Free Agent Window Shopping
When The Fourth Quarter recently came out with its “Top 30 Unrestricted Free Agents” for this summer, I…as I always do this time of year… found myself scrolling down the page muttering to myself, “Oooh, I’d like to see that player in Atlanta”, and, “Oh my, he would work great on Kovy’s Line”, or, “Dang, he sure would be an asset on our blueline”!
Yes…free agent window shopping season is upon us as the stores will be open a couple of weeks from now on the first on July. So, as we stroll down the cyber-mall of NHL players for sale, what’s catching your eye?
Is it Jay Bouwmeester… who, not surprisingly, tops the list? The 25-year old blueliner was the third overall pick in 2002…just behind Kari Lehtonen. He is coming off a contract with the Florida Panthers that paid him $4.875 and he’ll no doubt be able to rake in far more than that from whomever he chooses to play for over the course of the next several years. What are the chances Don Waddell could land Bouwmeester?
Seriously…I think there’s a better chance of seeing it snow in Atlanta during the month of July than seeing J-Bo sign here.
Second on the list…former Thrasher Marian “Desperately Seeking The Cup” Hossa, who last summer signed a 1-year $7.45 million deal with the eventual runners up in the Stanley Cup Finals. So, what about the return of Hossa to Atlanta?
Hahahaha…Yeah, yeah, I know…very funny. Rumors I’ve seen and heard having him re-signing again in Detroit. But look at it this way…if Hossa were to come back and play for Atlanta, it would dramatically improve our chances of being good enough to lose in the Stanley Cup Finals!
Just sayin’…
Third on the list is another Marian…Marian Gaborik, who’s $7.5 million contract is set to expire at the end of this month. Would you like to see Gaborik sporting Thrasher-blue nest fall?
Me? With his health history…not for more than a one-year deal.
Rounding out the top five are the Sedin twins…Daniel and Henrik…who have been earning $3.575 million each in Vancouver where they’ve played since being drafted right behind Patrik Stefan in 1999. They no doubt will want to stick together…same team and same line. The Thrashers already have a first-line left-winger so if they played here it would probably be on the second line with Army…moving Peverley up with Kovy and Little and probably moving Todd White out of Atlanta. I wouldn’t have a problem with this…if the Spirit Boys allowed Waddell to shell out the money to bring them here.
Again, the snow in Atlanta analogy is in play here.
Further down the list there are such names as Mike Cammalleri, Martin Havlat, Saku Koivu that stick out as those that could fill a spot on the top line with Kovalchuk… and how about Nik Antropov?
On defense…there’s Mike Komisarek, Johnny Oduya and Rob Scuderi to name a few. But I think Pittsburgh is really gonna want to keep Scuds in their lineup if at all possible.
One player that is on the list in which the Thrashers are speculated to have interest in is Mikael Samuelsson of the Red Wings. Last season the 32-year old Swede notched 19 goals and 21 assist. In 466 total career games he has 86 goals. 122 assists and in a +38.
Yup, I enjoy free agent window shopping…it’s fun and it doesn’t cost anything. Come July first…well, that’s a different story.
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127 comments Add your comment
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
1:02 pm
Signing a UFA on July 1 is like being the first person on your block to buy new technology-you are going to overpay. iPhones used to cost 400 bukcs, now they are $99. You might regret paying full price back then, but you enjoyed having the toy since Day 1.
That’s what free agency is all about; buying an asset so you can have something somebody else does not have. Who knows that Antropov is worth, but if he makes Kovy’s line better, then is he worth it?
Think of the price you pay if you do not spend on July 1? Your star player and shrinking fan base are watching.
I agree Ranallo-time to part ways with Jimmy Slater; the Ice Capades are waiting.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 17th, 2009
1:07 pm
TableHockey — I see Pahlsson as a third line two-way center who does well on faceoffs. Reasoner was signed for that role, so I think Pahlsson wouldn’t fit in. However, if Slater were moved an Pahlsson could be signed affordably he’d be an excellent fourth line center. The problem is that Atlanta isn’t in a position to attract quality depth talent like Pahlsson, Craig Adams, etc. Teams like Chicago and Vancouver are always more likely destinations as that one solid addition could be a big difference due to their already existent talent depth.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
1:11 pm
I have to remind everyone that we passed on the Sedins back in ‘99.
Ohlund is the 2nd best defenseman available this year, after Bouwmeester. The advantage of taking Bouwmeester would be to make Florida weaker. Vancouver has 2 of the most underrated defenseman in the league-Ohlund and Kevin Bieksa.
I wish we had up-to-date accessments of our prospects, just to see which of the homegrowns prospects ya’ll are referring to are close to being NHL ready.
