AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Good, The Un-Good And The Ugly Of The Offseason
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Holy cow! Look at the calendar, kids. It’s late September, and I really should be…oh, you know how the blasted song goes. Anyway, training camp has begun, later this week the first preseason game will be played and opening night is but nineteen days away.
So, let’s take this opportunity to look back on this soon-to-be ending offseason and list some of the good, un-good and just down right uglified things that went down over the summer.
THE GOOD
John Anderson: Fantastic choice for head coach, eh? He’s not just the right coach for this team…he’s the right coach for this team right now. The 2008-09 version of the Atlanta Thrashers will be made up of many who played for Anderson in Chicago while on their way up to the NHL level. So who better to coach them then the man who has found a way to successfully guide them to victory already? Fresh off his fourth championship with the Wolves, he comes to Atlanta and most every Thrashers fan could not be happier. The new coach’s primary job in order to turn this team around is to inflict a serious attitude adjustment. To him, losing is not just un-good…it’s simply un-acceptable…and that is what he will attempt to instill in the minds, hearts and souls of his players. Schleprocks need not apply.
Coaching Staff: Along with Anderson come two other fresh faces behind the bench. First there is Todd Nelson, who worked as an assistant to Anderson in Chicago. Also there’s Randy Cunneyworth, who had spent the past eight seasons as head coach of the Rochester Americans. Cunneyworth was a pleasant surprise last summer, indeed. While in Rochester, he compiled a record of 306-267-67 and won the outstanding coach of the year award in 2005.
Zach Bogosian: “And with the third overall pick in the draft, the Atlanta Thrashers select…Stanley Gruffenfeld”. No, no, no…but admit it, there was that part of you that feared something like that, right? Of course, it was Zach Bogosian and the crowd roared with approval! He’s big, skates great and he plays at level above and beyond his 18-years of age. Oh…and he’ll hit opposing players so hard they’ll wish their parents had never even met! I firmly believe he’ll be on the ice for this team on October 10. Oh sure, he’ll have a sharp learning curve, but that’s to be expected. I simply think holding him down a year does him, and the team, a disservice.
New Acquisitions: Ron Hainsey, Jason Williams, Marty Reasoner are all good signings. Are they block-buster deals that will catipult this team to the Stanley Cup? Most people would say “probably not”. But, the simple question to consider in respect to these players is…do they make the team better? The way I answer that is…Hainsey in place of Zhitnik, yes. Reasoner in place of Holik, yes. Williams in place of Recchi, yes…even if it’s simply because of the younger legs. When you look at the three grouped as a package versus the three they replace…it’s even clearer why they’re acquisitions are placed in the “good” column.
THE UN-GOOD
The Hossa Hole: As much as I feel the Thrashers are an imroved team from the end of last season in the ways listed above, there is still that glaring hole in the lineup that was once filled by Marian Hossa. While I’m not sorry that he’s gone…I mean, if he didn’t want to be here then the team and he are both better off now that he’s not…it’s still very difficult to see where the potential 90-100 points that come with Hossa are going to come from. I had thought that there would have been some kind of deal made to address this over the summer. As it turns out, I was wr…I was wrrr…I was less correct than I normally am.
Campbell’s Thanks But No Thanks: General manager Don Waddell was given the official okee-dokee by those who control the purse-strings to spend the money required to obtain free-agent defenseman Brian Campbell. July 1 we logged onto web-sites posting UFA signing info and hit the refresh button as often as Rosie O’Donnel hits a buffet line. Then comes the news he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks…for less money than the Thrashers we willing to pay him. To Campbell’s credit, he showed a great deal of class in the way he let the organ-I-zation know much he appriciated the intrest and effort put forth to land him. In the end, it may actually turn out to be a good thing…frees up a bunch of cash that’ll be needed to throw at this cat named Kovalchuk in the not-to-distant future. But still, to be turned down to play for a team that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in 6 years…for less money? Simply, un-good!
