AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USZhitty Zhitty Bye-Bye
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I first saw the TSN report that the Thrashers had waived Alexei Zhitnik, my first thought was to comment on it right away. However, upon further review…I figured it might just be prudent to wait 18 hours to allow general manager Don Waddell time to deny the report first.
That time now having passed…
Apparently the Thrashers have waived the veteran defender. If no team picks up the 35-year old then the team more than likely will move to buy out his contract on Monday.
I guess someone in the organ-I-zation has indeed been talking about the possibility that Zhit will not be a big part of the team’s future… contrary to the comments made by Waddell just a week and a half ago.
Certainly, Zhit wasn’t solely to blame for the blueline’s poor performance and maybe he received more scrutiny for it than he deserved. Regardless, this is a proper move to make in an attempt to help revamp a defense that was…well…just awful last year. It’s a move that was needed in order for the team to…move in the right direction.
Ya know, given the fact that Waddell denied the report that John Anderson was being hired as the new coach the night before it was announced he was indeed hired…and now this reversal on Zhitnik’s situation…I’m kinda hoping sometime later this week we read somewhere that Waddell is denying reports that the team has signed free agent defender Brian Campbell.
More Things You Might Want To Know…Or Not
In the same TSN piece about Zhitnik, it was reported that Todd Bertuzzi had cleared waivers. Personally, I like the thought of the 33-year old winger in Thrasher blue. He certainly would bring some fire and passion to Anderson’s O-fense.
Jeff Carter won’t be a free agent this summer as the Flyers have signed the 23-year old center to a multiyear contract. Carter has 66 goals and 132 points in three seasons. He added 6 goals and 5 helpers in last spring’s playoffs.
Darren Eliot thinks new Tampa Bay coach Barry Melrose will feel right at home in the Southeast Division. As well as discussing the Tampa Bay Mullets new coach, he also takes a look at the three other southeast teams with new coaches since this time last year.
Terry Frei of the Denver Post has this interesting read on Jose Theodore. I post this if for no other reason than to share with you the line that reads, “If former vice presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen had been a hockey fan, he would have looked at Theodore and intoned, “You’re no Patrick Roy.”
It looks like the Mullets have acquired the rights to left-wingers Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for a conditional draft pick next summer.
And finally…we have this “fluff” piece regarding a major league ball player who has landed on the 15-day disabled list. His injury coming from… a pillow. While reading this, keep in mind the image of the afore-mentioned Ryan Malone taking a puck to the face, getting stitched up, then returning to play in game five of the Stanley Cup finals.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By The Other J.B.
June 29, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
First.
I KNEW IT!!! I can’t remember on which or whose blog I posted the comment last week, but I predicted that since DW said they had not discussed it and Alexei was in the Thrashers plans for the next season, Zhithead was gone for sure. Changing my name from J.B. to Nostradamus…
…actually in hindsight it wasn’t too hard to figure out so scratch the name change.
By kracker
June 29, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
I originally thought that DW would not make this move, assuming it was not ‘suggested’ by the owners. My thinking was that cutting Zhitnik would be too much of an admission of how badly the Zhitnik/Coburn trade was for the team and that DW would bank on better play this season.
However, it may have beeen just the opposite. Having Zhitnik remain on the team and underperform as he did last year, perhaps eating up cap space watching from the press box, would only keep the ugliness front and center for the entire year. If Zhitnik has not been following the off season training program, there was little liklehood of him rebounding to a level necessary to help the team excel.
Here at the very end of this sorry saga, Waddell gets a reluctant thumbs-up for facing facts and doing the right thing for the team. We will probably never know if he had to convince the owners to eat the contract or if it was his call all the time.
On to Tuesday at 3:00PM!
By kracker
June 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Oh, and a good Thrashers morning to you, Rawhide.
By ben
June 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I hope this means the D gets an upgrade. The T-Birds never should have gotten rid of Sutton, never should have made the KT trade, and signed Savard. Hope Donnie learned.
Brendan posted something a few blogs back about his thoughts on the state of the NHL in a few years. His comment was that 19 teams wouldn’t make the floor at the rate of salary cap growth. Now I don’t claim to know the ins and outs of team-wide finances in the league, but I will hazzard a guess that before it got to that there would be steps that the league would take in order to reign in spending. My perrsonal feeling is that the cap goes down next year due to the slumping economy. This would cause some teams to be on a more competitive footing. Also I really doubt the NHL will be nuts about the prospect of non Montreal, Toronto Canadian hockey teams to get into the finals year after year. Basically, this league has for better or worse bet the farm on teams in non traditional hockey markets working out in the long run.
By five_hole
June 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Ben There are now three things in life that are guaranteed; death, taxes and the salary cap going up. Good economy, bad economy, it doesn’t matter.
I see 2 spots open on defense; we have the money to get the best offensive d-man available, and then go after a tier-2 more defensive stay at home d-man.
I also see us with 2 open spots on RW. And that after a couple of the kids like LaVallee, Little and Sterling will make the club. This will be a significantly different club than took the ice last year.
By kracker
June 29, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
I read today that the FA periosd starts at Noon on Tuesday, not at 3:00PM like I wrote above. Great! We don’t have to wait most of the day for things to break.
By five_hole
June 29, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
At this point, rumors are just that, rumors. However, I have read in multiple places that Campbell wants to sign somewhere close to Southern Ontario, which probably takes us out of the running. However, I did just find this:
Somehow, they have us in the running for Ryan Malone?!? Personally, I’d love it if we could sign him, but this is the 1st time I’ve seen this.
