Thrashers Do Right…Bring In Dudley
TSN is confirming the rumors that Rick Dudley has left the Chicago Blackhawk organization to join the Atlanta Thrashers.”Rick has informed me that he has resigned from his position with the Blackhawks to pursue other opportunities,” said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon in a statement. ”I would like to extend my gratitude to him for his work with our organization and certainly wish him well in the future.”
The TNS story cites Dudley as becoming an assistant GM with the team…Craig Custance has indicated that his title could be associate GM.
Rick Dudley played in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets as well as the Cincinnati Stingers of the WHA.
He was the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 1989-92. He’s also spent time behind the bench in Florida and has an overall record of 98-89-43 as a coach…he went 4-8 in the playoffs while with the Sabres.
He was the general manager for the Ottawa Senators during the 1998-99 season. The Sens won the Northeast Division that year with 103 points, scored 239 goals and let up just 179. However, they were swept in the opening round of the playoffs by the Buffalo Sabres who went on to win the Eastern Conference Championship.
Dudley was senior vice president and general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning for 2-1/2 years as they built a Stanley Cup championship team earlier in this decade.
He was hired as a consultant by the Blackhawks in 2004 and was then hired as assistant GM there in 2006.
Rick Dudley was born on January 31, 1949 in Toronto, Ontario and grew up in Port Hope, Ontario. He is married to Ja-Hee.
OK…so I’ll let the speculation begin as to whether or not this means the Thrashers are going to “Rich McKay” Don Waddell in the near future…in essence, handing over the general manager’s duty to Dudley while performing the Executive Vice President’s role full time.
Either way, I see this as very positive news. Even…do we dare say…movement in the right direction.
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134 comments Add your comment
R. Stroz
June 18th, 2009
10:02 pm
The tide may have turned…FINALLY!
LAC
June 18th, 2009
10:17 pm
Good Lord,could THIS FINALLY be the end of waddell ?
This franchise has been so STALE so Long it’s awful…
I hope thisis the case,ANYONE is better than waddell…
Has ags awakened to the fact waddell IS the biggest problem this franchise has, followed CLOSE by asg !!!!!
Mark
June 18th, 2009
10:46 pm
I know this is a move that is extremely rare for the ASG group. Maybe someone’s finally getting sense that 10 years was a bit much for one man with very little success to show for it. I wouldn’t mind the Thrashers do a McKay on Waddell.
On a side note, I see the folks at the NHL home office obiviously didn’t think enough of Mr. Bogosian’s rookie stint this last season to at least put him on the All Rookie team this year. Ah well…we should be used to snubs by now, but doesn’t mean we have to take it or like it.
Brendan
June 18th, 2009
10:53 pm
Overall, I like this move. It shows me that the EKG exam detected brainwaves, as opposed to brain death. Yay! The synapses are firing!
On the previous blog, I listed Dudleys “hits and misses” while in Florida. But I was delinquent in pointing out that he did good things in Tampa, too. I think the TSN article mentions some of the key components he acquired for the Lightning in their march to the Cup in 2004.
Keep it going, Thrashers! It’s not the greatest of all possible moves. But, how likely was that, anyway? Waddell found someone “willing” to come here. That’s “friendship” for ya.
2-fister
June 18th, 2009
11:11 pm
All I want for Christmas is my Ice Birds playing .500 hockey!
Please “promote” Teflon Donny IMMEDIATELY!!!
LAC
June 18th, 2009
11:20 pm
RAWHIDE scoops ajc…. Great Job !
Brendan
June 18th, 2009
11:26 pm
Ya know, when Waddell is finally gone, it might take a full YEAR for the shock to wear off. Another thought occurs to me. Supposing, for the moment, that Dudley actually becomes the GM, is he Anne Sullivan? Is he “The Miracle Worker?” He’s gonna have to be, you do realize. Right? Same Octocluster for ownership. Same budget. And does Dudley have any players who are so FIERCELY LOYAL TO HIM, that he can coax them here? Deep, in the Heart of Blueland.
kracker
June 18th, 2009
11:35 pm
Looks like DW in charge thru the draft, FA and re-signing period, then he moves ‘up’ to the VP slot. Make your last moves good ones, Donnie.
pond scum
June 19th, 2009
12:57 am
Let’s hope and pray for that kracker to happen. My only worry is that if/when Dudley does take over,is he going to tear down the team yet again to his liking?
Brendan-up until this past season, the Preds had made the postseason 4 years running on a very limited budget. They gave the Wings all they could handle 2 out of those 4 times,so it can be done. I also think the Wild,Blues,Islanders have accomplished this recently,with the low budgets. But outside the Isles,the other teams have pretty decent GMs to guide them.
Maybe it’s our turn for that.
scottbravesfan
June 19th, 2009
4:28 am
Christmas in June! Please let this be the end to the Teflon Don!!!!!
World Be Free
June 19th, 2009
6:06 am
Dus is a great character guy with a fine reputation in the NHL. He built his rep over 35 years as a player, lower minor league manager, coach and bus driver.
Then he was redicovered as an NHL coach and executive. A good guy who will do well.
The Real Fan
June 19th, 2009
6:30 am
‘Bout time!
Smitty
June 19th, 2009
6:34 am
Some much needed help.
NorthStarsDave
June 19th, 2009
6:49 am
This might be a hire by…dare we say…the new owners…which Waddell might be part of….
If there are not new owners, the Thrashers would already be in Hamilton….
dwayne
June 19th, 2009
7:02 am
HALELUJAH!!!!!!!
Alan
June 19th, 2009
7:16 am
Dave, Waddell hired Dudley. And there aren’t any new owners. Yet.
Toby
June 19th, 2009
7:17 am
Hopefully, Dudley can work wonders at the cap floor…
dwayne
June 19th, 2009
7:34 am
this feels good for us fans, think about how good some of the players must feel….
Midfield
June 19th, 2009
7:37 am
Brendan, why would Waddell like for anybody to come in and take away his responsibilities? Isn’t this viewed by everyone here as a step toward the exit door for him? Or it’s just a wishful thinking?
