Ice Man

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

First

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Knobler’s article was lifted from The Onion.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Would the APD please arrest DW’s pot dealer.

By B. Thenet

June 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

You have to assume with DW’s comments that either he would rather take the cap hit this year, and try to trade or waive him to the Wolves later in the year, than buy him out and take a cap hit for two years….OR Zhitnik might have been one of the guys who DW and Levinson were refering to when they talked about some players having off ice issues contributing to poor play last season.

I didn’t want Havelid coming back after his awful 2nd half two years ago, but he had a very strong season for us last year.

Is DW taking a risk by not buying Zhitnik out, sure. It is not like he can’t make moves in October or November if things aren’t working out.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Waddell said it had never been talked about, but that doesn’t mean it actually hasn’t. Things you say publicly and things that go on behind closed doors are two different things. It would be pretty un-classy of Waddell to come out and say they’ve discussed buying him out but decided against it for whatever reason. If we are considering buying him out, it doesn’t do anything for AZ’s possible trade value. If we are going to really play him next year, it doesn’t do much to motivate him or maintain good relations to have said to the whole world “hey we almost got rid of you.” It’s going to be interesting enough after the way he was treated at the end of last season (justifiably or not).

I have my suspicions at this point that ownership just isn’t willing to buy-out contracts and basically pay money for nothing (although we arguably did that last year with Z too).

By gmlane

June 17, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

They most likely did talk about it, but decided to sat what he said to help boost Zhitnik’s confidence.

Zhit is a proud guy, and having his GM say something like, “We discussed buying him out, but at this time, it is not financially feasible so we will be keeping him for the remainder of his contract” probably would not be a positive move.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Reposted from the last blog:

Brendan - Nope, Waddell didn’t achieve his objective. However, that doesn’t mean Atlanta can’t become the hockey mecca of the south. It just means we can’t do it with Waddell as GM.

Dave - I would be livid. And if he is named coach, I will be livid, and will be a thorn in the side of the ASG.

Stroz - I’m with you. What do you say about investing in the creation of a large banner with the words “FIRE WADDELL” on opening night?

I heard a story about a couple of guys who made one and hung it, then left during the first intermission to get concessions… only to find the banner missing when they returned. My thoughts on this: The more people watching the banner, the less likely it will “go missing.”

By The Other J.B.

June 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

You don’t scratch a guy that many games at season’s end and then NOT talk about buying him out or trading him. That just defies all logic. DW’s a salesman and a promoter, so gmlane’s comments, amongst others on the subject on numerous blogs, are certainly valid. the fact that he’s such a salesman/promoter is likely his achilles heel as a manager, astute businessman, and coach…excuse me, interim (nearly an entire season) coach. That being said, I’m in favor of getting rid of Zhit. However, if he gets motivated and puts up numbers like he did in season’s past, I’ll take it and be happy.

By J(Z)

June 17, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I think I remember that, maybe the game against Calgary, front row in the corner someone had a sign on the glass saying “Fire Wadell” but it was gone after the first intermission.

I agree though, they’ve HAD to have at least TALKED about buying out Zhitnik. Is it really a 2yr cap hit if they do? Its not like we’re gonna be anywhere near the cap so whats the problem?

By kev

June 17, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Correct. It is one thing for DW to utilize some “GM-speak” to not have to talk total zhit about Zhitty, but to speak such ridiculousness about Zhithead being a “big part of our future”?
That’s just plain horseZhit.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I think I remember that, maybe the game against Calgary, front row in the corner someone had a sign on the glass saying “Fire Wadell” but it was gone after the first intermission.

That’s the one I was talking about. It’s b******, but its disappearance was preventable. You get enough people around us, and that banner would become more like a permanent fixture at every Thrashers game until DW-day.

And that’s just the beginning.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

HEY RANALLO I got an answer to your question from the other day.

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Sara, I agree with your 3 pick…and I like Gustafsson or Deschamps with the 29. Right now, Gustafsson is rated at #30 so there is a possibility he could be there…the injury question has dropped his stock some.

The more I think about it though the more I would like the idea of trading the 29 pick. You would think we could put together a package of that pick and some other pieces to deal for a young center who could be a top 2 liner.

Barring a trade, the center situation going into camp would be Christensen, Little, White, Holzapfel, and Esposito. I don’t know if the 29 pick is going to land us a 2nd line center or not. And I don’t know if I’m content with Christensen and Little as the top 2 line centers.

Backstrom turned into a top 2 line center for Washington last year, I don’t know if anyone at the 29 pick would do the same or not.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

HipCzech we could conceivably score a top line center from anywhere in the draft rankings - not like you can’t find gems in rounds 2-9. But there is no such thing as too many good d-men or centers. We still need depth at both positions - even if Espo, Little, Christensen, and Slater all worked out long-term for us, as examples, it would still give us a potentially great bargaining chip down the road for something else. And I’m all for more D-men.

BTW, did you figure out what else they all have in common?

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

They are all over 6’2”?

By Sara

June 17, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

LOL, yep pretty much. At least over 6’. No more Smurfs!!! That’s my chant for the summer. :D

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Sara, I meant that I don’t know if the 29 pick can be a top 2 line center THIS year. Unless we’re talking Crosby or Backstrom type material, very doubtful.

I agree depth would be nice to have. But we need a top 2 line center NOW. No way Kovalchuk is going to go another 2 years with no legit center. If we don’t have one NOW, kiss Kovy goodbye.

Seeing there is not a FA center that we could reasonably expect here (Langkow won’t sign here) the only way to get one is via trade.

By Wings fan in Ga.

June 17, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Does Waddell read this?

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

According to tsn, Langkow has worked out an extension with Calgary and Ryan Malone’s rights may be transferred to the Blue Jackets.

By Hip Czech

June 17, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Wings fan…you give DW too much credit :-)

Thinking about the whole center issue thing…now, Savard may or may not have been the answer at center here (I think he was). But it still irritates the heck out of me about the idiotic ‘no contract talks during the season’ stance Waddell (or the ASG, or both) took with Savard.

What did Savard sign for, something like 3 or 3.5 million per year with Boston? He would have been a bargain had we re-signed him for 4 years at 3 mil per.

By J(Z)

June 17, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Langkow resigned for 4yrs but it can’t be officially announced until July 1 because it would put the Flamers over the cap, which officially goes up July 1.

By R. Stroz

June 17, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Wings fan in Ga. - The better question is whether Waddell can read.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I recall seeing Waddell reading a pop-up book. Once. It’s amazing that the pop-up pictures didn’t immediately implode when he touched them.