By Alan
June 29, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
five_hole - Campbell said he would “entertain all offers.” Where he ends up could be a shocker to us all. Unless Ottawa can convince him to take a discount, or Toronto manages to woo him over, I don’t see him being near S. Ontario. Buffalo? They’re looking for a big and hard-hitting defender.
By Sara
June 29, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
My take on the original Zhitnik tale was a feeling that ownership was balking at the thought of paying 2/3 of his salary to make him go away. Given what penny pinchers they are, it makes sense. Just my opinion. However, I had wondered that since one of the owners basically promised the fans a new Tier I d-man, I’m not sure where they intended to put him with us having 5 already under contract and a new drafted d-man, 2 from Chicago possibly ready for promotion, and another in Russia who might finally show up on this side of the Atlantic. Considering the last four mentioned + an FA are better (at least in theory) than at least 3 of our guys currently under contract, potentially a few somebodies have to be odd-men out.
Ben I have to respectfully disagree. Sutton should have been let go. We could have put a 6’5” pylon on the ice and gotten the same amount of defense out of it. Plus Sutton took one too many to the head and thought he should be getting bank on his new contract. However, where that went wrong was DW not replacing Andy with something much better.
Also, I still think the KT trade was a good one. Teams vying for the playoffs do rent-a-players all the time. We didn’t give up that much to get him and he really helped this club out. The fact it turned out so badly was not on KT but more on inexperience all around and bad coaching. I would submit that without the KT trade, the Thrashers wouldn’t have even made it in to the playoffs.
As for Savard - Savvy walked away from ATL on his own after a very bad end to his marriage (his own stupid fault) and his ex-wife taking the kids with her back to Canada. Savvy went looking for a team closer to them. I will say Don made a MAJOR mistake by not attempting to re-sign Savard to a contract extension during that last year (his old stance of not negotiating during the season) but he obviously learned that lesson since he wasted no time last off-season trying to get the ball rolling on re-signing Hossa. It didn’t work obviously, but at least he didn’t wait until July 1.
BTW my understanding from someone inside the organization was that Don and Savvy/Savvy’s agent had agreed to discuss any offers Savvy got on the open market and allow ATL the option of matching an offer. However, Savvy just signed with Boston without giving Don that opportunity. Call that hearsay and value it how you want, but I thought I’d put that out there.
By five_hole
June 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Alan - I’m just writing what I’ve been reading. Personally, he’s my #1 FA target. He immediately upgrades our transition game and gives us a point man on the PP.
I would also like to see Valabik make the team for 1 purpose; our PK. I’d station him in front of our net with a 10 ft radius that he would control. I’d love to see a Sundin or LeCavalier try and sit in front of Kari with Big Bad Boris there.
By Brendan
June 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
The Flyers had to make a choice between Carter and Umberger for next season. With Umberger traded to Columbus, I would have been surprised that Philly didn’t re-sign Carter.
If the salary cap actually decreases, or stabilized right where it is, I’m sure GM’s around the league would take note of it and make some adjustments. Before the lockout occurred, some teams had 4, 5, maybe even 6 Tier I players on them. Some team payrolls were in excess of $70 million. One team reached $88 million.
When the cap came into existence, we were told the following. “Gone are the days of the $10 million contracts.” “The cap will stabilize the financial losses for our clubs.” And, “The cap will create parity in the league, as there will be equality among the teams, in terms of what they can spend. Each team will operate from within the same economic framework. All teams can spend up to $39 million (but not more than that).”
Yeah, that was 2005. There are lots of players making $10 million in salary, though their “cap hit” is smaller. The highest cap hit player is Ovechkin, I think, at $9.5 million. The idea behind the cap, aside from stabilizing millions of dollars in losses, was to prevent any one team from having more than three TIER ONE players on them, making $9 million per season. The idea was that … some of these players would have to take their salaries to other markets, making the San Joses and Nashvilles of the league a bit more competitive. Paul Kariya’s deal to Nashville was trumpeted as the “poster child” contract of the new era.
The 2006 Stanley Cup Finalists were Carolina and Edmonton, two of the three smallest markets in the NHL. The cap was $39 million. Since then, the floor of the cap has risen to $40.7 million. And neither the Hurricanes, nor the Oilers, have so much as returned to the 16-team playoff field since 2006.
And if the Red Wings land Hossa, as the top unrestricted free of this Summer’s field, they’re likely to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions again next season. That’s great for Detroit! But it’s not so great for Atlanta, the team who used to hold Hossa’s contract.
By JB
June 29, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Buh Bye Zhitty, Zhitty Bang Bang; hello Brian “Soupy” Campbell?
Well according to Scott Burnisde over at ESPN the Thrash and Rangers are the two teams in the Campbell hunt and Toronto would be in it IF they could move McCabe and his insane salary.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3462917
By five_hole
June 29, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
For those like me, looking for independent confirmation of Zhitnik being waived, I found it here
For some reason, when it’s reported that Waddell makes a move that makes that much sense, I look for second sources to corroborate the story.
By JB
June 29, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
I was just thinking, was the Zhitnik buyout a move to free up an extra 1.75 mil this season in case we got into a bidding war with some like New York for Campbell?
Just a thought.
By Andrew
June 29, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
There is no reason to believe anything Waddell says anymore, just like it was with Rich McKay of the Falcons. They are playing a game when they release public statements.
By polskidawg
June 29, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I was wrong. I didn’t think DW would admit defeat in the Zhit deal. Plus, I can’t beleive that the owners will take the hit. I’m very glad I was wrong.
Campbell? I still believe he’ll be on the Rang-ahs this season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if McCabe is in a different blue this season.
How about McCabe (he’d love Anderson’s style) and, say Orpik?
