Ice Man

By ben

June 25, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

FIRST

i think we should try harder for a center. Happy 11th birthday Thrash!!!!!!!!!! Puhlease God, they do need D.

By GaVaHokie

June 25, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Kovalchuk Little Thorburn

Perrin Christensen Armstrong

Kozlov Slater White

Lavallee Esposito Stuart

If we pick up a Top Line Center and RW, then Little and Thorburn get demoted all the way down to the fourth line with Lavallee… Espo and Stuart go to Chicago.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 25, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, Hopefully the impending Presser with Coach Anderson might give us some ideas into the coming Free Agent feeding frenzy! I agree with the Goalies, barring a trade I think it stays as you mentioned, Lets, Moose, then Pavs in Chi-Town. Defense is tricky. If you only have access to current roster players or those signed in Chicago, go again with Havelid-Enstrom, Exelby-Popovic, Valabik,Bogosian,& Zhithead. Maybe we can trade Klee. Forwards might be even harder to do with current limitations. Kovy-Christensen-Armstrong, Kozy-Little-Sterling, Perrian-Slater-Thorburn, Crabb-White-Stuart. Larson would get bought out ot just outright cut.

Man this is looking horrible without any free agents/trades! I am looking to see if Anderson gives any seen of possible members of the Wolves he might want Waddellsworth to bring into camp. I think Kiwi showed so signs he might could play plus he knows the system. Lavallee,Sterling,Crabb, and maybe even Haydar! (he would easily replace Larson) I can’t wait for next Tuesday, we need to be big players in free agency/trade market. Go Thrashers. Any idea if the press conference can be seen live any where?

By Hockeyfan

June 25, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Rawhide Pops contract has expired. Doubt he gets re-signed

By JB

June 25, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Guys, don’t forget that Popovic is a UFA this summer because he didn’t play enough games with us last season.

So excluding Pops from Rawhide’s list we have:

Enstrom Havelid Bogosian Exelby Valabik Zhitnik Klee

I still say we need to do something splashy this summer on the blueline; regardless of if we do anything else that needs to be at the top of the shopping list.

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Hockeyfan - Yeah, I RFA next to his name…and I belive you’re probably right.

I think I’ll amend.

By B. Thenet

June 25, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Keep in mind that Bogosian was one of the youngest players in the draft.

He is in the same boat as Esposito, he cannot play in the AHL for 2 seasons after being drafted. That means Bogo either makes the Thrashers or goes back to the OHL this year, and next year. I suspect he makes the team.

I will have my lineup soon, but Larsen(4 points last year) on the 2nd line….wow!

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

B. Thenet - but Larsen(4 points last year) on the 2nd line…wow! - Yeah…I know. Like I said, “Me-thinks something has to be done here”.

By B. Thenet

June 25, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

As of right now wihtout any UFA signings

Kovalchuk-Little-Armstrong Kozlov-Christensen-Perrin Stuart-White-Thorburn Lavalle-Slater-Larsen

Not sold on Sterling having the goods yet, and if he isn’t a Top 6 F he doesn’t make the team. Hopefully Anderson can help out there.

I think Kozlov and Christensen complement each others play well, similar approaches to the game.

Enstrom-Havelid Bogosian-Zhitnik Exelby-Klee

Oystrick as extra skater

Plenty of holes to fill, I would like to see Larsen bought out or traded.

By Stan Drulia

June 25, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Man.. those first two lines are workable but 3 and 4 are a nightmare. I hope Waddell really shakes things up here next week… trade - trade - trade! Sign-sign-sign! If Todd White is one of our starting centers… I will openly weep.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

The man’s name is LARSEN!!!! Why is it so many of the so-called knowledgeable hockey fans on this blog cannot remember how to spell the names Brad Larsen and Braydon COBURN!! Yet we have no problem spelling Zhitnik and Valabik. I just don’t get it.

Like I put down on the previous blog, this is how I see the lines shaking out — this time without FA acquisitions (shudder):

Kovy - Little - Thorburn

Slava - Crusher - Army (no way Slava plays on the 3rd line…not his game to grind and hammer guys to the wall when pursuing pucks in the trenches)

White - Perrin - Stuart (Stuart gives us the size and speed we need to complement Perrin…don’t really want White on this line but what choice do we have?)

Larsen - Slater - LaVallee (Larsen will be the odd man out after we re-up Boulton for another 2 years)

The Kid & Havelid

Zhitty Bang-Bang & Bogosian

Klee & Exelby (I think Ex will be trade bait or vulnerable to either Pops, if re-signed or Valabik)

Anyone think we have a real shot at either Brian Rolston or Pavol Demitra to join Kovy on the 1st line?

By LAC

June 25, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Larsen on the SECOND line… come on.

This is now a glaring issue… NO offense, or very little of it.

We are going to have to make a couple trades to be more effective in the offensive zone.

How many more 10-12 shot nights can we stand ? I believe our SA will be down a bit, but we need some scoring help.

These Pittsburgh guys are really untested here as for scoring help, neither had much to show in Pittsburgh, of course with Crosby etc… hard to get a chance…

Two good defensemen and at least one winger in UFA group would be good for starters… BUT PLEASE no more todd whites or nikko kapenans PLEASE !!!!!

Lastly buy out zit, get over it and as the famous words of a GM we all know… move forward.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I honestly can’t see starting Bogosian with Zhitnik. That’s asking for trouble.

Enstrom - Havelid Bogosian - Klee Exelby - Oystrick

Sit Zhit as the 7th D.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 25, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Smoothie, Most probably don’t care to spell his name right since he is a total non-factor.

By Thrasher_Ed

June 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Rawhide or anyone, Has Anderson given any clues as to who will be on his coaching staff. Sullivan maybe? I actually hope some of these things get answered soon.

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Line 1: Kovy-Little-Thorburn (showed signs and SPEED at the end of last year, and some protection for Kovy) Line 2: Perrin-Crusher-Army Line 3: Sterling-White-Haydar Line 4: LaVallee-Slater-Stuart (did I forget anyone? We definetely need to add to this group!)

D1: Havelid-Enstrom D2: Bogo-Exelby D3: Valabik-Klee (Zh!thead benched/waived)

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I knew I forgot SOMEONE…Kozlov!!!!

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I think we need to BUY OUT ZHIT and LARSEN (Neither one is Tradeable, IMO)…

I would like to Move EXELBY and SLATER in a package to EDM for STOLL…

KLEE I would like to trade for a 2009 Pick (6th/7th Round?)…

FREE AGENTS:

Defense (I’ll take 2 of the 3):

CAMPBELL
LILES
MONTADOR

The #1 Center will be STOLL…

Lineups would be:

KOVY-STOLL-LITTLE
PERRIN-CHRISTENSEN-ARMSTRONG
KOZLOV-WHITE-THORBURN
STUART-ESPOSITO-LAVALLEE

CAMPBELL-LILES/MONTADOR
HAVELID-ENSTROM
VALABIK/KULDA-BOGOSIAN

Now, to throw a loop into all this, IF we can get NIKULIN to come over here, we will NOT need 2 FA D-Men, only 1…

D Pairings would be:

CAMPBELL/LILES-BOGOSIAN
HAVELID-ENSTROM
VALABIK/KULDA-NIKULIN

One can Dream, can’t they???

By Sara

June 25, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Here’s my thinking:

Kovy-Christensen-Army Haydar-Little-Sterling Slava-White-Thorburn Perrin-Slater-Boulton

Enstrom-Havelid Klee-Bogosian Exelby-Valabik Zhitnik

1st line - Army will be a good physical presence on that line, plus go to the net. Christensen is likely going to be our #1 face-off man, which gives Kovy better puck possession time.

2nd line - If anyone can make the Wolf Pack line work, it’s Anderson. These guys had some chemistry working last year and I think it’s time to throw Haydar and Sterling in the deep end to sink or swim (which takes more than 8 games to figure out).

3rd line - Is kind of a catch all but I think there are some good skill sets there. They should be decent-good defensively with some occassional offensive contributions.

4th line - Perrin and Slater were hooking up nicely toward the end of last season, so I’d like to see that pairing get more time together. 4th line minutes should also work well for those two since I expect to see them as one of our primary PK tandems. Boulton’s just kind of in there to do what he does.

1st pair D - obvious

2nd and 3rd D pairings - the two young players have to be paired with a veteran somehow. Since all we’ve got is X, Klee, and Zhit (yikes), I’ll stick with the top two. I think X is a slightly better skater than Klee (mostly because he’s younger) and since Valabik is still weak in the skating department, he needs that more than Bogo does. I also think Klee will be a better mentor for Bogo because Klee is(was) a good defenseman. What he’s lost is just due to age really. But he knows the game well and can likely teach it better than X or Zhit.

I didn’t put down goalies but what’s the point since we already know how that plays out.