By Sara

June 17, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

HipCzech Savy signed for $5M a year, which at the time was deemed too much for a guy who took penalties at really retarded times during the game. (Of course, we basically paid Holik $4.25M for the same thing and he didn’t put up near as many points, but I digress.) In hindsight, it seems stupid to have let him go, although that said I don’t think Savy had any intentions of staying in ATL after he imploded his marriage and the wife too kthe kids back to Canada.

That whole not-negotiating during the season policy was retarded, but Don seemed to have gotten over that real fast when Hossa’s contract was extendable. Too bad the one time he tried to do it right, it still blew up in his face.

As for getting another top center - we may not be able to get one who steps in this year out of the draft but I think that’s the ONLY shot we have. None available FA. And I don’t see anyone trading away a top center at this point. Not without us selling half the rest of the farm and we can’t afford to do anymore of that.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech — Perhaps you’d like to wait until next season when a blue-chip center would be available. John Tavares.

If the Thrashers tanked and won the draft lottery he’d be theirs for the taking.

Sara — I agree with both of your opinions regarding the upcoming draft and players to pursue. I’d only be interested in moving that 29th pick for an immediate impact player (defensive or offensive doesn’t matter if he’s NHL ready, young, and cheap), and I don’t think that’s likely. Assuming no trades can be consummated without giving up a top prospect or a player like Lehtonen, I’d go the draft route too.

Gustaffsson, Deschamps, Ennis or Staal would be the players I’d be looking at. I assume the first two of the four I mentioned will not be available by the 29th pick. Ennis’ size is my main concern, but like Hokie I do appreciate his puck handling abilities and his decision making abilities with the puck on his stick. Staal might be too early at that selection, especially since he might not turn out to be as good as Jordan, much less Eric.

By GaVaHokie

June 17, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

For the 29th pick… in this order

Deschamps, Nemisz, Ennis, Staal, Toews.

I expect the first two to be gone, but if they are there TAKE THEM!! Staal and Toews would be overpaying at the 29th pick… so, again, I like Ennis’s value at 29.

Ennis would be a great weapon in Anderson’s “all offensive” arsenal.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 17, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

“Never been talked about”

I have never wondered why we continue to be the absolute dregs of the league. I don’t wonder why we are nearing our ten-year mark with all the look and feel of an expansion team.

Too bad the enablers continue to keep our bumbling, lisping GM employed…

By Alan

June 17, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

In other random news, be aware of the costs of citing AP reports in blogs.

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I recall seeing Waddell reading a pop-up book. Once. It’s amazing that the pop-up pictures didn’t immediately implode when he touched them.

ALAN, maybe we should all chip in and buy Donnie FRAUDell this book???

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Never Been Talked About

What’s never been talked about, RAWHIDE???

Hiring a NEW Coach NOT named BEAST???

Yeah, I think we all just figured it out…

More Smoke and Mirrors from the Dog and Pony Show…

What’s next, A New Contract for RUCCHIN???

By Alan

June 17, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Dave - You could instead take up a collection for a new monitor. I just spit water all over mine.

By NASCAR Dave

June 17, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Dave - You could instead take up a collection for a new monitor. I just spit water all over mine.

ALAN, that happens to me a lot when I watch TRASHER games… I wind up spitting beer all over myself each time ZHITHEAD and KLEE Part like the Red Sea for Moses… However in these instances, it is not Moses they part for, it is the guy on the other team with the Puck…

Can’t wait to see them play “A Big Part” for us this upcoming season, CAN YOU???

By ben

June 17, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

so save for white, i’m happy with the center situation. put he, sterling and lehts in a deal for a top flight winger and bring up the kid. Either that, or make a commitment to Sterling for a season. He’s very much the cannary in the coal mine. A prolific scorer on the AHL level who just seems to be very bad at NHL hockey. Question: Can Le Thrash call up players in Chi-town not on their roster? If not, honestly, who would work this arrangement. Or, is this just another example of D-WAD being waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy too nice.

By ranallo10

June 17, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

ben — To be fair, do you feel Sterling was ever given a proper chance at the NHL level? He’s still young and I feel given the proper shot (second line wing or higher) he can excel at the NHL level. At the very least I’d expect 15 goals out of him per year, if given the opportunity.

What do you mean with your question? If by “not on their roster” you mean players on contracts with Chicago and not Atlanta, then the answer is no. Those players (to my knowledge) are considered Free Agents, and can thus be signed by any NHL organization who wants the player. Examples of players on Chicago’s roster but not in Atlanta’s system (i.e. not drafted by Atlanta or signed to a one-way or two-way NHL contract) would be Fahey, Sipotz, Gherson, Martins, Deveaux, Fretter…just to name a few.

If by “not on their roster” you mean not on the active roster, but a healthy scratch, then the answer is yes. Atlanta can call up any player they have a NHL contract with, at any time they want to (there are waiver caveats that I probably don’t need to go into).

Hopefully these two answers hit at what you were asking, if not please clarify further.

By Alan

June 17, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

ben - No GM would bite on that deal. They’ll ask for Lehtonen, straight up. Why?

• While his GA/G number is high, his SV% is .916. Very respectable. 15th of 44 goalies listed on NHL.com.

• With the other players included, other GMs will see that for what it is: An attempt to offload our garbage.

Now, I’ll go out on a limb…

Clearly, those of you who feel Lehtonen is such a bad goalie has never seen bad goaltending. “Letemin,” you call him. I understand hockey is still new in this market, but if you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t say anything. Yes, the kid needs a lot more mental fine tuning, but he is physically strong and agile. A stand up kid in and out of the net.

By Brendan

June 17, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

My honest gut feeling is … that Don Waddell will never trade Kari Lehtonen. He drafted him as a “foundation piece.” Waddell hung his future on his performance. To trade him is tantamount to an admission of failure. Failure, with #2 overall pick. Not … gonna … happen.

Would another GM trade Kari? Maybe. But not Waddell. DW feels fatherly sense of responsibility for Kari. And the re-signing of Moose, while principally an “insurance” move, is intended to let Kari know that he’s still the guy in Atlanta, barring his playing himself out of a job.

Being completely honest, I still think Kari Lehtonen is a good goaltender. He has mental meltdowns, about every sixth game. But he gives you five decent games, with some consistency. What he needs, most of all, isn’t therapy. It’s a solid defense in front of him, including a system that ALL the players buy into. If the Thrashers did this, Kari would have better numbers. That’s my opinion. I could be wrong.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

What he needs, most of all, isn’t therapy. It’s a solid defense in front of him, including a system that ALL the players buy into. If the Thrashers did this, Kari would have better numbers.