Smoothie
June 17th, 2009
1:13 pm
Surprised no one has mentioned Brian Gionta for their “wishlist”. I know luring him away from NJ is not very realistic, but I love his consistent production and passing ability for between $4 and $5 M. However, he is quite small and would not help improve our “toughness” quotient. And I would be inclined to let Little continue to develop in his new-found home of RW on the top line.
Afinogenov is an interesting, if not dubious, proposition because of his raw talent, speed, and relatively low price. Could a change of scenery and a union with another speedy Russian be the elixir for what ails the one known as “Finny”?? Doubtful, but for $ 2M / year he might be worth the risk.
Personally, for what we can afford, I am underwhelmed by the FA wingers available to us. We’ll likely bring in a guy who has avged 20-24 G per season and has the potential to score 60 pts, but who will likely languish in the mid 50’s. Candidates include Kotalik, Antropov, Cole, Sykora, Samuelsson and “Finny”.
That’s why I am leaning towards a 2 year rental for a guy like Mike Knuble. He may be turning 37, but he’s only gotten better and more consistent since hitting 30. He brings the crash-the-net dogged determination we need from a RW and has averaged nearly 28 G / season for the last 6 years. He would be affordable at $3 – 3.5 M per season and would probably be amenable to doing a 2 year deal to play on our 2nd line and 1st PP unit.
I know, I know, we’ve travelled the old, grizzled vet road before, but I really think he’s a fine option for the money and suits this team’s greatest need other than a Top 4 blueliner. I would rather more of the FA money go towards landing a proven D-man such as Ohlund or Oduya.
TableHockey
June 17th, 2009
1:18 pm
Good points Ranallo – I almost forgot DW finally resigned Reasoner.
If Hossa does resign with the Wings I wonder who all they will have to part with to make room – and if any are willing to come to ATL??
Dwayne
June 17th, 2009
1:22 pm
I’ve always liked Slater, I see the hustle, no use getting rid of him. What was Atlanta’s biggest problem last year? Defence, including killing penalties. How about a guy who can win faceoffs and kill a penalty. Is that Ohlund??? Another thing, has anybody mentioned the short handed goals scored after the first of the year? Did the shorties start around the aquisition of Pevs??
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
1:24 pm
Thrashers’ prospects-
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/story/?id=275445
Guess I better get back to work
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 17th, 2009
1:30 pm
World Be Free — I’d include Willie Mitchell into your statement about relatively underrated Vancouver defensemen…he’s their best defender and seemingly never gets brought into the conversation of All Star defensemen. I don’t know what it’ll take for people to take notice of him, but right now I’d say he’s safely under the radar but still a very good NHL defender.
“I have to remind everyone that we passed on the Sedins back in ‘99.”
Well, technically speaking Atlanta passed on drafting ONE of the Sedin’s, because they did not possess two first round picks to draft them both. It was a known wish of theirs to be playing for the same team, which Burke used to his advantage to finagle his way to the top of the draft to get both brothers. Even he considers the maneuvers to be a fool me once type of move, as he stated when discussing moving up in this draft in attempt to draft Tavares. Realistically speaking the Thrashers could’ve picked either Daniel or Henrik Sedin, not both. Are they as good without eachother as they are together? We may never find out.
Smoothie
June 17th, 2009
1:46 pm
ranallo — re: Slater, bravo! Well said and probably cannot be overstated. Slater is a perfectly fine 4th line C for this franchise. I just hope he can stay healthy this season and play a “full” 77-79 games to earn his likely salary of $900 – 925 K. If he does, I will predict career highs for goals (12) and assists (15).
polskidawg
June 17th, 2009
1:56 pm
Toby – I like your thinking the best, so far, but I think your numbers are a little off. Remember, the Thrashers will have to overpay the get second-tier talent like Ohlund and Samuelsson.
I’d call it a successful off-season if DW managed to:
1) Trade Pavelec for a #2 and a player (likely a 3rd liner)
2) Sign Ohlund for 3 years at 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 (total 15 mil)
3) Sign Samuelsson for 3 years at 3.0, 3.0 and 3.5 (total 9.5 mil)
4) Sign Kovy for 4 for 45 mil (or longer, but I doubt that happening)
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
2:04 pm
4) Sign Kovy for 4 for 45 mil (or longer, but I doubt that happening)
huh?!?… you’d give Kovlachuk $11 million a year?… not me.
I’m thinking 3 years at $27 million or we start fielding calls.
polskidawg
June 17th, 2009
2:20 pm
GaVaHokie – I understand your thinking. Mine is a bit biased – Kovy represents the hope that the Thrashers were supposed to be when the team was announced 13 years ago, for me anyway. I’ve got to keep him, or my fading interest will turn into zero.
