Updated: Roenick blasts Thrashers for Byfuglien’s move to defense
To start the blog, we’ll begin with what Jeremy Roenick said on his weekly radio show about the Thrashers moving Dustin Byfuglien to defense. He also took a couple shots at Atlanta fans and the general manager.
Roenick: “That might be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would love to play against Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman. I would turn him inside out, left, right and center every single time. This kid, he made his living in front of the net scoring goals during the playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. Why on earth would you put him back as a defenseman? This kid is strong, he’s powerful, he’s a great skater. Put him in front of the net as a forward. That’s where you want him to do all his damage. Playing him as a defenseman? Maybe that’s why the Thrashers are 0-3 in preseason. Maybe that’s why nobody comes to watch their games. It’s crazy. What are they thinking? They already have a GM that doesn’t know the game whatsoever. But, hey, that’s just my opinion. Like me or hate me if you don’t [agree]. I’m not a big fan of Atlanta for a lot of reasons but the fact that they’re going to play Dustin Byfuglien [as a defenseman], my goodness gracious.”
So, Rick Dudley “doesn’t know the game whatsoever”? Who knew?
By the way, the subject of Byfuglien came up in my post-practice interview with Craig Ramsay. Byfuglien was given the day off as he continues to nurse an ankle injury.
“He needs some rest,” Ramsay said. “We like the way he’s played and he’s coming. He’s really doing a good job for us. We’ve liked what we’ve seen. We need to give him a little break.”
In other news:
* The roster for tomorrow’s exhibition against Nashville is below. Nik Antropov told me he will play in the game, making his preseason debut.
“Obviously I’m not going to be 100 percent,” Antropov said of the start of the regular season. “It was not a minor injury that I went through. It’s going to take some time, but I’m close enough. Hopefully tomorrow is going to be a good test for me.
“Just get my legs back. Practice is a practice, you can skate as fast as you can or score 100 goals, nobody cares. Just get myself back into game situations, the speed, the positioning, the little things. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to put one in or set someone up. The main thing is just to get back in there.”
Ramsay said he is looking forward to seeing Antropov on the ice and working on the new systems.
“He looks really good,” Ramsay said. “He feels ready. That would be great. We just have to get him a game. You can’t expect miracles. He’s a big, strong body and he has to start learning what we are doing. It’s one thing to practice it and another to carry it into a game.”
* In other practice notes, Jim Slater and Enver Lisin did not practice. Ramsay did not have an update on Slater’s condition.
* I don’t want to make this blog too long, but I asked Ramsay if he is concerned about the Thrashers lack of scoring during the preseason. They have just three goals in three losses. Here is what he had to say:
“Sure it is, but we expect to score. What we are doing right now is we are hesitating, we are thinking. There are times when we are overtrying in the offensive zone. That’s one of the hazards of not scoring. You do two things. One you just stay back and try not to get scored against. Or, you get three guys standing in the goal crease, which we had a little of last night. We had one great rush and a wide-angle shot. [Alexander] Burmistrov jumped to the middle and the puck went right through the dot, just like we told them it would. Had he been there, it was maybe a freebie. The effort was wonderful, but smart is what we are trying to accomplish. In order to do that they have to relax a little bit and just play. Because we’ve covered a lot of things perhaps they are hesitating just a little bit thinking about if they are doing the right thing instead of just reacting.”
* Here are the line combinations from practice today (in no particular order). Ramsay said not to read too much into them as he is just mixing things up to see what might work.
Boulton-Rissmiller-Bergfors
Modin-Antropov-Pettersson
Kane-Peverley-Stewart
Eager-Burmistrov-Thorburn
Dawes-Little-Ladd
Roster for game vs. Preds (There will be two scratches):
Forwards (13): Antropov, Burmistrov, Dawes, Eager, Kane, Ladd, Little, Modin, Pettersson, Peverley, Rissmiller, Stewart, Thorburn.
Defense (7): Bogosian, Enstrom, Hainsey, Kulda, Meyer, Oduya, Sopel.
Goaltender (2): Mason, Pavelec
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96 comments Add your comment
Wayne stuck in AL
September 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
Jeremy spoke in class today…
By the way, where does Roenick have his radio show; I might want to listen…after all, we don’t have ANY hockey talk in this market.
Horsetoothedjackass
September 28th, 2010
8:56 pm
@Wayne stuck in AL JR’s radio show is on Tuesdays from 10-11AM on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (XM 147 , 211 on Sirius [requires best of XM package].). I don’t listen to it, as I’m listening to the NHL Home Ice Channel (XM 208/Sirius 204 [Best Of XM package]).
The lack of quality hockey coverage here in Atlanta (as well as the poor radio station signal at night for 680 The Fan) is why I got satellite radio to start with.