Toby
June 19th, 2009
8:10 am
Midfield
My guess is that this move was made to make season ticket holders happy. I believe that Dub (finally) got instructed to find an assistant for some help to appease all the “fire Waddell” folks like you and me.
I just hope the both of them can get on the same page since it’s only a week before the draft and free agency…
dwayne
June 19th, 2009
8:13 am
DW still needs to be fired….If Atl. continues to suck, DW is gonna blame RD.
Jenn
June 19th, 2009
8:21 am
Did Christmas come early? Thank the hockey gods…
Smitty
June 19th, 2009
8:25 am
One of my best memories of Rick Dudley was when he beat the hell out of Bob Kelly of the Flyers during the 1975 playoff finals. One of my worst memories was when he left the Sabres for Cincinnatti of the WHA the following season.
He was a tough hockey and lacrosse player. Hopefully he will help bring in some of the type of player that he was.
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
8:34 am
Midfield, my guess is this. Dudley and Waddell are pals, from way back. He phones up Dudley to say … “We’re reshuffling a bit here, in Atlanta, and we may need a GM. Want the job?” Dudley, scratches his head, and says, “Don, you’re the GM.” Don answers, “Not if the ticket sales don’t pick up. Are you willing to come? When I step down, the job will be yours.” Dudley says, “For real?” Don nods. Don still has a job, as the new “Rich McKay” of the Octocluster. Is Dudley guaranteed/promised a full-time GM gig in Chicago? Is Dale Tallon (Blackhawks GM) stepping down, anytime soon? Allrightee then. So, Waddell successfully passes a position to a friend. Some call that, “cronyism.” I call it, “The effect of the Waddell tentacles, still controlling this organization.”
When Dudley wants to pull a deal, doesn’t he still have to ask, “Mother, may I?” to Don Waddell? If the answer is, “no,” that’s a bit more encouraging. But still doesn’t fix the budget. Worse yet, if Dudley becomes GM, and resigns in disgust, or is fired by Waddell, guess who could be BAAAAAACK? Answer: Don Waddell, the NEW “interim” GM. For 76 games. Hypothetically. D’oh!! And guess who’ll HIRE the next GM AFTER Dudley?? Oh, c’mon now. You all know the answer. This is why … the correct thing to do … if the organization truly wants to make a change … is to fire Waddell and REMOVE HIM COMPLETELY from anything involving the Thrashers. Even oversight of the budget. ‘Cuz I promise you, even if Dudley is the GM, Waddell will be sitting at that table, on Draft Day, still POSSESSING INFLUENCE. That’s not the “meaningful changes” to which poster Bob always refers.
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
8:36 am
pond scum, I hope you’re right. GM’s like David Poile and Doug Wilson have shown what can be done, on a shoestring budget.
dwayne
June 19th, 2009
8:46 am
Brendan, it wasn’t a phone call, they were at Tattletales with Levenson……..
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
8:52 am
Brendan… Mother May I?… absolutely. But there has to be SOME level of trust in Dudley’s decisions. As long as it makes budgetary sense, I don’t see why Waddell wouldn’t approve anything… otherwise, what would be the point of having Dudley?
I love all the conspiracy theories going on… it’s simple. ASG likes Waddell’s ability to balance a budget. He’ll be PROMOTED to President of Hockey Operations. Much like John Davidson in St. Louis. Dudley will eventually be GM. Don Waddell is hiring him because he’s a trusted friend.
Waddell isn’t going anywhere besides a bigger office with a view… the good news, for most of you, is he’s handing over the reigns… be it someone he trusts and probably shares similar views on how to manage a hockey team.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
8:54 am
GM’s like David Poile and Doug Wilson have shown what can be done, on a shoestring budget.
Like trading all your best players to Philly? Putting Peverley on waivers while retaining Radek Bonk?
Sean
June 19th, 2009
9:15 am
I hope this doesn’t mean the end of DW. Nothing says “ownership doesn’t get it” like DW being able to hand-pick his successor. We could do better if and when DW moves on.
J
June 19th, 2009
9:43 am
Waddell is not handing over any thing reigns or power. RD is here as another scape goat remeber the Thrashers are built for one purpose and that is to keep Don Waddell employed. But RD brings another opion to the table for as long as he lasts and that can not be a bad thing.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
9:51 am
Rawhide… I must be waking up now, I just got the joke in your article title… Dudley Do Right… good one.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
9:55 am
RD is here as another scape goat remeber the Thrashers are built for one purpose and that is to keep Don Waddell employed.
Yeah, that makes sense. (sarcasm)
I’m sure Rick Dudley left a winning organization in Chicago to be a “scapegoat” in Atlanta.
Billsen
June 19th, 2009
9:57 am
I could also see Don moving up to take Bernie Mullin’s old spot. The guy has fallen on the sword too many times for him to be tossed under the bus. And I think it would be VERY good to have a hockey guy in Bernie’s old role – Bernie was a hoops guy.
Spud Webb
June 19th, 2009
9:59 am
PR move, but who CARES. If Dudley falls flat on his face I don’t CARE. I am SO freaking happy that we (The Thrashers) are at least TRYING TO DO SOMETHING positive. WOW, we are “attempting” new ideas & looking to possibly fix some things????????????? hahahaha, THANK YOU ASG MORONS!!!!! Jeager at 10am??????????? WHY NOT, time to celebrate!!!!!!
Good luck Dudley!!!! DW now you can accept your promotion, ahahhaaah, it’s so well deserved, let Dudley do the “GM” thing. man o man it’s a great friday.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
10:01 am
And I think it would be VERY good to have a hockey guy in Bernie’s old role – Bernie was a hoops guy.
I thought Bernie was a soccer guy… or better yet, a tea and crumpets guy.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
10:05 am
I hope we’re not getting ahead of ourselves, ala Ken Griffey Jr… this isn’t on the Thrashers official site yet. As we all know, it’s not official until it shows up there.
Hopefully Dudley isn’t pulling a “Nikulin” on us to get more money from Florida.
10 yr plan
June 19th, 2009
10:12 am
Rawhide, great work as always. Brendan, you’re dead on. Waddell and Dudley have been friends for years. Dudley will become a puppet for Waddell even if he eventually becomes GM. Unfortunately, this move is not even close to what the Falcons did last year. Let’s hope the draft goes well.