Part of that is the pain and sadness in losing one team before.
Spud Webb
June 17th, 2009
2:28 pm
Donnie is going to have to be creative (insert joke here) and make some trades in order for us to get players here, that’s the bottom line. NOBODY wants to come here on their own.
Found this today, UGH, we are getting RIPPED in a Columbus newspaper. This is how the rest of the NHL views us, makes me SICK…
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/06/17/0617atlanta.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101
Spud Webb
June 17th, 2009
2:37 pm
And listen (I would LOVE to be wrong here, but don’t think I will) DO not sign MAX. He LOVES to disappoint & thinks 2 way is a s&xual reference!! LEAVE HIM BE.
Brendan
June 17th, 2009
2:46 pm
Ranallo, I would first say that there isn’t anything inherently wrong with a player and an organization deciding to “split the sheets,” especially for their mutual benefit. Okay, I’m mad at Allan Walsh. Fair enough. But WHO DIDN’T FIRE Allan Walsh when his contract situation became ridiculous? Gaborik wanted MORE than his ‘fair market value.’ As the “face of their franchise,” I do think, moreso than with other players on the team, he has some obligation to at least try to meet them halfway. Did Minnesota make a fair and honest effort to meet Gaborik ‘halfway?” Shrugs. I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. But Gaborik, to me, seems like a ‘problem child.’ It is in that vein that I find a comparison to Heatley apt. Heatley is, “one of” the faces of the Ottawa franchise, along with Alfredsson and Spezza, I’d say. Heatley didn’t demand more than his ‘fair market value’ with Ottawa. Contractually-speaking, I cannot attack Heatley. Heatley got his market value.
Now, let’s return to Kovy’s holdout. In 2005, Kovy and Heatley were the “faces of the franchise.” Did Kovalchuk ask for MORE than ‘fair market value?’ I’d argue, “No, he didn’t.” So, what was the problem there?? Was it a situation comparable to Gaborik with the Wild? I’d say, “no.” Gaborik’s agent, Allan Walsh, was holding the franchise HOSTAGE for an excessive amount of money. Was Kovalchuk holding the Thrashers to an excessive amount of money? I’d argue, “No, especially not at first.” The organization ‘low-balled him’ with a $5 million offer. At that time, writer Jeff Schultz joked, “Waddell can’t negotiate a Superstar’s contract by adding two free tickets and some T-shirts” to the offer. At that time Rick Nash, a less experienced and less productive power forward, got a contract for $5.25 million-per-season. Had the Thrashers offered Kovalchuk 6-years/$33 million, ($5.5 million cap hit,) the moment the CBA was ratified, he may well have jumped at it. (He ultimately took $32.5 million, for five years, for a cap hit of $6.5 million.) I CANNOT PROVE THAT. That’s called, “speculation.” But what I can say is … the organization’s PROCRASTINATION, lack of proper prioritization, and ‘low-balling practices’ combined to drive up the value of Kovalchuk’s deal. To the point where, effectively, the cost went from $5.5 million to $6.5 million, per season, for the cap hit. And evvvvven then, that’s just the ‘market rate.’ Kovalchuk, obviously, should have been paid more than Nash. More experience. More production. In the end, it was the franchise itself, who was to blame for the situation.
Let’s recap a little. The lockout ended. There was a draft. And then, there was free agency. And everybody knew the cap was $39 million. So, the most you could pay anyone was $7.8 million. Keep in mind, 2004 Conn Smythe Winner Brad Richards had just been awarded this whopping league max contract by Tampa’s GM, Jay Feaster. I could structure an argument that said Kovalchuk’s “value” to the Thrashers was GREATER than Brad Richard’s role with the Lightning.
Did Kovy, and his agent, Jay Grossman, ever say to the Thrashers, “It’s the league max, $7.8 million, or we walk?” Answer: “No.” In other words, Kovy wasn’t being “difficult.” He just didn’t take a shine to being insulted by a devalued $5 million offer. Even accepting the $6.5 million cap hit offer was ‘market value.’ Given what had happened with Heatley, (car wreck, damaged goods, player wanting out,) can it even be argued that Kovalchuk wasn’t the MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER to the organization … back in 2005?
Allrightee then. But what did Waddell do? C’mon. You know this one. You were there. Priority #1 of the 2005 offseason, by Waddell, was signing Bobby Holik to a 3-year/$12.75 million ($4.5 million cap hit) contract. Priority #2 … was trying to sign Peter Bondra to a deal. That stalled. Priority #3 was trying to re-sign Heatley, which then turned into the Heatley for Hossa and deVries deal. Priority #4 then became … once again, trying to ink Peter Bondra (!!). Where is Kovy in all this??? Shouldn’t HE have been priority #1??????????
