Ice Man

By JB

June 22, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Rawhide, good blog.

I was just reading that we may be acquiring negotiating rights for Brian Campbell. Of course Chicago and New York have interest as well, but we have money to throw around.

linkage

By five_hole

June 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Rawhide great analysis, as always.

I don’t want to rain on John Anderson’s parade; I’m really hoping that this is the guy to turn our franchise around. And, after all, his team won the Calder this year. However, I have noticed recently a trend where teams are hiring minor league coaches. The Capitals, with Boudreau. The Panthers hired DeBoer as their new head coach. Why, when there are “proven” coaches still available? I suspect that these “rookie” coaches are cheaper. Now, I’m all for giving guys a chance, and Mr. Anderson proved he could win in the AHL, but you have to wonder why guys like John Paddock & Joel Quenville are out of work?

On a different subject, I want to give a shout-out to Glenn Anderson and Igor Larionov, two guys who gave me immeasureable pleasure watching them give their all playing the sport I love. You two deserve to be immortalized.

By kracker

June 22, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Before I read it, let me just say “Wow!” This is a Brendan-esque blog today, Rawhide.

By Rawhide

June 22, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

JB - Thanks for the link. Let’s hope there is indeed something to that!

Five_Hole - I think there is something more to the run of new coaches in the league. Darrin Eliot, I believe, wrote an article on this a week or so ago and indicated that it has to so with teams wanting to bring in younger coaches with a fresh vision to the game to relate more to the young stars that are entering into the NHL.

Kracker - “Bendan-esque”? High praise indeed.

By ben

June 22, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Alan,

Thankyou for that. I always felt that Hossa never really wanted to be here. Perhaps Kovy genuinely wishes to stay here, perhaps not. My issues with Waddell is not of personal nature, in the main, it is that he seems not to be able to draft in the lower rounds. Perhaps we should hold jugement on Mr. Waddell until such a day as he retires. That is a book I’ll be reading. Due to the fact I’ve been doing a paper all weekend, I’ve been reading this blog a lot. RAWHIDE, thanks for this. I hate sociology. I mean I love the class, but I hate the journal articles. Sometimes I wonder if some of those authors understand the words that come out of their own mouths! But I digress. It seems to me that there would be a lot less anger if we could just have them state that we will not be subjected to a team moving out of town. No, I don’t see them winning the Stanley Cup anytime soon. But I do love them, and will keep rooting for them no matter what.

By HookyBob

June 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Good summarization of the past week Rawhide. Two big steps were completed and I think a longer blog was in order. You did well.

Also, liked the comments on what lies immediatately in front of us. July 1st is not far away.

I would say that what we accomplished in “to do” #s 1 & 2 affects where we head in #3..free agency. Does hiring an offensive coach make if more important to pick-up a solid defender, or center? Ruminate over that one for awhile. It should not go unnoticed that the current holders of Lord Stanley’s cup had both the fewest SA/G and most SF/G.

Who’s on the market July 1st that could fit into the Thrasher’s (and coach Anderson’s) team and help us the most?

By kracker

June 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Here’s another link from the Ottawa Sun on the

Thrashers and Brian Campbell

By kracker

June 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

HookyBob Not too many centers out there….is the Langkow resigning a done deal? He’s one guy we would want that we can afford. Sign Campbell first and then maybe a quality center would look at the Thrashers as a destination city to either sign with or be traded to.

By Rawhide

June 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Kracker - I don’t know if the Langkow deal is done or not…but it seems like Calgary is determined to keep him.

Too bad…that would have been a nice signing if we could have pulled that off.

Now…can someone answer a question for me? There are 30 teams and seven rounds in the NHL entry draft. That adds up to 210 selections.

However, the Detroit Red Wings picked last with the 211th pick. Now, it seems like there were 31 selections in the 2nd round.

Can anyone tell me what the deal is there?

By kracker

June 22, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

RH Phoenix was given a compensatory pick because a player they had drafted previously, forward Blake Wheeler, decided not to sign with them after completing his NCAA college career, becoming a free agent instead. So they were awarded an extra pick to make up for this.

article

By volgrad1985

June 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I read that the extra pick was a compensation pick for a player from a previous draft that went unsigned, though I can’t remember which team it was.

By Rawhide

June 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Kracker & volgrad1985 - Thanks…I do remember the Wheeler situation in Phoenix, but mis-remembered the additional draft pick given them.

Thanks again.

By JB

June 22, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Kracker, your link didn’t work but I found it for ya:

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/06/22/5950831-sun.html

Its surprising because it says we are willing to offer in excess of 7 million dollars a year.

By kracker

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

Thanks for fixing it JB Well, about that $7M offer, we read it on the internet so it must be true ;)

By JB

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

Well I just look at it as using Hossa’s money, plus a little more and signing a defenseman with a lot of offensive upside that is responsible.

If I had to choose between Campbell signing and Hossa coming back this summer, I’d choose Campbell.

By kracker

June 22, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Similar to the Blake Wheeler situation, the then wretched Atl Braves were to select first in the 1990 draft and had every intention of selecting Todd Van Poppel with their #1 pick. Van Poppel told the Braves that if they selected him, he would go play football or basketball instead. So the Braves played it safe and selected Chipper Jones.

Van Poppel ended up being a complete flop and has been on a number of different teams since being drafted while Chipper is Hall of Fame bound.

For my money, I wouldn’t touch Blake Wheeler.

By Tom

June 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

If he was an honorable man, the first thing he would do is quit since the Thrashers do not have the nerve to fire Waddell (.com)

By Sage of Bluesland

June 22, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

kracker—excellent memory!, but let me correct you in stating that Van Poppel threatened to play baseball in college (Stanford) if the Braves used the top pick on him (which they wanted to do, as you mentioned).

