Ice Man

By hockeyfan

September 15, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

First?

Yeah Bogo and Kulda looked great together. Bogo was laying down some hits, clearing the crease, passing and took a couple of shots.

Machacek was a treat to watch.

I just wished the spanking of the Rangers was going to be televised

By maali

September 15, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

whaddya MEAN in a few weeks? CAMP STARTS IN 5 DAYS BUCKO! :D

not that i’m counting or anything…..

By Rawhide

September 15, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Yes, maali, camp starts later this week… I was referring pre-season games.

And you seemed to be as geeked out about things getting started again as much as I, and most people around here, are!!!

By Thrasher Paul

September 15, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I thought Bogo and Espo looked very good. The players I was really impressed with was Machacek and Postma.

I know we have a lot of centers on the roster. But if Espo gives us a better chance of winning then play him! We’ve all said that the Thrash lack good centers, maybe Espo gives us a chance.

By Smitty

September 15, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I really liked Machacek. Looked good on PK. It was obvious Kulda and Bogey have played together. It will be interesting to see them when camp starts. Espo shows promise. Carried the puck well especially on PP. The announcers said he might have something to prove after being left off Canada’s jr team. The defense moved the puck quickly. Hopefully these young guys will push our veterans to step up

By Alan

September 15, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

not that i’m counting or anything

Don’t worry. I started counting down to pre-season as soon as last season ended.

By Toby

September 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

not that i’m counting or anything

I think the entire hockey universe is going nuts waiting for camp and pre-season to start, considering some of the really stupid trade ideas for Kovy I’m reading off the Hockey Futures board.

Reading all the articles surrounding Kulda/Bogo, I wonder if Kulda could knock XLB to a regular healthy scratch/trade/waivers at the start of this season.

By Thrasher Paul

September 15, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I believe that DW said he was impressed with Machacek. I know that this was a propect game, but the Thrasher’s D looked very doog.

By Russian

September 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

So far so Good. Two game went to two shoot out. I saw game with Tampa. It was very intersting. to Toby I do not think that Kulda will move Ex from team. Exposito was damn good. I hope he will be plaing for us soon. It will be interesting to see preseason games with those young players.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 15, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Just remember, these are prospects playing against their piers. Things will be different once they face NHL veterans.

But it’s nice to hear Kulda, Machacek, et ali are impressing the fans. I’d love to see Machacek make it this season, but I think Kulda’s in for at least a half-season of top two pairing minutes in Chicago before making it to Atlanta.

If anybody gets pushed out of the NHL by Kulda, I assume it’d be Valabik.

By Midfield

September 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Anybody here remembers Bob Hartley? He just signed with Omsk Avangard in Russia.

By Alan

September 15, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Reflecting back to last week…

… I can’t remember if it was in this blog or in Knobler’s blog, but a few of us were discussing the Thrashers and how they relate in marketing compared with other cities (I think I used Tampa Bay as an example). Well today, I find this article in the Nashville City Paper describing their own marketing plans for 2008-2009.

And I’m left wondering: Why the hell isn’t Atlanta doing some of this?!

By B. Thenet

September 15, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Nice to see the kids are getting things started right this season.

Espo is going to have to be dragged out of the preseason camp kicking and screaming…he wants to make the roster this year.

By Alan

September 15, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

No doubt about it. But the silver lining to going back to the Q for him is he’ll be playing in his hometown.

By Tony C.

September 15, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Yeah I got the impression that (A) Esposito might just be as good as the hype that surrounded him @ age 15-16 said he was. (B) I finally understand why DW has a man-crush on Holzapfel-the guy finishes his checks, decent shot and just always seems to be where the play is. (C) Boges is really nasty. I can’t wait til he’s 21-and no I don’t think it’d be too much of a stretch for him to make the big club.(D)Mahachek-He is as billed-solid pickup.

Now on to tidbits:

Somebody please find out who was wearing #65 for us? In that game against the lightning, from halfway through the 2nd on, he was one of the three best players on the ice IMHO. Also, I think Esposito’s skill level is so much higher than his peer group, you really need to see him with some top-flight talent to evaluate how good he is. You can see his skating is world class, doesn’t shoot as much as I’d like-kind of like Slava in that he waits for an “optimum target” before letting loose.

Also, Carozzio looked good and stayed very clm even during some dicey moments.

Also, kudos to Larry Murphy for giving DW some grief while DW was being interviewed….but did anybody see the look on his (Murphy’s) face when the agent-turned-GM from Tampa was being interviewed? I get the feeling that ol’ Larry doesn’t like the new guy with the Tom-Cruise hairdoo.

Ranallo-I should have a test file pulled sometime wednesday-if it works right, I’ll send you the FTP

By Rawhide

September 15, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - #65 is Carter Bancks.

