Ice Man

By hockeyman3944

July 3, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Rawhide..the Thrashers were “noticeably quiet?” How about “noticeably dead, uninvolved, ambivalent, lacking any ambition…FILL IN ADJECTIVE HERE.” This defense has Swiss cheese written all over it. Indeed Havelid, Enstrom and Hainsey are probably 2-4 D’s on most teams, Valabik is a stiff, Klee is slow and is a career minor leaguer who should be happy to be drawing an NHL paycheck and Bogosian? He’s just not ready for the bigs yet. We need a top line center and a gritty second line wing, add a dash of toughness and use Hedberg for trade bait. No player would want to come to this mess that Dum has assembled, c’mon on! Case in point, Brian Campbell…we settle for Ron Hainsey…more of the same and my season ticket finger is getting very itchy in light of the economy et.al. Where’s my entertainment dollar going? Looking slimmer coming up this winter down at Philips, unless Fraudell can do something, but I think he’s overmatched, out of his league and truly an empty suit with no “street cred” in the NHL.

By PJ

July 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Oh Oh first?

By Brickhouse

July 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Scouring the web this morning, TSN reports Boyle is on the trade block again. And this nugget from the blog at faceoffcircle.net:

1:16 AM - ANOTHER LEAFS RUMOR! I don’t even know what to believe anymore…can someone in Vancouver confirm this? Just heard on Team 1040 in Vancouver about a possible Kubina to Atlanta trade in the works. Coming back to Toronto would be a combination of Bryan Little and something else.

Kubina’s contract has two years left at $5M/yr.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Good morning from Springfield, MA. Home to the National Basketball Hall of Fame and Smith & Wesson. Quite a combo. This is also a hot bed of gang activity. The Latin Kings for those of you familiar with national gangs.

This has nothing to do with Hockey, the Thrashers, or Teflon Don Waddell. I just wanted to participate…

By Bob

July 3, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Yes, the d is better with Hainsey in and Zhitnik out. However, we’re still without a #1 guy, and it’s shame we couldn’t get Campbell here.

Yes, who is left at RW and at Center, those are still two needs that have to be filled? I was heartened to read this morning that the owners are once again doing their end of this by okaying a strong offer to Rolston. Rolston was the top forward available, after Hoss, and apparently the most sought after. I heard he had 17 offers! but Sweet Lou, a great GM, was able to snag him. Did anyone hear Holik on Hockey Night in Canada yesterday? First question was “when did you know you were out of Atlanta” and Holik was pretty diplomatic and only talked about NJ, but you could hear his backhanded slaps at Waddell as he said “it’s great to play again for the best GM in the league, a guy that really has a plan and follows through on it” and “it’s great to be back in an organizaiton that won’t tolerate losing, they had a rough year last year but this is NJ and they won’t tolerate two bad years in a row, they will turn it around”. Pretty classy by Holik, I thought he’s totally throw Waddell under the bus.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to trade Little. That would be a mistake

By Hip Czech

July 3, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

If we do in fact make the Kubina trade there HAS to be something else in the works for a center or a RW, right? RIGHT?

I wonder about the Hossa thing…Given the Wings clout you think he just signed a one year deal to save them some cap space now with the promise they’ll turn around and sign him long term next year?

By PJ

July 3, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Hockeyman3944 You hit the nail on the head. Waddell has no credibility, This is Humiliating and downright Sad. Forgive my ignorance about such things but what would it take (red tape) to get players from other countrys? They might have players desperate enought to get into the NHL that they’d even come to Atlanta or possibly the grey cloud over Atlanta isn’t visible from accross the Pond. (wishful thinking) Anyone??

By TableHockey

July 3, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I think the Hainsey pick up is a good one. According to TSN Columbus wanted to keep him but didn’t have the cap space to make a competitive offer against the Atltanta deal.

The Boyle rumors are interesting - wouldn’t surprise me if Atlanta is one of the three teams trying to work a deal. But I hope Donnie doesn’t forget the offense. We are in serious need of some fire power on the front line.

Has anyone heard if Hossa got a NTC?

By Tom

July 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Just want to put this out there again.

If you have any interest in taking over the website firewadell.com contact me through the whois information for the domain.

Some have complained I have not done enough with it and they are correct. If you are motivated and want to take it over, email me and I will transfer the domain over to you.

Now back to your scheduled programming.

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I will give Waddell props for trying to get Campbell. He ended up offering more money and Brian chose Chicago instead. However, where was he in trying to obtain a top-6 RW? Are you telling me he can only send 1 contract at a time? Now, all that’s left out there are leftovers, has-beens and marginal players.

I would not trade with Toronto (in our division) and I would not trade Little (yet). And, if I were inclined to trade, it would be to get a top-6 forward. We need offense!

Finally, hope everyone has a happy 4th.

By PJ

July 3, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Tablehockey don’t forget Columbus got Huselius istead for about the same money as we got Hainsey.

Buz If we lose Little in such a trade maybe people will finally forget about the Zhit/Coburn trade???

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Nobody will ever forget about the Zhitty for Coburn trade. That is one for the history books sad to say.

When we suck again this year, I would like for us to really suck. Not this 3rd pick kind of suck (not that Meat Sause isn’t going to be great) I want first pick kinda suck. I want us to be Tavaras bad… I only want this if that is way the season goes. If we shock the world and make the playoffs then screw Tavaras and win a playoff game (start small)

By Barry

July 3, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Hainsey is a good pickup and I’m pleased with this one, but I sure would have like Waddell to be a little bit more aggressive. We have all kinds of money to spend that we could have offered decent contracts to guys taken up already. We still could use a #1-#2 center for Kovy and a good scoring RW to replace the hole Hossa left. Do we honestly think players like Shanahan and Jagr would sign here? Of course we are the retirement home transition team for older players so anything is possible I suppose.

By Corey

July 3, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

five_hole Toronto is not in our division…

There are rumors that we are one of the top 5 teams in contact with Tampa talking trade…

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Boyle would be great, but I cannot see Tampa moving him within their own division. As much as this hurts me to say…what about Todd Bertuzzi? Has he inked anywhere yet? That would at least add some toughness. Glen Metropolit is still out there, a decent forward who was a fan favorite here. And this may be reaching, but Detroit seems done with Chelios…could he sign here to teach Bogosian and Valabik the ropes? Might not be such a bad idea.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I copy this from the Knobler thread. If it is still the case and I have not seen that Filppula has been signed, I hope we are working on it: >> The Wings still may need to sign or move Valtteri Filppula. He can play C or RW. I hope Waddell is going for him hard. Does anyone know if he can still be traded for? Or is an RFA offer sheet the only way to acquire him. He would probably cost us at least a 1st and a 3rd as compensation for a $2 mil - $3 mil RFA signing, so it would take doing a sign and trade with Detroit to make it work. We can not lose multiple high picks.