Bob
June 19th, 2009
10:25 am
“Isn’t this viewed by everyone here as a step toward the exit door for him? Or it’s just a wishful thinking?’
Wishful thinking. Dudley is good friends with Waddell. I recall that when Dudley was run out of Tampa Bay (yes, he was run out of there for trying to trade Vinny for prospects), Waddell spoke up for him in the press and wished his good friend well. Didn’t we try to bring him in here at that time but he took another job?
This is not like what the Falcons did, and I think Hokie may have the bead on this, Waddell is eventually being moved upstairs and Dudley is his boy he brought in to hand reins to, I’m not too excited about this, it means Waddell remains in charge and he brought in his lackey so he can continue to pull the strings.
We need a completely fresh start, not more of the Waddell era.
Billsen
June 19th, 2009
10:35 am
GaVaHokie – he was an NBA guy:
* SVP Marketing and Team Business Operations for the National Basketball Association (2000-2004)
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
11:07 am
Thanks Billsen!
This is getting strange that we haven’t seen anything more official yet… are we waiting on a noon press conference or something? I’m so glad the AJC cut back on it’s staff.
Rawhide
June 19th, 2009
11:17 am
Looks like Dudley was interested in the Florida job after all…but told Brian Biggane, (writer for the Panthers I believe), that he “already had something else lined up”.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 19th, 2009
11:49 am
Is it possible that “Rick Dudley” is code for “Steve Yzerman”? Please?
Alan
June 19th, 2009
11:50 am
I second your motion, ranallo!
World Be Free
June 19th, 2009
12:09 pm
Smitty-you and I have the same memories. My other Duds memory was was when he scored his 30th goal in the 74 season. He was the last of 6 sabres to score 30 goals that year. The Aud never rocked so loud.
Ogie Ogelthorpe
June 19th, 2009
12:12 pm
Have the Thrashers confirmed this hiring yet?
Rawhide
June 19th, 2009
12:21 pm
Ogie – There is no official word from the Thrashers organization as of yet.
I understand that the Florida Panthers are preparing a news conference in about an hour or so…are they getting ready to announce their new GM?
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
12:28 pm
Eklund is saying the Panthers might have hired Neil Smith… interesting.
I’m ready for all this to be resolved and official.
Alan
June 19th, 2009
12:29 pm
From what I’ve heard, Rawhide, this big news deal from the Panthers is a player signing.
They also just completed a trade with the Coyotes, sending Stefan Meyer to the desert in exchange for Steven Reinprecht. Florida just signed Reinprecht to a three year contract.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
12:31 pm
Maybe this is the big Panthers news… Steve Reinprecht trade from PHO.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282319
Alan
June 19th, 2009
12:34 pm
The Islanders also now have a new assistant coach:
Dean Chynoweth just completed a press conference where he resigned as Head Coach and General Manager of the Swift Current Broncos to assume an assistant coaching position with the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders.
dwayne
June 19th, 2009
1:00 pm
Brendan, what is the conversation between Dudley and “the dud” gonna be like on draft day?
Denny
June 19th, 2009
1:00 pm
RAWHIDE: JUST a BIG THANK YOU for doing your blog and I truly enjoy your writing style. What ever the AJC pays (if anything) you bring more enjoyable and better coverage than their professional staff.
THANKS AGAIN and keep it coming thru Draft and Free Agency.
Jeff
June 19th, 2009
1:11 pm
Well, at this point, it can’t hurt!
B. Thenet
June 19th, 2009
1:16 pm
I find it hard to believe that someone would leak this to Custance if it wasn’t a done deal.
Rawhide
June 19th, 2009
1:19 pm
Denny – Thank you very much for the kind words…and I thank you for being a reader. Please chime in more often.
Jeff – Indeed!
B. Thenet – I have to agree. TSN is even reporting this as a done deal as well as XM’s NHL Home Ice programming. It’s a little surprising why nothing has come from the team yet.
Alan
June 19th, 2009
1:20 pm
I guess the trade was the big news out of Florida. It’s like being promised the best tasting beer in the world, and being handed a Corona.
The Joker
June 19th, 2009
1:33 pm
Has Anderson offically been named the coach yet?
Sara
June 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
OK time for a very important discussion!!!! Apparently the NHL is looking at having a double-header Winter Classic next New Year’s. Fenway Park is one location (leaked repeatedly already) but apparently the other is in Calgary. Um hellloooo?????!!!!!???? Flames-Thrashers anyone?? I know they are going to do the PC thing and make this two Canadian teams (boring – seen it a million times already). But honestly, seriously, this needs to be Flames-Thrashers. At some point they need to start bringing up Southern US teams into this thing and what match-up makes more sense than Flames-Thrashers??
Any chance someone at Atlanta Spirit HQ is paying any attention to this and even *attempting* to lobby for it? (Doubtful).
(accompanying article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4270968)
Alan
June 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
I actually mentioned the very same thing the other day on HFboards, Sara! If the NHL is serious about marketing nontraditional market teams, a Thrashers vs. Flames game is the very thing to help a certain nontraditional market we all know and love.
kushg
June 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
why is this news, the asg said they were going this route a year ago, same as they did with the hawks.
Toby
June 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
If anyone cares, this guy is posting Eklund’s rumor chart for free…looks like his usual crap to me.
http://hockeybuzzrumorchart.com
polskidawg
June 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
I’m with the group that sees this a reshuffling the deck chairs – not the change that is needed. Hockey in Atlanta will continue to suffer until ownership changes, or has a burst of enlightenment and cleans house, starting from the ground floor.
LAC
June 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Odd how the ONLY mention of all of this is right here on the ICEMAN blog.
Nothing official from team, NOTHING from this new ajc reporter,
where is he these days ???
Just another example of is this true ?
LAC
June 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
I see this Eklund movement chart has KEN KLEE maybe coming here…
Good Grief !!!!!!!!! We need Ken Klee like a bag of 50 year old pucks !!!!