By Thrashers27

September 15, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I’ve never heard of him, but #66 Lyall, C definitely had some hustle. He was in the middle of every play.

By Tony C.

September 15, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Yeah #66 and #65 looked good… if I had to pick I’d give Bancks the edge

By Eileen

September 15, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

How do you get the NHL network? Thanks.

By Rawhide

September 15, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Eileen - I have Comcast…so I called them up and told them I know Tony C. personally and they hooked me up for free!

:o)

Seriously, it’s part of the “Sports Package”…it comes with the NFL Channel and tennis channel and some soccer channels as well…for $5.00 a month.

By Rawhide

September 16, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Looks like Christensen will indeed be given the first crack at being the Thrashers top line center…with Kovy on one side and Williams on the other.

By Nikita

September 16, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Omnibus posting:

1. Machacek looked great for his place in the development pipeline. Kulda seemed solid, Esposito was great (though not phenomenal on faceoffs).

2. Our marketing? Looks like a*. Or should that be ice? The whole Cold as Ice theme with the presale looks even worse than last year’s Believe in Soviet Russia look. Also, it is the beginning of the season, right? Shouldn’t the powers that be provide current images and whatnot?

By Christy

September 16, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Hello all - Eileen - I have Comcast Digital Silver package and I get the NHL network without the sports package, so if you like a lot of film/movie networks like I do, you can go that route without having to get the Sports package.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 16, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I’m curious if that means Kozlov-Little-Armstrong, or if perhaps Sterling will be on that second line and Kozlov utilized some other way (like put on the RW, or another line).

By Russian

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

ranallo10 I am thinking same way, but no way for Sterling. He is little guy and he does not have skill to be a second line. I do not want to see him on Roster. My idea will be:

1. Will - Crush - Kovy

2. Slava - Little - Army

3. Perin - Reasoner - Throburn

4. Boulton - Slater - Larsen (or somebody else from Chicago)

I think it can be worked. It will be intersting season for us.

By Alan

September 16, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

In other news so far today, he NHL’s reason for pulling out of the olympics after 2010 is rising insurance costs, and at least one executive feels their withdrawal from the olympics will result in their players being barred from other international tournaments.

By Russian

September 16, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I just realize that we have White also. He can play on 4-th line. It will be something to try:

Boulton - White - Slater. Give Jimmy chance to score some goals.

By Rawhide

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

Russian - White on the checking line? He didn’t get the nickname “Charmin” for nothing.

I’d like something like this:

Kovy-Crusher-Williams

Perrin-Little-Army

Kozzy-Reasoner-Thorburn

Bolts-Slates-Larson

White on the trade blocks.

The only problem I see with that is the fact that the team can’t afford to lose White’s hit to the cap, (amazing we are speaking in these terms, is it not)?

So, if the team did choose to put White out on the blocks, they would have to trade for someone of equal or greater value…say, one more blueliner that would take XLB’s spot.

AUGH!!!! That would mean we lose XLB’s cap hit….

%$#@!…can we just trade White, then give everyone left on the roster a 10% salary increase to make up for it?

By NASCAR Dave

September 16, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Stanley Cup Calibre Roster, Eh?

LMAO…

By glovesave29

September 16, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I’d reccomend switching to Dish Network. I have boxes that broadcast to multiple TV’s. For my whole home, we have 2 boxes that can run all the TV’s and have up to 4 different programs going on at once. Saves us a fortune over Comcast. NHL Center Ice is $159 for this season, and my HD DVR rocks! No offense to you Tony C, but my experience with Comcast was TERRIBLE compared to what I have now.

By Russian

September 16, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

to Rawhide Oh man, I hear you!!! White or Larson are not the type a good players. :-( I really want to see someone from Chicago on our 4-the line. But you are right we have to keep White salary. May be something happend and we can trade him to good D-man.

By Scotty

September 16, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Trade White for prospect or draft picks.

If possible, restructure Kovy’s contract to give him more money if he agrees to sign a multi-year extension.

By Russian

September 16, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

to NASCAR Dave :-)) Roster is not looking for Final Stanley Cup, but they can do something. I think they will play in PO.

By Nikita

September 16, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I like your combos, Rawhide…except I don’t think we can trade White until we’re sure that our preferred centers are skilled enough and healthy enough. Don’t get me wrong — I like Crusher and Little, but they’re young and Crush is delicate. Plus, Kovy has his delicate moments — we’ll have to see if Crush and Williams offer sufficient backup and crunch for our princess.

Ideally White would play on special teams, maybe, and back up the top-three lines. Because of his size and age he needs to stay off the checking line. But his utility is limited — we’ve got 4 people on the roster who can play his position as well as the wing, right?

And I don’t like seeing Larsen slated to play at all. Like Ex, I think he’s had his chances, blown them, and needs to be fire saled. Isn’t there some Wolf who can displace him?