I think those lines are better than last season’s, although not quite where we want them to be ideally. It may take us a couple of years to get this where we need it to be - particular if we just make upgrades as contracts expire.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Alan — not ideal I know but I didn’t want to pair Bogosian with Klee and put all the pressure of moving the puck up the ice on the young kid. Hopefully he’ll prove me wrong, but one thing that Zhit is capable of doing, if he can get to the puck, is moving it skillfully up the ice…he’s still a good passer. If he could just get his sorry a$$ into shape, he might be worth his salary…okay, that’s going a bit too far now isn’t it?

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Can someone get a list of players who are contractually obligating to be on this roster next season? We may only have room to sign 2-3 UFA’s it seems like. Of course, that means they should be good ones we can PAY!

By Sara

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

J(Z) go here

It shows all the players under contract first, then a list of our UFA/RFA players. Plus, of course, accompanying cap figures. We’ve got about $25.5M in available cap space (without factoring in an increase in the cap) so there’s lots of monetary room for improvement - provided AS will spend it.

Technically, we have enough players under contract (NHL/AHL) to ice a complete team. So really, it’s all about upgrading from here.

By Sara

June 25, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

BTW, according to that link - Haydar is UFA and Sterling is RFA. Wonder what, if anything, Don intends to do about that.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Smoothie - Sara covered my reasonings for pairing Bogosian with Klee for me. Simply put, after last season, there’s no way I can trust Zhitnik. I just can’t be as optimistic about his play as you are.

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Thanks…I would, but its blocked at work :(

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

SARA, your lineups do not include any New FA’s…

What’s up with THAT???

:)

By Smoothie

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

I hear ya Alan, Sara is right about pairing experience with youth, but do you really want Zhitnik paired with Valabik or Exelby? I guess he can do less harm against 3rd and 4th line players, but I think Klee would be better for Boris development as a stay at home, play it close to the vest, defensive stopper against other team’s weaker offensive lines. Plus, I don’t think you’ll see a motivated Zhitnik unless he is playing at least 2nd pairing minutes…but then you have the ol’ chicken before the egg issue. Perhaps Anderson can reach Z.

By Sara

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

Sorry J(Z) Here ya go:

Signed - Kovy, Kozlov, White, Army, Christensen, Little, Slater, Perrin, Thorburn, Larsen, Lavallee, Stuart, Zhitnik, Havelid, Enstrom, Klee, X, Valabik, Moose, Pavs

UFA - Boulton, Holik, Haydar, Krog, Recchi, Doell, McCarthy, Popovic, Kiwi

RFA - Kari, Sterling

By Sam

June 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Rough draft:

Kovy new guy new guy

Slava Christensen Recchi

Perrin White Armstrong

Boulton Little Thorburn

I’m not married to the idea of re-signing Recchi. He could be replaced with Perrin if we wanted to bring up a new, young guy. White’s a character guy, but could be traded and Perrin could center.

Yeah, 2 top line forwards is wishful thinking, but frankly, I don’t see anyone on our current roster that I think should be paired with Kovy.

Nic Toby

Bogo new guy

Exelby Klee

Boris as 7th man

Zhitnik on waivers

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

PTI, as of Tuesday afternoon, Don Waddell officialy introduced John Anderson as the Thrashers coach.

Well, that was a surprise to me.

On another matter, Kari still hasn’t been re-signed.

By Sara

June 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Because Dave I’m a woman - I know how read the instructions - only players currently under contract could be included. Course, that was also before I realized we no longer have Haydar and Sterling under contract. Which means I guess Larsen and Lavallee have to be inserted somewhere. I guess I’d move Slave and Thorburn up to the second line with Little and put Lavallee and Larsen with White. In which case, I’d make them the fourth line and bump Slater-Perrin-Boulton up to 3rd line.

Blech. That roster sucks. Waddell needs to get Haydar and Sterling back under contract before July 1st so we at least have some players to fall back on if the rest of FA doesn’t pan out. I’m sure Sterling will work out, but Haydar may want to try FA to see if another team will guarantee him an NHL spot.

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Thanks Sara, so it looks like we can probably keep Lavallee and Stuart in Chicago. Without cutting anyone, we’d have just 2 open forward slots and 0 open d slots.

ughhhhhh

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

We should pair Zhitnik with an ice broom and put him out during breaks as one of the blue crew.

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

How does it work with Popovic becoming a UFA (instead of RFA) due to lack of games but the same isn’t true of Sterling?

By ROBO

June 25, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

HOW MANY GROINS WILL LETEMIN PULL THIS YEAR?………….LMAO……

By Sara

June 25, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

snicker snicker Stroz - I don’t know which sight would be more disturbing - seeing Zhitnik in a Thrasher jersey again or seeing him in a blue crew outfit. Tough call. :o

Btw, the first sentence of my last post was supposed to have a ;) on it for humorous content.

BTW, on FoxSports’ Puck Podcast has an interview with Rucchin. I didn’t go listen, cause frankly I don’t care, but if anyone else wants to … be my guest. Wonder if he apologizes for sucking up over $2M of our cap space last season for no damn good reason cause his cottage cheese head needs to retire. Hurumph.

By MB

June 25, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Kovy-Little-Thorburn; Lavallee-Christensen-Army; Kozlov-White-Perrin; Larsen-Esposito-Slater

Enstrom-Havelid; Zhit-X; Klee-Valabik/Bogo

1st line: Thorburn has the speed and brings toughness; no doubt Little learned a lot last year…let’s see how much to start off the year.

2nd line: Give Lavallee a chance to break in with some young guys who work hard and play a tough game. Good size on this line. If Little stumbles, give Christensen some 1st line minutes.

3rd and 4th line: WTF! Help! Just not much to work with here. We’re bare on RW, and other than Perrin, there’s not a lot to like here at the other positions, either. Sigh.

D: I’ll go waaaayyy out on a limb and say maybe, just maybe, that Zhit-head rebounds and has a solid to good year, knowing he’s burned his bridges here and needs to convince somebody in the league that he’s worth another contract (that will take him into retirement). Klee gets moved to third pairing minutes, where he belongs and will probably perform well, and mentors the youngsters.

Hate to lose Pops. I just have this feeling we’re giving up on him too soon.

By Sara

June 25, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

J(Z) cause Pops is 25 and Sterling is 24. 25 is the minimum age for Group VI FA status.

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Sara, Stroz - I don?t know which sight would be more disturbing - seeing Zhitnik in a Thrasher jersey again or seeing him in a blue crew outfit. Tough call

EWWWwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! There is not enough alcohol in the world to erase that visual from my mind!

By Sara

June 25, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Rawhide which visual?? :p

MB I’m rather disheartened myself about Pops. He isn’t anything to write home about, but he is a positionally sound young d-man. I think he’s just going to end up out because we technically already have a full d-roster. It’s possible, however, that Anderson will have a big impact on whether or not Pops, Haydar, and Sterling will get new contract offers…and I would think Anderson would be leaning in their favors.

By Brendan

June 25, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, do you think Bogosian will get a 4-5 game “audition” to begin the season, then be stashed down in the AHL (Chicago)? If not, when Bogosian plays his 10th game, the clock starts ticking on his RFA eligibility.

By Sara

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

Brendan I don’t think Bogosian meets the age requirements for the AHL - I think he has to go back to his juniors team (same w/ Esposito). Which doesn’t mean he can’t get a try-out I don’t think…and I’m sure if he can he will.

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t know which sight would be more disturbing - seeing Zhitnik in a Thrasher jersey again or seeing him in a blue crew outfit. Tough call. :o

Here’s one to help your lunch settle well:

How about a combination of both, Zhitnik in a Thrasher jersey with a blue crew skirt.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - You’re right, that was an awful visual. But it’s out of my mind now, at least. :P

(Then again, when you’ve seen half of the crap I have, the thought of a crappy player in skimpy women’s clothing just doesn’t bother you. Resiliency and all that.)

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I believe, as B. Thenet and Sara have pointed out…if Bogo does not make the team, the option is for him to remain in the OHL.

All things considered, I’d have to think he’s on the team unless something drastic evolves.

By Tim

June 25, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

ROBO 0

Rawhide Z Bo will either be in the NHL or in the OHL. He is not yet 20 so cannot play in the AHL. I personally think that he already peak out in the OHL and have nothing else to learn there, so logically if we are moving in the right direction with a front office that learned from past mistake (a.k.a. Coburn), Z Bo should start with the Thrashers and end with the Thrashers. Now who do we pair him with, that’s the millions dollars question. I think he will be best used if paired with either Klee or Zhitnik. Now before you guys laugh at the ZBo/Zhitnik pairing,there is several point to consider. Last season was by far the worst season ever that Zhitnik have and also several other Thrashers ever had also (i.e. Exelby, Hossa, etc). So there is still hope that it was the same for Zhitnik case and that he will start to play a lot better (finger cross). And obviously, he have a lot of experience that he can share with Z Bo (who I’ve learn from my friend that he is of Armenian origin and that his name should be pronounced as Bo-Ro-see-an). And of course they will be either on 2nd or 3rd pairing where they will see limited ice time for learning curve. The pairing might also provide extra motivation for the veteran.

