Antropov deal looks to be done
Geez, we’ve been a little busy in Blueland the last two days, haven’t we?
Looks like the deal for Nik Antropov is done, just waiting for it to be officially announced by the team. Looks like this is the top-6 forward the Thrashers wanted this offseason. Four years, $16 million are the terms.
Keep letting me know what you think of the deal.
Heck, they even re-signed Chris Thorburn to a multi-year deal Thursday.
Help me out with what’s next for the Thrashers. My question still remains.
If they acquired a top-4 defenseman, at least for one year, via trade without losing one of the three goalies and now they have a top-6 forward via free agency – what will they do with at goaltender?
Surely all three won’t be here. Who stays and who goes?
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102 comments Add your comment
Darkhorse
July 2nd, 2009
10:57 am
Thorburn, a fourth line guy, is barely worth blogging about compared to bigger roster issues we have. I expect the cap hit is low and Thor won’t be the reason we can’t afford someone else in the future. If we were already a playoff team, I would say bring in a Marchant or Samuelson for that spot. But we’re not to the point where who plays on the 4th is the hot-button topic.
I’m whatever with the signing. He’s a decent fourth liner that won’t lose you a game.
DW better get going though on the top line, because Kovy’s looking for something good to happen.
Chris-As far as goalies go, unless it’s part of a package, I don’t see the return being very good at this point. I wouldn’t give Pavs or Kari away just to do so.
Chris-Will you asked Waddell about Antropov or Tanguey specifically, and if there was any FA yesterday they went after, but lost out to due to price tag, ect…? Wish we had the assets to get Savard or Kessel.
Billy
July 2nd, 2009
10:57 am
Keep Kari and Ondrej.
Trade Hedberg.
Don’t give up a major asset in Pavelec or Lehtonen unless you are getting a bonafide #1 center in return.
Smoothie
July 2nd, 2009
10:59 am
Fact of the matter is that the ASG controls Pavy’s short term destiny and I do not see them unloading a goalie at this point unless they sign a forward worth more than $3.5 M per year, which is doubtful. The market is saturated with FA goalies so the demand for a trade will not be what DW would like us to believe. I think there is a better chance that a trade could happen much later in the fall after the team has had a chance to evaluate Pavelec’s progress and showcase him for a potential trade to an injury depleted team with depth at forward.
Nikita
July 2nd, 2009
11:07 am
I’d prefer we keep woth Pavs and Kari, but if one goes then it needs to be Pavs.
Yay for Thorburn. Yay for losing Ex and Stuart and getting Kubina and a Stuart equivalent in return.
Russian
July 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
I like to keep Pavs and Kari. Moose must go to trade or buy out. Those two guys will fight to First number. They will play very well every game. Look the last year situation in Chicago with Bullin Wall and Huet. Throrbun is good addition to team. We need first line forward. Antropov will be good.
jonathan
July 2nd, 2009
11:33 am
i think thrashers are crazy if they trade Lehtonen he is awesome goaltender that just needs better players around him trade hedberg
GaVaHokie
July 2nd, 2009
11:43 am
Nik Antropov is a Thrasher!! Great terms too… 4 years $16 million
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283526
Cletus
July 2nd, 2009
11:45 am
There are more good goaltenders than teams right now, so I don’t see either Lehtonen or Pavs bringing us a true #1 center.
I’d pay Saku Koivu whatever it takes to get someone with FIRE IN HIS GUT aboard. He can feed Kovy pucks with the best of them.
Then I would tell NY Rangers to sign and trade Zherdev for Todd White/Pavs.
Kovy/Koivu/Little
Kozlov/Peverly/Zherdev
That looks like 2 good top lines.
Nate
July 2nd, 2009
11:45 am
Thrashers land Antropov. I like the move. Yes, it’s a little risky with his injury history. But he’s an upgrade over our current first line center.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283526
hoff
July 2nd, 2009
11:47 am
You don’t keep 2 number 1’s. Hedberg is a backup and is there for a reason. It’s up to other teams, as we obviously have difficulties in deciding how to run a franchise. Do they want our oft injured under achieving Lehtonen or basically a rookie with promise in Pavs. IMO, we’d be stupid to trade Pavs which is why he’ll be dealt. Lehtonen is loved here by the borad bunnies and I’m not sure why. He has proven nothing other than he can’t play a full season. Pavs has shown real promise and the growing pains of a rookie. The team itself played harder for Pavs and Hedberg IMO. Keep Pavs, and now the pressure is off to obtain a top 6 forward via trade as Antropov is the newest signed Atlanta Thrasher. 4 years, there you go Kovy.
J.B.
July 2nd, 2009
11:48 am
Antropov – Hockey Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of BLUELAND!!!
all i’ve got to say is ‘YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!’ Go DW!!!! Or should I say Dudley?