Apparently not, Ranallo. And that DELAY … drove up the ‘fair market value’ for a player of Kovalchuk’s caliber. So, yes. Kovalchuk was a
‘holdout.’ Why? Because the organization blundered its way through hockey operations. I know. Total shocker, there. It chose to chase after Holik and Bondra, instead of firming up the FOUNDATION (Heatley) and the ROOF (Kovalchuk) of the ‘House of Thrashers.’ That’s not how to conduct proper business. Locking up your high-end draft picks is always Priority #1. You’re invested in them. They’re not OUTSIDERS, who then have to be molded to the Team Philosophy, like a free agent is. Allright then. Heatley requested a trade. Fine. I don’t think it was really in Atlanta’s best interests to trade him, but ‘bygones.’ Don Waddell did the best job he could. And he did bring in a 40G, 40A, 80-point a year player, and a ‘throw-in’ defenseman, like deVries. As Priority #3 … in the offseason moves. Shaking my head. It’s not ‘wrong’ to request a trade, provisionally. And the provision is as follows, Ranallo. That the player make SOME ATTEMPT to work with the organization who made him the “face” of the franchise. Did Heatley do that? Did Gaborik do that, with Minnesota? Did he ‘try’ to work with them? Or did he say, “gimme, gimme, gimme. Mine.” Sure, it’s his agent’s job to garner as much money as he can for himself, and his client. But there’s a line of dermarcation, for excess. Kovalchuk saw that line. It was $7.8 million. He didn’t CROSS IT. He took a ‘market value’ contract, at $6.5 million. Kovalchuk could have made things much worse for the Thrashers. If faced with league max, or trade out, Atlanta would have been painted into a difficult corner. Had Heatley and Kovalchuk been lost for the 2006 season, it would have raised some eyebrows about how the organization is run. Much moreso than it normally does.
Sara
June 17th, 2009
3:01 pm
Spud the only joke here is Portzline himself. “The Thrashers may find it difficult to re-sign UFAs Reasoner and Perrin” (paraphrased) – except we already did re-sign Reasoner. He touts the same typical around-the-NHL crap about Kovy being one dimensional, selfish, etc etc…except that anyone who’s really paid attention to him over the last couple of years knows better. Selfish players (generally) do not get voted as Captain – and certainly not under the circumstances in which Kovy received his “C.”
Let’s see, what else…ah yes Slava apparently is a collection of aging overpaid players all by himself, $3M for a starting NHL goaltender is now considered “high-priced,” and he essentially tried to rip a first year coach for his personality in the lockerroom of all f’in things – ah yes, and his ability to motivate Kovalchuk to play within a team concept – nevermind that Kovy got the deserved “C” under said coach’s tenure.
This team certainly has it’s issues – but that write-up is nothing but piss-poor journalism.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
3:06 pm
Sara… yeah, I clicked away after the second paragraph, referencing Slava, Lehts and Hainsey.
Not sure why the Columbus Dispatch is writing such an “indepth” article about the Thrashers anyway.
polskidawg
June 17th, 2009
3:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Spud Webb
June 17th, 2009
3:15 pm
I was giggling when I saw the reasoner part. I do wonder if that is how we are viewed around the league??
Sara
June 17th, 2009
3:18 pm
Hokie – he’s done them for all the NHL Clubs.
Toby
June 17th, 2009
3:22 pm
I’m assuming Dub has already talked to Kovy and knows what player(s) he is looking for. I would believe that he wouldn’t make any move at all if wasn’t for Kovy’s contract being up.
Brendan
June 17th, 2009
3:23 pm
Columbus Dispatch probably just wanted to get in one last dig at Doug MacLean, “imagine Don MacLean still in charge.” I agree with Sara. Porzline missed a few cues. Perrin probably won’t and, perhaps, shouldn’t return. Reasoner has been re-signed. And Kari’s contract is hardly excessive. And Slava, well, he’s not getting any younger. But his play doesn’t reflect geriatrics. The characterization of the ownership in a negative light is probably the most correct thing Porzline wrote.
Russ
June 17th, 2009
3:35 pm
Portzline is a joke. I have been reading his team reports for the Jackets in the Hockey News for years. In the season preview he has said this is the year the Jackets should get into the playoffs for about five seasons before it finally came true last year. So, while I can’t say the Thrashers are cup contenders or even serious playoff contenders at this point, I wouldn’t get too down because of his opinion of them. Now that the Jackets have made the playoffs he’ll probably pick them to win it all next season.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
3:40 pm
Regarding Dany Heatley… it’s interesting to see that Ottawa got only one extra year than what we got out of Hossa… all in all, I guess it was a fair trade, in retrospect.