Sadtoseeitthisway
June 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Maybe DW could get lost on one of his “European Scouting Trips”. Then we would have someone in place for the GM position who could do this job. Anyone out there like to have this, ahem “contract”?
Alan
June 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
A lot of those “rumors” are outdated though, LAC. The most recent one that mentions us is Tanguay (8 June). Alex Tanguay will be 30 this season, and scored 41pts (16g 25a) last season with Montreal. He was also a +13 and had 34PIM.
He might be good on our second line. Only problem is, Kozlov is a LW, and so is Tanguay. We would be misusing him by playing him on the third line, especially since we already have enough third liners in the system.
In short, I wouldn’t put much stock into Tanguay, or any other “rumor chart” addition. Which means, just because Eklund’s chart lists Klee as a possible addition by Atlanta, doesn’t mean a thing. There’s nothing for him here. Phoenix can keep him, or he can get a KHL gig. Hell, he might get to play with his buddy Alexei “Glass Rod Of Failures” Zhitnik again!.
Sara
June 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
LAC – Chris stated when he posted his last blog that he was going on assignment and wouldn’t be around. Don’t get snippy at him just because the paper won’t employ anyone specifically for hockey duty anymore. Yeah it stinks, but that doesn’t make it Vivlamore’s fault or problem.
R. Stroz
June 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
Ok everyone, according to the blueland blog:
http://www.bluelandblog.com/
“Expect a Thrashers personel announcement next week once paperwork has been finalized.”
This deal is done, no need to sweat unless you’re outside.
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
Hokie, I never liked that move, either (Peverley lost to waiver claim). Well, from THEIR standpoint, anyway. I’m delighted that Peverly is here. And I didn’t think chasing after Forsberg was particularly necessary. But I understood why they did it. They didn’t have home ice locked up for the entirety of the playoffs, and thought Forsberg could help them steal a Game 7, on the road.
Hokie, surely you knew I was referring to David Poile’s stewardship of Predators, which resulted in four straight years of playoff berths. And, truthfully, they almost got in again this year. I think they only missed by a few points. I get it, though. Bottom line: Preds didn’t quality. Period, the end. I’d take David Poile as GM in heartbeat. Doug Wilson, too. Although, he’s got to be feeling the heat after a President’s Trophy season ended in a 1st round defeat (8th seeded Anaheim Ducks).
Dwayne, the conversation on Draft Day won’t be at Tattletales. But I’d imagine, it goes something like this. Waddell asks, “So Rick, who do you like at #4?” Dudley responds, “whoever you do.” Waddell smiles, then says, “That’s right.” And a fine protege he’ll be!
Doug Wilson became the Sharks GM on May 13, 2003. He hired Coaches Ron Wilson and Todd McLellan (Sp?). Under Doug Wilson’s leadership and oversight, the Sharks have won five (5) playoff series. They reached the CF in 2004, losing to Calgary in six games, after dispatching Colorado in six and St. Louis in five. In 2005, he didn’t do diddly squat. Nor did anyone else. Since it was The Lockout. In 2006, the Sharks sent the Predators packing, in five. But then, (Gasp) disaster struck. Up 2-0 in the series with Edmonton, the Oilers would rally to take the next four. Ouch. In 2007, Nashville rolled the dice with Forsberg, but the Sharks still prevailed over the Preds in five. San Jose couldn’t get past Detroit in 2007. In 2008, Wilson got his revenge on the Calgary Flames, from the CF in 2004. It took seven games, but the Sharks emerged victorious. But their season came to an end vs. Dallas, in six.
Could the Preds/Sharks results have been better? Stop. Unless you win the Stanley Cup, the answer to that is “yes.” But they performed at least adequately under their GM’s, most of the time, without the benefit of a maxed cap.
Alan
June 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
no need to sweat unless you’re outside.
Or living at my house!
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
R.Stroz, I think, just like last year, they want to announce it at the draft. I loved it when you posted, “Looks like Waddell hasn’t realized he’s made another hire.” Priceless.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
5:32 pm
Brendan… it’s tough… If you look at the current Nashville roster versus what it SHOULD look like with the proper player retention…
Vokoun, Timonen, Upshall, Hartnell, Peverley, Parent, Skrastins
… I’m not completely knocking Poille, but I’m sure he’d like a few of those moves back.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
5:35 pm
Stroz… I clicked on the Blueland Blog… I don’t see that comment. Am I missing something?
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
5:37 pm
Nevermind… I see it now… last sentence.
GaVaHokie
June 19th, 2009
5:39 pm
Interesting rumor on Antropov… according to Andy Strickland
The Rangers and Nik Antropov are having some preliminary discussions as they would like to re-sign the 29 yr old sniper, but in reality there is very little the Rangers can do unless they move some bodies.
I’m told Antropov is seeking a 4-5 yr. deal worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $4-5 million per season.
Tony C.
June 19th, 2009
5:43 pm
I dunno. Seems to me that this summer is deciding the fate of NHL in Atlanta… Dudley has experience in spades, made some “boneheaded” moves as a front-office guy, but also hit some “homeruns”… I would think that Dudley won’t need to be brought up to speed too much on the draft, given his last position with the ‘Hawks. Granted the needs may be a little different, but I’m pretty sure the guy knows the players he likes.
As far as him being the “next” GM…dude, haven’t we all basically said at some point or another-”damn I could do as well as DW”.
Well here’s an actual hockey guy that might just get the chance to prove us right (or wrong).
One thing I do like about Dudley in a front office role-he isn’t afraid to “go for it”-the LeCavalier debacle immediately springs to mind. Any guy who’s willing to make that sort of deal has some stones. And that, my friends is something that’s been lacking from this club for a LONG while.
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
5:51 pm
Sara, I hope your wish, vis-a-vis the “Winter Classic,” is granted. But I’m not too sure how soon we’ll see a Southern team in it. My history isn’t entirely up to date. Here’s what I remember of the Winter Classics that have been played. Edmonton vs. Montreal, at Edmonton. Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo, at Buffalo. Detroit vs. Chicago, at Chicago. There might have been others. It just seems like the NHL is more receptive to “non-traditional” markets playing in Europe to begin the season. I think Los Angeles, Anaheim and Tampa Bay have gone that route.
