Thrashers Do Right…Bring In Dudley

The problem with the Edmonton/MTL outgame was that it was about zero outside for the game. Not a good idea having an outdoor game in Edm at night. But that game set the standard for games that followed.

Hamtilton-just because they get a bunch of idiots out for a rally does not mean they deserve an NHL team. If you have ever been in Hamilton you’ll know there isn’t much to do there anyhow except enjoy the lovely smell of making steel. It’s a SH__ hole.

Still no official announcement on Dudley, so we can’t count this as a done deal yet. Gotta believe that Duds will be the GM soon with Don going upstairs.

Just my thoughts, I may be wrong.

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If Dudley is coming to ATL could Jay Bouwmeister be far behind?

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Glovesave-Hamilton is a SteelTown, with an attitude because it sits in the shadow of a first class international city like Toronto.

Hamilton hockey fans are threatening to boycott Leafs and Sabres games because of the situation in Phoenix. Like either city has a say in what the bankruptcy courts decide.

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Hokie- Sara was on the right trail about why the Preds let so many players walk the past couple years.

But,in behind Poile was 1 Craig Leipold telling him he had to sell the team,he was bleeding way to much money for a “real” roster. That’s why Vokoun,Kariya wasn’t brought back and the Koun dog was traded.

Mr. Craig Leipold then proceeds to sell the team to a group of good Nashville business men/women to keep the team in town all the while Leipold the liar runs out and buys the Minnesota Wild. Yeah, he was bleeding so much money alright!

Just remember ya’ll,we could have owners like Leipold,who was willing to sell the Preds to Blackberry Jim (or pretty much anyone) and allow them team to get moved just so he could go buy his hometown states team.

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wait and see pudding…..

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There’s no doubt in my mind how much control Waddell has. Stop to reflect about that a moment. I call Waddell “the Hockey Czar.” What are his official titles again? “GM, Exec. Vice President of Hockey Operations,” Sits on the Board of Governors, casts official team ballot votes on NHL matters, such as rules and amendments to the CBA, as annointed by ownership, perhaps in their stead. Don Waddell has hired three (3) Head Coaches, not including himself, Curt Fraser, Bob Hartley, and John Anderson. And now, he’s even a hired the next General Manager. Potentially.

Someone’s just dying to point out, “He hired Larry Simmons, too.” (He’s the Assistant GM.) Then adds, “don’t forget Cunneyworth, Todd Nelson, and Steve Weeks. And Brad McCrimmon.” (They are or were Assistant Coaches.) I just don’t know what to say. Anymore.

Other than this, perhaps. “Aren’t we where we are, TODAY, entirely through Waddell decisions?” Tempered, of course, with the knowledge that he’s had CRAP for ownership. But still, every player, every scout, every coach, every equipment manager, every director of the Thrashers practice facility … has one thing in common. They were all hired by Waddell. And iffff it’s true … that Dudley will be the next GM, that’s still another Waddell “appointee.” Well, he’s had such great success in the past, it’s bound to continue. And truthfully, I have seen IMPROVEMENT from Don Waddell. I must offer that, in fairness. The drafting’s been better. There’s still hits and misses with free agents, but Waddell always seems to find something in that bargain bin. Whether it was Metro, Sim, White, or a waiver claim like Peverley. I always “credited” Waddell with being able to spot a “tweener” at the league minimum, and manage 10 goals out of the guy. Or finding someone like Mark Popovic to fill out the defensive corps. Folks, believe it or not, that’s a skill. And some other GM’s don’t have it. (And some don’t need it, since they get to open the wallet on July 1st.)

I think Dudley … will be a better GM than Waddell IFFFFFFFFF … he’s allowed to make unilateral decisions. In the past, and per the departed CEO Bernie Mullin, all matters regarding free agents and trades were a “by committee” approach. I don’t support the “by committee” approach. It’s what the Islanders use. How’s that working out for them, hmmn? What happens in “by committee” approaches … is everyone is insulated from blame, since the decision to do “such and such” was a universal one. As voted on, “by committee.” I think, at the end of day, there’s got to just be one voice. Truthfully, in hockey matters, I still think Waddell’s voice was the one that counted. In other words, the Spirit boys gather ’round the table to discuss topics. Don leads the discussion. Don says what he wants to do, trades-wise, draft-wise, free agents-wise, and the rest of “the committee” is intimidated by a sheer lack of comprehension. They all smile and nod. And then, at lunchtime, Peskowitz turns to Gearon, “So, what did we just agree on?” D’oh!!