The A’s, who were a powerhouse at the time, took Van Poppel with a pick late in the 1st round and he gladly signed. I know I was hopping mad about it.

But, karma worked its magic and, like you also mentioned, we ‘settled’ for Chipper Jones—and he will go into the Hall of Fame one day. I hope that very story is used during his induction speech…

But, now back to hockey, the Braves were committed to building from the ground up—and had been since the late 1980s. Bobby Cox as GM doesn’t get enough credit for building that team (and Schuerholz gets far too much credit for the foundation which was already in place and beginning to blossom).

The Thrashers couldn’t be further from those Braves, organizationally and everything else in between. Delude yourselves if you would like, but until all of the “Legends of Blueland” get off of the back pages of the game-night program and onto the ice in the big-boy arena, then it’s nothing but smoke-and-mirrors…

Be honest with yourselves, for once, on the real state of affairs in this figurative joke (otherwise known as Blueland)…The truth becomes crystal clear, I can assure you!

We hire the NHL modern day equivalent of Eddie Haas and the sheep are in a tizzy!

It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad…

By five_hole

June 22, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks to Kracker and JB for the link to that article. Would that there were a little more substance to the smoke … .

Rawhide Sorry, I’m not the kinda guy that believes stuff like “bring in younger coaches with a fresh vision to the game to relate more to the young stars”. You listening to “Kumbaya” on your ipod? I’d rather have a John Torterella, who would rule with an iron fist and drill the players until they couldn’t skate anymore. And between you and me, this seems like a complete role reversal.

However, that does raise the question; exactly what is Anderson’s style? Will we play the “left wing lock”? Will we attact till they drop, ala the Oilers back in the ’70s? Any clues?

Between Hossa, Holik & Rucchin (a complete waste of money), that’s about $11.5 million we have to spend on free agents. We’d d#mn well better get someone better than a retread hasbeen.

By Alan

June 22, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I’d rather have a John Torterella, who would rule with an iron fist and drill the players until they couldn’t skate anymore.

I’m sorry you would want to torture our players, media, and fans with a guy like Torts here. If there’s one thing that would run the NHL out of this market, it’s a man like him.

You should ask Perrin about his time with Torts. I had an opportunity to at the Draft Party, and it wasn’t a pretty picture that he painted.

By R. Stroz

June 22, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - Unless I missed it, re-signing Kari should be on the to do list as well.

By Brendan

June 22, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, excellent, excellent blog. I couldn’t have agreed more on the topics and content. And, above all, the length. Nothing wrong with long posts, as long as they’re relevant, and chock full of salient points. (Put on a pot coffe for this post.)

I am here to deliver praise for Don Waddell’s offseason moves, to this point. Given that there was no way in Hades he was going to land a “big name” Coach, I love the choice of John Anderson. I’m not sure if it was a 2-year, 3-year, or 4-year deal. Such matters are kept INTERNAL by the Spirit Group, as … well … if they fell into enemy hands, they could compromise our very national security. Heyyy, don’t think Bin Laden isn’t sniffing around for details on Waddell’s contract and that of the new head coach, John Anderson. Think about it. And now you can laugh. Out loud. Don’t suppress it. Let it out. It burns more calories that way. I am huge proponent of freedom of expression. And laughter is the best expression of all.

Moving right along, Free Agency is almost upon us. And guess what, Rawhide? I barely sipped my Maalox during the draft. My stomach wasn’t upset, in the slightest. I give Waddell a “B” for this draft. He may have found us a real gem in Nicklas Lasu, pick #154, the Left Winger from Sweden, 5’11”, 176-pounds. He’s years away, obviously. But that’s what latter round draft picks are intended to be, namely, an investment in the future.

And the future is now, in terms of FREE AGENCY. (Grabbing my Maalox again) Okay, gulp, here’s where Don typically fails the MOST. Waddell’s penchant is to go after aging vets, who are yesteryear’s All-Stars, who are now overpriced for their longterm value. Well, doesn’t this describe players like Mats Sundin, Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan, Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Bobby Holik, Chris Chelios, Sergei Federov, Peter Forsberg, perhaps Petr Sykora, etc. Suffice it to say, these are no longer players around which to build a club, given their age. They are good players, whose bang for the buck is diminishing. They are the sort of players any team would like to add as the final pieces to a Stanley Cup-winning puzzle. It is not, however, a smart investment for a team that is rebuilding. It is a far wiser move to “spend, spend, spend” when a team is actually closer to winning the Cup. Sadly, this is not where the Thrashers find themselves entering Season Nine, despite owning eight (8) picks in the Top 10, since 1999.

But let’s not Waddell-bash for the moment. The “game plan” ought to be to find some quality players around which to build for the future, since the team is in “rebuilding mode.” That’s a TALL ORDER for an organization whose players largely find themselves plotting their “exit strategies.” As in, “Trade me right frekkin now! (Then slams down the phone.)”

Another MAJOR OBSTACLE Waddell and Levenson find themselves battling … is that of “faith-based crisis.” Huh?? No, this has nothing to do with religious ministry. But it DOES have everything to do with RE-SHAPING SPORTS AGENTS’ PERSPECTIVES regarding the Atlanta Thrashers as a potential destination for their TIER ONE clients.

I repeat, “Huh?” Okay, imagine that you’re a sports agent. Still with me? Your client is Brian Campbell or Marian Hossa or … even Jaromir Jagr or Mats Sundin. Your clients tell you, “Show me the money!! Annnd, put me on a winner! I want a Cup!!!”