If Atlanta ever hosted a Winter Classic, heyyy … we did have SNOW this past Winter!!, where would they hold it? My guess is Turner Field. How many does the Soccer Stadium hold? Obviously, it’s much more likely to have the Thrashers travel to the cold weather city. But along Sara’s line of thinking, how ’bout this one: Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild, at Minnesota? Or Carolina (Hartford) vs. Boston, at Fenway Park?
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
6:00 pm
Hokie, I definitely think he’d like to have Hartnell and Upshall back. Hmmn, and Parent. Vokoun is a great goalie. But I think they’ve found a suitable replacement there.
wxwax
June 19th, 2009
6:26 pm
The worst thing you can do is give a man hope.
Please stop!
Toby
June 19th, 2009
6:27 pm
I would love to have Antropov signed here. He’s good for clearing a lane for Kovy and he’s good for 50-60 pts (maybe more on Kovy’s line). He can pick up the garbage goals too. Dub did mention we need more size up front (6-6 230 lbs oughta do). I’d sign him for 3 yrs/$12 mil. That way he still can be a UFA one last time.
Sara
June 19th, 2009
7:40 pm
Various points – regarding Poile. I would contend that the reason he made some of those trades was economics. Hartnell makes $4.2M, Vokoun $5.7M. Parent and Upshall have still been cheap but both get new contracts this year so we’ll see what that looks like. But based on the budget constraints Nashville operates under, Poile couldn’t pay all of those salaries…it was trade them or trade someone else. Them’s the breaks and the hard choices that must be made. I think Waddell has had to make a lot of those same choices. People complain about some of the FAs he let walk away but who would you rather have…Brunette or Kovy? Audette or Heatley/Hossa? When the budget runs in the $20M-$28M range, those are the choices one has to make. Stinks.
As to the Winter Classic – my impression has been that ultimately the League will include all 30 franchises. 15 Winter Classics will make it happen. So at some point you have to include those non-trad markets. Let’s face it – there will be some non-trad owners who will squawk at Bettman eventually saying “hey, what about us??” The problem for the League is whether or not anyone will find a game with a non-trad team interesting. Maybe, maybe not. But they would likely find Calgary-Atlanta or Dallas-Minnesota more interesting than Toronto-Dallas or Minnesota-Florida. There are stories there. Take advantage of them I say. But then that takes foresight and some marketing savvy, two things I think the League is sorely lacking.
LAC
June 19th, 2009
8:54 pm
Kiss it sara !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAC
June 19th, 2009
9:52 pm
Sara, to be a sports writer for a specific sport, you should know a little what is going on…. Even if on assignment, vacation or just not doing your job, when the Thrashers hire someone to assist the GM…
He should know and report it ASAP !!!!!
I could careless about him being gone, you can ALWAYS report from whereever you are on a subject as important as this.
I will NOT give this new guy a break, he seems uninterested in reporting to us on the Thrashers, so YOU sara, look where the info is coming from and choose who is and is NOT doing their job !
World Be Free
June 19th, 2009
10:46 pm
The Winter Classic in Buffalo was unbelieveable-so much fun we forgot there was a hockey game going on. On disappointment-some snow feel in my Labatts and slightly diluted its flavor and alcohol content.
I used to sell hot dogs at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the ’70s. One windy and cold place-but alotta fun.
Sign Duds and lets move forward
World Be Free
June 19th, 2009
10:56 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4aQWoOrq7g
Duds
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
11:02 pm
Sara, I like that idea of all 30 teams, eventually, participating in the Winter Classic. I don’t know how they could work two warm weather climates together, other than to hold it in a “neutral site” cold weather location. Before you say, “never,” the NHL has experimented with neutral site games, just to see how well they would be attended. My guess for the next Winter Classic, unless it’s already been announced, is Montreal vs. Boston, at Fenway. Or, why not? Bruins vs. Rangers, at Steinbrenner’s palace in New York. Unless, for some reason, they want to play it at Shea Stadium.
Regarding the “Dudley Done Diddly Doright” story, (Copyright, Ned Flanders, “Simpsons,” 20th Century Fox, all rights reserveed,) I do wonder who “leaked” the story, but it’s just the hiring of an Associate GM. And, I think the organization just wanted to wait to announce it on Friday, at the draft. Had it been the firing of Waddell, or the announcement of Dudley as the NEW GM, I’d argue that the Paper has to produce a printed article, of some depth, by someone. Carroll Rodgers sometiems does Thrashers pieces. Jeff Schultz is on vacation/handling a family matter. I did notice a blurb in the print edition of the AJC on the Dudley story.
NotADime
June 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
FINALLY!! I am a Philly transplant and love this sport, but absolutely refuse to go to a Thrashers game (or give them any of my money) until they get rid of Waddell. He wouldn’t have lasted 3 years in Philly. Made the playoffs once in nine years and never won a playoff game…traded Coburn (actually I am happy about that) for what??? Nice guy, but has to go in order for this team to move forward. The Thrashers are the worst franchise in NHL history. They need to win to keep the team in ATL. Will never happen with Waddell calling the shots. Call me a fairweathered fan, but I supported them the first five years; I have the Thrasher’s gear to prove it…gave up after that. I won’t even get started about the current group of silver-spooned owners…..
kickstartmyheart
June 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
If there’s a Winter Classic involving the Atlanta Thrashers ANYWHERE ON EARTH, I’M SOOOO THERE!!!
I just felt something embiggen in my pants!
Brendan
June 19th, 2009
11:23 pm
World Be Free, the thing that I think sets the Buffalo Winter Classic apart from the others was the perfect setting of lightly falling snow. It was like a postcard. The attendance was phenomenal. It drew from southern Ontario to Western Pennsylvania, and Northeastern Ohio. I think I saw a fan wearing a (defunct NHL) Cleveland Barons jersey at that game. Back in the late 70’s, Cleveland represented what used to be the Oakland Seals (California Golden Seals) that came into the league in 1967, as part of Expansion. By ‘78, the Barons had merged with the North Stars, who are now in Dallas.