THE UGLY
Boyle B-Slaps Blueland: The Tampa Bay Lightning let it known that they intended to dump Dan Boyle and his large contract. They wanted him to waive the No Trade Clause in his contract in order to deal him away. So, what caused Boyle to capitulate to their request? Was there a threat made to dunk him in shark-infested waters wearing chum underbritches? Nope.He found out that if he didn’t, he risked being waived and picked up possibly by the Atlanta Thrashers. Ouch, baby…just ow-ich!
And Finally: Is there anything that can possibly be uglier than half a year with no Thrashers hockey? OK…maybe this. But that’s about it!
Hmmmm, I wonder…are there any rookie hazing practices within the Thrashers organ-I-zation?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By PJ
September 21, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Ugly?? It’s no less revealing that a Blue Crew outfit and you have to admit, they look better than Richard Simmons.
Rawhide I’m debating the drive to Camp this morning. 3 hr sleep vs. a hockey fix….. If I go, I’ll email ya some pictures…oh and First???
By Nikita
September 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
re: hazing practices, maybe they all get blue hair.
By kracker
September 21, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
RH as Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli?? lol
My alarm clock woke me out of hibernation for camp yesterday. Hockey’s back!!!
By Brendan
September 21, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
PJ, where’s the link to these skimpy outfits?
By DWTOO
September 21, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Best Rod Stewart tune ever. Maggie Mae. Now back to the task at hand. Was at practice this AM and it’s great to have the Thrash on the ice. One thing I noted that Esposito was on the ice for more than his share of time. Perhaps he’s getting a real opportunity to make the club. He does look sharp.
By PJ
September 21, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Brendan - By now you’ve seen the link above and like Rawhide were completely appalled. Don’t worry, only the Hooters in West Hollywood uses those outfits.
Rawhide The most notable thing to mention about practice, IMO was the pairing of Hainsey and Valabik. They seemed to have a rhythm together…. that….or a competition. Hainsey was big and fast and all over the “Hey Coach, look at me” thing and Boris hung right beside him. Anderson ran some shooting drills with Boris too. If Valabik doesn’t make the team, it won’t be because Anderson didn’t give him an opportunity.
Other notables….Larsen and White looked like they should have been hitting the treadmill over the summer because all these young guys had lots of energy and those two looked a bit winded.
Of course I haven’t been to many practices so I don’t have a reference of what the norm is so I would love to see others post their observations too. Isn’t there a website for that?
And finally, Mini-PJ was maning the camera today…..ahh and unfortunately ….don’t ask me how she lined up so many frontal shots to wind up with so many rear views. I may have a few good ones to send you.
WOO-HOOO!! GO THRASHERS!!
By glovesave29
September 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
They are going to have a scrimmage on Tuesday - anyone going?
By Nikita
September 21, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Hmm. PJ, I seem to have not observed people who were actually at practice, but one I observed was White and he looked decent. I really think White’s prognosis on the team will depend on the team — he’s an adequate or even very good player in the right surroundings. Last year’s team obviously wasn’t it — not sure if this year’s team will be, either.
Something I keep worrying about — who’s going to act as an enforcer on this team? We have the obvious three and Amstrong seems to be have a good mind for retribution, but I’d like to see Valabik make the team, and in general I’d like to see our opponents afraid to take shots at our smaller and more offensive players.
By Sara
September 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Camp was good today - mostly because there were lots of hockey players on the ice - always a beautiful thing. Team Two (Kovy’s group) was noticably faster than Team One. Jason Williams absolutely schooled a couple of kids. Marchesi isn’t gonna last long - he couldn’t keep up well on the one-on-one drills - got dusted pretty much every time. Kovy and Toby faced off for one-on-ones and it was hysterical. Both had big kid-on-Christmas-morning grins, just waiting for the whistle to blow. Too bad Kovy lost control of the puck. But Toby is looking good again, made some spectacular plays with his positioning and stickwork.
And, XLB about took out Slava - drilled him during a, um, drill, landing Kozzie on the ice and coming up doubled over a bit. XLB was quick to make an apology however I doubt Slava was amused. sigh Hope that shoulder issue isn’t going to linger longer than anticpated - we need him healthy this year and back on pace.
Overall it went about how I expected. I think a few younguns got a lesson about NHL players, but most did pretty decent. It will take a few more practices not too mention some pre-season games, though, to see who starts separating themselves from the pack. Most interesting line of the day: Kovy-Holzapfel-Stoesz. Anderson sure is mixing it up.