Everyone clear on that??

Okay, why does the sports agent call Don Waddell and the offices of the Atlanta Thrashers? Answer: They don’t. Waddell has to call them. Atlanta’s not a market known for spending to the cap limit on Opening Night on an annual basis. It’s happened ONCE (1x) in 10 years, eight seasons. Atlanta does not enjoy the benefit of reknown hockey ownership. And Atlanta is not a particularly well-managed club. Yes, that will do.

When the sports agent tells Mats Sundin that Atlanta offered $6 million, Sundin says, “That’s nice. But my answer is no.” When the sports agent says, “They offered 3-years at that price, guaranteed.” Sundin repeats, “That’s nice, but my answer is no.” When the sports agent says, “Don just told me he’d go up to $7 million for each of those three seasons.” Sundin’s answer remains unchanged. Why?? Mats Sundin would like to win a Championship before he retires. Ideally, he’d like to do that in Toronto. Or, at a minimum, he just wants to play out a final contract for the Leafs, more than likely.

So, where does that LEAVE us, the Atlanta Thrashers? Well, the only way to get a younger, Unrestricted Free Agent, is to find one that not many other teams really want. **Danger, Will Robinson!!,” as the hooks start flailing.

Why don’t these GMs want this hypothetical player? (1) He’s not really worth the money (See Wade Redden). (2) He’s an attitude problem and/or is a “coach killer,” (See Jagr). (3) He’s not really that good, or that good anymore (See Derian Hatcher, Adam Foote, Bobby Holik). (4) He might just have “off the ice” issues, like alcoholism, spousal abuse, runs-in with the law, or other substance abuse issues. Etc.

Well, that’s what we’re up against. I think we have a shot at Wade Redden. He’s arguably a Tier One guy, who other GMs won’t feel is worth $7+ million a year. For Redden, he’ll have to accept his current salary of $6.5 million, or take less, to be with a winner. Once Redden accepts a contract that is substantively OVER-VALUED, he dooms not only himself, but the team that signs him. In the case of a small market, the damage is particularly devastating. (See what Holik’s contract did to Atlanta, lo these past three (3) seasons.)

Good luck to Waddell and the Thrashers. I just hope they don’t overspend for the caliber of player that they obtain. Waddell has shown that he can obtain “good value” for the money by extending the years on a contract. (See Todd White’s 4-year / $9.5 million deal.) But, I really don’t think Waddell needs any more 3rd line centers, as UFA acquisitions (like Todd White was). Okay, who made it all the way to end???

By ranallo10

June 22, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I’m surprised, I read the WHOLE thing this time! Now I must ask, why do you feel Redden is not really worth the money? How much is he worth in your mind?

By Alan

June 22, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

I think a lot of people here feel the organization will maintain the status quo simple because they’ve almost always gone cheap. If this story about Atlanta being interested in Campbell is true (and not just a rumor), then I honestly think the Thrashers will try to land him here. We’ll probably overpay, sure, but a 7yr/$50m (average ~7.16m/yr) doesn’t seem quite that unfounded. Then we can offload Zhitnik somewhere. Anywhere. Send him down to AHL via waivers.

Yeah, I’m optimistic. So sue me. I think the owners and Waddell are waking up. I’m almost certain there were people present at the Draft Party who sent the word along that Waddell was boo’ed when he took the stage, and the amount of disdain towards the ASG in general.

We’re stuck with Waddell for the interim. Let’s see what kind of product he fields on the ice.

Another six game losing streak, though, and I’m serious about having that “Fire Waddell” banner made.

By MB

June 22, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

We should at the very least be able to bolster our defense through the FA market. Campbell would be great, but Hainsey, Streit, Finger, Hejda, Rachunek, Mara, and Orpik would all bring improvement to our blueline.

We don’t have a lot of room back there currently, so I think one dman is realistic.

Things seem a bit thinner looking for a UFA C or RW, especially younger than early 30s. Guys like Williams from Chicago, Ryder, Hlinka, or Miettinen aren’t exactly going to thrill the masses, but there aren’t a lot of options out there unless you’re going to overpay for a past-his-prime guy.

I like the idea of boosting our scoring with a top-line UFA C or RW, but I’m having trouble finding good options for that. Thoughts?

By Brendan

June 22, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, when I look at a player, I don’t just look at the numbers. Stats are great! They really are. It’s some way of quantifying performance. But I think a GM ought to look at the “totality of cirucumstance” when evaluating a player. Redden doesn’t suck. But I sure wouldn’t want to pay him $6.5 million. I feel like I could get two pretty decent players for that same money, and have more depth. I’d go up to $5 million. If pressed, $5.5 million. Beyond that, I have to look at what two other quality defensemen might cost me. Then make a decision.

Obviously, arguments can be made that players with similar stats will make more than that. Well, great. Let some other GM sign him at what they think a fair price is. When Ottawa let Chara go, they counted on Redden to be the defensive leader. To my satisfaction, he didn’t achieve that objective. Other will argue that he did. Fine.

Is a team better with Redden on it? Sure. Provisionally. The provision is that his contract doesn’t “sink” the team and limit its capacity to bring in the necessary players, when the time arrives for doing just that.

I have little doubt the Thrashers organization would trumpet Wade Redden’s acquisition to the Stars above. And that Levenson would say, “See, I told you we know how to sign free agents.” Yeah, at $7.5 million a season?? But Brendan, we knew we’d have to overpay for him??