By Bob

July 3, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Metropolit was signed by Philly to a 2 year deal. Morrison is the only deal that makes sense to me, hopefully they can get that done. Tampa would be idiotic to trade Boyle within their own division.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Metro signed with the Flyers

By Brickhouse

July 3, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

glovesave29 - Metro signed with the Flyers for a two-year deal.

No way Tampa sends Boyle here straight up. It would have to be a three or four team deal for that to happen. And even though we have been the “retirement home transition team” in the past, we do not need to keep perpetuating that stigma with Chelios.

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

OK, so Metro is gone…what about Chelios. Could he be interested? He’s often said he’d like to play until 50, and he is still in great shape and better than most (or all) of our D. We could also mold him for coaching or the front office. We need a new GM - look what the Braves did in the early 90’s with a new GM - turned a perrenial loser into a great organization. Thoughts?

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Corey I had a “Duh” moment. You are correct. However, I still wouldn’t give up on Little yet. He has the potential to be our #1.

I was wondering about Jagr/Shanny? Yes, they’re over the hill, but if they got a 1-2 year contract, they would still be quality players. Assuming they would rather be here than the “Shady Tree Retirement Center”. Shanahan in his prime was a 2 time 50 goal scorer, and one of the top power forwards in the league. Of course, that might have been before players wore helmets.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure I want Boyle. And it’s not like we would be willing to part ways with any of the few assets we have. I’ve been hearing murmurings of Boyle to Pittsburgh for Gonchar.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I would pass on Chelios. Who would you sit to play him? I would rather give Boris or Meat Sauce the time to learn the position. Hire Chelios as an assistant or something. Look, we are most likely going to suck next year. Give the kids a chance to play and learn and see where we are in 2010.

Its harsh but reality

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Jagr or Shanahan would be good as let’s face it, we are not a playoff calibre team…not by a long shot. But we need to repair the damage made by Hossa. We need to attract some veterans who can attest that this is a good place to play. This, in conjunction with the new coaching staff and a (please please please) new GM is where we have to start. Need to get a healthy locker room with some vets who can show the younger guys how it is done…how to be a pro.

By jen

July 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Trading Little for Kubina would be right up there with Zhit/Coburn, and I would demand Don’s head on a silver platter if that happened. Little is one year out of jr…..

Really like the Hainsey signing….little more money, but reasonable considering the circumstances and the dollars that were thrown around over the last couple of days. The Campbell and Redden deals (especially the Redden deal) are just insane in my opinion….CHI is in a tough spot now, with two overpaid goalies. I wonder who could take a flyer on Khabibulin??

Would like to see Jason Williams sign here - also a bit under the radar but a solid 20 goal a year guy who could play well with Kovy. Morrison would be a good short term sigining, but I would hate, given the injury issues and decline in production to see 5-6mil on him for 4 or 5 years - he would be another Holik.

Teams with cap issues: ANA, NYR, CHI, PIT, EDM, BOS is really close too

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

10:26 AM - According to today’s Ottawa Sun, the Jackets, Canucks and Thrashers are all after Andrej Meszaros and Antoine Vermette from Ottawa. A later report suggests Ottawa is looking for a defeceman via trade.

Just gleaned this off of faceoffcircle.net. This sounds like a plausible rumour considering OTT has cap issues potentially if they hope to ink Sundin, Jagr or Demitra.

PLEASE let us be in the running for both of these guys, or even one. I would love to have Vermette on our team. He would be the perfect anchor for our checking line and allow us to move White to the wing. I could live with Little, EC, Vermette and Slater up the middle.

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

We better not do this Kubina for Little trade. Doesn’t that have Zhitnik-Coburn written all over it? We need to give the kids a chance and stick with them. We’re not making the playoffs anytime soon, so why trade a recent first round pick for a 30+ guy?

Unless we can land a Demitra or Naslund, I think we may as well try and find some more Perrin’s (Antti Miettinen? Michael Ryan?) or offer 1yr deals to some of the older/better under the radar guys - Josef Vasicek, Stephane Yelle, Bryan Berard, Rob Blake

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Hokie would poop his pants with happiness if we get Vermette and Meszaros

By Nix

July 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hey, Buzilla, I went to college up the road from Springfield (in S. Hadley). I remember quite a few fear-filled walks from the Peter Pan bus station over on Main up to the Amtrak station on Lyman. Even back then it was way more expensive to insure your car if you lived in Springfield, b/c of the gang activity.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Nix,

Thankfully I am just filling in until my office opens in New London, CT later in the fall. This place is just sad and depressing

By Rawhide

July 3, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I side with the anti- Little for Kubina faction here.

Little is a solid #2 center with the ability to be the #1 soon.

I would rather Don offer Sudin $12 mil for 2 years to be Kovy’s #1 while Little works his way into that job then to trade that talent away.

I’m not even 100% sold on THAT scenaro…but it would better than dealing away Little.

Carry on….

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Ok…good signing. But Waddell still needs at least one highly competitive defenseman. I think the center is still optional, but I’d like to see one inked.

As for trade bait…please, god, don’t trade Little. I think he’ll open up, and he’s awesome for being so young. I would think our best bait would be our undervalued bait — which, of course means our bait that we need here. So, Perrin (whose trade value has been demonstrated), Moose or Kari, maybe Larsen to the right team, maybe Slater to the right team (I think he’ll open up in a good system). Perhaps Christensen. Maybe some of the Wolves/Thrashers players, to a major league team whose farm team needs shoring up.

As for Jagr and Shanny and Chelios…I don’t think Chelios is a terrible choice, but if we got him we’d need to make sure that we have enough backup. He gets bashed and spends time on the scratch fairly often, though when he’s on he’s really on. I doubt Jagr will be playing in the NHL next year, but in any case he should not be brought here — he doesn’t play well unless the system is rigged for him, and we already have other players we’re building around. Shanny I’d love to see here, except we don’t really need him, and it’s pretty unlikely he’ll move so far south at this point.

Correction, above: Klee is a career major league journeyman.

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

wow - Marcel Hossa has signed a deal with Dynamo Riga to play overseas next year

By Alan

July 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I wonder what the chances of us getting Coburn back are? PHI is apparently $1m over the cap right now, so they’ve got to cut somebody.

As for the Vermette rumor, I’m all for it, but I’m not willing to part with Valabik. Oystrick on down, however, is another matter entirely.

If we’re talking Kubina from Toronto, do not trade Little. Just, don’t do it. He’s going to catch fire real soon, and I think he might turn out to be the #1 Kovalchuk is looking for in the near future.