By Jarndyce

June 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Without a legitimate center and rw, this team—even with two top-line defenders—is destined for the 10 spot in the East. The forward lineup as it currently stands is woefully below average.

Not to disparage anyone here, but the idea that Thorburn is a 1st line RW is, well, ridiculous. No one on this team is a 1st line RW.

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

NEWS ALERT!!!

For those who may have missed it…John Anderson was on Fox 5 this AM

Hmmmm…it seems as though the Thrashers will have an O-fense this season :o)

By Brendan

June 25, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t have “Hossa’s next team,” or “NTC predictions” from JB, Russ, OtherBob, BobOther, Redlight, Sage of Bluesland, ThrashyThrashy, Joyaan (Chris), Matt, B.Thenet, Jameson, Brian, Nathan, Stats, Jennifer, Nikita, Buzilla, Thrashdawg22, and many, many others.

Here’s the latest:

Montreal: Kracker, Rawhide, Sharon.

NY Rangers: PJ, Sara.

Pittsburgh: Smoothie, ThrasherNY, Ranallo, Volgrad (no NTC), and Polskidawg

Boston: GaVaHokie, Alan (no NTC)

Detroit: Bob (NTC), Brendan (NTC), NascarDave (NTC), FIF

Ottawa: Tim (No NTC)

Calgary: R. Skeen (No NTC)

Colorado: HookyBob

L.A. Kings: J(Z)

Atlanta Thrashers: R.Stroz

Toronto: EROCK (NTC)

Anaheim: Five_Hole.

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hell, let all the kids play…

If we suck, Oh well, maybe we can grab TAVARES…

I have a New Topic for discussion though… If we do Suck this year and have a bad start or something like last year, WHO is the scapegoat???

Will Donnie finally take the fall, or will he be allowed to throw another Coach into the flames???

I would hope this is his last chance to “Prove” he can get it done… I thought last year was enough to do him in, but apparently not…

Thoughts???

By B. Thenet

June 25, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

If we get a legit C to play with Kovy, I think Thorburn could do his best Holmstrom impersonation and cause some damage on the top line.

Thorburn and Holik did a good job down the stretch creating space for Ilya. In either case, I would like to see some kind of big body on the top line with Ilya if possible. I don’t think Thorburn can pull it off without an upgrade at #1 C.

By LAC

June 25, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

BRENDEN… I picked TAMPA !!!!!!!!

By B. Thenet

June 25, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Hossa prediction: Vancouver NTC

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting question,

Who are the assistant coaches going to be?

By LAC

June 25, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Watched waddell introduce Anderson and BELIEVE IT OR NOT… I was impressed.

waddell seems confident and upbeat, Anderson seems likea fun guy to play for and if we can ONLY get some scoring HELP we could… could be an interesting team this season.

I’m not going to continue to rag waddell,EVERYONE knows where I stand on that issue, I feel the Thrashers HAVE to do better this coming season, if they tank again… Well, even the best supporters waddell has… Will have to wonder if it’s time to change.

But if we get a couple GOOD UFA’s… NO MORE todd whites… we many be better than hoped, we will see, but we HAVE to get several TOP line UFA’s and NO 35+ players of any type !

By Alan

June 25, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Dave - I think Don has firmly placed himself in the perfect position to get run over by the bus, should this team falter this season. There’s no one else left to blame now.

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Interesting question. First let me say that I hope a poor start DOES NOT HAPPEN. Furthermore…I bet we are in for some pleasant suprises this summer and they will translate into a successful season coming up.

However…IF a poor start is in the offing, I think The Don is safe.

Reasons? Well, there is always the “We have a new coach” argument. And that would be valid.

Also…and let’s just me honest here…after 10 years, 10 drafts…8 seasons with only two finishing with winning records…1 playoff appearance and 0 playoff wins…and the fact that last season turned out the way it did due largely to DW’s decisions…well, if he hasn’t been fired for that, he won’t be held accountable for next season..possibly the next as well.

Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Plato and Socrates could all show up at Bruce Levenson’s office…respectfully explain that a change should be made in the Thrashers’ GM office and BL would reply, “Look guys, I appreciate the concern…really I do. But you see, I think we are moving in the right direction”.

But again…I think we don’t have to worry about that. The coaching decision…the draft…what I’m hearing about the upcoming UFA signing season…I gotta tell ya, I’m feeling optimistic.

Well….cautiously optimistic.

By R. Stroz

June 25, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Plato and Socrates could all show up at Bruce Levenson’s office…respectfully explain that a change should be made in the Thrashers’ GM office and BL would reply, “Look guys, I appreciate the concern…really I do. But you see, I think we are moving in the right direction”.

And the rest of the response would be, “you guys are a bunch of smart @$$es.”

By five_hole

June 25, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Instead of filling out a lineup with non-appropriate talent, I’d rather show the lineup I with with the holes:

Kovy Little Sterling/FA Slava Christiansen FA/Sterling Armstrong Slater Thorburn FA/LaValee Perrin White

Stuart is a possibility for a F/A spot. Anyone else, like Larsen, et al, are “bench”

Havelid Enstrom Exelby F/A Valabik Klee/Zhit

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Totally agree with the Thorburn - Holmstrom comparison. Obviously Holmstrom is the more skilled, but I think Thorburn can fill that role of being a pest. And actually dropping the gloves if anyone messes with Kovy, I don’t think Holmstrom is really a fighter. Plus, I was very impressed with Thorburn’s speed, so that should help too.

Vinny signed a 9yr, $77mil deal with the Tampa Bay Mullets.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

From Sportsnet.ca:

Brian Campbell, 29, San Jose Sharks: It’s looking more and more like he’s going to listen to all offers. Come July 1, as many as a dozen teams will pick up the phone. The Atlanta Thrashers will make a serious pitch but also keep an eye on the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators.

Good to hear. Hope it’s true. Hope he at least considers our offer.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

How’s this for moving in the right direction? Use our cap space to sign the following four F/A (I’ll use $22.5 million as my target since we have in upwards of $25 mill officially to spend):

D — Orpik & Liles (both UFA) C — Vermette (RFA) — negotiate with the Sens for exclusive rights by offering Exelby - they only have 3 veteran D-men under contract - White and / or Sterling RW - Pavol Demitra (UFA)

That would give you the following lineup:

Kovy — Little — Demitra (wow, scary fast 1st line)

Slava — EC — Armstrong

Perrin — Vermette — Thorburn (talk about your tough, annoying checking line…motor never stops)

Boulton — Slater — LaVallee / Stuart / Larsen (carry Lars for experience depending on injuries)

Toby & Orpik — Nic & Liles — Bogo / Zhit / Klee (rotation)

Vermette gets 3.5 mill / yr Orpik gets 4 - 4.5 mill / yr Liles gets 3 mill / yr Demitra gets 5.5 mill / yr — prolly overpaying but it will set the tone letting other FA know that we are serious. That’s only 16.5 mill and leaves plenty of cash for Kari, Bogo, Boults and even Pops.

I really think something like this is not only reasonable but also financially viable. Demitra’s coming off a down year so doubtful he can fetch more than 6 mill /yr. I really think Orpik showed the world he is worth that kind of coin and would be the perfect defensive complement to Toby for years to come. Of course, we need to make sure we have money left over for Toby the following year.

What do y’all think about that lineup as one that can contend for a division title and a top 4 seed??

By Sara

June 25, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind with line combos et al that it’s really about chemistry more than talent. You could put together Crosby-Ovechkin-Kovy and it still not work out if they don’t quite click (although let’s face it - that would in fact be the sickest line ever). If Kovy can click with Thorburn and/or Little/Christensen/Esposito, it could be a successful line on its own. They just need to be on the same page.

I would like for Don to re-sign both Haydar and Sterling and plan to bring them both up next season (or maybe at least Sterling and then bring up Lavallee??), put them with Little and see what we get. Since we are transitioning to a new system, and those players performed well under that system, makes sense to let them try it against NHL opponents. It will also help to evaluate which current players we have that can also flourish under the new system. It’s possible some guys that we consider expendable may really be able to step up under Anderson.

I say, upgrade if we can at D and wing and maybe one C. If we can’t, I still think what we have is viable in terms of a “test run” so to speak. Plus we’ll have a bit more wiggle room next year with some other expiring contracts (Zhit, Klee).

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

I like it Smoothie!

By LAC

June 25, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Alan is correct…

Who else could you blame…

The Fans ????????????

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks J(Z) — I’m crunching the salary cap numbers right now to see how close I come out. My new line up will challenge the Pens and Caps for supremacy!! Mua ha ha haaaa

By Sara

June 25, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

I personally think Orpik is gonna end up getting over-priced (same with Malone). Solid players no doubt, but probably not worth as much as they are going to get offered. Particularly since this FA season is going to be a sellers market, driving prices up even further.