Look, is overpaying for a players a sound business strategy? Yes or no. Well, there it is. It’s better to build through the draft. Cultivate talent, and re-sign it when it hits RFA status. Unrestricted Free Agency is meant for “tweaking” a roster, not overhauling it. Or salvaging it.

By UpperDeck4Life

June 22, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

My only problem with going after Campbell is the amount of years and money we would have to give him to come here. We could pay 7 million a year for him, or 7 million total for a defensive pairing of say Jason Smith and JM Liles. Liles is almost the same player that Campbell is, but had a bad year last year. Smith brings leadership and defense first hockey to our back line that is really needs. A top 4 of Havelid, Enstrom, Liles, and Smith, plus a 3rd pairing of Valabik and Klee and I think this team is in the playoffs next year.

By polskidawg

June 22, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Rawhide– excellent work as always.

I would agree with you on point #1, in as much as the Thrashers needed to create some stability at the head coach position. It helps the players know, at least, who will be calling the shots (and lines) this season. It takes that concern out of the equation. We’ll see if it was a good choice after we know what the roster looks like, and can he elevate the team.

As for point two – I would suggest that we truly don’t know whether the draft was a success or not. We won’t know for 2 – 4 years, likely. If Bogo bombs, but some lower draftees surprise, then it could be called a “C”. Likewise, if Bogo is great, but all others a bombs, that’s still a “C” to me.

If Bogo is the bomb, AND some lower draftees surprise – that’s a clear “A”. I can’t even consider the fourth possibility…

As for point three – UFA. As usual, Brendan offers several good thoughts, but I really can’t see Tier 1 guys signing here even if over paid. I’d suggest that our best as scenario would be to sign 2 second-level, relatively young defensemen under the hope that Bogo makes the team, Zhit is waive/traded/sat down, and Klee is used in a way that works for him (10-12 minutes a game/3rd line).

Names? Maybe a few mentioned early by MB, like Streit, Rachunek and Finger, as well as guys like Rozsival, Kalinin and Lilja. I’ve love Orpik or/and Hainsey, but their going to make big money in July, while getting lots of offers from far better teams.

Anderson and DW will have to offer the promise of big minutes and PK/PP time.

The only forward that makes me happy is Perry, and he’s a RFA. No chance of DW trying to pilfer a Duck as long as his buddy Burke is the GM.

By Hockeyfan

June 22, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

We hired Anderson? Cant be. DW said that it wasnt true…

By JLH

June 22, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Just a quick repeat of a bit of my post on Knobler’s blog:

If we can’t get the right free agent here, then we’ll have to trade for someone and hope we get good enough next year to keep him.

ESPN Rumor central has Kubina and Antropov possibly available at Toronto. Kubina at $5m/yr for 2 yrs and Antroopov at $2m for 1 yr. They are both big (6’4” and 6’6”) and effective, and Antropov (26/30 last year…and a plus skater for the last 5 yrs) is Russian. Could he play well enough to keep Kovy here? Would playing with Kovy help us keep him?

By Viking

June 22, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Here comes a wish when it comes to our offense for next season(s):

If there is any reasonable FA’s that possess at least some of Redwing’s Holmström type of play - Go get him (or even them)!!!

Tomas Holmström’s ability to bug the crap out of defensemen and goalies in front of the crease seems to often be overlooked and never will show in any record books, but it is in reality worth pure gold. When a defenseman is preoccupied, or a goalie can not see the puck when it is shot, it makes life much easier to be a goal scorer, doesn’t it?

For kicks, I went through the regular 59 games Holmström participated in last season. (He was injured around Christmas, New Year’s and for a month in spring.) There was a lot of video watching, since this is not a stat that is documented anywhere because of it’s non-clearcut nature. His official stats (according to NHL.com) for the regular season shows 20-20-40p (after watching the videos it should actually have been 21-19-40p). Since he was not used defensively, he also did not enjoy any “goalie on the bench freebie points”. However, he was directly involved in the creation of another 28 goals - likely much more so than the the players that got credited with an assist!

(By the way, he kept on in the same style during the play-offs, but I got worn out looking at videos, so I can not give you the stats.)

While Holmström probably is the best in the game in front of the net, I am convinced that an improvement in this area would pay big dividends in Thrasher’s goal production. If this presence in front of the net is not performed by a new player(s) - can somebody at least be retrained to do this vigorously next season?

By Thrashy Thrashy

June 22, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve built a time machine.

Let’s go back in time and sign Dino Ciccarelli. We’ll put him in front of the net.

Problem solved.

By R. Stroz

June 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Everyone - If Campbell signs with the Thrashers, give PJ some props. PJ met Campbell’s mom at All-Star Weekend and really gave her a sales pitch on how much we would like him to play here.

By PJ

June 22, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Ahhh shucks Stroz, it was nuthin’. I helped her bail out of a power point presentation about saving the earth and global warming.

By PJ

June 23, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

I am very excited at the thought of watching the 6’-2” 197-pounder throw his weight around next season.

Rawhide I couldn’t agree more!

(Sorry, but you left yourself wide open there, couldn’t resist.)

A seriously well put post Sir but please don’t put a wager on that third smiley face.

By Alan

June 23, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

PJ - That should be incentive enough for her to maybe point her son in our direction, dontcha think? :)

By NASCAR Dave

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

Well I’m just waitin for DONNIE to bring BRIAN CAMPBELL and a # 1 Center… Like They PROMISED… 2 Top Line D-Men… Remember???

Yeah I can’t wait for this one… We ARE spending BIG Money, Acquiring BIG Talent, right??? Isn’t that what you promised??? Is that what I should look forward to??? If that dosen’t happenn… Then What??? What should happen then??? What happens if he brings in more retreads…

WHOSE Fault is IT, THEN???

