AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 03
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Signing Keeps With Defense-First Thinking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That’s right kids…gather ‘round. The Thrashers are indeed participants in the 2008 free agent acquisition party! Yup, Don Waddell has him a real life, genuine UFA signing. Appearently all it took was John Kincade of 680 The Fan going off on the Thrashers organ-I-zation for their lack of action.
And like with the draft a couple weeks ago, the first such acquisition focused on improving the defense.
Wednesday afternoon, some 27-1/2 hours after the signing season began, defenseman Ron Hainsey agreed to a 5 year $22.5 million dollar contract to play in Atlanta. He was the choice of the Montreal Canadiens with the 13th overal pick in the 2000 entry draft and had played the past three seasons in Columbus.
Last season the 6’-3” 209-pound native of Bolton, Connecticut played in 78 games averaging more than 22 minutes for a Blue Jackets defense that, dispite their 34-36-12 record, allowed only 27.4 SOG, (which was sixth best in the NHL). Hopefully what he contributed toward that stat for the CBJs can translate to better numbers for the Thrashers’ backline.
In essence, we have replaced the 35-year old Alexei Zhitnik’s 3 goals, 5 assists and a -8 in 65 games with the 27-year old Hainsey and his 8/24 and -7 in 78 games. Also, he is a player described as having “great mobility, size and reach. Can play on either side of the ice. Displays plenty of offensive upside. Is capable of logging a ton of minutes” by sportsnet.ca.
So, Atlanta’s blueline could now look something like this: Havelid paired with Enstrom…Hainsey could be paired with XLB…Klee could be paired with Bogosian and Valabik could be the fill-in guy. While the ultimate proof will come as the season unfolds, to me that defensive corps looks a bit better than what we were treated to last winter.
Now then…since there is a dwindling few defensive players of interest remaining in the UFA pool, it seems as though that is that when it comes to acquiring defenders via free agent signings.
Next up…could ”shopper” Don turn into “trader” Don in order to see if a center can be obtained for Kovy’s line as well as a winger or two? Possibly. The Thrashers are still in need of this kind of help…plus the team still remains millions shy of the league payroll minimum.
Stuff, Stuff And More Stuff
Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated is amazed at the way NHL general managers have been throwing money around. You know kinda like drunken sailors on shore leave…or politicians.
Ken Campbell of The Hockey News asks the question, “what exactly is going to happen to all these long-term deals once the current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2011-12 season”?
One high-profile player who hasn’t cashed in on the UFA madness yet is Mats Sundin. But that is due to his choosing.
Ross McKeon of Yahoo Sports took noticed that Atlanta and San Jose were noticeably quiet Tuesday.
And finally…I hope all of you have a very enjoyable and safe Independence Day weekend. If you have never before read the Declaration of Independence…or it’s been a while since you have…I invite you to take some time and treat yourself to what is still the greatest letter ever penned.
