What will be a busy offseason already has begun for the Thrashers.
General manager Rick Dudley has a list of priorities that includes obtaining a top-six forward and perhaps a top-five defenseman. There also are seven unrestricted free agents and 12 unrestricted free agents in the organization.
The following is a breakdown of the team’s plans based on Dudley’s exclusive interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday.
Forward
At the top of the wish list is a scoring forward, Dudley said. The team struggled for goals at times this season, especially during a 7-17-6 stretch that likely cost them a postseason berth. The Thrashers finished with two players, Andrew Ladd (29) and Dustin Byfuglien (20), who scored at least 20 goals.
Dudley said the line of Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler established itself as a top-two line in the NHL and often was the best line on either team on given nights. The team needs a second line to match.
“We have components that fit,” Dudley said. “I don’t know how soon it can happen. If you look at guys like [Alexander] Burmistrov and [Evander] Kane and you see two-thirds of another spectacular line, which will be a fast, fast line with a lot of skill. I’m not the coach, but you would like to think of them at some point in time playing together.”
Dudley said his preference would be to “force the issue” and acquire another top-six forward. That could come via free agency or a trade. Dudley also would not rule out signing a restricted free agent to an offer sheet, should a team be up against the salary cap.
Forwards Eric Boulton and Radek Dvorak are unrestricted free agents. Dudley said he has spoken to both, and they reiterated their public statements that they would like to return.
Ladd and Wheeler are the top priorities among restricted free agents. Both are classified as Group 2 and are expected to return, but the team would like to work out new contracts with both.
Ben Maxwell, just finishing his entry-level contract, figures to return. The team will take a hard look at Anthony Stewart and Rob Schremp.
Defense
While Dudley said he was comfortable with the current defensemen on the NHL roster and the depth in the minor leagues, he would consider a deal that brings in a top-three defenseman. Such a move would force the coaching staff into some tough decisions.
“The coaches and management have to make a determination if we have a top four [on defense] now,” Dudley said. “For much of the year, I think we would both say we did. At other points we weren’t so sure. We have to take a look at that. If it’s a case we are not comfortable with a top four, then that’s going to be something we look at.”
The inconsistent play of defensemen Zach Bogosian and Johnny Oduya was a concern this season. Bogosian is a restricted free agent, and Dudley said he didn’t expect any issues re-signing the former No. 3 overall pick.
The future of unrestricted free agent Freddy Meyer is uncertain. Dudley said he would like to have him return. However, the organization has depth at defense. A young player could be involved in a deal to acquire a scoring forward.
Arturs Kulda is a restricted free agent. He would also be subject to the waiver wire next season. That could mean he makes the team as a sixth or seventh defenseman.
Noah Welch is an unrestricted free agent, and the organization will give “some thought” to bring him back should he be open to returning.
Goaltending
Both Chris Mason and Ondrej Pavelec are under contract. Dudley reiterated Thursday the need for Pavelec to come to camp in top condition.
“There are two things I expect to happen,” Dudley said. “Chris Mason was hurt a lot last year, and I think he will have a big bounce back year. The character of this person is so high that he wants to make sure.
“Pavs has to buy into the theory that conditioning is an aspect of goaltending. He hasn’t been a brilliantly conditioned athlete. ... If he does, he can be the goaltender that he can be. At his best, he is very good.”
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