By Midfield
June 29, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
It very well may be a necessary move, but, please, stop insulting the man already. If you think that he was the sole reason Thrashers tanked last season, think again. Of course, if you have an urge to appear as clasless mob ready to scapegoat an easy pray, go ahead. Butcher his last name for every day until October, when it will be somebody else’s turn.
By kracker
June 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Eklund says the Bolts have signed Malone and Roberts.
By LAC
June 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
What really gets me is waddell lying in public to ALL NHL fans across the world.
The zit move was THE RIGHT ONE, but like the hiring of Anderson, and now this… How the HELL can this IDIOT show his face to anyone, he is a DAMN LIAR.
Now if Larsen.klee/white were added to the list we could have some hope.
As for UFA’s not looking for much of a splash here, maybe one lower teir one but that will likely be about it I am SAD to say.
By kracker
June 29, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
TSN: Bertuzzi clears waivers.
By Rawhide
June 29, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Midfield - I don’t know if your comment was direct my way or not….but I really did try to not pile on here, even pointed out as you did that last year’s defensive problems were not 100% Zhit’s fault.
Regardless, your points are well taken and appreciated.
Sara and Kracker did make some very nice remarls about Zhitnik yesterday afternoon on the previous blog…and I thought they were well put!
I’ll even give DW some props here for this move. It’s not easy to do something like this knowing it gives the impression that it’s an admission of a mistake made a year and a half ago. That’s tough to do for anyone.
So…well done Don.
Now, moving ahead…I firmly believe the team will try…TRY…to get someone like Campbell signed here. Whether or not he can be swayed or not remains the big question. But given the decisions the organ-I-zation has made over the past couple of weeks, I do think they are committed to doing what they have to in order to build a solid squad and get fans to buy tickets.
I guess I’ve moved from cautiously optimistic to “hopefully” optimistic.
By five_hole
June 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - Some people are the “glass is half empty” kind. Some people are the “glass is half full” kind. Me, I’m the “glass has a crack and is leaking” kind of guy. I’ll believe that “we’re moving in the right direction” when I can start to see the road signs.
We have the cap room to sign at least 1 tier 1 free agent. I want to see a difference maker; a game changer, before I can start to have faith. If the Tampa Mullets, er, Lightning, did sign Malone, they just became a better team. Based on the team we have now, could we compete? NO. What about Washington? What about Carolina? We need (at least 1, possibly 2) game changers.
By Alan
June 29, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
kracker - Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
By John 43
June 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I still would like to know who will move the puck up ice and score goals other than Kovy this team needs a top center and top right winger just to start two players that can score 30 plus per year. DW is not going to spend the money if he could close the deal and no one wants to play here but has beens.
By Disgusted Fan
June 29, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Ownership needs to put Waddell on waivers as well, immediately. Don the clown needs to be gone. Get a up and coming GM in here that has a clue, although that calls for ownership with a clue, which this organi-zation does not have either.
By Still a Disgusted Fan
June 29, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Just looked over at hockeybuzz.com for Eklund’s post on free agent rumors, and it only shows a few has-beens interested in Atlanta. Waddell sits on his sorry *ss and fiddles while Rome (Thrasherland) burns. List is reproduced below, copyright Hockeybuzz.com, 2008:
THE HOCKEYBUZZ CENTRAL UFA RANKINGS WITH 2 DAYS TO GO 1. Sundin: MON, NYR, DET 2. Hossa: BOS, SJ, MON, OTT, VAN 3. Campbell: NYR, PIT, SJ, BUFF 4. Jagr: NYR 5. Redden: NYR, BOS, SJ, EDM 6. Vrbata: CBJ, PIT, NJ, OTT, TOR 7. Straka: NYR, PIT, CHI 8. Demitra: VAN, SJ, NASH 9. Dupuis: BUF, CHI, PHX 10. Roszival: NJ, NYR, NYI, EDM, TAM 11. Huselius: CBJ, MON, NYI, WAS 12. Rolston: MIN, BUF, TOR 13. Streit: SJ, BOS, NYR, MON 15. Brunette: MIN, CHI, CAL 16. Liles: BUF, PHI, NYR, DAL 17. Huet: WAS, OTT, CHI 18. Stuart: LA 19. Rob Blake: LA, COL 20. Jeff Finger: PHL, COL, CBJ 21. Avery: NYI, MON, TOR, VAN, SJ 22. Nagy:EDM, NAS, WASH, CAR 23. Stillman: OTT, CAR, 24. Ryder: DET, PIT, BOS, NJ, VAN 25. Jason Williams: TOR, NASH, TB, BUF 26. Hainsey: PHL, SJ, STL 27. Cooke: CAR, NJ 28. Theodore: DET, TAM 29. Brylin: NJ, ATL, DAL 30. Jason Smith: PHL, NJ, EDM 31. Fedorov: WAS 32. Morrison: CBJ, BUF 33. Weight: STL, FLA 34. Peca: BUF, MON 35. Satan: NJ, NYR 36. Commodore: OTT, CAR, ATL 37. Naslund: VAN, PIT
By Sage of Bluesland
June 29, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Hey-ho, Let’s Go!
Let’s get this next ten-year “Five-Year-Plan” started right!!!
Thank goodness for Donny Waddell—I just simply can’t imagine where we’d be ‘without’ him?
(Can you?)
By Tony C.
June 29, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
So according to that link above, Malone, who is a 1.5 pt-per-2 games player just got signed to the tune of $5.6M (it’s quick math, not exact). What does that tell you about the market?
