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?
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145 comments Add your comment
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
8:38 am
Kane for sure, since Duchene will go to the Avs. He’ll be a great player and a drawing cards to all hockey fans.
I wonder what Kovy thinks!?
Big Risk
June 15th, 2009
9:27 am
Trade Pavelec to Colorado for the 3rd pick. Then trade the 3rd and 4th picks for the Islanders 1st pick and another pick late in the draft. Then we turned Pavelec into a player ready to contribute. And free agency can be used to focus on a top 4 defense man.
Bob
June 15th, 2009
9:30 am
I saw some analyst on the NHL Network give his Top 10 and he left Kane out of it. The other guy asked him why and he said that Kane will be a solid checking line player in the NHL, but he didn’t see him as a top 10 guy. Take that for what it’s worth.
The Thrashers need an established top line center and an established top line RW, as well as an established top 4 dman for this next year. If the pick can be moved to bring one of those in, not a short term older guy plugin fix, but someone in their late 20s under contract, then move the pick as my general impression of this draft is that beyond the top 3, there’s no show stoppers here.
Supes
June 15th, 2009
9:47 am
Big Risk, that sounds more like fantasy hockey to me.
I’d love to see someone of Tavarez’s ability in a Thrashers jersey but it’s highly unlikely.
We need a play making center. End of story. I’ll be happy with a defensive pick as well, but center is the number one need. Someone has to be Kovy’s center for the future. Can’t win without a playmaking center.
Bob
June 15th, 2009
10:19 am
Oh, quick question for the group, so as we sit here today, finals over, horn on the last Thrashers’ game a distant memory, who would gladly give back a few of those meaningless wins so we could be sitting here drooling over the prospect of getting either Tavares or Hedman?
Thomas Magnum
June 15th, 2009
10:24 am
I would draft Kane or Schenn…only way I would move down in the draft is if we had a very solid young player coming to atlanta in exchange for our #4
h
June 15th, 2009
10:32 am
Nope. Wouldn’t give the wins up, cause if we did, I probably wouldn’t be reading here or caring about the draft for a number of reasons. I like Kane, but if we can make a trade where we can get a proven top 6 forward who is in 20’s in such a trade, I say we do it. I’m not sure a trade makes sense to move up one pick, unless we trade something of minimal value like Exelby or something. Seems to me that a deal with Boston, Detroit or Philly is very do-able as they all have some serious cap issues.
Darkhorse
June 15th, 2009
10:35 am
Big Risk-There’s no way the Avs would trade the third pick for a goalie. Now maaaaaybe they would if it came with the fourth pick. Not sure I would do that if I was the Thrashers, unless they thought that much about Duchene.
I don’t want to see Waddell f this fourth pick up, but I won’t be suprised if a deal of some sorts is done. Maybe the Thrashers can get in on these Heatley, Pronger, cap challenged team type trades as a third trading partner. If you could somehow land a Phaneuf, Frolov, or another top line player with assets such as the fourth pick, or a goalie, or expiring contracts(Exelby), or later round picks, you would have to seriously consider it.
Alan
June 15th, 2009
10:45 am
Well, rumor has it that Boston is looking to trade Kessel. They’re a ways apart as far as striking a deal is concerned, not to mention they just signed Krejci.. What would the thoughts be on trading the number 4 and a prospect for him and Boston’s first? If not the draft pick, what could we trade away for Kessel?
Note that I firmly believe we should keep our pick. This is just a scenario people should think about, since after all, we do have D-Wad behind the wheel of the out-of-control sedan whose brake lines have apparently been severed.
roadtrip
June 15th, 2009
10:48 am
How about Kessel from the Bruins if they can’t sign him?
Darkhorse
June 15th, 2009
10:55 am
I hear what you’re saying Bob and I don’t entirely disagree, but in this paticular case i’m glad we saw the success and chemistry finally starting to develop. If we were closer to the bottom two I would say yes, but they were quite a ways back from us. If nothing good started happening for the team on the ice, and we did land one the the top two picks, that would be the only real positive thing to talk about over the last few months.
I’m glad we picked up Pevs and he played great for us. I’m glad for Kovy taking his captainship very seriously and elevated his game after that. I’m glad roles on lines started to develop and produce, like Reasoner, Stuart on the PK, Bogo and Enstrom, and so forth.
Now I still admit I have no idea what the right choice is for the goalie situation. The fact that Kari played very well down the stretch, winning some “meaningless” games, and Pavs didn’t play very well when called up this year, just clouded my opinion of the best thing to do in goal here.
Dwayne
June 15th, 2009
11:37 am
Kari is the answer, I hope I don’t eat my words. I’m sure we will here from Stendec if he signs again, regardless of how long the contract is for. Its going to be intresting to see what Donnie boy and the ASG do with the pick and free agents. You just got to wonder if every top center’s agent out there that Atl. has contacted said “not coming to Atl.” period…Cap space questions, UFA’s, its one big crap shoot. When will we get a clearer picture of things? After the draft? Will the ball start rolling, sorry, will the puck start sliding after Marion Hossa signs?? How much has his value dropped, or did it? I wanna know! I’m ready for pucks, Braves sucks and boobie COX must go. Have a nice day!
FormerIslesFan
June 15th, 2009
11:39 am
I was browsing TSN.ca’s mock draft and here is what they had to say about the projected Thrasher’s Pick. How can you not like this?
