This One Goes To Eleven
Eleven years ago today, Don Waddell was announced as the first general manager of the newly founded Atlanta Thrashers. There has never been another such announcement made by the team since then.
Since that day he has been the man behind the desk of each and every move made by the franchise. From the selection of Patrik Stefan with the very first entry draft pick back in 1999… to drafting Ilya Kovalchuk and Dany Heatley… to bringing in Marc Savard, and then watching Savy depart…to the tragic event leading to the death of Dan Snyder…to the Hossa/Heater trade…to the Zhitnik/Coburn deal…to the Hossa drama of 2007-08…the naming of three head coaches…and now the decision to bring in Rick Dudley to be associate general manager…one thing has been a constant in the organization.
That one thing being… Don Waddell as general manager.
As for the man himself, Don Waddell is indeed a likable person. I’ve spoken directly with him just a few times and he’s been nothing but polite and courteous to me and my sons. One thing that has impressed me about him is how he never has cut the conversation short…citing his schedule or where he needed to be. Instead, he has waited for me to say “Thanks for the time, Don…good luck with the rest of the season”. Maybe those of you have similar stories.
But the job of a GM is to ice a competive team and run the front office. So…just how well off is the Thrashers’ organization after 11 years with on the job for Waddell? Well, I guess that all depends on your “glass half-full” or “glass half-empty” viewpoint.
First off, the cold, hard numbers. The overall record for Waddell and the Thrashers is 273 wins, 367 losses, 53 overtime losses and 45 ties. The team has averages 71.5 points in the nine seasons played. In between coaching hires, he has stepped in behind the bench to coach the team he has assebled for a total of 86 games. His record during those times is 38-39-1-8.
The last two seasons have ended with 76 points…just slightly above the average.
One playoff appearance…zero playoff wins.
So, obvioulsy there have been some sour times in Thrasherville over the course of the past decade…even Don would admit that. To that point, after the 2007-08 season, I was firmly of the belief that his time was up as GM and a change had to be made. Many of you felt the same way…some even thinking he should have been let go before.
But he remained then…and remains still.
Regarding the past two Thrashers’ seasons… even though 76 points are 76 points any way you slice it, last year ended on a much better note than the one before. 2007-08 was a very tumultuous season… what with the terrible start, Hartley firing, Hossa drama and the poor showing down the stretch. But last year, although the team took a while to get things going, they played to a winning record down the stretch.
Personally, I prefer to look at where the franchise is now and what is in store for the future of the club and I think next season holds a lot of promise for this young team. I base that a lot on the way they played since the middle of January to the end of the season… and the fact that the starting roster next fall will be filled with much of the same players as those who took the ice then.
Over the course of the last year or so, a few good moves have been made by Waddell and the team. Starting with the hiring of John Anderson as head coach, then the acquisition of a very solid centerman in Marty Reasoner, to the waiver-wire pickup of Rich Peverly and then the trade deadline moves in which some fairly decent returns were obtained for the players departed. Oh…and drafting that Bogosian kid certainly didn’t hurt things.
So…you can’t call my viewpoint of the team “hopefully optomistic” regarding the future. Then again, I said the same thing last summer.
The most recent big news from Waddell and the Thrashers…that of Rick Dudley’s hiring… seems to have most fans smiling. One reason for the happy faces is that the acquisition of new associate GM Rick Dudley brings with it the speculation that there is a re-org about to happen in the Thrashers’ front office. As I’ve opined previously, I just find it difficult to think that he would leave an assistant GM job with the Blackhawks to make what really is a lateral move to come to Atlanta…not unless there is some sort of understanding that there is a promotion in his future here.
Such a move, of course, would likely mean that Dudley takes over as general manager and Don then wears only the hat of Executive Vice President. I, for one, would be in total favor of that.
But until/unless such a move is made, Waddell is set to go into yet another year as the general manager of the Atlanta Thrashers. And because of that, it is simply inevitable any such discussion of him will eventually lead back to one basic question… “How many years can any GM remain in place given such a record”?