Oh and for the record, I wouldn’t mind seeing Commodore here
By kracker
June 29, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
The new TB owners want to make a splash - no matter how much it costs. Woohoo - love that salary cap! That’s the new market after a big cap increase. Not that we can talk much, at least some of us. I’ve read quite a few opinions that the Thrash should offer Campball $8.5M per…that’s like 5 yrs for $42.5M. Insane.
By kracker
June 29, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
And what’s Coburn going to be worth when he hits RFA/FA?
By Sam
June 29, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
So much for polls. Look at the NHL.com poll about Bogosian being the 3rd most likey D/man to make an NHL roster. He may not be a HUGE impact player right away but I believe he is a lock to be on the roster, especially paired with a veteran. I can see Doughty being first since the Kings were awful, but Schenn second?? Sorry, no way. I guess the Toronto fans are a bit blind in their rationale but that’s Toronto for ya. According to their fans they have been denied the playoffs every year by the Southeast division teams. It doesn’t matter that the Southeast teams have won several Cups and reached the finals a few times since 2000, they still feel they were better. Yeah, right.
By Sam
June 29, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Looks like Malone will be in the $4+ million a year territory. He was really good for the Pens last year and a super pickup by Tampa Bay. Just 27 YOA and coming into his own. He easily could have been here for that kind of money. Sigh….
By ranallo10
June 29, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know if Zach Bogosian is the son of/related to actor Eric Bogosian?
I know they’re both of Armenian decent, so I’m just assuming they could be related. Zach’s from NY, Eric’s from MA…
By volgrad1985
June 29, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Sam Correction-Malone will be 29 years old (not 27) half way through next season, meaning he will be 36 at the end of the contract instead of 34. That could be a big deal to a large winger that uses his body like Malone does.
By Vince
June 29, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Good Point John 43. Who do these clowns think is gonna step up in Hossas spot as 2nd leading scorer? Slava Koslov? Highly unlikely.,
By MB
June 29, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I agree, John 43.
Who do you have in mind?
It’s kind of hard to find true top line centers or right wings available this FA period.
By JB
June 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Three things have made the news tonight in the NHL.
Adam Foote was re-signed by the Colorado Avalanche to a two year, six million dollar contract.
John-Michael Liles has signed a 4 year, 16 million dollar deal to remain with the Avalanche.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242041&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
The Lightning have officially re-signed Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts.
Malone has a seven year, 31.5 million dollar contract it is currently not known the full status of Roberts contract.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242037&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
All four players were eligible for UFA status on Tuesday.
By JB
June 29, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
SON OF A ^$&&^&$&&%
Tampa just acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to Brian Rolston.
http://ww3.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/
They never stop.
By R. Stroz
June 29, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
So who’s left worth having?
Hossa, Campbell, Orpik, Streit
Brendan - I’m looking less intoxicated by the hour.
By ranallo10
June 29, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
The Oilers traded Jared Stoll and Matt Greene to LA for Lubomir Visnovsky
By Thrasher_Ed
June 29, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Wow, Tampa’s new owners are serious, Huh? Maybe the ASG had better get off their collective arses and tell Donnie to get it in gear! The free agent pool is fast shrinking boys and girls and it ain’t even Monday yet!
Campbell,Streit,Orpik, Ryder are out there let’s get’um signed.
By A really Disgusted Fan
June 29, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
So what in the h*ll is Waddell doing? “Zhitnik is a part of future, no wait we just waived him, I think, did we?”
By Chris
June 30, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
We should trade Klee for a 2009 Pick.
Should have waived Larson. He should also now be traded for a pick (09 .
Or trade them both for a young winger or D man. Look, they are worthless here. Toddy White is worthless too, but he has more value on the trade market. Move them///
By Brendan
June 30, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz, if Atlanta landed Hossa, Campbell, Orpik, and Streit, I should think this ownership isn’t a “caretaker” ownership at all.
That’s crankin’ open the wallet. Big-time.
But knowing them, they’d retain these players just long enough to get us all to buy season tickets, then trade them all away for 1st round draft picks, before Opening Night. The money’s non-refundable, right? Forget I said anything. If this post reaches their eyes, it’ll give them some bright ideas!
By Empty Seats Everywhere !
June 30, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
But Brendan they have to spend big money now. How else are you gonna sell tickets? The League is essentially helping the Atlanta fans by FORCING the Owners to spend more money. This is a definite plus to the fans, in my opinion. But, will they (Owners) spend TO the cap, or go cheap again, like they usually do?
This is the 6 million dollar question.
By reptilian
June 30, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
I don’t think it matters how much they spend. With Don W. spending the money you already know its spent unwisely. What does that say?
By Rocco D.
June 30, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Bill* - It’s Monday today, are they going to buy out Zhetnek? It must be done by today.., They’ve got buy out Zhetnek, Bill, right?!
By Sam
June 30, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this
OK, Malone is 28 so why quibble over one year? I know it pains all of us but there is no way to make a positive spin out of this by saying he will be too old at 36 in 7 years. His $4+ million dollar salary is not horribly high and getting Roberts for $1.2 million (incentives up to $2 million not likely) is a drop in the bucket for a leader. Now someone posted that Rolston has been acquired by the Bolts. Another 30 goal scorer for them?? He hasn’t signed yet but what the heck are the Thrashers waiting for?? It’s not good to be so frustrated when the season hasn’t even started yet. It hurts to see a division rival get so much. It’s not like Tampa Bay is Detroit or New York. Simple aggressiveness is all it is taking and they are NOT overpaying by any stretch. Yeah, the price tags aren’t cheap but look at what they are getting for the $7+ million they cleared with Richards, who by the way was HORRIBLE with them last year with less than 10 even strength goals if I remember right and a terrible +/-. Didn’t the Thrashers just clear Hossa’s salary? Isn’t it almost the same thing? Atlanta fans deserve so much better than what is transpiring.