Also, unless I’m mistkaten, an Ak Bars Kazan teammate of one ILYA KOVALCHUK!!!! Coincidence? I think NOT! If Kovy had any input on that signing, it’s a good indicator of him re-signing with Atlanta.
Pen
July 2nd, 2009
11:49 am
YES! ANTROPOV!
KOVY! COME BACK NOW!
We have the rest of the offseason to get Kovy back now.
Chris Vivlamore
July 2nd, 2009
11:50 am
Darkhorse: I have made inquires about specific players, but all Don Waddell will say is general statements like “We are watching a number of players.” I thought it was a big deal that I got Toronto as a likely trade partner for publication.
As for Tanguay and Antropov, I’ve been researching them as the appear to be the top remaining forwards.
Tanguay scored a career-high 29 goals in 2005-06 and has gone down every year since – 22, 18 and 16. He made just over $5 million last season.
Nik Antropov and a career-high of 28 goals last season between the Leafs and the Rangers. He was only around a 15-goal scorer until 2007-08 when he jumped to 26 goals. He only made just over $2 million last season.
Are either of these guys long-term solutions, especially considering Kubina has only one year left?
J.B.
July 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
Chris – I think you were typing your comment when the news broke a couple of minutes ago or something… Antropov’s a Thrasher now! 4 yrs/$16M.
Toby
July 2nd, 2009
11:54 am
I like…
Kovy – Peavs – Antro
Kozzy – White – Little
Antro clears the way for Kovy and will pick up rebounds. As far as the 2nd line, they were great last year and I wouldn’t break them up.
Chris Vivlamore
July 2nd, 2009
11:55 am
Appears the Antropov deal is happening. I’ll get you more details when I have them.
GaVaHokie
July 2nd, 2009
11:56 am
Chris… keep in consideration the number of games Tanguay has played each year when looking at his point totals.
J.B.
July 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
In response to Chris’ question, though…Antropov & Kubina were teammates in TOR for a while… Kubina may be more inclined to re-sign with Atlanta if things go well for us this year because of that since Antropov is signed for 4 yrs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Kubina signing was a deal sweetener for Antropov. Gotta be easier going somewhere with guys you’ve played with before in Kubina & Kovy (I think, in Russia during the lockout).
jamie
July 2nd, 2009
11:58 am
its done. nik antropov is a thrasher 4 years 16 million
Cletus
July 2nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Now they need to trade a bundle of their 3rd line guys for a real #1 RW … I’d love to see Zherdev on an all-Russian line with Kovy and Antropov.
ChippersLoveChild
July 2nd, 2009
12:01 pm
Woohoo! We are quietly building a very nice team here, I don’t see why we wouldn’t make the playoffs next year.. Sign Kovy and the Restricted guys… trade one of the goalies for another solid player, if necessary, and we are good to go.. Bring on the season!
Cletus
July 2nd, 2009
12:02 pm
And why didn’t we try to sign Mike Knuble for $2M? That is chump change for someone that can score like that on the PP.
Wayne in AL
July 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm
Chris, what was up with that online reprint last night of the Waddell denial of the franchise moving?
Toby
July 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm
Kovalchuk pushed very hard for Atlanta to sign Antropov
Source: Andy Strickland @ Hockeybuzz
GSU-Lee
July 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm
Cletus, Not that it really matters, but I believe Antropov is from Khazakstan (spelling?)
David
July 2nd, 2009
12:16 pm
Fantastic
Thrashers sign Antropov, Thorburn - 7-2-09 - Empty Netters - post-gazette.com
July 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
[...] The Thrashers have signed former Rangers forward Nik Antropov (above) and have re-signed former Penguins forward Chris Thorburn. [...]
Midfield
July 2nd, 2009
12:36 pm
Antropov is a pretty big dude. I think Kovy can motivate him to make an impact.
Midfield
July 2nd, 2009
12:38 pm
By the way, although Antropov is listed as from Kazachstan, he is quite obviously a Russian ethnically and a Russian speaker.
Chris
July 2nd, 2009
12:38 pm
We needed a top 6 forward and a top 4 defender. We got both of them within 24 hours of free agency starting.
Waddell and Dudley, seriously, you’ve done a hell of a job.
ChippersLoveChild
July 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
I’d still like to trade one of the goalies for a #1 center if we could. Todd White had a fantastic year, but I’m still not high on him duplicating that again this year. I’d much rather have White center the second line with Peverly and either Antropov or Little and drop Kozlov to the third line with Reasoner and Army.. either way it’s a good problem to have and one we haven’t dealt with ever.
hawks & thrash
July 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
YES!! antropov is by far the best move of the three so far. a guy with tremendous size who can score.
he will complement kovy very well and its about time that waddell actually did what he said he would during the offseason.
i agree though, one goalie must go and bring in another good player.
