Ice Man

By WHAT?

June 12, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Now this blog is downright stupid.

By Alan

June 12, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

WHAT?

Let’s see you crank out a more informative blog.

By Are you still here?

June 12, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

You’re an idiot. Go follow Custance. He needs his pet back.

By Tony C.

June 12, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

oooooh jealously isn’t becoming on you.

By Dunwoody_Kevin

June 12, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Alan, no need for hostility. There’s nothing to inform about. No news. Atl. Stupid group sucks. Waddell sucks. No coach, no direction, blah blah blah. Mediocrity is acceptable,, Did I miss anythinG?

By HookyBob

June 12, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Rawhide: Excellent blog,..(succinct,….and to the point as well :). The inuendo goes right to the heart. My only fear is that it will go over the head of many. It may be advisable to use caution in your literary expression going forward.

BTW: Any ideas what the ASG, and DW, could possibly be waiting for (other than that Anderson won’t sign)? Reporter Brendon,…. any insights?

By B. Thenet

June 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Only you would be crazy enough to put Brendan on the streets with a microphone.

By horacio

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

Why no Coach yet man? BH was ok man but they wait too long now! Should have got Coach after BH fired. Anderson from Wolves looks ok, I think he’s perfect fit here.

By WHAT?

June 12, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Well If You Want Real News That RAWHIDE Ain’t Got Cause He Is Writing Fluff…..Johan Hedberg Has Been Re-Signed For Next Season.

Rawhide Ain’t Slick Enough To Catch That Bit Of News.

Holly At Hockey’s Future Has Already Confirmed It And The Story Flashed On The Thrashers Page For A Few Minutes And Then They Removed It Until The Story Breaks Tomorrow.

By Sunny

June 12, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Bill, you get points for creativity.

I wonder what people think about Holik leaving. It seems to me he was paid a lot of money to sit on opposing players.

Confirmation on Hedberg yet?

By Sunny

June 12, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

I feel compelled to say I did not get the Hedberg info from the poster “WHAT?”.

By LL

June 12, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Link

By Rawhide

June 12, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Tobias Enstrom was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie team. Good for him.

Kovy and Heater won this award in’01-‘02.

Alan - Steady there. He’s entitled to his opinion. The “Post A Comment” box is there for all view points… Everyone isn’t gonna like what I do and say.

Sunny - Thanks…and as WHAT? & LL point out, it seems as though Moose has been signed for the upcoming season.

WHAT? - Never said I catch everthing. Again, I respect your viewpoint regarding the blog…but I would hardly call it a “Fluff” piece. The point was an attempt to voice my personal displeasure at the amount of time it is taking to get this coaching deal done. If it didn’t come through that way…well, whatchagonnado?

As for Hedberg resigning…do you think that’s a good move or not. Some would say it’s time to bring Opie up full time. I guess the team wants to give him another year, if indeed Moose is being re-signed.

B Thenet - I only put him in that role because Tony C was holding out for more money!

By Sunny

June 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks & congrats to Enstrom, a wonderful player.

By Hmmmm....

June 12, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Looks like you ripped-off Mr Show with that weak little anchor and reporter bit…

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

The responses were way to short to be Brendan. And he didn’t even elooooongate any vowels. WHAT THE HELL RH?? Is he that despondent due to our current situation??

By NASCAR Dave

June 12, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Well if Moose is re-signed that means LETEMIN is outta here. I’m down with PAVELEC and MOOSE next year ONLY IF we are trading LETEMIN to get another pick in the Top 10.

We need to move SLATER/LARSEN/WHITE/KLEE also if we’re gonna buy out ZHITHEAD!!!

NASCAR Dave’s Magic 8 Ball sez RECCHI signs next… Great, another washed up veteran — this is NOT a GOOD IDEA!!! (see:Smoltz/Glavine/Hampton/etc.)…

What is WRONG with these STUPID owners??? A 2 Year Deal for WOODSON??? So after 20 games next season when you have to fire him, you’re still gonna have to pay him!!! NO GUTS to FIRE Don FRAUDell??? After he’s FAILED for SO MANY years??? No Guts. No Brains. No Purpose. No Aspirations. NOTHING.