Hockey Biltong
June 17th, 2009
3:52 pm
After reading Portzlines’ article, I deduce that what he wrote about the Thrash was gleaned from TSN , Hockey News , CNNSI and any other blog he could plagiarise and summarize from. Not very original or insightful, kinda like mailing it in.
Not worth responding to, certainly. The Putz-Douche.
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
In my eyes, Bobby Holik and his salary did more damage to this team than any other Thrasher player, well maybe except for Damien Rhodes.
Holik’s salary cost ate up the money needed to re-sign Savard. Holik was a cancer in the lockeroom who turned the players against Hartley. Holik constantly cost the team games by taking stupid penalties in clutch situations. In general, Waddell should have been fired solely for signing such a piece of crap, especially knowing how the Rangers felt about him.
Brendan – Is this when you write BYGONES?
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2009
4:32 pm
Hokie – he’s done them for all the NHL Clubs.
It figures, has anyone ever done a summary of all 30 Teams that has been worth a damn?
Brendan
June 17th, 2009
4:42 pm
R.Stroz, I normally hold training seminars on the correct time and usage of the term ‘bygones.’ But, you have clearly graduated from my course. Your use of ‘bygones’ was timely, correct, and apt. The Professor is very proud of his graduates.
Brendan
June 17th, 2009
4:43 pm
R.Stroz, I completely agree with that assessment of Bobby Holik’s contract. Did you happen to catch my novel to Ranallo, where I cite it as Waddell’s mistaken priority #1 of the post-lockout?
Midfield
June 17th, 2009
5:03 pm
Brendan, you kind of compared Waddell to George Costanza of Seinfeld fame, who negotiated his sitcom contract with NBC down in one of the episodes. Waddell=George Costanza. Hmmm. I think it works.
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2009
5:04 pm
Brendan – That’s what got me started on my anti-Holik rant.
Since Holik finally retired, I’m sure GEICO could use him for some caveman commercials.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 17th, 2009
6:17 pm
Brendan — Most of your argument is admittedly speculative. Waddell made specific mention during the contract negotiation that the structure of outside contracts (referring to Nash and Richards) have no bearing when setting the contract for Kovalchuk. One can argue that is an absurd statement as all contracts signed create “fair market value”, and another can argue that there is no such thing as “fair market value” because not all markets are equal…$6.5M goes farther in Atlanta in retaining a key piece than that same money does in New York. My problem is you’re assuming that delaying is what caused his “value” to raise. You’re also assuming that the “sign on date” equals the priority to the club…but you’re discounting the very real possibility that had Waddell focused all of his attention towards Kovalchuk (we can’t prove he didn’t) and ignored the plethora of free agents he pursued, quite possibly the same thing could have happened (holdout) and the Thrashers fans would simply say “Waddell fiddles while Atlanta burns” and blamed the lack of signings on his inability to come to terms with Kovalchuk. Priority one could have been Kovalchuk, but when contracts hit speed bumps an NHL GM can’t stop all of his business to dig up the speed bump, he’s gotta go on with business as usual and use the entire offseason to try to come to terms with the difficult negotiation. In my opinion that’s what Waddell did.
The point you’ve illuminated is that you and I clearly know A LOT about the entire Kovalchuk negotiation situation, and the resulting HOLDOUT (if I recall correctly he played abroad for 9 games). Gaborik negotiated a contract during the offseason, and even during parts of the season. He played when healthy, and he didn’t let the negotiations impact his on ice performance (when healthy he was scoring 1 ppg). You are taking exception because Gaborik basically said “sign me on my terms, trade me, or lose me for nothing”, but you let Kovalchuk slide for basically saying “sign me on my terms, or I’ll play in Russia”. I’m sorry but when taking a step back and seeing the situations at face value (how most non-Thrashers fans would have seen the Kovalchuk situation), your stance seems a little hypocritical to me.
I’m not bashing Kovalchuk, nor am I attempting to defend Waddell’s delayed contract negotiations, but I’m trying to bring to light a local situation and the complexity of the negotiation process so that perhaps you wont jump to conclusion on a pending UFA who quite possibly could be misunderstood because you haven’t done same level of research that you would for a team you follow dearly.
To me, Gaborik is no different for wanting his fair share, his agent just plays hardball to get his way (as evidenced by Pavelec’s tantrum). Why would Gaborik fire an agent who fights for him to get the most possible? Why is it Gaborik’s responsibility to take less than he feels he’s worth to stay with Minnesota (a team who was running a defensive system which he felt hindered his offensive potential)?
