our pending UFAs or RFAs. None.

Let that sink in, my friend. No news. No coach. No announcements about Waddell and whether he will be a GM next season or if he will have some “new” front office position. No news on this hockey adviser the ASG was talking about bringing in.

No. News. From the ground up, we know pretty much nothing. Yeah, sure, we signed Kulda and Kaip. Good moves, honestly. But what about any of our current players?

(And for the record, I don’t want Holik back.)

By Brendan

June 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Alan brings up very good points. Is all this “inaction” purposeful, however? I’d like to BELIEEEEEVE it’s all part of some grand scheme to bring forth change. But I have the sneaking suspicion that it’s just plain laziness and apathy. Seems like basketball is more the focus of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.

By R. Stroz

June 8, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

FUBAS Sucks

By ranallo10

June 8, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan — You need to elooooooongate more vowels.

Alan — Atlanta isn’t the ONLY team dealing with inactive front offices. How many signings have the Senators made? How about the Maple Leafs?

At last count, 6 teams are still without a headcoach. If that number dwindles down to two, and includes Atlanta, then I’ll be worried.

As for the Free Agents being re-signed…we technically have until July 1st to do so, or beyond if they’re a RFA.

I don’t see these things as PRESSING “oh my God, let’s get this done yesterday” needs. I understand the importance of each decision, and the impact they could have upon the draft…but the franchise is not inactive to the point of debilitation, in my opinion.

If nothing changes by the draft, then my stance will change.

By ranallo10

June 8, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Stroz — True…but it’s what we’ve got to work with, right? In my view, any successes (by coaches, GMs, or players) are in spite of the FUBAS not because of them.

By Tony C.

June 9, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Wow Rawhide!

I have to say the quality went way up since you and Craig started your respective columns-I really appreciate your work-I mean you’re putting out good material like every 72 hours in the offseason….”no fan support in a non-traditonal market” my foot!

By R. Stroz

June 9, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

From the ajc picture of McLellan, do McLellan and McCrimmon look like they were separated at birth?

By Alan

June 9, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

Atlanta isn’t the ONLY team dealing with inactive front offices

However, Atlanta is the team who has gone the longest with no changes in head coach department.

Also, a quite a few other teams have re-signed some of their talented players already.

We’re approaching draft day, and our front office has been silent. Not Ottawa-like silent, or San Jose-like silent. We’re talking silent like the middle of the Oconee National Forest at midnight.

It’s nerve-wrecking, to say the least.

By Michael Guillemette

June 9, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

If I remember correctly DW was brought here as the former Wings assistant GM b/c of their success. Now he is interviewing the Wings assistant coach b/c of “his” success. Interesting…. Now I’m not saying it would be a bad hire, but Mike Babcock is the real reason the Wings were successful (him, and of course their great players). He was also a great coach w/ the Ducks. Anyway, we’ll see what happens. Hopefully they interview a lot of candidates before they hire anybody though.

Also, does anyone else have a problem with DW choosing the next coach? (rhetorical question)

By R. Stroz

June 9, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

Also, does anyone else have a problem with DW choosing the next coach? (rhetorical question)

It’s kind of like letting Earnest T. Bass pick the town sheriff.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

However, Atlanta is the team who has gone the longest with no changes in head coach department.

Well, most of those coaching changes during the season were just minor league coaching call-ups… like Washington and Pittsburgh.

Atlanta didn’t have the luxury of having a minor league coach on the Thrasher payroll. Besides, we offered McCrimmon the head coaching job and he turned it down.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Our coaching situation pales in comparison to what Pittsburgh is facing… they have UFA’s to sign that have said they don’t want to stay in Pittsburgh if Therrien is the coach… so, they have to fire their coach, hire a new one and sign their UFA’s by July 1st.

All we have to do is hire a coach… we don’t have any UFA’s we absolutely HAVE to keep, and the RFA’s are a non-issue considering all we have to do is match offer sheets.

By Alan

June 9, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Besides, we offered McCrimmon the head coaching job and he turned it down.

Thankfully. Just what we need is a less mature Torts behind the bench here in Blueland.

Anderson was interested early in the season, and even had the blessings of the Wolves GM. We didn’t even try to get him. And we very well could have.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Anderson was interested early in the season, and even had the blessings of the Wolves GM. We didn’t even try to get him. And we very well could have.