This is exactly what Kari needs. So even if he’s a little mentally off, his defense can do what they’re supposed to do.

With the D in front of him this past season, I’m surprised his numbers didn’t resemble more those of Hedberg… not to knock Hedberg, but those were some awful numbers.

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

If Waddell screws up the draft or doesn’t follow through with the promises to get a coach, two top tier D-men in the UFA market, and a top tier center for Kovy, I will post his address and phone number on July 5.

I’m not joking.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Stroz - Relating your comments from Mike’s blog in this one, so we don’t alienate the new beat writer so soon… because with the direction we the bloggers are heading going into the new season, we could end up ruffling a lot of feathers and alienating a lot of people.

Simply put, it appears that there are two ‘factions’ of fans here. Those whose idea of sending a message involves sitting back in their recliner and watching the games via big screen… and those who feel a direct assault is a valid means of operating.

Guys, let’s stop fighting here. Our battle is your battle. We just have different ideas of how to communicate our displeasure. Those of us who want to attend games to voice displeasure are not sheep. Those of you who want to sit at home are not slackers, either.

Instead, let’s coordinate our efforts.

We all want Waddell fired, right? Then lets get him fired, or to at least resign his position. We can work together on this, and we can make Operation: FIRE WADDELL a success.

(Glad I refreshed this page, because I can see you’re already going to be a huge thorn in his side, Stroz. Kudos!)

By PJ

June 18, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to all the Celtics fans. It was truly painful to watch.

RStroz, I feel I must correct you, pot makes you lazy, crack makes you stupid. Get it right. Which reminds me, (just kidding) is WTP & Mrs. S. going on Friday? Mini-me is debating on going. Are you bringing the bullhorn?

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

PJ - I know WTP is joining us, I’m not sure about Mrs. S.

Yes, I’m planning to bring the BULLHORN.

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

pot makes you lazy, crack makes you stupid

So let me make sure I have this correct, the reason we haven’t signed a new coach or re-signed Lehtonen is due to pot and the Zhitnik statements are induced by crack.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Stroz — Sorry for the delayed response, but no I will not be coming downtown for Friday’s Draftapalooza. I’m going to enjoy the draft with a few friends in the comfort of my own place, and in front of a 62” HDTV in my face.

There are some perks to living with a person with money to spend!

You have fun with your bullhorn, and put in a good word with the Ice Girls for dj.

By LAC

June 18, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Brendan brings up a good point.

waddell seems to have very personal feelings towards a lot of these players. He seldom if ever calls a player out for lack of effort etc…

Here lies a BIG problem he has. I agree waddell is a nice guy, even tempered and friendly, but that could very well be the root of the Thrashers problems.

He wants to be nice, not offend anyone, what waddell seems to think is that will work in NHL hockey. He has been NICE to other GM’s as well and that is a BIG problem.

No other GM has “Been Nice” to the Thrashers have they ? Waddell passed on Nash I believe and that was being NICE…

Then the players, being nice to these guys does NOT mean ending your career here just because I am nice. Or you can come here and finish for a couple years because I am a nice guy.

waddell has been TOO NICE, therefore leading to his downfall, at least in the eyes of us fans.

There is no need to keep zit/klee/white/larsen/slater these guys, while nice guys I am sure, are NOT top line NHL players period.

If waddell ever wants sucess in this GM position he needs to quite being Mr. Nice Guy… Screw the other GM’s for ALL you can get, sign away players that would help ATLANTA, not Buffalo or Philadelphia or Dallas Help ATLANTA… Go after some RFA’s Try to move up,try to be a tough guy that knows and get what he wants.

The old saying “Nice Guys Finish Last” could not be more true than with don waddell. He is TOO nice for his own good.

In pro sports being nice does not get the job done and waddell has proven that…

The NICE thing for waddell to do is resign so a heads up GM can come in clean up the mess and dead weight and start rebuilding this team before it is too late, but one thing is for sure the next GM cannot afford to be all that NICE now can he ?

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

LAC

I would LOVE to show up and be asked to LEAVE, but with son getting married in Kansas City

Best wishes to your son, new daughter-in-law, and your family.

Can you take DW with you to KC? I hear they want a hockey team and I have just the right GM to get them started, excuses and all.

By Tony C.

June 18, 2008 5:10 AM | Link to this

Oh just to twist it bit more:

Cap hit to buy out Zhitnik= $291,666.68 +/- per year, for 4 years.

Congrats LAC

By LAC

June 18, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Thanks Stroz, heading out this AM, Do look forward to hitting The Golden OX while in KC, will get a U-Haul and grop DW off in Overland Park and he can find the Sprint Center from there to fire things up !!!!!!!!

By Sage of Bluesland

June 18, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

“…and I have just the right GM to get them started, excuses and all….”

I don’t care who you are, that is funny!

I think it will be funny to see what the ‘fans’ are saying when we play like the expansion team that we are in the upcoming year…Many have stated, “Give him ONE more year!”…

Well, don’t forget that our lisping, bumbling idiot of a GM has pointed out that we, in our current state, are already ahead of the progress of the Flyers of a year ago (who made the playoffs and won a couple of series this year).

Thus, I will hear no more pitiful excuses for our nonperformance next year. Continued acceptance of such offensive excuses will brand you as the sheep that you are.

How pathetic! I don’t ever wonder why we are the absolute dregs of the league. Not for one minute.

Many love to point out ownership—and it plays a part…but tell that to Buffalo when their situation was much worse a few years ago. They still managed to persevere and put a quality product on the ice.

Ownership hasn’t made a single draft pick yet. Therein lies the real cause of the Thrashers woes.

Anything else is a pathetic attempt to spin, deceive, and divert attention…Some must be related to our Donny here? ‘Fess up, lambchops!

By ben

June 18, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

thanks for the clarification vis-a-vi the wolves roster. for the record, i feel that given his prolific scoring at the ahl level he needs to be given a full year. he is a guy that cleans up the garbage al la kevin stevens. 32 is either a good starter who has the misfortune of being the third pick or a late bloomer. it took hasek a while to become a goaltending god. or his play is a function of suspect d.

By stats

June 18, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Crazy thought:

Reports (from Ecklund - so judge accordingly) are that Hossa has been offered a 7 year deal.

There is no way that if Hossa signs that Malkin will want to stay in Pitt as a # 2 center or playing out of position on a front line with Crosby. He did not relish that role in the playoffs.

