First he said it. Then he e-mailed it, just to make sure he wasn't misunderstood. Atlanta Spirit co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. wanted to make one point clear: Thrashers general manager Don Waddell wasn't asked to step down.

At this point, that's about all that's clear.

Reports circulated on Friday night that Waddell was asked to step aside as the Thrashers general manager, which followed Gearon's admission on Wednesday that the Thrashers were looking to add to the Thrashers front office.

But, right now, Gearon said, any hire brought in would be to help Waddell, not to replace him.

"The rumors that Don Waddell has been asked to step down are completely false," Gearon said in an e-mail to the Journal-Constitution. "Ever since the president position opened up in January, people have speculated that Don would be a fit in that position. That is a testament to his talent and potential beyond just the GM role. Don is very highly respected in Atlanta, in NHL circles, and certainly among our ownership group."

But Gearon, or anyone else with the Thrashers, has not said with absolute certainty that Waddell will be back as general manager. Waddell has moved into former Atlanta Spirit president Bernie Mullin's office, further fueling speculation that Waddell's future may be as president, not general manager. When reached on his cellphone on Saturday, Waddell referred all questions to his public relations staff. Later, through his PR staff, he declined comment.

And even Saturday, while refuting rumors of Waddell's exit, Gearon didn't deny that it was possible that Waddell could move into a role higher up with the organization.

"I would look at it as a promotion, not a demotion," Gearon said by cellphone on Saturday morning.

Despite Gearon's public support of Waddell on Saturday, he clearly was concerned with the direction of the Thrashers when he addressed the media on Wednesday, following Billy Knight's resignation.

The Thrashers finished this season with a record of 34-40-8 and their 76 points were the third-lowest point total in the NHL.

Waddell was the general manager and head coach after firing Bob Hartley following the Thrashers 0-6 start.

"We had some major holes with the Thrashers this year," Gearon said on Wednesday. "We did not have the success we wanted on the ice. That's a major concern to us. We're trying to add the pieces to help support Don in a way that allows us to be sure the Thrashers can continue in a direction we expect."

The Thrashers have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, and Gearon said he'd want any front office help to be hired before the draft in June. But as of Wednesday, he said he hadn't gotten to the point where he knew what title any new hires might have.

Even then, as Gearon stressed on Saturday, the priority is in hiring a head coach to replace Waddell behind the bench and making sure the "right support mechanisms" are in place for Waddell and the Thrashers in anticipation of a busy off-season.

Besides the two first-round picks in what is considered a deep draft, the Thrashers have $17 million coming off the books and hope to be major players in free agency.

"We are in the process of evaluating what is the best way to put the Thrashers in position to maximize the opportunities, both in the draft and also this summer," Gearon said.