Ice Man

By Russian

September 26, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

What is a GREAT DEAL. I hope we did not see ala Zhitnik. Schneider is much better. Now I see a pairlike:

1. Toby-Havelid

2. Hainse-Ex

3. Scheider-Bogus

Don is doing great deal. Took off Klee and Larsen. Briliant Idea. RESPECT!!!!

By Nikita

September 26, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Wow. I’m pretty impressed.

Now, let me go mourn Ken Klee. I realize I’ll be the only one, but he was a good man and I’m sorry to see him go. Though not sorry enough to think the trade isn’t a good idea, and I’m ecstatic that we dumped Larsen.

How long are we committed to Schneider? How long is his contract?

By Nikita

September 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

P.S. I’m mystified as to why we still have Larsen, actually. 48 points in 8 seasons? and he’s supposed to be a forward?

By HookyBob

September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

I think we have some prophetic bloggers. A few have long been saying there was yet another, “sizable trade” (my paraphrase) coming before this season’s chase starts.

Brendon Where does that put the payroll on opening day. A net gain of about $4 M +/-, I think. Who’s the winner of your contest were the puck drop tomorrow?

Who will Schneider be paired with? I gotta think he’d be second pairing but who with? I like the fact he’s got some offense,…how effective is his defense? Will this trade help us reduce SOG?

By GTthrashfan

September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Schneider is only up through this year at the 5.75mil, solves our little salary cap minimum problem at the same time.

I like this, makes me wonder if Andersen didn’t have more influence in this than Waddles. Gives the flexibility of a one year veteran presence but also lots of room to bring along younger players like Valabik and Bogosian. Painchaud obviously wasn’t in any short term plans and getting rid of Larsen frees up room for youth.

Overall….not bad, especially what we’ve been forced to get used to with trades/FA’s lately.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

I’m still amazed that Burke would accept this deal.

Rawhide — I’d say this trade comes down to essentially a 22 year old prospect, two serviceable players, for cap space. The only player to have a long tenure for either team will be Painchaud. So effectively it’s Painchaud and cap relief for Schneider.

Klee will be 3rd line depth, at most. Larsen might get more ice time due to Anaheim’s playing style, but still is 4th line depth. Painchaud must’ve been the selling point.

I’m ecstatic that Little wasn’t moved (the rumor for Ryan), and that a pick wasn’t moved. Oh yeah, I’m also happy that by acquiring Schneider we got rid of Klee (sorry Nikita) and opened up a spot on offense to better alleviate the logjam of forwards. Hopefully youth fills that spot.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Have you taken into account with your salary cap contest the affect of the 9 day arbitration window?

Say Bogosian makes the squad, his contract affects the cap, but if he’s sent to the minors in 8 games (due to that window) his contract is off the books cap wise.

How will that affect the contest?

By Baldheaded Thrasher

September 26, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Question?

Why didn’t DW claim him when when hit the waiver wire?

Same salary, but just lost 3 others.

By glovesave29

September 26, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

What’d I tell ya a few days ago…we were the leading candidate. GREAT move…a leader on the ice for a young defense. I’d say Bogosian’s and Valabik’s chances to stay with the big club just jumped about 10X. If Matthieu is here for just a single season, we need to get the newbies here to learn from him.

Anaheim still has to sign Selanne and has limited cap space. I can’t say I’d be surprised to see Klee or Larsen hit the waiver wires pretty soon.

By five_hole

September 26, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Are we sure this is really Don Waddell? It looked like Waddell at the town hall meeting, it sounded like Waddell, but I think that Bob and NascarDave secretly disposed of the real DW and substituted a doppelganger, like in the movie Dave.

Sure, Schneider is 39, but he was a +22 last season. Who do we have that will even come close to that? I would like to know his TOI to earn that +22. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Essentially, we got rid of a 7th d-man and a useless 14th forward (plus a prospect) for a veteran who is definitely a top-4 guy on almost any team in the league and might be a top-2 guy here. We have the cap room; what’s the downside here?

I gotta say that I like every single move I’ve seen from the Thrashers organ-I-zation since the end of last season. And that bothers me. A lot.

Nikita You’re not the only one sorry to see Ken Klee go. I think he has value as a 7th d-man. However, at $1.25 mil (for a 7th d-man) he might have been overpaid. And Brad Larsen was part of the deal.

Now, there’s no question that we will be over the cap minimum.

By Brendan

September 26, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

HookyBob, Atlanta’s cap hasn’t been adjusted yet for Schneider or Bogosian, but Anaheim lists Schneider’s cap hit at $5.625 million. That puts Atlanta’s cap at $44.132 before Bogosian’s contract gets figured in.

The guesses in the $43.0 to $47.0 million range include: Tony C. at $43.8 million, Bob at $44.0 million, Brendan at $44.5 million, and LAC is next at $46.8 million.

As you can see, it’s anyone’s ballgame. And I’m not, AT ALL, sure of what Bogosian’s “cap hit” will be.

Ummn, covering my eyes, I’ve forgotten if we’re going of “cap hit” Opening Night or “actual payroll salary” for Opening Night. The actual payroll, before Scneiders and Bogosian’s contracts is $39.840 million. Schneiders actual salary is $5.75 million. We’re at $45.59 million in actual payroll, before Bogosian’s contract impacts that figure.