Ownership didn’t want to pay another coach would be my only guess… Waddell wanted Pete DeBoer also. The fact that only McCrimmon got an offer (already on payroll) and Waddell had to finish the year when he refused it pretty much sums that up for me.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

What would you think about giving Pittsburgh their first round pick back along with Atlanta’s first round pick next year for Evgeni Malkin? Check out this situation.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I’d go so far as reversing the Hossa trade for Malkin… giving Pittsburgh Espo, Armstrong, Christensen and the first round pick back for Malkin.

Would the team be willing to pay him $9-$10 million and resign Kovy for the same amount, is the question?

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Check out the next to last question in this interview with Ray Bear. Interesting stuff. He says Waddell takes a lot of what Dan Marr says into consideration.

By B. Thenet

June 9, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

If Malkin was signed to an offer sheet at $9 million the Pens would get at least 4 1st round picks in return.

Any deal for Malkin has to start there, to be honest it would take far more than 2 1st rounders or the return from the Hossa trade to get it done. I would think Kovalchuk would have to be involved.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I would think Kovalchuk would have to be involved

That would defeat the purpose, they’re looking to dump salary.

Four 1st round picks would most likely be what they’re looking for… technically, Armstrong, Christensen, Espo and a first round pick IS four first round picks… And players they are familiar with to boot.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry… Christensen was a 3rd round pick… the rest, 1st round.

By Hot Air

June 9, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it strange that the Thrashers would target the Wings second assistant coach instead of going after their number one guy, Paul MacLean who has decades more experience in the NHL and as a head coach? MacLean was also with Babcock in Anaheim and they went to the finals where they incredibly had success without McClellan. Got to hand it to him, this guy is an incredible self promoter who has the knack of dropping his name in for every job without having close to the resume of some others…like MacLean or Anderson. DW…stay with the proven quantities please. This guy’s time will come but not above these other candidates.

By Thrasher Ryan

June 9, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I would pass on McLellan.

I stick with John Anderson.

Still need a new GM though.

What’s Dave Nonis up to?

By Thrasher Ryan

June 9, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Dominik Hasek has Retired

Think the Wings would be interested in KL?

By Alan

June 9, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it strange that the Thrashers would target the Wings second assistant coach instead of going after their number one guy, Paul MacLean

Not really. The Wings could have granted the Thrashers and the Sharks (don’t forget, the Sharks also want him) permission to speak with McLellan, but not with MacLean. We may never know if this was the case or not.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Think the Wings would be interested in KL?

Nope… They’ve got Osgood under contract for three more years, plus Jimmy Howard is an excellent prospect for them.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it strange that the Thrashers would target the Wings second assistant coach instead of going after their number one guy, Paul MacLean who has decades more experience in the NHL and as a head coach?

No stranger than looking at DeBoer, Anderson, Lever or Gordon… GM’s are looking for fresh, new ways of thinking.

McLellan is showing to be a gifted offensive coach… if he can get in here and teach Atlanta how to be the puck possession team that Detroit is, I’m all for it.

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan — I would think the Red Wings would be more interested in Dan Ellis or Cristobal Huet (if neither are re-signed). Neither would require compensatory picks, and one (Huet) has a better track record and proven playoff capabilities.

If I were Holland, I’d rather sign Huet since it fills the immediate needs AND isn’t costing me more than his salary (i.e. compensatory picks or trade losses). Lehtonen is no slouch, but all things considered he’s not proven to be as successful as Huet…yet. And he definitely wont come cheaper all things considered.

Also remember that the Red Wings GM Ken Holland (a former goalie) believes that the only goalies worth offering BIG money to are the top 5 goaltenders in the league, because he believes there is little disparity between the remaining netminders. What that means is he’ll likely pass on overpaying a goaltender like Lehtonen with an RFA offer sheet or trade offer, but would be willing to pay league average for a young netminder like Ellis or for a more experienced goalie like Huet (who’s still young himself).

There are very little legs to this whole Lehtonen to Detroit idea, if one would simply look at what is available to Detroit come July 1st. Chris Osgood is signed through 2011 at a $1.417M average CAP hit. They just won the Stanley Cup with him as the goalie…I think they’ll be fine if they rely on Osgood as Jimmy Howard continues to develop, or if they decide to make a trade for the future and go after players like Al Montoya, Ondrej Pavelec…young goalies with a higher ceiling than Howard but yet to come into their prime.