As for Demitra - isn’t he the kind of player we’re supposed to be avoiding? As in 33 and in the downhill portion of his career?

As for Toby - no worries there. Both Klee and Zhitnik come off the books after next season, which is when Toby’s contract comes up. Plenty of cash between those two alone to give him a nice raise. Same will partially be true for Kovy in two years since that is when Slava’s $3.5M contract expires.

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Aren’t Demitra and Hossa good friends…maybe, maybe, maybe Demitra can help talk Hossa into coming back? Demitra can play centre (aka center) too I think.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Sara — yes, he’s older than desired, but at 32, he should still have three good years left in him and I reckon playing with Kovy would be quite the jolt to his senses (see 41 y/o Mark Recchi, our 3rd leading scorer last year). As long as we steer clear of 35+ y/o vets, I think we’re okay. I’d prefer a 27 or 28 y/o, but the pool is thin for RW snipers…Rolston is 36!! Yikes!!

By Robert

June 25, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

This summer I can see Waddell going after one UFA D-Man, and 2 UFA forwards, then calling it a summer.

If he can land Campbell, that would be huge, but knowing him, it’ll be some other marginal talent. I’d pick Hainsey.

At forward, he’ll target 2nd/3rd line players most likely. Guys like Huselius or Sanderson.

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ve crunched the cap numbers (who knew cap mgmnt could be so much fun!?) and it looks like my FA plan will work as long as the ASG is willing to go as high as a 47 mill cap number. Last year’s cap hit was in the neighborhood of 45 mill so this doesn’t seem all that unreasonable.

Even if we “settle” for Orpik and overpay him in the process, we’ll have about $5 M to play with on the blueline. And we’ll still have a net of $6 M to use on Demitra / Vermette if DWad would be able to a) trade Ex and White for Vermette and b) lure away Demitra from Minny for $5.5 M.

Get ‘er done Donnie!!

By Russ

June 25, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I’ll go with Vancouver and no NTC.

I don’t really have a feeling where Hossa will end up, so I went with where I thought would be the best fit. If they could add Hossa without losing any core players they go from a decent team to a Cup contender IMO.

By Universal Dawg

June 25, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I agree that we need a C for Kovy, however, upon looking at the C’s already under contract (Christensen, Little, Perrin, White, Slater and Espo as a call up possibility)I am not looking for this ownership group to fork out for a top line center. I believe they will try to patch together lines with what we already have. I believe RW is a glaring hole and in need of a serious upgrade. Army is solid, although probably not a top liner. Thorburn is servicable on the third or fourth line. If we have to get our top two RW’s out of Larsen, Crabb and Haydar, we are in serious trouble. Therefore, I understand everyone wanting a C for Kovy and I further agree that none of the current options are legit #1 centers. However, would you all not agree that RW is a more glaring weakness other than D? Although there is not a lot of proven talent at C, there is still more proven talent there than at RW.

Brenden- I say Hossa to Vancouver.

By five_hole

June 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it; no matter whom DW goes after, when the deal is announced, we will collectively gasp, slap our foreheads and wonder (in the blog, of course) how could you overpay for this guy. The reality is, DW has a lousy situation here. Would YOU want to come here, versus a Pittsburgh or Philadelphia? The franchise is in disarray, an unproven coach, the word is our ice surface is lousy, we can’t regularly sell out the rink. Where is their incentive to come SOUTH?!?

Conversely, I wonder just how much of our cap room DW will spend (or be allowed to spend)? This is not a franchise rolling in dough.

I am just hoping that the Thrashers don’t rush ZB too quickly. Let him acclimate to the big leagues in Chicago. And tell Waddell that this kid is UNTRADEABLE!!!

By J(Z)

June 25, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Is it me or are the blogs more active now than they were during the season?

If Bogo goes back to juniors is he able to be called up at any time or is he gonna be committed to staying there for a certain amount of time?

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Vancouver, they claimed and tendered Kyle Wellwood…thank goodness…did not want his p*$%y a$$ on our team. However, I hope we claim Darcy Tucker on re-entry waivers ($1.5 M for 1/2 salary) if he gets that far…think I’d rather have Darcy than Recchi or Thorburn as Kovy’s RW…that is IF we’re not going to go after a “big” name like Demitra or Huselius.

Also, I apologize as I mis-stated the Thrashers’ cap number last season. It was 43.647 M and not 45 mill like I stated.

Still, at the present moment, before inking Kari, the cap stands at 33 mill or so. That gives us, in theory, 17.5 M to spend in F/A. Figure 3.5 for Kari — he better have a tender in hand by now or I’ll scream — and that leaves 14 mill for Bogo (1 mill tops), Orpik (4-5 mill), Demitra (5-6 mill), & Tucker (1.5 mill) perhaps…although I wouldn’t expect Tucker if ASG is serious about a younger play-making RW.

By Good Gawd its awful

June 25, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

After reviewing the roster as it stands, can we just say that Operation Tankland is still in effect? I can see it now, “Come see Ilya and the Kovinairres down at Philips as the Atlanta Kovalchuks try to win games single-handedly.

Can a team win with 1 world class offensive guy, 1 3rd team world class Dman, and 1 3rd team world class goalie? That’s all we’ve got.

Wow, I hope I’m wrong, but just dang. Jar Jar’s got to go, but then we all know that.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — To be accurate you need to think that this team MUST spend at least $4M to be in the salary cap parameters set by the CBA. The minimum salary requirement is $16M under the ceiling, so $37M based on last season’s number. I expect to see that minimum jump to about $40M ($56M ceiling), meaning I expect this club to spend AT LEAST $7M in contract re-negotiations or UFA signings.

Personally, I anticipate the ASG will commit slightly over the minimum salary requirement. The roster is rather full currently, and there has been no indication of an imminent trade or buyout for any of the current players.

If the ASG spends $43.647M or more I will be pleasantly surprised.

By BG33Brown

June 25, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Smoothie Tucker was bought out, not waived…therefore his choice where he goes.

I believe that we are in need of 2 maybe 3 UFA’s total.

First priority: To me it’s a scoring RW.

Second Priority: Top 4 Dman. Why second priority, reason: I don’t think we look awful with Toby-Havelid Valabik-Klee Bogosian-Exlby.

Third Priority: Top line center. There is not doubt that Kovy needs a great passer. But as people have said above, I think 17-EC-27 is a good line b/c Thorburn can create space and EC is a “perimeter player.” Is Thornburn a top line RW, no-but its about chemistry and complementing each other.

Other than that, we fill out the line up with the existing line up and minor leaguers.

For the record, I am completely in favor of bringing up Sterling, Lavalle, and Staurt-instead of playing Larsen, White, Boulton etc.

By BG33Brown

June 25, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Kovy-EC-Thornburn Kozlov-Little-_ Sterling-Perrin-Army Lavalee-Slater-Stuart

Toby-Havlid Valabik-Klee Bogosian-X

Assuming we add a scoring RW, any big holes here? I could live with that.

Here is hoping we can dump 3 of the following 4: White, Larsen, Zhit, X.

By NASCAR Dave

June 25, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

For RANNALLO…

Since you asked, here is what it is…

By Smoothie

June 25, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Per TSN.ca, “Tucker has three years remaining on his contract and Toronto will be on the hook for two-thirds, or $6 million paid over a six year term. Tucker signed a four-year contract extension with the club back in February of 2007.”

BG33 — perhaps I’m not understanding this correctly, but if TOR is still on the hook for 2/3, doesn’t it stand to reason that whoever claims him will have to pick up the rest of his contract plus whatever extension they negotiate? Or does he just negotiate as a UFA with the receiving team obligated to pay 1/3 of his old contract on top of what they sign him for?

I’m still learning the nuances of the CBA so forgive me for my confusion…that is if you’re not as confused as I am! ;)

By BG33Brown

June 25, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

smoothie the way i understand it is by buying him out of the contract, he is free to negotiate with whoever he wants. As for the remainder of his contract no idea.

So I am probably as confused as you are.

By Tony C.

June 25, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Esposito is not a 3rd-line or 4th-line center!!! While I appreciate his effort, I’m thinking Perrin would be a better choice in a 3/4 role.

I say this (bearing in mind no FA/Trade additons or subtractions):

Slava/Christensen/Espo or Sterling

Army/Charmin/Lavallee

Boults/Slater/Perrin or Stuart

(Last line; the “or” is if you want scoring or not).

Oh, and after the Hossa debacle, don’t expect to see Demitra here…he’s a Slovak as well, right?

By BG33Brown

June 25, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Per the tsn.ca article “Because Tucker’s contract included a no-movement clause, Tucker had the option of either going on waivers or not. He chose not to and thus becomes an unrestricted free agent.”

No word on what has to happen with his contract.