Truthfully, I thought we were going off the “cap hit” Opening Night salary figure. When we ask the question, “How much salary can we fit and remain under the cap?,” we’re talking about it being in terms of the “cap hit” salary. Not the ACTUAL salary. Things get more complicated at the trade deadline, when these things get calculated a “pro-rated” basis.

Speaking of the trade deadline, I think Don Waddell just pick up another draft pick for us, if he moves Schneider to a contending team that is a little “thin” on their blueline. Let’s face it, every contending team wants to add insurance on their blueline before the playoffs start. By February 27th, or whatever it is this year, Schneider’s “pro-rated” cap hit salary will likely be affordable to a contender. That’s something to keep in the back of your mind, as the season rolls along.

I must say it. “I like this deal.” But, I think it hurts Valabik’s development. I am going to assume that Zach Bogosian is going to stay with the Thrashers all year. I’ll be surprised if they ship him back to his Juniors team. And unless there’s a plan to move Exelby too, Valabik will either be in the pressbox or in the AHL.

Now, if at the trade deadline, Atlanta elects to move “contract year, pending UFA” Nic Havelid, that would cause Valabik to get a spot in the lineup as the season winds down.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

I wonder if this means Williams will be number his old number 29 now, or if he’ll keep 14. Same goes for Schneider…will Perrin give him the number 11, or will Schneider pick a new number?

Anyone remember Schneider’s number in LA or Detroit? For some reason 7 comes to mind.

By Brendan

September 26, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, in regards to your question, I’d say we’re going to have to go off the actual “cap hit” salary for Game #1 of the season.

Waddell could technically trade a player or draft pick and radically alter the salary cap status of the team by Game #2. That’s very, very unlikely. But in terms of the contest, I have to say that the fairest thing to do is to look at Nhlnumber.com and see what the “cap hit” team salary says. If Bogosian is re-assigned, to prolong his RFA eligibily, his “audition” hit the “Opening Night” cap numbers.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, this means Bogosian is the only right-handed defender that could likely make the team (Lewis is also a righty).

By glovesave29

September 26, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Williams cannot wear 29…that is my number.

Schneider is not going anywhere…his brother is the coach of the junior team here.

By Rawhide

September 26, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s line-up

Stuart- White- Thorburn
Sterling- Esposito- Armstrong
Boulton- Holzapfel- Machacek
LaVallee- Little- Hoffman

Hainsey- Lewis
Oystrick- Rivers
Valabik- Exelby

Hedberg
Pavelec

Oh yeah…

LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!

ahem

Thank you…carry on, now.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Well I guess Bogosian is a wildcard for this “competition”. Bogosian’s situation (and Esposito’s) are such that they can both make the opening night roster simply due to that 9 day grace period, or extended training camp. So, the “Opening Night” cap hit can be skewed by $4M simply due to the extended tryout for one or both player.

After 9 games (which I assume they’re being paid for playing) both could be sent down, and the cap hit would still impact their relation to the cap floor.

In fairness, I would think those minor-league contract players are the exception to the “Opening Night” rule. It could be the difference between a $42M guess and a $45M guess…so who would be allowed to claim victory?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

glovesave — Sorry dude, but apparently they don’t take into account the fans and their number preferences, otherwise Krog and Little (and Aubin, Butsayev, Hordichuk, and Lambert) wouldn’t have been allowed to wear my number 10.

Yes, it’s mine, I’m working on the trademark as we speak.

Rawhide — I’m still disappointed with where Little is being slotted…I’m getting this bad feeling (though it’s still early in the preseason) that Little isn’t being given the chance to truly win a top line center spot. If White gets the #2 center role I’m going to be a little upset, more so if Little is moved to a wing.

I’m looking forward to hearing how Kulda plays, hopefully he’s suited up for the next game(s).

By mar1jdh

September 26, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Mazel Tov to the Thrashers! Lets see what the Hebrew Hammer can do on the blue line!

By esc1ajc

September 26, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Mazel Tov to the Thrashers! Lets see what the Hebrew Hammer can do on the blue line!

By Rawhide

September 26, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

WOW! For the second straight game…the Thrashers have come out gunning. Sterling scores at 1:10 into the game and the Thrashers have taken the first three shots on goal in less that 2 minutes!

By Bob

September 26, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Excellent deal by Waddell. This puts them at the $44m or so budget I figured they had for opening night. They pare that down to the minimum by trade deadline, but our contest was for opening night budget, not moves made after 1, 2 or 64 games, but supposed we made that wager, I’d figure cap min +$1 by the trade deadline.

but I think that Bob and NascarDave secretly disposed of the real DW and substituted a doppelganger

lol. Actually, you may be onto something here, hmm, I gotta go, uh, watch the debate now…

By Big Shooter

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

Rawhide-

What are your thoughts on the deal? I LOVE it! I do think this could mean that either Bogo or Valabik might not make the team. Maybe one of the two and X for the 3rd pair. Two rookies on D is always a bit risky…

By Rawhide

September 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Big Shooter - As for the trade…I’m a fan! Put Schneider on one side and Klee on the other and tell me to pick one…I pick Schneider.