Hokie — I look at that Malkin story the same way I look at Brendan’s points about trading Kovalchuk…at some point you have to think about the present and the near future, and not SOOOO much about the distant future. With the thought that Eklund’s story perpetuates, the Penguins will be financially restricted with an ASSUMED unhappy #1b center, and should get maximum value for him now rather than wait for him to under-develop due to his getting #2 center status. Brendan also poses similar thoughts about Kovalchuk, saying that maximum value is what is MOST important for a franchise, and thus Kovalchuk could (to be fair, he doesn’t say “should”) be shopped for the best possible offers out there presently.

To that I’m completely confounded.

That same thought process, applied to the team on a whole, would mean that no draft pick is kept on the roster after the entry-level rookie contract has expired. At that point the player will most assuredly prove that they’re worth a monetary investment to retain their services, and is worth MORE if they’re simply cast off for future picks (thus starting the cycle over). It makes no sense, as it creates an environment that fosters talent development for the 29 other teams…and never fully utilizes the talents scouted, drafted, developed, and invested in through the first years of that players NHL life. It’s ridiculous, at best.

Where would the NHL be if ALL teams operated under that development model?? Well, they’d be like all the other leagues who do as much (choose to underpay their top talents)…the NHL would be no better than the Swiss, Swedish, Czech, German, or even Finnish elite leagues. Trading a bonafide superstar for the mere fact that you can’t find cap room without being creative, is accepting the fact that you WANT your team to become the next Sparta Praha, and not the next Detroit Red Wings.

Personally, I’d rather the Thrashers emulate the Red Wings before they emulate a team from the Czech Republic.

(Sorry if I went on a tangent there, but the whole Malkin scenario brought signs of the entire Kovalchuk discussion that seems undying in these parts.)

By Alan

June 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

if he can get in here and teach Atlanta how to be the puck possession team that Detroit is, I’m all for it.

I’d be happy if he can teach Atlanta to be half the puck possession team the Wings are. We had trouble hanging on to the damn thing last season.

And if we get him, maybe we can get an assistant with some real defense experience.

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

I’d be happy if he can teach Atlanta to be half the puck possession team the Wings are. We had trouble hanging on to the damn thing last season.

I noticed on several occassions that the Wings would make blind, backward passes and they went directly to their players… now that’s a team that has a system and the players know exactly where each other are going to be… Peripheral vision, quick decisions and set plays and formations.

Just think how well Enstrom would play under that system… and how much better a guy like Slater COULD be.

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Phaneuf to cover EA’s NHL 09.

I’m curious if his cover photo will be his famous flying elbows, punches in the back of the head to an opponent, or him attacking a player who isn’t facing him and is heading toward the bench after their shift is complete. Or maybe it’ll be of his “legal” checks at center ice to a player looking the other way and who hasn’t had the puck for over 2 seconds.

There are so many options, how will EA ever be able to decide?

By Alan

June 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

ranallo - I hear it’s going to be something like this one.

By B. Thenet

June 9, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Slater can’t make accurate passes, he has problems recieving passes, and he makes poor decisions with the puck.

How exactly would he look better in a system similar to the Red Wings?

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Slater can’t make accurate passes, he has problems recieving passes, and he makes poor decisions with the puck.

???… I disagree. I suppose it’s a matter of perspective.

I think he’s a great transitional player, much like Dupuis, but suffers from the same finishing skills as Dupuis.

By Rochester Amerk

June 9, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, I hate to crush your aspirations for a fresh slate, but the ownership is keeping DW. It’s an ugly thing the way history can repeat itself. It’s worse when people fail to learn from history…

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Alan — I’d buy two copies for each system (even those I don’t own) if they put that photo as the cover.

Hokie and Thenet — I think we can all agree that bringing over McLellan will NOT make Klee play like Lidstrom, or even Chelios.

By Alan

June 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, I hate to crush your aspirations for a fresh slate, but the ownership is keeping DW.

We’re currently coping with the prospects of another losing season, while appearing blissfully optimistic to those who don’t frequent the blog.

One day …someday… the ownership will learn from their mistake, and make a change. For now, history will keep repeating.

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Rochester…the Buffalo Panthers of the AHL. Or is that the Florida Sabres? I never remember.

Speaking of Florida, I’m curious who they are interested in for their coaching vacancy. It’s interesting to note that four of the five Southeast Division teams have had a coaching change in the same season. Has that ever happened before? How about the one team that DIDN’T change head coaches was the team that had been holding first place in the division for most of the season, only to lose it in the final weeks?