. Atlanta Thrashers – Evander Kane – 6-0/185 – Left Wing – (Vancouver/WHL)
Do not let the outside package or his statistics fool you, as Kane is just as competitive and nasty as he is talented. Once on the ice, Kane wants the puck in all situations and is capable of breaking open a game with his ability to score goals and create offence. The feisty winger plays a fearless game and drives to the net with a reckless abandon. He loves the challenge of facing the top defensive pair every night forces them to be at their best. He owns all world puck skills when it comes to stickhandling and is perhaps the most dangerous sniper coming off the wing. Although he can make some pretty passes, he has a tendency to hold and shoot the puck and could use his linemates a little more. It is hard to knock him since he pays the price to score and is not afraid to take a high level of punishment. His overall skating is excellent, as he shows the two-step quickness to create separation and the high-end gear to break away. What gives him an edge is that his crossovers are flawless and he can produce a tremendous amount of speed in turns. His physical edge is a bonus, considering he is only 6 foot 0 and 185 pounds, so once he matures and gets stronger he will be a handful. He will hit you with everything he has and will stick on you if you try to take any liberties with him. From a defensive standpoint, Kane has been well coached in the value of being responsible in all three zones without the puck. He supports his teammates well and hustles to break up passing lanes and opportunities while keeping good body position. His addition to the U20 WJC team at the age of 17 says something about his accountability. Overall, he is the arguably the best clutch goal scorer in this year’s draft.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281920
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
11:40 am
Bob – You know how I feel about that. Much as I this Tavares, Hedman and Duchene will be great players, nothing beats Ws. This is especially true given the fact that next years team will look a lot like the one that finished the year off. The confidence gained with playing well is priceless.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
11:51 am
My prediction: KANE (said with menacing, stank-eyed growl)
jackman
June 15th, 2009
12:16 pm
If I were in Don’s position, I would resign for the good of the club.
Ogie Ogelthorpe
June 15th, 2009
12:22 pm
The top 3 ranking all year has been Tavaras, Hedman and Duchene in various positions. To get one of them would have an immediate impact on our club.
Kane is 4th on most books. The TSN rankings are probably most dependable. EJ McGuire is head of central scouting; EJ is usually right on with his rankings. I would not trade this pick for anything but a young, signed 1st line center on the right side of 20.
There are some rumors on Briere and van Remsdyk heading to Atlanta. Briere has his health issues; van Remsdyk is having difficulties adapring to the pro game at the AHL level (per Philly sources).
Keep the pick and draft Kane.
Don Waddell
June 15th, 2009
12:33 pm
I’m in control here. Have faith, I’m sure to screw up somehow.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
12:42 pm
Oh, quick question for the group, so as we sit here today, finals over, horn on the last Thrashers’ game a distant memory, who would gladly give back a few of those meaningless wins so we could be sitting here drooling over the prospect of getting either Tavares or Hedman?
Not me… I’ll take the W’s… we’d be talking about Kovalchuk trade options right now. That winning stretch was the saving grace in any Kovalchuk negotiations this summer.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
12:47 pm
There are some rumors on Briere and van Remsdyk heading to Atlanta. Briere has his health issues; van Remsdyk is having difficulties adapring to the pro game at the AHL level (per Philly sources).
Van Reimsdyk just graduated college?! What difficulties adapting to the AHL?!
Are they talking about the 7 games he played during the AHL playoffs on a team he wasn’t familiar with?
All questions aside… this is a possibility I believe… so RAWHIDE, get ready for the Bettman walk to the podium again… “There’s been a trade”
Two trades I’d take… #4 pick to Philly for Briere and Van Reimsdyk… or… #4 to Boston for Kessel and M. Stuart.
NASTY NEST
June 15th, 2009
12:48 pm
OSGOOD, OSGOOD, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
12:48 pm
However… doesn’t Briere have a no trade clause?
R. Stroz
June 15th, 2009
12:59 pm
Briere has a NTC.
Richard Holusha
June 15th, 2009
1:23 pm
I was talking with Misty May – and she felt that the Isles will take Tavares – and that ATL will take Kane. Sharin Rosefoo agreed.
NASTY NEST
June 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
OSGOOD, OSGOOD, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!
Russian
June 15th, 2009
1:40 pm
Colorado is very interesting for Kessel regarding Thourthperiod. I like to see Kessel is playina as Center #1
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
1:55 pm
It’s a buyers market this year… teams with Salary Cap room will rule the roost.
If teams are really desperate, I’m hoping we can stay put and draft Kane and move our two 2nd round picks for quality players.
If Boston really wants to keep Kessel… than give them a 2nd Rd. pick for M. Ryder.
If Philly wants to make room for Bouwmeester… give them a 2nd Rd. pick for J. Lupul.
I would love to see Waddell trade a 2nd Rd pick for a player that was “speculated” to be worth a first round pick.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
2:33 pm
Here’s a cool mock draft I found on Ben Wright’s blog… it gives player comparisons to each of the prospects.
http://www.heatedskates.com/the-ultimate-2009-nhl-draft-preview-mock-draft-quick-scouting-reports-and-nhl-comparable/
polskidawg
June 15th, 2009
2:33 pm
I think you’ll see a trade on day 1 involving the Thrasher (PAV going somewhere for a player and/or a pick) – AFTER they select Kane.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
2:37 pm
I’d pick the best available player at #4. But I’d listen to offers to move back one spot to pick up a 2nd rounder. I wouldn’t accept another team’s roster player UNLESS I knew that player WANTED to play in Atlanta. Does Briere WANT to play in Atlanta? I highly doubt that. And his contract is an albatross. James vanRiemsdyk is, at least, still a prospect, who cannot complain about where he breaks into the league. But, uhh … why is Philly so willing to part with him?? Is there an undisclosed injury?? Is there an undisclosed character flaw they’d prefer not to deal with? I’d say, pick at #4. How much difference is there between prospects slated 4th – 7th?