Does everyone see WHY this draft is so important for us??? We will not be bringing in any Top Free Agents — We don’t have the $$$ for it… The ASG will have to re-sign JOSH SMITH and JOSH CHILDRESS… Smith already rejected 1 offer (40 million?)… The Thrashers will be getting the raw deal, and I am trying to let evrybody know about this in advance, because I don’t wanna see you all get upset when Don FRAUDell brings in a brand new crop of REARDON/KLEE/TAMER/TREMBLAY’s…
It’s actually quite sad the Atlanta fans have to SUFFER with this crap!!!

NUFF SAID.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

WHAT? — Way to break the news, I wasn’t aware of it before you mentioned it. Congrats.

Personally, I’m fine with Hedberg being re-signed. It enables the Thrashers to continue development of Pavelec (I like him, but he can still MATURE as a goalie), and it also gives Lehtonen some stability regarding who gives him goaltending device. I think Hedberg is the type of quality classy player that will only benefit this franchise. I hope when he decides to retire he’ll consider staying in Atlanta in some coaching capacity (goaltending coach, anyone…anyone?).

Plus, it enables Atlanta the LUXURY of having goaltending depth, and quality depth at that. Anyone of them COULD be moved, but I hope nothing drastic happens and this goaltending trio stays intact past the trade deadline.

By Ted Koppel

June 12, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I suspect there will be reports of burning helicopters on the corner of Marietta and Spring Streets in the morning.

By Alan

June 12, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Alan, no need for hostility.

If my post daring him to do better is what you call “hostility,” then you really need a new set of skin. Preferably a set that doesn’t have the consistency of water.

As for what Rawhide is writing … newsflash, he is a blogger, not a journalist. Different levels of journalistic integrity to be held to here. Don’t get me wrong, because I like his writing style; However, until he gets his own columns in the paper, he could write “fluff” in any and every blog, and it wouldn’t matter.

By Thrasherbob

June 12, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

WTF WHAT The man is puttin out a blog every few days so what of it if he mixes a funny one in here the there. Everyone contributes news bites to the blog, get over yourself.

LOL!! Holik’s miffed he hasn’t got an offer yet, well boo hoo.

Rawhide I’m betting it all goes down the last week of the month so your buddy Brandan might be out there a while.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — Don’t worry, I don’t think anybody is going to be surprised that there will be little in the UFA front this offseason. You’re not forewarning us, you’re simply re-iterating what many of us already assume.

By ToF

June 12, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Dunwoody you forgot to add ‘nuff said and Dumb Fraudell or any variation there of.

By Josh

June 12, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, it seems more like Lehtonen needs more time to develop, not Pavelec. at least to me, lol.

By ranallo10

June 12, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Josh — That’s low! But you should be happy, Hedberg sticking around will only benefit Lehtonen’s continued “development”.

By R. Stroz

June 12, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

NEWS UPDATE - Still no coach RAWHIDE, everyone loses the “coach pool” tomorrow. Those clusterflop managers finally figured out it was Friday the 13th tomorrow because I told my starving sales rep that only the Thrashers would name a coach on Friday the 13th.

The new coach will be officially named on Monday. This reporter is calling it a night.

By Wicked Wrister

June 12, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

LMAO!!! Good one, Bill.

Hey, as for Moose re-signing, I think it’s a good thing. Pavs could use the extra time and he’s there in case of an injury, (like last year).

I just hope Kari can go a whole year injury-free. Of course I’d also like to see what he can do not having to face 30 some odd shots night in and night out.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

LATE NEWS REPORT - Since the Atlanta Spirit sales reps can’t sell tickets, they have joined our newscast out of pure frustration.

By Alan

June 13, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Alan - Steady there. He’s entitled to his opinion.