Ummm…well, I don’t know about others… but this one goes to eleven.
At least, so far.
TJ’s Draft Party Update!
Mark just contacted me to let me know of another prize that will be raffled off at Friday’s draft party. It includes 4 premium seats to a game this coming season plus a Zamboni ride in between periods!!!
Remember, the fun starts at 7:00 pm.
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116 comments Add your comment
David
June 23rd, 2009
9:46 am
FIRE WADELL!!
Alan
June 23rd, 2009
9:51 am
Chris Chelios will not be offered an extension in Detroit.
We could use a defensive specialist behind the bench here, you know, but it sounds like Cheli wants to continue playing.
Bob
June 23rd, 2009
10:44 am
Fire Dudell, I mean Wadley.
JJ (formerly 302)
June 23rd, 2009
10:44 am
The job of GM is a crap shoot. You never know what will come up when you make a move.
I think Waddell has done more damage as the Thrashers head coach than as GM. Just look at how long it took the Thrashers to turn it around last season.
He will not be fired any time soon. Waddell needs to realize he has gone as far as he can with this team and resign. It is time to give someone else a chance.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
10:51 am
One week until everyone is happy again!
Darren Elliot
June 23rd, 2009
11:02 am
I bet he steps down as GM AFTER the draft but before training camp. He will make the moves this summer with input from the new guy, then hand the job over. Because if his moves and signings this summer work out, then he isn’t a failure. He can point to those specific moves that HE made this offseason and say that HE did that. If his moves don’t work out, than the new guy is already in place. Then DW will say that it will take time for this new guy to get what HE wants in place. Give him 5 years… (sound familiar)
I personally hope that his moves do work out and we get a cup next year. I will give Don some credit then. And a lot of you will be eating some crow
Glovesave29
June 23rd, 2009
11:11 am
I am sure DW will step down – as I said before, there is no way Dudley leaves the Hawks on a lateral move in a smaller market and a less competitive team. He is being handed the reigns…I agree with DE above, that Don is moved up to Exec VP and turns the team over to GM Dudley prior to training camp. I feel it may even be announced at the draft party, so that Dudley can be the one going after the UFA’s.
Alan – I’d take Cheli just for the leadership in the locker room. He, along with Rob Brind’Amour are the well established workout kings of the NHL. Lead by example. Teach a team how to win. I gotta imagine his big salary days ala Schneider of 2008 are long gone. He’ll take a moderate salary, and other players may follow him. He is that well liked in the league…
Rawhide
June 23rd, 2009
11:18 am
I just got word from Mark at TJ’s that another prize that will be raffled of at Friday’s draft party is a Zamboni ride next season. The prize package will consist of 4 premium seats to a game plus the Zamboni ride between periods.
How about that???
Spud Webb
June 23rd, 2009
11:18 am
Agreed folks, DW will get “promoted” & I’m fine with that. I don’t hate DW as a person. I just hate how we are not good, 11 years running.
I don’t think there has ever been a question of how good a person DW is, at least in my mind. I know that he has always been personable to me and he is an A+ person from all accounts. The business end of it is where most (?) or all of us have the issue. The time has come and I’m looking forward to ANYTHING new for the Thrashers. I’m to slightly optamistic (Spelling?) about the future and I’m hoping Kane is our 4th pick. I want Espisito up next year, lets see what we have there and lets get this going.
From all accounts Chelios wants to play. I will guarantee you this, it won’t be here and he won’t coach here. We are the LAST place folks want to play or coach. WE know this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope to see everyone Friday night.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
11:31 am
Phew! Thank goodness it was just a dream. I dreamt that we had re-signed Ken Klee to a 3 year deal to be our 2nd pairing D-man with Ron Hainsey!! What a freakin’ nightmare that would be. No offense to the hard-working “Buzz Lightyear”, but anything more than a 1 year deal to play 12 mins of 3rd pairing minutes will be a disaster for whomever decides to ink him.