I don’t think it’s fair to judge Gaborik as a problem child, selfish, etc, unless you know the full facts. Of course I’m the same person who will defend Heatley, will defend Ice Girls, and will even go against my personal beliefs to show the opposing side when people rag on Waddell or even the ASG…so, perhaps it’s just me.
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2009
6:30 pm
ranallo10 – I’d bet you’d do more than defend the Ice Girls if given the opportunity!
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
6:59 pm
I am so disappointed that Sean Penn decided to drop out of the Three Stooges movie. He would have made a great Larry.
Somehow, I believe this event and/or the 3 man comedy team the movie represents corresponds with the Thrashers.
Oh yes, I aslo believe that Bobby Holik would make a very economical Geico cave man-very little makeup would be needed.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2009
7:02 pm
Who made Columbus the center of the hockey universe? I did not read the article, but I may print it just in case I run low on toilet paper.
The Jackets have just as many playoff wins as the Thrashers- ZERO!
Darren
June 17th, 2009
7:03 pm
*Christy*: Great link! I actually had a chance to do a story a few years ago on a tournament exclusively for those 50-and-up, 60-and-up, and 70-and-up called the Gerihatricks.
Particularly here in the South, it can be tough for those folk to find others to skate with and can actually keep up! Those I spoke with said being out and playing made them feel young again. It was a lot of fun watching them out there.
Darren
June 17th, 2009
7:04 pm
And oh yeah, let’s sign some free agents!
Ogie Oglethorpe
June 17th, 2009
7:24 pm
Here is a list of UFAs and destinations from a Habs fan on Hockey Buzz. He has nobody coming here, but he may still be sore that we beat them a few times this year-
- Marian Hossa stays in Detroit
- Marian Gaborik signs in Los Angeles
- Martin Havlat signs in New York Rangers
- The Sedins stay in Vancouver
- Jay Bouwmeester signs in Calgary
- Bill Guerin stays in Pittsburgh
- Mike Cammalleri signs in Toronto
- Scott Niedermayer stays in Anaheim
- François Beauchemin signs in Montreal
- Mike Knuble signs in Edmonton
- Derek Morris signs in St-Louis
- Mike Komisarek stays in Montreal
- Matthias Ohlund signs in Buffalo
- Sergei Zubov signs in New York Rangers
- Saku Koivu signs in Minnesota
- Adrian Aucoin signs in Columbus
- Chris Neil signs in Edmonton
- Brian Gionta stays in New Jersey
- Johny Oduya signs in Toronto
- Alex Kovalev stays in Montreal
- Eric Cole stays in Carolina
- Nik Antropov stays in New York Rangers
- Martin Biron signs in Toronto
- Mats Sundin does exactly the same as last year and comeback in the middle of the season with Vancouver.
- Joe Sakic retires
- Gustavsson signs in Colorado
Big trades:
- Tampa Bay trade Vinny Lecavalier to Montreal for Tomas Plekanec, the Kostitsyn brothers, Josh Gorges and a second rounder at the Draft.
- Ottawa trade Dany Heatley and a third rounder to LA for Jack Johnson and Alex Frolov at the Draft.
That’s it. I think I’m already more credible than Ek am I ?
oh…I forgot…Philly keeps Danny Brière and have no money left to sign any significant player
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 17th, 2009
7:30 pm
Stroz — Would you blame me? Besides, who said I haven’t (had the opportunity)?
Re: Portzline’s article: Kozlov ($3.667M) had 76 points (26g-50a) this past season. From the Columbus roster that would’ve ranked him third in payroll, and second in overall points. His salaried superiors scored as follows: Nash ($5.4M) had 79 pts, Huselius ($4.75M) 56 pts, and Umberger ($3.75M) had 46 pts. All of these players had 75+ games played.
Atlanta is in just as bad of shape financially as several NHL teams, namely the New York Islanders, Phoenix, Columbus, Nashville, and Florida. So I guess if it wasn’t for the Balsillie fiasco, and if it wasn’t for 4 other teams having financial woes, and if it wasn’t for the Montreal owner selling his majority stake in the team, and if it wasn’t for a group from Toronto unveiling a proposal for an expansion franchise to become the second NHL team in Toronto, THEN the Thrashers would be getting lots more “unflattering attention” this summer.
That dude’s a goober.
Ogie Oglethorpe
June 17th, 2009
7:40 pm
Look at us, defending the Thrashers!