But if Dudley is promoted to full-time GM. And he’s given “100% autonomy” to do WHAT HE, ALONE, DETERMINES IS BEST, I do think the Thrashers will be better off. But if Dudley lays an egg, then what? Well, and beeeeee honest here … (and you’re ALLLLLLL capable of honesty; it’s not a task BEYOND YOU,) won’t you eventually ask the question, “Who HIRED Rick Dudley?” Isn’t the answer … Don Waddell. Or, as the “spin” might point out, “The Committee,” as headed by Don Waddell.

That’s a “fair” question to ask. Whether ascribing success or assigning blame. “Somebody” hired him. “Somebody” did. Who was it? I don’t think it’s wrong or inappropriate to release that information. And if/when Dudley becomes GM, “Who promoted him to that position?” The Committee Again??? So “The Committee” gets blamed. So that no one person is singled out. They’re all insulated.

Things may turn out swimmingly, with Dudley on board. I can’t wait to heap praise on him, if it does. But, I’m telling you, somewhere … out there … someone will be brave enough to muse aloud, IN NEWSPAPER PRINT, “So, why was it that Don Waddell was allowed to hire a GM, too?” No GM gets to do that. A failing GM just gets fired. Or not have his contract renewed. I don’t want to split hairs about that.

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Okayyyyy. Color me embarrassed. Cullen did the Thrashers offseason report. Here it is. http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=276292. Worse yet, I think another poster provided this link ages ago. I just didn’t see it listed among Cullen’s most recent columns. He does like Kari on the trading block, as well as Pavelec and Valabik.

Sorry, folks.

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Brendan — I thought you might be interested in this quote from Spector:

“STARTRIBUNE.COM: Michael Russo reports new Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher intends to “push the process forward” next week to determine if Marian Gaborik is willing or not to re-sign with the Wild. Fletcher won’t put a deadline on Gaborik but admits he’s working the phone on trades which could depend on Gaborik’s intentions. Russo reports if Gaborik isn’t re-signed by the draft and there’s a trade available Fletcher could move the winger. Russo believes Fletcher will made a bona fide offer to Gaborik, suggesting a four-or-five year contract in the range of $7.5 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The hiring of Fletcher as GM, the firing of assistant GM Tom Lynn and the hiring of former Sharks assistant coach Todd Richards not only appears a change in direction for the Wild but to a lesser degree could be an attempt by ownership to woo back Gaborik. We’ll find out Gaborik’s intentions within the next two weeks.”

The ownership seems to understand Gaborik’s importance to their team and is pulling out all the stops to get him signed. They hired a new GM, brought in an offensive minded coach who was well regarded around the league, and are seemingly willing to accept his salary demands if he wants to return to Minnesota.

I like what they’re doing to woo him, and I think it’s better for the team even if they aren’t successful in getting Gaborik to re-sign. After running the trap for so long the core of the team understands the importance of playing both ways, and are now being allowed to open up offensively. People like Brent Burns and even Gaborik should excel now, and their production should improve (which is scary considering Gaborik is a point/game player already).

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World Be Free, and a team never has enough players that win puck battles along the boards. Every time I watch a goal on replay, what do the commentators say? “This play began, when (supply team name here) forced a turnover along the boards.” Absent that, it’s something like, “This play started by winning the faceoff and maitaining control of the puck.” I do realize, these are “DUH5″ statements, but nonetheless they so fundamentally true. Some of the most basic elements of our game are the ones that matter most. Can you SKATE? Duh. Well, isn’t one’s ability to skate proficiently what leads to opportunities, both offensively and defensively? Allright then. Like you say, toughness is also very important in hockey. Brian Burke calls this “doing the plumber’s work.” He’s right. It’s getting and down dirty, mucking and grinding, and gaining control of the puck. It’s essential to hockey. If Dudley brings in grit, and he Cunneyworth make it happen, “Sabres-style mid-1970’s,” this town will EXPLODE. In the mid-1970’s, there were four teams that drove everybody crazy with excitement. Montreal, Boston, Buffalo, and Philly. Why? Buffalo and Montreal were unbelievably fast and skilled. Watching the Habs play the Sabres was … a timeless treat. Deep rosters, filled with highly skilled, amazing talent. Boston and Philly were tough as nails, with “lunch pail” guys who got it done. Guys like Bobby Schmautz (Sp?) in Boston. The grinders in Philly.

