Ice Man

By R. Stroz

July 15, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

FIRST?

By LL

July 15, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Lots of good quality players left on the list. Why pay “Rodeo Dr” prices just because of the name brand with absolutely no guarantee, when you could pay “Lisa’s Boutique” prices and get almost the same quality for less money, less risk and a better resale value.

I believe with a few additional pieces this team could very well become a contender.

Good Luck to Dallas Drake!

BRING ON THE SCHEDULE!

Great info their Rawhide!

By j nes

July 15, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

MIke, it is nice to see some of your own thoughts about the current roster. I am not sold on Stuart as a third line player or even an nhl’er at this point, but I guess that is all we have right now. Kovalchuk played well with Holik for a spell last season, so if Christiensen plays a little bigger than he is in front of the net, that could work—but Armstrong is not a top line player. If Williams plays up to potential I think he has to be the top line RW.

2nd line—Kozlov—Perin—Armstrong

3rd—Sterling—Little—White

4th—not Slater

By j nes

July 16, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Sorry Rawhide, thought I was reading Knobler’s blog.

By LAC

July 16, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Hey Bill, You have the feel we may make a BIG trade ?

I just have this feeling we could make one… #32 being the bait so to speak…

Since he is not signed, could tbe a sign & trade thing ???

Just wondering…

By pond scum

July 16, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

I like he Williams pick up and he should be an upgrade over the traitor Recchi,who alot last season was very slow and not willing to mix it up for the puck.Williams is more for going into the corners,but as you can see,his body hasn’t always held up to it. But, it’s worth the gamble as he will be very motivated by the 1 year deal to cash in either with us or in July next year.

I disagree with Stuart not being a capable NHL’er,he was being tried for a top-6 forward spot with Hossa.He isn’t that but a better option on the 3rd line or 4th line than Larsen.

I also feel DW tried to peg White into a top-6 spot when he really is 3rd line material. IMHO if he could just be settled into the 3rd line spot,he’d be just fine and better than Slater to add offense to the team. He actully scored a few game winners and probably would’ve had more points if Hossa and Kozzy would’ve shown up last season,so I’m willing to give him the benefit of a doubt he’ll better his point totals and HIS PLUS/MINUS . Both of these guys were victims of circumstances jumbled around alot.Hopefully each is set into a role they actully can play and not asked to overachieve consistently for Coach Anderson.

Maybe we can use Excelby to make another move,but I do truly hope Christensen is given the 1st shot at the top line center spot….and given a REAL chance. Damn,hurry up October and get here!

By Barry

July 16, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

I would think White needs to center the 3rd line not Perrin. Put Perrin on wing with White and Sterling/Stuart/LaVallee type player. Fairly decent checking line, grinders, keep it simple, etc. I like Slater and Boulton on the 4th line. They just come in, play hard, start banging bodies, and try to make something happen. Real question is where does Thornburn fit? He showed he can play decent minutes in the higher up lines when the Kovy-Holik-Thornburn rolled out last season. Perhaps a Perrin-White-Thornburn as the 3rd line. 4th line could be the Boulton-Slater-Wolves type a line. I do like this Williams signing. He was supposedly the best available winger and sounds versatile that can play wing or center like Perrin. He seems to have some scoring touch. We are not going to find someone who can replace Hossa’s production and defensive prowless but Williams can help fill that hole alot better than some of the other options. If the defense can pick up some scoring that should help too on the offense. I feel this team will be more balanced than last season’s team. My main concern is scoring and PK. Losing Hossa and Dupuis on the PK is gonna hurt I’m afraid.

By Tony C.

July 16, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this

eh.

Hossa is obviously a unique talent, but as much as I like the guy’s game (heartbreaking as it can be) I don’t think we’ll miss Dupuis as much as you might think. Army is a pretty good guy on the kill, and Todd White has also made his niche in the league on the kill.

By ben

July 16, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

Williams point production is pretty dern good. Though I still feel Le Thrash is in need of a legit top center. Still, D-WAD did good the other day.

By GaVaHokie

July 16, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I think our Power Play woes should definitely be over… we should have a pretty strong PP1 and PP2.

Kovy, Enstrom, Kozlov, Williams, Christensen, Hainsey and Bogy in any variation.

We have three booming shots from the point with Kovy, Hainsey and Bogy.

It will be nice having Kozlov back quarterbacking the PP with Hossa gone.

By Rawhide

July 16, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

j ness - No prob, eh…

LAC - Do I think there is a big trade coming our way? Yes…I’ve got that feeling.

Do I think it involves Kari? No…I don’t. We have a luxury most teams don’t…and that’s depth in the nets.

However, coach Anderson did say something about that last Saturday. Big Shooter made a comment in rgards to the team being “set” in goal…he responded very quickly that “nothing was set in stone”… that we certainly were strong there and that we had options.