Opinion is fine. However, my opinion is he should “put up or shut up.” Considering what he “put up,” I’d suggest he take heed of the latter portion of the aforementioned statement.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Alan Rules

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

I haven’t seen confirmation of this Hedberg re-signing at CBS.Sportline.com, NHL.com, TSN.ca, NHLPA.com, or the Thrashers website. I can only hope it’s true.

I am interested in knowing if it’s a multi-year deal or just one. And, of course, the price. But I’m sure it would be “reasonable.” I like Ranallo’s post above. Having Hedberg is valuable insurance in net. I expect to see Pavelec in camp this Fall, competing for a starting spot. But it doesn’t hurt to have Pavelec honing his skills in Chicago, while Moose and Kari handle the bulk of the work at Blueland.

I wouldn’t assume that a Moose re-signing spells the end for Kari. I have always been nervous that Waddell would use Pavelec as a bargaining chip. I really hope that doesn’t happen. Lehtonen-Pavelec would be a very fine tandem moving forward through the next couple of seasons. Honestly … if Kari Lehtonen had a decent defense in front of him, I think he could do very well.

By NASCAR Dave

June 13, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

I just hope Kari can go a whole year injury-free. Of course I’d also like to see what he can do not having to face 30 some odd shots night in and night out.

I constantly hear this excuse. “He faces too many shots…Our Defense sucks…Put some good D-Men in front of him and see what happens…”

What if we do that, and he still lacks focus? Still lets in softies?Still lets emotions get the best of him? THEN WHAT??? What will the excuse be THEN??? You have to learn to put your emotions aside and look at all possible scenarios…

The man is puttin out a blog every few days so what of it if he mixes a funny one in here the there. Everyone contributes news bites to the blog, get over yourself.

I agree 100% with what THRASHERBOB said. RAWHIDE is da’ MAN…He is intuned with the FANS…So BACK OFF!!!

Opinion is fine. However, my opinion is he should “put up or shut up.” Considering what he “put up,” I’d suggest he take heed of the latter portion of the aforementioned statement.

Good one ALAN… you make NASCAR Dave laugh! But he did provide breaking news to the blog, so we must never forget that!…?

ranallo10, it seems more like Lehtonen needs more time to develop, not Pavelec. at least to me, lol.

I wanted Lehtonen/Pavelec… Have them battle it out… Sadly, it looks like that won’t happen…

The new coach will be officially named on Monday. This reporter is calling it a night.

R. STROZ - I like all your posts. I disagree with this one, though. ANDERSON will be named Friday before 2:00pm…

NASCAR Dave — Don’t worry, I don’t think anybody is going to be surprised that there will be little in the UFA front this offseason. You’re not forewarning us, you’re simply re-iterating what many of us already assume.

RANALO - I’ve said before, if it means the PROSPECTS get ice time here, I am OK with it… The point is that our money must be spent WISELY… We can ILL AFFORD to spend $$$ on the WRONG Free Agents!!!

These next 30 days are the most critical time in our franchise history… The “RIGHT” choices need to be made… There is no room for error… This includes choices by the owners.

By Alan

June 13, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

What if we do that, and he still lacks focus? Still lets in softies?Still lets emotions get the best of him? THEN WHAT???

There’s a simple answer for that. I think you know what it is. :)

But seriously, every goalie lets in a softie. Lehtonen’s .916 after facing over 1500 shots last season is an exceptional stat. Now, if he let in those 130-something goals on something like, say, 900-something shots, then we would have some severe problems with keeping this kid.

It might sound like an excuse to you and some of the others, but we should really put better D-men out there. It will improve our game.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

We could put swiveling hockey table stick men on the ice and have better defense.

By Alan

June 13, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this

Stroz - Pylons would do a better job than the ones we have. Do you think the ASG is made of money?! Think about it. They’ll have to go to Home Depot (gotta go to the sponsor’s store, after all; cheap cheap) and buy wood, nails, and hammers.. and then pay someone to make them! Why bother, when all we have to do is put pylons or traffic cones out there?