Throwing in the other as “sweetner”…I’ve no problem with.

I see the lines this way:

Havelid - Enstrom

Hainsey - Schneider

Bogosian-XLB

Valabik = scratch

ranallo - I agree about Little. Crusher being given first crack at the #1 slot was the right call, IMHO. However, while he is nursing the shoulder…I would like for Little to be given a good solid look there.

3-2 Blues after one.

By Tom

September 26, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Well, here is to hoping that Schneider does not rhyme like tree…

It is a joke my then 7 yr old and I would have everytime the announcers said is Klee’s name.

This is a great move by the Thrashers, seriously. It got a player that can be a clubhouse leader and got rid of 1.75 million in salary that the team did not need. The upside for Larsen and Klee making a difference on this young team was minimal. Good guys but better deal.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Tom — On some nights his name rhymed with something a bit more yellow than tree.

By BG33Brown

September 26, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

I got to say I love this move. Question for y’all. Schneider, is he a LD or RD? I seem to remember him playing RD with Lindstrom in Detroit.

And I think Hainsey is a LD. Correct?

Regardless, here is my point. I don’t think we should keep Bogo up this year. Think about it.

Toby-Havlid

Hainsey-Schneider

X-Valbik

This does 3 major things for us.

1) We don’t waste a Bogo RFA year when he would more than likely be a 3rd pair guy.

2) We get to see if Boris can play a full season and he can still be an enforcer type and not be counted on for big minutes. (not that he was going to be anyway)

3) Next year, when I think we will be in a much better position you have Toby, Hainsey, Bogo, and Boris as your top 4. Boris is at that point a 2nd year play. Toby is a 3rd and Bogo is a rookie. Talk about a solid defensive team.

That is how you build a franchise. Will the real DW please stand up. I for one am impressed.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

St. Louis is manhandling the Thrashers…that’s what happens when it’s the first squad vs. the rookies/second squad.

By Alan

September 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

ranallo - StL is playing their regulars? Now I don’t feel so bad about the score.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Alan — And you shouldn’t…what’s nice is that both Ben Wright and Knobler have some good things to say about Machacek’s line (Holzapfel and Boulton), Sterling’s play, and Hainsey’s play. Them shining against the opponent’s majority-top line is a good sign.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

9-4 St. Louis…ouch. Nobody should be surprised though, they were playing without any of their top players and against the opponent’s top players.

By sisu

September 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

This will allow Bogo to be paired with Schneider and get much needed on ice tutoring. If this does not happen one has to wonder why?

Too bad Moose got lit up again:(

By BG33Brown

September 26, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

sisu and others: if that happens and Bogo is paired with Schneider. Who is your 3rd line? Hainsey and someone. I don’t know much, but I know that there is no way you bring in a Hainsey, pay him 4.5 for the next 5 years and play him 10-12 minutes a game.

By Midfield

September 27, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

With Schneider skating I’m not worried about PP that much anymore. This guy can move the puck on the point as good as anybody in the league. The shot is not too shabby either. Certainly much better looking skill set than that of Ken Klee.

By Brendan

September 27, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, I would say that “it is what it is … at the time that it is.”

Huh?

It means whatever the conditions are on “Opening Night” determines the winner(s) of the contest. Plural. Could be more than one. If two guesses are equidistant to the actual number, I think both should win.

But we might be losing focus here. The point of the contest was to show “intent” by the ownership. If they fielded a roster at the league floor, then they aren’t “doing everything possible to win the Stanley Cup,” even remotely. Though, to be fair, conditions have certainly changed since the time of that utterance.

If, by some unforseeable act, Mats Sundin, Brendan Shanahan and/or Teemu Selanne were added to the payroll before Opening Night, this team’s projected finish and point totals could be significantly altered. It would speak towards intent. But personally, I see the goal of the season being to develop our young talent this year. Then adjust at the trade deadline. And hopefully add meaningful pieces to a future roster at the draft. It makes more sense to spend like drunken sailors on shore leave in San Diego when we’re closer to actually winning the Cup.

By Smitty

September 27, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Not a bad move. When you take away the salaries of Klee and Larsen the cap hit is not all that bad. He is looking forward to playing in the ATL. Never thought I would ever hear that. Can this group of defensemen get us into the playoffs? The picture is not looking as bleak as it once was. Could be an interesting year.

By Rawhide

September 27, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Anyone who was at the THM last week will understand this…

I wonder how coach Anderson feels about losing the “fleet-footed” Ken Klee?

Anyway…

Butt-ugly game last night in St. Louis:

Outscored 9-4

Outshot 37-21

Moose lets in 9 of 37 shots

Out face-offed 39-22

Allowing 3 PP goals on 8 attempts.

Ugh!

Plus, it was an ugly lose on the back end of a road back-to-backer. Hmmmm, that’s a familiar development, eh?

Now…it did look like we played a ton of kids against a lineup that had more NHLers…so, it is what it is.

Goal scorers for the Thrashers: Stering, (2)…Machachek and…. double checking…no, triple checking stat sheet….Todd White.

audible gasp from the audience

Somehow Hainsey, Riley Holzapfel and Grant Lewis finished a +1. Holzapfel had 2 assists.