So…take that for what i’s worth.

pond scum - Damn,hurry up October and get here! - Amen, brother!

ben - Williams point production is pretty dern good. Though I still feel Le Thrash is in need of a legit top center. Still, D-WAD did good the other day. - I agree all all those points.

Barry - Good question regarding Thorburn… I still see him on the 4th line, at least to start out the season. However, I’m sure he’ll be given more that a fair shake by Anderson to get more ice time. This is probably the biggest plus for his hiring. These guys who came up through the Wolves organ-I-zation know him, what he expects, how he coaches and what their roles are to be.

Hokie - yes…I look for the PP to be better…and the back-checking should improve as well.

LL - Lots of good quality players left on the list. Why pay “Rodeo Dr” prices just because of the name brand with absolutely no guarantee, when you could pay “Lisa’s Boutique” prices and get almost the same quality for less money, less risk and a better resale value. - There are some who give DW a lot of grief for employing just that philosophy… trying to go on “the cheap”.

However, there may not be a lot of choice for him but to do just that this season if he’s not able to work out an equitable deal. It’ll be interesting to see how that pans out.

Take a look at the Tampa Bay devil Rays…er, ah…excuse me…just Rays now…their payroll is next to nothing, they’s never competed for the division in the decade or so they’ve been around…but look where they are now at the MLB All Star break. It’s a different sport, yes I know…but so much is determined by how “just above average” players can gell in the locker room and on the ice.

By Brenda

July 16, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Anyone hear anything about Kozlov having surgery or hurting his arm?

Someone said they saw him in Buckhead with a sling on his arm a couple weeks ago.

By Russian

July 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

First of all, I likhe to JW on the Roster. He was Detroit player and Detroit Organ-I-zation much better than Atlanta. I am agree with first line:

Kovy-Crush-Army

Second will be perfect like that:

Slava-Little-JW

But Third line, I like to see as: Perrin-White-Stuart (Lavelle) No way to btring Sterling. I saw him last year and he did not impress me much. Little Guy with no skills for NHL.

Fourth line will be fine as : Throny-Slater-Bolt

News from Russia: Nikulin is very close to come here. After Radulov moved from Nashville to Russia, they has a little war beetween Russian League and NHL. But Nikulin said that he wants to come here and play. Other news. Zhitnik started camp in Kiev and he is going to play on Ukraine team. Finnaly he is out of our Roster. :-)

By five_hole

July 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

The big issue I have with the lineup is that you list (at least) 3 rookies as making the lineup; Little who is still a rookie, Sterling and Stuart. LaVallee is potentially a 4th rookie forward. All may deserve to be in an NHL lineup, but I don’t want to count on kids.

I also happen to think that Slater deserves to be in the lineup, as the checking center. He’s great defensively, he’s willing to go into the corners, he’s fast as anyone else we have and he’s willing to drop the gloves.

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

My concern here is that we continue to work under the “replace” and not the “add” theory. Getting Williams was good…it would have been better had it been in addtion to and not as a replacement for Recchi.

I agree, keep Slats. Talk about being snake bit, he seems to have lost that scoring touch he had in college. But the man never gives less than 100%, and I just get the feeling he is due to break through…I can see him getting 15-18 goals in a season - plus, as they say, speed never slumps. For no other reason than he can fly, keep him on the line to force the defense to recognize him as he flies around.

Radulov going to the KHL would seem to help our cause to get Nikulin. Even if the contract does not give him an out as he seems to believe, the KHL fired the first salvo and took an active player off of an NHL roster, so in my mind, the gloves are off!

The PP should be better this year…since we really have only one serious scoring threat, the PP will be forced to move it around more and look for the opening, and not just looking for Hoss or Kovy. The opposition PK knew exactly what was coming last year…long to mid range shots. We need to get down low and cause havoc in the crease. Any NHL goalie worth his paycheck will stop the longer shots he can see. I don’t care if you are Al Iafrate and blasting them at 108 MPH, a goalie, properly positioned and waiting for the blast will stop it almost every time!

Looking forward to the season for no other reason than to see what Anderson has in store. I like a more uptempo game, even being a goalie, I like to see O-fense, O-fense, O-fense!

By Wings fan in Ga.

July 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Williams=good signing. It’s always nice to get some former Wings on the team.

By TableHockey

July 16, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

as was mentioned above - what’s the story with Kari? Hasn’t his deadline to take his offer passed?

I like the Williams pick up though I agree with what was said earlier that he is prob using the Thrasher’s to build his points to get a bigger contract somewhere else next year.

By Alan

July 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

it would have been better had it been in addtion to and not as a replacement for Recchi.

I disagree. Recchi is how old again? Replacing him was a good option, I feel. But we’ll see what happens when he starts play in Tampa Bay this season.

The only problem for them is figuring out what position he’s going to play. They’re stacked like a Jenga tower with offense down there, so you have to wonder if they’re going to make someone play defense. Heh.

By Nikita

July 16, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Agreeing with Alan…I like Recchi, but he’s old, small, and prone to streaking.