If Toronto offered Luc Schenn for Atlanta’s pick #4, I’d do that deal. Toronto drafts 7th, I believe. That’d give the Leafs two shots in the top seven. Toronto GM Brian Burke said he is trying to move up and that no player, even Schenn, is safe from a trade. I don’t think Toronto is looking at us. Though, Burke and Waddell will be working together on the Olympics in 2010 and consummated the trade that sent Eric O’Dell here for Erik Christensen, at last year’s trade deadline.
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
2:39 pm
Hokie – It’s a buyers market this year… teams with Salary Cap room will rule the roost.
Yes, that’s true…IF the team that has the cap room also has an ownership that will allow the GM to actually spend any above the cap floor. Otherwise, all the cap space in the world is useless.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
2:50 pm
Terms you should take with a grain of salt as a draft approaches. The prospect is a “swift skater.” He’s a good “puck mover.” He “passes well.” He’s “an intelligent playmaker, with a good shot.”
Stop. What player, who is a Top 10 prospect, doesn’t have these attributes? For example, would a slow-footed, out of position, poorly conditioned, weak-minded forward or defender likely to be a Top 10 pick? No. Terms to pay closer attention to are “intelligent, on and off the ice,” “hard, accurate shot,” or “sniper,” coupled with “fastest skater in his draft year and/or league he currently plays in.” People downplay it, but “good character guy” is an important attribute. Otherwise, you wind up with a Heatley or Eric Lindros-type. The kind who says, “I’ll only play where I want to.” Another thing to hone in on is this phrase, “plays well through pain.” That’s good. That’s very good. Come playoff time, you can’t have enough of those types. Also, “excellent conditioning” is a nice thing to hear. (Think Kari Lehtonen, showing up to came 35-pounds overweight, if that helps any.)
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
2:50 pm
Brendan, re: Luc Schenn: that’s an interesting idea as it would give us the additional Top 4 depth we so desperately desire. However, giving up a chance at a potential Top 6 forward (either Kane, MPS or the other Schenn, which is doubtful) may be too costly as the FA pool for Top 4 blueliners seems deeper and more reasonably priced than the pool of FA wingers and centers especially. I’m certainly not keen on trading for either Briere or Gomez so I hope Don Waddell will do the smart thing and actually use the # 4 pick to draft a forward. We must think ahead as Kozlov may retire and either White could regress (trade-bait??) or Peverley may not work out (however I think he will) or God forbid, Kovy may decide to say “sianorah”.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
2:52 pm
Brendan, per the results of the draft combine, conditioning, attitude and potential grit quotient should not be a problem for Mr. Kane.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
2:54 pm
Smoothie, Kane’s a fine pick at #4. I’d go so far as to say he’s a “consensus” pick at #4. Either everyone is right about that, even Waddell, if Kane is his pick. Or everyone is wrong, including Central Scouting.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
3:06 pm
Yes, that’s true…IF the team that has the cap room also has an ownership that will allow the GM to actually spend any above the cap floor. Otherwise, all the cap space in the world is useless.
Well, IF that team so happens to be the Thrashers
… then we still have $17 million to get back to last year’s season-starting salary.
A lot of teams are still way off their imposed salary limits… us being one of them.
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
3:29 pm
Hokie – Right now the Thrashers 2009-10 salary cap hit is right at $33,368,427 counting all players that are currently under contract next season. This includes Reasoner…does not include Army, Slater, Valabik, Kari or Thorburn.
If those players are re-signed simply at the same salary they made last season, that number comes to $39,711,760. That’s only a couple million below the cap floor, (based on last year’s criteria).
The Spirit Clowns are not going to let DW spend much more over the cap floor. So really, the Thrashers are looking at about $2 – $4 million in their spending budget, IMHO.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
3:35 pm
Rawhide, where are you getting your number from? I have them just a shade under $30 M for signed players including Reasoner and a guess of $725 K per year for Salmonella. Even if your number is actual payroll (as opposed to salary cap hit), it seems a bit high.
Tony C.
June 15th, 2009
3:41 pm
Why not try and poach a KHL guy Sergei Olegovich Zinovjev???? Kovalchuk said he’s “my favorite center I’ve played with [sic]“…um, I know we’re not paying rock-star salaries, but the team does need to be over the floor, and #17’s given him his stamp of approval…. why not take a shot?
LAC
June 15th, 2009
3:53 pm
Hello Brenden….. Brian Burke is in Toronto NOT Anaheim where Christensen went for O’dell, that was done with GM Bob Murray,
of Anaheim.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
3:58 pm
Waddell said they spent $46 million last year and he was expecting to spend about the same this year… there was also some mention he was requesting an additional $5 million on top of that… am I wrong?!
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
3:59 pm
Smoothie – Got the numbers via Hockeybuzz’s site…there is a link posted to it. Basically, all the players signed at this time to contracts for next season, (including Reasoner’s $1.2 mil and Salmela’s $612,500)…plus the $1.16 mil were are paying Zhitnik to not play for us, adds to the $33.3 mil-plus figure. Then, as I said, if you simply add the salaries that Kari, Thorburn, Army, Slater and valabik made last season, you get to right at $39.7 mil.