Adam Dunn
July 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Hell yes on this signing!!! finally some great 2 days of news in blueland, might even get season tickets this year!!!
ok as far as lines go, yall need to remember antro is a big, skilled CENTER… did a great job last year and was a beast against us… every time we played toronto he showed up…
Line 1: LW Kovalchuk C Antropov RW Peverly??
Line 2: LW Kozlov C White RW Little
I honestly do not know how this will shape out seing how Antro has played only center, ( if my memory serves me right ) where will that put pevs?
one more deal to come though, lehts and / or pavs for one more top 6 forward i believe and i would think at winger….
my two cents trade kari and white or kari and pavelec for a proven scorer of the wing… we dont need white anymore with antro and peverly
thoughts anyone!?
Thrashers27
July 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
Holy crap! Kubina, now Antropov…October is now delayed for an eternity. I can’t wait to see this team on the ice!!! Go BLUE!!!
Adam Dunn
July 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
i meant to say kari and white or pavelec and white by the way…
Chris
July 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
Kovy-White-Antro
Kozlov-Pevs-Little
Kane-Marty-Colby
Boults-Slaters-Thorburn.
I LIKE! And I agree with you guys. I can see White + Pavelec + late round draft pick for another top 6 forward (Call Detroit or San Jose, please?)
I gotta agree with Adam Dunn–Looks like I need to find the cash for some season tickets (or at least half season tickets).
Sara
July 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
I think the market right now for goalies is just not there. There are two viable options in Fernandez and Biron just sitting out there as free agents. And while some may think other teams need a better starting goalie, I haven’t heard a single GM indicate that. Detroit is quite content to go with Howard and Osgood – otherwise they would have re-signed Conklin for insurance. And even if a trade is going to be made, Giggy is also available and his career stats are going to look better than Kari’s or Pav’s.
My suggestion would be to keep all three guys for right now, tell Pavs to eat it and send him to Chi-town (and remind him that’s his fault for not playing better when given the opportunities last season). Then wait and see if someone’s goalie falls apart or gets injured, then make a trade when you can squeeze somebody for it. Or what occurs at the trade deadline in 2010. That’s the only way, IMO, we’re going to get something substantial for one of our tenders.
And if that doesn’t happen…hire Moose as the goalie coach after next season, and let Pavs and Kari fight it out for the top spot.
Brendan
July 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm
If Kovy lobbied for Nik Antropov, and Waddell/Dudley got ‘im, then mission accomplished as a signing. Do I think 4-years/$16 million is a good deal. Meh. The guy has some injury issues and tends to float a little. Butttttt, we all know our market situation. Translation: We have to overpay. So, as far as overpaid players go, this one isn’t so bad. We’re on the hook for 4 years of this guy, though. That’s when salary kicks back in. Antropov is 28. Roughly. So, three (3) years down the road, he’ll be 31, making $4 million-a-year. Finding someone to take him off our hands might not be so easy. And I don’t like to buy out players. Then again, if he’s kickin’ butt and takin’ names four years down the road, at 32, we’ll probably struggle to re-sign him. Overall, I like this move if it PLEASES KOVALCHUK. If he’s happy with it, then I’ll hush up my mouth about it. But Antropov wasn’t on my wish list. He’s better than nothing. That’s for sure. And I’m “okay” with the salary parameters, given our market situation.
Buzz
July 2nd, 2009
1:17 pm
I wonder if a Zherdev would take $3M to play outside of the madhouse that is NY? Seems like it would be worth a phone call. We’d lose a 2nd round pick but I like the thought of him playing with Kovy.
Chris Vivlamore
July 2nd, 2009
1:21 pm
Wayne in AL: Not sure about that old story and how it surfaced. I don’t have anything to do with the online operation other than supply the information. Heck, I just recently learned to text message. (OK, that’s a slight exaggeration).
BTW, I left it out of the story on the Kubina trade, but Exelby was indeed the last original Thrasher. All the other picks in the 1999 draft are no longer Thrashers property.
Brendan
July 2nd, 2009
1:22 pm
I think I would trade Hedberg at this point. Let Pavelec and Lehtonen battle it out for #1. If that doesn’t motivate Ondrej to be at his best, what would? And as for Kari, he can’t hide from his previous injuries. He knows he needs to put up at least one (1) injury-free season to ever see a pay day up over $5 million. So, he ought to be motivated to keep his #1 status, and stay ahead of Pavelec. I’d love to keep Moose. He doesn’t cost anything. But if he could be packaged somehow, I’d bless that move.