Kovy wants a front line all star center - THERE HE IS.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Simply put, it appears that there are two ‘factions’ of fans here. Those whose idea of sending a message involves sitting back in their recliner and watching the games via big screen… and those who feel a direct assault is a valid means of operating.

I would hope those same people realize that watching the games on TV supports the ad revenue… the only way to make your point is to cut yourself off completely. Can you limit yourself to just checking the score in the AJC the next day? Withdraw your money from Bank of America, send your mail Fedex instead of UPS, stop drinking Budweiser and Heineken… Nascar Dave, if Lynrd Skynrd comes to Philips Arena, you’ll have to pass on tickets.

Can you guys do that?

By BigAl

June 18, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Tony C

Cap hit to buy out Z is 2/3rds of his contract x 2 years.

That’s 3.5 mil * 2/3 = $2,333,333.00 per season for 2 seasons (totals over an extra mil!)

By kracker

June 18, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

BigAl The cap hit is 2/3 of the salary with 1/2 of that ammount paid for 2 years. So the cap hit would be $1.17M each year.

By Bob

June 18, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I would hope those same people realize that watching the games on TV supports the ad revenue

LOL. Ad revenue? Ad revenue!?! Did you say ad revenue?!?

lol.

There is no ad revenue in hockey, especially local hockey on SportsSouth, you goof. The Thrashers get all their revenue from ticket sales and corporate sponsorships for eyes at the games on the jumbotron and dasher ads. Didn’t the Thrashers average something like 1200 local tvs watching the games next year? Man, they are goin to make a windfall when my 1201st tv tunes into that game!

lol. This is why Waddell still has a job, when there’s supporters like this on his side. ad revenue. lol.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Who cares what the Cap Hit is???

TAKE IT!!!

This is a BUSINESS, and in business you sometimes have to eat it and take the loss…

Nascar Dave, if Lynrd Skynrd comes to Philips Arena, you’ll have to pass on tickets.

Not a big deal, HOKIe… I can deal with it…

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

tick tock

tick tock

tick tock

tick tock

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…..

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Bob my friend, there IS ad revenue. Just not any advertising PROFIT!

Semantics I know but I don’t want GVH to come back and nit-pick your valid point about ad revenue. It should be obvious to all fans that ticket sales and corporate suites are the engine that drives this jalopy of a hockey team!

Carry on…

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

FREEBIRD

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Semantics I know but I don’t want GVH to come back and nit-pick your valid point about ad revenue.

Not necessary… all this boycott talk is “p** in the wind” anyways. That’s the only point I was trying to make. It’s just funny to me how they won’t support the team by going to games, but they’ll watch at home. :) I just want to see someone make a “clean break”.

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hokie,

If it was Van Halen instead of Skynard NASCAR could not resist. Its like a moth to a flame.

PANAMA! HOT FOR TEACHER!

J U M P!

Might as well JUMP!

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Bob… I might know a little bit more about it than you think. wink wink

Have you not noticed that the ads in the arena are very similar to the ads during commercial breaks? You think maybe the advertising is sold in package deals?… chew on that for a second or two.

While the TV commercial time is miniscule, and most likely a “throw in” for buying ad banners in the arena, it’s all tied in.

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie

The boycott talk isn’t mere wizzing in the wind. It has had an impact. For the first time in Thrasher history, the 13 and 7 game plans are on sale before the schedule is released. My sales rep is evening admitting it has had an impact.

Also, why should we make a “clean break” when we can vocalize our concerns as an impetus for change.

Think Susan B. Anthony, MLK or anyone else who has stood up instead of shutting up (no, I’m not comparing our efforts to oust Waddell to their efforts, just using an analogy). Heck, our country was founded by indidviduals who spoke out instead of accepting what was being shoved down their throat.

Protesting what one thinks is wrong or unjust is American, and I for one will exercise that right till the day I pass away.

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

BORN IN THE U.S.A!

Stroz was BORN IN THE U.S.A now!

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie is right, I work for a company (that I hate, so will remain nameless) and they have a suite, they have ads throughout Philips, on the boards and on the electronic thingy that goes around the inside of the arena in between the upper/lower bowls (whats that called?). And yes, they have regular obnoxious commercials during games.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

If it was Van Halen instead of Skynard NASCAR could not resist. Its like a moth to a flame.

DAMMIT, Thie ZILLA character knows more about me than I thought!

ZILLA - Only if it’s David Lee Roth, though… I’m not a big fan of VAN HAGAR…

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Dude (GVH), come on now! Do you really think advertising revenue is a large % of revenues for a team like the Thrashers?

It would prolly be next to impossible to determine a true profit margin for each source of revenue (due to the arbitrary allocation of costs necessary), but anyone who thinks that tkt sales isn’t the most important stream of revenue in the NHL (remember, it has the weakest TV deal and very little exposure in the MAINSTREAM media) is just fooling themselves.

Watching at home isn’t going to keep the franchise alive. But not buying 4 and 8 game mini-plans like I have been doing for the last 3 years will have an impact (if a large % of fans follow suit).

The true temptation will be in avoiding the secondary “black” market or tkt scalpers since $75 seats will cost about $20 - $30 @ mid year as we’ll prolly be 10-17-3 by Christmas.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave sez let’s hir LIL JON to be the Announcer at Philips…

Kovy scores… “YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

“Thrashers on the Power Play… OKKKAAAAAAYYYY!!!”

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave sez let’s hire LIL JON to be the Announcer at Philips…

Kovy scores… “YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

“Thrashers on the Power Play… OKKKAAAAAAYYYY!!!”

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Ha ha ha

You can’t have NASCAR without Van Halen (old Van Halen). It’s not about knowing you Dave, it’s about knowing NASCAR fans

Big Kid Rock fan as well I am sure

Can we get a fargin’ coach here please? Draft is in two days!

I am going to guess that J(Z) works for UPS…

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Stroz — If the sales team were so worried don’t you think they’d take the time to contact all of their full season ticket holders? Or perhaps they’d invest in keeping their top grossing sales woman?

Since the initial conversation of being “in limbo” regarding a renewal, I’ve yet to be called. And no, they don’t know I’m moving to Europe. I know a couple other season ticket holders (full and partial) who have not been contacted.

Perhaps the ASG is just as bad at forming a sales team as they are at running a hockey and basketball franchise.

