Open The Door And Let In A Draft
OK kids, now that the fun and excitement of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are over, it’s time once again to turn our attention towards offseason activities…starting with the NHL entry draft on the 26th of this month.
But before we jump into the discussion, I want to take this opportunity to recall last summer when the Thrashers had the third overall pick in the draft. Do you remember how you felt when… just after Tampa Bay and Los Angeles were finished with their respective turns and we were sitting on the edges of our seats ready to hear that Zach Bogosian was indeed a Thrasher…Gary Bettman took to the podium and proclaimed that there was a trade to be announced?
A collective “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” type of atmosphere permiated throughout the masses that had gathered at Philips Arena for the draft party. Certainly Don Waddell didn’t just blow it…did he?
Turns out it was the deal that sent Olli Jokinen from Florida to Phoenix…whew
Now, barring any trades that might occur between now and then that would shuffle the top of the draft order, I would expect that what I’ll watch from TJs party room next Friday night is the Islanders selecting John Tavares, the Lightning then picking Victor Hedman and the Avalanche then taking Matt Duchene…leading up the the Thrashers and the fourth pick. The safe bet is that Don Waddell will then be standing on the podium shaking the hand of Evander Kane…maybe Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson.
But, as I said, that’s unless their is some sort of deal between now an then.
One general manager that could make an attempt to work his way up the draft order is Toronto’s Brian Burke, who would love nothing more that to climb his way from the seventh pick toward Tavares. Of course, my suggestion to Charles Wang is to send Garth Snow on a long vacation…without his cell phone… not to return until June 26th. If I were in the Islanders position, I wouldn’t make any deals that would deny the organization the talent that comes with John Tavares.
As for the Bolts, I’d be surprised if they were involved in some sort of deal that would send their second overall elsewhere. Tampa Bay is need of help on the blueline and Hedman could be for them what Bogosian was for us during last year’s draft.
Colorado is looking to bring in a starting goalie and it’s been speculated by some that maybe that #3 overall pick could land one. Personally I think they’re better suited to sign one during UFA signing season next month. Certainly if the Thrashers had that pick, I’d want them to take Duchene.
That brings us to Atlanta’s draft position. Personally, I don’t want him dealing away his number four pick. Either Kane or MP-S would look just fine in our system, IMHO. But I’ll leave the question to you. Got any deals up your sleaves that you’d play if you were in Waddell’s position…or are you like me and would sit on the pick and use it yourself?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
145 comments Add your comment
Darren Elliot
June 16th, 2009
12:37 pm
I think we should take Kane just for viability in the Atlanta market. The racial factor I don’t think should be overlooked. If it is a tie (or close) between two guys, why not take a guy that might become a superstar in an African American market? This might get a whole new audience to Phillips that haven’t gone to games before. WHat about his impact on youth hockey in the area? Picking Kane could be good for Thrashers future both financially and on the ice (on the ice being more important to us, $$ being more important to the jackholes running the show)
Just a thought
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
12:49 pm
More Briere rumors from the Montral Gazette-gotta be something in his contract that allows Philly a window to move him-
The Canadiens are not interested in acquiring centre Daniel Brière and it has nothing to do with the fact he snubbed the team two years ago when he was an unrestricted free agent.
Brière has a no-movement clause in the eight-year, $52-million contract he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, but the franchise has hopes of creating some cap space.
The folks in Philly have talked to the Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings, but neither team was interested. There also is a report that they have talked to the Phoenix Coyotes, although you have to wonder whether anyone has the authority to talk on behalf of the team that may or may not be bankrupt and/or on the way to Hamilton.
Montreal passed on Brière because, despite their previous interest, the last thing they need is a small centre with a cap hit of $6.5 million for each of the next six seasons.
The 31-year-old Brière is listed as 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, but those figures stretch the truth.
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
1:05 pm
World Be Free, if Jim Balsillie would just abandon the idea of Hamilton, Ontario, Commissioner Bettman has been receptive to the idea of a two (2) teams in Toronto. If ever a city ‘could’ support that, it’s Toronto.
I know. That sounds a bit crazy. Maybe it is. But if the Leafs AGREED to allow it, I suppose that’d be the major hurdle. If there were two teams in Toronto, when the Leafs stunk, they wouldn’t sellout anymore. Theoretically. And maybe that organization would finally achieve the ‘accountability’ of which so many fans speak.