My lineup: Kovy-Crush-Thorburn (the giant line) Koz-White-Armstrong (the mostly-midgie line) Perrin-Williams-Little (fast, scrappy, devastating) Boults-Slater-Lavallee

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Alan - he’s 40, true - definately getting up there. But he had 48 points last year. He’s a vet who’s name is on the Cup…twice. We need players to teach the younger guys how it is done, how to navigate the long NHL season. After Ilya, he is next in line on scoring on this team. I am wondering where the O is going to come from…considering the situation this team finds itelf in, I just question letting someone go who has proven he can still play.

By five_hole

July 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Lineup?

Top line has to be Kovy - Christensen - Williams

Second line is Kozlov - Little - White

Third line is Thorburn - Perrin - Armstrong

Fourth line is Boults - Slater - LaVallee/Stuart/Sterling

I stuck White at RW because at his salary, he has to play somewhere, and we don’t have a second true proven top-6 RW, after Williams. I like Koslov with Little because Kozy can teach/cover for rookie defensive mistakes.

We can all see the deficencies; we don’t have a #1 center and a second top-6 RW. We have a half-dozen centers; most of which are 3rd/4th line guys. We need big wingers that can go into corners and come out with pucks. Oh, they need to be able to backcheck, too.

Defensively, assuming that we eventually get Nikulin signed, should be a little better. Still don’t have a true top-2 pairing, but if we can cut down the minutes (meaning wear & tear; give them a rest) that Havelid & Enstrom play, we should be able to cut down on the shots allowed/ goals against.

By GaVaHokie

July 16, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I’m just hoping we don’t have the same problem we did last year… finding good line chemistry. We have good pieces, but they just don’t fit together.

I’d like to see some one-for-one swaps like Carolina is famous for (ex. Andrew Ladd for Tuomo Ruutu)

Perhaps, Christensen for Vermette.

By Nikita

July 16, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I like everyone’s lineups as long as they don’t have White on the checking line. He costs too much, has too much offensive potential, and is too small for that position. I also like Thorburn off the 4th — he can do it, but will pay off more for us on a higher line.

We have a half-dozen centers; most of which are 3rd/4th line guys.

I disagree — I’d say they’re all second-line guys.

Oh, they need to be able to backcheck, too.

Amen, brother.

By polskidawg

July 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Williams is a nice player, though a bit injury-prone so far. Signed as a 1st line RW, but a 2nd line talent good for 60 +/- points if healthy for 75 games.

Russian, I like your line combinations with one small change (I also agree with you on Sterling - trade bait as best):

Kovy - Christensen - Williams

Kozlov - Little - Armstrong

Perrin - White - Stuart (LaVallee)

Thornburn - Slater - Bolton

Bench - Larson/Stuart

I’m still waiting for Filppula….

By MB

July 16, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

As we’re seeing from everyone’s lineups, the only unanimous selections are Kovy and Kozzy as the top two LWs.

While you could easily say that you wish more things were nailed down, the good thing is there will be no shortage of competition for the remaining spots.

And as poster Brendan always says, competition is a good thing, because it creates motivation and leads to a better product. With this being JAs first year, he’ll have the leeway to experiment with line combinations and figure out the best spot for each player (and, on the downside, which players don’t fit).

Kozzy will be a big piece of the puzzle. If he can return to his previous form, that’s very good for us. If not…shudder.

Slater? He needs to get his act together, in my book. He’s 25, blazing speed, and he works at it. But the guy has to improve on finishing…or at least consistently getting SOG from within 10 feet.

Oh, and for all you Wings fans, what’s up with your boys and their treatment of the Cup? First Chelios dings it, then Draper lets his rugrat potty train in it (and then drinks from it later that night). Sure, you guys earned it on the ice, but we might just have to give you a replica for your celebrations.

By MB

July 16, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Polskidawg, outside of a groin/sports hernia injury last year, Williams has only had the typically “missed one game due to…” type injuries in his career, from what I can see.

Are you seeing other information that leads you to consider him injury prone?

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Have no fear MB, the original Cup is in the HOF in Toronto and never leaves. There are two replicas, the one that travels around with the players and the one that goes to special events.

Being a bit of a cleanliness freak, I don’t know if I could kiss it or drink from it after it’s been used as a toilet.

The funniest is what Brett Hull did, he took all of the shelves out of his fridge and used the Cup as a jello mold!

By Corey

July 16, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

does “never leaves HOF” included not going to the finals to be awarded?

By Alan

July 16, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

First Chelios dings it, then Draper lets his rugrat potty train in it (and then drinks from it later that night). Sure, you guys earned it on the ice, but we might just have to give you a replica for your celebrations.

Well, Osgood slept with the cup, so in about nine months, expect a bunch of little replica cups floating around out there. :D

Seriously though, it’s not the first or the last time something will happen to the cup. There’s a cup caretaker with it wherever it goes, after all.