By Tony C.
September 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
I’ll prolly go for the morning session-the forum isn’t too horribly far from the office.
By five_hole
September 22, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
You have to admire Rod Stewart (as a guy). He dated some of the hottest women in the world and when they turned 25, he booted them for someone younger. Not sure how PJ or Nitika feel about Mr. Stewart. Looking back on his life, I understand why he needed that “shot of vitamin E”.
I gotta say that in spite of our obvious holes, I’m feeling pretty good about our team (of course it’s still September). I’ve heard Rawhide predict 84-88 points. I’m thinking that may be a little high, but I do think 80-84 points is attainable. That won’t get us in the playoffs, but after last year, is a step in the right direction.
By Nikita
September 22, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
I actually worked in high school for the arena doctor in another market — so I’ve seen Stewart’s tonsils and taken his temperature. Woo. I thought Stewart was charming, if spoiled. I also dealt with him a number of times in the late 90s. He wasn’t on my label, though. I think he’s on RCA/Mercury. I’m fairly fond of Faces-era Stewart. But I will say this: it’s very unusual for celebrities to be nice people as well.
As to how the team will do…I’m optimistic, as always. I know we lack someone like Hossa — I know we lack enforcers and pests. But I still think we’ll do better than last year, if only based on fresh legs and comprehensive strategy.
By Alan
September 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Despite my lack of sleep (1 1/2 hours last night), I am smiling ear to freakin’ ear with the prospect of some hockey.
By five_hole
September 22, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Nikita I spent 2 years consulting at Sony/BMG music in New York; Rod Stewart is one of their artists. Based on some of your other posts, my guess is that you were disappointed that all you got to se were … . tonsils.
By Nikita
September 22, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
I worked for a label other than Stewart’s at that time (which Amazon says would have been WEA) — and please, he’s too old for me. And sometimes dresses like this. I can’t abide scary outfits, which is why Ilya Kovalchuk will remain off my top-20 until those kilt pictures disappear. Though he certainly has moxie and charm and whatnot, he didn’t behave very well on one occasion that I recall.
I do have standards, you know. Brad Larsen is supposedly single and not too far from my age, and not one word have I said about him that wasn’t about how good he’d look in a uniform that doesn’t have the swirly bird on it. Actually, I can’t believe he’s my age — he plays like he’s 50.
Me too, Alan. Me, too. Not sure when I’ll make it down — though I just picked up tickets in the lower bowl for the Caps game on 10/22 — but I cannot wait to see the team in action. I wanted to go to the preseason game in Nashville, but can’t make it work.
By Alan
September 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
I’m hoping to purchase opening night tickets myself, Nikita. I’m evaluating my financial situation right now before making that sort of move.
With everything that’s going on right now in the country, I’m sure I’m not the only one making that sort of analysis before investing in “fun.”
By Nikita
September 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Indeedy, Alan. Actually, every day I say a tiny prayer for some commuter rail enhancements or extensions of MARTA so I can attend more games. Because for me the tickets are part of the pain, but so are gas, traffic, wear and tear on the car, and the logistics of getting to a 7 p.m. puck drop when I work till 5 p.m. 60 miles away.
I’m actually going to suggest we revisit the Un-good, and interpret Boyle’s slap as Good. 1. Who wants a whiny pantywaist anyway? 2. The more underestimated our skill level, the better the attack. and the better the revenge.
By Alan
September 22, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Nikita - I’m completely with you on that. The way the rail situation is right now, I can get to the Airport station without a problem late at night. The problem for me comes with whether I’ll have my bus — or a bus to catch once I get there. The last time I took a cab from the airport to my house, it cost me $42.50. My house is only 15 miles from the Airport, and I’m not exactly down for paying the cost of an extra ticket in 300s (lower rows) just to get home after a game. The bus I normally take makes its last departure from the airport at 9:50pm. The other buses that run til around midnight don’t go anywhere near my house (we’re talking a 4 mile walk, here, at least).