Valabik…-4 with 6 PIM.

Preseason loss…toss it out the window.

ranallo - I’ll be interested to see if Anderson playes Little up on the top line Sunday in Detroit.

By Hockeyman3944

September 27, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Finally, Dumb Fraudell finally awoke from his coma and did something of substance! I saw MS on the wire and wondered aloud if Donny boy would figure this out. MS still has a few years on his legs and his veteran presence will help Enstrom and Bogosian. I say, we need one more waiver “D” pick up although those are slim. We’re not even close just yet, but hope springs eternal..one more impact center and like I said, one more veteran D and we might compete in our Division.

By LAC

September 27, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Was in St.L last night… UGLY !

I know it is a preseason game, but Hedberg looked really, well NOT good at all.

I really feel it is time to dump him and have our two youg goalies carry the load, Hedberg was out of position a lot last night… a whole lot.

The D was not good, getting trapped and no sic between anyone, just let St.Louis do whatever they wanted… UGLY !

By Andrew

September 27, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Valabik apparently sucked it up last night, and the pairing of Ex and Boris sucked together last year. I don’t want to see those two paired together ever again. I think that means that the lines are going to start this way (with Bogosian on a 9 game tryout): Enstrom-Havelid Schneider-Hainsey Bogosian-Exelby Pressbox: Valabik

By Sara

September 27, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Baldheaded Thrasher to answer your question, there are three reasons. While Schneider’s salary is still the same, by moving out Klee and Larsen, the net effect is less than if we just added Schneider to the payroll. Secondly, by moving Klee in the deal we still retain 7 d-men for the club, instead of having 8 in the mix and risking one of the young guys having to get cut. Third, by getting him via trade, we still have the option of trading him at the deadline, whereas a waiver-wire pickup cannot be traded later that same season.

Look, we can NOT cut Bogosian now - it would be thoroughly stupid to pass up this opportunity to pair him with one of the best defensemen in the game. Losing the year of RFA status is negligible in comparison to the development of his game that can come from pairing him up with Schneider for the season. If we wait until next year, who is going to take Bogosian under their wing? Hainsey could, we could pick up another vet next year, but would either be as good as Schneider? No - we can’t pass up this golden opportunity. Put Schneids and Bogey together and pair X and Valabik alternately with Hainsey.

And I’m not willing to give up Valabik’s potential spot after one bad game in pre-season for a rookie to an NHL vet who came out of last season a -21…or was it -23? Either way, it blew. XLB hasn’t proven he’s earned his spot back on this roster and if I have to watch someone stink on the third pair, I’d rather watch Valabik cause at least he’s learning - and he’s not afraid to get physical.

By sisu

September 27, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Who would have thought that we could have to many d men? IS X the odd man out or do we not play Bogo? It could be that Boris is doomed for making the club. So we have Toby, Hainsley and Schneider as #1’s on a line so who would you pair them up with? I think the PP will dictate on who gets how many minutes but just think, we have solid 4 dmen for the PP now.

What happens if Moose gets beat out by Pavs? Will Moose play in the AHL?

By five_hole

September 27, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I agree with Sara. Look at the effect that pairing Coburn with Darian Hatcher had on Coburn’s career. You get a guy like Schneider, pair him with the rookie and let Mathieu teach him the game like no one else could.

Based on last season’s play, I’d be inclined to let X sit in the box and put Big Bad Boris on the 3rd pairing. I don’t like the idea of a rookie making the team but sitting in the box. Let’s see what he can do, for 5 minutes a game. Plus, I love the idea of having him in front of our net on the PK. Ain’t no one getting thru him!

sisu Irrespective of what John Anderson said in the THM, there is no way Pavelic will make the team ahead of Moose. If Kari & Pavelic are both playing like #1 goaltenders, Kari makes the team but is trade bait.

By Nikita

September 27, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

A couple of things, responding to the last few posts:

IMO, X and Valabik both suck, and they bring roughly the same disadvantages to the club. Neither reads the ice well, has a great shot, or limits penalties to those that are necessary. The big difference is age, size, and the possibility that Valabik might improve. So…I think we alternate them according to performance. We never put them on the same line, either — because then you’d have two yahoo vigilantes running about the rink trying to kill people while the opponents hammer our goalies.

And Moose isn’t going anywhere but to the front office or coaching staff. My guess is that this is Kari’s sink or swim year, and Moose doesn’t play much.

By Alan

September 27, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Reggie Dunlop dead at age 83. Cancer is one hell of a thing to deal with, and it’s sad to see him go.

By Sage of Bluesland

September 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I might be the only one to be lukewarm to getting an ancient player from another team…by giving up two stiffs…Seems like a mere wash to me.

Another way to view it is in the perspective of the Ducks organization’s decision-making versus the Thrasher organization’s…Well, you see where I’m going with this. Ten out of ten times we lose.