Now, it’s reasonable to think those players will get some kind of salary increase when they re-sign. But, if they get a 10% raise on the average, that brings the cap hit to $40.34 mil.
Guess what…that’s almost the cap floor.
Hokie – Waddell said he “hoped” he would get $5 mil more to spend.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
4:00 pm
RH – I see a couple of problems with that cap number list of salaries.
1st) It factors in a full season of O. Pavelec at $1.433 M (doubtful)
2nd) A full bonus payout for Bogosian which is uncertain at best
3rd) The bonus compensation for Bogosian is too high as the CBA — and I could be wrong on this — limits bonus comp at $1.85 M for a rookie contract. nhlnumbers.com has his total potential at $2.725 M
Obviously this is picking nits as we know we’ll be paying at least $1.433 M to either Pavelec or a newly signed Lehtonen who will probably stand to make $3.5 M per season in his next deal. However, with the “bonus cushion” provision, we may not be as high as you suggest (yet). Either way, let’s hope the ASG is willing to spend at least $46-47 M cuz if they aren’t, we are screwed (in my humble opinion).
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
van Remsdyk-has been rumoed out of Philly in a number of different scenarios. scouting reports on the kid have not been favorable so far. The belief is that he is still a ways away from being NHL ready. Similar problems that Bobby Ryan had in Anahiem, but Ryan came alive this year. The feeling is that JVR may never meet the expectations of a 2nd overall pick. The feeling is that Philly reached when they took hin 2nd.
Briere does have a NTC, but could be approached to remove the clause, since he’s no longer wanted in Philly. Already talk of buying him out.
Carter and Richards make Briere expendable in Philly.
Another option-trade Briere (with his consent) to the Thrashers for a bag of pucks and get Philly to pony up $2M of Briere’s contract for the next 3 years. The Thrashers get a 1st line playmaker for Kovy at a reduced price. Philly gets most of Briere’s contract off their books, creating cap room for them to pursue a UFA, which is what they want.
Far fetched, but soable for each side. JVR is not ready and we do not have time to wait for him to come around.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
I stand corrected, LAC. But my larger point is that Burke, of Toronto, is wanting to move up and seems to have a positive working relationship with him. Of course, I think Burke is targeting Tavares. If I were the Isles, I’d make it known that Tavares is not an option, but that they’re subsequent round picks are negotiable.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
4:02 pm
Their, even. Me speaky English.
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
4:04 pm
Smoothinator – I would be surprised if the Spirit Clowns allow Waddell to go a dime over $43.5 mil. Happily surprised…but surprised nonetheless.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
4:16 pm
Well Rawhide, in that case, here’s to you being surprised!! I’ll even sacrifice a few chickens to Jobu if it means the ASG will pony up $47M!
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
Der Smoothenhoffer – I could actually see them going to $44.5, maybe $45 mil…maybe, seeing that they need to give D-Dub something to shop with in order to bring in a player that might help him re-sign Kovy.
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
Rawhide… wow, that means you expect them to spend LESS than last year? That would infuriate me! That would mean no upgrades and the team operates with the same exact roster with pay raises to it’s RFA’s.
That’s unacceptable, especially after making public statements that they would “go after key pieces” and “knock on doors” the first day of free agency and “put all resources” towards improving the team.
I’ll give them a little credit and say $48.5 million.
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
4:32 pm
Hokie – Believe me…I hope you are closer to being right than I am. But we’re talking about Levenson and the Spiriteers. I heard what he said…however, these guys have a track record of running things on the cheap around here.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
4:35 pm
Sounds like the “Guess the Opening Night Budget Contest” is a go! Voting ends September 1. Though, Waddell hinted, in the Q&A, that the budget would be $45-46 million. Second thought, there is a certain LW Captain to be appeased, lest the Spirit has already quit on him.
I hope not. I hope they haven’t quit on Ilya, and are now just FORCING him to play out his contract. That’d be sad. I don’t want to let myself believe that. I think they’ll give it a try, to bring in someone for Ilya, at Center. But, if they’ve decided to QUIT ALREADY, I suppose there’s nothing that can be done about that decision. It’s their money. It’s their team. They’ll run it any jolly well way they please. I’ll be overly optimistic with a guess of $48.3 million. I think the Spirit is going to let Waddell ‘try’ to keep Kovalchuk. What if the team actually started out well, at $48+ million? If they go 16-10-4 in their first 30 games, maybe that would change their ‘rest of the season’ financial strategy? Of course, these games would need to be well-attended during that stretch, to give the owners a stream of revenue. But for now, I think almost everyone concerned is in full ‘wait-n-see’ mode.
Sara
June 15th, 2009
4:37 pm
World Be Free impossible scenario. Under this CBA, teams cannot split the cost of a contract (like Washington and NYR did with Jagr as an example). So Philly can’t compensate us for any of Briere’s salary. We get him, we have to eat the whole thing.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
4:37 pm
LAC won the contest last year.
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
Thanks Sara-did not know that. Just trying to do the “what if” scenarios. So we have to decide if we are going to take all of briere’s contract, assuming he would come here or look somewhere else. Kessel would cost us allot more.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
“I think they’ll give it a try, to bring in someone for Ilya, at Center”
Why do so many assume we will try to lure a center? I think Ilya would be content with a stingier blueline (Top 4 D-man) and a bona fide scoring threat to round out the 2nd line such as a Mike Knuble, Phil Kessel or even Michael Ryder. Let’s not forget that Bryan Little has the potential to score 40 goals and should only get better as a top-line forward this season.