My only criticism of the Buffalo Winter Classic was the constant resurfacing of the ice, because of that falling snow. Seemed like it took 4 hours to play that game. Also, the game will be remembered fondly because one of the league’s Icons, Sid Crosby, scored the game winning goal, in the shootout.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 20th, 2009
3:12 am
Nearly everybody has opined that “anyone is better than Waddell”, and now when a small move is made that could be foreshadowing Waddell’s departure many of those same people are saying “yeah, but he’s a Waddell guy, it’s not an improvement.”.
Beggars apparently CAN be choosers.
theriddler
June 20th, 2009
3:32 am
Yawn. I’ll check back after the next 5-year plan.
World Be Free
June 20th, 2009
8:19 am
Brendan, that’s the wonder of playing the sport outside. The conditions are never perfect outside.
But as a player, there is nothing like playing the game on a frozen pond. You never have to pay for ice time, or “schedule” your game around anything but the weather. Playing inside under any conditions just does not compare.
So as much as I agree with the continued resurfacing in the Buffalo game, it had a component that reminded me of my youth. Back then, the only real problem about playing outside was drawing the short straw-being the guy selected to have the cut the hole in the ice with your skate, to let the water in to your surface would be “resurfaced” for the next day!
Glovesave29
June 20th, 2009
9:08 am
C’mon – do you REALLY think that Dudley would leave a good job, with an immensely talented up and coming team in Chicago (while working with a legend in Scotty Bowman), say no to a young and also talented (but not so much as Chicago) team in Florida, just to come here and be a lackey for Don Waddell? He’s an ex-player, he’s got an ego and a strong drive to excel. He wants to prove he can win where it has not happened before. To thrive where his predecessor floundered – under the same regime.
As for the outdoor game in Calgary, I’d be FLOORED if they didn’t awaken the ghosts of the pasts and play the “Battle of Alberta” with the Oilers. Just think of who they roll out – Theo Fleury, Mike Vernon, Joe Nieuwendyk, Brett Hull, Doug Gilmour, Al MacInnis and Lanny McDonald for the Flames, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Grank Fuhr, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson, Esa Tikkanen for the Oilers. Have an another old timers game prior to the real tilt. The Flames / Thrash makes sense if it were here in Atlanta (obvious logistics issues aside) as the old vs. the new, but makes little sense both in Calgary or for the rest of the nation.
Brendan
June 20th, 2009
10:04 am
Dudley is an improvement over Waddell, but Waddell’s STILL the GM. Every internet outlet tells me so. And the Spirit, LLC, is still the ownership, and has yet to have an epiphany over the way it sets its budgets and conducts its business. Which, therefore, still subjects itself to untold, and deserved scrutiny. I think it’s something of a tragedy that a fanbase has to beg for what organizations would do instinctively. Look at the changes around the league. Pick a year. Any year. Colorado mades changes, as a result of finishing 28th in the league. Calgary made changes, just because they didn’t reach Round II. The Rangers made changes, letting Renney go, during the year. Chicago made a coaching change 3-4 games into the season. Montreal fired Guy Carbonneau. A few years ago, Vancouver fired GM Dave Nonis, just because he didn’t advance the team into the CF. It looked good for Vancouver to reach that goal this year, but the Blackhawks said, “nyet.” Toronto brought in Burke, as installed by Cliff Fletcher. But prior to that, they released John Ferguson, Jr. from his GM duties. Tampa made changes when it didn’t get the results it wanted. Probably not for the better, but they didn’t accept and embrace losing.
I like the Dudley move. And if he becomes the GM, one fine day, I think he will be an improvement over Waddell. I just hope Dudley isn’t a “figure head” GM, like Garth Snow is/has been in Long Island. Real change … means effecting a new business model. A car company that adds a spoiler or a moonroof, or an upgraded surround sound standard feature package … hasn’t really done anything. It’s repackaged its same ol’ crappy car, with some modest improvements. Is a car nicer with an MP3 player, Onstar(TM) and navigation system installed in it, on the lot? Sure. Do those things make the gas mileage, reliance or dependability any better? What do you think. Oy gavult.
Brendan
June 20th, 2009
10:13 am
World Be Free, thus far … I’d still rate the Buffalo Winter Classic as the best. Now, I must admit something. I didn’t see Montreal vs. Edmonton. I think it ended in a 3-3 tie. And Detroit vs. Chicago, was something like 5-3? But really, the Red Wings completely dominated the 2nd half of that game. As I recall, Chicago got out to an early lead. Anywho, with Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh, it was tied for most of the game, or within 1 goal, and had to be decided by a shootout.
In the big scheme of things, World Be Free, it’ll be difficult for another Winter Classic to top the one in Buffalo. (1) lightly falling snow, (2) great, close game, (3) shootout, (4) NHL Icon winning it. Those are fantastic elements to have!
Glovesave29
June 20th, 2009
10:23 am
Brendan – my guess is that Dudley is already Waddell’s replacement. The Blackhawks would not give another team permission to talk to one of their employees for a lateral move. He also turned down the head GM job in Florida. Again, logically he would not leave Chicago and reject Florida to be someones assistant. I gotta think that the Thrashers are doing much like the Braves did when they moved Schuerholz upstairs and gave the GM reins to Wren.
Why does the Winter Classic need to be in an NHL city anyhow? Why not Quebec, Winnipeg (Regina, Saskatoon) they have CFL stadiums that can handle this.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 20th, 2009
10:54 am
“Why does the Winter Classic need to be in an NHL city anyhow? Why not Quebec, Winnipeg (Regina, Saskatoon) they have CFL stadiums that can handle this.”
I definitely agree with you there. I think it’d be a great chance for each of those cities to prove their “worth” as an NHL host. Regina, Saskatoon, even somewhere in Hamilton or Kitchener, why not? The only thing I see as an obstacle is the “home” team losing out on profits. I’m sure Buffalo and Chicago were floored when they were approved because not only did they get this gem of a game (the most marketed single game in the NHL), they also got concessions, ticket sales, merchandise, etc, for a crowd that is nearly guaranteed to be larger than a normal home game
Glovesave29
June 20th, 2009
11:28 am
I am sure some sort of profit sharing system can be worked out to make sure the home team and the host city are adequately compensated for the event.