But of those five coaches, Laviollete’s job has always seemed the safest, in my opinion.

By Brendan

June 9, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

The only reason to shop Kovalchuk is if he indicates that he won’t re-sign here, no matter what. Said another way, that Kovy’s committed to leaving Atlanta in 2010. Would Kovalchuk ever come out and sayyyy that? I wouldn’t think so. Not publicly. It’d be tantamount to a trade demand.

But I would think that the ownership/management possessing such “private” knowledge might impact the team’s decisions. No? On second thought, for them it’s about “buying low and selling high.” And if the team happens to do well, so much the better! What a fortuitious coincidence. I think they call that serendipity.

And how would they know what Kovalchuk’s intentions are … unless they ask him? Are they going to ask him? Perhaps they won’t, in fear of what his answer might be. So, it’ll be a 600-pound gorilla, lounging in the corner of the room, that no one is willing to acknowledge. Well, the gorilla isn’t hurting anyone, is it? Let’s just let in linger there for another 24 months.

Most of us hope Ilya will choose to stay when his contract expires. I know I hope for that. I want him to retire here, with his #17 hanging from the rafters. In the end, Ilya Kovalchuk will do what’s best for Ilya Kovalchuk. And if he leaves, the organization will shrug, “We did all we could. He chose to leave.” This way, Kovalchuk looks like the “bad guy who abandons us.” At no point in time, I suspect, will the Thrashers organ-I-zation admit to failing Kovalchuk. Certainly, he hasn’t failed them. He might just score 70 goals next season. He was worth a 1st overall selection.

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan — In my opinion there’s still a year before any of these discussions need to be brought up, as it’s far too early to be discussing trading away this franchise’s best player. His contract expires in 2010, meaning he’s contractually bound to play in Atlanta until that time. His contract cannot be renewed until that FINAL season (09/10). So, in my opinion, fielding trade offers for him now is like folding before you get a look at the cards you’ve been dealt. A lot can happen, but included in the possibilities are that of him WANTING to remain a Thrasher.

If you’re going to give up on Kovalchuk in the 2008/2009 season because it’s POSSIBLE he wont want to play here in 2011, you may as well give up on Enstrom, Lehtonen, Little, Pavelec and Sterling….because GOSH, they might not want to stay in Atlanta in 2013, so why not get the most out of them NOW?

Do you see how silly that sounds?

This discussions will be far more relevant in June of 2009, and is premature in June of 2008. Can we shelve the discussion for now?

By GaVaHokie

June 9, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Also remember that the Red Wings GM Ken Holland (a former goalie) believes that the only goalies worth offering BIG money to are the top 5 goaltenders in the league, because he believes there is little disparity between the remaining netminders. What that means is he’ll likely pass on overpaying a goaltender like Lehtonen with an RFA offer sheet or trade offer, but would be willing to pay league average for a young netminder like Ellis or for a more experienced goalie like Huet (who’s still young himself).

Sounds a lot like Waddell’s theory on top line Centers might be. :)

By ranallo10

June 9, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Hokie — If so, I’d say Waddell picked up the wrong piece of advice on his way out the door following his one Stanley Cup celebration.

But, I’m positive Marc Savard would still be in Atlanta today if the Ilitch family were the owners, and not the ASG. It’s easier for a mediocre GM to create a competitive team when he’s got a devoted owner(s).

By Brendan

June 9, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Are any of those players as relevant as Kovalchuk? Whose departure hurts more, in the longrun? You can’t see the relevance of this topic? It escapes you?

It’s not a “possibility” if he tells you, “I won’t re-sign.” Therein lies an enormous amount of difference on this topic. And neither you nor I can obtain the necessary wire taps to find out what is actually discussed between Kovy, his agent, and whoever might be the GM. Of course you wouldn’t trade away “essential” players or high-end prospects you think you think you can re-sign. Especially RFA’s.

Kovalchuk is the franchise. And from what little I can see, he doesn’t want to “rebuild.” It’s a “been there, done that” situation, for him. Which means, you need you deal with him now. And prayyyyy. Harder.

Personally, sitting at 28th overall in the league, I think we’re in “rebuilding mode.” I reject the notion we’re a player or two away from competing for the Cup, which is Ilya’s stated goal. Here’s what I wish. I wish Ilya would agree to be patient. I wish he’d say, “I’m willing to rebuild. Let’s see how close we are to REALLY being on the right track in 2010.”