By Sage of Bluesland

June 25, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Oh my goodness…I’m almost speechless at what I’ve been reading in this blog!

Almost.

Can we ‘sticky’ this sheepful optimism for mid-season review? My goodness, even the sheep-whisperer himself is actually getting compliments!

Wow.

Well, this simply proves one thing to me: P.T. Barnum was indeed correct.

Think about that.

By Tony C.

June 25, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Sage- I’ll counter that with another old chestnut:

Hope springs eternal from the human heart.

I’m not dumb, just optimistic.

By BG33Brown

June 25, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Sage I don’t believe any of us think we are cup contenders next year, but you have to walk before you run. Unfortunately DW has stuck us with some bad contracts (at least using last year as the standard). And I for one am not a DW fan.

However, what you are missing is some of us are trying to move on and are looking forward to wiping the slate clean. You however probably still hold a grudge with your younger brother when he took your favorite match box car.

IN SHORT-GET OVER YOURSELF.

By Brendan

June 25, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

LAC, I’ve got you down for Tampa Bay. NTC, or no NTC? (God, I feel Howie Mandell! Deal, or no deal?) Universal Dawg, gotcha down for Vancouver (no decision on NTC). B.Thenet, you’re down for Vancouver, with the NTC. And Russ, you’ve got Vancouver, without the NTC.

Can you imagine, if some teach winds up trading Hossa back to Atlanta?

By ben

June 25, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

i love this time of year. we’re all at the same level. it’s all so grand. but the truth is, if they don’t get 2 scorers, it’s going to be the same until the budget goes up.

GOD, PUHLEASE GOD, WILL YOU PUHLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO PUT 2 SCORERS AND A D MAN IN OUR TEAM.

By kracker

June 25, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

*J(Z) * Bogosian either makes - and stays - with the Thrashers out of camp or he goes back to juniors (back to the Perersborough Petes of the OHL) until next season. As a player in the CHL (the governing body for the various Canadian junior hockey leagues) he can’t play in the AHL until he is 20 years old, per agreement between the CHL and the NHL.

Had Bogo been drafted out of Europe/Russia instead of the CHL, the 20 year old requirement to play in the AHL does not apply.

By kracker

June 25, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

oops correction: “per agreement between the CHL and the NHL.”

Make that per agreement between the CHL and the AHL.

By Brendan

June 25, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

I GUARANTEE you, Don Waddell will not be fired next year. Not even for after a 30th-place finish.

Well, stop and think about it, people. If seven out of eight seasons (7/8) in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference, and the worst GAA running, since 1999, didn’t get the man fired, nothing will.

It’s like how I’ve been telling you. It’s an experiment the ASG is trying. They want to be considered “groundbreakers.” Their theory is simply this:

“Everyone fires coaches and GM’s over results. Over Accountability. We’re not going to do that. We’re going to see how much BETTER our coaches and GM’s can be, if they KNEW that they wouldn’t be fired … and that they could count on longevity at their posts, in order to improve, and to learn from their mistakes.”

It’s not some “theory” anymore. It’s REALITY. Our market, and our hockey club, is the “guinea pig” of a test experiment being conducted by the Atlanta Spirit Group, LLC.

You doubt me?? Don Waddell is in YEAR TEN (10) of running this club. You’ve seen the results. You know know the word “accountability” means. I strongly suspect the ASG gave Waddell a 3-year contract back in November. They’ve tasked him with the rebuilding project. They are not going to ask SOMEONE ELSE to step in to fix it. They think Don is THEIR MAN. They didn’t fire him, even after a 28th place finish, in SEASON EIGHT. They won’t fire him. There just isn’t anything more to add.

By Rawhide

June 25, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Hey all, Qualifying offers went out to 4 players including Kari.

Brendan I refer you to my “Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Plato and Socrates” comment from 1:38 pm.

Sage - Consider it “sticky-ed”. For the record, last season the Thrashers had 41 points after 41 games. Let’s see how they stand mid-way though this coming season.

Look, As BG33Brown pointed out…no one is delusional about the team being cup continders at this point. Especially with the players currently on the roster.

But…this has been a nice week al-in-all for Thrashers fans. Anderson, Bogosian…now news that they are moving to deal with Kari. Now the UFA season is upon us.

These are all things that help put last yar further in the past and cause fans to begin looking to the future.

Me?…Like I said “cautiously optimistic”.

By Alan

June 25, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

-walks over to the Brendan record player and moves the needle a little-

Sorry, he was starting to skip. And everyone knows what happens when records skip, right?

Now, less GM discussion, more FA discussion. Montreal allegedly offered Sundin 2yr/$14m, but he hasn’t taken it. If Sundin continues to play, I’m almost certain he’s going to be a blueshirt this coming season.

I’m very happy to hear that we sent Kari a qualifying offer. Not sure what happened to Desbiens, but I’m overall content with the offers that were made. Now, to see where we stand with signing them.

By gategirl

June 25, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I Want Soupy I dont care what we have to do to get him

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

RH — It’s tough to see Desbiens go simply because of his highlight reel fights. He’s a blast to watch, I hope some team picks him up as their version of Fedoruk/Shelley.

It’s also good to hear about the other players tendered…I’m glad nobody of value was let go for free (Desbiens was still a power forward with work needed).

By Tony C.

June 25, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

“The Destroyer” definitely needed to work on his game.

I was looking forward to seeing him whup Hollweg’s @ss though.

By ranallo10

June 25, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — Hollweg and Brashear were on my list of hopeful a*-kicking’s by Desbiens, with a long shot fight of him against Phaneuf.

But you’re right, he definitely needed to work on his game. Specifically his offense.

I’d love to see Valabik and Pronger go at it.

By BigAl

June 25, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

BG/Smoothie

Tucker gets bought out. Period.

He is free agent after that and can sign and play for whoever and for how much.

There is no connection with his buyout and his new deal.

By Brendan

June 25, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Tony C., that definitely would have been nice. I guess we’ll just have to settle on Exelby kicking his … Ask Alan what will happen.

Kari Lehtonen will probably be signed pretty soon. It’s not like he can really hold out for big bucks. He did get injured, again. It was his groin. Again. (Different area, I’m told.) And he wasn’t some 30-game winner. I’m not sure why Don has stalled so long on his contract, lest he was thinking about pulling something off at the draft. But, since that didn’t happen, it should be full-steam ahead on contract negotiations.

Rawhide, RE: 1:38 PM post, I can hear Bruce Levenson now. “Everyone said we were CRAZY to keep Waddell. But he did rebuild this team, just like we knew he would. Now PRAISE us, all, for being such ‘visionaries.’”

Well, isn’t it ALSO true that it’s pretty hard to stay at the bottom of a league, with salary cap? (Lions fans will have to stop reading at this point, or they’ll hurl objects at me. Bengals fans, too.) But if a team tanks, they draft high. If they just take a consensus pick every year they tank, chances are, pretty good, that they’ll improve as these players eventually develop and play on their roster.

As bottom feeders, they also get 1st crack and whatever quality players wind up on waivers, like Phoenix, when they got Ilya Bryzgalov. And Atlanta, when they got Mark Recchi. Etc.

Well, if such a hypothetical team just stays within proper salary parameters, signing Tier I players at Tier I rates, and Tier II players, at Tier II rates. And so forth. And the hypothetical GM doesn’t get fleeced on any “quick fix” trades. Or fleeced on trades, period. Doesn’t it stand to reason, that the team would flourish, given a 3-5 year window of opportunity, in the manner just described?

Well, is that approach “genius,” or merely “common sense?”

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe we let Happy Gilmore go.

By ben

June 26, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Is the ice actually made out of frozen water? Could we make it out of a synth gel acording to the rules? Maybe then the ice surface would be better.

By Jameson

June 26, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Brendan. I’ve been a bit behind lately. Trying to catch up with all the posting that’s going on. I think it’s even more than last season.

Anyway, I originally picked Hossa to go to Detroit, I’m pretty sure I made a comment about his tryout there earlier in the year, but if NHL Numbers is up to date, they only have 5 d-men signed for next year, and it has been clearly stated that they prefer to pay for defense, and grow skill. I think any UFAs they bring in on forward will be cheaper than Hossa.

I think Montreal got their big winger in Tanguay, and I don’t see Boston or Ottawa really having room for him. Both Columbus and Atlanta have plenty of space, but it’s clear he wants to go to a contender. I do find the Colorado prediction interesting, but I’m gonna say in the end he resigns with Pittsburgh for more than the original offer, but will go with no NTC because they will likely have to move him or Malkin before it’s over with.

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

Brendan - After reading your last post, I couldn’t help but think of those stupid Guinness commercials where the two morons keep saying, “that’s genius.” However, I keep picturing Levenson and Waddells faces on the two morons in the commercial.