I’d bet that Buffalo would raise an objection over two teams in Toronto. Buffalo probably draws from southern Ontario in its fanbase. If adding a team in Ontario, be it Hamilton or Toronto, hurts Buffalo, then I cannot support it.
I do not know, but I wonder what sort of arrangements are made in other sports with two area teams? Like the White Sox and Cubs in Chicago. And the Mets and Yankees in New York. Do the Dodgers and Angels have some sort of agreement? The Jets and Giants even share a stadium in New York. Years ago, Los Angeles had the Raiders and the Rams.
If a team is to be added or relocated in Canada, I would hope that places like Regina and Winnipeg would be considered first.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
1:35 pm
How do you pronounce that, by the way… Re-geena? or Re-ji-na?
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
1:37 pm
I hope we start hearing some RFA news by end of this week… Armstrong, Valabik, Slater, etc.
How about a Brendan survey… first to get signed… will it be the highly touted Armstrong, or the longest tenured, Slater?
Glovesave29
June 16th, 2009
1:40 pm
It’s hard to argue for any Canadian city to get an NHL franchise when they cannot even support their AHL team. Hamilton averages 4624, Toronto 3728 and since the Nordiques left Quebec, the city has also lost the IHL Rafales and the AHL Citadelles. Winnipeg is the lone bright spot with 7769 for the Moose. Personally, i’d like to see the ‘Yotes return to Manitoba as the Winnipeg Jets…but then that leaves a cretin like Balsille lurking and trying to cause trouble in Tampa, Miami, Nashville and Atlanta – even when the trouble is of his own making.
Spud – I have noticed this lately in the Canadian media, just not as familiar with it as you are as I have only been reading it the past few years. It’s a great place for hockey info, as they do love the sport, but they are not realistic when it comes to where a team should be located. Passionate fans are great, but without the population base and business backing teams in small markets just are not viable. Truth be told, Seattle, Portland, Houston, Las Vegas,Kansas City, and Winnipeg all make more sense than Hamilton.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
1:58 pm
To heck with Canada and their delusions, how many of you would welcome Petr Sykora to the team as our 2nd line RW, at the age of 33 / 34, for the paltry sum of $3 M per year? It’s about the most we can afford (as we have more pressing needs on the blueline in my opinion) for a RW in this less than desirable free-agent pool. He has averaged nearly 25 goals / game since the lockout and is usually good for 50-60 pts.
The more I delve into the FA pool, the more likely a trade scenario becomes. However, our best trade-bait right now may be Todd White who is coming off a career year. How many of you think we’re better off with White as opposed to a FA forward who may cost in upwards of $4 M, but only bring equal production at best?
Jacques Strapp
June 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
It eez ponounc-ed “re-JI-na”, you know, eet rhymes weeth…ummm…rhymes weeth “Sidney Crosby”.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
GVH, I’m gonna go with Slater as I think Colby might be starting his honeymoon Monday. I doubt he would be entertaining negotiations right now in the last few days leading up to his wedding. I’m pretty sure he gets married on Saturday.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
2:25 pm
I heard last years Stanley Cup viewing audience was the highest for the United States in Las Vegas (non NHL market)… and that has nothing to do with Hotels and Casino’s, because Nielsen only tracks households.
Here was the breakdown for this years city by city rankings…
Top NHL markets included Detroit (7.4), Pittsburgh (6.9), Buffalo (3.3), Denver (1.3), Columbus (1.2) and Minneapolis-St Paul (1.2).
Top Non NHL markets included Ft Myers (2.3), New Orleans (2.0), Baltimore (1.6), Cleveland (1.6), Las Vegas (1.6), Oklahoma City (1.4), Cincinnati (1.3) and Seattle (1.3)
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
2:28 pm
New Orleans??! Who woulda guessed that?
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
2:30 pm
Smoothie… Sykora disappears too much for my liking… he’s one of those guys who scores a lot at the start of the season and then slowly fades into the background… so if we can trade him by the end of December… sure.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
2:35 pm
I’m trying to find a viable option, but unless you are willing to spend $6.5 – 8 M on a guy like Havlat, Hossa or Gaborik, who out there is going to get you 30+ goals for less than $4.5 M?