Jarhead Jerry
September 28th, 2010
9:40 pm
Buff on Defense? Maybe Rammer needs a haircut so he can see the mistake. Tell him to call JR if he needs anymore pointers.
Nate
September 28th, 2010
10:01 pm
I don’t agree with everything he said but his comments about Buff’s move to defense are 100% on the mark. He said exactly what I did when it was first announced.
Flames
September 28th, 2010
10:45 pm
I don’t think Jeremy is making any friends here in the ATL.
Sean Grace
September 28th, 2010
11:03 pm
J.R has no filter. He’s entertaining as an announcer but not the most educated hockey guy on the block. He was absolutely referring to Don as he has no idea that Dudley replaced him. He probably was also referring to the Spirit Owners when he said he has other problems with Atlanta. Or maybe he got his butt kicked in Buckhead once night in 1999. Who knows.
By the way, he is spot on about Buff being a Forward. By November the Thrashers goal count will be so low that the change will be made.
budder
September 28th, 2010
11:15 pm
JK Sockey said…For those of you taking shots at JR, on his WORST night, he played with more heart, emotion, and physicallity than any 10 Thrashers combined ever have
Can’t argue with that, ragamuffin…JR played with more elan and gusto than anybody I ever saw. The reverse spin-o-rama down to the left face-off dot in that you tube highlight reel brought a tear to my eye.
Mike
September 28th, 2010
11:33 pm
Don’t like Roenick, but I agree with what he said.
I have a feeling Buff would rather play defense and therefore the Thrashers are letting him play defense just to keep him happy with the hopes he may sign a long term deal here (sound like the Kovalchuk saga anyone?)
Buff belongs at forward. That’s where he was successful in the playoffs.
While there are a few of us fans that are dedicated and all, most Atlanta sports fans (not just hockey, it goes for Braves and Hawks and Falcons too) SUCK. Atlanta fans in general are bandwaggon fans and only support the teams when they win. ATLANTA SPORTS FANS SUCK.
And I’ll assume the GM comment was about Waddell. Although that does make Roenick sound like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about if he doesn’t know that Dudley is the GM now.
Preseason record might not mean much, but they haven’t scored much. I wonder if a big forward with size, grit, and some skill might help. Someone like a Dustin Byfuglien….
English Teacher
September 29th, 2010
12:09 am
I’m sorry. Which team is Roenick coaching now?
SomaAtl95
September 29th, 2010
12:19 am
Mike, I’ve always called those Sports “fans” in Atlanta “Fairweather Fans” and it has led to my intense dislike of the Yankees, Steelers, Saints, Patriots, Penguins(especailly the Pens),Rangers, Lakers, Cowboys, Eagles, Phillies, Heat, and so on and so forth. I really hate the people in this town who support whomever last years champs were in all sports instead of supporting the Thrashers, Falcons, Braves and Hawks. We could be a real sports town if not for all the freakin Fairweather Fans. Sure, everyone likes a winner but I hate going to Thrashers games when the Pens are in town – its sickening and embarrasing to see so many people warship Sid “Mr Nut Puncher Crybaby” Crosby because they are only casual fans of the sport. Chances are they all will be wearing big buffs Chicago jersey this year.
As far as JR’s comments, well I’m sure he is still crying from seeing the Hawks do something amazing without him on the team. He needs to do more research before he rips on our team, fans or coaches – plus he just needs to take a midol and STFU. If he rips on anyone it should be Buff for CHOOSING to go back to D.
Cornbread
September 29th, 2010
4:21 am
It’s clear that Roenick has no respect for Atlanta, the team, or management. It is also clear he has no respect for Byfuglien. Buff thinks of himself as a D-man. He always has. He has earned the opportunity to play that position and that should be respected. He also now has the opportunity to pummel hot shot loud mouth forwards like Roenick to the ice who think they are going to undress him “every single time”. D-men love killing guys like that and I can’t wait to see the first guy that tries it.
Always Hoping......
September 29th, 2010
7:36 am
How many of you “experts” have seen Buff in the preseason? If you had you would singing another tune. He has looked good and gives us a physical presence on the blueline. I’d rather see him get more ice time on defense than he would as a forward.
Sid
September 29th, 2010
8:40 am
Like him or hate him but you need to realize that JR has forgotten more about Hockey than anyone posting in this thread knows.
Cronk
September 29th, 2010
8:43 am
Lets be honest. The Thrashers are basically the Pittsburgh Pirates of the NHL. They draft players and then have to trade them due to “financial” reasons. That’s not a good way to run a franchise.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely don’t want this team to leave for Canada, but it doesn’t look good.
Dave
September 29th, 2010
9:14 am
We are FORMER Thrashers fans. They are owned by people who don’t care, managed by people who don’t know what they’re doing, and I guarantee you Dustin Byfuglien won’t be in Atlanta past November 1.