I’m waiting for the day they state “Come see the team that brought the NBA Champion Boston Celtics to GAME 7!! That’s right folks, YOUR Atlanta Hawks!! We’re in this for the NBA Championship, we’re dedicated to winning!! (cough cough) buy more tickets and uniforms so we can pocket the profits and not attempt to improve the team(cough)”

By Russ

June 18, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I just saw Van Halen about three weeks ago with David Lee Roth…It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. DLR gave Van Halen an edge that made them great. They became too “pop” for my tastes with Hagar.

OK - back to Hockey.

Hurry up and hire Anderson already, this is getting ridiculous. Actually it is already beyond ridiculous. If any fact-finders out there have the time to look it up, I would be curious if the Thrashers are approaching a record for a major league sports franchise to go without a head coach that wasn’t considered interim.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Stroz… fair enough, just after listening to this all year, I’m starting to feel a little bit like this.

No offense to all the STH… I understand your plight.

By Rawhide

June 18, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

The answer my friend, is whizzin’ in the wind…the answer is wizzin’ in the wind

Uh…oh…sorry.

Hey…somebody help a brother out. Did we, or did we not, get some kinda promise from D-Dub that a coach would be in place before the draft?

Hokie - I think somebody sent the same thing to Waddell…only it had a typo on it which made it look like Arnold was saying, “Stop Winning”!

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Zilla - You are always good for a laugh.

ranallo10 - From what I understand, few ticket package holders have been called. My guess on the Thrashers side of the equation is that calls will not start until after a coach is named and the draft is over. Otherwise, the sales reps know they will be subjected to the same kind of verbal diatribes they encountered earlier this year. “You want me to buy tickets, the team doesn’t even have a coach. Are you kidding me.” On the Hawks side of the equation, the sales reps aren’t calling either since the team hasn’t re-signed either of the Joshes.

At least the Spirit are consistent, they screw up both sports franchises.

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

ranallo — perhaps you just have a lazy tkt rep or they have suffered a lot of attrition in their sales force due to poor commissions from crappy renewals sales? I’m not even a full STH and my guy called me during the Stanley Cup playoffs. I reckon they have been trying to contact folks on the phone but could be having a hard time getting to everyone right now. Or if you’re like me, you know the number when it pops up and refuse to answer until we at least hire a freakin’ coach!!

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - bzzzzzzzzzzzzz, wrong, strike one. Try again, although I’m not sure i’d admit to it if you guessed right :)

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - No problem. It’s always good to have different views in the room. Although I completely disagree with you concerning Waddell, you have the Thrashers best interest at heart.

Besides, I’m a big fan of the movie 12 Angry Men.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I like all of Van Halen… it’s always been about Eddie and Alex for me, so I don’t mind either singer.

I remember Rolling Stone put out a list of Top 100 Most Influential Guitar players a few years back… Eddie was #70… I think Kurt Cobain was around #9 and Jack White was #15… ???

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Top Jimmy…he’s the king

….ohhhhh Jim-may

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

J(Z)

U.S. Army?

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Hey…somebody help a brother out. Did we, or did we not, get some kinda promise from D-Dub that a coach would be in place before the draft?

Yeah RAWHIDE… It was in KNOBLER’s article… I think right before the Zhitnik one… I’m tryin to look it up.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… I happen to know several companies in town that spend probably six figures (if not more) just providing box suites and tickets to their employees as “perks”.

I’m sorry, I’m not trying to knock people down a peg… but even if your 8 season tickets a year were the $200 seats on the glass ($64,000 a year), you’d have to buy them 109 years in a row just to pay for one year of Kovalchuk’s salary.

Let’s say 100 people give up their 8 season tickets along the glass… that’s $6,400,000… it still doesn’t pay Kovy’s salary.

So, what would happen? We’d lose 800 loyal fans. They’d trade Kovalchuk away and operate on $35 million a year… oh, and probably fire the Season Ticket Sales Manager.

Phillips would go back to what it was in the early years… filled with Boston, Detroit, Philly and Rangers fans cheering for the other team.

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

ESPN has a mock draft on there website

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3448428

I really would love to grab a Staal brother with our 2nd pick. And they agree. AND they are in Bristol, CT…

Great minds live in Connecticut

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Rawhide

I think somebody sent the same thing to Waddell…only it had a typo on it which made it look like Arnold was saying, “Stop Winning”!

That’s why it is important to have a GM that can actually read.

How many pucks did DW take in the head as a kid?

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE This is from KNOBLER’s ANDERSON article… Not a promise, but definitely more smoke…

Waddell has said he would interview Anderson, McCrimmon and one or two others and that he hoped to hire a coach before he leaves Wednesday for an NHL meeting in advance of the draft in Ottawa.

This is why I am starting to believe that BEAST was their choice all along…

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

This is why I am starting to believe that BEAST was their choice all along…

The earlier reports of interest in Gordon and Lever may have been Assistant options that McCrimmon wanted.

By Rawhide

June 18, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

This is why I am starting to believe that BEAST was their choice all along…

Oh…dear…holy…God! What a disaster!

See, NASCAR Dave - the way I see it, if…IF…McCrimmon is named head coach, after all this time…after he was on behind the bench as “Deputy Coach”…and seeing how a team coached by him, (at least during practice), failed so miserably…I think it signals that Waddell was UNABLE to convince ANY qualified coach to come here and take over the team.

Even Anderson… who has all but taken out a full page ad in the AJC headlined “DON - I WOULD LIKE TO COACH THE THRASHERS!

Either that…or D-Dub looked out there at such coaches as Anderson, Wilson, Qunneville, Maurice, Quinn et. al. and said to himself, “Ya know…the guy who helped me guide this team to 76 points last year…yup, he’s my man”!

If The Beast is named coach…it is yet another bit of proof that DW is a failure as GM.

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Remember what you said if McCrimmon is named coach.

If so, we will welcome you to the Jedi and turning against the Sith.

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Nope not the Army.

Each suite includes 16 seats (+4 guest passes) and 4 lower level seats. So, figure up how much that is worth per game. I used to remember how much we paid for all that but I’m in a different department now and don’t remember and don’t have access to snoop around anymore!

By Alan

June 18, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I don’t know how many he took as a kid, but I can’t imagine he took many in the NHL… considering his playing career and all.

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

GVH, you’re talking about something completely different than TV ad revenue now. Of course Corporate sales are a huge part of the deal, but I would bet that they sell suites to Corporations for the entire year to ensure better value to that company — I can’t see many coporations wanting JUST Thrashers games.