NUFF SAID.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Polskidawg, if DW came away with Roszival and Streit, under “reasonably-priced” contracts, each 3-year deals, I’d say he did well, given the totality of his set of circumstances.

If Brian Campbell winds up in Atlanta, R.Stroz, I should think PJ will break Leo Boscalia’s record for being the most hugged person on Planet Earth. All she has to do is open a booth at Philips Arena, near the CNN entrance, with a sign that reads, “I convinced Campbell to come to Atlanta.” Then get the Guiness Book of World Records people to witness the onslaught that ensues.

PJ could probably be passed around the entire Philips Arena, section-by-section, “mosh-pit” style, and make a few laps around, without her feet ever touching the ground, before the craze wears off, like “doing the wave” did in the ‘80’s.

But uhh, I would think even Buffalo has a better shot at “Soupy” than we do, even if we bribed Campbell’s Mom to tamper in the negotiations.

By Colorado Koolade

June 23, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

If you people think you’ll get Campbell your crazy. No way he goes there. Not a chance.

By Alan

June 23, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this

If you people think you’ll get Campbell your crazy

Part of me feels the same way. However, you never know what will happen on the Free Agent market.

If we do get him, though, I’m going to laugh in your general direction.

By Tony C.

June 23, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

I like the fact that they’re (seemingly) serious about going after Campbell.

Cool. We didn’t even hear/read “Thrashers” attached at anytime to any of last year’s Big 3 UFA pivots… something to think about there. for whatever reason, I posted this earlier on the last blog:

*5_hole

Ok. So you do think he’s that good. Me, I see a guy who is quite talented, but was pretty well neutralized on several instances, in fact consecutive games in the playoffs.

Now full marks to Dallas Stars’ staff for devising schemes to isolate and negate Campbell’s impact. My point is, if we’re going to “give him the keys to the castle”, then he better be able to step his game up and overcome that sort of thing (at least 1/3 of the time-dude was a ghost for several games in the Sj-DAL series).

Playoffs are a learning experience, and I’m sure Msr. Campbell learned a lot this past spring. I’m also confident that Campbell would flourish under a guy like Mr. Anderson.

I just would like to see us have another credible scoring threat that is not named Kozlov. Russian said he’d like to get Antropov from Toronto, and seeing as how they’re breaking up the Sundin line, why not go after him. Dude really found his game riding shotgun for Mats last year, and I’m pretty sure that most guys in the league will think more than twice before running @ #17 the way Rutuu did last year if big Antropov is on his right.

Question is, who would we have to give up??*

By five_hole

June 23, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this

Tony C. they used to say the same thing about Hossa; great scorer during the regular season and invisible in the playoffs. Happened with both us and Ottawa. I’d say he had a pretty good playoff run.

Will we get him? Probably have the same chance as I do of having Rebecca Romain returning my calls.

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

A seriously well put post Sir but please don’t put a wager on that third smiley face. - Look, PJ…you have the inside track on this Campbell thing via his mom…you just close the deal. OK?

PJ could probably be passed around the entire Philips Arena, section-by-section, “mosh-pit” style, and make a few laps around, without her feet ever touching the ground, before the craze wears off, like “doing the wave” did in the ‘80’s. - Yeah, Brendan…and it’s been MONTHS since she has done that!

Probably have the same chance as I do of having Rebecca Romain returning my calls. - Look, Five_Hole, let PJ get this whole Brian Campbell deal worked out for us then, just after the ‘mosh pit’ is done with her…I’m sure she’ll get right on that for you!

By Bob

June 23, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

How many dmen do we already have under contract for next year? I’d think one would have to be moved to be able to sign a Campbell, but the question is here, does Campbell want to play for a winner or is he a money first guy? Anyone have insight on that?

Under contract at D next year are Zhitnik at $3.5m, Havelid at $2.9m, Exelby at $1.4m, Klee at $1.25m, Enstrom at $750k, and Valabik at $925k. I think we can pencil in Bogosian as the 7th guy already on the roster. So, who gets moved? Exelby would be my guess? I’d prefer to see Zhitnik moved buy no one has as a bad a pro scouting dept. as Don Waddell, so that’s unlikely. Exelby might have some value still, move him and let Bogosian take his place. Then, you have Valabik as your 7th man and you can sign a UFA dman. Sound good?

Don’t know that Campbell is that guy, but what the hey, let’s dream for another 8 days until that bubble is burst. Let’s say you sign a Campbell, your d could look like:

Campbell-Havelid Enstrom-Bogosian Klee-Zhitnik

That’s a d we could live with, no?

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Bob - My desire would be to dump Zhit…buy him out, waive him…whatever.

Also, I hate the thought of splitting up Havelid and Enstrom…maybe it has to be done, but the two worked well last season.

Maybe:

Campbell/XLB - Havelid/Enstrom - Bogosian/Klee

7th = Valabik

By PJ

June 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I wish my encounter with Mrs. Campbell was enough to sway her but I highly doubt it. Perhaps Brendan may have more luck with his “Rico Suave” routine.

Bob You put Klee and Zhit in the line up before Valabik? You put cost before value?

By Bob

June 23, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

My desire would be to dump Zhit…buy him out, waive him…whatever

I completely agree with you. I’d have waived him, sent him through re-entry waivers, then bought him out the first available day if no one claimed him, if I was in charge of decisons on this club. But alas…

You put Klee and Zhit in the line up before Valabik? You put cost before value?