(Surely, a stopped defensemen can block a shot twice a game, right?)

By Tony C.

June 13, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this

Found this check out the 10th paragraph or so.

By Tony C.

June 13, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this

Also, whoever was thinking about Rosival. I got my ankle rebuilt by the same clinic…they do good work…lotsa metal, but full range of motion, You have to assume his rehab is priority #1,2 and 3 but I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a while for him to play himself into shape. But the timing says he’s confident he’ll be back or real close by September.

By Rawhide

June 13, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

The Ottawa Senators have now hired a new coach according to tsn.com

By Buzilla in CT

June 13, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

You guys may have seen this already but if not you Waddell haters might like it:

According to a report in the Globe and Mail, the Atlanta Thrashers have shown interest in the native of Burnaby, B.C. and have made contact. The report states that Nonis would become the new GM, while current GM Don Waddell would be promoted to team president

By Wings fan in Ga.

June 13, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

What was with the hate at the start of the comments? I liked this blog. Oh well, can’t please everyone I guess. At least Are you still here? got the correct form of you’re in his statement with “you’re an idiot.” Props to him/her for that. … Buzilla, don’t get my hopes up with reports like that. When it’s official that Waddell is no longer running the team, then I will believe it.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

BZ in CT What’s the date of that report in the Globe & Mail? We saw a story like that a few weeks ago from some Canadian source.

I’m hoping it’s a recent story with good sources but it’s the G&M so I ani’t geting my hopes up.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

BZ in CT What’s the date of that report in the Globe & Mail? We saw a story like that a few weeks ago from some Canadian source.

I’m hoping it’s a recent story with good sources but it’s the G&M so I ani’t geting my hopes up.

By kracker

June 13, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Sorry, that should be “ain’t”. We must strive to spell correctly in our hockey blogs.

By Buzilla in CT

June 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

5/10/08

**The search for the next General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks to be heating up.

TSN has learned that former Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis will meet with the team on Tuesday. There has been speculation that Nonis’ hiring would be the first step towards bringing in Anaheim GM Brian Burke to oversee the Leafs’ hockey operations.

However, the Maple Leafs might have some competition for Nonis’ services.

According to a report in the Globe and Mail, the Atlanta Thrashers have shown interest in the native of Burnaby, B.C. and have made contact. The report states that Nonis would become the new GM, while current GM Don Waddell would be promoted to team president.

Nonis was fired by the Canucks after failing to make the playoffs this season. He was recently replaced by former player agent Mike Gillis.**

By Alan

June 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t that around the time of all the other Waddell rumors flying around?

By Alan

June 13, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

So, everyone here likes fluff pieces, right? THN has put out a fluff piece: What if your team was a movie?

Atlanta Movie: The Break-Up Plot Summary: Marian Hossa and Bob Hartley both make their exits from what once seemed like a promising group. Real Review: “…so depressing, painful and awful to watch that I felt like I had just been through a divorce myself.” – Kevin Carr, 7Mpictures.com

By Buzilla in CT

June 13, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Give Rawhide a break. Its the middle of the summer and no one else is writing anything about the Thrashers

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Alan, that was a rather entertaining link! Thanks!

Folks, this Summer has been, thus far, very uneventful on the Thrashers front. We should all thank our lucky stars the AJC even still has active hockey blogs. Custance has taken another position, with The Sporting News. And Rawhide took it upon himself to keep things going during the offseason. For that, he deserves a lot of credit.

Raise your hand, if you long the “Ice Princess?” Allrightee then.

By Smoothie

June 13, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

RStroz — Tuesday, my friend. Tuesday is the day that Mr. Anderson will be announced as our head coach. Only guy the Thrashers can a) afford b) convince to take the job since he’s desperate for a NHL gig and c) knows a lot of our young players well from coaching them.