Is that what’s going to happen?

The alternative is to bury one’s head in the sand and pretend that the ownership, management, and roster are “no big deal.”

The only reason to trade Kovy is ifff he tells you, “I won’t re-sign here.” And even thennnn, you wait for the offer that makes the most sense. He is a King’s ransom type of player. And his trade value is at its zenith right now. The goal … is player retention. And right now, our market isn’t enjoying a wonderful reputation for that.

Every GM must constantly look at the future. And there it is. They must manage their rosters, as best they can, within the confines of the salary cap.

Did we “want” to trade Hossa? Allrightee then. This is Hossa II, right now. Not 18 months from now. Not 12 months from now. It’s … “Ilya, what do you want? Tell us what you want. And we’ll try to do it.” Orrrrr, it’s “asset salvaging time, if Ilya tells you, “I won’t re-sign here, so don’t bother asking me what I want.”

What is the difficulty in seeing that? We’re at the crossroads now, not later. Right now. Or, we just just … let the gorilla sit in the corner. It’s not hurting anybody. And deal with the consequences.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 9, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Brendan is absolutely correct…Only those who bluster about “being patient” are those who:

1. Have constantly supported our bumbling Donny;

2. Have stated that “Don Waddell hasn’t made a bad decision yet.” [I find this the most asinine statement I’ve ever read!]; and,

3. Has the size of a sheep’s brain if they actually believe Donny’s mantra of being only a player or two away (or, on the right track).

Silly sheep. When will they learn?

Oh well…Hey-ho, let’s go and all that for the next “Five-Year Plan” which turns into nine…

By kracker

June 9, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Too many blog people here must have been out in the hot sun way too much these days, they aren’t thinking straight and I don’t even read the hysterical what-if negative posts. There is no point in doing so right now.

Kovalchuk is not and should not go amywhere this summer or next season. A case for looking at trades can perhaps be made if he shows no interest at all in reupping when an extention is offered. That may happen if no progress is made next season. If and when that day comes we deal with it then. Shopping Kovalchuk now is the one sure way to gaurantee his leaving.

Too bad we didn’t win the lottery - but even that may turn out for the best if we draft a franchise defenseman.

By Jim

June 9, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

First priority is a coach, preferably one with NHL experience and a good reputation. McLellan fills the bill. Forget the speculative baloney about Malkin and other superstars being available. Let’s get some guys with grit and backbone. Donny enters the 9th year of a failed 5 yr. plan.

By kracker

June 9, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Oh, on McLellan, I too thought he was the Beast with a crease in his face. They look alike and the names begin with Mc, end with ‘n’ and have double letters in the middle. So let’s make them coach and assistant coach and see if Kamal can keep them straight.

BTW, for what it’s worth, Eklund has Atlanta interested in Roszival and Commodore on his UFA list.

By Rawhide

June 9, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Everyone…please join me in welcoming the new AJC beat writer for the Thrashers, Mike Knobler.

By kracker

June 9, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Welcome Mike!

By Tony C.

June 10, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

I’d take Commodore

By NASCAR Dave

June 10, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this

Slater can’t make accurate passes, he has problems recieving passes, and he makes poor decisions with the puck.

How exactly would he look better in a system similar to the Red Wings?
I agree 100%. He would not make the Wings squad.

???… I disagree. I suppose it’s a matter of perspective.

I think he’s a great transitional player, much like Dupuis, but suffers from the same finishing skills as Dupuis.

EXACTLY. That’s why he should be TRADED or WAIVED ASAP. He does not belong here. We need players here who CAN SCORE.

Sounds a lot like Waddell’s theory on top line Centers might be. :)
Except that then Idiot Waddell proceeds to OVERPAY said “Top Line Center (in his mind)”… Dumbfounding, isn’t it???

So the draft is about 10 days away and we are just now only starting to interview coaches???

WTF is wrong with this picture???

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

June 10, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

NO! NO! NO! to TODD MCLELLAN!!!

Remember the last assistant we got from Detroit??? Mike Woodson.

What did that get us??? NOTHING.

John Anderson is the right man for the job. Don’t make a mistake…

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

Brendan — kracker did a fine job summarizing my point.

Do remember, he CAN’T discuss renegotiation of contracts at this time. So, all Kovalchuk and his agent have to say if approached is “we’ll talk next offseason” (like any smart agent would, to maximize his clients dollars and options), and this entire discussion is useless. Of course it’s POSSIBLE he says “I’m not going to re-sign ever”, but it’s also POSSIBLE that the Lightning trade Lecavelier to Atlanta.