I guess I should’ve added: if you don’t like Sykora, who would you prefer or what would be your top 3 FA?
Just about every affordable FA “disappears” for parts of the season as there isn’t exactly a bounty of 25+ goal scorers.
Please don’t respond with Antropov! That guy’s name is listed in the dictionary next to the words “soft” and “lazy”.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
2:37 pm
<em?New Orleans??! Who woulda guessed that?
That’s 8 non-NHL markets that outdrew Denver, Columbus and Minn… all NHL markets, and relatively traditional hockey markets in general.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
2:41 pm
Where is our good friend Kracker with his Hockeybuzz Season pass?
Darkhorse
June 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
Just a few tidbits from Ben Wright on the Thrashers blog….
http://www.bluelandblog.com/
…….Finally, Eric Boulton and Kari Lehtonen are helping out at the Thrashers Youth Hockey Summer Goalie Camp this week and Boulton and Zach Bogosian will chip in next week at the camp for forwards and defensemen. We’ll have video from both camps.
My thoughts here are this just keeps confirming in my mind that Kari will be a part of this team next year and on. Pavs is on his way out in some type of trade. Reasoner and Thorburn were doing events on behalf of the Thrasher’s org. over the past few weeks also. I see too close a coralation to using your UFA’S & RFA’s for charity work with the team with no plans to resign them IMO. I know they live here in the offseason, but still suspect we’ll here about those two being resigned in the next week, before the draft. Not saying I’m thrilled about this, just what I thinks gonna happen.
Also from Ben Wright……..Will the Thrashers try to move up in the first round? Not likely. But they do have a pair of second round picks so it’s not a stretch to see them do something.
Agree with Ben here. I could see them making a realistic run for Duchene if the Avs take him 3rd. My thoughts on this are, if you as an organization feel that strongly about a guy you think would fit perfect in your system and solve a major problem, go for it if the other team’s willing to dance. But you do have the Leafs and Flyers amoung others trying to do the same thing. Maybe Pavs, a low end prospect and the 4th for the Avs number 3 and their second round pick? Colorado gets a highly touted goalie prospect that may be NHL ready and they still get a great player at number four. The Thrashers get their future center in Duchene and have three second rounders to trade back into the first round with if they wish, or use for an established roster player.
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
3:40 pm
I’m going off the board and saying Kari Lehtonen will be next RFA re-signed. This way, Waddell can trade a “locked up” commodity at the draft, if he’s going to trade him.
Of course, I don’t think the Thrashers should trade a goalie, unless it’s Moose. And that’s just to pick up a 7th round pick. Or Moose could be part of a package deal. I’d next bet on Slater to be re-signed. Then, I suppose Colby Armstrong. It doesn’t matter when Waddell re-signs Slater. He could do it in August. I don’t know if Waddell will tender a qualifying offer or what, but even if Slater become unrestricted without one, how many teams will chase him?? I doubt Slater is thinking about anything but returning to the NHL as a Thrasher. He is a Michigan State guy. And Waddell’s still the GM. With Michigan-roots in mind, I wonder if Nathan Oystrick will return as a Thrasher?
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
3:47 pm
I kind of think Colby would be better off settling his contract BEFORE his wedding… that way, there’s no rush to get back from his honeymoon, it would be a load off his chest… IMO.
Sure makes a good wedding present too.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
3:51 pm
I just read yesterday that Columbus is seeking a more sturdy back-up for Mason next year… they’re overloaded with Wingers… we could trade them Hedberg for Modin perhaps.
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
4:04 pm
I could live with that one, Hokie. I don’t mind Modin. I forgot what he costs, though. That’s a deal right up Waddell’s alley, too.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
4:17 pm
Glovesave-
You hit the nail on the head with the AHL, Hamilton and Quebec City! They cannot support the American League, then how can they support an NHL team?
The thought is that metro Toronto can support another team. The next team may be up in Kitchner area from what I have read. Neither Toronto or Buffalo are in favor or Hamilton.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
4:38 pm
Brendan… another trade scenario I was just posting on Ben Wright’s blog was moving down to #6 in the draft, swapping places with Phoenix.
This would be assuming Waddell is happy with any one of Kane, Schenn or MPS. We could get Upshall, Hanzal or Yandle’s rights… or maybe see if Jovonovski is ready for a change of scenery.