Of course, letter C should be at the top of that priority list right after experienced NHL coach with a reputation for turning franchise’s around. But as we all know, that would never be a priority for this inept bunch of buffoons we like to call “owners”…question is, what will they own after all of their loyal fans stop buying ST!! Muah ha ha ha ha haaa haaaa (think Predator laugh at end of movie before jungle explodes).

Peace, the Smooth one

By Nikita

June 13, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Enstrom! If Atlanta had done better he’d have gotten the Calder trophy for sure.

As for Hedberg/the goalies…I hope they resign Hedberg. For Hedberg’s sake he might be better off elsewhere, but for the team there’s no better bargain. He’s fairly cheap, he’s mentally steady at #2 (no small feat — a lot of goalies suffer when they don’t play a lot), and he’s pretty darned dependable. I don’t think Pavelec is ready — the Wolves won on their defense and offense, and though Pavelec is good he hasn’t seen the SOG volume that’s normal for either the Thrashers or the NHL in general. What would be best, most likely, would be to re-sign Moose for one season and really bench him. We’d then see if Lehtonen can develop the durability we need — and at the end of that year we can wave goodbye to Moose and either drop Lehtonen back or bring on Pavelec as the #2.

Roszival — please.

Re: the Wolves in general…it really troubles me to see some of the ones who have played poorly here play well there — it suggests that a new coach might be able to use them in the majors. Specifically anyone of that description playing defense. Krog, however, needs to stay down — yes, he played well there this year. But he’s had tryouts in Atlanta, what, 6 times now? In any system he’s not major league material.

Defense…it’s gonna cost us no matter what. Luckily we have Enstrom and Havelid under contract. We also have (off the top of my head) Zhitnik, Klee, Exelby, and Larsen — ideally we’d have a lineup like so: Enstrom, Havelid, two new top D-Men, Larsen, Klee (both of which I assume will play roughly half the time — Klee says he wants to play less and Larsen is inconsistent) and Valabik/Kiwi/Ex/Popovic? in reserve.

By PJ

June 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Alan, ahh when was it again when there wasn’t talk/rumors about Waddell on the blog?

Rawhide Much better this time. I see you avoided mentioning my short-comings. But since you portrayed Brendan so handsomely, do you think I could be a hot babe next time? Perhaps Rstroz could get some “enhancements” too?

By LAC

June 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Rawhide has been a Winner all season and beyond!

A bright light in an otherwise dark season… I still say the Thrashers should honor him this coming season with “RAWHIDE” night at a game, drop the puck the whole nine yards…

Now THAT would at least be moving in the right direction, even if for a second !

By Alan

June 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

PJ - Methinks you know of which rumors I speak of. The ones of him being “asked” to resign the GM post for a different role with the organization? Yeah, those rumors. :)

By Buzilla in CT

June 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

When did Larsen start playing Defense?

By Buzilla in CT

June 13, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

He plays LW…but he is a defensive forward. I can give you that

By Christy

June 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - thanks for the laugh. Much needed this morning when I was finally able to check the blog.

Happy Father’s Day to all of you dads out there.

By Alan

June 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Nikita - Actually, even though Pavelec played four more games in the AHL than Lehtonen played in the NHL, their saves and GA numbers are roughly the same.

Lehtonen made 1429 saves and allowed 131 goals for a total shots faced number of 1560.

Pavelec made 1428 saves and allowed 140 goals for a total shots faced number of 1568.

Pavelec has the potential to become much better. Pavelec, however, is what really helped carry Chicago to the cup win, because Chicago doesn’t play much in the line of defense.

Not sure if that’s a John Anderson problem or what, at this point.

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Rawhide? Permission to embellish PJ’s good looks? I promise, I’ll tone it down just shy of Penthouse letter.

By Rawhide

June 13, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Don’t you think that if Kari faced something like 28-29 shots per game instead of 33-34 a game that his GAA would go down? Statistics alone would indicate they would.

Wings Fan - Yup, I agree…when I’m told “You’re an idiot”…I’m cool with that. But when someone tells me “your an idiot”…well THAT’S just unacceptable!!! LOL!!!