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I would rather have Blake than Chelios

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

This will not be the last time a NHLer moves to the new KHL in Russia. There are some deeeeeeep pockets there from the oil barons.

By Mike

July 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Maybe we get Kubina from Toronto and then send him to Ottawa for Vermette. I am sure there would be other misc. players involved. However, I would hate to give up Little.

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I’d be willing to give up Little and/or Valabik in a deal for Andrej Meszaros and Antoine Vermette

By Alan

July 3, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

glovesave - Marcel wasn’t exactly tearing it up over here in the NHL. Look at some of the other fine names they’ve taken from the NHL. Names like Krog and Kwiatkowski, both of whom are also playing in Russia next season.

On the other hand, they threw gobs of money at Evgeni Malkin, and still couldn’t woo him away.

Those guys might have deep pockets across the pond, but they are going to have a lot of problems getting the highly successful players from the NHL over there, unless said players are over the hill (ie: better served using a walker than a pair of skates).

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I dont think Krog and Kwiatkowski are officially signed up for Europe

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Alan - they are talking about expanding the KHL out of Russia…countries like Sweden, Finland and Norway. Can’t you see players wanting to make the same money as the NHLers do and get to stay home with their families?

By Buzilla in CT

July 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

The players that would consider playing in Atlanta now have the option of playing in the more lucrative Russian league. This can’t be good news for the Thrashers organization

By john 43

July 3, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Tampa will trade Boyle but only for a goalie And since no one in their right mind will take moose that means at least one year with moose as the starter (hey Darren good for you) or no long term back up if Kari gets hurt.

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

The KHL issue will dog the NHL just as the WHA did in the 70’s. Gives players additional options and will drive up salaries. Of course, unlike the 1970’s NHL, the reserve clause is not in play - but I can see the similar skyrocketing salaries (as if that is not happening already - but will happen at even a greater rate). I think most Canadian and American players will stay home, but the European player may consider this an equal to the NHL and consider it very strongly.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

J(Z) - I’m pretty sure at least Krog has.

Jason Krog became the AHL’s top scorer in both the regular season and the playoffs. In 110 games, he had 63 goals and 83 assists. He has signed with Russian team Severstal Cherepovets for next season.

As for Kwiatkowski, I found this on Eurohockey.net:

Posted 7/5/2008: ca Joel Kwiatkowski (D) From us Chicago Wolves (AHL) to ru Severstal Cherepovets Added By: Davide Tuniz, Status: Confirmed

Krog is listed there, too.

By cosape

July 3, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Look at the Canes blue line. Do you think Kaberle will be traded out from there? On the other hand their offence is pretty packed up as well so maybe they also are looking for a goalie?

By Alan

July 3, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

According to this, the Canes are looking to move a defenseman.

By Hockey Biltong

July 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Just say no to Forsberg.Keep Recci, pass on Chelios..

By Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come!

July 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

GloveSave29

The Fins, Swedes and Norwegians aren’t big fans of Russians! Not sure the Czechs or Slovaks are clamoring to live their either.

Personally, I think there are way too many Euros in the NHL and would welcome more opportunities for Canadians and Americans here. The best Euros will still want to test themselves versus others in the best league in the world and the way salaries are going the NHL is still mighty lucrative. There’s a reason all these guys left Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia in the first place. The KHL should be treated as a developmental or second-tier professional league. Oil money maybe, but it also smacks as mafioso.

Random thoughts

While Little hasn’t shown much, Kubina, like the other defenseman who signed during the past few days, he’s overpaid.

If Chicago is ready to let Khabibulin go, why not pick up half his salary and then deal him away for this year? Then, they’d take just half the cap hit.

Pavol Demitra’ and Ladislav Nagy are represented by Hainsey’s agent.

Jen is one of the best bloggers in this Forum and doesn’t fall too far behind the revered Brendan. Thankfully, she’s a bit more concise!

Of the available free agents, I wouldn’t sign anyone over the age of 29 and offer a minimum of two years up to a maximum of four years. In my mind, Kovy might enjoy having Fedetenko (Ukranian and Cup winner in Tampa) who has some offensive ability or Kalinin (Russian with playoff experience) here in Atlanta.

Fedetenko might accept $2.5 to $3.0 million per year, while Kalinin might go as high as $4 million due to the current market.

But, I agree if there is a deal to be made for Mezaros or Vermette, I’d jump on it if it doesn’t require the No. 1 pick in 2009.

If you go the Demitra route, you can only offer a two- or three-year deal. I just don’t think he’s durable enough and has never played in the Eastern Conference.

Same thing goes for Nagy, except he’s only 29 and vastly overpaid. Who isn’t?

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

That’s my point exactly! The league is expanding outside of their Russian borders. They are looking to put teams in the Scandanavian and Baltic nations. Players can stay in their home countries…they would just be going to Russia for away games.

By Hip Czech

July 3, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

This probably squashes the Little to Toronto talk:

*12:30 PM - HOWS THIS FOR A TWIST OF FATE - A SEEMINGLY FAKE RUMOR IS TRUE! MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI JUST GOT TRADED TO THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FOR THEIR 2010 2ND ROUND PICK AND GREG PATYRN. *

By polskidawg

July 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

10:26 AM - According to today’s Ottawa Sun, the Jackets, Canucks and Thrashers are all after Andrej Meszaros and Antoine Vermette from Ottawa. A later report suggests Ottawa is looking for a defenceman via trade.

I’d give Boris and Little for that deal in a heartbeat. In fact, I’d expect Ottawa to more more.

But give it. Meszraros is the #1 everyone is looking for and Vermette has #1/#2 potential, especially paired with Kovy.

Little will be a good player, but Boris is several years away from earning top minutes, if ever.

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Kiwi is signed elsewhere. Krog is signed with us.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Nikita - Krog signed in Russia.

The evidence is overwhelming.

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Some people are just fickle, ALAN…

I don’t understand why we don’t just sign MONTADOR??? That will shore up the D without even moving anybody… We would have 2 Scratches on D (1 if they want to send VALABIK to Chicago - Which I advise against)…

BOYLE would be great, too, but it AIN’T happening…

Whoever brought up CHELIOS is dumb as hell!!! WAY too old for us… Not necessary - AT ALL!!!

NO to JAGR also… KUBINA is WAY overpaid…

The only options for #1 Center are MORRISON and SUNDIN… I would be happy with either one, but I would not sign either one for more than a 2 Year Deal…

SUNDIN is probably the only one that can get KOVY to stay…

Still need a RW (At least 1)… Actually we probably need 2 of them unless they’re gonna move SLATER/PERRIN/WHITE to the wings…

And finally, a BIG HELL NO! to trading LITTLE… He is UNTOUCHABLE… No friggin way DONNIE gives up on him yet, NOT HAPPENING!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

And finally, a BIG HELL NO! to trading LITTLE… He is UNTOUCHABLE… No friggin way DONNIE gives up on him yet, NOT HAPPENING!!!