World Be Free
September 29th, 2010
9:22 am
Alot of us questioned moving Buff to defense from forward, mostly based on the way he played in the playoffs last season. Many forget that he broke in as a defenseman, changed to forward so he is really moving back to his original position. I am wait and see on Buff on D.
As for agreeing with everything Roenick sez, boy that’s pretty scary. He has become the American version of Don Cherry, which is why they like each other so much. Both took too many head shots as players.
Frankly, I think Roenick should work for ESPN, a network that takes more to critisizing fans and trying to be funny then reporting sporting news-stick to the facts.
kracker
September 29th, 2010
9:24 am
Related QUOTE:
“He’s a genetic gift to hockey. There aren’t too many guys in the NHL that can play forward and defense to the ability that he does.” — Thrashers defenseman Brent Sopel on Dustin Byfuglien, who has been moved back to defense in Atlanta this season.
Spud Webb
September 29th, 2010
10:08 am
Can someone correct me if I’m wrong here, didn’t Buff WANT to go back to D?
JR, laughable, he should be going to get his hair done shouldn’t he??
Fan from Carolina
September 29th, 2010
10:12 am
JR may be right, and I think his comments were directed at Don, not Duds.
Fan from Carolina
September 29th, 2010
10:18 am
Cronk, I’m with you but I think we will see the Winnipeg Thrashers within 3 years. Looking at the Southeast Division this year and you wonder how the team can ever make the playoffs again. The fan base (yes I have my tickets for a few games already purchased) can only take so much, especially with the high cost of going to a game.
Dave
September 29th, 2010
10:20 am
Enter your comments here
Joseph Durocher
September 29th, 2010
10:21 am
If the idea is to play Dustin Byfuglien on defense five-on-five, and then park his large frame in front of the opposition net on powerplays, I don’t think that is a bad idea.
J.B.
September 29th, 2010
10:29 am
Chris~ I believe someone mentioned it above, but I also would LOVE to hear Byfuglien & Dudley’s response to JR’s comments. They’ll likely take the high road and not comment, but if they do that’d be some great reading material!
Patrick
September 29th, 2010
10:38 am
Roenick can go screw himself.
PaulieOldSchool
September 29th, 2010
11:03 am
I agree with HockeyFan. I think he was referring to The Donald, as well. And he’d be right.
Thrasher_Ed
September 29th, 2010
11:06 am
Jeremy,
Last time anyone checked your name isn’t on the Stanley Cup! You have also never been a GM. So sit in your corner and shut-up, STUPID!!
Flames
September 29th, 2010
11:13 am
If everyone can recall what the Chicago fans were telling everyone about big Buff after Atlanta acquired him..They said he takes several games off and he just goes missing. Could that be because he would rather be playing defense. If playing defense and putting his big body in front of the net on power plays makes this guy play harder night after night. Then how could this be the wrong decision.
Alan R.
September 29th, 2010
11:23 am
I’m with you but I think we will see the Winnipeg Thrashers within 3 years.
Why wait? Go see them now. http://www.winnipegthrashers.com/
World Be Free
September 29th, 2010
12:00 pm
Alan R-I plan on ignoring all the moving rumors manufactured by the Canadian press
Jon
September 29th, 2010
12:06 pm
Good People of Atlanta, remember that this is the same guy who told the ‘Hawks that they were stupid because his number 27 is not retired. He also picked against the ‘Hawks in every round of the playoffs on National TV last year and had the nerve to get emotional when they won the cup. He is and always has been a cementhead and no one here in Chicago thinks he is anything other than a fool. Having said that, he is correct about Byfuglien moving back to defense. This is a mistake. And sorry Thrasher fans he is the laziest player in the league and will frustrate you to no end.
John
September 29th, 2010
1:22 pm
If Roenick could turn anybody inside out taking the puck up the ice he’d still be playing hockey. His best work was on the covers of Sports lllustrated for Kids. My favorite quote:
JR (on scoring on Patrick Roy): “I heard he’s still looking for his jock strap up in the rafters”
Patrick Roy: “I can’t hear him, I have 3 Stanley Cup rings ringing in my ears”
Zombie Steve
September 29th, 2010
1:25 pm
Good insight, Flames. It’s much more difficult to “take the night off” on defense because it much more noticeable when they do!
I’m in a wait-and-see mode with the Buff move….if lack of goals become a serious issue, we might need to consider bringing him up to the front 3 full time.
But he’s already wrecked 2 opposing players in 3 games…. looks like he’s enjoying himself out there.
SCHUBERT
September 29th, 2010
1:25 pm
I know how to make everyone happy. Put 33 back on a forward line and re-sign me.