By Tim
June 30, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this
Sam So you rather us overpaying a player (Malone, who never have a point per season yet) and old leg (robert and rolston) rather then saving money to go after teams needs (campbell, hossa)?
TB have 24 millions worth of salary tied into 4 players. And they still have the rest of the team to sign pretty much. Overspending is how you get your hands tied.
By R. Stroz
June 30, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
I’m curious, what happens if the Thrashers are left out in the cold?
If Campbell, Hossa, Redden, Orpik, Steit,… all worthwhile UFAs sign with other teams, the Thrashers have no way to meet the new salary floor.
Do the Thrashers get fined?
Do the Thrashers owners realize no one wants to play under a Waddell regime?
What is the fallout?
By Alan
June 30, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
Stroz That’s an excellent question. I guess it’s something we’ll find an answer to… if it comes down to that.
By BigAl
June 30, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Ranallo Bogosian’s father isn’t the actor. His dad was with him at the draft and I think he was a “football” or “lacrosse” star at Syracuse in his days. A BIG dude!
Sara One clarification on SAVY. He and his agent NEVER gave DW a chance to match or beat his Bruins deal. They never promised him a chance either………His offer to Savy was much lower than Bruins……..
By Hip Czech
June 30, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Ranallo, Bogosian’s dad is Ike Bogosian…he played football at Syracuse back in the early-mid 80’s (back when SU actually had a football team, the ‘89 Peach Bowl still warms my heart!).
Ok, scratch Stoll off the trade list. We lose out on Cammalleri, now Stoll. I wonder if DW even talked to LA? We could have used either Cammalleri or Visnovsky here.
I am not too worried about the Tampa moves - Malone is overrated, he played on lines with Crosby or Malkin, he should have been able to put up better numbers. Rolston is 35 or 36, probably not worth the money.
Wade Redden scares me for some reason.
I like what Edmonton and Phoenix are up to so far this offseason.
By The Other J.B.
June 30, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Check out this quote from the Ottawa Sun, y’all…
A league source said Atlanta GM Don Waddell is so determined to bring Campbell into the fold that the Thrashers might be willing to table a five-year, $42-million US deal (that’s $8.4 million a season).
Here’s the link
That’s alot of cash, but I think it’d be worth it.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Well, if Zhitnik is on waivers, than Waddell must have something in place. Either an early “under the table” agreement from a UFA, or a trade that won’t be made until tomorrow… good stuff!!
If we land Commodore and Orpik, I’d be just as happy than if we got Campbell alone.
Not sure if everyone read this article from PuckDaddy It looks like Anderson wants the same as what we want… a solid defenseman and another Center.
By The Other J.B.
June 30, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Check out this quote from the Ottawa Sun, y’all…
A league source said Atlanta GM Don Waddell is so determined to bring Campbell into the fold that the Thrashers might be willing to table a five-year, $42-million US deal (that’s $8.4 million a season).
Here’s the link
That’s alot of cash, but I think it’d be worth it.
By Bob
June 30, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
If Campbell, Hossa, Redden, Orpik, Steit,… all worthwhile UFAs sign with other teams, the Thrashers have no way to meet the new salary floor
They will sign one of Campbell or Redden, mabye Orpik, to a big deal. They also own Lehtonen a raise and will probably pick up Ryder as well, that’s a Waddell special right there.
I’m not interested in Streit, however. He’s a good puck mover, but terrible in his own end. Campbell, of course, is the prize here. If Waddell can sign him, that is a huge coup for him and would completely shock me.
Good move by Waddell to admit his mistake and waive/buyout Zhitnik. That certainly means we’ll sign one of those free agent dmen, please let it be Campbell, Redden, or Orpik.
My tainted view of Waddell means we’ll probably get stuck with Streit and Ryder, but I will hope for Campbell, he’s a great mobile dman.
By Bob
June 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Instead of worrying about whether or not we’ll be able to reach the cap minimum (which is a valid concern as who the heck wants to sign here of their own volition), we should be excitedly anticipating tomorrow, as there is plenty of cap room to bring in the much needed reinforcements.
Waddell and the owners said at the end of the year that they had a plan.
Well, let’s see it come together tomorrow. Campbell signing, a trade for a center, and even a Ryder signing makes this club competitive, let’s get it done, Waddell.
By B. Thenet
June 30, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
For a team that gave up 267 goals last year, the Lightning seem to be worrying a bit too much about adding goalscorers.
6 teams made the playoffs last year by scoring less or the same amount of goals than the Lightning did last year.
Sure it looks fun when the Tampa owners are trying to make a splash by signing every UFA they can get their hands on….heck it looked good when Arthur Blank was doing the exact same thing with the Falcons.
I am just glad it is one less team that can throw money at the top UFA defenseman.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Why do I feel that Campbell will take less money to stay in Ottawa?
By Sara
June 30, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Bob it’s interesting you are not interested in Streit because of his issues in his own end, but the same has often been said of Campbell (although he’s not terrible). But he’s been known to get out of position while jumping up into the offensive rush.
My only concern with this is due to the amount we are talking about paying to a d-man who does have some noted questions about his defensive play. On the flip-side, he should fit in well with Anderson’s system.
I just want this over with. Watching TB is making me sick to my stomach. So far everything (other than Bogosian) is making me sick to my stomach. Jokinen, Cammelleri, Stoll - all moved and none here. Blech.
By TableHockey
June 30, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
I agree Sara - I think we missed out on Jokinen - would have been a good center for Kovy.