Here’s a list of UFAs and destinations-notice nobody coming here-
- Marian Hossa stays in Detroit
- Marian Gaborik signs in Los Angeles
- Martin Havlat signs in New York Rangers
- The Sedins stay in Vancouver
- Jay Bouwmeester signs in Calgary
- Bill Guerin stays in Pittsburgh
- Mike Cammalleri signs in Toronto
- Scott Niedermayer stays in Anaheim
- François Beauchemin signs in Montreal
- Mike Knuble signs in Edmonton
- Derek Morris signs in St-Louis
- Mike Komisarek stays in Montreal
- Matthias Ohlund signs in Buffalo
- Sergei Zubov signs in New York Rangers
- Saku Koivu signs in Minnesota
- Adrian Aucoin signs in Columbus
- Chris Neil signs in Edmonton
- Brian Gionta stays in New Jersey
- Johny Oduya signs in Toronto
- Alex Kovalev stays in Montreal
- Eric Cole stays in Carolina
- Nik Antropov stays in New York Rangers
- Martin Biron signs in Toronto
- Mats Sundin does exactly the same as last year and comeback in the middle of the season with Vancouver.
- Joe Sakic retires
- Gustavsson signs in Colorado
Philly keeps Danny Brière and has no money left to sign any significant player
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2009
9:08 pm
ranallo, ranallo, ranallo… WAKE UP you’re dreaming again…
Ogie – Afinogenov signs in Atlanta…is that better?
ur dumb
June 17th, 2009
9:10 pm
ohlund is washed up the canucks wouldnt take him for a million he can barely keep up anymore he is so slow oh ya the thrashers dont have anyone to trade unless they trade kovie cuz everyone else on that team sucks and u wont get anything for them fire wadell and start building through the draft like caps hawks pens kings oilers blues
ur dumb
June 17th, 2009
9:22 pm
ohlund is washed up the canucks wouldnt take him for a million he cant skate anymore he gets burned so badly and the sedins r stayin in van with bouwmeester oh ya the thrashers dont have anyone to trade unless they trade kovie cuz everyone else on that team sucks and u wont get anything for them fire wadell and start building through the draft like caps hawks pens kings oilers blues
B. Thenet
June 17th, 2009
9:26 pm
Portzline has a pretty good reputation around the NHL, well it went in the crapper after that lazy attempt at journalism. No Reasoner signing. No mention of Salmela. No mention of Stuart. Esposito as a top prospect for next year.
Not a single sentence about Bryan Little’s 31 goal season, and calling Slava Kozlov overpaid? That is just lazy, no other excuse.
Ogie Oglethorpe
June 17th, 2009
10:38 pm
ur dumb-the name fits, have another brew-ski.
Please no Max in Atlanta. My Buffalo contacts say he has his head up his shorts.
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2009
11:46 pm
Ogie – I’m not saying Afinogenov is the best player for the team; however, he is Russian and Waddell needs to make Kovy happy. Kovy has said in the past, you can’t have enough Russians on a team (of course that was before the Thrashers ended up with Zhitnik). So Waddell may just get another Russian player and hope Kovy is pacified.
That said, Afinogenov is the type of high risk, second tier player that Waddell would target, and then claim that he is a top tier player.
I know it’s difficult for us, but just try to think like Waddell.
Don’t be surprised to see Afinogenov signed for one year at 4 million. Besides, a one year deal would give Afinogenov a change of scenary; and if it doesn’t work, he wouldn’t be on the books very long.
Crazy Legs may be the best the Thrashers can do this year.
Brendan
June 18th, 2009
12:12 am
Ranallo, it very well might just be you. And I know that I am a disappointment in your eyes. There’s nothing I can do about it. And I further think “speculative arguments” are what a blog is for. We differ of opinion. I don’t want Gaborik. The best of part of that … just may be … that he isn’t coming anyway.
Out of curiosity, did Kovalchuk ever say, “Pay me on my terms, or I’ll go play in Russia?” Or, was playing in Russia just a possibility that then beat writer John Manasso speculated that Kovalchuk might do? Had Kovalchuk set foot on European ice as a paid professional in 2005, as I understand it, it would have made him ineligible for play in 2005-06, in the NHL. The other possibility is that Kovalchuk could holdout until December 1, 2005, before he likewise became ineligible for the 2006 season. I think the bottom line there was … Waddell ‘nickel and dimed’ Kovalchuk. As Jeff Schultz pointed out, in 2005, “You don’t nickel and dime a Superstar. And your next offer shouldn’t be $250,000 more, plus free T-shirts.” That’s a paraphrased a bit, of course.