By Smoothie

July 16, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Seeing as how Todd White is probably too small to be effective on the checking line, how about moving him to RW on the 2nd line and letting Thorburn (drafted as a center) play as the pivot on the ultimate checking line — ultimate for the Thrashers that is. ;-)

Kovy — Crusher — Williams

Slava — Little — White

Perrin — Thorby — Army

Boulton — Slater — Stuart / LaVallee

Bench: Larsen

I really think this third line could wreak some serious havoc for other teams. We know how effective Colby can be mixing it up in the corners and in the neutral zone. Thorburn adds more grit and physical size to the line while Perrin provides his own special brand of scrappy play-making to help Army & Thorby augment their offensive potential.

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

The original cup is just the top. It has had many different bases over the years. The one that is presented to the teams on the ice is a replica.

By j nes

July 16, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I have two concerns right now regarding the Nikulin situation and I am hoping someone can put them to rest:

1. It appears that some people are heralding Nikulin as a top 4 D man, but who has actually seen him play. How do we really know what we are getting? Besides some clips on youtube and stats from eurohockey.net, I could not find much info on Nikulin. By the way, his stats did not blow me away (+1 last year). Does anyone have a good scouting report?

2. I have a bad feeling that Nikulin could be using the Thrashers (just like some UFA’s already have) to drive up his value in Russia. It is no secret that Russia will pay whatever it takes to keep/steal talent. Could “this close to bringing Nikulin over” be the same as “this close to signing Brian Campbell”? And why would Nikulin want to play in the NHL for 800k if Russia offers 8 million?

Someone please help me to continue believing in blueland

By Sara

July 16, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

MB it wouldn’t have been the first time. And I’m sure it’s been thoroughly sanitized a zillion times over.

glovesave Nikulin’s situation won’t be the same as Radulov’s since Ilya hasn’t signed a contract yet. Radulov at least apparently signed before the “formal” agreement was made (although there was already an informal agreement in place - sucks for the Russians but they are going to lose this fight too - the IIHF apparently is highly unamused and seems poised to put the smackdown on somebody).

I also see we re-upped Crabb and Osytrick - that ought to make Wolves fans happy. They are having a rough offseason - lost their HC, lost Krog, may well lose Haydar since we haven’t re-signed him yet, Sterling, Stuart, Lavallee, Valabik, and Kulda at least are all potentials for getting roster spots next season plus they won’t get Little back next season. Oh and Kiwi’s gone too right? Ouch!

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Sara, that is true, the agreement came down between the two leagues 2 days after Radulov’s defection. But he was still under contract with Nashville, and IIHF president Fasel had warned the KHL about going after players under contract after they tried to get Malkin. Radulov is being threatened with being banned from international events.

By Lanny McDonald

July 16, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I like what I see out of this guy - Wicked shot from the point

By Nikita

July 16, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Re: Smoothie’s third line..you know, what I like about all three of those is their determination, stubbornness, and craftiness. Plus, two of them have size and all of them play bigger than they are. Plus…Army and Perrin already have great hands. Thorburn seems to be developing competent hands, so I think we’d see some great plays and offensive payoff. But really, I just love Eric Perrin — his attitude is awesome and he makes everyone around him a better player. It would be completely appropriate and effective to pair him with two developing talents.

By five_hole

July 16, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Nikita I like Perrin. He’s got a great worker on the ice. He has some scoring ability. He’s responsible defensively. But he’s little (listed at 5’9” & 180 which makes me think he’s 5’8 & 170 lbs). He gets knocked around the ice. I’d like him a lot more if he were 3 inches taller & 20 lbs heavier.

j nes I wish I hadn’t read your post about Nikulin. Now I’m worried that he’s using us, too.

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

hmmm….interesting trade

By GaVaHokie

July 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

It appears that some people are heralding Nikulin as a top 4 D man, but who has actually seen him play. How do we really know what we are getting?

Let’s just say that last summer, Waddell was looking forward to having Nikulin more than Enstrom… I’m not even sure Waddell expected Enstrom to make the team… if that tells you anything.

Enstrom has always been an issue of “is he ready to come over yet?” Nikulin has been about “HOW can we get this guy over?”

Lanny… great clip. That would give us FOUR booming shots from the point… Hainsey, Bogy, Kovy, Niki.

By Thrashers27

July 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Glovesave I found that interesting as well…think Kari and Klee, or X for Kopitar!!! Hell, I may even make it Kari and Havelid if Nikulin is going to make the trip across the pond for the season.

On another note…

I hate to be a “negative nancy”, but Anybody else disappointed in the new guy’s (Knobler’s)coverage? Maybe we were spoiled by Custance, but I just don’t feel like this guy really has a passion for the game like Craig did.

By Smoothie

July 16, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Indeed, Eric Perrin is ALL heart! He’ll surely do well no matter what line he’s on and I look for more high caliber play as a penalty killer extraordinaire from Monsieur Perrin!