As for centers, I think it may be more likely to see a trade of the Accountant, Todd White as his value has never been higher. He’s coming off a career year and can certainly bring value in a trade with a team who is looking for 2nd C depth, defensive responsibility and savvy on the PP. But that is not to say I advocate trading White just yet. As the FA pool seems a bit deeper for C in the summer of 2010, I would be inclined to wheel and deal if White can stay above 65 pts next season.
Tony C.
June 15th, 2009
5:11 pm
I think you’re actually going to see Little regress some this coming season (yes I DO hope I’m wrong), his best numbers came with Slavamatic and White, you’ll notice that his production started to dip when he and White moved to #17’s line. While you could say that there were “points on the table” that #17 gobbled up, the fact is that he went from the #1 option on his line to the #2 option. If that line stays together I see him potting less goals but more assists.
I’d like to see us make that 2nd-round pick for Ryder move that somebody mentioned. I think it could be done, we may have to sweeten the pot, but I’d be ok with cutting somebody stuck in Chicago loose. The question is; can we get the same Ryder that plays for Julien? The guy has shown that he can be a very effective O-ffensive contributor, but once Julien left MTL., so did Michael Ryder…to be replace by PlayerFormerlyKnownAsMichaelRyder. Then, he gets on a Julien-coached Boston squad and TA-DA!!! We see the return of Michael Ryder.
I would make that trade-once The Walrus and Cunneyworth have a chance to “bump into each other”, and get to know which guy would be coming on down here.
Lupul-never really seen what made everybody so ga-ga over the guy… I think he could be the just the sort of guy JA likes, but the only game I saw him in last year showed me a guy who glides back to the defensive zone-we don’t need anybody who does that.
What about taking Penner and his monster contract which shouldallow DW to pry a top prospect/high pick from Edmonton to go along with Penner? I know he was a disappointment this past season, but we need guys that play his sort of game. Again, this is low on the list of what I would do, but we’re talking about DW & The Gang That Couldn’t Sue Straight here.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
5:19 pm
Ilya asked for a roster to compete for the Stanley Cup. Are we deep enough in the middle to challenge for the Cup? If the ownership is going to ‘try’ to appease Kovalchuk, a center is only PART of what the organization must do.
Smoothie
June 15th, 2009
5:29 pm
Tony, I see what you’re saying, but I recall Kovy and Little having really good chemistry on the west coast swing. Watching some of the replays I still have on my DVR from Mar / Apr, I see that Little had lots of chances but he wasn’t finishing like he was earlier in the year. Daren Eliot would contend that Little wore down as the season progressed due to the abuse he suffered playing in front of the crease all year. I would agree with Daren as Little’s assist and +/- numbers weren’t all that bad down the stretch. As Bryan has another long summer to bulk up and sharpen his conditioning, I think we’ll see a player who is ready to take it to another level. Plus, it’s a contract year for B-Littz which should only fuel his competitive fire.
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
7:20 pm
GaVaHokie-do your homework on van Remsyk and you will see he has had some issues in college and his short stint in the AHL that have made people question whether he was worth the #2 overall pick. That’s why he may be available.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
8:25 pm
I must say I find it very suspicious that the Flyers would seriously want to part with vanRiemsdyk so soon. Imagine Atlanta trading Heatley in 2002? Or trying to unload Kari in 2004? VanRiemsdyk was just drafted two years ago, in 2007. Is his contract OVERBEARING? Can’t be!! It’s a capped 3-year deal. That’s NOT the way a team sheds payroll. The Flyers control vanRiemsdyk’s rights for many, many more years. If they are dissatisfied with vanRiemsdyk, the Flyers would be wise to find a trading partner with a history of misjudging talent.
Uht-oh. On whose door did the Flyers knock, offering vanRiemsdyk for Lehtonen, last trade deadline? Allegedly, supposedly. And that’s important to note. That was never substantiated by Waddell that the Flyers ever came forward with such an offer. That was just ‘rumor mill’ material.
Rawhide
June 15th, 2009
8:58 pm
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
9:18 pm
You know Brendan, his name keeps coming up in so many rumors. And the rumors start in a number of different places. Makes you wonder what’s up; as you stated, he was the no. 2 in 2007.
But remember that the Flyers are one of the instant graficiation franchises in the NHL. They like to make a splash in free agency, if for no other reason then to show up the Rangers.
At least Flyers ownership is always trying to build a winner. Ed Snider is always trying to build a winner.
LAC
June 15th, 2009
9:41 pm
An interesting evaluation on Evander Kane from TSN…
Do not let the outside package or his statistics fool you, as Kane is just as competitive and nasty as he is talented. Once on the ice, Kane wants the puck in all situations and is capable of breaking open a game with his ability to score goals and create offence. The feisty winger plays a fearless game and drives to the net with a reckless abandon. He loves the challenge of facing the top defensive pair every night forces them to be at their best. He owns all world puck skills when it comes to stickhandling and is perhaps the most dangerous sniper coming off the wing. Although he can make some pretty passes, he has a tendency to hold and shoot the puck and could use his linemates a little more. It is hard to knock him since he pays the price to score and is not afraid to take a high level of punishment. His overall skating is excellent, as he shows the two-step quickness to create separation and the high-end gear to break away. What gives him an edge is that his crossovers are flawless and he can produce a tremendous amount of speed in turns. His physical edge is a bonus, considering he is only 6 foot 0 and 185 pounds, so once he matures and gets stronger he will be a handful. He will hit you with everything he has and will stick on you if you try to take any liberties with him. From a defensive standpoint, Kane has been well coached in the value of being responsible in all three zones without the puck. He supports his teammates well and hustles to break up passing lanes and opportunities while keeping good body position. His addition to the U20 WJC team at the age of 17 says something about his accountability. Overall, he is the arguably the best clutch goal scorer in this year’s draft.