We all remember 2005, with Dunham, Shield, Garnett, Berkhoel, etc. Even Michael Garnett, eventually, rose to the occasion and put together some nice streaks. I think if Pavelec got 25-30 starts, he could put something fairly decent together for this season. Now, I don’t like rushing goalies in their development. But I genuinely believe that Pavelec is the one who is rushing things. The Thrashers could very easily go with Lehtonen and Hedberg as their tandem again this season. If Pavelec gets mad and bolts for Europe, well … I guess we can’t stop that. Fred Brathwaite did that a couple of years ago.
World Be Free
July 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
Did I call this 2 weeks ago or what?
Tier 2 free agent, signing for less than what he reportedly tried to get from the Rangers. I love when a plan comes together.
Maybe one more now? Travis Moen or Mike Grier, grit and leadership.
Pardon me for being greedy! The DW Fan Club is growing.
Brendan
July 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm
Did Beauchemin get signed? I’d love Mike Grier! I bet Brian Burke guns for him.
ChippersLoveChild
July 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
Correction, Teflon Don is still an “original” Thrasher
Buzz
July 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm
Who cares if a player is an “original Thrasher?”
They all sucked.
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 2nd, 2009
1:40 pm
The Antropov wish list has been growing in members for a while, but I believe Stroz will be very happy with this acquisition.
Stating the Obvious
July 2nd, 2009
1:43 pm
Darkhorse needs to get his head out of the sand.
“I’m whatever about the signing – he’s a 4th liner”
Are you nuts?? No, he’s not a 1st liner, but looks like his 28 goals last year would have been 3rd most on the Thrashers! And guess what, the teams he played for last year had FEWER goals than Atlanta did. He is at least a 3rd liner and quite possibly a 2nd liner in Atlanta – NICE SIGNING!!!!
All that said – the priority is to get a front liner in here. We’ve done some great “tweaking” on the roster, but time for the BIGGIE. If it takes a goalie – fine. If it takes using a crowbar to the ASG’s bank account – then fine. I really think with what has happened already, we are ONE move (albiet a big one) away from being a playoff contender next year!
Chris
July 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
Falconer has a pretty good idea…
“The Thrashers are probably close to being finished–I have them with a projected payroll of $46 after Lehtenon and Armstrong re-sign. If there’s another million left in the budget, the PK could still use some help and I wouldn’t mind seeing them throw an offer at former Thrashers Eric Belanger.”
I hated to see him leave and loved him when he was here. To get him on that 3rd line with Marty & Army would be FANTASTIC.
Chris Vivlamore
July 2nd, 2009
2:00 pm
It is official. Antropov a Thrashers. Team announcement will be coming in the next half hour.
ChippersLoveChild: You are correct, sir. I stand corrected.
Get The Puck Out
July 2nd, 2009
2:07 pm
Has anyone heard anything about Nikulin?
JAmes_kovyboy
July 2nd, 2009
2:12 pm
OK for sure Antropov kovy on the same line… now lets try to get Koivu
i live in MTL and i know this guys commitment hes amazing
thank god wwe didnt get Komisarek!!
Kubina is awesome, Antropov is the reason kovy will stay
But if we get our youngsters going, we got so much Depth at C its unbelievable:
here are our top C
Antropov, White, Peverley, Reasoner, Kane, Espostio
ill make these lines
Kovy-Espo-Antropov
Kozzie-White-Little
Kane-Peverley-Armstrong
Thorbs-Reasoner-Crabb
Toby
July 2nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Get The Puck Out
I believe he’s staying put in the KHL
Toby
July 2nd, 2009
2:20 pm
…but, I haven’t heard anything on Zhuberev
muttonsourdough
July 2nd, 2009
2:26 pm
GTPO – Yeah, Nikulin probly makes his biggest push to come over this year when we genuinely might not need him.
I understand the guy is talented, and I dont fault him for wanting to play in his homeland, but lets just say its been nice this year that he seemed to waffle back and forth less and teased the NHL less. Id still take him, but now it appears there is no room for him. Shame.
LAC
July 2nd, 2009
2:32 pm
Well some GOOD news, let’s see if waddell still has some money left for another scorer and defenseman… Let’s hope so.
jonathan
July 2nd, 2009
2:44 pm
i just don’t see antropov being that great of pick up there are better players out there
Russian
July 2nd, 2009
2:53 pm
I am not sure that Nikulin come here. Latest new from Russia taht he will be playing in Kazan. We have to forget about this guy.
MB
July 2nd, 2009
3:02 pm
LAC, that’s it? After all of your ranting yesterday, I would have thought you might actually pony up and give Waddell and Dudley at least a little credit. While it doesn’t make up for 10 years of gaffes, surely you could allow yourself to feel pretty good about drafting Kane, Klingberg, and Morin and then bringing in Kubina and Antropov in the last 24 hours.
Would’ve liked to get Nik for less, but when you consider his cost compared to Gionta and Gomez (all around the same # of pts), then it doesn’t look so bad.
There’s a lot more to be optimistic about than there was at this time last year, that’s for sure.