Does that mean it’s worth discussing, or relevant?

I’d say no.

But hey, you’re clearly entitled to discuss whatever your heart so desires.

Anyways, IF Kovalchuk pulls a Hossa and decides not to re-sign during the last year of his contract, then it’s definitely worth discussing.

By GaVaHokie

June 10, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Silly sheep. When will they learn?

Probably the same day you stop pretending to be an expert.

By joyaman

June 10, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

By Jim June 9, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this First priority is a coach,

Huh?

Are you freaking kidding me? How much Kool-Aid have you and the others swallowed since the team splattered to the ground like a hot-stinking turd in April?

I can’t believe that anyone out there thinks that any COACH is going to change the destiny of a franchise led by an incompetent GM with a 10-year track record of failure.

WAKE UP!

If the ASG gets anywhere close to half of us hold out STHs to come back based on a new coach, then heaven help us.

There’s no freaking way these clowns are going to get another dime of my STH money until they fire the inmate that’s running (or pretending to run) the asylum.

All hiring a coach before the draft does is to make it harder and costlier to bring in a competent GM.

DON’T BUY INTO THIS RUSE BY DW AND ASG. HOLD OUT FOR A GM, OR YOU’RE JUMPING ON BOARD THE DELUSIONAL EXPRESS (again!).

By hot air

June 10, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

“McLellan is showing to be a gifted offensive coach… if he can get in here and teach Atlanta how to be the puck possession team that Detroit is, I’m all for it.”

Give me a break! Defense won the Cup for the Wings and in case you have not noticed, Detroit has a smorgasborg of great, talented wingers that could have made Spike Lee into a hockey genius! Fact is McClellan has TWO years of NHL experience. TWO years with a team that was already successful without him. He may be good one day but I’d look at the others who have paid their dues.

Why is Detroit so anxious to let him go if he is so great?

By Brendan

June 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not going to absolve Don Waddell from picking up the phone, giving him some blessed “free pass” on this issue. It’s his job to manage the roster and his assets. And that includes understanding his players. Of which, Ilya bears considerable stock. Don owns Kovy’s rights. He can pick up the phone to discuss the future of the team anytime he JOLLY WELL WANTS. And he should.

While it’s true he can’t re-sign him at this time, (no argument there,) what happens NOW bears extreme relevance to what happens in the future. Like?

I cannot help but notice that a coach who possesses over 500 NHL wins to his credit became available during THIS VERY OFFSEASON. Don Waddell could pick up the phone and get Kovalchuk’s input on coaching choice, in the Summer of 2008, when he still has some shot at retaining the player. Would it matter, for example, if Kovalchuk said, “I’d like to have Ron Wilson.” Or is that, “irrelevant?”

C’mon now. Do you honestly believe that the Kovalchuk camp is oblivious? Do you think the organization’s failure to fire Don Waddell has gone UNNOTICED by the Kovalchuk camp?

Well when, pray tell, is the optimum time to fire a GM? Wouldn’t it be after seven seasons in eight years (7/8) of finishing in the bottom third of the Conference, on the heels of a 28th place finish? If not NOW, then WHEN??? If the Atlanta Spirit, LLC, cannot figure this one out now, when will they?? When the chickens come home to roost?

Well, the ownership could change? Riiight. Both Tim Tucker and Craig Custance have said that the appeals process can continue all the way until 2011. Which is the same time that the CBA expires. So, how likely is the ownership situation to change? Bottom line: The ASG cannot even “buy out” a partner properly. Or this matter would be over.

Do you honestly think this tidbit goes UNNOTICED by the Kovalchuk camp? Kovy wants to win a Cup. He does. He’s stated as much, as the goal for the upcoming season. He wants to play for an organization committed to winning the Cup. Is this concept “difficult” to grasp?

Allrightee then. I repeat, if Don Waddell picks up the phone to ask Kovalchuk, like he should, what his plans are for the future … his answer bears relevance to what the team does next.

I cannot even believe that we’re debating this. Okay. I tell you what. I agree that the ASG/Waddell will ride Kovalchuk to the very end, making HIM look like “the bad guy” for not re-signing. But just remember this … the time to have consulted #17, for the purposes of KEEPING him, was RIGHT NOW. You can choose to ignore that, if it suits you.

