Updated: Thrashers acquire Wheeler, Stuart from Boston
It was time to make a move.
With their playoff chances fading, the Thrashers acquired Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart from Boston on Friday. By adding a forward and defenseman, two pieces general manager Rick Dudley has been targeting, he hopes to snap a slump that has seen just six wins in the past 24 games.
In exchange, the Thrashers sent forward Rich Peverley and defenseman Boris Valabik, a former first-round pick, to the Bruins.
“I’ll start with the fact that we’ve won three of the last 15 games,” Dudley said on the reason for the trade now. “We needed to make a change. … “We want to make the playoffs. Right now, we have not played very well. The deal today was clearly made to give us a jump start and try to get on a roll. We’ve proven this year that we can get on a significant roll but we like to get back it.”
The centerpiece of the deal for the Thrashers is Wheeler, a former first-round pick (No. 5 overall) by Phoenix in 2004. The 24-year-old had 11 goals and 27 points in 58 games for the Bruins this season. In three NHL seasons, the 6-foot-5, 205-pounder has 110 points (50 goals, 60 assists). The Robbinsdale, Minnesota native has missed only one game in his NHL career.
“Big body with good puck skills,” said Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay, who coached both Wheeler and Stuart as an assistant coach with Boston. “He’s able to kill penalties and has become pretty good at that aspect of the game. He should help on the power play as well because of his good offensive skills.”
Wheeler, who will wear No. 26, will become a restricted free agent. He made $2.2 million this season.
Dudley said he wanted a big centerman, although Wheeler can play all three forward positions, because he didn’t think a group of small centers such as Peverley, Bryan Little and Alexander Burmistrov would work long term. The move comes 10 days before the Feb. 28 NHL trade deadline. Dudley said more moves are possible.
Stuart, 26, has been limited by injury and played in only 31 games for Boston this season with five points (one goal, four assists) and a plus-8 rating. The 6-2, 213-pound Stuart, who will wear No. 5, was a first-round pick (No. 21 overall) by the Bruins in 2003. In six NHL seasons, the Rochester, Minnesota native has 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists). Stuart, who will make $1.675 million this season, will become an unrestricted free agent.
“He’s a great competitor and brings grit to the defensive corp.,” Ramsay said. “He will also jump up and join rushes. He really wants to be involved offensively, not just be a defenseman.”
Both players are expected to join the Thrashers in time for Saturday’s game in Edmonton. Dudley said he expects both to be in the lineup against the Oilers.
“I think I’ve come a long ways, certainly with the complete game and both ends of the ice,” Wheeler told the Boston Globe after the trade. “I think I’ve transformed my game in a lot of areas. Offensively, I have a lot more to offer than I’ve maybe done so far this year. I just want to keep doing those same things I learned here about being a complete player.”
Peverley, 28, appeared in all 59 games for the Thrashers this season with 14 goals and 34 points. He had played in 180 consecutive games, with 49 goals, since being claimed off waivers from Nashville in January 2009.
“It’s tough to see a friend go,” Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey said. “It’s a good opportunity for him. At the same time, we got two people back that can help us. Usually change happens when you are struggling.”
Valabik, the No. 10 overall pick by the Thrashers in 2004, has spent all season at AHL Chicago. The 25 year old has had an injury plagued career. The 6-7, 245-pounder had seven assists in 80 career games with the Thrashers. Valabik has long been waiting for a second chance.
“Boston is a dream come true as far as an organization and a style of play,” Valabik said. “I’m thankful for another chance and I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. … I was thinking if I get traded, I’ll be the luckiest guy in the world. Now it’s up to me and not anybody else.”
With Stuart giving the Thrashers seven healthy defenseman, Paul Postma was re-assigned to AHL Chicago. Postma was re-called on Tuesday but was scratched for Thursday’s game against Phoenix.
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152 comments Add your comment
brett
February 18th, 2011
2:08 pm
i still would love to hear every players reaction when they are told they are headed to atlanta via trade. “oh jesus noooooooo”
Zombie Steve
February 18th, 2011
2:09 pm
You guys have a short memory…. Pevs kicked @$$ last season – he will be missed.