After the dreaded Coburn deal that will forever be remembered here in Blueland, I don’t think Waddell would be willing to give Little away just yet.

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Well, frick. Where did I read the Krog business? He was listed among those who reupped on one of the blogs I’ve been reading in the last few days.

Incidentally, Martin Straka is not actually signed in Czechoslavakia. He is expected to go there and has an offer, but it’s not closed. He s supposedly considering other offers, none in the NHL.

We won’t get Sundin, and we should probably concentrate our time elsewhere.

Incidentally, the Thrashers official roster looks mighty short, and doesn’t include a lot of people who left (like, the whole D), but does include Eric Boulton. You think we’re keeping him?

By jen

July 3, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I see Boris as X’s replacement - big guy who can lay the body, hopefully not take too many stupid penalties or get hung out to dry missing a hit. Adds toughness and puts some fear into the opposition. X used to be that guy, but since the Hollweg incident a few years back, has never been the same. Bobo’s not getting top 4 minutes anytime soon.

I do not include Little in any conversation, the kid has the makings to be a playmaker/number 1 center, and until we have more indication of what he can do, he’s untouchable as far as I’m concerned. While on the subject, Vermette’s a nice piece, but we have Perrin, White, Slater, Christiansen, Armstrong who fill the role he does with the Sens. His numbers are slightly better, but he spent time with Heatly, Alfredsson and Spezza, which would inflate anyone’s numbers. Our similar role players come cheaper and I don’t see Vermette breakig out into the number 1/80 point forward we need.

Meszaros (sp) is another story….I’d love him back there to give Bogo some time to develop. He’s got a nasty streak and he can score a bit. I swap him for Havelid if they’d take him…salaries should be about the same, and while I like Nick, the upside on Meszaros is better and he’s MUCH younger (go youth movement!). We don’t need Nick on the pp because of Hainsey and Toby. Mesz can fill in if there’s an injury or of it gets stale and we need to rotate forwards around.

I doubt Ottawa lets go of this guy though…

By russian

July 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

to NASCAR Dave Good speech like always. Man, you are crasy talikng, but most time you are right. I just like to follow your posts. Good job. Morrison looks OK for me, but I will take Sundin for two year. But Sundin asked too much. Actually I do not know what he wants to do. Vancuver gave him 10 mln and he said that he is thinking. I geust deal with Ottawa will be perfect with us, but what is a PRICE???

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

jen, good points, but I don’t want to lose Enstrom or Havelid for anything. We desperately need two 1st- or 2nd-line D-men. We need four players appropriate to those lines, and we can’t lose any of the people who are appropriate there. I’d also say we can’t lose Klee at this juncture — we simply don’t have anyone with his qualities to fill his role right now. Now, if some kids mature up or we acquire enough D-men, we could possibly trade him mid-season, but I don’t think we can spare him now.

We could lose X, though. I hope last season was a glitch. I hope he comes back smaller and faster, and has learned some valuable lessons over last season about how to read the puck correctly. But let’s face it — he’s not top-line material, and he’s unlikely ever to be top-line material.

Still need a RW (At least 1)… Actually we probably need 2 of them unless they’re gonna move SLATER/PERRIN/WHITE to the wings…

White can’t play wing. Perrin and Slater can, though. Perrin plays it well. Of course, we’re assuming that Slater will mature sufficiently.

By TableHockey

July 3, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Whatever we do we can’t give up next years first rounder - that could very well be Tavares based on the moves some of the other cellar teams have made.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Nikita - It came as a bit of a surprise to me too, but I first saw news of it on a Chicago Wolves forum. I did some digging, and sure enough, found that he did indeed sign in Russia.

Oh well. Two “AHL veterans” are out of our system, as far as I’m concerned. I’m just wondering who we pick up to fill those slots, if anyone.

By Rawhide

July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

There have been quite a few new bloggers on this site over the past several days…I haven’t had the chance to say “howdy” to ‘em all…

So, hockeyman3944, cosape, Hockey Biltong, corey, john 43, Brickhouse…welcome and thanks for all the input!

If I’ve over-welcomed anyone…or under-welcomed anyone…sorry…consider yourselves all officially greeted now.

I must say…everyone seems to be playing very nicely today…a less testy bunch than Tuesday evening and Monday morning.

Carry on…

By jen

July 3, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

If we lost Havelid, we would have be able to roll all 3 d for about 20 min or so per game. However, with the new-look d, I don’t think this is out of the question.

Enstrom/Hainsey-Mezaros Hainsey-Meszaros/Klee Valabik or Bogo/X or Popovic (still in play here - Anderson likes him)

Can rotate Toby, Hainsey and Mezaros on the PP - so can keep Kovy out for the full 2 min, or can show a look with 2 d on the points. Its a young d, but if the minutes are managed correctly, its not a bad d. We’re not going to be world beaters next year. Concieveably you could roll 3 d pairs that score over 30 points a year (Toby, Hainsey and Meszaros each ahd over 30 points), plus all three of these guys can move the puck and the bottom pair options can keep the opposition honest. If we could get 90 points out of our d, I’d be a very happy camper.

By glovesave29

July 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Hey NASCAR Dave - don’t appreciate being called “dumb as hell”. Been playing and watching this sport for 35 years. I have forgotten more hockey than you will ever know about hockey. Don’t like my opinion…good, I like when people disagree, makes for a good conversation. Don’t really think there is much of a need for name calling. Save the vitriol for DW and his bumbling ways. There are countless stories in this league where an older player wants his last paycheck and goes to a younger team to teach them the ropes. We also need players to come here that are respected throughout the league that can reopen the door that Hossa slammed in our face with his comments as he left. When I got into hockey, Toronto and Detroit were the laughing stocks of the NHL. It takes is the right combination of front office and young an old players to win in this league. Those teams learned the lessons - well at least for a while before Totonto decided to build through free agency instead of the proper way THROUGH THE DRAFT. Adding seasoned players is the right way to leave a positive impression on the younger pros. The first time a player such as a Chelios walks into a dressing room, he has instant respect. He is not on board because he still has a lot of life in him. You get him for what is in his head.

By Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come!

July 3, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Fedetenko did accept a $2.5 million offer. Damnit

THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS SIGNED FORWARD MIROSLAV SATAN TO A ONE-YEAR, $3.5 MILLION CONTRACT AND FORWARD RUSLAN FEDOTENKO TO A ONE-YEAR, $2.5 MILLION CONTRACT.