By Rawhide

September 16, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Nikita - Yup…your probably right.

If White stays, then maybe:

Kovy-Crusher-Williams

Perrin-White-Army

Kozzy-Reasoner-Little

Bolts-Slates-Thorburn

Although I don’t like Little being pushed back to the third line…

By Sara

September 16, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

There is no restructuring of Kovy’s contract until next season when he can sign an extension. However, if DW were to work up some extensions on a few RFAs, those should go ahead and hit our cap this season as they are then re-averaged IIRC.

Kovy - Crusher - Williams

Slava - Little - Army

Perrin - White - Reasoner (look a line full of centers - and who says we don’t have depth :p)

Boults - Slater - Thorburn

Larsen - bench warmer

Havelid - Enstrom

Hainsey - Bogosian

Exelby - Valabik

Klee - bench warmer

Problem is that leaves zero room for any Chicago promotions at forward. I’d say Boults or Slater would be the only two that could get replaced but even then I wouldn’t bank on it.

By glovesave29

September 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

The Ducks just placed Matthieu Schneider on waivers.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

By NASCAR Dave

September 16, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I think they will play in PO.

RUSSIAN - Based on What???

What happens if KOVY gets injured??? Who picks up the scoring???

I’m looking forward to a lot of shutouts this season… by our opponents…

PLAYOFFS… Are out of the question. Not happening - AT ALL. Mark it, write it down, remember it… NO PLAYOFFS, per NASCAR Dave (and anyone else with a lick of brains).

:)

By GaVaHokie

September 16, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

The Ducks just placed Matthieu Schneider on waivers.

This is great for one reason… it shows teams that are over the cap have no bargaining power.

“You put him on waivers, I’ll take him off your hands. But I’m not giving you anything for him.”

By glovesave29

September 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Yup - that’s it to a tee. But I will take some vets right now to teach the rookies the ropes…especially ones with big gaudy Stanley Cup rings on their fingers.

By Nikita

September 16, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Eh, let me think about this…

Kovy-Crusher-Williams

Perrin-Little/White-Army

Kozzy-Reasoner-Thorburn

Bolts-Slates-rent a goon (Lessard, maybe? Can’t remember if he’s left or right — actually, I’d like to see Boulton sit some, too, with a younger banger in his place.)

Hainsey - Bogosian

Havelid - Enstrom

Klee/Kulda - Valabik

Ex - bench warmer and trade bait

By jared

September 16, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Rawhide i’d say your second crack at the line up is probably dead on…and that just made me cry a little. Although im excited to see Lehtonen play with a semi solid defense this year he should have increasingly better number i should think

By Thrashers27

September 16, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Schneider on waivers…Grab him and dump Klee!!!

By Rawhide

September 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 - Let’s see… Schneider last season was a +22 with 12 goals and 27 assists in 65 games. He’s 39 and hasn’t had a negative +/- rating in 8 seasons.

Ken Klee was a -5 with 1 goal and 9 assists in 72 games. He’ll be 38 in April and has had a negative +/- ratio for 5 of the last 8 seasons.

tongue planted firmly in cheek

I dunnooooo…you sure about that?

jared - There’s no crying in hockey!!!! LOL!

You thinking the team may need to win a lot of 2-1, 3-2 type games if they are gonna be successful?

Nikita - I think we’re not too far off. Also, I’m thinking like you in regards to Arturs “Woulda” Kulda. he just may have a chance to make this team…I’m really looking forward to seeing how he does in training camp and preseason.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

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

Sara — I believe the extension hits after the initial contract expires, thus Crosby made $3.700M while still under his rookie contract though the extension pushed his eventual cap hit to $8.7M

Basically, we can’t dump White if we don’t want to be fined, or we don’t pick up a player worth as much or more.

By Smitty

September 16, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Didn’t a certain GM say he was going to try and get a top line defenseman this summer. I would like to see Kulda make the team. It seems he is a quick lerner.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 16, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — Schneider and Klee are different style defenders. Those stats are not the fairest to be using in comparison.

True, Schneider is a better defender than Klee overall, but Klee plays the body better, is positionally sound comparatively, and wouldn’t block Enstrom Hainsey and Bogosian from playing on the PP, where they rightfully belong.

Hokie — I find it interesting that it’s Burke who has had to waive some of his overpriced players to get within the confines of the salary cap. It gives credence to his belief that a team should be allowed to trade money with or instead of talent (i.e., Schneider for $2M cash and a late round pick). I wonder if this is just one more move made for him to point at when pleading his case at the GMs meeting.