I like Campbell but I’m not sure he’s worth the deal they are reporting Waddell is willing to pay. Not unless the Thrasher’s are going to come very close to the cap this year. Which would be a most unexpected and pleasant surprise - but highly unlikely.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
For a team that gave up 267 goals last year, the Lightning seem to be worrying a bit too much about adding goalscorers.
Exactly what I was thinking. And they’re still sub-par in goaltending.
Before all these signings, Tampa was only $10 million off of last years payroll. So unless the new ownership is willing to overspend, I’d say they’re done. They’ll have the same defense and goaltending as last year.
By Nikita
June 30, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
We should trade Klee for a 2009 Pick.
No, we should not. He’s cheap, but expensive enough to help with the cap, he shows up and plays his heart out the vast majority of the time, he’s mentally steady, and he’s one of relatively few Thrashers who play basic, physical hockey — we need that desperately at every level. Plus his numbers were respectable, comparatively — I’m pretty tired of watching people defend younger players who have done substantially worse while disregarding Klee’s contributions. He’s not a top D-Man, but that’s not why we acquired him. He’s a third pairing guy or 7th man — and honestly, if we’re going to play Valabik/Ex we will need Klee for mental stability.
Should have waived Larson.
Eh, probably. But league minimum, blah blah. I’d be fine with seeing him sent out or down if camp shakes out such that there’s no space for him.
Or trade them both for a young winger or D man.
What you’d get for them won’t be worth it — we don’t really need anything less than an elite forward, and there’s not enough jingle there, and in D you won’t get better than Klee solo because the market is too tight.
Toddy White is worthless too, but he has more value on the trade market.
Does he? We in general don’t need forwards, Todd White costs a fair amount, and he spent a lot of the season injured. I’d like to see him sent out if he doesn’t fit the mix, but I don’t know how tradeable he is.
re: who’s gonna score? Er, if trained correctly the whole damned team’s gonna score. And, I’d like to point out that last year certain players whose names don’t start with a K scored despite the odds relatively often. Personally, I’m excited to see how the youth movement (Slater, Thorburn, Armstrong, Christensen, Little) shapes up, or if it does. I’m pretty certain that all of those players (except possible Slater and Christensen) will see substantial payout.
By B. Thenet
June 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
I will say this about Todd White. Considering what Ryan Malone is getting paid, he might be one of the best value’s around for a guy who is generally good for 40-50 points/season.
I think with his contract, he would be very easy to move….however I think he has a nice rebound season and gets on the right side of 40-45 points next year.
By Sam
June 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Sara is right on the money with her posts (being concerned about the Lightning signings) but a few of the other posts here are mindboggling. How can anyone feel that that the Thrashers wouldn’t be a better team with all the same players that Tampa Bay has supposedly signed? Badmouthing Malone and Rolston?? Are you guys kidding? These are solid 2nd line players at the very minimum. The Thrashers wouldn’t be better with Stamkos, Malone, Roberts, and possibly Rolston? What games do you watch on NHL Center Ice or are you only into Thrashers hockey and hate everything else about the NHL? To the one poster who said Tampa isn’t addressing defensive needs, do you recall a little trade late last year about Richards and Mike Smith? Most everyone in the league expects Smith to be darn close to Turco. That’s quite an improvement over Holmqvist and rookie Ramo. I believe some of the posters here are in denial and I understand how much you hate the fact that Tampa is killing us in the off-season, but they are! They had one super line last year and then ZIP. Look at what they have done. C’mon guys, I love counterpoints and valuable disagreements but bashing players because another team gets them is showing a clear lack of respect and NHL knowledge. If Campbell signs with the Canes or Caps or someone else in the division, does he stink all of a sudden?
By Hip Czech
June 30, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I’m not saying Malone and maybe Rolston if they sign him won’t help Tampa…I’m just saying I don’t think Malone would have been cost effective here. Malone is a good player, he was at an ideal time to get a big contract. The comparison of Malone’s numbers to White’s number is a good one.
We don’t need another Holik (or White) type contract at this point. I think we’re better off without Malone and using that money on two D.
Rolston would help here, but I’d rather get a younger option via trade.
Don’t forget Tampa gets Boyle for the whole year next year. They will definitely be improved, but hopefully if Waddell has a good week we will be improved as well.
By five_hole
June 30, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
I love how people say we should trade all of our underperforming players. Who in their right minds would give us anything for them? You sign ‘em, you’re stuck with ‘em, unless you waive ‘em.
*Toddy White is worthless too, but he has more value on the trade market. * I’m not on the Todd White bandwagen, but I’m not ready to get rid of him yet, either. OK, he didn’t have a stellar season last year. It was his first here, a lot of hockey depends on chemistry/history/learning the habits of teammates. I’m willing to cut him some slack and see how he does this year. He’s still not a #1, but he may be a decent #2.
And I’m anxious about tomorrow, but not really sweating. The way I see it, the pressure is all on Waddell. I think he knows that he’d better produce or he’s out. I’m hoping he realized his mistake last year of the smaller faster players. Especially when we’ve lost a guy like Holik (say what you want but he was a big body that hit people) we need size upfront that can go into corners and outmuscle the other guy.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Sam… who was bad mouthing Rolston and Malone?
The verdict is out on Mike Smith. He played behind one of the best defenses in the league in Dallas. And he hasn’t played a heavy schedule yet.
By Russ
June 30, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Obviously, there is no question that Campbell would significantly improve the blueline, but if the offer is really $42 mil for 5 years that is way too high for him. However, if the ownership’s goal is only to field a competitive team and never approach the cap, it won’t matter if he is overpaid or not…but if there ever came a time in the next five years where they decide to go for it and spend some money they will probably wish he wasn’t getting 1.5-2 mil. more than what he probably should have. As it stands right now this deal would make him the highest paid D-man in the NHL. I believe Lidstrom just won his sixth Norris trophy in seven years and Campbell would be making about $1 mil. more than Lidstrom.