As for having money left for another scorer and d-man, I’d be surprised.
Thrashy Thrashy
July 2nd, 2009
3:28 pm
What the hell do the Thrashers need another defenseman for? Another scorer would be nice (won’t happen unless a goalie is moved), but…another defenseman?
ben
July 2nd, 2009
3:47 pm
we need another scorer.
LAC
July 2nd, 2009
3:54 pm
Interesting tidbit here…. How about this Gomez 58 pts 7.6 mil Nik 59 pts 4 mil… Interesting and he could get better.
How about Kovolev ? 2 years, 3 ? He’s 36 I believe. but can ring up 25-30 goals a year… Worth the risk ????
MB
July 2nd, 2009
4:09 pm
Ben, why? We were 9th in the league in goals per game, just behind the Flames and the Sharks, and that despite Kovy slumping through the first third of the season. With the additions of Kubina and Antropov, we just added 42 more goals, minus the 5 that Stuart potted.
Defense, now there’s our bigger issue. We were 29th in goals allowed per game. Both Ks should help there, not only with their size and defensive ability, but also with their passing and puck possession skills. Reducing turnovers and retaining possession of the puck could go a long way in helping our defensive numbers.
Chris Vivlamore
July 2nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Just got off the phone with Waddell and Antropov (Ben Wright can thank me for setting that up!). New story should be online soon.
Couple of the hightlights:
Kovy sent Waddell a text saying great move. He and Antropov played together in Russia during the lockout. They were even linemates for four or five games, he said.
Waddell said they are pretty much done going after big free agents. Might sign a player or two for depth, but don’t look for another big name. He feels they have the two missing pieces in Kubina and Antropov.
Antropov is reunited with Kubina from their days in Toronto. He’s really looking forward to the reunion and they shared some text messages about joining the Thrashers.
I have the schedule for developmental camp next week. The highlight of that is all the draft picks will be there. I will give you the details in a new blog tomorrow. Figured I would leave this one up to continue the conversation.
j nes
July 2nd, 2009
4:31 pm
This was the move I wanted the Thrashers to make at the last trade deadline. I have always liked Antropov and I think he will really surprise people this year. He needs to be our first line center with Kovalchuck. If he does center the first line, I bet he scores at least 25 goals and 40 assists (including some powerplay time). Think about it, the guy has never played (in the NHL) with anyone as prolific as kovalchuck. Neither Toronto nor the rangers had even a thirty goal scorer on their teams last year. I think the best player Antropov has ever played with is Jason Blake. Antropov with Kovalchuck will make both players better. I cant wait.
I hope this addition makes Todd White expendable. His trade value wont get any higher, but I dont know if any team would want to take on his salary.
Nice job so far Mr. Dudley!
Leafs Nation
July 2nd, 2009
4:33 pm
To Thrashers Fans–Don’t worry, you won’t have to put up with Antropov’s soft play, questionable effort, dumb/lazy penalties and maddening inconsistancy for long. Those two surgically rebuilt knees are just about due for a blow-out. Oh yeah…and thanks for Exelby!
J
July 2nd, 2009
4:40 pm
MB Becase it is not just defensemen that are the problem the Thrahsers need forwards that can control the puck force turn overs and cut down on the amount of time the puck is in the defensive zone. This will bring down the not only the shots on goal but force the other team to take bad shots from a distance.
Look for Hainsey’s points to go down next season like Enstrum’s went down last season because Kubina will be playing the top line on the PP. Maybe Hainsey can work on his Plus minus a little.
The Thrashers need to package moose and a forward white or pev and pick up one more d-man
Jared
July 2nd, 2009
4:48 pm
No problem laughs nation. Enjoy your newfound defensive liability ^_^
ThrasherNY
July 2nd, 2009
4:49 pm
Antropov “pleasing” Kovy adds more value to the deal; can someone confirm that is indeed the case?
This is a great signing…….Looks like a Dud-ell is better than a Wad-ell!
MB
July 2nd, 2009
4:56 pm
Dear Leafs Nation, you’re welcome for Exelby. Enjoy those three highlight reel hits each season, along with the forty others he’ll miss, leaving his partner with a two-on-one. Oh, and you’ll also like the blind pass to nowhere that usually ends up as a turnover, along with the look over the shoulder as he realizes he’s out of position again. But, he’s great in the community and he’ll wear some funny hats that make the kids giggle.
J, that’s exactly what I was saying in my earlier post, and why I questioned the desire for another scorer. Now a responsible, two-way forward? You betcha. I don’t, however, see why you’d want another blueliner. We have our top 4 in Enstrom, Bogo, Kubina, and Hainsey, then a solid competition this fall for the remaining spots between Oystrick, Valabik, Salmella, Lewis, Kulda, and possibly Wilson. I think we’re fine there.