Thus, as with pointing out that Donny Waddell was a fraud in 2002 when all basked in the ‘glow’ of his spin, I feel this will meet with the same effect…

I’ll be kind when I say it—again—in the future…

(p.s.—the riddle to the quiz, sheepsters, is, “I told you so”)

By five_hole

September 27, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Sage are you telling me you like the idea of having Brad Larsen on this team? We got rid of a useless guy who was no better than the 14th forward. We got rid of Klee. I like the idea of Klee as the 7th dman, but at $1.25 mil, that was kind of expensive (of course X would be much more expensive there but … ).

Mathieu Schneider may be 39, but Chris Chelios is 46 and still effective. Last year he had 39 points and was +22 in 65 games. He may be old, but is hardly washed up.

Essentially, we got Schneider for a bag of pucks because Aneheim was over the cap limit.

As Alan pointed out, yesterday was the passing of a Hollywood icon, Paul Newman. Words fail me. All I can think of is, he had a great life.

By Brendan

September 27, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Sage, the “silver lining” may be two-fold to this deal. (1) Schneider becomes Bogosian’s mentor, possibly doing a better job of it than Klee. And (2) Schneider can be moved to some contending team with injury-issues along its blueline at the trade deadline. I’m not sure what kind of draft pick Schneider might fetch, but whatever it is, it’s another pick for that round.

I really don’t think Klee or Larsen were going to be renewed next year. In other words, these two were just playing out a contract, lest they could be moved at the trade deadline, too. Well, Waddell found homes for these two players.

Had Atlanta been a strong contender this year, and been $6 million under the cap, adding $5.625 million to the cap for a 39-year old defenseman … might have been the wrong move. Unlike Bobby Holik’s contract, Schneider’s isn’t going to have some “crippling” ripple effect to it. Schneider may only play five (5) months for the Thrashers this season. I hope Bogosian and Valabik can learn all they can from him, while he’s still here.

By Alan

September 27, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I might be the only one to be lukewarm to getting an ancient player from another team…by giving up two stiffs…Seems like a mere wash to me.

You probably are. Even your partner in crime LAC seemed to think the move was pretty good.

Does that make him a “sheepster” too? Baaa.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Sage doesn’t care about the silver lining, he’s too busy digging for poo. You could give him a diamond and he’ll still find a smudge to complain about.

He wont read your post, he want listen to what you’re saying, he’ll simply say “Waddell sucks and anyone who disagrees with me on any level is a farm animal”.

You’re wasting your time addressing him directly, as he is typically not listening. It doesn’t matter how much sense you make, how much logic you use, or how many facts you put out there (or stats), it’s the same ol’ same ol’ regarding the impact it has upon him.

He’ll be back soon enough, to say the same thing again. It’s a broken record, the loop just seems to take a week or so before we get back to the skip in the track.

By Brendan

September 27, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Well, Sage very well may view any positive move made by Waddell, at this stage, as being nothing more than putting “lipstick on a pig,” he still cares for this team. Or he wouldn’t be here. And certainly wouldn’t post here.

Sage is hardly alone is his disbelief that Waddell has a job in the NHL, given his track record. But if Waddell pulls himself up by his bootstraps, fixes what broke, and rights the ship such that Atlanta has a string of five or more consecutive playoff berths … I’m going out on a limb to say he’ll post an apology and a “I never thought he could do it, but BY GAWD, I must now give him credit” type post.

What do you say, Sage? I mean, other than, “Well, I’m risking nothing, since Waddel won’t fix what he, alone, broke.” But IFFFFF he did … and Atlanta made it to a Conference Final, or something along these lines, would you post an apology to Waddell and a hearty congratulations to him?

By Germaniac

September 28, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

Why don´t you give DW some congratulations when he is making some really smart moves. He seems to be learning from all the mistakes he made. All the offseason-moves were little steps in the “right direction!” The overaged veterans are gone and they have been replaced by better and younger players. We signed Hainsey (large contract but how can we lure FA´s in another way?), Williams (25G,40A in 2008/2009) , Reasoner (perfect Roleplayer an PKiller!) and now the signing of Enström and the trade for Schneider without losing him as tradebait at the deadline. Don´t get me wrong. A new GM is all I want. Perhaps a new ownership,too. But when a person that is so unable to run a NHL GM´s job makes major improvements, i´m happy with that. The Schneider Trade seems great to me. I´ve heard that top-talent players play a lot more seasons without declining significantly (Chelios?). And I really believe in John Anderson. This guy has the word winning written all over him. Great person, great coach, great motivator!!!

LET´S DROP THE FREAKIN` PUCK!!

P.S.: ranallo10 (in AT) - where are you in AT? Maybe it is really near to my hometown?

By Germaniac

September 28, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

BTW, does anybody know how i can watch thrashersgames or nhl games on TV in germany. I know that NASN has bought the rights for all of the north american sports coverage. But my question is, can i enjoy all or most of the thrashers games on TV?

By Sage of Bluesland

September 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

“…that Atlanta has a string of five or more consecutive playoff berths … I’m going out on a limb to say he’ll post an apology and a “I never thought he could do it, but BY GAWD, I must now give him credit” type post….”

I don’t know if I’d issue an “apology”—considering it would be about year fifteen of hapless Donny’s original “Five-Year Plan”—more like an “It’s about d@#$ time” statement.