I know the NHL spent a small fortune on the outdoor ice making equipment – does anyone know if the home team has to pay some sort of rental fee to the league to help them to defray those costs?
Hamilton just had “Make It Seven” Day. A local rally to show the NHL the passion for gaining a team in their city. ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE turnout. I am sure the league hierarchy was blown away by the overflow crowd of 3500 who bothered to show. And it was free. Guess it doesn’t really mean THAT much to the city…let’s face it, there was double that many at Centennial Olympic Park when the Thrash unveiled their new uniforms back in the summer of 1999.
Thrashers Recaps
June 20th, 2009
11:47 am
Great move, despite what happens with Don in the near future.
98 comments here so far, how come all these people aren’t reading and replying on Thrashers blogs?
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 20th, 2009
12:09 pm
I enjoy these AJC blogs and the participants far more than I do the Blueland Blog or other Thrashers Fan blogs I’ve come across. Even with the people I disagree with often I still see a perspective that I might not have thought of previously, which I appreciate (though I might disagree with it). I think the opinions and angles that many people take to these conversations is easier to learn from or discuss than on those other blogs.
R. Stroz
June 20th, 2009
12:22 pm
Amen, ranallo10.
World Be Free
June 20th, 2009
12:27 pm
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.
Glovesave29
June 20th, 2009
1:50 pm
WBF – I haven’t been to Hamilton, but I have been to Bakersfield, CA – about the same, right? Seems like both are the mid-way point between your elbow and your hip.
Smitty
June 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
If Dudley is coming to ATL could Jay Bouwmeister be far behind?
Midfield
June 20th, 2009
3:00 pm
By the way, what are the prospects and expectations for the pending ownership lawsuit and what are the expected outcomes of the outcomes?
World Be Free
June 20th, 2009
3:59 pm
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.
Rawhide
June 20th, 2009
4:28 pm
Smitty – If Dudley is coming to ATL could Jay Bouwmeister be far behind?
As wxwax posted yesterday evening…”The worst thing you can do is give a man hope….Please stop!”
pond scum
June 20th, 2009
4:49 pm
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.
kracker
June 20th, 2009
5:49 pm
I feel Golvesave has it right. Dudley didn’t come here to assume the 2nd banana mantle. DW isn’t going to be fired, he will be moved within the organization. Having him step aside for a just-hired Assoc. GM is still pretty transparent but it allows him to save face to some segree. I don’t mind that, Waddell is a good guy, a Thrashers guy so move him in a manner that looks like a planned move, not the blindfold and cigarette execution some people on here appear to lust for.
I’m just hoping the Spirit Group has the will and the means to upgrade the roster this off season and also bolster the scouting and player development as well so that Dudley has a fair opportunity to improve the franchise in the next few years.
Hockey Biltong
June 20th, 2009
7:07 pm
wait and see pudding…..
Thrashers27
June 20th, 2009
7:26 pm
As Smitty and Rawhide were chatting about…
I threw J-Bo into the mix of our blueliners and another pieces from the wishlist of forwards and wow!!!
I know it’s getting the cart ahead of the horse, but can you imagine?!?!?!
(F)
Kovy White TBD–Antropov/Samuelson(Either would be sweet!)
Koz Pevs Little
Stuart Reasoner Army
Bolts Slater Thorbs/???
(D)
Bogy J-Bo??? (How awesome would that be?)
Toby Hainsey
X Salmela
Boris
Brendan
June 20th, 2009
9:07 pm
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.
Brendan
June 20th, 2009
11:24 pm
Anyone else getting a chuckle out of these Scott Cullen “Offseason Game Plan” pieces, at http://www.tsn.ca? At the end of each team he review, he lists players on the trading block. I sat back at marveled. Per Cullen, the Anaheim Ducks would be willing to part with J.S. Giguere. And the Blackhawks could be trading Brian Campbell. And the Washington Capitals could be looking to part with Alexandre Semin. I stopped after those reviews and didn’t bother with any more. And no, I don’t think he’s gotten to the Thrashers just yet. But, while teams are just “happily moving” proven commodities, I’d guess Cullen would say we should trade Kovalchuk, Kozlov and Little, and why not, throw in Lehtonen, too. When Cullen eventually does do the Thrashers, let’s see if he is channeling Aaron Portzline.
Brendan
June 20th, 2009
11:32 pm
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.
LAC
June 21st, 2009
2:51 am
Brenden, Cullen did the Thrashers like 4/24… Was the first, Thrashers one, I have seem.
I liked the one hockey buzz that says the Thrashers have a 40% of having KEN KLEE back… Wow !
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 21st, 2009
5:51 am
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).
World Be Free
June 21st, 2009
8:44 am
Brendan, good “digging”, you sseem to scan the same hockey web sites that I visit on a daily basis.
It’s no secret in Chicago that the Hawks overpaid Brian Campbell. I stated that firt time I came to this blog. Campbell well in the playoffs, but he’s not a Bouwmeester or Pfanauf quality player. Campbell money should buy you a guy that plays 27-30 minutes a night. No wonder he is rumored out of Chicago.
J.S. Giguere has lost his job with the Ducks, The only reasons he will be in Anahiem this fall is his NTC and his desire to stay there for his son.
Thrashers’ fans overlook a talent we have on the coaching staff-Randy Cunneyworth. Prior to coming to Atlanta, Cunny was one of the best coaches in the American Hockey league. He groomed a lot of the talent that dots the Sabres’ roster. In later years he also contributed to Florida’s roster, when Sabres and Panthers shared Rochester as their AHL affiliates.
He and Dudley share common bonds; they both left Buffalo as young players, only to return to the Sabres at the end of their careers. Both were big losses for the Sabres, always in need of grit. Now they both could potentially end up here in Atlanta (when Dudley is confirmed here).
My hope is that Thrashers utilize Cunny’s talents in developing young players to excel at the NHL level. He is successful at getting players to play at both ends of the rink. Let’s hope it starts to show in Atlanta this season.
My theme is always the same; you never have enough grit and you never have enough guys who drive to the net.