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 2nd, 2009
5:01 pm
j nes — Antropov played alongside Sundin in Toronto.
Tim
July 2nd, 2009
5:05 pm
Apparently, after DW complete the Antropov deal, Kovalchuk sent a txt msg to DW saying: Good Job. This is reported on Ben’s blog on Thrashers Official Website.
Leafs Nation
July 2nd, 2009
5:09 pm
ranallo10 & j nes–And that was a big contributing factor in Sundin’s leaving Toronto. He knew that he had zero chance of winning if Antropov was the best we could offer as a linemate.
frosty the snowman
July 2nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Antropov has had alot of injuries, never gotten over 60 pts in a season. I think we could have done better. whoops, I forgot we are the thrashers. 5th from last here we come.
polskidawg
July 2nd, 2009
5:12 pm
Not a bad 2 days for the Thrash, not a bad week if you want to go that far back. Actually, this might be DW’s best summer. As for the activity, let’s play good news/bad news:
Thor – Good News is that he is an effective 4th liner that doesn’t cost much, plays hard. Bad News is that he’s about at his limit at 4th line. More than 2-3 games in 3rd line minutes is too much.
Kubina – Good News is that he is a good skater for a big man, has offensive game, good (not great) defensively and may re-sign for a more palatable salary is he likes the Thrash style. Bad News is that is overpaid (now), not overly physical on D (though far more than Hainsey) and general a minus player throughout his career.
Anthropod – Good News is that he is skill, skill down low, big, will have the opportunity to have his best year with Kovy and Kovy likes him. Bad News is that he has been injury-prone, not very physical for a big man, zones out for weeks at a time and is S-L-O-W and will play on Kovy’s (fast) line.
ThrasherTim
July 2nd, 2009
5:16 pm
I love the moves but what about addressing the PK? We can gain numerous additional wins by shoring that up. I mean, not that they were great, but we lost 2 of our forwards on the PK in Perrin and Stuart. Who replaces them — and brings improvement? Assuming Colby will have to step up in this arena?
j nes
July 2nd, 2009
5:18 pm
ranallo, did they play on the same line (not powerplay)? I thought Antropov was their 2nd line center when Sundin was there.
Either way I still think he is the best pick up the Thrashers could have made. He is the closest we could get to a bona-fide number one center.
Leafs Nation–suck an egg
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 2nd, 2009
5:34 pm
He played wing with Sundin and second line center when they didn’t develop good chemistry.
Barry
July 2nd, 2009
6:21 pm
Our first two forward lines are shaping up to be very sick. You can bet Antropov will rack up more points and goals that he had previously. You then have probably Kozlov and Little together on a line. That’s two more 30 goal scorers. Throw White in there who had like 70pts last season. Also most of last years team will be playing this year and they are already familiar with Anderson’s system and played great down the stretch last season. It’s just a matter of accumulating a couple of players and this team should be ready to go first game of the season. I’m really exciting for this season to get started. Man these next 3 months are going to be murder.
Jason(Darkhorse)
July 2nd, 2009
6:24 pm
Stating the Obvious-
Darkhorse needs to get his head out of the sand.
“I’m whatever about the signing – he’s a 4th liner”
I was talking about the Thorburn deal genius. Vivlamore
changed the blog to be about Antropov after the news broke, without leaving in the original info about Thorburn. Of course I am stoked to have Antropov on THE TOP LINE.
Thanks for making me look like one of the many looney posters on the Thrashers message boards Vivlamore. There’s no grass being smoked at my house.
World Be Free
July 2nd, 2009
6:29 pm
Still more talent out there-
Todd Marchant, Chad Larose, Dennis Seidenburg, Mike Grier, Mikael Samuelson, Derek Morris, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko, Travis Moen
Don’t stop now!
Tom Lysiak
July 2nd, 2009
6:32 pm
Leafs Nation: You could have stopped typing after “…that was a big contributing factor in Sundin’s leaving Toronto. He knew that he had zero chance of winning….”
GaVaHokie
July 2nd, 2009
6:57 pm
For what its worth, Eklund has us interested in Andrew Alberts… he’d be a nice depth move, probably cost around $1.7 maybe $2 million.
Nikita
July 2nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Here goes again. Thorburn has better than 4th line talent — contrary to popular opinion, his hands are pretty good and he’s capable of decent speed. He sprints well, but his overall speed and effort appear a little flukey. He has stayed on the 4th line due to inconsistent flashes of better play and because he’s effective on that unit. Actually, I’m not entirely sure why we signed him other than the naked pictures he has of Randy Cunneyworth, but I think he’ll do fine for us, even if he doesn’t rise to his talent level.
re: the PK, Slater needs to be taken off it. Bogosian, Oystrick, and Valabik are all reasonably good. Which means that we haven’t made a great decision in resigning Slater or Thorburn with regard to it if we plan on keeping them. Plus, keep in mind that we’re losing Eric Perrin, most likely, and the best remaining PK player (White) is also on the PP.