Then we can draft whoever is left of Kane, Schenn or MPS at #6.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
4:41 pm
Modin has one year at $3.5 million.
Jovonovski has two years left at $6 million p/y.
You subtract Hedberg’s salary of $1.175, and you’re looking at $8.3 million for the two, which is pretty close to what WE were hoping to spend… meaning the bloggers, not ownership.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
4:44 pm
Here’s an interesting site I just found… talks about players with No Trade Clauses and what their stipulations are.
For instance… I did not know that Hainsey has a NTC, that allows him to pick 15 teams he would allow a trade to.
http://www.nhlscap.com/no_trade.htm
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
5:00 pm
If Waddell can get a player who WANTS to be here, who is GOOD, and doesn’t move back … sayy … pick #6 in the draft. Then I can live with that. If Yandle, Hanzal, or Upshall has NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER in playing in Atlanta, then … you know how I feel about that. “Don’t bring in players who’ll poison your lockerroom or don’t want to be here.” One fantasy scenario I’ve toyed with … is trading back to #7 with Toronto, in exchange for Luc Schenn, then drafting Brayden Schenn, his brother, at #7. The “up side” to Brayden Schenn is that he is allegedly, supposedly “NHL-ready.” The “down side” is … he’s supposedly not as valuable as Kane. This is where an informed GM comes into play. Moving back to get Schenn, as opposed to selecting Kane at #4, (or whomever the best available player is at #4,) involves a “risk assessment.” Personally, I regard defenseman Luc Schenn very highly. I also doubt, very seriously, that Toronto would part with him. If they do trade Luc Schenn, it’d probably be part of a package deal to go get Tavares from the Islanders. Burke likes to gamble big. And he knows the Islanders will LISTEN to multi-player, multi-draft pick scenarios.
The way I think Burke might be thinking … is this: Tavares is a coup! His kind doesn’t grow on trees. If giving up 4-5 first round picks results in his acquisition, then he thinks he’s gotten a “proven commodity” in lieu of the “unknown.” And if, by obtaining Tavares, Toronto makes the playoffs for those 5-straight years, it makes the Islanders picks begin at pick #17 and be as far back as #30, in the event the Maple Leafs actually win the Cup.
If I were the Islanders, I just wouldn’t listen to any trade scenarios for Tavares. But it won’t stop Burke from trying. If Burke can’t move up to #2, or #3, then there is the possibility he could call Don Waddell to discuss options. Generally-speaking, I’m not in favor of moving back in a draft. I was flabbergasted by what took place in 2005. I am, today, just short of incensed by the prospect of trading Pavelec, after surrendering pick #8 to San Jose, to acquire him in the first place. Shaking my head. But what’s done is done. The only thing I can hope … is that the organization will realize that Pavelec and Lehtonen are good goalies, are their draft picks, and should keep and cultivate them both. Especially when their goal hardly appears to be the playoffs, for the 2010 season.
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
5:16 pm
Hokie, thanks for that link! Ya know, something, folks? Just by reading this blog, routinely, look at all the fun video clips and websites we fans discover. Over the years, I’ve probably picked up 7-8 websites with which I now regularly consult, just from reading this AJC Thrashers blog.
Tony C.
June 16th, 2009
5:55 pm
“It rhymes with…Cindy Crosby”
CLASSIC
Glovesave29
June 16th, 2009
6:28 pm
Brendan – there are distinct advantages to playing here in Atlanta. We all know the weather and the low taxes to be sure. But the one thing a southern city offers to players is that they can get to enjoy a private life here. They can go out to dinner or a movie and not be accosted every 35 seconds. Players talk, and I am altogether certain we have a bad rep here – but for some, this may be the perfect place. Reasoner seems to really like it here. Havelid was heavily involved in the community…think how many of the players actually make there home here year round. Basically, I feel that players may come here unhappy that they have been dealt to the Thrashers, and may really end up loving it here. If the team can continue their growth and actually start to win a bit more, all the better for all….
LAC
June 16th, 2009
7:38 pm
WOW Stroz, Great info THANKS!!!!!!! I was STUNNED to see the Hawks had a salary of $68 million, and this bibby FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ??????
That is flat NUTS !
But WINNING is THE Number #1 promotion any sports team has regardless
of the sport, heck roller derby would draw if YOUR Team won !