Did you read the piece about commuter rail from a few weeks ago? I’m optimistic about it, even if I’m not here long enough to experience it. Their first plan of action appears to be my current stomping grounds — which is nice; finally, the southside gets a little love — with the commuter rail line starting at Five Points and eventually extending out to Macon.
Lastly, I’m in complete agreement about Boyle’s remarks. The sports writers can smirk about it all they want, but if Atlanta comes out and stuns some teams this season, they’re going to find that it’s hard to talk when their mouths are agape in awe.
Either that, or they’re going to continue saying Atlanta is a contender for the draft lottery. Which is fine with me. Financial and political writers already look like idiots. Sports writers looking like idiots certainly wouldn’t be anything new.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 22, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Boyle would’ve been claimed by LA, I wasn’t offended by the statement. It did however highlight the lack of class the new management in TB possesses. Though I doubt it will happen (I predict a final playoff spot for them), I really would like to see Tampa Bay fall flat on their faces this season.
By NASCAR Dave
September 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Other notables….Larsen and White looked like they should have been hitting the treadmill over the summer because all these young guys had lots of energy and those two looked a bit winded.
Kinda how they look in GAMES… ALL SEASON long??? LOL, yep, some things never change…
By Alan
September 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, I wonder if that means they’ll be relegated more towards depth (aka: riding the pine) if they fail to improve. I don’t think Anderson is going to put up with that kind of shhhh… enanigans like what was considered acceptable (see: Zhitnik) last year. White might be earning a mint, but there’s no reason for him to play if he’s not going to come prepared. And I’m betting Anderson gets that through the heads of some of these guys.
Come prepared to play, or come prepared to be benched. Either way, you know.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
A scout Anderson respects from another franchise recommended Anderson take a look at playing Williams as the center on Ilya Kovalchuk’s line.
Why is it that our coach is getting pointers from another organizations scout?
By Alan
September 22, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
ranallo - It could be more of an unsolicited recommendation, no?
By Sara
September 22, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Well ranallo all things considered - which would you prefer - our scouting department’s advice or someone else’s?
By Nikita
September 22, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I hope Anderson makes everyone play well, or sit. Which means Larsen and White should be behaving, but it also means St. Kovy will have to learn to backcheck.
Also, why would anyone doubt that Williams should be on the top line? His talent isn’t in question — his health is.
P.S. I’m sure he has a snowball’s chance in hell of making the team, especilly given that we have some good-looking up and coming D, but Grant Lewis is adorable in a shaggy kind of way.
By Brendan
September 22, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I agree with Ranallo that Boyle would have been claimed by Los Angeles on waivers before Atlanta ever got a crack at ‘im. Imagine Dan Boyle and Jack Johnson anchoring that Kings blueline? No way they’d pass on Boyle, especially with the Kings really needing to take on some salary.
Speaking of Western Conference teams, do any of you “adopt” one to root for (on Center Ice) in any given season? I usually pick one at or near the bottom and root for them to sneak into the playoffs. In years past, I’ve picked L.A., Columbus, Phoenix, Chicago and St. Louis. I haven’t made up my mind who I’m going for this year. I’m leaning towards Columbus or Chicago this year. Although, it wouldn’t be absolutely astonishing to see such teams in the playoffs. When I’m up late, I must confess that I do enjoy watching the Los Angeles Kings on Center Ice. I wish they could have kept Cammalleri. I’m looking forward to getting some glimpses of Bernier, their high-end prospect goaltender.
By Rawhide
September 22, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Brendan - For the past few years the Sharks have been my adopted Western Conference team. But I think a change is in order this season.
I’m looking at maybe Chicago…but I may go with an old stand-by, Cal-Gary.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 22, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Alan — Of course, but it’s sad when that’s who is getting the credit for the idea.
Sara — That’s a trick question, right? It’s too easy of an answer if it isn’t.
Brendan — I like watching many teams in the West…Minnesota, LA, Detroit, San Jose. I’m obviously biased towards the Thrashers, but beyond Atlanta I personally enjoy and root for other teams to succeed, even in the East.
By Brendan
September 22, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Excellent choices, Rawhide. I like Cal-Gary, as well. I may go with Chicago this year. Although, I’d feel really good about a playoff berth for GM Scott Howson and his Columbus Blue Jackets. His offseason moves were “decent.”