I don’t see Valabik being ready yet. I was underwhelmed by him during his time up here last year, and while watching him in the Turner Cup Finals, I didn’t see much improvement. He looked decent against AHL speed, but NHL speed would overwhelm him, I think. I love him as a fighter, but you can’t waste one of the 6 d starters on an enforcer.

That said, I do think he’s better than Zhitnik, and if I was making decisions, Zhitnik would be long gone already and Valabik would have a spot on the 3rd d pair with Klee. But alas, I’m not making decisions, Waddell is, and it looks like he’s sticking with Zhitnik, so I don’t see him putting a guy “who’s a big part of our season” in the press box all year, that’s why I think he will put Valabik there.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Hey everybody, Blog Cop HOKIE has directed us to come over here, we are NOT WELCOME on Knobler’s blog???

WHY is THAT??? LOL.

RAWHIDE/BOB - I suggest dumping Zhit, and trading EXELBY/KLEE…

Go with:

HAVELID/ENSTROM
VALABIK/(FREE AGENT)
BOGOSIAN/(FREE AGENT or KULDA)

And HOKIE needs to relax a bit… He’s getting a bit testy over there! LOL

By five_hole

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

If we were lucky enough to sign Campbell, I’d probably run the pairings like this:

Campbell - Exelby Havelid - Enstrom Klee - Valabik

Zhitnik = 7th man

I’m making the assumption that DW is not going to try and rush our top draft pick. Zhit can try and outplay Klee for the 6th spot.

PJ anytime you want us to put our hands on the keyboard and pray for Campbell, just let me know.

On a non-hockey topic, I want to comment on the passing of the funniest man I ever had the pleasure to see; Mr. George Carlin. The world is just not as funny today.

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Five_Hole I will second that. I was saddened to hear of his passing this morning.

And good idea about a prayer. PJ, we’ll need you to get right on that!

Now, quick…RStroz, Brendan, NASCAR Dave…we are gonna need more chairs since Hokie is sending all the Waddell-bashers over here from Knobler’s blog.

Trixie - Order out for some pizza for lunch. We might have a crowd over here.

Sage - We’ll need a “No Sheep Zone” sign for the door!

Chop-chop, folks….let’s get a move on!!!

By polskidawg

June 23, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Bob/PJ/Rawhide - I COMPLETELY agree on Zhit’s worth, especially last season. However, the chances of him being cut are next to nothing - DW isn’t able or willing to admit such a colossal mistake.

Like you, Bob, I don’t see Boris as a viable NHL player - yet. He has the desire and drive, but not the skills needed to take up valuable minutes.

Let’s suppose Anderson is a motivator without equal. Somehow, he can rejuvenate Zhit’s play to a level close to his play of 3-4 years ago.

If that is the case, I’ll offer this as reasonable line combos:

Enstrom - Havelid Zhit - Streit (or Roszival, Finger) Klee - Bogo (or Kulda) 7th - X (or Popovic resigned)

By Alan

June 23, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Looks like I’ll need to get started on that banner, eh Rawhide?

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Alan - Get started? WHAT…you don’t have it DONE ALREADY???!!!

polskidawg - Great comments…but really…I’m as busy as sin in Las Vegas right now. I got Waddell bashers on the way over…thanks a PANT-LOAD, Hokie…and this place is a wreck!!!

Trixie??!!…TRIXIE??!!…STAFF??!!….Dammit, where is everyone??

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Question for the EKLUND crowd….

How many (predictions, sic) did he get right THIS time???

LOL.

By kracker

June 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hey! Stroz, NASCAR, Sage, LAC, Bob, et. al.….Maybe you need to switch tatics and try to get DW to buy out/waive or at least sit Zhitnik down. That is an area where public pressure should work.

While we are all assuming his play won’t be much improved over last season, it’s possible Zhitnik will be in better shape, ready to play (for a new contract) and raise his level of play to something like we saw after that $&@*# trade. That would be most welcomed.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Maybe you need to switch tatics and try to get DW to buy out/waive or at least sit Zhitnik down. That is an area where public pressure should work.

Hey KRACKER! I think we’re doing just fine accomplishing BOTH tasks…

Wouldn’t you agree???

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Unless ownership decides to invest heavily into a UFA, Zhitnik is not going to be removed from this roster.

As I’ve highlighted in Rawhide’s last blog, without Zhitnik’s contract the Thrashers aren’t even CLOSE to fulfilling the CBA requirements of being above the minimum salary threshold ($16M below the ceiling, which is undetermined at this time — likely in the mid $50M area).

IF he’s bought out, someone of greater value will have to take his place. Cheap NHL contracts and rookies will NOT be enough to raise the salary to that ~$40M level.

Now, I don’t deny it’s POSSIBLE such a thing happens (Zhitnik’s buyout), but the signs point to it not happening. First, there haven’t been many high dollar contracts bought out in the NHL since the CBA allowed it. Second, the Thrashers have NEVER bought out a player’s contract. Third, Waddell has intimated that Zhitnik will remain a Thrasher.

So, I’m assuming those three things mean Zhitnik will play a big part (cough) financially (cough), and at most a $3-4M player will be joining this roster. All the ASG needs to do is play rookies, sign a $3-4M player and they are in the clear CBA-wise.

And for the record I think it’s more possible that Rawhide is the next GM than it is of Campbell signing in Atlanta.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

For all who perused this post the other night, my apologies.

For those that haven’t, this is my mandated Waddell bashing per Hokie’s instructions :)

The folllowing excerpt came from Knobler’s article on the hired/not hired issue concerning Anderson

Waddell, through a team spokesman, denied the report. He said earlier Thursday evening in a teleconference with reporters that he was continuing to do “due diligence” in the coach search and that no announcement was likely before tonight’s NHL draft.