PJ - Perhaps Rstroz could get some ?enhancements? too? - yes…next time, he has hair!

Wicked Wrister - Welcome!

Christy - You’re welcome…and thank you!

Brendan - Permission granted! But…she’s a pretty lady to begin with.

By Alan

June 13, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

R. STROZ - I like all your posts. I disagree with this one, though. ANDERSON will be named Friday before 2:00pm…

Looks like you’ve lost the game, too, Dave. Don’t feel bad. I said the 10th at noon. The Wolves wrapped things up with the baby Pens that evening.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

NEWS UPDATE - NOTHING AGAIN, rumors concerning a Moose signing today appear inaccurate and once again no news on an official coach signing.

SSDD

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Axiom Number 1

When betting on Thrashers management to do anything in a timely manner, you never win.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave for being incorrect you must grab a cold one and watch this

By WW5

June 13, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

if woodson can coach the hawks, maybe letemin can coach the thrashers, unless we can get some used equipment for him in a trade. with smoltz out for the season (maybe career), maybe we can get a deal for his head doctor and assign him to our phenom goalie

By Stats

June 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I know that the following contains a lot of “ifs”

If Anderson is going to be the guy, I would imagine that he was consulted before resigning Moose. (At least I hope he was - maybe I am giving Jar Jar Binks Waddell too much credit).

If that is the case, Anderson knows Kari and Pav’s better than anyone. If he doesn’t think Pav’s is ready, then he isn’t ready. Ideally, Kari steps up and has a big season and Pavs can be used as serious trade bait at the deadline. The Thrashers would do well to learn from the Braves. This model got them through over a decade of success: - Sign young talent. Renew their first contract for a good, hometown price (Kovy, Lehtonen) - Do not sign high dollar free agents (Zhitnik) - Do not sign old vetrans who demand big money (Hossa, Holik). Braves did this with A. Jones. - Do not hang onto young talent that is stuck - move it while everyone is still in love with their “potential” and “upside” (Pavs). The Braves did this brilliantly with Andy Marte & J. Saltalemacchia. - Use young stuck talent and old veterans to acquire talent and fill needs.

Sorry for the long post, but I have been away for months.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Stats - Welcome back.

This task may be asking too much. That said, can you find out how many B2B series the Thrashers had and compare that to other teams. I’m curious if the Thrashers had a disproportionate amount.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Hopefully, you got a few laughs out of the clip.

By Jethro

June 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Stroz, you dun found my brothur.

By Alan

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

Stats - Welcome back! I’ve missed those sort of posts, and I look forward to reading more of them in the future.

By Sunny

June 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Florida hires Pete DeBoer:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240596&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

By Rawhide

June 13, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Pete DeBoer to Florida? Hmmmmm….

OK, so since the Thrashers fired Bob Hartley…241 days ago… The Caps, Sens, Leafs, Sharks, Avs and Panthers have all completed the whole fire coach/hire coach cycle.

That leaves the Bolts, who will be hiring Melrose, and the Kings who I hear have set their sights on Torts, (of course I heard that about San Jose, too).

So…if those two teams hire a coach then the only one left is Atlanta…who started the whole coach swap thing last October.

On a different note…and a very sad one…NBC News’ Tim Russert died today of a heart attack. He was 58.

By Brendan

June 13, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Sad news on the Russert front.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

NEWS UPDATE - NOTHING

We now return to you to your regularly scheduled broadcast.

By The Other Bob

June 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

It’s been almost a whole day since the “Moose signing” rumor has been out there…still nothing to confirm. Not even Knobler can confirm it.

It may happen eventually, but as for now, the only “proof” we have of it is a link to a blogging site and some assclown who says it “flashed” on the Thrashers web site for a minute.

Oooo-Kay!

Maybe RH wasn’t “slick enough” to catch it because it’s an unconfirmed rumor?

just sayin’….