J.B.
September 29th, 2010
1:34 pm
Ben just tweeted a quote from Buff on NHL Live right now…
“I ENJOY PLAYING DEFENSE MORE THAN I ENJOY PLAYING FORWARD.”
What else you got JR?
Jeremy Roenick
September 29th, 2010
1:38 pm
Sorry about that rant, guys. I’m having the worst period this month.
No hard feelings, k?
Your Mammy
September 29th, 2010
1:51 pm
Who’s Jeremy Roenick and why should I care what he thinks?
Alan R.
September 29th, 2010
1:53 pm
WBF – I bet you didn’t even click the link, did you?
Cornbread
September 29th, 2010
2:03 pm
Kracker- I’ve personally heard the same from a former D partner of Byfuglien’s. He said, “Buff has the best hands he’s seen and can score from anywhere.” Who cares if he puts up 15+ goals from the blue line while logging 20+ minutes? He’s a huge body and will not exert as much energy skating on D as forward. I’ll take his extra ice time and physical presence that will allow while he picks his opportunities to jump into the rush of Ramsay’s system.
CA Thrashers Fan
September 29th, 2010
4:12 pm
People just need to give Dudley, Ramsey and Buff a bit of leeway when it comes to this situation. It is not likely that Buff was traded for simply as a result of his playoff performance, but more that Dudley was already very familiar with his overall skill set and talent level from his days in Chicago. If there was one GM I would trust in trying Buff out on the blue line, it would be Dudley, and I have little doubt that Torchetti’s opinions on the matter have also been consulted.
Let’s also not forget that outside of the last two playoff series, Buff was a very AVERAGE forward during the regular season, putting up a meager 34 points. He was undoubtedly aided by being paired with forwards of incredible talent in Toews and Kane (the likes of which we don’t have), and had the luxury of screening an overrated goalie that crumbles under pressure in Luongo. He is not an ‘automatic’ top 6 forward, and if his size, speed and strength can be better adapted to blue line play, so much the better. While I expect this team to compete for a playoff spot this season, it is still very much a developmental year in the grand scheme, and the risk is well worth the possible reward. If it fizzles, he’ll be back up front.
P.S. JR is an idiot. An entertaining one, but an idiot nonetheless.
Joe McGrath
September 29th, 2010
4:36 pm
JR has a radio show and he’s paid to be controversial and say whacky stuff. If he’s talks boring, conservative hockey, he gets fired. Buff will move back and forth throughout the season. He can play various roles. What’s wrong with Buff playing forward on PP, especially late in games when Thrashers are down a goal? He’s a lunch pail carrying utility guy.
Wednesday’s news: The final cuts are coming | predatorsplayofftickets.com
September 29th, 2010
6:06 pm
[...] Jeremy Roenick blasts Thrashers move of Byfuglien to defense | Atlanta ThrashersJeremy Roenick isn’t shy about expressing his opinion. I’m with him, though, putting Dustin Byfuglien on defense won’t help Atlanta. [...]
Justin D.
September 30th, 2010
3:07 am
I suppose J.R. should be our ultimate authority on how to win a cup right? He has raised a few coffee cups in his career. They shouldn’t let him near a radio mic, much less let him whine on TV. Usually he is my least favorite part of NHL events. Last year’s cup games sure would have been much better without him.
Acer9
September 30th, 2010
7:38 am
The Atlanta Thrashers organization is renown for an excellent player development record over the years. Dear JR, they know what they doing.
Trent
September 30th, 2010
8:43 am
Give the fans a little credit for being smart enough to recognize the bad decisions made year after year by an uncaring organization. Putting Buff on D is dumb. Let him stand in front of the net and abuse people. That’s what I want to see. But what do I know, I am just an non-attending guy who wants to be a fan.
Black & Blue & Gold On The Beat, September 30 « Black & Blue & Gold
September 30th, 2010
10:04 am
[...] THRASHERS BLOG – Updated: Roenick blasts Thrashers for Byfuglien’s move to defense Dude, JR is chugging some serious Hatorade over Ramsay’s decision to move Byfuglien to defense – ya know, the position he began his hockey career at. [...]
gas1948
October 4th, 2010
10:38 am
being a c-blackhawk fan since 1959 approx. i am upset over the loss of players because of salary cap but knew it was unavoidable. however i felt that dustin byfugliens departure will be noticeable on this years defense of the cup. i heard that he was prone to show up some games and not others but i did not see that in his play. the men with the clipboards have the proof, but if he is playing a forward position i know that he is someone who has to be watched, ask pronger the cheap shot. on defense he seemed to do ok in certain situations but if he started his career there, that is news to me. maybe he has said that defense is his strong suit, but give management the chance to find that out before reaching a verdict.