NEVER TRUST WADDELL

Atlanta fans, or any fans, deserve a GM who tells the truth, follows through on his promises, and admits his mistakes.

When the Orwellian sales line is used up (think five year plan, rebuilding, playoff guarantee, incremental progress), DW moves on to another set of lines, as if the prior sales lines never happened.

DW doesn’t use the rebuilding line anymore, in its place, he says we are two or three players away.

Zhitnik couldn’t be pawned to anyone for a draft pick. Zhitnik serves no on ice purpose to the Thrashers. Buy him out before June 30 and move on.

The problem is DW can’t admit mistakes due to his ego. Responsible people admit mistakes, apologize, and move on. DW has never demonstrated this level of reponsibility.

DW is done in Atlanta. He, nor FUBAS, realizes this fact. DW has no credibility with the fans or the press.

Nearly everyone at the draft party knew BOGO was the third pick. DW didn’t get the pick right, he just didn’t screw the pick up. When the fan base is at the point that the prevailing thought is, please don’t screw up another draft pick, it speaks volumes about the GM in the fans eyes.

Free agency is coming and every ticket package holder is sitting on their money until they see Levenson and DW follow through with the promises made in the “Open Letter to the Fan” and the Town Hall Meeting.

If past performance has shown anything about Waddell, this is it.

NEVER TRUST WADDELL

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Here’s another issue that needs to be taken care of:

NAME KOVY CAPTAIN

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

12:16 Post by STROZ is Right On!

STROZ for GM!!!

See I think HOKIE needs to go back and read all the blogs he missed over the weekend… Then he might calm down a bit and quit being so damn paranoid about everything…

ZHITHEAD serves NO PURPOSE on this team.

How HOKIE and RANNALLo can justify keeping him is absurd…

I would suggest a Cheerwine instead of the Typical Blue Kool Aid they are accustomed to…

Carry On, Gang

By Alan

June 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - Sorry, I overslept! I’ll get right on it!

Stroz - Definitely! I whole-heartedly support giving the C to Kovalchuk! He’s earned it.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

PJ, I believe Mrs. Campbell may yet be a young, vibrant woman. But I’d wager she’s married to Mr. Campbell. And the routine might not go over so well. Not even if I endeavored to pull it off, entirely in French. Then disavowed whatever it is that I said in that language.

Shifting gears, to paraphrase Marian Hossa, Brian Campbell has an agent for a reason. That’s what he pays him for, … to handle trade deadline situations and offseason signings.”

Let’s see where Hossa winds up. I’m very, very curious about that.

Hey, let’s start a poll! Anyone can get in on this. But what of the choices? Phoenix, to be with his brother? Montreal, like the NHL TV commercial insinuate? Right back here in Atlanta?? How about my choice, Detroit? And we can’t leave out Pittsburgh, either? Others have suggested Minnesota has the cap room for Hossa.

But until then, everyone grab a broom and start tidying up!

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hey, let’s start a poll! Anyone can get in on this. But what of the choices?

BRENDAN… Mark NASCAR Dave down for PHOENIX or DETROIT…

I think HOSSA is smart enough to realize that his chance for a Cup will be easier out West…

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Looks like Tampa Bay will make it official tomorrow by naming Barry Melrose the new Bolts head coach.

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I’ll take both Hossas and Campbell in Atlanta.

Now, I’m going back to Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

That would sell some tickets though.

The dream, the impossible dream….

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — I don’t drink, and I have no clue what Cheerwine is, thanks for offering though.

Neither Hokie nor myself have ever said we wanted to keep Zhitnik. I can’t speak for him on this one, but I have constantly said two things regarding Zhitnik…

1 — I never liked him, even before his trade to Atlanta. At no point in his career did I think “man, he’d look good in Thrasher blue(or maroon/navy)”. Upon his trade to Atlanta I was severely disappointed about losing Coburn, but understood that such a trade was necessary and predicated based on the role he’d been playing in Atlanta. I primarily blame Bob Hartley for Coburn’s trade, as his mis-use of a talented prospect (and the team as a whole) facilitated the need for a player of Zhitnik’s abilities.

Looking back, Waddell did what the owners wanted and traded a prospect, and thus kept his job. Nonis did the opposite of what his owners wanted and didn’t trade a prospect (Bourdon), and was fired. I think it’s obvious those roles should’ve been reversed.

2 — I have resigned myself to understanding the type of player Zhitnik was, is currently, and could be. His career numbers indicate last year was a VERY bad year for him, somewhat of an anomaly…since Waddell is on record saying Zhitnik is part of the plans next year, what’s the point in whining about it?

If we’re going to go into the “I wants” and not the actual possibilities, let me know. Cause then I’ll give you a laundry list of players I want even though most of them will likely never play for Atlanta.

Stroz — Anderson denied the rumors too, does that make him a liar? If the contract isn’t signed there is absolutely NO dishonesty saying what Waddell did. Since the contract wasn’t signed at the point of the story, I imagine that means someone inside our organization let it slip to the wrong person, who then blabbed to the media. Personally I’m less interested in nit-picking over a few hours and some PR GM speak, and more interested in the end result —- Atlanta has the coach who was number one on my list (well, unless Babcock or Bowman were available…so maybe I should say my “realistic” list). I understand your issue with the dishonesty, but I think you’re doing two things…1 — you’re magnifying a non-issue. 2 — you’re using this as a spring board to vent your frustrations towards the GM.

Look at the end result…did you or did you not want Anderson?

I understand you are frustrated by how it looks (bold faced denial followed by jubilant affirmations), but in this instance I think you need to get past it.