By moo

June 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to wish that Gary Bettman would step in and put an end to this maddness that thinks it’s a professional hockey team.

Waddell won’t hire anyone that’s a perceived threat to his “hockey wisdom.” He’s going to hire a cronie of his and it’s going to be another painful year. If I were drafted by him, I’d pull a Lindros and refuse to come down here.

By R. Stroz

June 13, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

moo - Great points. As soon as I read the Sullivan resume, I thought another yes man.

Also, I actually wondered if whomever the Thrashers drafted would “pull a Lindros.”

The discounted tickets should start soon.

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

I’ll say it again, just like I did on Mark Bradley’s blog a few weeks ago, I’ve never seen this sort of phenomenon before. I’ve never seen owners petrified to fire a GM. And there it is.

The funniest part??? Remember Custance’s interview with Bruce Levenson? Like we could FORGET, right? Levenson said, and I’m paraphrasing here, “From that ONE MISTAKE (not hiring a head coach soon after Hartley was fired,) flowed all the other problems.”

Well, cannot the same thing be said here? Huh? From the ONE MISTAKE of not firing Waddell has come all this aftermath. Sooner or later … yes … it’s true … You guys at the Atlanta Spirit Group are going to have to fire Waddell. No matter how UNPALATABLE that prospect might seem to you.

The longer you guys wait … the worse it’s going to be. Can’t you Spirit owners see the problem? Even your prospective Head Coach interviewee thinks Waddell is the problem. It’s a two-fold problem, at a miminum. Either the prospective Head Coach thinks (1) Waddell will get fired, and the new GM will then fire him shortly thereafter, as the “holdover” Head Coach. Or, he thinks (2) the players are too demoralized for the ownership’s failure to do what is right, namely, to get rid of Waddell, so as not to be able to put forth their most “spirited” effort.

And, there’s yet a third (3rd) problem: Financing. This club’s “break even” point is close to the floor of the cap. I blame the NHL moreso than I do the 16-19 other clubs will be in this same boat before the 2011 season concludes. This is what happens when a league plans its budget off “prospective revenues” instead of ACTUAL revenues.

And would you believe it?, there’s a fourth (4th) problem, too. The financing problem is miniscule compared to the “faith-based” crisis that the sports agents representing the NHL’s Tier One FREE AGENTS have in Don Waddell’s ability to field a Stanley Cup-contending roster. Their basis for thinking this way?? Well duh. The worst GA in the league since 1999. A mediocre draft history. And utter inability to claim a modicum of “star player retention.” And, perhaps, just PERHAPS, finishing in the bottom third of the Conference seven times in eight seasons (7/8) isn’t helping to restore their faith in Waddell, especially on the heels of a 28th-place finish, in Season Eight. And this is the product of the organ-I-zation’s holding seven (7) picks in the Top 10 overall, since 1999, from which to build this club.

Look, I’m not trying to be a wet blanket. The Thrashers find themselves where they are entirely through their own decision-making. They have no one ELSE to blame. It is what it is. I had nothing to do with it. I’m merely pointing out the OBVIOUS. The Emperor, or in this case, The hockey CZAR, isn’t wearing any clothes. But it doesn’t stop the Atlanta Spirit Group from holding a fashion show. Amazing, isn’t it?

Jeff Schultz gave you Spirit guys some quality advice in his column about what to do to remedy this situation. As usual, you ignored him, at your peril. How do you Spirit Guys expect people to have sympathy for you? You shoot yourselves in the foot every chance you get. The one thing Schultz said that you absolutely CANNOT do … is NOTHING. And, that’s the option you chose, with your GM position. From that ONE MISTAKE flowed all the other problems. It’s your very OWN WORDS coming back to haunt you, Bruce Levenson.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Those are DEFINITELY not the only two scenarios that could’ve happened with the prospective coaches. I understand what you’re meaning, but beeeeee fair.

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

I welcome what you think the OTHER scenarios were. And I agree that there are more than two scenarios there. I listed four problem areas for a prospective Head Coach.