So…Antropov’s pretty good at PK. And we did lose two of our worst PKers. So we’re at worst even, but we still need to do some work on that unit.
Alan
July 2nd, 2009
8:17 pm
Thorburn has better than 4th line talent — contrary to popular opinion, his hands are pretty good and he’s capable of decent speed.
Here we go again, indeed. Tell him to prove it, and people might believe you. I, for one, am still waiting for these “better hands” and “decent speed” to make an appearance in Blueland.
pond scum
July 2nd, 2009
10:05 pm
I like the Antropov signing. He was a late bloomer sure,but he has learned to use his size to score/protect the puck pretty well. But him playing center probably isn’t gonna happen, if my memory serves me correctly he played mostly RW before his trade from the Leafs to the Rags,where they also played him mostly. He seems to have foun his niche,lets not take him out of his comfort zone. As long as his confidence level is up,he’ll score goals as other teams focus on Kovy leaving him room to bury his chances. The money and length are good also,he put up the numbers and still shows upside,so if you were in his skates you’d try to get as much as possible also.
WHY do some of you wanna trade White away? IMHO,he has showed that he’s VERY CAPABLE of being our #1 and after finally getting away from the Wild’s defensive system he showed that he can score an set up his linemates just fine. And his CHEMISTRY with Kovy as well as Little,Kozzie ect. is very good. That’s why alot feel that we are only a couple pieces away from a postseason birth….not a reoverhaul AGAIN! Maybe we won’t stumble out of the gates as we usually do every October from the constant roster turnovers. I’m sorry,but I proudly support White and believe in what I saw from last season and that he is capable of not only matching his output but even better it some.
Kovy-WHITE-Antropov
Kozlov-Pevs-Little
Kane-Reasoner-Army
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn I like that!!!
After this draft and so far freeagency, I gotta give DW some real credit for his work. As some of you have pointed out,we now have 2 targets filled. Now maybe sign a couple depth guys,focusing on the PK and our forward lineup looks pretty good.
As for trading either Kari/ Pavs- I hope we move either. Pavs HASN’T PROVED to be a true #1 yet,not even close. i know you guys remember 05-06,the never ending goalie carousel that probably costed us our first taste of the postseason in blueland. This is the time to keep the cupboard full,unless the offer is going to floor us and really upgrade. WE NEED a youngster to lean on if Kari gets hurt again. I love Moose to death,but he’s getting long in the tooth. I’m not advocating moving him either,tell Pavs to earn it in camp or back to the Wolves you go it’s that simple. Pavs has a ton of upside yes,but show us more than just flashes.Until he does that and PROVES HIS WORTH,then take another look at this position. There is plenty of time between now and the start of the season.
I’d rather see the team be prepared for the unexpected instead of not having a real plan B and having to give up something to patch a hole. Until we develop solid “franchise” depth,we’ll stay stuck in neutral.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!
pond scum
July 2nd, 2009
10:11 pm
And sorry guys/gals,but Zherdev is very moody and inconsistent. When his confidence level is up,he’s pretty good. But that just seems to be his downfall,he doesn’t seem to handle adversity very well. That spells doom in the postseason forsure. With what the Rags would want in return and IMHO his “peaks and valleys” play,it’s not worth it.
stendec
July 2nd, 2009
10:24 pm
TRADE KARI LETEMIN FOR A BAG OF CALGARY FLAME PRACTICE PUCKS! The Thrashers will still come out ahead in the deal. Sports incompetents! Guess all folks with ANY hockey intelligence left Atlanta when the Knights did!
Mike
July 2nd, 2009
10:29 pm
It appears that Clay Wilson has signed a 2 year deal, as it is mentioned in the AP story about Leopold signing in Florida.
Red Light
July 2nd, 2009
10:36 pm
Why did the Leafs want to dump this guy. Why wouldn’t the Rangers re-sign him? Antropov gets a huge raise of about $1.8 million a year and gets four years from the Thrashers to boot. Another shrewd way to get to the floor. $9 million to Leafs’ cast-offs in 24 hours. Where did they finish last season? Where can I get a pair of the rose-colored glasses? Those professional scouts Atlanta has, do they watch games?
pond scum
July 2nd, 2009
10:46 pm
Can I pose a question to some of the “downers”?
What would be the response if the Thrashers spent all the way to the cap and still didn’t improve?
Before the cap,the Rags did this every season and it got them no where. Just throwing money around doesn’t get W’s. Heck,last years Bolts are more proof of this.