TV ad revenue for the Thrash by itself is a very small piece of the pie and prolly has no impact on the financial viability of this franchise. Let’s face it, if season tkt sales drop just 25% (using an avg tkt price of $40 and 15,000 seats for all types of STH), that’s a loss of over $6 M and 1/7 of the salary cap right there alone.

That is a very real and potentially damaging threat to the ASG’s purse strings and their ability to run a hockey franchise despite yearly corporate revenues for suites.

By Russian

June 18, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I am just wainting to hear one thing. Who is our Head Coach? I do not like Beast. He screwed up last season. He is not doing any better and fix all Thrasher system. I do not know who will stay on the bench, but my fillings are we will not make PO on next year. I read some reports and rumors, Atlanta did not appear anywhere as team looking a good players. Why?

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Remember what you said if McCrimmon is named coach. If so, we will welcome you to the Jedi and turning against the Sith.

Don’t worry… but atleast give me until July 15th to see the player reaction, who we pick up in Free Agency, and who the Assistant is… plus I’ll be well rested after taking my beach vacation. :)

Consider if Hossa comes back with a McCrimmon hiring… I’m not holding my breath, but ya know what I mean.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE!!! BREAKING NEWS!!!

Airtran stewardess just called…

Donnie’s on the plane to Ottawa listening to Journey on his IPOD…

She says he’s singing out loud:

“I’m just a city boy, born and raised in south detroit I’m taking the midnight plane goin to OTTAWA…

8 Owners in a smokey room A smell of wine and cheap perfume Not one knows what they are doing The coaching search goes on and on and on and on…

Tired Vets waiting, up and down the boulevard Their cell phones ringing with Uncle Donnie’s calls… Season ticket holders, waiting on that Center for Kovy Hiding, somewhere in the night…

Working hard to show my skills Everybody wants a thrill Trading down to roll the dice, Just one more time…

Some will win, WE will ALWAYS lose All Thrasher fans were born to sing the blues Oh, the INCOMPETENCE never ends It goes on and on and on and on…

(chorus)

Dont stop believin… “We’re just 2 players away”… Streetlight people…

Dont stop believin…
ZHITHEAD will play a big part Streetlight people…

Dont stop believin…
We’re Moving in the right direction… Dont stop believin…

NUFF SAID.

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I’ve got a feeling that we’ll hear the LA coach before we hear the Atlanta coach.

Something to the tune of “Sullivan chooses the Kings, Atlanta settles on McCrimmon.”

Stroz… now, on the flip side… if Waddell hires Anderson as the Coach. How many people, including yourself, will be back on the STH bandwagon?

Have we fully migrated to Waddell has to be gone, because I remember a point in time where it was having Anderson as coach?

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

That must have taken you awhile

Business must be slow in the pits today

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

J(Z) — Georgia Power?? (shudder) At least it’s not Comcast (sorry Tony C.)!

Smoothie — You’re right, it’s potentially damaging…yet what has the ASG done in the face of this EMINENT fan exodus? They’ve…um…

By Rawhide

June 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Brilliant!

Hokie - If that scenario does indeed play out…the word “settled” will definately be in there.

Russian - That McCrimmon is even around indicates to me that Waddell is keeping him in his back pocket as a “just in case”.

If a coach is hired from the outside…I look for McCrimmon to leave for a couple of reasons….1). The new coach probably wants to bring in his own guys and 2). Why would McCrimmon want to stick around knowing he was passed over?

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

JZ - It’s either AIRTRAN or HOME DEPOT???

Business must be slow in the pits today

Stockbroker. Everybody wants to SELL, SELL, SELL this week…

They must have to put gas in their SUV’s or something… LOL

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - LMAO

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Ranallo and Smoothie… there are so many little tricks they can do to balance out that budget, and we’re not stupid, we know what they are.

$4.50 for a soda that costs them 10 cents.

$189 for a jersey that has $10 of fabric in it.

Don’t get me started on beer prices. How many times have we seen that go up?

If you guys bail out of season tickets, I’ll have to pay $10 a beer next year… that’s $30 for a “Buzilla Hat Trick”.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Dave that may have to be post of the year right there. Nice to know all the NASCAR fumes haven’t totally rotted out your brain. ;)

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Gorin’s will always be good to you with $4 24oz cans of deliciousness. They also have coach, a game plan, and are always dressed in Thrasher stuff.

They also like to call me (and everyone else) ‘Boss’.

I am going to miss those guys getting me hammered

Please keep the Buzilla Hat Trick alive.

3 24 oz. beers at Gorins before the puck drops!!!!!

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Look for regional banks with little exposure to California and urban areas such as Cleveland.

Think Suntrust and BB&T

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

GP - No LateTran - No Home DePot - No (but my company also does have a Nascar sponsorship…unfortunately) :)

For $5 can’t you get a 32oz beer there? Too bad this draft thing is at 6 and not later so we can’t take advantage of that, like the good ole days (2-3 months ago)

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

What time is the PARTY Friday???

NASCAR Dave is getting tempted to come on down there and get ROWDY!!! I don’t know if the folks there can handle me though… :(

I think I’m gonna listen to Hank Jr’s “Whiskey Bent and Hellbound” on the way there if I do go…

Look for regional banks with little exposure to California and urban areas such as Cleveland.

STROZ, Is this a Stock Tip??? You should look into Western US Power (New Mexico, Nevada, etc.)

NASCAR Dave’s 2nd Stock Tip of the Day: Do NOT invest in Atlanta Spirit…

NUFF SAID.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Buffalo Wild Wings’s?

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I Know Who You Work For J(Z)

I wipe my @ss with your products every day!

Good Ole’ Georgia Pacific.

Everyone I know that works for them is disguntled since they were sold to Koch (pernounced Coke). They are a huge sponser for the Thrashers and they have some NASCAR jackhole bring his car in front of the building each year. He revs his engines so I can’t hear my clients on the phone or hear myself think.

It all fits.

By Smoothie

June 18, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Buzilla & GVH — hopefully the Gorin’s guys will keep the faithful (important that they know you are True Blue) well refreshed for only $4 apiece. If not, y’all can just do what I do and sneak in your own flask of bourbon to go with a couple of large cokes ($8-9) for three periods of smooth sippin’ pleasure.

As opposed to forking over $20 + for three tiny a$$ beers that taste like crap (ever had the Miller Lite in the club section…ewwwww!). Stick it to the ASG and smuggle liquor when you go to games…boycott the beer like they boycott full staffing of concessions for any game not played on Friday night!

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

JZ - Georgia Pacific, huh? That’s the old Kyle Petty Car. That dude is cool…

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

J(Z) — Budweiser?