By Brendan

July 16, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

If it means anything, when Todd White first arrived here, Kovalchuk’s quote out of training camp was something like, “I’m looking forward to playing with Todd White on my line.” Todd White’s role has never been to be a 1st line center. But if Kovy still feels this way about White as his pivot, then I’m sure they’ll try it out a bit, just to see how it goes. Line combinations are something that will be reworked over and over again.

Who knows? There may be a trade coming as late as during the preseason games. Teams don’t have to get under the cap until “Opening Night,” in October.

By KovyForHire

July 16, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Wild Fan here.

Any interest in Gaborik or PM Bouchard?

By KovyForHire

July 16, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Brendan, you are incorrect, FYI.

Teams need to be under the cap by the first day after the end of training camp.

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 16, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Im from the Blueland Blog and I found out that there are more people here so Im staying here…

Im live in Mtl but I hate badly the Habs…My heart is in Atl

This would be my line combinations

Kovy—-White—-Williams Kozlov-Little—Army Perrin-Christensen-Thorbs Boults-Slater—Wolves

At the defense, if Niki comes, we would rock at D

Getting Kopitar would be AWESOME

Also getting Knuble or Lupul as wingers would make us Cup contenders

Imagine this:

Kovy-Kopitar-Knuble/Lupul Kozzie-Little-Williams Perrin-Crusher-Army Boults-Thorbs-Wolves/White/Slater

By five_hole

July 16, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Brendan I’m just curious what you expected Kovalchuk to say? Did you really think he would say “Never heard of him” or “Is that Mats Sundin’s alias”? Players that whine & pout in the press probably aren’t very popular in the locker room.

For all I know, White had an off year, like half the Thrashers team. Hockey is about anticipating your linemates passes, where they’ll be on the ice, and you don’t learn that in a month of training camp. I’m hoping that he has an outstanding season.

By Lanny McDonald

July 16, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Here’s another sweet Fight clip

If you watch closely you’ll see Nikulin (#5) get some good swings in. Zubarev is there too, but I don’t know his sweater #.

By KovyForHire

July 16, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Gaborik and PM Bouchard for Kovalchuk for Little?

Thoughts?

By Jarndyce

July 16, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

KovyForHire: All trade requests should go to Don.Waddell@atlantaspirit.com

By Alan

July 16, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I remember that one, Lanny. In fact, the NY Times even posted something about it on their blog after it happened. If I remember correctly, it also made some rather lengthy appearances on ESPN.

By Alan

July 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Also, you can view that game in its entirety here. Good stuff.

By LAC

July 16, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Wish WE were in the trade talks glovesleeve spoke of… Then what is plan A or is it B or is it F X what… Do we even have a plan ?

All these trades and we are not involved in one single one… We have a “few” points of interest don’t we ?

This Ilya II looks very good, why is he not here YET ?

Lastly, does anyone out there know the Exact status of the Belkin lawsuit ?

Why is it taking years to get completed, and NOTHING has happened inhow long now ??

It’s really crazy this cannot get finished so everyone knows where the chips fall.

I, for one, would like to know… Rawhide any update ?

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 16, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Were playing one home game against Detroit next year!! Alll of u guys going to the game ( i live in Mtl) must boo him real hard—-

First game Oct. 10

By Bob

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

Last I heard on the lawsuit is that the earliest it will be settled is Spring 2009, they’re still fighting over the discovery phase of it.

By Bob

July 16, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Anybody else disappointed in the new guy’s (Knobler’s)coverage?

Nah, it’s freakin July 16. What the heck is there to talk about re. hockey. Mindless trade speculation? Setting lines in July?

This is the dead period in hockey, UFAs are signed, prospect camp is over, there’s going to be nothing to talk about until camp starts in September. Good news is football season is just over a month away!

By Brendan

July 16, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

five_hole, did you mean that as an essay question? :)

By the way, how much time exists between the first day after the end of training camp and “Opening Night?”

By kracker

July 16, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Kari resigned

By Rawhide

July 16, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

SA-Weet! So, October 10 not only starts the regular season in Philips…but also starts Anderson vs. Boudreau!!!

Let The games begin!

Great new abot Kari re-signing. That’s one more thing off the to-do list!

JAmes_kovyboy - Welcome…and don’t abondon the Blueland Blog…Ben is top notch and always has breaking stories.

As for Booing Hossa when Detroit comes to town…I will be interested in seeing just what the reaction will be. I’ll bet it’s mixed.

KovyForHire - Welcome… “Gaborik and PM Bouchard for Kovalchuk [and] Little”? - Ummm, pass.

LAC - Sorry dude…You know just as much about it as I do.

By ThrasherNY

July 16, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Why on earth would we only have signed Kari to a one year deal….can anyone confirm the headline?

By Rawhide

July 16, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

ThrasherNY…here is the story that goes with the headline.

Why one year?….shrugs…dunno.

That’ll be interesting to find out!

By Tony C.

July 16, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

DW mentioned something about January 2K9 being the next hearing in the case…it’s in one of the interview pieces from the blogger day (I forget who’s page), or Knobler’s post-draft piece.