By Tom

July 3, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Fedetenko did accept a $2.5 million offer. Damnit

To play for a winner, sure, it would have cost us another million.

By Rawhide

July 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Pens just inked GK Marc-Andre Fleury to 7 year $35 mil extension.

So…kind of makes one wonder what Kari is gonna get from the Thrashers, eh?

By Christy

July 3, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - not anywhere near that amount or tenure I hope. Not to start a negative trend, but I don’t know that Kari’s earned anything near that amount yet.

By Rawhide

July 3, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Christy - You are probably correct…however, these type of nogotiations tend to play off each other.

Maybe he doesn’t get 7-35…. but the “market value” may have just gone up in his favor.

By russian

July 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I think Kari price is $3 mln. This is a maximum. He is a good goalie, but he did not go to PO.

By Alan

July 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, Christy. People here have been calling him Letemin for quite a while, despite the stellar sv% numbers he has put up playing behind the Pylon Defense Corps of 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Makes you wonder what he would look like playing behind a much stronger defense corps, doesn’t it?

I suspect Kari’s raise to be somewhere in the $3m-$3.5m range. $4m would be on the high end. I also suspect it will be no more than a three year deal.

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Rawhide I don’t think a whole lot of Andre-Fleury and can’t believe he got signed for $5 mil per. However, he does get credit for playing his team to the Stanley Cup finals, something Kari has not done. I’d say Kari would be a $3-3.5 mil per in this market. He also won’t get a 7 year deal.

While I’ve been a Kari backer, he has lost concentration at times. He needs to focus and step up his game this year, or we can see what Pavelec can do.

By Sara

July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Couple thoughts…KC, KC no one can eat half a salary unless the player is sent through waivers (and actually on the way back up on waivers). You can’t pay a portion and trade off the rest anymore.

People keep in mind that Vermette and Meszaros are RFAs. Technically, we don’t have to give up anything now to get them…the payback comes later down the road.

Btw, I’ve been wondering how that works. If you signed two RFAs to big contracts, do you lose your next 8 1st round picks?? YIKES!!! Chew on THAT for a bit.

By Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come!

July 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the clarification Sara. You can’t afford to sign either of those two until after you make a trade, because both will cost you at least a first- and a third-round pick.

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Sara I think the compensation for signing an RFA depends on the money in the contract. For example, when Vancouver tendered David Backes at $2.5 mil/year, St. Louis would have gotten an 2nd rounder in return. If it had been $200K/year higher, St. Louis would have gotten a 1st & 3rd.

At this point, I’m looking for a bunch of Chicago Wolves to join John Anderson here. The upside would be that they already know his system.

By Russ

July 3, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Sara, I believe any draft picks given as compensation have to be used in the next draft and therefore have to still be in the hands of the team putting out the offer sheet. So, if I understand correctly the Thrashers would not be able to offer Meszaros and Vermette both the money that would require the first and third rounder as compensation. Hopefully this helps, and I could be wrong. Can anyone else help?

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

I was reading Yahoo sports on this link and they were grading the free agency period. It’s pretty sad:

*Atlanta Thrashers: As Yahoo!’s own Ross McKeon wrote this morning, the real gut-punch right now for the Thrashers is that players simply don’t want to play in Atlanta; that’s a painful fact about the future of the franchise. They offered more money for Brian Campbell than Chicago did, and he turned them down. From McKeon: “Waddell has more than $20 million in salary cap space, but again, if he can’t lure anyone to a bad team in a non-traditional market, what difference does it make how much money he has to spend?”

The bottom line is that Atlanta’s name hadn’t appeared once on this page as of 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and that’s a disgrace. This isn’t an epic fail because Holik left. But it’s still … GRADE: D-*

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Custance’s Opinion

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

In that same article I referenced above, there is a scathing critique of the Thrashers management which needs to be read. I think it nicely sums up what everyone here feels.

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the comment RUSSIAN… I just try to keep it real… I may get emotional at times, but that is only because I LOVE Our Thrashers… I spotted the FRAUD that WADDELL is years ago, and I try to help others here see the problem (Waddell)… Some like my views, some don’t… No worries - I know who is usually right.

I’m stuck here in the RV in the middle of the infield at Daytona Motor Speedway… Surfing TSN and Sportnet and all the others for ANY Thrashers transactions… NOTHING… Not a damn thing… Are we trying to wait until every other team fills up their Caps so we can pluck the players they have to move from Payroll??? If so, that is the dumbest FA Period policy I have ever heard of, but it would not surprise me in the least bit if it came out of DONNIE’s mind…

Everyone else is pretty much wrapping their rosters up, and we have not even hit the salary cap floor yet…

What does that say???

GLOVESAVE29 My bad brother, looking back, that was a bit harsh… Nothing personal, but when I read your suggestion of CHELIOS I about threw up my lunch! You see, on these blogs, I think we ALL have been b++++ing about DONNIE signing all these tired old stars of yesteryear, retreads, journeymen, etc. That’s the problem with CHELIOS… He is all of the above - AND he is/was on Team USA… PERFECT Fit for DONNIE… So look here buddy, PLEASE quit giving DONNIE these ideas!!! What are you trying to do, give NASCAR Dave a Heart Attack??? :D

Let’s all take a look back at a few of NASCAR Dave’s Keys To Success:

1) Cut ALL UFA’s LOOSE!!! No more need for BOULTON, MCCARTHY, POPOVIC, etc… MOOSE was the only one worth bringing back, and we got him. We are fine on our UFA’s…

2) NO New Players OVER 30 Years Old!!! Unless it’s SUNDIN or MORRISON (Because we have no other choice)…

3) NO New Players under 6’0” tall!!! NO MORE SMURFS!!!

NIKITA - Czechloslovakia is no longer a country. You can choose either Czech Republic or Slovakia to make your point.

Trade Bait: EXELBY, SLATER, LETEMIN, WHITE, HAVELID, PERRIN, STERLING

NUFF SAID.

By Wheatfield Blade

July 3, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Tony C, why did you post a link that says that Chicago offered more money than your beloved Thrashers? Don’t you know that he didn’t do it for money, that the real reason he chose Chicago was because no one will play for your town? Don’t tell your blog that Chicago gave more money, follow the program!

By russian

July 3, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Nikulin will be here next season. How is that????? I am so happy. Kovy and Nikulin are very good friends.

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Forgot to add KLEE to the Trade Bait List…

He should have been bought out along with ZHITHEAD anyways…

Does anyone else here agree that MONTADOR would be a good fit here??? This guy is CHEAP, and he has ALWAYS been a Thrasher killer!!! He ALWAYS played better aginst us than BOUWMEISTER anyways…

Thoughts???