Nikita and Rawhide — In my opinion Kulda needs at least half a season in Chicago. He’s playing well now against his peers (not piers, like I typed earlier), he played well on a championship team during the AHL playoffs, but he is not experienced at the professional level. I think half a season of top pairing minutes will show what he can contribute on a regular basis, and then the call should be made from there. A player like him is the type that can be shell-shocked from entering the NHL too early, and I’d rather allow him to progress and give the players needing NHL development that chance now (i.e. Valabik). I understand the philosophy of putting the players on the ice that put your team in the best position to win, but sometimes you need to hold a prospect back in order to allow them time to develop.

Right now, my opinion towards Kulda is similar to that of Pavelec. Don’t rush them, they are in positions that demand development, and the Thrashers are better served being patient than jumping the gun and risking stunting their growth as players. I liked the idea of Kulda, and what little I saw during the Calder Cup run, but I think he’s at least 40ish games away from being an NHL defender.

By Toby

September 16, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

While I was against it at first, Schneider only has 1 year on his contract. Maybe he would be worth it to be decent on the ice, and in the mean time be the perfect teacher to Bogo and Toby. And who knows (though this is probably dreaming) maybe we can trade him at the deadline for a 3rd rounder or something to a cup contender.

By mike

September 16, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I am not confident that ours bunch of morons ASG and “born to lose” Don would be able to keep Kulda from KXL considering team from his contry Latvia- Dynamo Riga playing here now. nothing given with this idiots. as for roster- not good 70-76 point. not going to be promised Philly turn around nobody belived this cheap liers. hope they sell team after court setle next march this only our hope

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 16, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Grabbing Schneider on his current contract would give Atlanta the cap room to move any player you fans so desire. I would think people around here would be jumping for joy at the thought that by acquiring Schneider you could be rid of White.

By sisu

September 17, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Schneider dumping is to make room for Selanne, he is way too expensive for here.

By Toby

September 17, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this

sisu

Don’t forget we offered $2.5/year more for Campbell just a couple short months ago. Yes he’s younger, but the $$$ was there.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 17, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

Toby — The money was there, and it’s now been spent for the most part. Campbell’s contract would’ve still kept this team under the salary floor…now they’re hovering just above it.

It’s not clear that the money is STILL there, as the goal of being above the salary minimum has been achieved.

By Sara

September 17, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

Toby if we pick Schneider up off waivers, we cannot trade him this season per the CBA. So if we get him, we’re keeping him through the end of the season. The plus side of picking him up is another veteran to teach the kids and a guarantee we will stay above the cap floor. It would also technically fulfill the promise of bring in another top defenseman. It also costs us nothing to pick him up off waivers - no prospects or picks. However, it makes the log-jam on D even worse. If DW moves either Klee or Exelby then no harm no foul really. But if bringing in Schneider pushes either Bogey or Valabik off the roster for this year, then I am not in favor at all.

That said, I do not anticipate him getting any farther than LA on the waiver wire - they need more salary desparately and also have a number of young defenders that could benefit from Schneider’s presence.

Moving on, how about our prospects? 3-0 in the tourney. And people here said we wouldn’t make the play-offs this season. ;P

By Bob

September 17, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Waddell may pick up Schneider, and I’m sure he has the room from the Spirit to take payroll up another $5m or so.

The question is, it’s not a move that makes us competitive, but it’s a step that could be a plus if there’s other moves to be made, such as brining in a top forward. Any word on any forwards that may be waived? I figured Waddell was laying in the weeds waiting for the waiver wire to hit…when’s the date we made our cap guesses good for? First game of the season?

Also, I concur that Schneider would be an excellent mentor for Bogosian. And the only guy it would push out is Valabik, and that’s fine, he’s not ready anyway, don’t know that he’ll ever be more than a 3rd pair guy.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 17, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

And the only guy it would push out is Valabik, and that’s fine, he’s not ready anyway, don’t know that he’ll ever be more than a 3rd pair guy.

That’s the exact same thing many people around here said about Coburn. The good thing is that most of us aren’t talent scouts. The bad thing is that most of us expect Waddell to listen to our opinions.

Hopefully he doesn’t pull a Coburn with Valabik.

By GaVaHokie

September 17, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

That’s the exact same thing many people around here said about Coburn. The good thing is that most of us aren’t talent scouts.

I just ranked 224 players for my upcoming fantasy draft… Coburn didn’t make the cut… nor did Valabik… Schneider, on the other hand, did.

I won’t tell you where because Buzzilla and Rone are out there watching. :)

Fantasy isn’t reality, but I have that much more faith in Schneider’s point production than Valabik and Coburn’s shutdown skills… even with the ungodly amount of PIMs Valabik will have.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 17, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Do you have faith that Schneider will be able to play for the next 10-15 seasons? Because Coburn and Valabik can.

Long term success…that’s what this team needs. They don’t need a shot in the arm to make the playoffs, they need sustained development of drafted talent.