LAC
July 2nd, 2009
11:06 pm
Boy did anyone noticethephoto saying it was Antropov, Why that’s
Nic Zherdev, NOT Antropov… Antropov is a RIGHT hand shot… Oh Boy
ajc missed putting up the correct person !!!! Better fix that !!!
Nice moves, but not nearly enough to put this team in the playoffs.
Perhaps an improvement of 10-15 points, but still below the type points needed to make the playoffs, and we continue to not be a threat forThe Stanley Cup either…. Still trying but another defenseman adn scorer needed,but waddell has closed up shop and thinks we can win…
Sorry don close but NO cigar !
bigjohnthrashfan
July 2nd, 2009
11:35 pm
So…are we keeping all three netminders after all??
Bob
July 2nd, 2009
11:49 pm
“Kovalchuk sent a txt msg to DW saying: Good Job. This is reported on Ben’s blog on Thrashers Official Website.”
Tim, thanks for the info and that’s cool to know, but I wonder how desperate these Spirit guys are to be leaking Kovy’s texts to Wad, that just seems kind of goofy to me
Son of DW
July 3rd, 2009
12:28 am
Per Chris, “Might sign a player or two for depth, but don’t look for another big name.” Great, so this is all we have to be excited about? Two over-the-hill players that may add, at most, another 10 wins to next season??? There is way too much excitement on this board. Calm down. Until we sign a top first line forward, Atl is in for yet another disappointment. I want a team that competes. Not a team that may squeak in as a 7th or 8th seed.
ben
July 3rd, 2009
1:43 am
we need another scorer b/c lehts isn’t the goalie we were led to think he was. we need another scorer b/c kane should make the team. we need another scorer b/c this is the biggest year in the franchise’s history.what if little’s 08-09 was a fluke?
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 3rd, 2009
5:11 am
LAC — You have your facts mixed up…Antropov is a left handed shot handed shot and wore number 80. Zherdev is a right handed shot and wears number 13.
Both photos are accurate.
Bob — I’d say it was Waddell who “leaked” the text message, but it’s rather relevant don’t you think? It makes me curious of all the other text messages he possibly receives from his players…I wonder if after the Kubina trade Kovalchuk texted him “I thought I destroyed him in Torino (2006)”
Jimbo
July 3rd, 2009
8:31 am
I thought that Stendec was cryogenically frozen but someone apparently pulled the plug and he has been thawed out. With dW making some good moves, he can’t bash him so he has chosen Kari. Once Kari starts to show his real ability, who will he light on?
dwayne
July 3rd, 2009
8:57 am
KARI, KARI, KARI!!!!!!
Hockey Biltong
July 3rd, 2009
9:51 am
I’d like to see Sammuelson from Detroit on the right wing. Good price and short term. Just to stop-gap for our propects.
Nikita
July 3rd, 2009
11:06 am
ranallo, wouldn’t that Twitter feed be fascinating?
Zhithed to DW: I can haz contract? I can haz no work? I can party all summer with Baltic Sea babes and still be on team?
**Tell him to prove it, and people might believe you. I, for one, am still waiting for these “better hands” and “decent speed” to make an appearance in Blueland.**
I’ll go whisper it in his ear. Don’t get me wrong — I’m as disappointed as you guys are regarding how his talent has played out for the last few seasons. I’ve been listing Thorburn and Slater among the players I thought we could lose since at least the midpoint of the season. But, that said, I don’t think Thorburn is fundamentally undertalented. I think for whatever reason he needs a swift kick in the ass and/or speed work. He sprints well and his hands are good — it has been noted by the training staff that he has a very good multilevel shot, which we see occasionally on the ice. But he loafs. He’s not a good fighter, either. His numbers aren’t good enough in general. If we’re resigning him I hope that means that someone plans on really laying into him on bringing his game to another level.
Hockey, I like the way you think.
As for White…I’m extremely fond of White. The only disadvantage that I see to him is that traditionally he alternates between awesome years and less awesome years, and next year should be a less awesome year. He is also smaller and older. His advantages are many — he’s fairly tough for his size, age, etc. He has great work ethic. He plays the kind of two-way game that is essential to our success. He’s good on basically all of the special teams. He’s a good person. His point production has never been bad, especially for his salary. And, perhaps most importantly, Kovalchuk is his biggest fan. Kovy has never wavered in his support of White or his determination to play with him. We need to keep him.
World Be Free
July 3rd, 2009
1:04 pm
I’d like to see Samuelson as well. He had great leadership capabilites.
I think Detroit is going to try and sign him, especially since they no longer have the financial burden of Mary Ann Hossa hanging over their heads.
IllegalCurve.com » Blog Archive » On the Beat: Antropov signs in Atlanta, Recchi returns to Boston and reaction to Team Canada
August 10th, 2009
2:38 am
[...] Thrashers have signed Nikolai Antropov to a 4 year, $16 million contract. As well, the team also re-signed Chris [...]