I don’t know NASCAR sponsors, but this should be an easy one for NASCAR Dave.

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

nope, I said no to GP in my last post. Not budweiser either…who would hate working for them??? :)

I’m starting to be glad that no one’s guessed it yet, it makes me think our advertising doesn’t make anyone elses ears or eyes bleed as much as it does for me :)

By R. Stroz

June 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

J(Z) - One of Bernie’s sayings was we bleed orange.

NASCAR Dave - Times are 6:00 to 9:00 PM, but Taco Mac will be open before then. We’ll see who is louder you or me and the kid with our BULLHORNS.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

J(Z) Philips? God knows those have to qualify as “regular obnoxious commercials.” I’ll blind myself (or someone in marketing) if I have to sit through that stupid “french” commercial 20 times per game again.

By Buzilla in CT

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

JZ

T-mobile?

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sara. That french commerical is horrible.

Guy tries to get @ss. Wife says no, go shave and brush your stank @ss teeth. Guy tried again and gets busy during nature show. He’s quite the tiger. Wife is now prego. K-Y on the belly to see the sea monkeys inside. Wife has twins. Life is beautiful in France.

Hockey fans go wild

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

As an FSU grad, the color orange disgusts me, so I hope he didn’t mean that! And another reason I could never work for the dePot.

Not Philips. And thank G0D for the invention of the DVR or else I’d have to actually watch these commercials. I don’t know the Philips french one

By Alan

June 18, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Well, J(Z), I’m going to go with Aflac.

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

You didn’t say no to T-Mobile

By ben

June 18, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I sense a shift in the bloggers. For years I have been railing against D-WAD, yet there were his appologizers. We need to realize that this shift has occured and appreciate it for what it is. If we can get all fans of Le Thrash to be vocal at THE ARENA eventually, change shall happen. Remember, Scott Burnside has even trumpeted the cause. If we can gather the lens, others, maybe the owners, or other people will take notice. D-WAD was not at games this year, so this draft would be interesting

J(Z): home depot.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

*NASCAR Dave - Look for regional banks with little exposure to California and urban areas such as Cleveland.

Think Suntrust and BB&T*

Gotta love those dividends… they pretty much pay you to be patient with the mortgage crisis.

By Sara

June 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

What makes that Philips commercial so bad is a)they show it 20 times a game and b)that friggin’ music! (Btw, it’s triplets, not twins.)

By J(Z)

June 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Nope, (as of 3:35pm no one’s guessed) I am now confident that no one will guess it. And I’m about to leave for the day so you guys I’m sure are gonna be devastated that this little game will go unanswered for the rest of the day. Sorry for hogging the blog Rawhide, its been fun :)

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Banks have started to cut there dividends….Be Careful

Fifth Third announced there dividend cuts today…many more will follow

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

oops. It was three. I got the rest of it though

By stats

June 18, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

OK - None of you responded, however, this Malkin thing is getting some airtime. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15731

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_572854.html

Today, Malone says that he will not allow a trade. They gotta move somebody. Apparently Malkin is upset about Hossa’s offer. What if ATL could send PITT back the folks we just acquired and get Malkin here.

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I got that damn french song stuck in my head now… thanks Buzz. :(

By Riley

June 18, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Nope, (as of 3:35pm no one’s guessed) I am now confident that no one will guess it.

Aaron’s

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Does Verizon advertise during games?

By Buzilla in CT

June 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

ewwwwww…

Aaron’s would suck to work for.

Could be worse. He could work for Atlanta Oral & Facial…(giggity)

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Riley — Good guess, those Aaron’s commercials definitely ARE annoying. Do they have a NASCAR sponsorship?

stats — Just like the conversations we have here, I’m guessing Malkin’s rumors are just that…rumors. I understand WHY they would trade him, but I think it’d be ridiculous at best. The longer they wait the longer time they have to milk him for what he’s worth (if they decide to trade him). And I don’t think Atlanta has the prospects or draft picks they’d require for Malkin. I don’t think at this time anybody but Tampa has the pick(s) they’d require.

If I were Pittsburgh, I wouldn’t trade him.

re — Malone — He wants to test free agency, and the rumor is that he’ll make $4.5M. That’s definitely overvaluing his game, in my opinion. I like his style of game, but for that much money I’d rather see someone who can put in more than 50 points in a season AT LEAST ONCE in his career.

Is Malone a product of good linemates and superstar teammates, or is he really that good? In my mind, the jury is still out, but his physical game is definitely a plus.

Russ — I didn’t think about the Vancouver idea that way, but maybe that’s because Bourdon had NHL time this year and would’ve been in the 2008/2009 starting lineup. I think their team would be well served holding onto Bieksa and drafting a “project” defender, as opposed to downgrading defensively (acquiring Exelby) and getting a top line defender. With their depth they can wait for a defender to develop, so they would be wise to hold onto their currently good players.

And as a Thrashers fan I’d rather Exelby and Doughty/Bogosian than Bieksa and a lower tier prospect.

By kracker

June 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Blimpie’s has 32 oz drafts for $5.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Shouldn’t your name thus be “Buzilla in Quahog”?

By GaVaHokie

June 18, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

This is an interesting write-up from Howard Berger… someone is prepared to offer Mats Sundin $14.5 million for two years this summer.

My guess would be Montreal… they’re sitting at $32 million on the books for this season.

By Tony C.

June 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

sniff sniff dat huwt my feewings…. AHAHAHAHAAA!!! ranallo, if you know of a better-paying gig with the same benefits, PLEASE let me know where to send my res.

You know FUBAS was approached to see if they had any interest in doing a deal with us (Comcast) but never really responded with anything more than a “Hrrm. Interesting. We’ll get back to you”-type response. Which stinks, from scuttlebut I’ve heard they were prepared to set up “Thashervision” just like we do with the Braves…big difference is: The Braves understand not only how to market their product, but realize that delivering the product is half the battle (and I’m not just talking about team performance) to getting fans to buy-in on all levels. By that I mean they provide HD feeds to carriers, as well as exclusive content (batting practice feeds, interviews with coaches and mgrs at least once a week, etc. etc.). Now I’m sure that the Braves make a LOT more money than Le Thrash, but they also put a whole heck of a lot more effort and ingenuity into cultivating a good fanbase than FUBAS has done with either of their teams (and it’s obvious which one is the stepchild huh?). If you’ve ever seen how they do it for The Flyers, Caps (“Ovech-Cam” next season-they say they’re going to put some sort of VIDoIP camera(s) in his helmet for home games!) and Blackhawks etc., you can see it’s a pretty good commitment from our people/services. Why FUBAS would pass on that (which BTW could/would be structured not to violate any agreements they have with FSN/FoxSports) is beyond me

Anyway, the draft is on NHLTV (channel 296 for us).