I’m not interested in ‘weaning’ Donny until he can finally start making good decisions—I want those from Day One.

I think the better question is whether the pathetic sheep that KEEP making sorry excuses for the performance of this team and franchise finally STOP their defense of the indefensible. Will GaVashepp and Ranallolamb finally concede that their GM is a bumbling buffoon?

We’ll see on that score…but, don’t worry Bwuewanders, I’ll be here to remind and collect on that score…I promise…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Germaniac — Downtown Vienna.

Sage — Apparently you don’t read any posts from us, so why bother worrying what we think?

I’ve been saying since the offseason began that I would be supportive to moving Waddell out of the GM position in favor of a person like Nonis, Yzerman, Chevaldayoff…do you remember reading any of those numerous posts?

I doubt it.

Like I said already, you don’t care to read, comprehend, or even try to listen any of the dissenting opinions. You come back every so often and repeat the same drivel you’ve been saying since Day One…and what’s funny is while many people in these parts agree with your ultimate goal of removing DW, the majority of them hate the way you go about voicing that displeasure…which you in turn call them sheep.

You’re a broken record, but what’s sad is if you would stop being a prick people might actually start to agree with you…instead you resort to name calling to get your “point” across, which means your point falls on deaf ears.

I’m sure you’ll be back again to tell us who much we’re sheep for liking the Thrashers…it’s easy to do so from your Ivory Tower.

By glovesave29

September 28, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Y’know Sage…there are ways to defend your position without being condescending and full of yourself. I too think DW has done a crappy job and that the current moves, although positive, do not make up for the decade (almost) of incompetence that he has made us live through. But berating those who have a differing opinion is a waste of time…

Back to hockey…Espo was returned to Montreal and Holzapfel, kaip, Machacek, Denny, Lehman, Lewis and the sieve (Turple) were sent to Chicago.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

glovesave — Right on…

The sieve?

Machacek and Holzapfel should have a good season in Chicaog, I hope they get PLENTY of ice time.

Here’s what I don’t like though…Chicago recently signed a 32-year old defensive defenseman,Alex Brooks, who played in the AHL last season for Peoria…that kind of stuff is why top prospect defenders for this roster should not be playing in Chicago if they’re ready for the NHL minutes.

I’d rather see Valabik getting 10 minutes of ice time in the NHL than in the AHL, and when Chicago continues packing their defensive corps with veterans (Rivers, now Brooks), it takes away development time for defenders like Lewis, Lehman, Denny, Oystrick, Kulda, etc.

If Chicago wasn’t an autonomous franchise, we’d not have to worry as much about that crap. Instead, they re-signed Steve Martins (he’s closer to 50 than 20), which clogs up the center position for where prospects should be playing.

By germaniac

September 28, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

ranallo10 (in AT) Hey ranallo, a beautiful city but do you think the vienna caps will get their first win? In Innsbruck? Maybe i will watch it on TV. Do you speak german?

By glovesave29

September 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I watchd Turple play some games for the Gladiators…calling him a sieve is insulting to the useful kitchen appliance. For those fellow Glads fans - Turple is about as effective in the nets as TJ Aceti…

Ranallo - so what version of the song about your adopted city is played more on the radio over there…the Billy Joel or Ultravox version? Ha!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Ich spreche noch kein Deutsch.

Yes, Vienna is a beautiful city…but the Thrashers might win a regular season game before the Vienna Capitals do!

Innsbrucker Haie is in first in the standings, currently, with 3 wins. Vienna is eighth. I think Innsbruck will win.

By germaniac

September 28, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I think so, too. I´ve had a girlfriend in Austria a long time ago, so i´m used to some of the bigger cities. But i´ve never been to Vienna. Innsbruck is looking so strong, there is only a little chance that Vienna could be able to steal a point. Maybe…

Dein Deutsch ist dennoch verdächtig gut…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Germaniac — If they can get Innsbruck into OT, I’ll consider it a victory of sorts.

Es hilft ein bisschen, wenn man eine deutschsprachige Freundin hat.

Von wo aus Osterreich kommst du?

By Smoothie

September 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Now that a player of Schneider’s caliber is coming to Thrasherville, do any of our esteemed bloggers think that it could mark the end of the Swedish defensive duo Havelid & Tobes? I’m not sure if it will happen immediately, but something in my gut tells me that it could very well happen. Here’s why?

1) Hainsey is getting what $4.5 M / year?? No way did we sign this guy expecting him to play 2nd pairing minutes. Unless JA decides to play the top two pairs evenly and split PP time for the two units, then I don’t see how you keep Hainsey off the first pair.

2) Enstrom was inked to a much bigger deal over 4 years. To me it’s a signal to the team that we are investing in Tobias as our # 1 man (or at least a Top Pairing man) for years to come. I would not be surprised in the least if Havelid is asked to play third pairing mins to “protect” Exelby or Valbik.

3) Schneider is 39 and is probably not expecting to play first pairing minutes. While he may still be capable of 40-50 points on the scoresheet, I am humbly inclined to think he was brought in to tutor and mentor the young Zach Bogosian. Having a veteran like the Hebrew Hammer on the second pairing allows Boges to settle in without a huge risk of failure at the NHL level. And if things don’t work out, you can still shuffle the lines and move Havelid back to the 2nd pairing with Tobes while Schneidy and Hainsey play top minutes.