By PJ
September 22, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Five-Hole - I don’t think you can use ReaL Man and Rod Stewart in the same sentence without using the word….NOT! I do however have fond memories of “Tonight’s the Night”. (sigh) Sara thanks for the update on “Team Two” and sorry I missed an opportunity to meet you. Brendan I would cheer for LA and/or Columbus and I think you know why. Nikita If your 60 miles is North of Atlanta, I don’t mind carpooling if you’d be willing to chip in a little for parking or gas. Nascar I Double-Dog Dare you to say something nice about the Thrashers in your next post! Rawhide Do you know if XM will have any of the pre-season games on the radio or at xm.com?
By NASCAR Dave
September 22, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Nascar I Double-Dog Dare you to say something nice about the Thrashers in your next post!
But, but, but… AWW, Dangit!!!
Give KOVY the “C”!!!
How’s that???
By Rawhide
September 22, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
PJ - XM has not yet posted any schedule. I also have heard that 680 The Fan will be airing the home games for the Thrashers.
I will be attempting to listen on-line to the games later this week in Nashville, St. Louis and Detroit via their radio affiliates, (assuming they will be aired).
Now, for those in need of a good NHL fix on the tube…the NHL Network will be airing the Sabres vs. Canadiens preseason game tomorrow night and the Canes vs. Flyers preseason game Saturday afternoon.
By PJ
September 22, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Nascar Yeah!!! You did it!! You get a gold star for the day! Now…… do you think you can do that at least once a day???
By Sara
September 22, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Yeah PJ maybe we can coordinate better next time. I try to get to practices on a semi-regular basis since they aren’t too far from me.
And this “60 miles from Atlanta” thing with Nikita - 60 miles in which direction? Cause I’m about 20 miles north of Duluth and would be all over carpooling for some games. This $4 gas crap is for the birds.
By kracker
September 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Nikita There’s room in the Winnebago if you get free for Nashville AND St Louis this week.
Or anyone else interested? There may be an extra ticket or two. Maybe.
By kracker
September 22, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Brendan I root for the non-Detroit teams - Columbus, St Louis, Chicago for my underdogs that I hope do well. Nashville has been doing well enough without my good wishes. Chicago may leave that group this year.
By Tony C.
September 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
I like PHX out west this season. The moves they made (except letting Vrbata go), or in some important cases, didn’t make, look good to me.
Plus, it seems that #99 misses Dave Smetko so much he got a whole roster chock-a-block with scrappers…which is fun to watch, I don’t care who you are. I’m not an advocate of Broad-Street style, let’s-break-Kharmalov’s-freaking-leg-because-we-don’t-have-anybody-who-can-skate-with-him type stuff, but I do think the instigator rule needs to be re-drafted to something that does penalize someone who truly is instigating a fight vs. somebody who sticks up for his teammate.
Anyway, with the addition of Bryzgalov, they’ll actually be “in” a lot more games and should be fun to watch.
By glovesave29
September 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Go Flames Go Go Flames Go Go Flames Go
Goofiest most awful unis in the game, but back in the day that wore that awesome flaming A, and I just cant let go of them…
By Brendan
September 22, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Whenever I had Canadians sitting in my row, I’d ask them who their favorite teams are. Mostly they’d answer with Montreal or Toronto. There was always a smattering of Ottawa answers, sprinkled with some Canucks fans. But I can’t recall any of them saying, “I like Calgary.” But if we poll native Georgians, or Georgians transplanted 30 years now, and ask them to pick a team out West, they’ll cite the Flames.
By Nikita
September 22, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
I’m an outcast. I love both Calgary and the Canucks. In the US west, I have too many friends in Colorado to ignore their team.
And thanks, everybody. I live 60 miles northeast.
By R. Stroz
September 23, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
glovesave29 - I still have about 12 Atlanta Flames bumper stickers from the good old days.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 23, 2008 5:14 AM | Link to this
Besides Satan (who needs to sign with NJ), this has to be the best name currently in hockey…
Wacey Rabbit.