I’m going to guess that you’re going to say, perhaps rightly so, that some of these coaches simply got better offers elsewhere.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this

You guessed correctly. Some people will never see Atlanta as a dream job, and in the current situation I can understand why.

I’ve said it before, but if I were a top tier hockey ANYTHING (coach, player, GM, trainer) and had no connections with Atlanta (i.e. I didn’t live there), I would not have Atlanta anywhere near the top of my list. I’d take Toronto, San Jose, and even Florida BEFORE I’d accept Atlanta’s offer. Each city and/or team and/or market has more to offer me.

By Brendan

June 14, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this

I’d have say, Ranallo, that’s certainly a possibility. I think a market like San Jose has been particularly attractive since 2004, when they reached the Conference Finals. The roster is good. There’s been excellent “potential” for a Stanley Cup there.

And in California and Florida, there are beaches and nice weather. Florida has no income tax. Neither does Texas or Tennessee.

When I think of sports in Atlanta, the first thing I think about is … football. Don’t throw things at me. It’s the truth. It probably starts with college and works its way up to the Falcons. The next thing I think of … is Braves Baseball. But I don’t think “Hockey Mecca.” What? I’m being honest.

If someone put a gun to my head and said, “Where’s the Hockey Mecca?! Tell me now!!” My answer wouldn’t be Atlanta, GA. No matter how much I wish it to be true.

By Sharon

June 14, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this

I’m at a loss for words here. The ASG’s ironclad fistful of ignorance is choking the life out of this franchise, out of their dwindling fanbase. Clearly, they can see this, their lack of credentials and a dire need for a consultant. Yet they press on with great disregard. Does this qualify as depraved indifference?

As much as I love going to the games, I won’t renew my ticket package this season. I’ll watch from home, but I won’t continue to finance the failures of this ownership group. It’s the only way to be heard, to have any voice at all.

I probably shouldn’t post this late at night. I tend to get a bit dramatic (haha).

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this

No worries Sharon, it’s from the heart, and a solid post.

By FormerIslesFan

June 14, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this

Did we create a self-fulfilling prophecy here? Alan Muir of Sports Illustrated writes word out of Atlanta is that Moose is re-signed or closed to re-signed. The article also discusses Atlanta’s “considerable assets” in net.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 14, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

“…As much as I love going to the games, I won’t renew my ticket package this season. I’ll watch from home, but I won’t continue to finance the failures of this ownership group. It’s the only way to be heard, to have any voice at all….”

Good for you, Sharon. Finally, real action being taken that the owners will recognize…or leave town with their shoddy product.

(But what made me really laugh was Tweedle-Dee supporting her sentiments that Sage has been espousing for YEARS…)

Folks, like Sharon here, it’s (past) time to STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE OF DON WADDELL AND THE ASG.

There’s only one way for your voice to truly be heard—and that voice is the economic one. All else is spitting into the wind and mere bluster from pitiful sheep…

By Alan

June 14, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

FIF - It’s about time Atlanta got some sort of recognition for something other than the failings of a certain GM.

By Sharon

June 14, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Sage - I’ve been lowering my ticket package for the last few years. I had an ounce of hope once that the ASG would show a commitment to the Thrashers. The less they invest in the team, the less I invest in tickets. We’re both at zero now.

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Sage — I guess you don’t realize the difference between my reaction to Sharon’s post, and to yours. She was classy with her remarks, you’re everything but.

Try making a post without using nicknames (overused ones at that)…you might actually be listened to. At the moment, you’re simply disregarded as a one-trick pony (to quote Buzilla).

By Sage of Bluesland

June 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm…Well, I’d rather be a pony than a sheep, Tweedle-dee…You can quote me on that, too…

(When Buzilla offers something of note that the organizational propaganda machine doesn’t serve him up, then I’ll change my opinion…I laugh at that—too funny!)

By ranallo10

June 14, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, of all the animals out there, I think you resemble a c** more than a pony.