By Bob
June 30, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Tampa is a lot better, those bad mouthing their moves are off base, I think. Malone would have been great here.
Jokinen never had a chance to come here though, and that’s not Waddell’s fault. No way Martin traded him within his own division.
it’s interesting you are not interested in Streit because of his issues in his own end, but the same has often been said of Campbell (although he’s not terrible). But he’s been known to get out of position while jumping up into the offensive rush
Sorry, comparing Streit to Campbell isn’t even close. Streit is just plain awful in his own d zone. Campbell is fine in his zone, sure, anyone that jumps into plays like he does is going to get caught out of position, but that’s a heck of a lot different than Streit being in position and just plain getting beat since he’s so bad in his own zone. Crap, the Habs played Streit at forward last year he’s so bad in his zone.
Sorry, Campbell is the prize here. Which makes me think that because of Waddell, he won’t come here and we’ll wind up with Streit, which would be par for the course and right in line with every UFA dman that Waddell signs (all busts).
Now, I wouldn’t mind losing out on Campbell as much if we sign Redden instead.
By Rocco D.
June 30, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Are they gonna buy out Zhetnek? Gotta do it today, right?
By Sara
June 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Btw, how did I miss the fact that Malone’s dad just got hired by the Lightning? I thought I smelled a nasty stench emanating from the south. Not liking that at all.
Sooo…..what’s the over/under that Don actually signs ANY of our RFAs today?
By Tim
June 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Sam Malone might be good but still overpay noneless. I don’t see how Rolston can improve his play. He is past his prime already but will still be able to contribute. Gary Robert, well he will be there for leadership but no more, dead weight. Stamkos of course will be the killer, but we have Bogo to counter which is not too bad if you ask me. So far, maybe beside Malone (but not for the price, have yet having a PPG season, but will get his share of point playing alongside Lecavalier and St.Louis), I don’t see why i should be envious of TB. At least they have Boyles already which is what we lack. However Smith have yet to prove that he can play on a regular basis as a number 1 behind a defence that is less then stellar! Then again Lehtonen have injuty problems but beside that I rather go with Super Karrpa then Smith. IMO. If we land Campbell, fine, but we already aware of his defensive liability which is why I dont think he is worthing 8.4 millions a year. Then again I am no GM. However if we cannot land him, then I sure hope DW will have a better solution to address out defence. But I won’t badmouth Campbell saying he is a bad player.
By Alan
June 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
five_hole - I agree. I mean, you wouldn’t take your trash to the pawn shop. So why would we take our under-performing players to the trade market? With the hopes that someone will actually take them?
Like you said, we signed ‘em so we’re stuck with ‘em.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
However, if the ownership’s goal is only to field a competitive team and never approach the cap, it won’t matter if he is overpaid or not
Exactly… don’t worry about money. Just hope for the player.
According to Eklund latest story, Atlanta is pursuing Roszival and Streit, and possibly willing to overspend for them. Which, like Russ points out, doesn’t matter.
We’re not coming anywhere close to the $57 million mark.
By volgrad1985
June 30, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I’m more disappointed that we don’t get an opportunity to pursue Rolston as opposed to Malone. In my opinion, Malone isn’t really a proven commodity as yet, however with Rolston you know what you get (30 goals, good 2 way forward play, a Right Winger, veteran leader). Sure, his age gives reason to pause, but he has always been healthy and steady.
I want Campbell as much as most do, and if not him, then 2 D-men just below him on the list (Rozsival, Streit, Hainsey, Orpik).
Obviously, just as important is the need to address our offense. A top notch Center is pretty much out of the question through Free Agency, but still possible via trade. Most vital, I believe, is the pursuit of a Right Winger like Ryder, Vrbata, or even to go out of character and try for the premier RW RFA, Perry.
Of course, none of that above is a surprise to anyone, I just felt like sharing my opinion on who I’d like here. In the end, I don’t want foolish spending of money, but a clear signal must be sent to the rest of the SE Division (and Kovalchuk) that we are here to play this year.
By Rawhide
June 30, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Rocco D - It is my understanding that they will need to do that today.
Other JB - $42 mil over 5 years is a lot of money, indeed…but I think we are gonna be forced to “overpay” to bring him in.
Truth is…money is what we have to lure such talent in, not history.
All else - Great discussions going on…enjoying every bit of it.
Carry on…
By Sara
June 30, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
You know what Bob I’m not really sold on Campbell being the prize. Have you really looked at his stats?? Last year: 62 pts +8 (by benefit of his SJ time - he was -1 for Buffalo). The year before he had 48 pts and a +28 (great year for Buffalo wasn’t it?). Year before that, 44 pts and a -14. Skip back before the lockout year, he had 11 and 10 pts the previous two season and was -8 both years. That’s a whole lot of “-” there except Buffalo’s one great year and the time he spent in SJ (a great team with solid D). Which means, what is he gonna do here in ATL with mediocre D and a team system that’s decidedly heading toward all-offense all the time???
I’m sorry, but I’m having real doubts about giving a D-man $8.4M to come here and be a minus player. We can get that for a whole lot less. We don’t need his point production nearly as much as we need solid D and a good influence on our young guys coming up. I’m just not sold on the Campbell solution. I think this is becoming more about landing a big flashy name (any big flashy name) than really getting the right guy we need.
By Dunwoody_Kevin
June 30, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
What happens if none of these big names want to come here? Then what? What will happen then?