4) Exelby’s limitations and propensity for getting out of position makes it too risky for him to play even diminished third pairing minutes with the likes of an 18 yr old freshman or Bobo the Clown who likes to engage in silly, impetuous behavior that puts him in the Sin Bin much too often. The point being is that the safer route would be to ask a veteran at the end of his career like Havs to do the team-oriented thing and move to the third pairing.

So in conclusion, and I apologize for the Brendan-esque sized post, I am thinking our pairings will look like this by the 4th or 5th game of the year:

Enstrom / Hainsey

Bogosian / Schneider

Exelby / Havelid

Valabik in the pressbox

What do y’all think about our D and what our coaches plan to do with the suddenly augmented talent level on the blueline??

By Rawhide

September 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - Welcome back, dude!! It’s been a while.

Now… I personally would not mess with the one such pairing that actually worked last year. So I would keep Havelid and Enstrom together…at least to start things off.

I like the idea of pairing Schneider with Bogey.

All that being said, seeing that last season our D was the worst in the league as far as SA/G and GAA…I would not be surprised if the coaching staff tried other options available to them. What could it hurt?

I think our blueline goes into the season looking better than last year. If they can hold the SA/G stat to somewhere around 28-30…it’ll give the O-fense time to work things out.

OK…according to Ben Wright of the Blueland Blog…four players will make their Thrashers debut tonight. Also, Kovy will play tonight as well.

LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK ALREADY!!

By kracker

September 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Smoothie’s 1:06 post mirrors my thinking for the d parings. Havelid goes to 3rd pair.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a waste of Havelid’s services having him babysit Exelby or Valabik. He played well next to Enstrom and both played better due to their pairing, so why change something that actually worked?

Anderson doesn’t look at payroll when he makes a line (and he rightfully shouldn’t), so neither should we. If this team were at the salary cap ceiling, then it’d be a concern…but for now, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter where the big dollar players are playing, as the cap hit is a non-issue at this point in time.

By Baldheaded Thrasher

September 28, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Smoothie- I’m thinking: 1) Enstrom/Havelid 2) Hainsey/Schneider 3) Exelby/Valbik

Bogosian is the Wild Card if he stays or not.

I’m thinking that JA will juggle the pairings to see what the best fit will be, but we’ll probably not know until JA decides to keep Bogosian or send him down.

JA will not split the Swedes(not broke don’t fix it!)

I’m hoping that Schneider/Hainsey will be the 2nd line and Exelby/Valabik 3rd. If ATL goes with Bogosian the 2nd line will have to be split, and my guess is that Schneider would be the mentor to Bogosian.

Not really a bad position for JA to be in.

By Smoothie

September 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

While I agree with the above sentiments regarding Havelid’s play with Enstrom, I’m not yet willing to concede that their pairing is a given. Yes, they played well, but even Havelid faded down the stretch as did most of his blueline mates. Don’t forget we are only 1 year removed from Havelid’s miserable 2006-07 campaign. I like Havelid a lot, but Tobias is the biggest reason for his improved play in my estimation.

And ranallo, if you were the coach and regardless of payroll, can you honestly say that Havelid is better than both Hainsey and Schneider? Plus, JA has been saying he wants his D-men to jump into the play more and expects the blueline to produce a lot more O-fence. I’m not sure Havelid really fits that description. There is a reason Schneidy and Hainsey are making more than Havelid and I think it may just manifest itself over the next 3-4 weeks.

The early money will be on Havelid and Tobes to stay together, but the coaches may not deny the potential of a Top 4 of Enstrom, Schneider, Hainsey and Bogey. Of course, that is predicated on a big “IF” since we do not know how Bogey will play against the big boys.

I’m certainly looking forward to seeing him finally play in the preseason. Lastly, a sidebar that is worth noting: JA has split up Havs and Enstrom tonight so Bogey and Kulda aren’t exposed against the Wings tonite. A precursor of things to come or just JA spreading his thin talent in a preseason game??

By Smoothie

September 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, almost forgot! Thanks for the warm welcome back Mr. T!! There hasn’t been much to blog about as far as I’m concerned, but I have been lurking and reading your stuff faithfully. Thanks for helping us get through the long and bleak hockey-less summer!! Now that the season is revving up, I’ll be chiming in a lot more in the months to come…I may even go to a preseason game so I can give a scouting report here on your esteemed blog.

By Baldheaded Thrasher

September 28, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that the nummber of minutes played will be alot of difference between the lines 1 and 2. (No matter the players.)

I don’t want to say Havelid is better just different type of D-Man.

Bigger question for ATL is how to score goals now that Defence is now shored up!

ATL is going to need a really big surprise if we are going to compete!

I hate to state the obvious, but now that the defense is square, now the forwards have to keep control of the puck. JA wants the D guys to be part of the offensive play, but do we have the forwards we need to keep the puck in the offensive zone?

We will know the answer in a few more weeks, but I believe we are better now than the start of last season, but only IF Kozy rebounds.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — I noticed the splitting too, I hope it’s not a sign of things to come as I’ve mentioned my affinity for that combo (and the Bogosian-Kulda combo) previously.