Ranallo, great find on the Minnesota item. I really like Chuck Fletcher’s approach. And I wish the Wild nothing but success, in possibly retaining Gaborik. I think they’re on the right track. When something isn’t working, you make changes.

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Sara, I think ownership finally realizes that they have to invest if they are going to get out of the red. Let’s hope the Cunny and Dud hires are signs they know they have to ibnvest something to get a return.

As for Minnesota, I think Gabby has already decided to move on. You can change mmanagement, but sometimes all a player needs is a change of locale.

Brendan-all the Sabres needed in the 70’s was a goaltender like Bernie Parent. Bernie was unbelievable, truly a superstar that never received the credit he deserved.

We have the talent here folks, just need a few more pieces and we will be in the hunt. Wouldn’t that be fun.

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Sara, I do think this Dudley move is a better step than doing nothing. I can hear the pundits now, saying, “This Dudley hire just gives Waddell more time to collaborate with Burke on the 2010 Olympics.” Okay, ya know what? Fine. I can live with that, too. I’d prefer Dudley to take more of the direction of the team. I think the “change we need,” sorry for stealing that, Obama campaign, would have been to clean house and start fresh. With a GM as appointed by the NHL, if the Spirit clowns couldn’t manage to find one all on their own. So, I’d say, “let’s take what we can get.” What OTHER OPTIONS do we have??

I’ve always said, “The only thing I can do is hope Waddell does better.” I guess I should amplify, “All I can do is hope the Spirit does better.” I think Bob Hartley’s salary is off the books now. And, technically, and only technically, Waddell’s GM salary comes off the books in April 2010. So, if Dudley is OFFICIALLY the new GM, starting April “whatever” 2010, Waddell would then just be paid his new “Rich McKay” position salary, while Dudley gets GM pay. But, any way you slice it, it’s a bigger payroll. The pay for an ASSOCIATE GM is less than a full-time one. Once promoted to GM, the Spirit will have to pay Dudley more. And I’m going to assume that Waddell’s future “upstairs” position, will also PAY HIM MORE. As it should. If Waddell is to oversee both the Hawks and Thrashers budgets, he should get paid more for doing so. My wish, in this regard, is for Waddell to strictly adhere to the guidelines of his position. Namely, budgetary issues. If Dudley is to be the GM, let’s let him DO HIS JOB. Unshackle him. If Waddell’s job, down the road, is to make the Spirit Boys pry open the wallet, and if Waddell does his job properly, then Dudley will have a bigger budget. And if Dudley, the alleged future GM, does his job, namely, “managing the roster,” this could all work out rather well.

Of course, this is what other organizations do instictively. Without prodding. But I realize this ownership group is a little behind in the learning curve. They haven’t even been able to buy out an estranged partner, in over 4 years.

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World Be Free, as I understand it, GM Darcy Regier held a meeting with Brian Campbell prior to his trading. And basically, he said some very direct things, if ‘hearsay’ is to be believed. And one them was, “Brian, we wanted you here. We offered you a very nice package. An appropriate offer. You thought it was a little ‘low.’ Well, when you get paid MORE in free agency, the level of expectation for your play will comeasurately elevated. You’re not a $6 million-a-year defenseman. The team that pays you that price, or more, will discover that to be true. And, in the end, Brian, it’ll label you in an unfavorable light. Down the road … that team will simply try to jettison you, and your inflated salary. We’re sorry you’ve opted for this route. You know what the situation is, here in Buffalo. Sometimes, you have to take less to make it work. Now, good luck with your next team.” And then they traded him to San Jose. And Campbell’s feelings were arguably hurt. What I suspect was … Campbell listened to his agent. His agent said, “Trust me, kid. There’s a BOAT LOAD of money waiting for you, out there, with a team that has a better future ahead of itself than Buffalo.” But deep down, I think Campbell knew that Regier had told him the truth. Namely, that he was about to be paid more than he’s worth, and that, down the road, if he couldn’t live up the salary, that teams would just look to dump him. Now, I’m not saying that’s true, or that Campbell can’t become what his salary is. But Campbell’s hardly alone. Has 64th overall pick in his draft year, and former Conn Smythe Winner, BRAD RICHARDS, lived up to his $7.8 million, that Tampa gave him? Is Chara worth $7.5 million? Is Drury worth $7 million? Is Gomez? Is Briere? Sometimes, in the quest for more money, it hurts the player. There’s a stigma attached to being overpaid. Luckily, Bobby Holik is now retired and no longer a Thrasher, being paid $4.25 million, to be a 3rd line center. I think Jose Theodore is feeling some of that, too. When a player is no longer worth the money anymore … or was NEVER worth the money he was paid, he becomes an albatross, in a salary cap league. Can that feel good? I’m sure the money is still plenty green. But don’t hockey players want to win? Don’t they want to feel needed? Don’t they want to feel validated for all their hard work? They want appreciation for what they do. And they want to excel, professionally, to achieve their career objectives. How does one do that … when every time they roll into a new rink the fans snicker, “Nice pass, Redden. $6.5 million, for thaaat?” Or Andy Sutton trying to advance down a tunnel, only to hear, “$3 million-a-year, and you STILL SUCK.”