By volgrad1985

June 26, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

Without the use of any free agent signings, this is how I would pair our current roster of players who are under contract or RFAs:

1.Kovalchuk-Christensen-Thorburn 2.Kozlov-Little-Armstrong 3.Sterling-Slater-Perrin 4.LaVallee-White-Stuart

1.Enstrom-Havelid 2.Bogosian-Klee 3.Valabik-Zhitnik

1.Lehtonen 2.Hedberg

Scratched-Exelby, Haydar

Now, assuming we are able to make any splash in the free agent market, here is how I would like to envision the team, staying with the premise that we would only go after UFAs and not any RFAs:

1.Kovalchuk-Christensen-Vrbata 2.Kozlov-Little-Armstrong 3.Malone-Slater-Perrin 4.LaVallee-White-Thorburn

1.Enstrom-Havelid 2.Bogosian-Rozsival 3.Valabik-Klee

1.Lehtonen 2.Hedberg

Scratch-Exelby, Sterling

I wouldn’t mind starting the season with the bottom lineup and our new coach that actually has a honest to god system in place. It’s not a Stanley Cup contending lineup, but it’s certainly enough for Southeast Conference and playoff contending, no?

By NASCAR Dave

June 26, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Now it’s time for some BUYOUTS…

ZHITNIK, LARSEN mainly…

Remember I suggested we cut ALL UFA’s loose? Well we signed MOOSE, and that’s fine… But the rest should go, including RECCHI… I would consider signing BOULTON as a Healthy Scratch LW, but it would be the last contract I offered, and for a 1 Year Deal only…

As for FA’s: We need either 2 D-Men and a #1 Center, OR 1 D-Man, a #1 Center, and a RW… I prefer the 2 D-Men choice… Let the kids and WHITE/PERRIN/SLATER battle it out for the RW spot…

By LAC

June 26, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this

Brenden, sorry NO NTC… I feel at that price how can you ask that ?

Loved your comments on waddell and asg, just numming to the mind of clear thinking people who support this franchise and have to endure his misgivings over ten years, really really sad as you said !

By five_hole

June 26, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - Went back to your 1:38 comment and was very disappointed. I was expecting something like Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Plato and Socrates walk into a bar and …

I agree with your assessment that all in all, a pretty good week. Of course, we haven’t played a game this week, and Waddell gave the “you’re doing a heck of a job, Brownie” support to Zhitnik, but as you said, I am cautiously optimistic.

By Universal Dawg

June 26, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Sorry Brenden…Hossa will get a NTC. He still remembers his last contract. He signed with Ottawa, got traded to Atlanta.

By Sam

June 26, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

As many have politely stated this line-up basically strikes fear in no one. Going into any season you must stack up your lineup against the defending champs and see how they compare. The Red Wings wouldn’t take or even want 90% of the Atlanta roster. I’m not even sure the Canes or Caps would want more than 5 or 6 players of the Thrashers roster. This does not bode well at all. Free agency players must be at the top of the list just as the new Lightning owners have publicly stated or else Atlanta will be battling the Panthers for the cellar.

By Sara

June 26, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

You know what? I don’t care if we hit the cellar next season - cause that just improves our odds of landing Tavares (who IIRC is a C, no?). Here’s what concerns me…

We’re going to upgrade just slightly from last season - enough to get us to about 11th or 12th place in the East and falling just short of a lottery pick. Which means no playoffs AND no Tavares. That would suck more than anything.

On another note - is anyone besides me really bored?? July 1 can’t get here fast enough IMO.

By Bob

June 26, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Lineup? I don’t even want to lay one out given the guys we currently have under contract, it’s just too ugly. But, hey, if we can sign a #1 center, #1 defenseman, and top line RW, all is good, right? No problem, eh?

Anyone thinking about Esposito in this lineup may want to rethink that. On Hockey’s Future, they’re saying he wasn’t even invited to the tryout camp for the Canadian U20 tryouts. Not even invited to compete to make the squad against under 20 yr olds, no way he makes the NHL. This kid is bust all over him, a Waddell Blue Light Special if you will

I’ll be waiting and hopeful for next week to see what happens. If Zhitnik isn’t bought out by Monday, that’s the first sign that it’s the same old same old.

I agree with Brendan, if Waddell hasn’t been fired yet, he never will be. We are well and truly poly screwed.

By ben

June 26, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t read too much into that thing about Esposito not being invited to tryout. There are a ton of guys up there who play hockey and he was a sticking point to the Hossa trade. I’d put way more stock in that than anthing. With the number of players they have in the fold, one has to think there will be some fairly big signings. But I really was wondering why can’t they use some sort of synthetic gel or maybe a higher powered cooling system than most clubs to maintain the ice?

As to the possible Waddell firing, every time they finished very poorly there were extenuating circs which some may well have thought good enough to keep him on. Maybe, he isn’t a good drafter of tallent although, in recent years it is getting better. Perhaps the league is overextended at thirty teams, and there simply isn’t the tallent. Remember, we were in the hunt for a while last year. And personally, though I am no Waddell supporter, I tend to throw out the pre lockout era FA signings. Having said that, I truely feel ownership will sell this team once the lawsuit is resolved, whomever wins, because neither party has the money to run these franchises without the other.

By Smoothie

June 26, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Sorry Brenden…Hossa will get a NTC. He still remembers his last contract. He signed with Ottawa, got traded to Atlanta

That’s why I think Pitts will retain Hoss because they will be the ones to cave in on the NTC (actually will prolly be a NMC much like Tucker’s). I think he’ll get offers between 7.5 & 8 mill / yr but those teams won’t be willing to do a NTC for 6-7 years. I can see Pitts coming back with 7 yrs / 50 mill and a NTC to keep him happy. With Hoss, I really do think it’s more about stability, feeling appreciated and winning in the end.

Sara’s right, July 1 can’t come fast enough…have we signed Brian Campbell yet?? My dream scenario is BC along with Mike Ryder and Rolston to sure up our RW.

A guy can dream can’t he??

By Alan

June 26, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

because neither party has the money to run these franchises without the other.

That’s not what Bernie Mullin said after he resigned his position. He said the ASG has plenty of money in an interview on 680.

By Alan

June 26, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of room for FAs. I’ll be surprised if we sign three or more.

We need: * two defenders * two right wing * top line center

What we can expect: * one defender * one center OR one right wing

The reason being is, of course, we have way too much dead weight on our roster that is signed through this season… and it doesn’t look like there will be any buyouts.

By Smoothie

June 26, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Alan’s right, it’s time for the ASG to pony up. Show the fans they mean business when it comes to hockey as well as b’ball. Why else own a damn team if you don’t want to win? These guys didn’t become millionaires simply because they were good at maintaining status quo profit margins…they’re all greedy b******* who made a name for themselves in business. Or they were all just very lucky trust-fund babies!!

No reason the ASG shouldn’t be willing to spend 46-48 million this year as the cap will prolly move to 56 M like ranallo said. We can easily afford BC and two wingers or some other combo of wingers and defensemen after re-upping Kari for 3.5 M / yr.

In the spirit of RStroz, who is looking for proof of a commitment, if they were to ink Brian Campbell (right, wrong, overpaid or not), I would call my rep and buy a 13 game plan…without hesitation.

NUFF SAID…sorry Dave, had to do it.

By NASCAR Dave

June 26, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

That’s not what Bernie Mullin said after he resigned his position. He said the ASG has plenty of money in an interview on 680.

ALAN! You’re exactly right! He said it again this morning on 680…

Without specifically saying it, he led all to believe the SPIRIT are CHEAP!!! But we ALREADY knew that!!!

NUFF SAID…sorry Dave, had to do it.

No problem whatsoever SMOOTHIE… I would suggest that people here use that phrase more often, wouldn’t you agree???

By Alan

June 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

In other news today (so far):

The former Portland Winter Hawks coach (now associate coach with Nashville) is putting together an ownership group to buy out the current owners of the Winter Hawks, saying he’s tired of seeing his favorite junior team suck.

Russian hockey legend and IIHF HoF’er Viktor Kuzkin has died after a diving accident.

James Deacon at aol.ca wonders if the Maple Laffs are heading in the wrong direction.

Today is my birthday, shared with current NHL’er Ed Jovanovski. (Sorry, I couldn’t help the attention whøring.)

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

You know what? I don’t care if we hit the cellar next season - cause that just improves our odds of landing Tavares (who IIRC is a C, no?).

Well, you better hope we get Tavares if that happens, because Kovalchuk will be gone.

This team has to at least win the SE Division this year.

By GaVaHokie

June 26, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Calgary just put Rhett Warrener on waivers… that’s fairly tempting. He’s a good stay at home, responsible defenseman.

By NASCAR Dave

June 26, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

He’s a good stay at home, responsible defenseman.

Is he better than KLEE???

KLEE is a stay at home D-MAn, however, I suggest he stay at home more often… You Know, FOR GAMES !

Well, you better hope we get Tavares if that happens, because Kovalchuk will be gone.