Sorry I forget-but that’s the most current info I’ve seen/heard.

By Krust

July 16, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Kari for Kopitar- I like that., I forget who posted that but that is good idea.

By Tony C.

July 16, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Why on earth would you trade away Kopitar and Camalleri in the same off season???

I don’t care who you get in return (Unless it’s A-O or Crosby), that makes no sense whatsoever.

By Bob

July 16, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Why on earth would we only have signed Kari to a one year deal

They have to try to re-sign Kovy next summer to a long term deal. Assuming it’s going to be a $10m a year deal, that won’t leave room for a large contract for Kari and they can let him go (or trade him at the deadline this year) and bring Pavelec in with Moose as his backup for next year.

By LL

July 16, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Rawhide in response to your comment this morning back to me…yes you are right that they sy that about DW but in all reality they would rip him apart anyway if he signed a big name player if that player failed to produce…by the way the Kari signing reminded me of something someone said recently…”Nothing Is Set In Stone”….hmmm….

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

So is Kari a UFA after this contract? Or is that a time-served issue?

By R. Stroz

July 16, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

According to Custance, the deal is one year at 3 million

By kracker

July 16, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

One year at $3 million is a decent raise, well above the 110% minumum qualifying offer they had to offer over his $2.2 million salary last year - Kari got a 36% raise.

As for when he is UFA, Kari is 24 yrs old until Nov. 16 and will have 4 years NHL service following next season (I don’t think his 4 season-ending games in 04 count), so he will still be 2 years away from UFA at the end of this season if I am doing the numbers correctly.

The correct move for each party was to sign Kari for a year and see how the next season goes. Kari may play as we expect him to - very well - or he may have a bad year or have more injury problems. The status of the rebuilding process will be known by this time next season so all parties will be able to assess their best course of action. Kari may be locked up long term (my preference), he may play so-so and then who knows what may happen. Pavelec’s play on a likely depleted Wolves team will tell us more of who he is, which is also a big factor.

This one year signing kicks the can down the road so everybody can get ready for the upcoming season. GO THRASH!!

By glovesave29

July 16, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks Kracker. Since he remains a RFA at the end of this contract, it can work for both parties…the Thrashers have some flexibility, and Kari gets a nice raise, and with another good season, the opportunity to do so again next summer.

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 16, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

I think we only need a top center now

The line combinations would be

Kovy-(Center)-Williams/Army Kozlov-Little-Williams/Army Perrin-Crusher-Thorbs Boults-White-Wolves

Havelid-Enstrom Hainsey-Niki Bugs-Klee

Leths

Exelby, Slater should be the trade materials [maybe a pick or Sterling]

By Hip Czech

July 17, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the Kings would trade Kopitar, O’Sullivan maybe, but yeah, that’s crazy to trade both Cammalleri and Kopitar. The blueline would be awesome, but unless they have another forward in the pipeline that seems like an awful lot of O to lose.

Having said that…heck yes, Lehtonen and X or Havelid (provided Nikulin is coming) for Kopitar. But, it seems to me Lehtonen being signed for a year would limit his trade value, as opposed to if he had signed say a 4 year 12 million deal. I don’t know, I suppose a team that he got traded to would have the opportunity to sign him long term after this year.

I’d stay far away from Gaborik. I love him, and the man can produce WHEN he is in the lineup. Unfortunately he hasn’t been in the lineup much the past three years. Bouchard I would take, Gaborik no.

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Looks like Lehtonen got the same treatment as Jason Williams… that’s great. We got two guys who have to prove themselves worthy of bigger money… I’m all for it. And Kari says he doesn’t want to “go anywhere”, so essentially, I still see it as a long-term contract. :)

By ranallo10 (in AT)

July 17, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

sigh…here we go again.

Gaborik and Bouchard for Kovalchuk — This offer is ridiculous. Gaborik told Hossa last season not to come to Minnesota, what makes anyone think Hossa wouldn’t have said the same back to Gaborik??

Gaborik’s a star, which means only another star or several almost-stars will need to move to acquire him. Atlanta doesn’t have the commodities to acquire such a player…and giving up Kovalchuk for anyone less than a star of equal value is, well, ridiculous.

Kopitar…

Why would anyone believe that trade proposal? It profits only one team, Chicago, who would be jettisoning one excess defender and an excess goalie for a top line center. Somehow Ottawa only upgrades slightly in goal (I consider Khabibulan the better of the two) but downgrades defensively (Meszaros is better than Barker and Seabrook). LA would be acquiring an aged goalie, a RFA defender (which gives them a surplus), and would be losing their best player.

It makes absolutely no sense.

In fact, a trade offer including Lehtonen for Kopitar makes MORE sense than Gerber…LA is much farther than “a goalie away”, which means acquiring a veteran goalie with an expiring contract makes little sense to the long term success of their franchise.