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Brendan, your assessment of Brian Campbell and a host of other free agents is right on. This is the fear that I have on July 1; that we will become another team that overpays for a player.

I look past tier 1 free agents to tier 2, guys like Antropov, Gill and Scuderi.

ESPN has us announcing Dudley’s addition tomorrow.

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I too would like to say to all my fellow dads-”Happy Fathers Day!!”

Very good points Brendan! But you know some will say when Kovy resigns that we gave him to much. Oh well.

And I’d LOVE to see Scuderi in a Thrashers uniform,very underrated defender who’d look good beside Bogo.

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Believe it or not, I have a hockey card of Floyd Smith. I think it was a Topps card, from 1971 or 1972. George “Punch” Imlach deserved a lot of credit for that Sabre team in the 70’s. Very well constructed. It’s really a shame that the Sabres, of that era, didn’t win a Cup. If Atlanta ever assembled a team like that, Philips Arena would be soldout most nights. When a team has two (2) 50-goal scorers, two (2) 40-goal scored, and 3-5 players who net around 30 goals apiece, it’s a very potent offense. The Sabres, of that era, wouldn’t hesitate to run up the score to a 10-spot. They once beat the Washington Capitals, 14-2. It wasn’t entirely uncommon for the French Connection line to have Perreault get two goals, Robert two goals, and Martin a hat trick. The Sabres were a threat to score double-digit goals in that wide-open style of play era. I remember Buffalo went into Cleveland and beat the Barons, 13-3. Even on the road, Buffalo could light it up, back then.

Pondscum, Smitty, and World Be Free, I definitely think that if the Thrashers make any moves in free agency, it will be the Tier II variety. If a Tier I player is added, my guess is … it will be via trade. But unfortunately, it’ll probably be some salary dump by the trading team. Which makes me nervous. The other team grabs a prospect, like sayyy, PAVELEC, and we get a “Briere/Gomez/Redden” type. I’d rather keep Pavelec, even if his agent is “whiny.”

Truthfully, I’d be far happier if the Thrashers just “handled its business” with the personnel they’ve got. Proactively, they can approach Bryan Little and Ondrej Pavelec, on the RFA side. On the proactive UFA side, there’s obviously Kovalchuk, but there’s also Kozlov. A one-year proactive deal with Kozzie might not be bad. Then there’s the other pending RFA’s, like Slater, Armstrong, Lehtonen and Valabik. And category VI guys, too, like Crabb and Oysterick.

Question: If you were a team looking to make a salary dump to Atlanta, what prospect would you ask for? My guesses are Pavelec, Oysterick, B. Sterling and Valabik. Keep in mind, the other team’s goal is primarily just to shed salary. They’re not going to especially be picky about the return. In this regard, could someone like Valabik be part of a package? I know all the speculation is Pavelec or Lehtonen, just b/c Waddell hinted that a goalie might be traded. But Valabik is a former 1st rounder. In theory, that’s supposed to bring a higher caliber “salary dump” player to Atlanta. For example, which of these overpaid players would you want more: Briere, Gomez, B. Richards, S. Horcoff, C. Drury, B. Campbell, W. Redden, D. Penner, J. Finger? Isn’t there a bit of a pecking order there, in terms of just how badly overpaid the player might be?

My fear, previously dodged successfully, was that Atlanta would go chase Wade Redden and pay him $6.5 million or more. Instead, we wound up with Ron Hainsey. Well, that nightmare returns if Redden winds up here, while Valabik goes elsewhere. See what I mean?

Unfortunately, “stupid is as stupid does.” I’ve always said it, “in an era of salary cap, decision-making is magnified. It’s difficult to overcome bad decisions.”

Happy Father’s Day!

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That must have been incredible, World Be Free. What was the chant inside the Aud?: “11, 12, 13, 14, we want 15!!!”

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Ranallo-I totally agree. A good group here.

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