I like the last part !!!!!!
GaVaHokie
June 15th, 2009
9:44 pm
They probably want to trade JVR because they have enough long term contracts on their top two scoring lines… Briere, Richards, Carter, Lupul, Gagne, Hartnell… JVR is no good to them on a 3rd or 4th line, and he’s certainly not taking playing time from any of those guys anytime soon… he’s the perfect asset to get them goaltending and defense.
… just a theory.
WBF… I looked through a few scouting sites… I couldn’t really find anything negative. I’m not doubting you… just saying.
All I can go off of was during the college Frozen Four, the commentators were saying Philly is happy to be getting JVR next season, “finally” as they put it… I thought that they wanted him out earlier, but he insisted on doing all 4 years.
I think if they can get Lupul or Hartnell off the payroll so they can entertain Jay Bouwmeester, they’re happy to move forward with JVR.
Brendan
June 15th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Rangers have their own set of problems. They ‘barely’ made it into the playoffs, despite starting out the year like gangbusters. Once in, they choked away a 3-1 series lead to Washington. Will there be lots of changes on Broadway? Shrugs. We’ll find out soon enough.
For the Flyers, they’ve got to remember the rule. What rule? “Handle your business.” What does that mean? It means, you take stock of what you have and what you need, and make an informed decision. And sometimes, that best decision is to stand pat or tweak, not ‘rock the boat.’ In the end, and especially in a salary cap era, GM’s are severly scrutinized for their decisions. And it’s hard to run from a bad decision.
I’m sure Waddell regrets ever giving Holik $4.25 million-a-year, for 3-years, to be a 3rd line center, when the cap was $39 million. Paul Holmgren didn’t take the Flyers from DEAD LAST in the NHL to the CF in the space of a season by making “poor decisions.” If he wants to move vanRiemsdyk, it must be because he’s unhappy with him. Number 2 picks, overall, are FOUNDATION/ROOF pieces of your house. You don’t trade them on a whim. Or a hunch. While I’m sure the Flyers always want to be ahead of the Rangers, and all their division rivals, they’ve got to use ’sound judgement’ to make that happen.
Then again, it’s just rumors. Rumors get started so easily. GM’s call each other all the time. Surely, they discuss trades. And trade possibilities. Along these lines, a name like vanRiemsdyk occasionally gets mentioned. It doesn’t mean, necessarily, that the player is truly on the move. Like Brian Burke said, “Wayne Gretzky got traded. And if he can get traded, no one is safe.” Especially, from trade discussions. If the Flyers actually move vanRiemsdyk, I’ll be very surprised. And watching to see if an injury emerges, or character flaw issues arise. Etc.
World Be Free
June 15th, 2009
10:06 pm
Good that we are having “what if” discussions as we come up on the draft and free agency. Next 2 weeks should be fun.
But like you guys have said all along, it’s the $$$ the manmagement has to work with that counts, along with good judgement.
Just watched the Battle of Quebec 1993, Montreal vs. Quebec. You can youtube the fights from that series.
Adam
June 15th, 2009
11:09 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong but Waddel saying they spent 46mil last year doesn’t mean that was where they were capwise, we know it was less, that was the total they spent on payroll total. So “IF” he gets 4-5mil more then that gives him 50-51 mil to spend. Figure a cap hit of 45-47mil. That would leave 12-14mil on the table. If he can sign Kari, Thorburn, Army, Slater and Valabik conservatively there could be 6mil or so left.
With the cap likely to come down salaries should drop some too
StateBird
June 16th, 2009
12:35 am
Keep the pick and draft Kane …. HOWEVER … if you are 100% confident that Kovy will ultimately not resign, then trade him now to NYI for #1 and pick Tavares … and still pick Kane at #4. Then take the money you saved and find a YOUNG RW in this off-season’s FA buyer’s market. Then you’ve got a solid, complete young line to build around.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2009
2:41 am
Although most of you don’t care about the Hawks, I would advise that you pay attention for the next few weeks. I can hear a “collective WHY?”
1) the NBA draft is June 25, one day before the NHL draft.
2) the Hawks are rumored to be trading problem child Josh Smith for a top ten draft pick. Why? Clears salary space and a player with a BAD attitude.
3) Mike Bibby, the starting point guard, is entering UFA status if the Hawks don’t re-sign him. Bibby made 14 million last season.
The point is this: money is fungible, the Hawks may be clearing salary from their books, and when Hossa’s salary was cleared from the Thrashers books the Hawks brought in Mike Bibby and his $14 millon/year contract.
Starting to see the tie in?
The ASG may love basketball more than hockey; but, they also know that they had to use Chick-fil-A promotions to sell Hawks tickets in the first round of the playoffs. Translation, many Hawks playoff seats had to be discounted to sell them.
Does anyone remember discounted playoff tickets for the Thrashers? NO.
EXACTLY. So, if you are ownership that only cares about positive cash flow, do you put more money into the Thrashers this season to keep your only ticket draw, Ilya Kovalchuk, or do you spend on your other product that had difficulty selling free cash flow playoff tickets?
