As we slide into Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer…the last holiday prior to the start of the NHL campaign…I would like to discuss one of the Thrashers hardest working players last season, Eric Perrin.

When we look back at the individual stats put up by last year’s Atlanta team, it’s difficult to find players who improved their numbers from the previous season. Slava Kozlov, Todd White, Marion Hossa, Ken Klee, Alexei Zhitnik… all had off years. One could say last season’s slump was team-wide.

Obviously, Ilya Kovalchuk was an exception… but so too was Perrin.

After signing a two year contract with the Thrashers as an unrestricted free agent last year, the 32-year old centerman accounted for 12 goals, 33 assists and finished the season with a -5 rating in 81 games. The season prior with Tampa Bay he tallied 13 goals with only 23 assists in 82 games and was -7.

OK, I didn’t say he greatly improved his numbers…just that he didn’t see them slide. Besides, if all the players listed above saw their numbers do the same as Perrin’s…slightly increase…rather than drop off, think of how differently last season would have played out.

He’s skated in but 167 total NHL games but has shown himself to be productive at every level he’s played at. Case in point… in two seasons with the Hershey Bears, he played in 151 games scoring 45 goals and 103 assists.

Perrin also proved to be a great asset to the team as an instrumental part of the penalty-killing unit. In fact, his eight shorthanded assists led the NHL, as did the 10 points earned while helping to kill off penalties.

The amount of hustle and effort Perrin put into each game last season impressed me. Especially when you consider the fact that he was asked to center Atlanta’s second line given the fact that he really is more of a fit as a third-liner.

Obviously, the continuation of Eric Perrin’s consistent play will be important to the team this coming season. Depending on the direction coach Anderson goes, he will again be looked upon to center a second or third line…possibly even move out to the left boards. Also, he’ll need to work well with a younger line-mate or two as the team will employ a number of first or second year players, based on the current roster.

Weekend Reading Assignments

Speaking of Eric Perrin, Ben Wright of atlantathrashers.com caught up with him recently and logged this fine Q&A piece.

Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com calls Arturs Kulda an emerging defensive force in Atlanta.

Looks like the Atlanta Thrashers are not the only one’s who’ll be looking to the young-uns to fill some gaps in the lineup.

Stu Barnes of the Stars has decided to call it a career after 16 seasons. He’ll join the coaching staff behind the Dallas bench.

Montreal’s general manager Bob Gainey believes that the possibility of Mats Sundin playing in a Canadiens jersey this season is looking less and less likely.

The San Jose Sharks have inked defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic to a contract extension. Combined with his current contract, the 21-year old will not be in a…pickle…contractually for five seasons.

And finally…if you’re going to try and outrun a police officer, it might be wise to put on pants that aren’t so baggy that you trip over them trying to flee. Just sayin’…

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