On the subject of Waddell, he brought us Peverley and drafted Bogosian over Pieterangelo and Schenn and for that I am truly thankful. He brought in Dudley to assist with the draft and player development and I think that is a smart move. If Donnie Dub can pull off the following, I’ll be very happy indeed:
1) Draft Evander Kane at # 4 overall
2) Trade Pavelec, XLB and a 2nd round pick for a bona fide RW who is capable of scoring 30 + goals per game
3) Re-sign Lehts, Colby, Slater and Crabb to reasonable extensions ranging from 2-4 years depending (2 for Crabb, 3 for Slates and Lehts and 4 for Colbs)
4) Convince Rob Scuderi, Greg Zanon, Andrew Alberts or at worst, Ossi Vaananen to sign with the Thrashers to play 2nd pairing minutes…ideally this would be a 3-4 year deal worth $2.5 – 3 M per
5) And lastly, and most significantly, offer Kovalchuk a 3 year extension worth between $27 and $28 M. I really believe the only way to re-sign Kovy is with a short-term deal in which his avg salary is at least as much as Malkin, Crosby or Ovechkin. Give him the option to request more years. If he likes all of the moves executed above and requests a long-term deal, work out something front-loaded for 7-8 years worth $65 – $70 M. Obviously, my biggest dream come true would be all of the above plus an announcement that Kovalchuk has decided to play for the Thrashers until 2015!!
That’s not too much to ask now is it? If DWad can pull that off, then he can “retire” to a cushy, VP of Operations desk job in which he oversees much of what he is currently charged with overseeing right now rather than wear the GM hat while trying to juggle the demands of running a mult-million dollar sports franchise operation.
dwayne
June 23rd, 2009
11:48 am
VP Don the Dud, will fire Dudley 2 years from now and take back over. Claiming Dudley made all the wrong moves. He will then convince us of a new 5 year plan. And, we as fans, will be dishing out the same ole bull$h!t on blogs hoping for better days.
Hip Czech
June 23rd, 2009
11:49 am
Numbers don’t lie…there is a great spreadsheet here http://www.4shared.com/file/113472332/7a01746b/Draft_History_94-Present_v3.html
If you look at the Team Summary from 1999-2008 you’ll see the Thrashers rank dead last in the number of draft picks that have played in the NHL (24.7%) (surprising to see who is next to last…). And, if you throw out the first round percentage (72.7% because of can’t miss picks Kovalchuk, Heatley, and marginally Lehtonen) the numbers would be REAL ugly.
The lack of drafting success is the main indictment on Waddell’s regime. Can’t argue much over the non-draft moves that have been made…some have stunk (Zhitnik), some have been great (Savard, Kozlov, Peverley (so far)). Given the ownership situation don’t know how well any GM would do in signing FA’s and making trades.
The draft has been the undoing of this franchise up to this point. Hopefully Dudley will help going forward.
World Be Free
June 23rd, 2009
12:19 pm
Smoothie, I think your totally on the right track here. The only addition I would make is for a UFA like Antropov. Guess I adding your thoughts to my wish list that includes Antropov.
But a wish list is just that and you can’t have everything.
Dudley-look at it this way, if Dudley drafts guys that play the game like, we will be way ahead of wherer we are today. Remember-Duds, hustled, hit, fought and scored 30 goals.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
12:27 pm
I’m not sure why people are so surprised Dudley would leave Chicago… all it really takes is a substantial pay raise and the lateral move is worth it, considering all the “chefs” in the kitchen in Chicago… Scotty Bowman, Stan Bowman, Dave Tallon.
Waddell is going to pay him to do exactly what he wants to do… scout the earth for young talent. And he can do so without added “insight” from Scotty and Stan Bowman.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
12:30 pm
… or maybe he’s tired of chasing his toupee down the windy cities of Chicago.