Re: Lehtonen’s contract — It seems to me this gives him the ability to prove he’s worth MORE than $3M, and gives the team flexibility in the offseason. His RFA status should still be in effect (as kracker stated), which means Atlanta still retains his services while giving them a chance to field offer sheets if they deem him not in the future plans.

Hopefully Lehtonen is retained, I like the guy.

Oh, this signing also means an extra $800k is going to hit the salary, meaning the team is slightly closer to that minimum roster payroll.

RH — I’m going to hold off on predicting lines, especially this early in the offseason. I still expect one more move to happen, be it a RFA offer, a trade, or a UFA signing. I don’t think Waddell is done…hopefully he makes another wise decision, and doesn’t decide to lure Lindros out of retirement.

By Nikita

July 17, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Oh, since this topic’s about exhausted…how do our recent trades leave us ladies and Melvin in terms of eye candy?

Much improved. We jettisoned Frankenbobby and the midget mob boss. We kept smokin’ hot Moose, who will probably sit in his highly visible backup spot much of the season when not spraying himself down with bottles of water. We kept Boulton who, well, he’s not hot per se, but his enforcing is.

As to the signings… Ron Hainsey — very nice. Particularly as a replacement for Zhitnik, who wasn’t terribly cute and also was out of shape. Assuming they all are allowed to play, 4 of our probable 6 are hot and the other two are essential. For the sake of team hotness, I hope both Valabik and Bogosian make the team.

Forwards, well, unfortunately it looks like that’s a wash. I mentioned that we tossed the ugliest member of the team, and that does help. But we added Junior Lessard and Jason Williams, neither of whom would have a shot at a Tiger Beat cover. So, ladies, I’m afraid it might be a relatively tough season in eye candy, unless some more Wolves (Sterling) make the roster.

By Wings fan in Ga.

July 17, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

What time is the schedule out today?

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

I like the Blue Collar, hard working mentality that’s starting to develop around this team… we’ve gotta several players looking to prove themselves, including the Coach.

Armie, Crusher coming up on RFA, Williams, Lehts shooting for big money, Hainsey in a new system that fits his style, Bogy, Espo, Valabik trying to make the squad… on top of anyone else in Chicago trying to make the roster.

We’ve got three guys wanting to avenge last season… Kozlov, Boulton and Moose.

Those three, along with Lehtonen are starting to say positive things about “wanting to be in Atlanta”.

What’s left… Havelid, Enstrom, Kovy, Larsen, Perrin, Exelby and Thorburn who always work hard.

By russian

July 17, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Schedule is not posted yet. How many games will be in this season? 82 or more???

By Mike

July 17, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I know most people don’t like Hockeybuzz but he mentions Popovic. Are the Thrashers not planning on bringing him back? Didn’t he play well for them last year?

By Alan

July 17, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Mike - Hockeybuzz itself is fine. It’s Eklund who is disliked. As for Pops, he did a pretty good job last year, I thought. But I don’t know the Thrashers’ plans on him. We’ve already got Enstrom, Havelid, Hainsey, Exelby, Valabik (probably), Bogosian (probably), and Klee. Popovic would be the eighth defender. And if we bring in Nikulin, that means we would have nine defenders signed.

We’ve got a logjam at D right now, and we’ll have to move somebody already.

By Nikita

July 17, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

We’ve got three guys wanting to avenge last season… Kozlov, Boulton and Moose.

I think we’ve got more than that…like White (half his previous year’s production), Exelby (shudder), Slater (the mother of all scoring droughts), Larsen (shudder), Kovy (who did well by the standards of mere mortals, but got injured, hit a drought, and was eclipsed by Ovechkin)…pretty much the whole team minus the Swedes and Perrin.

I agree that the ethos is a nice one. Hossa was a good player, but he was also a very cynical player, and most of the players we let go had various attitude problems (Dupuis was delusional regarding his abilities, Holik was moody, Zhitnik appeared to be seriously depressed) that tended toward making the team very angry and discontented as a whole. The new crew is positive, young, and needs to perform to advance their careers — we don’t have many players still on the roster whose best years are behind them.

By NASCAR Dave

July 17, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I’m happy with KARI’s deal…

Correct amount of $$$, and he has 1 year to prove that he can hang…

If not, he gets dumped at the trade deadline, so I think most people should be happy with this signing…

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Eklund’s latest still has us interested in Kubina and Schneider… these seem odd to me, unless we’re looking to move Havelid and Exelby and go “balls out” on the offensive defensemen.

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

*We’ve got three guys wanting to avenge last season… Kozlov, Boulton and Moose.

I think we’ve got more than that*

Yep… but I was more referencing the one’s who have said so publicly. Even Holik said it this summer before signing with NJ. Wanting a chance to “make things right”… “unfinished business”.

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I suppose trading Havelid for Schneider would make sense… if you’re going to have only one guy for one year, I suppose Schneider makes more sense for what Anderson is trying to do than Havelid.

It helps Anaheim get below the cap and still have a veteran defenseman.