Brendan — Hossa will be doing HIS due diligence, or at least that’s what Shero (Pittsburgh GM) is implying. Personally I think he’ll be back in Pittsburgh as that club has money to afford him (though not comfortably) and an environment suited perfectly for him. Not to mention the amount of talent he’d be surrounded (read: insulated) by. So put me down for Pittsburgh, at a $7M price tag.

By Bob

June 23, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Brendan, your Hoss in Detroit idea may very well be the ticket for him. No chance he comes back here.

I think if Recchi re-signs here, he’ll be named captain. Kovy just isn’t vocal enough in the room, from what I hear.

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

BOB - No thanks on RECCHI… I’ll pass…

Too old… We are going YOUNG this year…

By R. Stroz

June 23, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 - I hadn’t heard that Anderson denied the rumors Thursday night as well. I’m not doubting you, but do you have a link?

Yes, I wanted Anderson, now and last season.

Me, vent my frustrations toward the GM….well, YOU ARE CORRECT SIR

This bold caps thing is addictive:)

By Sara

June 23, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

How interesting - just got a call from my new ticket rep (since my other one apparently moved on). Get this sales pitch. I told him I hadn’t made up my mind yet (which I haven’t) because of several personal reasons and also because frankly, I want to see what the team does this off-season. As I told my new rep, while they got off to a good start with the draft, there’s still work to be done and I don’t particularly wish to pay to watch a repeat of last season. He understood of course. Then he told me, that even though I’m buying Thrasher tickets, I’m also paying to see other teams, like the Penguins, so I’ll still get to see great hockey. Are you freakin’ kidding me?? THIS is the sales pitch they are now reduced to making??? Promoting 29 other teams??? I mean, yeah, seasons 1-3 I guess that might have been a valid sales pitch, but come ON! At LEAST try to pitch me that Anderson + Bogo = better team automatically. Or, maybe, it’s worth the price of admission to see Kovy, Enstrom, Bogo, Little - our own players. Un-freakin-believable.

Don’t get me wrong - my rep seems nice enough. And as I told him, I know it isn’t his fault - he doesn’t build the team, he just has to try to sell tickets. So I’m not necessarily faulting him completely - but Thrasher marketing must suck more than I ever expected if this is the tactic they are now taking.

By ranallo10

June 23, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — Did you hear Barry Trotz’s interview during the later rounds of the draft? He was asked a coach’s role in the draft process and he responded:

“to stay out of the way”

He further explained that his only role is to be an adviser when situations involving “real” players arise where the GM needs to know how that player will either meld with their roster/playing style, or how that player departing will impact the current roster.

Basically he affirmed my opinion that having a head coach is not NECESSARY during the draft, but is a bonus as it’s one more voice during negotiations.

He even said how he knows nothing about these prospects, because he was too busy COACHING during the season.

Bob — I agree with you that Recchi, if re-signed, would be named Captain. Although, I haven’t heard the vocal issues, so I’m curious where you hear it from (or read it)?

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong - my rep seems nice enough. And as I told him, I know it isn’t his fault - he doesn’t build the team, he just has to try to sell tickets. So I’m not necessarily faulting him completely - but Thrasher marketing must suck more than I ever expected if this is the tactic they are now taking.

Personally SARA, I like their other New tactic of coming on the Blogs and attacking the Waddell-Haters…

SPIRIT must be running up big Overtime Pay for the Reps…

It’s actually quite amusing, to say the least!

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Nascar Dave, to win, you must make a decision. It’s either Phoenix or Detroit. Not both. Otherwise, I’ll take all 30 teams! I’m sure to win, unless Hossa plays in Europe! And wouldn’t that be something!!

I’ve got Bob going with Detroit, Ranallo with Pittsburgh, R.Stoz with Atlanta (until he sobers up and makes a real pick), and I’m going with Detroit, like a I said over six months ago.

By Sara

June 23, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Ranallo just to be different I’ll throw out a “wildcard” and say the Rangers (although in honesty I think Pitt is more likely).

By NASCAR Dave

June 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

BRENDAN… OK, OK…

I pick DETROIT Dead Things… But I still have a Funny Feeling PHX will try to seriously OVERPAY… We’ll see…

By Alan

June 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

For the record, I doubt Hossa goes to Detroit. The big rumor there is whether or not they move to acquire Mats Sundin.

Oh, lookie, another Swede. I’m not moving back to Detroit, I’m moving back to Stockholm!

By EROCK

June 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Hossa is going to TORONTO

By Rawhide

June 23, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I pick Montreal as where I think Hossa goes…

ranallo - I did not hear that…but it’s interesting, to say the least. It does go the thought that the GM is paid to place a team on the ice and the Coach is paid to…well…coach the team.

However, I would like to think that a coach’s in-put is taken into consideration.

By Brendan

June 23, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, for Waddell, I think he’s going with this “by committee” approach. I can see that he would like to consult Anderson’s opinion at or before a draft. I will not fault Waddell for having that sort of “inclusion.” They are, after all, supposed to working towards the same objectives. I think it’s right for the Coach to make out a shopping list and for the GM to consult that list while picking items up off the store’s shelves. But if the shopper (GM) happens to spot a bargain, then he’s got to take it as he finds it.

Anderson can say, “I said I wanted plantains. You got me ‘bananas.’ I said I wanted parsely, you got me ‘cilantro.’ I asked for red delicious apples, and you got me ‘Braeburn, Fuji, and Rome apples.’

The GM can say, “Well, I at least got you apples. I didn’t come home from the store with pears and plums. You’ll have to ‘make do’