Brendan
June 21st, 2009
10:26 am
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.
Sara
June 21st, 2009
10:32 am
I think we are all in agreement that Dudley is coming here to be more than just an Asst GM. Think back just last week to Schultz’s interview with DW. It’s pretty common knowledge that Don is wearing a lot of hats and he’s having to do a lot of non-hockey operational stuff for ASG. I’m going to go on record saying that Atlanta Spirit has done something good here. I’ve felt they’ve really hampered our organizational roster beyond just the one we see on the ice. We could have better scouts, more scouts, better support staff, if they would pay for those things. The best always come with price tags. We went an entire season virtually with no head coach because that would have required spending more money. Now however, they are willing to spend more money to get the necessary staff in here (at least somewhat). We have quality coaching – even though they are AHL guys, that’s not uncommon and we got good ones. There would have been cheaper options than Randy Cunneyworth. It says something to have a dedicated GM – dedicated as in that’s his only job function. Maybe Spirit is finally starting to get what it means to be a quality organization. That said, that proof-in-the-pudding moment will really only come when it is reflected in the on-ice roster itself.
World Be Free
June 21st, 2009
10:42 am
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.
Brendan
June 21st, 2009
10:43 am
When Philly won the cup in ‘75, everyone said they did it through fighting. I think they did it through raw toughness and grit. Guys like Andre “Moose” Dupont, Orest Kindrachuk, Ed Van Impe, Gary Dornhoefer, Rick MacLeish, Bob Kelly, and Tom Bladon won’t be remembered for their skills, per se. It’s just that, even along with Don Saleski, they found a way generate opportunities through their grinding. Buffalo, who met them in the 1975 Final, I think, did have tough guys, too. They’re weren’t just the “French Connection,” of Perreault, Martin, and Robert. Jerry “King Kong” Korab and Jim Schoenfeld, were big, imposing defenders. Along with Jocelyn Guevremont. Lee Fogolin and Bill Hajt were back there, too. Was Lacarriere with them then? Jim Lorentz, one of the Sabres commentators now, was deceptively tough, too. And Fred Stanfield was no slouch, either. The Sabres shut down line had Don Luce and Craig Ramsay on it. Can’t remember if Brian “Spinner” Spencer was with them at that time. Or Danny Gare. But if that was the same era, that Sabres were every bit as good as the Flyers, Bruins, Blackhawks or Flyers of that same era. Really, truly, considering that Expansion had just occurred in 1967, it was remarkable progress that two EXPANSION teams met in the 1975 Finals. I don’t yet think Scotty Bowman was coaching the Sabres. I think it was either Punch Imlach or Floyd Smith. Do you remember which, World Be Free?
Brendan
June 21st, 2009
11:10 am
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.
GaVaHokie
June 21st, 2009
11:28 am
Last summer, Cunneyworth and Anderson were both highly touted coaches on the verge of becoming NHL coaching candidates… we got both of them!
Buffalo may have screwed up by changing their AHL affiliate and leaving Cunneyworth out in the cold… time will tell. I think Cunneyworth only takes our Asst. Coaching position because of that one single decision by Buffalo.
Brendan
June 21st, 2009
11:51 am
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.”
World Be Free
June 21st, 2009
12:14 pm
First of all, Happy Father’s Day to all
Hokie-Sabres and Rochester were together since 1979. The Sabres actually owned the Americans for several season. They sold the Amerks to a Rochester-based group a few years ago. From there, the team went downhill financially, so bad that when Sabres ownership looked to buy the team back 2 years ago they had to walk away. So the decision to break the Buffalo/Rochester’ relationship was actually Rochester’s. They decided to bring in Florida a few years ago, to Buffalo’s disappointment.
I am glad to have Cunneyworth with the Thrashers. We have a very underrated coaching staff.
World Be Free
June 21st, 2009
12:19 pm
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.
Smitty
June 21st, 2009
4:09 pm
Brendan, Floyd Smith coached that 74-75 Sabre team. If the Thrashers start playing the type of hockey that the Canadiens and Sabres played in the mid 70’s with the same results, tickets will be hard to come by. Downtown bars and restaurants will be packed before and after games. There I go hoping again.
pond scum
June 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
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.
World Be Free
June 21st, 2009
8:17 pm
Smitty, Brendan, Floyd Smith was also the Sabres’ first captain. My first Sabres game was against the California Golden Seals-Smitty scored the game-winner.
Brendan
June 21st, 2009
11:32 pm
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!
World Be Free
June 22nd, 2009
7:52 am
You know, if am the Thrashers, I don’t give up any prospects, not even a medium round pick. If you take on overpriced salary from a team like NY Rangers or Philly, you are doing them a favor. You are allowing them to target a UFA that they might not have been able to sign if say, Philly still ahd Briere. That’s why Philly is rumored to be offering Briere and van Remsydk to entice teams to take Briere’s horrible contract off therir hands. Philly wants Bouwmeester, other teams want a crack at the Sedins. Most of these teams are already at the cap. The next few weeks should be very interesting.
Brendan, I was at the 14-2 game against Washington-I stood for the game in standing room, which was at the top of the balcony in the old Aud.
You only have to go back to Punch Imlach, if you wonder why Toronto and Buffalo don’t get along. The Leafs fired Punch after he lead the Leafs to a bunch of Stanley Cups. Punch came to Buffalo and built the Sabres using some old Leafs like Dick Duff, Donny Marshall and later, Tim Horton. A few weeks into their first season , the Sabres went into Toronto and beat the Leafs 7-3. Duff and Marshall both scored goals, Punch was pretty happy. He rubbed it right back in Stanford Smythe’s face. The LEafs haven’t smelled the Cup since.
Old time hockey
Brendan
June 22nd, 2009
9:45 am
That must have been incredible, World Be Free. What was the chant inside the Aud?: “11, 12, 13, 14, we want 15!!!”
World Be Free
June 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Yeah, we all ran out of breathe after awhile.
Aud was a great place to watch hockey. Old, but real clean with great sight lines. Wish I could say the Boston Garden was the same, but it was not!
World Be Free
June 23rd, 2009
9:01 am
Ranallo-I totally agree. A good group here.