This trade is exciting though…. Wheeler seems like a force…
Acer
February 18th, 2011
2:10 pm
HC, I don’t think that the Blues are ready to part with Berglund. He’s still young and could develop into a #1 center. Boyes on the other hand is likely available. I’m not in favor of trading for him though. He’s to soft, a defensive liability and normally scores his goals on the PP. That’s a problem when he’s off target (cold.) You also have the $4 million per anno price tag which runs until 2012.
tonyb
February 18th, 2011
2:10 pm
Ok, so now that the Thrashers made a hockey trade to excite the masses, should we expect another bombshell announcement from the ASG to rain on all the good publicity.
Joe McGrath
February 18th, 2011
2:11 pm
Boston, Canada, what’s the difference. There’s no golf played in January at either locations.
Tweets that mention Thrashers acquire Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart | Atlanta Thrashers -- Topsy.com
February 18th, 2011
2:12 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AJC , ajc sports editor and Eddie Krise, Chris Vivlamore. Chris Vivlamore said: Thrashers acquire Wheeler, Stuart from Boston http://bit.ly/f6Z61J [...]
Brendan
February 18th, 2011
2:12 pm
Yes, let’s wish Peverley good success with Boston. He never said anything bad about Atlanta, the fans, or the organization. He even agreed to a two-year deal to play here. I hope he succeeds in Boston.
What about Boris? Well, we do lose out on all those “Frostbite Falls” Press Conferences, but yes … let’s do wish Valabik well. It was fun when Natasha would interview Boris and Moose at Frostbite Falls. “My name is Natalie. Natalie Taylor,” Natasha would always correct us.
KLS1
February 18th, 2011
2:12 pm
Yes, if there is an attitude issue with wheeler it will show quickly, like to hear what he says when they told him he just went from a contendor in Boston to a team without hope or a home in ATL.
ThrasherTim
February 18th, 2011
2:13 pm
There has to be another move in the works as we need face-off help now for sure. Pevs was one of better guys in this area. But at the end of the day, we wanted some more grit on our team who worked harder and this fits the bill.
Mr. Heat Miser
February 18th, 2011
2:13 pm
No more Peverly Hillbillies…………..
rob
February 18th, 2011
2:13 pm
Bruins fans here. Anyone that thinks Wheeler is a “proven power forward” is sadly mistaken. Wheeler has size…but no clue what to do with it. B’s president Cam Neely has been very critical of Wheeler “not playing up to his size”. I don’t know much about Peverly but I’m not going to lose any sleep over the departure of Wheeler. I’ve been pretty disappointed w/ him since his rookie year.
Good luck – hopefully the deal works out for both teams.
Brendan
February 18th, 2011
2:15 pm
Chris Vivlamore, I’m in SPAM filters again.
Flames
February 18th, 2011
2:15 pm
I’m sad to see Rich and his wife Natalie leave. I really hope this move makes our team better… Thanks for all the great memories Rich… You were a good guy and a good player…I really hope this move works out for you and Natalie.
Stat Man
February 18th, 2011
2:16 pm
Our faceoff win % just hit the $h!ts
Brendan
February 18th, 2011
2:17 pm
rob, the Bruins fan, Peverley has pretty good potential. He just fell a little short this year. Last season, he did really well. Maybe the change of scenery, up in Boston, will do him good. Generally speaking, we liked him in Atlanta. And, I think they liked him in Nashville, too.
Hip Czech
February 18th, 2011
2:18 pm
Ramsey must have had some input on this deal and knew what he is getting…either he thinks he can get more out of Wheeler or he would have told Dudley to steer clear.
Peverley always reminded me of Savard-lite, same style only not as productive. Guess it’s natural he would fill Savard’s skates in Boston. May have to follow Boston in the playoffs now.
Zombie Steve
February 18th, 2011
2:18 pm
It will be interesting to see how Boris does in Boston under the tutelage of the Chara Monster.
KLS1
February 18th, 2011
2:19 pm
Bruins fan…you will be happy with Peverley, he’s a solid player with good skils.
Jack
February 18th, 2011
2:19 pm
well said Flames. Pev will be missed. It will be interesting what Wheeler and Stuart produce. Any word on other trades?
Brendan
February 18th, 2011
2:19 pm
I’ll be rooting for Peverley’s success in the playoffs, for the Bruins.