Now, to answer your question, if I were coach Havelid would be getting more ice time than Hainsey. Why? Well it’s simple, Havelid is a proven commodity, and has shown himself to be useful in the most important times of the game. He’s not a PP threat, but that’s why you have Hainsey. Hainsey logs the PP minutes with Enstrom and Schneider (and possibly Bogosian), while Havelid logs the ES and PK minutes.

Schneider’s contributions minute wise would also be more than Hainsey’s for the simple reason of overall skill. His use is PP and ES, but he wouldn’t be put on the ice in PK situations in my system (again, assuming I’m the coach as you framed the question).

Granted, I’ve only seen limited bits of Hainsey’s play, and I know that both Knobler and Ben Wright were gushing over his overall play the first two preseason games…but Hainsey is not a proven commodity just yet. Waddell locked him up, and he fits Anderson’s system rather well, but his offensive style of play is not always a good fit for a young defender like Enstrom.

I’m unsure of how I’d put my lines defensively at this point…Bogosian is the wild card. Most like it’d be:

Enstrom/Havelid Schneider/Bogosian Hainsey/Valabik or Exelby

Without Bogosian I’m not sure…I like the idea of Hainsey with Valabik (speed and size mixed with size and strength), but Exelby alongside Schneider might be a waste. Or, it could be just what Exelby needs to rebound from last seasons performance.

By Tony C.

September 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

dude.

I love Nic & Tobias, but they don’t have to be the top-pair.

Why not run

Hebrew Hammer/Hainsey

Två Kronor

X/Boris/Boges

Seriously, why not?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Another rough game…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

4-0 for the Stanley Cup Champions. Ouch.

By five_hole

September 28, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

I’m more worried about the forwards, especially right wing, than I am about defense pairings. We seem to have a dearth of players at that position.

The only bright spot I could see from the numbers is that Zach was the only Thrasher who played at least 20 minutes that wasn’t negative.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 28, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I thought of you when I read this…

Every NHL team must spend a little over $40 million on payroll to reach the cap floor this year. Bettman doesn’t think that amount is too high for any individual team because the poorest squads will receive as much as $13 million per year in revenue sharing.

That’s from an interview with Bettman, linked here

There’s a number to go off of for your future calculations. Who knows how much of that Atlanta actually gets…we’ll probably never find out.

$13M would equate to just how many season tickets? Well, if you use the most expensive plan (seats at the glass, $11660 for a full season plan) that would mean the team would need to lose over 1100 season ticket holders from along the glass to not make a profit off of revenue sharing.

Sure, there are numbers that would also be affected, such as concessions and merchandise sales…but this is obviously a worst case scenario based on numbers we can use for estimation. If anyone has a formula for estimating concession and merchandise sales, please feel free to interject.

My point…well, my point should be fairly obvious. This franchise makes money even if they skim just over the salary cap floor, and drive season ticket holders out the door by retaining Waddell, not fielding a competitive team, or any other reason the departed fans give for not going to the games. The “exodus” will not be felt, in my opinion.

Of course they want more people to come, so they’ll send more calls out, discount more tickets, run more promotions, etc…but that’s all padding for the revenue they can expect for the revenue sharing.

I have a hard time believing they operate at a loss, especially with the above nugget from Bettman about revenue sharing.

By glovesave29

September 28, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

The Ducks just inked Selanne to a 2 year / $5.25M contract

By Brendan

September 29, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

During the post-Stanley Cup winning celebration in 2007, Teemu Selanne said, “I wanted to end my career on top.” And he left the audience believing he’d just played his last game. Now, not only has he played another season, err, well, at least half a season, he’s agreed to two more years? Hey, it’s his prerogative to change his mind.

Ranallo, that’s a nice find from Bettman. I doubt Atlanta gets $13 million, but I always calculated-estimated between $6 and $7 million for the revenue-sharing dollars. I guessed that the Thrashers “break-even” at around $38.5 million and could reasonably expect to receive $6 million in revenue sharing, placing a “starting budget” to break-even at $44.5 million, which was my guess for the contest.

I figured … there’s no possible way the team could be losing money at $44.5 as an “Opening Night” budget. I have always suspected that the Hawks are where the AS, LLC loses money, if they lose money. Somewhere, I think buried in the lawsuit papers, are claims of $15 million in annual operating losses.

Well, I’m leery of such claims to begin with, but assuming for the moment that it’s true, it’s gotta be the Hawks that loses money. Philips Arena is the 3rd-best revenue producing venue in the United States of America. And the Thrashers, ostensibly, “break-even” at worst, but more than likely, turn a profit, even at the league minimum floor. If the Thrashers get $10 million in revenue-sharing, then the team could, theoretically, spend $48.5 million, and still break-even. And if the $48.5 million salaried Thrashers actually made the playoffs, add a minimum of $4 million in 100-percent, PURE PROFIT to the owners.

And guess what? If Waddell got them there on such a hypothetical budget … the hard-on these owners would have for Waddell would make a porn actor envious. It’s all about money … and business plans. And very, very little to do with “sports” decisions.