By Bob
June 30, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
You know what Bob I’m not really sold on Campbell being the prize
Okie dokie, I’d still take you as our GM over Waddell.
Seriously though, you have every right to that opinion, but you’re wrong. and you’ll be proven wrong tomorrow or the next day when Campbell gets the biggest contract handed out to a dman, because he is the biggest prize. I don’t get bogged down in stats, I watch games and players, and Campbell is a player.
If anyone is confused, here’s the scorecard. Campbell is the prize, but Redden is a great 2nd choice. Either would make me very happy and improve this club exponentially as they’ll fit in with coach’s new scheme and still be able to play defense. Rozsival pales in comparison, but is more likely for us, he won’t even make out top pair however but would make a decent #3 guy for us. Streit would be the booby prize and would be a signing that’s right up Waddell’s alley. He’s also be a #3 guy here and get a lot of PP time, but not PK time and limited even strenth minutes. You top pair would still be Havelid and Enstrom if they sign Rozsival or Streit. That’s not what we need, we need a top #1 guy that can eat minutes, both Campbell and Redden fit that bill.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Sara… I’d politely disagree.
Campbell was a bit of a late bloomer, I wouldn’t worry about a drop off. What I’d look at is how solid he was in Buffalo last year for a team that went the direction of youth.
If Atlanta is going for flashy offense (similar to Buffalo) what better proof do you need that he’s the perfect fit for Atlanta? If Campbell came in here, put up 60 pts and was -1, I’d say he was well worth $8 million and probably put on a heck of a show.
If Enstrom could tack on a 50 point season to match that, I’d say we have no problems in the SE Division.
By Smoothie
June 30, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I agree with Bob in the sense that Campbell is THE prize because he not only improves your defense but he also improves your TEAM. His puck moving skills and ability to forecheck and put pressure on the other team’s D makes him an inherently better player and even defender in my humble estimation.
Pair him with someone as responsible as Havelid and you have a match made in heaven. I have no problem splitting Toby and Nic if we were to sign Campbell. Hopefully, we can sign a guy like Roszival also and give Toby a very capable new linemate as well. Who wouldn’t be in favor of these pairings?
BC & Nic
Toby & Rozsival / Orpik / Hainsey
Klee & Bogosian
Ex = 7th D-man
By Dunwoody_Kevin
June 30, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Is that when we resign players like Bolton and Recci? When no other teams want them is that how we get them?
By five_hole
June 30, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
I found this link while reading cnn.com. There was a story in their “Truth & Rumors” about the Blackhawks wanting to sign Campbell. I found this particularly interestings: Cap regulations dictate that the most any player can earn next season is $11.34 million. Campbell, who made $1.75 million last season, is expected to sign for about $8 million annually. I didn’t know that there was an upper limit on what a player can be paid.
By Jim
June 30, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
If you make an RFA offer in your own division you weaken your opponent’s roster or their cap space. Screw the Mister-Nice-Guy approach. It hasn’t worked yet and you can lock up young guys for a long time. Maybe it is high time Waddell and Company dive into the RFA market.
Interesting information here.
Wouldn’t the combination of Mike Green and Mezaros for $6.5 million be better in the long run than Campbell playing with Klee, Exelby or whomever for $10 million? I know Green isn’t up to Campbell’s standards yet, but he’s only 23 and logged a ton of minutes last year for the Caps. Good right-handed shooters from the point are tough to come by.
By Sara
June 30, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
five-hole max individual contract is 20% of the salary cap.
Look, I’m not saying Campbell is bad. I just don’t know that he’s $8M+ for who knows how many years good. Enstrom is an offensive d-man. By all accounts so is Bogosian. I don’t want to lock in that much money to Campbell, which might bolster our offensive stats but not help our defensive stats, then not have enough money for Kovy + #1 center + Enstrom next year, etc etc. Remember too, money isn’t just about cap space, it’s about what the owners will let the GM spend. If they tighten their belts in a year or two, we could be screwed. And all for a guy who most experts I’ve seen agree is going to end up getting signed for a few million over his actual value because the market is so bad and some teams (ahem, us) are desperate.
I HATE being this desperate. It sucks. I don’t want to overpay players to come here…it just flies in the face of my good business sense. Except it’s not good business to keep on playing like crap either…and if it takes extra $$ to get good players, then that’s whatcha gotta do. But I still don’t have to like it.
Man I am grumpy today…I don’t know what my problem is. Hockey withdrawals maybe…severe FA-angst. Crappy-owner-itis. I think that’s my biggest problem. Ever since the draft when I caught a gander of the TB owners, and all they’ve done since, I’ve just been pea-green with jealousy. I want an owner like that. Spending money, making stuff happen, plus he’s hot as hell (sorry - had to throw that in there - Nikita and PJ will be feeling me though - they understand!). Plus they have TWO #1 centers - it’s just not right.
God, we have some seriously bad kharma here.
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Sometimes the best defense is a good puck-controlling offense.
Just think of the puck-handling we’d have with Enstrom, Campbell and Bogosian.
By Alan
June 30, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Sara - I think it’s a combination of hockey withdrawals and too much looking at other cities.
I know it’s tough being in our situation, since we’re both Wings fans. I know I for one am watching the situation up there as well as the one we’re facing here. But I’m not letting what Detroit (or Tampa, or Colorado) does get in the way of my thinking about Atlanta, nor am I letting it bother me that X owners are doing Y. Just not worth my time or trouble.
As for curing the withdrawals? How about Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup?
By GaVaHokie
June 30, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Spoke too soon… Tampa is now looking at either Auld or Kolzig in net (E4).
By Smoothie
June 30, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
If we do happen to sign Campbell to a contract worth between 8 and 8.5 mi