By J(Z)

July 3, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

How the he!l did the Rangers just sign Dmitri Lakinin and Markus Naslund?

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

OH SH++!!!

RUSSIAN! Where did you see this???

If NIKULIN comes here, we definitely do not need EXELBY & KLEE…

HAVELID—ENSTROM
HAINSEY—BOGOSIAN
NIKULIN—VALABIK/KULDA

Do you have a link???

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

You’re on crack, NASCAR. Though apparently so am I.

Cut ALL UFA’s LOOSE!!!

I hope we keep Boulton. And it looks like we might. Cheap insurance. Ok on the ice, mentally steady. And since Thorburn appears to be becoming a legitimate player, we’ll need a little goonery.

NO New Players under 6’0” tall!!! NO MORE SMURFS!!!

Some of those smurfs paid off for us nicely. and cheaply.

Trade Bait: EXELBY, SLATER, LETEMIN, WHITE, HAVELID, PERRIN, STERLING…KLEE

We’re not set up to trade Lehtonen, unless it’s for another goalie — Moose can’t carry the season. Klee and Havelid — um, no. Plus, how can we trade a dude with his own theme song? Perrin= dear god, no.

Sterling, yes. White, yes. Slater, yes.

By russian

July 3, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

To Nascar Nikulin close to signing with Thrashers By MIKE KNOBLER The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 07/03/08

OH, Man how could you miss it??? :-) Smile.

By russian

July 3, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

to Nascar I kind of agree with you, but I like to keep Ex here. Also I will play D-men like that: Havelid - Toby

Hainsey - Nikulin (he can do it, I saw few games from Kazan)

Ex - Bogus/Valabik/Kulda

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Here’s the Link…

By Tim

July 3, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

DAVE On Ajc.com lol

By NASCAR Dave

July 3, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

OK NIKITA, riddle me this…

Of the Following D-Men We Have (I am including NIKULIN here because it APPEARS we will get him), which 1 or 2 should we move???

HAINSEY
BOGOSIAN
ENSTROM
HAVELID
NIKULIN
VALABIK
KULDA
EXELBY
KLEE

All I’m sayin is we have to move somebody, so don’t be surprised if it’s KLEE and EXELBY…

By Tim

July 3, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

As much as I hate to say it, I agree with Dave and we need to move either one of them. Keeping Klee would be the most logical choice here for mentoring Z.Bo. I like XLB as a player better but if we need to trade one of them, XLB would be the trade bait. Pairing would look something like this:

1a. Nikulin - Hainsey 1b. Havelid - Enstrom 2. Z.Bo - Klee

with either XLB or Valabik as 7th man. Personally Valabik still have things to learn in the AHL so he will be more prepare next season when Klee contract end. Plus he will get much more ice time in the AHL than with the Thrashers as 7th man.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

I think we should keep Boulton. He’s a steady Light-heavy, and I really liked how he and Slater have started to work together.

There’s going to be more fighting in the SE next season. Bank on it.

By Nikita

July 3, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

OK NIKITA, riddle me this…

We don’t know that Bogosian can make the NHL this year. We also don’t necessarily have Valabik on our roster. For one thing, Valabik’s instincts aren’t there yet — I wouldn’t expect that we can trust him as a consistent top-6 for the upcoming season.

Enstrom/Havelid not only play awesomely, but have their schtick down. There’s no reason to mess with a good thing, and we’d regret losing either.

Ergo, if someone has to go, it should be Exelby. We need Klee for a variety of reasons — mainly good basic skills, good attitude, nice mentoring capability. Plus, his stats are mostly better. He is older, but he takes abuse well.

I like Ex personalitywise, but his promise is limited and he’s had a number of seasons to mature into someone with decent hands who can read a play — obviously that hasn’t happened, and I don’t think it’s going to. Klee is slow, but his basic instincts and skills are much better, and he knows how to play the body without getting punished for it.

Also, at their respective ages, we’re much more likely to be able to play off X’s last season as a fluke/youthful immaturity and X as a bargain/diamond in the rough.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Hey! Look who got an NHL gig again!

P.S. Ms. Trixie- would you mind condensing my last three posts? Thx

By Sage of Bluesland

July 3, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

The news on Nikulin is the best news ALL week…I hope it’s more substantive than what usually comes out of the Bumbler’s mouth…

By ben

July 3, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

i have a nuts-o idea that i feel would NEVER WORK OUT AT ALL! Trade Kari, Sterling, 2009 No. 1 for Dany Heatley. Think about it, Sens need a real goalie, Sterling can produce. The Thrash took a real step back when Dany left. He’s locked up longterm. He’d have to play good. Plus, say Espo works out, Little works out, and then they have a real team. Now that I think about it, swap Sterling and Little. Anderson got good results from Sterling so I’m looking for big things from him.

By Tom

July 3, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Got to love Craig getting he interview with Waddell. I wonder if Don has realized he is not the beat writer for the AJC yet. May be why he is not picking up the phone for the new guy.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

ben-

Wish I shared your optimisim regarding Sterling

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

This from the AP article regarding Wild signing Miettinen

The Wild have two restricted free agent forwards Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Veilleux who could be headed for arbitration. Bouchard, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2002, dropped from a career-best 20 goals in 2006-07 to 13 last season. He has yet to receive a multiyear contract, and it’s not certain that he will.

By kracker

July 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

R Stroz I saw this over on the Thrash board about the Waddell interview on the Fan:

I heard we have the inside track on signing Todd White’s little sister. She is 145 lbs, but that is just 15 lbs lighter than our drafted Center. Plus, she can cook on road trips. She would be our checking line Center.

Keep it in the family. And she might grow….her nick name is Shirley, Charlotte something like that.

By five_hole

July 3, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

This just occurred to me.
You know how hockey players like to take names, shorten them and add the “y” sound to them; Kovalchuk becomes Kovy, Slava becomes Kozy, Todd White becomes … … . OK, maybe that’s a bad example. Armstrong becomes Armey, Thorburn becomes Thorby; So what will Hainsey’s new nickname be?

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Uhh

It’s ok to say “Whitey”…that’s what the dude’s nickname is.

By ben

July 3, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hainsey=UNDERWARE!

By LAC

July 3, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

As for forwards… Would this be a good move ?

Brenden Shannahan… Tough, still can score, good leardership etc…

Could he be had for $2m a year for a season or two ? He’s one guy over 35 I think would be an asset.

Plus he’s not returning to NYR for sure and waddell should have contact with him.

What is waddell sitting around for on forwards anyway ???????

