AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 22
Friday, August 22, 2008
Perception And Reality
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Perception, some say, is reality. It’s so in life, politics, relationships, etc. If you’re successfully branded as “A”, then it matters little if you’re actually “B”. Sometimes the perceived reality is accepted by the masses simply because the same view comes from multiple outlets.
This is true when it comes to the Atlanta Thrashers. Most pundits and prognosticators have branded our local team as having the inside track to the #1 draft pick next summer. We have yet to start training camp, much less drop the puck on opening night…but the perception is out there that we are again heading for Lottery City.
Now, I for one do not share this common view. I think this team, as it sits now, is going to fair a little better than others are predicting…say, 82-86 points. Of course, I also understand that I’m in the minority opinion here.
But can this “perception” be played to our advantage? I think so and here is how.
According to nhlnumbers.com, there are a few teams that are currently at or above the salary cap. So, teams like Philadelphia, Washington, Calgary, Anaheim, Chicago, San Jose…and even Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Boston, the Rangers and New Jersey could be looking to shed some payroll. In doing so, they are more than likely going to be seeking prospects and/or draft picks along with lower-priced NHL players in return.
I would think that the GMs of those teams are going to be far more willing to make such deals with teams that they…perceive…will finish very low in the standing. That would give them a higher pick, possibly even the first pick, in next summer’s entry draft. Thus, they would be getting more in return for the player they were willing to part ways with.
Atlanta, along with Los Angeles and the Islanders, are among those with both considerable cap space and the perception that they’ll finish low in the standings.
Don Waddell and the Thrashers organ-I-zation are in a very good position to make a deal for one more quality forward or defender…or both… in return for future considerations.
So… even though Waddell indicates in this interview with Ben Wright that he would be “100% content” if camp opened with the current roster…I think there will be a move made to upgrade the team sometime over the next few weeks.
At least, that’s my perception.
Speaking Of Trades
TSN.com’s Scott Cullen discusses the trade value of certain NHL players. Included in his list…our own Ilya Kovalchuk.
Hanging Them Up A Tad Early
Stefan Legein has decided to call it a career. Yup, hanging up the skates and moving on to other things. What’s interesting about that? He’s only a nineteen-year old prospect for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Actually, make that…was.
And Lastly
Ever wonder what hockey would be like if played almost 2-1/2 miles above sea level…inside of a glacier no less? Well, Ben Wright over at the Blueland Blog found a story of just such a game that was played in Switzerland. I found the pictures in the photo gallery fascinating! Enjoy…and thanks Ben.
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