By Marty Mcsorley

June 10, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan is exactly right. If we want Kovy here, we need to get this rolling now. Please fire DW, this is getting ridiculous. This ownership group has got to go. Hey what happened to Custance?

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Your entire philosophy is predicated on assumptions.

You assume the ASG views Don Waddell as a failure in the GM position, when his continued tenure points to the opposite. You also assume that Don Waddell HASN’T spoken to Kovalchuk, and that Kovalchuk WANTS a coach like Ron Wilson, when nothing has been said to make you think along those lines.

Read the papers again, you’ll notice the glowing endorsements Kovalchuk has had for … BRAD MCCRIMMON. You know him, he’s one of the two coaches being said to have an interview scheduled with (hold your breath) THE ATLANTA THRASHERS, for the still vacant head coaching position. In fact, McCrimmon has already been offered the job, but declined at that time.

I know, it’s hard to imagine a superstar winger appreciating his current coach, flaws and all. But Kovalchuk has told the media he’s supportive of McCrimmon…and McCrimmon is still in the running…so maybe we should do the math about who Kovalchuk wants hired.

That being said, most players were in support of Bob Hartley, yet he didn’t lead this team too far, did he? A “proven winner” cannot always continue those winning ways, especially when given a team of lesser talent and financial capacity. Ron Wilson has proven he’s a successful coach, no doubt, but he hasn’t proven he can win with a MORE TALENTED ROSTER than the Thrashers have ever had.

The point is that Kovalchuk and Waddell’s conversations (or lack there of) are things we as fans are not privy to. Making gross assumptions based on perceived actions/inactions is what we fans are good at. And personally, I prefer to stay away from the gross assumptions that revolve around trading the franchise player TWO SEASONS before his contract runs up.

Seriously, I understand that the first step towards building a franchise that would be able to retain a player like Kovalchuk revolves around creating the proper environment to successfully run the franchise…such as hiring a better than mediocre GM, forming a quality scouting staff headed by a person with successful draft records (Marr doesn’t have one), better minor league agreement/development plan, and owners who care both emotionally and financially…but guess what…WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THOSE THINGS.

So me sitting here, talking about what the Thrashers (not me) should do in 2008 because I perceive the situation to be bleak, is not something I enjoy.

I could post “fire Waddell” or I could continue to be supportive of this team because it is MINE, and I feel that no matter what happens I’ll still support them. If that means Kovalchuk gets traded (doG forbid), then it happens…but that’s definitely not something I want to be talking about now.

Do you have a exit strategy in place for when a person passes on? It’s inevitable, so are you prepared, and have you gone over the scenario ad nauseum in an effort to be fully prepared?? It’s POOOOSIBLE, so why not get ready for it now, even if it might not happen until 2030?

Personally I’d rather savor the time Kovalchuk is part of the Thrashers, rather than sit back and wallow about what the team will do if he wants out in 2010.

Waddell is currently the GM, no matter how much us the fans want him out. You can either suck it up and move on, or continue year nine of complaining about the Thrashers GM situation. It’s your choice.

By joyaman

June 12, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Brendan:

I’m not being delusional about where ASG stands on DW, but I can’t just sit back and accept their position. Sorry to sound like a broken record, but until they change the GM, I just can’t put my heart into all the chatter on coaches, Kovy’s fate, etc., as that’s exactly what ASG and DW want us Thrasher die hards to do.

Do I want to see DW continue to bungle what remains of the roster? Hell no. Please continue to rail for sane behaviour on a move-by-move basis. That’s your right as a fan. I just can’t put my energies there right now.

Telling moments from the Wolves Calder Cup victory celebration: While broadcaster Pat Foley and his sidekick, Billy Gardner seemed confused as to why DW didn’t call up Krog, Haydar and Sterling more often, Wolves owner Don Levin, dripping with champagne, personally praised Waddell for supplying his team with “great players” that made their Cup run possible.

HMMMM…Seems like a pretty clear indictment of DW for drafting and developing career minor leaguers. Good enough to win Calder Cups, yet as validated by Waddell’s own actions, only good enough to be injury callups on the 28th best team in the NHL.

What we’re left with playing at Philips is the Atlanta Solar Bears. A team with a quasi-NHL budget and the management skills of a man that would probably lose out to Kevin Cheveldayoff in a head-to-head comparison.

WTF! Why not bring in both Cheveldayoff and Anderson. At least it’d be an upgrade at both positions.

-joyaman