All these trades etc… and we do not one damn thing to increase scoring…

By ben

July 3, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Waddell actually feels they are set at forward. I think it’s a money issue.

By Smoothie

July 3, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea:

Make a trade with Philly (not for Coburn!) for Mike Knuble to play RW with Kovalchuk. The Flyers are $4 M over the cap right now and Knuble is a UFA in ‘09/10 who currently makes $2.9 per year. Since he’s only under contract for one year, it might be worth taking on the risk that comes with an aging veteran like Knuble.

DWad could unload Sterling and some conditional draft picks (a # 1 in 2010, if Knuble reaches certain performance goals, along with a 2nd rounder in 2009) in return for Knuble and Sami Kapanen (more RW help) who makes $1.25 M per to make the numbers work.

Philly gets a solid prospect (again) to develop in the AHL and a couple picks (and cap relief) in return for two UFA’s to be, which we could always sell at the trade deadline if we are out of the playoff race (likely scenario anyway).

It’s temp help for Kovy and sures up our 3rd line (just think Stuart or LaVallee with Perrin and Sami…scrappy & quick!) and gives us a legit 2nd scoring option on the 1st line. With a space eater like Knuble drawing attention away from Kovy, Little will have room to maneuver behind the net and in corners to center passes for MK and one timers to IK.

This also gets us very close to the salary floor and sets us up to really make a mark in FA next year while the scenario of a futility-driven chance to win the Tavares sweepstakes is still very much in play.

What do y’all think about having Knuble in the fold for 1 year to complement Kovy and accelerate the development of B Little? I’d say it’s certainly worth considering.

By Tony C.

July 3, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Shannahan’s kids are enrolled at a school in uptown NYC (trust me the source is legit), so I don’t see him playing anywhere not named NYR or NJD.

Maybe he goes to the Bruins, but I would bet on NJD.

By JLH

July 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Osmk told espn that they signed jager

By NASCAR Dave

July 4, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

TIM/NIKITA - That’s what I’m saying… 1 of the 2 (or both) will need to be moved… We have too many D-Men as it is… I don’t think KULDA is ready yet, either… VALABIK is ready…

I like RUSSIAN’s idea:

HAVELID—ENSTROM
HAINSEY—NIKULIN
VALABIK/EXELBY/KLEE—BOGOSIAN

NIKULIN is a “True” Stay At Home D-Man.

Tradewise I think you could get a Pick for KLEE, a Player for EXELBY…

TONY C. - I don’t have a problem with BOULTON being a Healthy Scratch, I would have just preferred we Upsize to at least a Middleweight, you know??? Too bad the HABS got LARAQUE…

I agree with SAGE… the News on NIKULIN is the best news we’ve had yet, let’s hope it is true…

And I agree with LAC… I don’t understand what we are waiting so long for on the Forwards???

I would suggest they try to grab MORRISON today, and get at least SOMETHING done today!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Basher

July 4, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Shannahan is getting old, Chelios is done. It is time to rebuild the team (again). There is not much out there right now unless you want to trade half the team away.

By NASCAR Dave

July 4, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Yep, JAGR is going to Siberia to play for OMSK… JOHN GRAHAME is on that team too… LOL

By five_hole

July 4, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

OK, I have WAY too much time on my hands, but in looking over the RFA’s, I think Valtteri Filppula may be able to be had. He’s young (24), and the Red Wings only have like $2 1/2 mil left and already have a full roster. Didn’t put up big numbers, but look at the talent he’s playing behind.

I can sell PJ and Nikita on him; he looks like a good looking kid. ;-)

I’m guessing we could get him for a minor leaguer and a draft pick.

By Tony C.

July 4, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Holland says he’ll Match any offer on Flippula.

By ben

July 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

The D is going to be quite different next year. I for one feel it COULD be legit. Anywho, I thought more about my proposed Heatley trade. Man I KNOW IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN!!!!!!!!! But, wow! What a trade that would be. Other random thought, this time serious: Go get Filatov’s Center from the Red Army. Somebody has to feed Pat Benitar (my new nickname for him / her)! Go get that dude. He would be used to feeding speed, a prereq. for any Kovy center. Have a safe, happy, pleasant, and terific 4th of July. Yes, Donnie, that even means you.

By five_hole

July 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Tony C. The Red Wings only have $2.5 mil cap room left. If we offered $3.5-4 mil (and/or made a back room deal of a minor leaguer & a draft pick), I don’t see how they could match, or if they did, what they’d do with him. They already have 13 forwards signed on their roster.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

five_hole - Might be of interest, from Faceoffcircle.net:

3:41 PM - CKNW 980 in Vancouver is reporting the Canucks will make an offer sheet for Valtteri Filppula.

A RFA can elect to sign the offer sheet or tell the offering team to go get stuffed. We’ll see whether an offer sheet is made or what. I think Filppula would be a nice fit here, but who knows what happens or where he ends up..

By five_hole

July 4, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Nuts. Nice find Alan. Unfortunately, Vancouver has a lot of cap space, and is a much more attractive venue than we are. If DW was really interested, he could still make the back door deal with Detroit. Offer them something substantial, so Detroit would match the Vancouver offer, then trade to us. Not much chance of that happening, however. Waddell just isn’t that smart.

Pretty much, what I was doing was going thru the team with the least cap space available at hockeybuzz and seeing what teams still had RFA’s. There’s some interesting players to be found like that.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

I think Waddell is smarter than a lot of us give him credit for. I don’t think he’s that good of a GM, but I think he’s slowly learning. Maybe he can arrange a back door deal with Detroit, considering the fact that he’s from their organization. They really don’t have much in the way of cap space, but at the same time, I don’t see that we have anyone in our organization that would be attractive enough for them to bite on a deal. Their goalie situation is pretty much shored up now, so there’s no need to give them Lehtonen or Pavelec. They’re already a really solid team with a pretty deep minor league roster.

We’ll see what happens… but you’re right. I don’t see Filppula willingly coming here when he can play in Vancouver. He’s already got his cup ring, though, so maybe he’d be willing to give us a shot.

Or them. Heh. Vancouver and Atlanta are in the same boat, relatively speaking.

By kracker

July 4, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Maybe Filppula would rather move to the Eastern Conference.

By Alan

July 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

It’s a possibility. He’s also a center. A very attractive target… one I’m sure Waddell is thinking about.

By LAC

July 4, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

With ALL these trades, WHY can Atlanta NOT make one to improve the offense ?

By NASCAR Dave

July 4, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

HEY RAWHIDE and the BLOGGERS!!!

HAPPY 4th of July!!!