Hip Czech
June 23rd, 2009
12:30 pm
Adding to the wish list…either make an offer to Boston for Kessel, or pull a Lowe and make a RFA offer for him. The Bruins are up against the cap and they might be willing to deal Kessel for a young player and a draft pick maybe.
R. Stroz
June 23rd, 2009
12:30 pm
Hokie – I’ll bet you ONE DOLLAR (think Trading Places) that Dudley is named GM before December 31, 2009.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
12:42 pm
Hip Czech — I like your Kessel idea since we are dealing from a position of strength (IOW “cap space coupled with extra draft picks”). While he is not the ideal “power forward”, it seems as though young power forwards are gettiing harder and harder to come by. Perhaps the “Kane Train” will be the powerful locomotive we so yearn for. And having a speedy guy like Kessel alongside Kovy and Pevs could be quite the nice “gap insurance” plan until Kane is ready to take over at LW for Kozzy. Hmmmm, will the Thrashers line-up look like this in 3 yrs?
Kovy — Pevs — Kessel
Kane — Espo — Little
Stewy — Holzapfel — Machacek
Kaip — Slater — O’Dell
@ World Be Free — thanks for the props and I appreciate your addition to the wish-list. I just can’t seem to totally embrace Antropov, but perhaps his best years are ahead of him just like Mike Knuble when he turned 30. Maybe just maybe playing with Kovy would elevate him to new heights. It could work with Pevs flying around the ice and making sure the wingers don’t leave us too exposed too often.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
12:52 pm
Gosh, looking at that line-up we’d be awfully small wouldn’t we?? Perhaps Antro is just the guy to make that line-up a bit more intimidating. I like Kessel, but can we afford to have a St. Louis-like smurf on our top line?
Hockey Biltong
June 23rd, 2009
1:02 pm
What if we got Gill and Arthropod???
Spud Webb
June 23rd, 2009
1:06 pm
Smoothie, agreed, small. I personally don’t think Antro is the answer, yes he’s big, but doesn’t necessarily always play that way. If we go big, bring a bruiser, Gill and Antropov would be fine by me. Gill will throw it around. He maybe a good study for Boris also?
Rawhide, that would be a great prize to win.
Hip Czech
June 23rd, 2009
1:13 pm
I guess it was having Lucic on the other side, but I thought Kessel was bigger than what he is (listed at 6′ 189). I just remember seeing him all over the ice every time the Bruins played here. Put Thorburn at center between Kovalchuk and Kessel
R. Stroz
June 23rd, 2009
1:17 pm
I don’t think Gill will work with Anderson’s system. Defenders have to be mobile with his pinch in and hustle back if you get burned system. Gill has no wheels left on his wagon.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
1:39 pm
Stroz… I’ll take the bet, sure… I’m not saying it won’t happen, I’m just not as surprised that Dudley would make a lateral move, if that’s all it amounts to.
Alan
June 23rd, 2009
2:06 pm
I’m just not as surprised that Dudley would make a lateral move, if that’s all it amounts to.
The key word. I’m sure you can see it just as well as I can, so there’s no sense in pointing it out.
It can’t just be all about the money, assuming that’s what wooed him to Atlanta in the first place. There’s something else afoot. From our collective outside-looking-in perspective, however, your guess is as good as mine as to what that “something else” is. Logically speaking, however, the most glaringly obvious reasoning is that Waddell is moving up or moving out, and thusly wants someone else in that he knows.
Dudley, on the other hand, had the opportunity to immediately become GM in Florida, but instead took the lateral move to come here. Why would someone, say, go from being a technician at IBM to being a technician at HP, even after being offered a supervisory role at Toshiba? There’s money, or the potential for advancement. Or, hell, both could play a part.
Point is, there’s more to this than what it seems. Money very well could be a factor, but I wouldn’t discount the potential for advancement.