This is where these stupid sprit group needs to understand, spend money, get the RIGHT players and bingo ! Can’t they see this ?
But then we have the WORST GM in the NHL,so I don’t expect much out of the Thrashers until a CHANGE is made, who knows what he will do next.
I just wish we could somehow get pick #3 in the draft… That would be awsome…
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
9:10 pm
Brendan-you are correct about the 2 team concept in Ontario. The placement cannot be in Hamilton, but Jim Balsillie will continue to waste his money and the NHL’s time.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
9:15 pm
I think Colorado will stay at #3. Duchene is touted as the next Joe Sakic. If this is the case, it would be tough for the Avs to pass on Duchene withot securing a #1 goalie.
Colorado has alotta problems, many holes to fill and pretty high cap number as of today.
Brendan
June 16th, 2009
11:25 pm
Tony C., Crosby rhymes with “Delores” and “Regina.” That’s the power of Crosby. It can be all things, to some people. Crosby, Almighty! Everyone relax. We’re just having some fun. Obviously, Crosby is a very talented young player, who now has a Stanley Cup ring for which to buy polish. Good for him! The NHL’s marketing department isn’t crying about it.
World Be Free, you nailed that one. Balsillie will continue to believe that his money can buy anything. To date, ostensibly, Balsillie has little other evidence to contradict his ‘beliefs system.’ His next quest? Why not? Buy the league! ‘Cuz right about now, that’s the only way he’s putting a team in Hamilton. And even then, Buffalo and Toronto will both win lawsuits that make the Hamilton franchise so financially unviable, that even Balsillie would have to declare it insolvent. Billionaires and their money are a curious thing. But would even a billionaire continue to bleed tens of millions of dollars annually, with no end in sight? And no hope of attracting a buyer willing to suffer the hemorrhaging? Just about the time I consider the situation to be so utterly laugh-out-loudable, the dufous persists in this Hamilton matter. And another quote surfaces, assuring his commitment towards the project. If ever there were a time that I’d condone Dave “Tiger” Williams, or Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, to come out of retirement to beat the snot outta someone, it’s each and every time Balsillie speaks.
Glovesave29, I definitely think players don’t give this market a fair shake. Hossa always said, “You fans have been great, tonight!” The problem, I think, is the lack of committed ownership, proper management, and a lack of hockey dominance, in terms of sports media coverage. Even the “flagship station” of the Atlanta Thrashers, 680TheFan, avoids hockey discussions at every turn. Buck Belue, God love ‘im, tries his level best to participate and show interest in Waddell interviews and hockey discussions. But he’d rather talk baseball or college football. John Kincaid actually has a hockey background. But he knows where the station’s bread gets buttered. And it’s not with hockey. Perry Laurentino seems to have at least some basis of hockey knowledge. Christopher Rude, well … he’s the “Quagmire” of the show. And Leo Mazzone, c’mon. He’s not about hockey. Though he may go to some Thrashers games. Glavine does. Maybe he’s dragging him along, a time or two.
But you’re absolutely right. I posted on Mark Bradley’s blog that Kovalchuk gets to be an elite player in the NHL, without the price of his fame hurting his or his family’s privacy. And he DOES get commercial endorsements, like from AirTran Airways. If Atlanta could just provide that ‘winning atmosphere’ in a sustained manner, his decision to leave would be second-guessed. What I mean by that, is IFFF he left. Aand IFFFF Atlanta were an upper echelon team at the time of his departure.
LAC
June 16th, 2009
11:34 pm
Here is one UFA that could be of interest here, Maxim Afinogenov of
Buffalo. Still young and could rebound his career here for a lesser price than some ?
hockey machine
June 17th, 2009
1:41 am
picking evander kane is the only pick that makes sense to me. Imagine a team in a couple years with a developed kane and esposito, little, kovalchuck, lehtonen or pavelec in net, bogo and enstrom on the blue line, plus maybe another solid forward.
that would be a team that would definitely bring another jam-packed philips arena playoff game or more.
as for the attendance, ive always enjoyed thrashers games over hawks games no matter whos won more. hockey fans are unbeatable.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
6:32 am
LAC-Max is an interesting player. I’ve been watching him since he came over from Russia. He’s a great talent who just cannot seem to keep his focus.