This team has to at least win the SE Division this year.

Good point. I agree 100%…

By Sara

June 26, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not banking on a division title next season - not without something MAJOR in the UFA department. Washington is much stronger than we are, so is Tampa for that matter for all that they finished on the bottom. They’ve got a better goalie this year, Boyle should be healthy, and they have two number one centers (damn them). Our D is going to have it’s work cut out for it in the division this season.

It’s going to take this year AND next off-season to restock and rebuild this club. We’ve got two years to re-sign Kovy. I know everyone wants to say it’s just one, but it really is two. If this club tears it up in the ‘09-‘10 season, don’t think Kovy won’t sign on the dotted line. The main thing to me is Don has to let Kovy in on the deal if we are talking two years. Give him some specifics of exactly what the team is planning (and follow through on it). Kovy loves this team and wants it to be successful - if mgmt can show it’s got a solid plan, Kovy will buy in IMO.

By Smoothie

June 26, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Regarding guys like Rhett Warrener, I prefer that we steer clear of claiming anyone off of waivers (other than Tucker whom I think would be the perfect player to “protect” Kovy in an idea situation, which means in a situation where we have a proven, play-making pivot between them).

We need to make a big splash in FA NOW or no splash at all. I think it’s just as important for the ASG to convince Kovy (not just we fans and STH’s) that they’re serious about winning and getting him some help. We cannot afford to wait until next year with Ilya (see example A: Marian Hossa).

How old is Warrener? Perhaps it’s just a salary dump and he still has 2-3 good years left. But again, I give you Ken Klee…nothing wrong with KK if he plays 3rd line mins with a guy like Popo or Bogo.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Alright, here’s some good news…depending on how you look at it.

The salary cap has risen to $56.7M. This means the minimum team salary MUST be $40.7M. Which means the Atlanta Thrashers MUST spend $7M to be within that minimum.

So, if you had at least $7M to spend, how would you spend it??

I have a feeling that money will be used on two $3-$4M players, likely a forward and a defenseman.

If broken up, I’d go after Rozsival, Streit, Hainsey, Ryder, Huselius. If used as a lump sum, I’d through it all at Campbell or Redden.

The interesting thing (to me) is to see how much OVER that minimum this club actually shells out. I expect no more than $43M, I don’t think they’re willing to spend freely (as usual).

By Smoothie

June 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

ranallo — why don’t you think they’ll spend no more than last year’s total of 43.647? They could stop at 45 M and have 12 million to pay Kari 3.5 M, lure a Brian Campbell (7.5 mill) and a RW like Ryder, Rolston or Malone.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — I wasn’t too far off on my $56M guess, was I?

Isn’t it amazing how the original salary cap was $39M, now the salary floor is $40.7M?? So much for keeping teams from spending freely!

Alan — Happy Birthday!

Hokie — I don’t agree regarding the SE Division. It’s obviously harder to prove to someone that you’re building a winning franchise with only a year remaining, I think financially tihs team will be in great position to continue their rebuilding in the 2009/2010 season, and be a competitive team with a young core of players. If this coming season were horrible, the bright side is there’s another strong top 5 draft class available. If the team does well then perhaps the Thrashers can make another splash in Free Agency, and hopefully use that splash to shore up the roster.

There’s obviously a lot of hopefuls regarding the situation (I am a fan after all), but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to imagine this team missing the playoffs this season and still having a legitimate chance at retaining Kovalchuk.

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — I have little faith that the ASG will spend much of the available cap room, and that comes from them being $8M under the cap last season with some glaring deficiencies on the roster.

I’m very cynical about their motives beyond profit margin. It’s easier for the ASG to spend the bare minimum, because it costs them less but a product is still on the ice (potentially making them money).

I’m not convinced the ASG is willing to spend the money it would require to build a competitive franchise.

By Alan

June 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks, ranallo :)

I too am cynical about the ASG’s motives, but I also think the ASG realizes they are in deep $hit with the fans and STH’ers. I think they’re going to spend between $47.5M and $50M, because in the end, they have to look like they’re doing something to keep selling season tickets.

I know about a dozen people who have said they’re going to buy ticket plans if Atlanta can sign Campbell. We’ll see what Atlanta’s negotiating prowess is come 1 July, when it will matter the most.

I’m not expecting a Campbell, though. But seeing Campbell in Thrashers blue would definitely be a good reason to attend opening night.

By Smoothie

June 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

ranallo — I certainly understand your skepticism, but I don’t reckong the ASG will be making any kind of profit this year if they don’t make a “capital” investment in the form of a big name Free-Agent or several second tier FA.

There’s less doubt in my mind that the STH fan base will continue to erode and wane throughout the season if the ASG simply signs Kari, Recchi & Boulton to maintain the status quo + Bogosian. A futile 27-43-12 record is not going to keep enough people interested to make them a marginal profit throughout the year. It’s time to put up or shut-up. I just hope they are not so arrogant as to think they can get away with doing less or repeating last season’s free-agent “success”.

By Rawhide

June 26, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAN!!

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I just hope they are not so arrogant as to think they can get away with doing less or repeating last season’s free-agent “success”.

Smoothie — I definitely agree with you here. I hope they do it, and would like to be proven wrong, but unfortunately this ownership group instill nothing but skepticism in me.

You and Alan are right though, in order not to alienate the fan base they MUST spend more than the minimum requirement.

We’ll see if they green light the necessary UFA spending.

By kracker

June 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Clearly, the cost of a barrel of oil must be a factor in determining the salary cap and floor.

By Brendan

June 26, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

By 2011, 19 of the 30 teams will not be able to afford the floor of this cap. We’re, essentially, right back to where we were. Ya know, when the Red Wings, Devils, and Avlanche took 5-year turns skating the Cup.

1995 New Jersey … 2000 New Jersey.

1996 Colorado … 2001 Colorado.

1997 Detroit … 2002 Detroit.

Remember, when the mood was “It’s hopeless, utterly, utterly hopeless” for Phoenix, Carolina, Edmonton, and Buffalo? With this kind of cap, Detroit might NOT have any trouble getting Hossa. Yes, I know. Will you please spare me. Yes, I am aware this just means that the other Red Wings players will demand even more, still making it hard to sign Hossa. Can you let it go, just this once?

You get the overall concept though. And yes who’ll PAY for it all?? From where do 76% of all the revenues come? Answer: Ticket sales. So now, markets like Atlanta, will have to charge even more … just to meet the floor … to trot out a cruddy product that half the hockey fans don’t want to see. They want to see good hockey. They want wins. Otherwise, they’ll find other and better ways to spend their evenings and disposable income.

Now, let me ask you this. Isn’t it the case, moreso now than ever, that Tier I players will look to the markets who can and will consistently SPEND to the nearly $57 million cap limit, when it comes time to sign their next contract??

How on Earth are the smaller markets, even with the revenue-sharing dollars, supposed to compete with that, when “break-even” is $38.5 million? Or possibly, right at the $40.7 million floor?

And yessss, it is also just as true that Yesteryear’s Rangers, Flyers, Capitals and Leafs SPENT TO THE HILT and didn’t get “much” for their investment. (God, do I really have to listen to that argument AGAIN?!!!) Spending doesn’t equal success. We know that. Next topic. But it doesn’t change the fact the economic framework is imbalanced among the 30 teams. That’s the larger point. The lockout set forth to fix that. It didn’t.

When the cap was $39 million, two of the three (2/3) smallest markets met in the Finals, Carolina vs. Edmonton. If the cap had stayed around $44 million. It really would be a cap that’s still, pretty much, fair to everyone. But at $56.7 million, it’s fair to “rich” markets. Is this what we lost an entire season for, back in 2005?

By ranallo10

June 26, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Logic stands to reason that if the salary floor is $40.7M then the break-even point for a franchise is at or above that mark.

I don’t believe the NHL is SOOOO inept that they set a salary standard that the smallest markets in their league cannot reach without operating at a loss for the year. Clearly that isn’t good business.

By Tim

June 26, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

BRENDEN you seems to forget two points in this whole CBA. 1st, the revenue sharing system is in place for those odd team that not able to meet the floor. Sure they still gonna loss money but not as much as prior to the lock out and still be able to offer their fan a much more competitive season.

2nd point, it is true that the cap has been raising for the past 4 season and people start to wonder why we have a lockout at the first place. At this time, 4 years later after the cap have been installed, we have reach the same level. Now imagine if we didnt have a lockout season, my guess it Detroit, Colorado, New York and other high money team would have a budget of close if not 100 millions already and those small market team would be able only to suit their AHL team on ice. So with the cap era, parity exist as we can see in the standing and that in turn provide more excitement for hometown fan to cheer on their team and that in turn results into revenue. You wont be able to make a league of 30 teams survived of only a quarter of them are making huge money. Now you can argue that some of those small market team shouldnt even have a team at the first place. But now with the cap installed, the NHL is making revenue of over 2.5 billions (raw number without adjustment), which is three time what it make when Bettman took the NHL under his helm. Of course, USD$ and CND$ played a big part in those revenue, but more fans (not neccesary thos who attend to the game but also those who purchase gear and accessorie) means more money in the system, mean cap increase.