By truth

June 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Tiller, read the last Paragraph

By Rawhide

June 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

truth - Thanks….I hope it’s true. But I’ll believe it when I see it.

By kracker

June 18, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

truth “Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said his short list of coaching candidates is down to two people, and he hopes to have his replacement behind the bench hired within days.”

So that’s McCrimmon and Anderson? Sullivan and Anderson? Sullivan and McCrimmon? One report (from Knobler?) had Waddell waiting on a Sullivan decision between LA/ATL…who knows?

Now I worry more than ever that DW will trade the #3 for some semi-retread D-man and a lower pick since it doesn’t seem to me like these guys are actually going to financially compete for a quality FA defenseman, much less the TWO quality FA defensemen they talked about adding at the STH meeting in April.

By kracker

June 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

BTW, where is Knobler? Maybe he is on vacation he talked about.

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

kracker — There has been a Knob sighting…

By Alan

June 18, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

kracker - He not only posted a new blog, but he also posted an article about Lehtonen.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s a thought for you all to chew on.

What if we already have a coach? Think about it. No one would have ever known Hedberg was re-signed had the headline not been mistakenly put on the Thrashers site. Do any of you honestly think we would know Hedberg was re-signed if that little mistake didn’t happen?

I believe we already have our coach. Mum is the word with the ASG. Mum has always been the one word this organization seems to know best.

Thoughts?

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

There’s also been a Schultz sighting…

By The Other Bob

June 18, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

There has been a Knob sighting - That just doesn’t sound right…

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Alan — I have two thoughts. First, why the impetus to put out Hedberg’s announcement? Would it be because they’re telling Lehtonen “we signed your safety net, now re-sign with us”, or is it them telling other teams “we’ve signed our veteran backup, Lehtonen’s fair game”?

Personally, I think Lehtonen’s here to stay…but that doesn’t make me ponder the timing of Hedberg’s contract renegotiations (a few days before the draft, when the most likely return for Lehtonen would be draft picks in 2008).

My second thought is regarding the coach. What do they have to gain by NOT releasing said information? I don’t see ANY advantages to holding that card close to your chest. If you’ve got an idea, shout it out.

Speaking of Press Conferences — Has anybody else ever noticed how poorly run press conferences are with this team?? San Jose handed McLellan a uniform with his name. Edmonton had a fair well conference for Ryan “Softy” Smyth. Hell, the Maple Leafs have press conferences when they change the towels in the locker room (or so it seems). Yet the Thrashers…they don’t really pull off a good press conference. Hossa’s situation would’ve been great timing to hold the conference and “rally the troops” (what a stupid sports cliche, by the way…almost as bad as “we’re going to war with this team”). Maybe I’m missing something, and maybe we have GREAT photo ops happening at every press conference Waddell gives…and maybe every major sports outlet (ESPN, TSN, NHL.com, etc) ALSO miss such events.

It’s possible, after all Atlanta has it’s very own Sasquach yet the media hasn’t caught onto his presence yet.

By NASCAR Dave

June 18, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Good guess, those Aaron’s commercials definitely ARE annoying. Do they have a NASCAR sponsorship?

RANNALO Yes, they do. Michael Waltrip (and another guy sometimes) drives it… they call it the Aaron’s Dream Machine. That is in the Nationwide Series… In the Sprint Cup Series, Waltrip drives the NAPA car… Is NAPA a sponsor at Philip’s? I don’t know if it is or not…

Could also be AT&T/Cingular (if they are a Philips sponsor)

I had a funny feeling SCHULTZ would show up today… perfect timing as well… :)

By ranallo10

June 18, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Oh, according to TSN the Lightning have traded a 7th round pick to Philadelphia for the rights to Vaclav Prospal.

By J (Z)

June 18, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Aaron’s would suck to work for.

Yep, it sure does! Nicely done Riley, I hope I don’t know you ;)

By J (Z)

June 18, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

The Philadelphia Flyers announced Wednesday that they have traded the rights to forward Vaclav Prospal to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

By Alan

June 18, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

First, why the impetus to put out Hedberg’s announcement?

Cat was out of the bag anyway, so why not? That was my point.

What do they have to gain by NOT releasing said information?

No f’in clue. I mean, we all know how dumb Waddell and the ASG can be, but can they seriously be so dumb to not have a coach on draft day (in Waddell’s case, “again”)? There’s stupid, and there’s that stupid… and I would love to believe that the ASG isn’t that stupid.

By ranallo10

June 19, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Cat was out of the bag, but perhaps the details weren’t finalized? Perhaps it was awaiting his signature, but they had agreed in principal. Perhaps Hedberg said he’d sign but he wanted a few days to check with his family.

Who knows.

As for the ASG…until they prove otherwise, I’m assuming they’re that stupid.

By Alan

June 19, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

ranallo - I don’t know. I mean, obviously I don’t have the answers. I just thought I would propose the theory.

To me, it was worth a scrutinizing second-look.

By R. Stroz

June 19, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Have you decided to join the protestors at the draft party?

By NASCAR Dave

June 19, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

ALAN , *RANALLO - Moose was in Sweden… You can announce it but it is not valid without a signature, I believe.

But, we know who we’re dealing with here… Maybe the “errant” Early Press Release was SUPPOSED to happen, strictly to view the response from the fans before announcing???

It’s actually quite childish how they play this little “secret game”… Everything is so “SECRETIVE”… WHY is THAT???

By NASCAR Dave

June 19, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

STROZ - Believe me, I agree with the idea. But I have to question what kind of results we would be seeking with that… Are any of the Owners gonna be there? I know Perrin will be there, But who else? Is there really ANYONE there with any “pull”???

A Protest is only Successful if the Message is heard by the INTENDED recipients… Keep that in mind.

Don’t really know yet about goin… I can be kinda “last minute” sometimes… We’ll see what happens.

Regardless, whether I am there or not, I honor your courage and willingness to stand up for what is right… WE MUST NEVER BACK DOWN!

The “Rebuild” Starts Friday, or tomorrow if Donnie gets creative and tries a Trade… Ugh, Please God I hope you can provide Donnie the wisdom to bring us either BOGOSIAN or FILATOV!

We NEED results, NOW!!!