By glovesave29
September 23, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Brendan - I will never forget watching Cliff Fletcher crying after the Flames winning the Cup in 1989 and thanking all the fans in Atlanta for their continued support, and that he bet the SportsRock Cafe (an old sports bar in Sandy Springs on Roswell Road) was rocking that night.
We all have talked at one time or another about the NHL’s lack of a marketing program (Sara…) back for the 1988 Games in Calgary, before NHLers were playing, I wrote the league about getting a few home games for the ATLANTA Flames at the old Omni while the Saddledome was in use for the Olympics…of couse it never happened. I thought it was a great idea!
Brendan Shanahan has rejected the offer to join the NYR camp….do we go for it and make an offer? He did have 44 points last season, and would give excellent leadership to the team…
By Nikita
September 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Ya’ll know how I love older, but very skilled players, and Shanahan is one for the ages. Even at his age, he’s a better player than most players 10 years younger. I say we go for it. Of course, I doubt Shanny would consider coming down here given how invested he is in Boston. And Shanahan in Atlanta wouldn’t be so good for my household — my husband hates him, and would probably refuse to support Atlanta while he’s here.
By Nikita
September 23, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
P.S. Why is Schultz such a dick? That most recent Thrashers column is just dripping with negativity.
By Sara
September 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
ranallo great find - that’s hilarious.
Nikita that’s just kinda how Schultz’s articles go. Between the fact that a) the team hasn’t exactly given him much positive to write about and b) he and Waddell absolutely loathe each other, his stuff is typically worse than some of the junk that ends up in these parts on a daily basis.
Btw, I’m gonna tell Rawhide to send you my e-mail. Let me know where you’re at and we’ll see about putting some kind of carpool together for some games. PJ too while we’re at it.
By Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
September 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Sara - I’ll take care of that for you.
Nikita & PJ - Be on the lookout for it.
By Sara
September 23, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Trixie thank you ma’am. You tell Rawhide we appreciate him being such a trusting fool…uh I mean, move along, nothing to see here, no need for concern, just a group of girls….what possible trouble could we cause.
Ahem…anyway
BTW, Rawhide, on a somewhat related note, did you see the advertisement for new PA announcer?? I did have to chuckle.
By walter brennan
September 23, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Be honest for 1 minute and tell the truth……if your Ilya Kovalchuk are you really gonna re-sign here? he has ZERO chance of EVER winning a damn thing here. Heck, he can’t even get a legit center for him to skate with. Marc Savard? nope, good-bye….Marian Hossa?—bye-bye. Every good player wants nothing to do with this place of franchise!! And how can you blame them? The free agents?..you cant even OVER-PAY them to wilt in this toilet of a team! Your last and ONLY star player states in the paper he is “dissappointed” at 1 playoff appearance and watching good players come and go( and who can blame him?)..and you think he’s gonna re-up here? NOT A CHANCE IN HE.. double hockey sticks. If they dont trade him now with a young neucleus starting to form, they will not get his true value for him in return. Cant we get Braydon Coburn back with say…Jeff Carter for him?…I’d do that in a nano second…because you aint gonna get that when it comes down to the deadline!!!..Re-build this team now!!
By Alan
September 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Cant we get Braydon Coburn back with say…Jeff Carter for him?…I’d do that in a nano second
You’d be the most foolish GM in the history of the NHL if you did that. There have been some horrible trade deals in the NHL, but this one you propose would rank up there as one of the absolute worst. Yes, let’s ship out our top scorer for someone who didn’t even score half as many goals as Kovalchuk last year and a defenseman that, quite likely, didn’t want to play in Atlanta in the first place. I’m detecting remarkable levels of genius here!
The plan is to convince Kovalchuk that we can compete for the cup, and can work towards the goal of getting the cup. Certainly, we are nowhere near a cup contending force yet… and look somewhere between 27th and 30th in the league on paper… but the puck has yet to drop, so we really don’t know what our guys can bring.
Kovalchuk likes Atlanta, but he didn’t like the direction of the team as of the end of the 2007-2008 campaign. He said last week that he thinks the team is now moving in the right direction.
In other words, stop trying to ship out Kovalchuk. He’s a fine player, and he is Atlanta’s player for at least two more years.