By Hip Czech

July 17, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

the schedule is out on nhl.com

we have the following western teams coming:

Minnesota

Columbus

Nashville

St. Louis

Vancouver

Chicago

Colorado

Detroit

By Rawhide

July 17, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Here is the full schedule from the Thrashers’ web site.

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 17, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

All our last 5 games are against rivals

By five_hole

July 17, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave It’s not often that we agree on things, but I think you’re right on with the Lehtonen contract. I’ve been a supporter of his, but there comes a time when you have to live up to your billing. Lehtonen was rushed to the big leagues prematurely, was hurt, played behind horrible defensive teams, had all kinds of excuses of why he couldn’t win. It’s time for Kari to prove he’s worth the big money or go someplace else.

GaVaHokie At this point in his career, I don’t want Schneider. He’s almost as old as I am. I’m very willing to let Havelid play this year out and go somewhere else as a UFA.

By GaVaHokie

July 17, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Nice… Feb 11th… “Campbell, Campbell… you suck!”

By Alan

July 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

these seem odd to me, unless we’re looking to move Havelid and Exelby and go “balls out” on the offensive defensemen.

Gods, I hope not. Then we’ll have almost as many forwards as Tampa Bay.

By LAC

July 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech, The Flames will be making an appearence as well… Funny The Flames last won here as The Atlanta Flames !!!!!

Where has the new Thrashers beat writer gone ? Been a week since anything out of him, What’s up… Anyone know ?

By NASCAR Dave

July 17, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

LAC - Re:Knobler… Who knows??? Who cares??? I sent him emails about the troll and got no response… Nothing… Are you surprised??? I’m not, afterall he came from the TECH blogs, where NOTHING ever happens… I’m gonna stick with RAWHIDE - He updates us AT LEAST once, DAILY… That’s good enough for me…

By TableHockey

July 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Thrasher’s website is reporting signing Center Marty Reasoner from the oilers

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 17, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

We got Reasoner!

By NASCAR Dave

July 17, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Hmmm… A 31 year old Center with ties to USA Hockey… Yep, no surprise there…

But definitely NOT a #1 Center… THis pickup baffles me…

KNOBLER is on Vacation… I checked my email and he DID respond to me… He said he’s getting in all of his vacation time in now, so he is free for the rest of the season… I guess that makes sense…

But I will suggest the Troll be very careful… :)

By LAC

July 17, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Marty Reasoner, good faceoff man, solid in corners, good passer, Good pickup.

Could THIS be the signal Todd White is on the move ?

Yes NASCARDAVE, this new guy seems uninterested in NHL hockey, so I will stick with THE HOCKEY AUTHORITY in Atlanta… RAWHIDE, The All Knowing All Seeing One.

Just a feeling a TRADE is coming up soon… We’ll see.

By Sara

July 17, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Thrasher’s website is reporting signing Center Marty Reasoner from the oilers

WHY?!?! This is what comes of everyone asking for more signings….you get what you ask for - stupid crap like this. We don’t need another forward unless it’s a bonafide #1 center or RW and Reasoner does not qualify. He’s not even a 1/2 PPG guy.

Just when I thought Don would get through an entire off-season without doing anything stupid…UGH!

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Thius shows big signs of a trade with Larsen and White ( and maybe one D if we get Niki)

Kovy—Crusher—Williams/Army
Kozlov-Little—Williams/Army
Perrin-Reasoner-Thorbs Boulton-Slater/Whtie-Wolves

—>This is w/out the trade acquired guy

By Hip Czech

July 17, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

We get more Thrashers coverage from a national source (CC at TSN) than locally…that’s bad.

What did we give for Reasoner?

By NASCAR Dave

July 17, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

OK… Who’s gonna go???

I’m happy with the following being traded…

KLEE/WHITE/SLATER/EXELBY/STERLING…
We have WAY TOO MANY 3rd and 4th Line Centers… Time to say BUH-BYE to SLATER…

By midtownrebecca

July 17, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Knobler is probably on vacation. I believe he said something about that in one of his first blogs. Reasoner is a decent signing.

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 17, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Money lol hes UFA

By JAmes_kovyboy

July 17, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

woops I didnt get ur Question :P
Terms are undisclosed
And Thrashers official website had the news, Hip Czech-> nice name :)

By NASCAR Dave

July 17, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

This is, assuming, LARSEN is waived… Because NOBODY is stupid enough to take LARSEN in a trade!

By R. Stroz

July 17, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Big Splash My @ss

By Hip Czech

July 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

ND…I agree, I think Slater may be the one on the outs.

Yikes, I didn’t even know Reasoner was a FA…the only good thing I can see about him is that he was born not too far from my hometown.

Definitely a glut of 3&4 centers.

By BigAl

July 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

DW won’t get rid of Slater because he’s a Michigan boy like DW.

By Rawhide

July 17, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

OK kids…very busy day in Thrasherland…there’s a pant-load of stuff to discuss…so, here’s a new blog to do so.