So, where does the money come from to keep Kovalchuk and bring a player or two in to appease Kovalchuk? Think Josh Smith and/or Mike Bibby.
Hossa out, Bibby in.
Josh Smith out, (fill in hockey player) in.
So, for the next few weeks, you may want to keep an eye on the Hawks in addition to the Thrashers.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2009
4:17 am
Correction: Mike Bibby made 15 million last season for the Hawks. For those of you who may be interested, the Hawks salaries are linked below.
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/atlanta.htm
Nikita
June 16th, 2009
7:20 am
(From the owners’ perspective, they alternate between investing in one team and investing in the other. Which should mean that this year they’ll be relatively generous with the Thrashers.)
Ogie Ogelthorpe
June 16th, 2009
7:36 am
Let’s hope they wake up someday and realize that financial return is based on the depth of your financial commitment. Not that you have to spent stupidly, but sign the right fresh blood (free agents) and properly reward your proven, existing talent.
These are fresh ideas in Atlanta.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
7:47 am
If you think Thrashers’ fans are pissed, you outta go over the Braves’ blog on AJC. They are taking no prisoners over there! There are more people under the Braves’ team bus than in it!
At least we are talking about ways to improve the hockey team.
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
8:20 am
Stroz… I’ve thought about that before… how the Hawks and Thrashers are never good at the same time. Almost like they’re “taking turns” getting the money. Hopefully, the ownership sees the “swing” opportunity to make the Thrashers better next season.
It’s much more affordable to field a competitive hockey team than a competitive basketball team. The Hawks had a great team this year and still couldn’t sell.
All we’re asking for is an extra $5 million… they can easily take that from the Hawks budget.
The Real Fan
June 16th, 2009
8:36 am
The scoop on Kane:
NHL Central Scouting’s Blair MacDonald
“He has power forward qualities from the blue line in. He’s the type of player who doesn’t like being denied access to the net. You can almost see when he’s got the puck he’s going to the net and defying people to stop him. He’ll be a 200-pound forward in the National Hockey League. He plays like he’s 6-2, 6-3, bigger than his size. He’s surprised a lot of people with his strength going to the net.”
Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay
“Evander has been a really good player for us. From the blue-line in he really has a nose for the net; he takes the puck to the net very hard and is very competitive in that area. He’s learned over the past year to be more dependable and more responsible killing penalties and playing a two-way game. His biggest improvement is that he always wants to make a difference on the ice. A lot of players that age don’t want to be on the ice, or don’t want to be in that situation when the game is on the line, but Evander wants to be in that situation all the time.”
This is what we need. A scoring, physical center!
The Real Fan
June 16th, 2009
8:52 am
Average attendance for 2008-2009 season:
Hawks 16,748. Rank-20
Thrashers 14,626. Rank-30
There is your cash flow. Since the Thrashers have made the playoffs only once who know’s what promotions would have been necessary to fill the seats.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2009
9:34 am
The Real Fan – Wins put butts in seats. The Hawks finished fourth in their conference last season. The Thrashers finished 13th.
Now, do me a favor and post the attendence figures for both teams for the past four seasons to present a true attendance comparison between the Hawks and Thrashers.
BTW, if you look at the attendance rankings for the Hawks and Thrashers, you will find a correlation between attendence rank and relative payroll. The Hawks ranked 20th in attendence and around 20th in payroll expenditure and the Thrashers ranked 30th in attendance and 30th in payroll expenditure.
You get what you pay for.
Ice Meister
June 16th, 2009
9:44 am
Real Fan-nice work getting this information!
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2009
9:54 am
Rawhide – The word is you were spotted sitting with Jeff Schultz at TJ’s last Friday during game seven. Care to elaborate? Any juice?
Alan
June 16th, 2009
10:11 am
Now, do me a favor and post the attendence figures for both teams for the past four seasons to present a true attendance comparison between the Hawks and Thrashers.
I’ll take over from here. As per ESPN. Higher number in bold:
2009:
Hawks: 16478
Thrashers: 14626
2008:
Hawks: 16280
Thrashers: 15831
2007:
Hawks: 15594
Thrashers: 16240
2006:
Hawks: 15071
Thrashers: 15550
2004:
Hawks: 13798
Thrashers: 15121
Glovesave29
June 16th, 2009
10:15 am
Thrashers would have EASILY out paced the Hawks in attendance by several thousand had they too been in the playoff hunt.
Anyone else notice the new base on the Cup? The new, modernized HHOF logo has replaced the old laurel leaves and torch logo – even though the logo was changed a decade or so ago when the HHOF moved to its new location. Why now?
The blogs in Canada are hysterical today. Balsille is playing this patriotic Canada angle to the Nth degree – wrapping himself up in the Red and White (start humming Oh Canada……NOW!). I don’t understand their jingoistic ramblings. Who cares if there are 6 or 7 teams there? If you live in Edmonton, you have your team…who cares if the competition comes to town with the name Phoenix or Hamilton on the logo? The Flames left for Calgary…I could have been Seattle, I’d still have been equally as devistated. Do you think the people in Winnipeg care where the Jets went to? Hell no, they lost their team. So if it was just over to Regina, they’d be cool with it? Of course not.
All of this is just silly. Phoenix, I agree is a failed experiment. But the city just plunked down $183M to build an arena. Do the citizens and community not have a right to try to keep their team to recoup their investment? Damn right they do! Montreal is for sale…go buy them.