Joe McGrath
February 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
Rob, every time I’ve watched the Bs play (I’ve got Center Ice)he’s mixing it up and driving the net, which is something we sorely lack here.
Ray
February 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
I’ll miss Rich and his wife and child too. They sit right in front of me so I’ve gotten to know them the past couple of years. His play has really dropped off this year, though.
GaVaHokie
February 18th, 2011
2:20 pm
Why is everyone sad for Pevs?! The guy is going to a Stanley Cup contender… he’s gotta be thrilled.
Batcork
February 18th, 2011
2:21 pm
Can’t say I know a thing about Wheeler and Stuart (except that he’s Colin’s bro), but I hate the loss of Peverley. He was an inventive, speedy, bonafide playmaker on a Thrash roster sorely lacking in those. Yes, he’s not physical but I never, ever felt he lacked effort and hustle.
Only time will tell about this one. BV is no loss whatsoever. Duds’ results have been mostly positive in his short tenure, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt, and standing pat was certainly not an option.
KLS1
February 18th, 2011
2:24 pm
Speaking of playmaking, has anyone else noticed that Kane’s only move is to race up the wall? Guy never gets to the middle of the ice…
Flames
February 18th, 2011
2:30 pm
The only reason I am sad is that I know that they loved Atlanta. They lived in the Virginia Highlands area and loved it here. I know its a business and we needed to strengthen our team. I haven’t personally spoken with him today, but I’m sure he would be happy about going to Boston.
Good and well wishes.
I will miss seeing his daughter wearing those Pink head phones during the games…
rob
February 18th, 2011
2:31 pm
Joe – Wheeler will drive the net on occasion. But he’s get knocked off the puck rather easily for a guy his size. He does have good potential and every once in awhile he’ll show you an “ovechkin” like move or goal. But I think that’s what was so frustrating w him – you could see the talent but with no consistency. Hopefully the change of scenery will help him. He seems to be a good locker room guy. He’s not a fighter but he will stand up for a teammate when necessary.
Now Stuart is guy you’ll love IMO. Hard nosed D-Man that brings it every night. Highlight reel hits and big time scraps are the norm for him. No idea why he fell out of favor up here. The knock on him is the injury bug. But that’s simply because he plays so hard.
sm
February 18th, 2011
2:33 pm
Good trade for us, Peverley was causing Ramsay to lose patience and that’s not easy to do. In fact if you get in Ramsay’s doghouse you might as well be the anti-christ on ice, because he is almost more passive than John Anderson. I think the “lack of commitment” comment was indeed directed at Peverley, he was counted on to provide more and he just came up short. Great passer, geniune scoring touch..but doesn’t have the extra incentive a team like ours needs, Pevs will be able to flourish in Boston without being counted on to be a top guy, Pevs was still one of the best waiver pick ups we’ve obviously ever added to the roster, hopefully the Schubert fan will agree.
From what I saw in limited Bruins games Wheeler has some grit, goes hard to the net..which our team has struggled to do since ..well..ever. Stuart is s Solid player.
I’m glad Valabik has a new home or at least a new organization to try and climb the ladder in.
Lee
February 18th, 2011
2:35 pm
I don’t know whether this trade is going to make a big difference, but it’s something different. I kinda wish Peever stayed because he’s had a good season so far…but it is what it is and Wheeler definetley isn’t a bad player, just not sure if the trade was for our favor…but maybe this might give us the little boost we need, I’m sick of them losing…
Thanks Peverley for your time here, you were a great addition to the team..
Go Thrashers! Haven’t given up hope yet…
KLS1
February 18th, 2011
2:37 pm
Bruins picked up Kaberle as well…seems they are poised for the push.
Hockey Biltong
February 18th, 2011
2:39 pm
Pevs was the start of our non-Kavalchuk life. He was part of what the Thrashers are morphing into. As has been duly noted he signed here and bought into the system. A class guy. I hope only the best for him in Beantown.
Hockey Biltong
February 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
Kovalchuk dammit.
Mr. Zero
February 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
So the guy finds a loophole in a flawed system and he becomes a pariah? Nonsense. Wheeler is going to be a great addition, especially on an already good power play. Now if we can just trade Johnny Oduya for a used puck bag it will be a good day..
