Archive for July, 2010

The Thrashers’  annual Prospect Development Camp will be held July 8-13 at the Duluth IceForum.

There will be 29 prospects at the camp (roster below). Scheduled to take part are 2010 first-round pick Alexander Burmistrov, Patrice Cormier, Carl Klingberg, Daultan Leveille and Paul Postma.

There will be three four-on-four scrimmages throughout the week, including on Saturday July 10, Sunday and Tuesday, all beginning at 4 p.m.

All on-ice activity throughout the camp is free and open to the public.

Chicago Wolves Assistant Coach Ron Wilson and Gwinnett Gladiators Head Coach Jeff Pyle will run all on-ice sessions.

Roster

Forwards

John Albert, Akim Aliu, Jimmy Bubnick, Alexander Burmistrov, Patrice Cormier, Mike Forney, Ryan Garbutt*, Carl Klingberg, Levko Koper, Nicklas Lasu, Daultan Leveille, Jesse Martin, Danick Paquette, Jordan Samuels, Vinny Saponari, Ivan Telegin

Defense

Ben Chiarot, Kendall McFaull, Julian Melchiori, Will O’Neill, Sebastien Owuya, Jody Pederson*, Paul …

Continue reading Thrashers prospect camp details »

I talked to Los Angeles-based film producer Stephen Rollins Friday to see if he was still interested in purchasing the Thrashers.

You will recall, that in May, the Atlanta native said he had assembled a group of investors that were interested in purchasing an NHL franchise.

“My group and I are still looking at various organizations and Atlanta and the Thrashers are still one of those organizations that we are deeply interested in,” Rollins told the AJC.

Rollins, the head of Los Angeles-based Lightning Picture has said  he is part of a multi-city financial entity with members in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and London that was put together to purchase a majority interest in an NHL team. He said several of the investors are from Atlanta.

The Atlanta Spirit, owners of the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena, has issued statements saying it is looking for investors to join their group. Co-owner Bruce Levenson said in May that there are three groups interested in investing in …

Continue reading Rollins still interested in buying Thrashers »

We start Day 2 of NHL free agency with the news that defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed a two-year deal to return to Tampa Bay, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2004. The deal with worth$7.7 million – $4.2 million next season and $3.5 million in 2011-12.

Here’s what Kubina said to reporters: “I talked to Steve yesterday and I was very impressed with the direction he’s going in with the team. I always wanted to come home.  Other than Czech, Tampa Bay is my second home. I still have my house there and even though I had other offers on the table, I couldn’t pass this up.  I’m looking forward to playing with Vinny and Marty again as well as with the younger guys like Stamkos and Hedman.”

I did talk to Johan Hedberg from Sweden this morning. He said it was a crazy day yesterday. He was working with the Thrashers, but once they pulled their offer he had to act fast. There were other teams interested before he signed with  New Jersey.

“I really enjoyed my time in Atlanta,” …

Continue reading Day 2 of free agency, Kubina goes back to Tampa »

The Thrashers signed unrestricted free-agent goaltender Chris Mason to a two-year deal on Thursday.

The deal is worth $1.6 million next season and $2.1 million in 2011-12.

Mason, 34, appeared in 61 games last season for St. Louis. He went 30-22-8 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.

“Chris has proven himself as an elite-level goaltender and we have the utmost confidence in his capabilities,” Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley said in a statement released by the team. “We are pleased to add him to our organization are excited to follow his lead into the playoffs.”

The 6-0, 200-pound goaltender earned five-straight victories from Feb. 9 to March 4, posting one shutout, a 1.74 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage during that stretch.

Mason was originally selected by New Jersey Devils in the fifth round (No. 122 overall) in 1995.

The Thrashers  also acquired winger Andrew Ladd, a first-round pick (No. 4 overall)  in 2004, from Chicago …

Continue reading Thrashers sign goaltender Mason; trade for Ladd »

It’s pretty quiet on the Thrashers’ free agency front. Looks like GM Rick Dudley is waiting to see what happens and perhaps pursue the trade he talked about.

One of the Thrashers nine remaining UFAs is moving on. Colby Armstrong signed a three-year deal with Toronto worth $3 million a year. Must have happen fast. I sent him a text this morning asking if he heard anything. He hadn’t. Next thing you know, he’s a Leaf.

“It’s crazy right now. Wow,” he said in a text following the deal.

For those looking ahead, Thrashers host Toronto on Jan. 7 and Feb. 27. Thrashers in Toronto on Dec. 20 and Feb. 7.

I heard from Eric Boulton also. Still not close with Bolts. He said he’d love to stay in Atlanta but is looking for a fair deal.

As of 2 p.m., I’m told nothing is imminent with the Thrashers.

As of 4 p.m., I’m told,  in response to questions about goaltending situation, that the team is “working on it.”

Stay tuned.

Continue reading 4 p.m. update: Thrashers lose Armstrong; quiet on free agent front »