Been gone all week so I gotta chime in on Heater. How the heck does he figure he can pick and choose what parts of his contract he can choose to enforce? He signs a long deal, gets the no-trade clause – then wants to be traded AND name the cities he will play in. Sorry Dany – you want to invalidate the contract, then you invalidate ALL of it. Not right to hamstring your GM like that…what if the Panthers offer a superior deal then your hand-picked Sharks? Going to screw the team over tow-fold? This is just a horrible situation, totally against what I percieve hockey players to be. I expect this from basketball or baseball – not hockey. Truth be told, he owes us here in Atlanta…we stood by him during all the Snyder ordeal, just to be walked out on at the first opportunity. Dany? Wanna heal? Stop running away and face your demons. Fix a past mistake. Become part of the community here and rejoin Kovy and let’s get this franchise heading back in the right direction.
Never happen…but I can hope, can’t I?
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
10:27 am
Alan… the Thrashers average higher than the Hawks based on your numbers. Althought, they are relatively equal.
5 year attendance average:
Hawks: 15,444
Thrashers: 15,474
So, we’d have to delve into concessions and Team Gear purchases.
Alan
June 16th, 2009
10:46 am
So, we’d have to delve into concessions and Team Gear purchases.
I guess? All I was doing is posting a comparative as far as attendance is concerned, as per Stroz’s request. :p
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
11:00 am
Someone ought post those attendance figures on the TSN.ca blogs to show Canada that this town is not a basketball town, but simply a bandwagon town. It may not be the hockey town Canada feels it should, but we can compete with any city in the nation when it comes to selling out Philips IF THE PRODUCT ON THE ICE IS WORTHY!!
GaVaHokie
June 16th, 2009
11:01 am
Actually, I could really give a damn. All I want is a first line Center.
Spud Webb
June 16th, 2009
11:01 am
LAC & the RealFan, thanks for the info on Kane. I think i’m getting small man crush on the kid!!!! hahaha, I hope we get him, sounds like a LOT of what we need.
Beating a dead horse here, but I just read about Cindy Crosby not shaking some hands after game 7. Check this out, AMAZING. This kid is a MESS…Zero respect for him…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/06/15/zetterberg.crosby/index.html
Sara
June 16th, 2009
11:11 am
RE: attendance figures – are the Hawks’ numbers as artificially inflated as the Thrashers’ are?
thrashyou
June 16th, 2009
11:14 am
**GLOVESAVE29** the Canadians are not for sale they are being completely bought out by the Molson brothers.
I must agree on heatly…. sucks what he did here and he is about to reach the same level of “WHAT A PUNK” as sid the PU$$! is to me.
Glovesave29
June 16th, 2009
11:15 am
Wings are playing sour grapes, Spud. The Wings lined up to shake hands as the Pens were still celebrating. I saw Crosby jump in line shaking hands as soon as he saw what was going on. If he missed one or two, those players could have waited on the ice and searched him out, instead they chose to leave for their locker room immediately. I am not a Crosby fan at all, but this is a silly story by bunch of sore losers.
Glovesave29
June 16th, 2009
11:17 am
There are several interested parties for the Canadiens. The Molsons are just one of them.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2009
11:20 am
Sara – During the 04-05, 05-06, and 06-07 seasons, the answer is yes. Philips was a ghost town except when the Cavs, Lakers, or Spurs were in town as well as opening night.
The “real” attendence picked up in 07-08 and 08-09, when the Hawks started winning.
Dwayne
June 16th, 2009
11:38 am
can the Thrashers take gretzky with the 4rth pick?
Don Waddell
June 16th, 2009
11:48 am
A draft, ok, I’ll have a beer, if Levensons buying.
Rawhide
June 16th, 2009
11:50 am
RStroz – Rawhide – The word is you were spotted sitting with Jeff Schultz at TJ’s last Friday during game seven. Care to elaborate? Any juice?
No juice…just a couple hockey fans enjoying the game.
Spud Webb
June 16th, 2009
11:56 am
Cmon Rawhide, you can tell us!!!!! You gotta egg Shultzy to write everyday about our piss poor ownership group!!!!
Glove, thanks, I didn’t notice that he didn’t shake. If that is the case, then shame on the wings.
So I gave the bro in philly a call, laughed at him about the Ray Emory signing!!!! Kiss that locker room GOODBYE, he will be a mess up there!!!
He wasn’t very happy about it!!!
Smoothie
June 16th, 2009
12:00 pm
http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/06/nhl-stanley-cup-ratings-.html
Well, this is certainly heartening news on the television ratings landscape. Not a huge surprise, but didn’t think it would be the most watched game in 36 years! Love him or hate him, Cindy Crotchby is good for the game. And so is Alex the Great and eventually the NHL will wise up and broaden the scope of their marketing to an even greater extent. There are other marketable personalities on every team and I hope that the NHL brass are moving in that direction.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Glovesave-being from Buffalo, I have been hearing the Canadian media whiners for many years. Hamilton had the big push for a team when the built Copps Coliseum in the 80’s. When the moved failed, they blamed everyone but themselves.
I purposely avoided the Canadian media outlets today, because I knew they would whine louder than ever!
Midfield
June 16th, 2009
12:28 pm
Yeah, what’s up with Zetterberg whining about Crosby not shaking hands? He should be so happy that Crosby did not whack his balls from behind during his brawl with Malkin.
Thrashers27
June 16th, 2009
12:34 pm
Somthing else to consider when comparing attendance records of The Thrashers and Hawks…there are more seats available for a basketball game.
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!