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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Never Been Talked About
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By now most of you have seen this article by our own Mike Knobler in which Don Waddell indicates that not only will Alexei Zhitnik be a “big part” of the Thrashers future…but also the option of buying out the defender’s contract has “never been talked about”.
Exactly what has “never been talked about”?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that maybe, just maybe, the team could cut it’s losses by buying out the $3.5 million contract that hangs as heavy around the neck of the Thrashers payroll as his the cement that seemingly lined Zhitnik’s skates last season?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that the money saved from the buyout of such a contract could then go directly to the salary of the player selected by the team with the third overall pick this Friday?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that freeing up the spot on the Thrashers blueline for one of the younger, faster defenders in the system…or, dare I say it, at top-tier free agent?
“Never been talked about”… the possibility that maybe…just maybe… the soon to be 36-year old legs of Zhitnik are going to have their challenges trying to keep up with the Crosbys and Ovechinks and St. Louis of the NHL? Even more so then last season, maybe?
“Never been talked about”… how puzzling the idea is to put back into the lineup a player who’s on-ice production was so poor last winter that Don Waddell himself, acting as interim-coach, removed him from the lineup for the last few weeks of the season.
I can deal with, “It’s been kicked around, but I don’t thinks it’s the best option”. I can even handle, “It’s been discussed, but we still have options”. But to hear the man in charge say that the topic has “never been talked about”…come on.
There are a number of options available in regards to Alexei Zhitnik. Try and trade him…waive him and hope someone picks him up off the wire… buy out the contract. All viable options. But how many out there are buying into prospect that Zhit is going to play a “big part” in the future of the Blueland blueline?
Moose Not On The Loose
Also yesterday, the Thrashers officially announced that veteran goalkeeper Johan Hedberg will return next season. This is welcome news indeed as a team cannot be too deep in goalie talent.
This is one aspect of the team that the fans can feel reasonably comfortable with. Kari, Moose and Opie make up a very strong trio to go into training camp with.
Also, it has been a basic philosophy of many that you build a successful hockey team from the back forward. We now have the goalie situation in fine order…now we need to move forward to the blueline. Just imagine the shape the Thrashers would be in if our defense was in as good condition as it is between the pipes.
From the back forward…now THAT’S moving in the right direction.
Meanwhile…Back At The NHL Ranch
Nashville move to lock up their fine, young defender Ryan Suter for the next four years. Now that’s moving in the right direction.
The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Al Coates as their player personnel director. This appears to be a fill-gap between now and next summer when they can hire Brian Burke as their general manager.
And finally, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was honorable enough to hold up his end of the bet he had with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Grenholm in regards to their team’s match-up in the Stanley Cup Finals.
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