If Gaborik isn’t a problem child, I’m sure that will emerge in the coming years, with his next team. No? People speculated that Heatley was a ‘problem child,’ in 2005. Some people called him a ’selfish punk.’ Which I thought was rather harsh. But as a free speech advocate, I let it go. When things weren’t entirely to his liking, did Heatley make further trade requests with his next team? Don’t answer. Requesting a trade is okay, provisionally. And the provision is that the player at least ‘try’ to make an effort to work with the organization. Is Heatley trying to work things out with Ottawa? If Gaborik signs a big juicy, longterm contract with his next team, and everything goes swimmingly, such that he honors that contract, right to the very end, without making any noteworthy waves, I’ll make a full retraction of the ‘problem child’ statement, that I quite possibly have erroneously hurled at him. It wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong, Ranallo. Most recently, I picked Detroit to win the Cup. See how well my speculation sometimes turns out?
One last thing. What direction, typically, do contract values go, the longer one waits? Up? Or down? Wait. Don’t answer. Wouldn’t it just be better to offer free agents ‘non-insulting’ contracts at the first opportunity that the situation arises? Perhaps, just perhaps, it would cause the player to sign right away? Especially since the player would know that he’s a TOP PRIORITY to the club that signs him. Ooops. On second thought, my argument sounds awefully speculative. Silly me. I do that. It’s a blog. Speculation runs rampant here.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 18th, 2009
4:15 am
You don’t need to take offense to the comment about speculation, it’s just not my way of basing a discussion. I prefer to talk about points that are more tangible, and when something is “proven” by way of speculating I will point out why said theory could be false. Sometimes being the Devil’s advocate means you have to argue things you don’t necessarily agree with fully…and I don’t agree with prolonging contracts. However, I will continue to make points that support such things because speculating on the priority based on a contracts date of being signed is closing your mind to the negotiation process, in my eyes. I’m sure everybody could agree it would’ve been better to sign Kovalchuk on July 1, 2005, if not earlier. There’s no point in arguing it when we both have the same point of view on the basic topic of re-signing players proactively, especially since it keeps the player’s value from inflating artificially.
But honestly I don’t really care about Waddell’s negotiation tactics with Kovalchuk in 2005, because that was four (4) years ago. I don’t really care what Schultz felt about Waddell’s management style four (4) years ago because it’s the same he feels today, and will be the same he feels in another four (4) years.
To answer one of your previous statements, Kovalchuk played 11 games with Mytishchi Khimik prior to signing his contract with Atlanta (Oct. 9, 2005). I believe that was 3 or 4 games into the season, and had he played beyond a specific October deadline he would’ve been subject to waivers if he returned to the NHL. I didn’t ever read Grossman (Kovalchuk’s agent) say “sign him or he stays in Russia”, but his actions of actually playing in the Russian league spoke loud enough, wouldn’t you say?
I just find it interesting that Gaborik is required to be a choir boy with his next team so that he can shed the label problem child, because realistically that wont happen. Hossa cannot shed the label of “playoff bust” despite carrying the Penguins to the finals, and in light of his recent disappearance from the box score with Detroit. Kovalchuk cannot shed the label of “malcontent” or “immature and selfish player who cannot buy into the team concept”, despite the evidence to the contrary that he’s shown for years.
To each his own really. I don’t expect Gaborik to sign with Atlanta but if he does I wont be cursing to high heaven “why bring that locker room cancer to Atlanta!?”, because honestly I have no idea how he is with his team. What I was getting at is I don’t believe you do either, though you label him a problem child.
Ogie Oglethorpe
June 18th, 2009
5:43 am
Stroz-maybe we should take a flyer on Afinogenov. As you stated, a change a scenary may due him wonders. Seems like a number of fans in hockey towns are curious about Max. He has made an impression in a number of places. I still think Antropov is a better move.
As Peter Marshall used to say on Hollywood Squares _”Maybe this will all work out”
Smitty
June 18th, 2009
8:31 am
When I hear Gaborik’s name come up I think of Mike Hampton. As for Afinegenov, it is true he is exciting but he has a tendency to stay on the ice too long and he has a tendency to cough up the puck when coming into the offensive zone.
I still think we are a year away from attracting any top line UFA. We are going to have to depend on our young guys to show continued improvement. Our defense IMO is not that far off. Bogey, Tobey and Boris all showed improvement this past year. A big question is if Kulda can make the next step. Another is if Kari can show he is a top tier goalie as the defense in front of him matures and improves.
I think we should go with Kane at # 4 and put him between Kovy and Little. Brian Burke seems to think he can step right in. He is the type of player everyone hates to play against. We need his type of attitude.
This has to be the year these young guys click. This is the only way we will be able to attract a name UFA. If not this has to be DW last year or all hope is lost.