Also let not forget that the cap is directly link to the NHL revenues. If the NHL making profit, then the cap raise resulting into more money for the players which is perfectly normal. Players will never get more then 57% of the league revenue which also protect the owner to overspending. Now, it will take only one bad season where the revenue decrease and the cap will also decrease. People then to forget that it is not a hard cap and that it can increase (which is what happened for the past 4 season) as well as that it can go down. Now imagine a scenario where all the big club are at their limit already and then the NHL announce that the cap will be decreasing for the next season because, well not enough fans came to watch hockeys because tickets are too expensive, those club will have to give up players (or buy out)to get their budget below the cap and those who have been responsible with their budget would be able to get those players.

In toher words, since the cap era, it give way much more possibility then prior the lock-out. So far, the league have been flourishing for many reasons, but like I said, i am more interested to see what would happens when the league is making less money then the previous season and need to reduce the cap.

By MB

June 26, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Sara, I’m with you that the division title is highly unlikely this year.

We have a new coach, a new system for many to learn, a bunch of young players presumably getting a shot at the bigs, new lines, and hopefully a couple of new FAs coming into the fold.

I think Sara’s right that you let Kovy in on the plan (assuming there is one).

“Kovy, we’re going to address the defense this year and bring in a good RW to add to your line. Going into next year, we’re bringing in a top line C for you, only because the pool is so weak this year.”

He’ll still be itchy, but if they do what they say, and if he can see the development of a solid system under Anderson, he just might be convinced to stay.

Ranallo, I’d have to say I’m coming out of the summer fairly happy if we end up with a D and RW from your breakout FA spending, and happier still if they do more.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Howabout this story… Wonder what the FUBAS sales reps would like to address if they had the opportunity (and the stones) do write a mass-mail like that guy did?

Oh, and I’d be the cap decreases after this season. Depression is here, and I think we’ll see it impact the turnstiles.

As far as going to #17 now and putting the “master plan” down on paper for him to buy in (he’s got to realize he will always be The Man if he stays here, a la Sundin in T-dot), or let DW know that he’s tired of waiting. Either way, I think it is the most rational course of action.

I mean, I’m sure that the CHL would be happy to have him, then he can wait out his NHL contract and then join Red Army East (D.C.) when it runs out.

By ben

June 26, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Alan,

what mullin said is curious because Belkin was brought in for extra financing vis a vi payroll. But then times do change. then again why not up the payroll. is it cause they think the support just ain’t there? But then, why award the franchise to start with if there was no market for hockey?

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Also, anybody know if Hlavac can play RW???

Another side-note; Melrose is going to have his boys ready to drop’em. He has come out on the record to say so. Now, I know we’re all looking forward to somebody being dumb enough to take on Big Vikki, but honestly, I don’t see too many guys with the size or the stones to do so. So you keep Boulton and tell Thorburn to get ready (or get Avery). Because you know that tampa is going to run @ #17, and you know you’re going to have to scrap to stop it.

I mean as it stands we have a very promising heavyweight, a middle of the road middleweight and a kind of dissappointing light-heavy…I’d rather us get Avery than Tucker if we’re looking for a pest who can score…He has better versatility, and he’s younger. Plus, given his metro-type ways, he’d probably enjoy living here.

By ben

June 26, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

TIM & TONY C.,

I too think the economy will cause the NHL economy to squeeze down. I think we could be headed towards a Canadian cup winner. We may well see contraction as almost happened in baseball. Perhaps, this is untrue though. The obituary for this league has been written and rewritten time and time again. The lockout was good for the league, but remember when the “experts” saw the end of the league?

The end is not near, for the league anyway. If you want my opinion, the Russian league is going to give the NHL a run for the money as far as talent goes. That’ll keep Russian players at home, but then again as long as the political situation is as unstable as it is maybe this will act as a counterweight.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Just ran across this in Burnside’s UFA eval page at the worldwideleader:

One of the few centers available this summer, he (Brendan Morrison) could well end up back in Vancouver. Still, he might be another player who could do well with a change of scenery after he was out between Dec. 10 and March 10 with a wrist injury before suffering a season-ending knee injury in late March. The likable B.C. native managed one goal after his return from the wrist injury and posted only nine on the season. Still, if healthy, he’s a 20-goal man with decent skill and would be a welcome addition to any dressing room. Atlanta, playing with Ilya Kovalchuk, might be a nice landing place.

By Camielian

June 26, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Zach Bogosian- his nickname is “Bogey”! Out with the “Bogo” and in with the “Bogey”! Go Bogey, Go!

By five_hole

June 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute! Could it be that Waddell is actually a genius? Consider how much mediocre talent we have signed to contracts this year; Zhitnik, Klee, White, Larsen. Factor in a rookie coach. Could it be that Waddell is positioning himself to have such a lousy year that we get the #1 pick (which will be Tavares)? Plus, if we have a rotten record by March (which is entirely possible), we can add additional picks/talent by trading away players other teams need (if we have anyone that another team actually wants).

We can stockpile for the 09-10 season!

Genius! Sheer Genius!

By kracker

June 26, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Genius? Risky…hard to see these guys having the balls to blow off another season - deliberately! - in order to try to possibly have a breakout year the following season, there are no gaurantees for such a plan. Too risky for these guys by far, IMO.

But it’s something to think about in the dead of summer.

By HookyBob

June 26, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Here I come to the party,…late as usual.

Hap..Happ..Happy birthday Alan. Hope you have many more and continue to post here.

Looking at the line-ups listed above is depressing. So,…we have to spend $7M just to meet the league mandated minimum and we have about 18+/- players signed. We need to shore up 3 (of 5) positions. As Bob put it,..But, hey, if we can sign a #1 center, #1 defenseman, and top line RW, all is good, right? No problem, eh?

Would be really interesting to know what “the plan” is. That, of course “pre-supposes” (word of the day material there) that there is “a plan.” Hard to imagine this “plan” has been in place more than 4 months (trade deadline) though.

My guess is the current “plan” is to offer Soupy $7M, or more, for 4-5 years and take care of the cap problem at the same time (also gives the “illusion” that ownership is serious about fielding a competitive product). Will he sign,…only if no one else offers $6+M. So plan B is to get two players averaging $3.5 M so as to make the league happy. The point I’m getting at is is “the **plan” to just get by.

How does revenue sharing figure in? Do the Thrashers get some NHL support $s? We’ve talked about (and witnessed) the break-even,..marginal team model that gives the owners a nice profit when the franchise is sold. If they also get NHL revenue sharing,… included in that model…they are taking both the NHL and the fans to town.

Ben,..The deteriorating value of the US dollar will also help the Russian league compete with the NHL for talent. Also, seems like the dollar’s value may be somewhat linked to oil (BTW: I slept at a Holiday Inn last night) which further enhances the Soviet competitive position.

Kracker,…great comments. My only comlaint is,…that you don’t post more often. :)

98 Hours to free agency. Get your rest folks. Good night all.

By Tony C.

June 26, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Russian-

How do you say “Please don’t leave” in russian???

Spell it phonetically for me please.

And yes, I expect we should chant it at home games.

By ben

June 26, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

HOOKYBOB,

I agree totally with your assesment. I also would like to add that I think that the NHL may well contract in the next decade or 2 as it must compete against Russian billionares who have rearranged the already odd Russian tax code so that the players pay no tax. However, the nation is quite corrupt and people are still fleeing.

TONY C.,

I second that about the chanting.

still no answer on the ice question from earlier. I was serious about that. I find it hard to imagine that they don’t use some sort of frozen gel in this hot climate. Surely someone has thought of this.

ON MEAT SAUCE,

We’ve all been around the block way too many times to think that a child can save the team. I don’t care if he is Enstrom II, there are going to be growing pains. As I’ve said before, unless the team spends to the cap, there’ll be another top 5 draft pick this next draft as well.

By R. Stroz

June 26, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

HAPPY BIRTHDAT ALAN

It’s my son’s birthday as well.

By Alan

June 27, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

Stroz - That’s awesome. Pass my (now late) birthday wishes to the kid, please!

By five_hole

June 27, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

kracker - my post was tongue-in-cheek. I really hope someone as hockey-challenged as Waddell wouldn’t intentionally blow off the entire season, just to get a high draft pick.

By kracker

June 27, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Yes, five_hole, haha even DW wouldn’t try it this season, not after already tanking the past season! (Although, if one could be assured of getting the #1 pick two consecutive years, that would be a sweet way to begin rebuilding.)

Anyway, Waddell means well and wants to win the right way, it just hasn’t worked out. I think they will try to improve over this year and the next and try to convince the franchise to extend/resign here.