He is immensly popular with Sabres’ fans, because he is always a potential highlight reel. But he’s also know as the human turnover machine. Max rarely plays anywhere near the opponents net, does not take the puck where he might take a hit. But he has wheel that would clear some room for someone like Kovy. MAx, Kovy and antropov on the same line?
Part of me would like to take a flyer on him with a 2 year deal. The hockey part says let him go to the KHL. The Sabres are making no attempts on keeping him.
He’s a temptation.
Sara
June 17th, 2009
7:23 am
Glovesave never underestimate the power of the wives.
Atlanta is a great place to raise a family (Kozlov has been very open about the fact that this is why he has stayed here all these years). For a single guy like Hossa, the career and the hockey organization itself is the only factor that matters. For players with families, there are other considerations to take into account and depending on how much of a priority their family happiness is, that can weigh in our favor. Frankly I think that’s one reason why we’ve attracted so many older players over the years.
Ogie Ogelthorpe
June 17th, 2009
7:59 am
Sara-always good to have a woman’s perspective. We guys often don’t take that into consideration.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
8:13 am
“It rhymes with…Cindy Crosby”
CLASSIC
Agreed… I meant to reply to that earlier.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
8:21 am
Kozlov’s dogs like it here too.
Having an International Airport doesn’t hurt either, for anyone on the team that needs to get back to Russia or Europe at a moments notice… not exactly a selling point, but a perk nonetheless.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 17th, 2009
9:06 am
Monsieur Strap is a funny lad.
Spud Webb
June 17th, 2009
10:14 am
World and LAC, I hope Max doesn’t come here. He CAN be super exciting, but World you said it, the guy is a TURNOVER machine. Yes, the Thrashers could get him very, very, very cheap. But lets face it, we don’t have the D at this point capable of helping with his turnovers, heck, I don’t know any team that has the D. Max has seemed un-willing to back check! He is one of the worst 2 “way” players in the league. I would stay away from Max. Not to mention he’s an injury waiting to happen. The man has oooodles of talent, but has yet to “get it”.
Can’t help to think that some GM (philly??) is sitting there thinking “how can we fleece DW and the thrashers, we know he’s going to bumble something up, maybe we can get in there and steal some talent?!?” I hate to be that negative, but I honestly think things like that.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
11:05 am
Spud, you are correct. Cap-stressed teams are looking to dump their ineffective players with huge salaries (like Briere) on teams that have cap space AND need to improve quickly. That’s where the fleecing that may occur. GMs need to resist the temptation of going for the potential quick fix, with the burden of the long-term commitment.
On that note, I think Ottawa is going to have a tough time getting value return for Heatley. His repuation, contract (including the $4M roster bonus due 7/1) and baggage may not make him attractive to too many teams. LA and St. Louis have the most to gain and the most to offer in the way of promising young talent. However, neither club may be on Princess Dany’s preferred list of teams.
I don’t believe I am saying this, but I’d take Hossa over Heatley, mostly because signing Hossa won’t cost us anything after 7.1.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
12:50 pm
I have seen a scouting chart that actually moves Ryan Ellis into the #3 spot ahead of Duchene and Kane. No explanation gien for the move, but that would make it very interesting for the Thrashers when they draft at #4.
I am not much for moving down when you are drafting so high. Scottie Upshaw might be a nice addition, but I would not take a chance at moving at #4.
Sadtoseeitthisway
June 17th, 2009
2:38 pm
For all of you saying DW should trade his second round picks? Who ever made the team, or made any contribution being drafted in the second round by DW? The guess here is he picks players for “signability” rather who`s best after the first round. Some of the later round picks have never been seen or heard from. Yes, Exelby and Enstrom came from the lower rounds, but that had to be a fluke. Making the sixth or seventh round pick ought to be a throw in for someone who`s about to commit to a season ticket purchase.
SHOULDA GOT DUNN
June 18th, 2009
1:37 am
look who decided to show up on the ol braves blog… i was wondering where he has been…
stendec
June 17th, 2009
11:59 pm
These Braves are nothing but heartless quitters! Losers who are an embarrassment to themselves and an affront to the fabulous teams of the past. How they can cash their paychecks is totally beyond me. It is obvious they do not give a damn! Oxygen waste commode residue. Completely worthless!