Boston trades Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart to Atlanta for Rich Peverley and Boris Valabik | ProHockeyTalk
February 18th, 2011
2:41 pm
[...] helping to change things up to chase the Flyers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston swung a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers involving forward Blake Wheeler and defenseman Mark Stuart going to Atlanta in exchange for [...]
Lee
February 18th, 2011
2:45 pm
Last thing we need is for Carolina to make some good trades…
Jeremy H
February 18th, 2011
2:45 pm
This is a fantastic move for Atlanta; Duds has filled both a hole in the top six, as well as a hole on defense – exactly what he said he wanted at the deadline.
Brendan
February 18th, 2011
2:48 pm
Mr. Zero, people who don’t like Johnny Oduya called him “Odon’tya.” Some people mix it up with “Odon’tcha.” Works either way, really.
Thrash ville
February 18th, 2011
2:53 pm
Guys, it still comes down to winning. Until we’ve won 5 in a row from these new guys
don’t call it a success just yet.
East Point Bob
February 18th, 2011
2:54 pm
Hummmmmm ?????????
Jameson
February 18th, 2011
3:02 pm
Did anyone see Stewart’s tweet? “Good luck Dick !!!!”
GaVaHokie
February 18th, 2011
3:05 pm
Jameson… yeah, I saw that. Pretty funny!
Dick = Richard
Jim Morris
February 18th, 2011
3:20 pm
Hey- I’m a Bruins fan and have been reading these posts. Don’t know much about the guys the B’s got, but here’s what I’ve seen from Wheeler and Stuart: Wheeler, despite his size, is not a “power forward”- he doesn’t hit. He’s a decent two way player, but takes too many nights off. I think a more wide-open offensive style will help him, because he does have pretty good puck handling skills.
As for Stuart- he is not offensive, more of a stay at home D, but plays with a chip on his shoulder, hits, can (and will) fight. Because of his physical style, he gets hurt, but I still think the B’s made a mistake moving him (they have enough stiffs on D right now). I personally thought at some point he’d be a solid captain (he was one in the World Juniors a few years ago.
GaVaHokie
February 18th, 2011
3:25 pm
Paul Postma got reassigned to Chicago (AHL)… bummer, he’s from Edmonton. I know he was excited to possibly play for his family and friends.
jerry
February 18th, 2011
3:27 pm
Do the new guys like to follow along behind their opponents? If so, they will fit in nicely. And how do they like Winnepeg?
Hip Czech
February 18th, 2011
3:30 pm
Guess that puts the muffin man to the grazing table?
Buff – Enstrom
Bogosian – Stuart
Hainsey – Sopel
?
ThrashDawg
February 18th, 2011
3:30 pm
Jerry, how does it feel to be a loser?
Acer
February 18th, 2011
3:41 pm
Jerry, Winnipeg is definitely closer to home for them. Wheeler’s family lives in Grand Forks (~3 h drive) and Stuart’s comes from Rochester (~9 h drive, ~2 hrs flight.)
EA
February 18th, 2011
3:44 pm
Good luck Rich. I always enjoyed seeing your lovely wife and adorable daughter at the games. I hope you thrive in Boston and your family settles in well.
the third
February 18th, 2011
3:44 pm
winnipeg is gettin the coyotes. we are not going there, they want their team back.
we are going to quebec city. or houston. then there is the rumor of an oil mangate wanting to buy them and relocate to cairo, ofc berlin needs a nhl team too
B's Fan
February 18th, 2011
3:49 pm
I won’t miss Wheeler…a career underachiever who was given plenty of opportunity to break out in a first class NHL organization. He has good size and can park himself in front of the net, but aside from that he’s been more miss than hit (and he plays like he’s 5′10). I like Stuart, but a guy who’s a healthy scratch night after night isn’t helping anyone. Despite the knocks on Peverley, he gives the B’s a little something they could use more of–speed and playmaking. No, he’s not a big guy, but the B’s don’t need that. He also won’t be asked to settle other teams monkeyshines, as there are plenty of Bruins to do that. Bottom line–I’ll take Kaberle and Peverley over Stuart and Wheeler, which is what these two moves boil down to for Boston.