I saw BERNIER (RW) went for a couple of picks… I know we could have afforded that, oh well…

Still waiting on that #1 Center for KOVY, and another D-Man (hopefully NIKULIN)…

Oh well, I gotta go - race is about to start!!!

Everybody have a Happy Holiday weekend and GO USA!!!

NUFF SAID.

By kracker

July 4, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Well, let’s it try again: Happy 4th NASCAR, RH and everybody!

By five_hole

July 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Alan Apparently the Canucks have not make an offer to Filppula. The article can be found here The article goes on to say how he is exposed because of a lack of salary cap room, the Wings need to resign D. McCarthy, etc.

Also, for those interested, they do list RFA compensation: Here’s the compensation chart for restricted free agents:

Average salary (compensation) $863,156 or below — none. More than $863,156 to $1,307,812 — third-round pick. More than $1,307,812 to $2,615,625 — second-round pick. More than $2,615,625 to $3,923,437 — first-round and third-round picks. More than $3,923,437 to $5,231,249 — first-round, second-round and third-round picks. More than $5,231,249 to $6,539,062 — two first-round picks, one second- and one third-round pick. More than $6,539,062 — four first-round picks.

I personally would make the $3.9 million offer for Filppula. He’s worth a 1st & 3rd. Less than that and he’d probably reject coming here to play.

By kracker

July 5, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hey Rawhide! Why is the picture of Hossa in a Pens uni still the hockey picture on the Thrashers’ page? It’s been there for days now. Hossa is no longer a Thrasher or a Penguin. At least Photoshop a Wings sweater on him! Can’t we use a pic of one of our guys? If former players are to be shown, I vote for JP Vigier.

By Brendan

July 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

RFA’s reject offers to come to Atlanta for the same reason UFA’s do. Filppula is probably very happy to be with an organization as grand as Detroit is. They’ll eventually come to terms, even if it has to be a one-year deal. I think Filppula’s still restricted next year.

By Alan

July 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

five_hole - Sorry if you thought I said they made an offer. It was pure rumor from a Vancouver radio station, and nothing more. Still, it’s good to hear that we still have a chance to pick him up. I think if we placed an offer sheet in front of Filppula for a reasonable amount of cash, he would sign it. But I also believe he has a lot of loyalty towards Detroit and the franchise, so he might be willing to take a discount from them.

McCarty is one player Detroit definitely needs to re-sign. They have all this talent but no real enforcers to speak of. As was posted in one of the Wings blogs I read:

For the first 82 games of the 2008-9 season, and then even more in April to June, every opponent is going to say:

“We may not match the Wing’s speed and skill, so we are going to go out there and BEAT THE SHT OUT OF THEM!”*

So you (and the article) are indeed correct in that Filppula is being left exposed. He may end up being the odd man out, so Detroit will almost assuredly have to either sign and trade, or not match any offer sheet that Filppula signs. Unless they manage to get those players to sign at a heavily discounted rate, I just see no way they can keep Filppula.

By Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come

July 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Guys:

When you look at current cap room at NHLnumbers or those on The Hockey News’ site, the figures at this point in time aren’t completely accurate, nor is every player listed going to make the team. You can calculate cap space all you want, but there are going to be cuts, players are going to be sent down etc. Filppula showed a lot during the Conference Finals and Finals, maybe not in sheer numbers, but unless he accepts an offer elsewhere, the Wings will sign him or trade him for immediate return. They don’t put much stock in draft picks, although they use what they have to great advantage.

Waddell won’t sign him to an offer sheet because he’ll need a job once he gets canned here, and won’t ruffle feathers prior to that eventuality. He might sign someone to an offer sheet, but I doubt it will be a Detroit player. His scrotum ain’t that big!

By Alan

July 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

You can calculate cap space all you want, but there are going to be cuts, players are going to be sent down etc.

Thank you, Captain Obvious. Each team has until opening night to get below the cap or above the cap floor. As a Detroit fan, I’m well aware of the upsides to having Filppula on the team. I’m also aware that Detroit will very likely put up a fight to keep him, cutting him loose only if they have no other choice.

By Alan

July 6, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Filpulla filed for salary arbitration today, by the way.

By LAC

July 6, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

He has remained in Atlanta since. Under Waddell, the Thrashers have a total record of 238-326-45-35. His Thrashers have only made the playoffs once during his tenure as general manager. Waddell is best known for drafting Russian superstar Ilya Kovalchuk.

The above info on waddell from Wilipedia Encyclopedia, Just love that GM record, No other NHL team would accept that record over ten years, just amazing he keeps his job.

Speaking of which… When the HELL is he going to get this great center of #17 ???

All these teams have made move after move after move and we only sign this one defenseman, what the hell is going on ???

I thought asg & waddell promised us changes, so far only the most minor have taken place… what gives ?????

By R. Stroz

July 6, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

Since Lehtonen didn’t file for arbitration, does that mean he has accepted the Thrashers qualifying RFA offer?

If so, when should we catch wind of the terms of Lehtonen’s new contract?

By Alan

July 6, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

Stroz - Very good question. The lack of news is somewhat unsettling. I wonder if Mike could talk to his agent and find out whether Kari has received any offer sheets or not. Maybe also find out whether there have been any negotiations, as far as his contract is concerned.

In the whole thinking about Filppula in Thrashers Blue™, the more important Finn slipped my mind. :\

By ben

July 6, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

personally, I still feel that something has to happen. they can’t do nothing this year. Or maybe they can. They are just like the HAWKS. The Hawks have no fans, they just play year after year to an empty hall. Maybe we should take a wider look around. There are alot of teams in this boat. It’s quite cyclcal. Remember when to be a team from canada was to suck? The Rangers blew for years. Is D-WAD a less-than-average GM? Yes, but through the years he’s been getting better. Will he be here forever? No he won’t. Just enjoy the ride that the cardiac kids bring us, and know that they will get better. Perhaps he’ll turn this into a destination, or perhaps others will. But this is a large city, that alone should keep Le Thrash here for a very long time, maybe forever.

By Bob

July 6, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Brendan, check out this news about Boyle, he never would have agreed to come here in a trade. Check out how the new Lightning owners pressured him into waiving his no trade clause to accept the deal to San Jose, they told him they’d waive him and he’d get picked up by us if he didn’t waive it, and that forced him to accept the trade to avoid getting picked up by us on the waiver wire:

What a great job Don has done here to build us into the Official Laughing Stock of the NHL

I think we can now call this tactic The Thrashers’ Banishment Ultimatum to force a player into waiving their No Trade Clause.

Anyone have any doubts about where Kovy’s going the year after next?

By Brendan

July 6, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

It’s a very telling item, Bob. I can’t help but feel a little bit sorry for Boyle. He was certainly placed in a difficult predicament.