Brendan
June 23rd, 2009
2:11 pm
Here’s why I’d rather live in Atlanta than Chicago. (1) Weather, (2) cost of living, (3) proximity to Florida, (4) quality of life. But I’m not independently wealthy, having made millions of cumulative dollars as a player, scout, GM, assistant GM, and now associate GM. And I’m not in the hockey profession. So, my reasons probably don’t apply.
Dudley and Waddell have history. I’ll admit it. I’ve tried to recruit friends to Atlanta from other cities, for work. There’s a “trust” there. There’s familiarity. I don’t mind that Dudley is here. I mind it, if the organization won’t change its business model to allow whomever is GM to be able to adequately perform that job. Salary cap floor spending is a big indicator of “intent.” There’s a certain LW who challenged ownership to get its act together. Will they ignore him? Or is Dudley’s acquisition part of the reversal of franchise fortune? Time will tell. But for now, I’m not critical.
If there’s criticism to be made, it’s this: Waddell has hired 3 coaches, plus himself to coach, why does he also get to hire the next ‘potential’ GM, too? Some might call that ‘cronyism.’ That word has negative connotations about it. But really, truly, who hasn’t tried to recruit a friend into the work place? If that friend is “qualified” and “capable,” I don’t see that any genuine harm has occurred.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
2:11 pm
Hey Stroz! I’ll take some of that action, but in my case, I’m thinking Duds will be named the F/T GM by Opening Night! I’ll bet you a beer on Opening Night if you want. Hope we play someone besides WSH or TBL on Opening Night for once. A packed house for a night of fun with the Sabres fans could be quite interesting.
polskidawg
June 23rd, 2009
2:16 pm
Rawhide – you really should be paid. Excellent articles and valid opinions. It seems that DW has always cared – some will discard that thought – I feel that he DOES want to do a good job. He just hasn’t.
His record in trades is pretty good in total. Sure, he blew it with Zhitnik/Coburn, he he has made several good to great moves, like Savard, Audette, Kozlov and Havelid. He has made the best of an unmanageable situation with Heatley, and to a lesser degree, Hossa.
His Free Agent signing record is unimpressive, with Todd White likely the “best” of the group.
His Draft record is deplorable (please see Hip Czech comments above). In my opinion, his best draft results were Pasi N., Enstrom, Little (no sure thing at 12th) and to a degree, Exebly. That’s it.
Hip Czech – my opinion is that your assessment is spot-on.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
2:31 pm
Alan, I certainly agree with your line of reasoning as it is very sound as usual. And for those who argue that it’s more about the money than the oppty, how could that be when we all know how strapped for cash the ASG has been? There must be some promise of succession and considering the vacancy created by the “departure” of Bernie Mullin last year, it makes perfect sense that DWad would transition (without the prospect of much additional compensation to do so) after bringing in a “new” guy like Dudley now that Mullin’s salary is off the books and perhaps even Bob Hartley’s. I just don’t see Dudley leaving CHI for a lateral move even if it does pay more money. He’s no spring chicken and could have just as easily taken the Fla job so we’re told by certain sources.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
Dudley’s already been through the Panther organization, maybe he wants no part of it again… and I’m leaning towards my “too many chefs” in the kitchen theory in Chicago.
Believe me, the first thing that popped in my head was that Waddell was moving up to President… I just don’t expect it to happen this year… there has to be a grooming period, and I’m sure ownership wants to take a long look at the guy before handing him the keys to their $40 million car.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
Here’s a question… is this the first season that Hartley’s contract is off the books? Couple that with the reduced salary for John Anderson as Coach, and maybe this is the first summer Waddell’s been given a budget to hire extra help.
… just a theory.
R. Stroz
June 23rd, 2009
3:01 pm
Smoothie – I’m sticking with my “Waddell moves up” by December 31, 2009, because it gives more wiggle room. I actually believe the following:
1) If Kovy is re-signed by opening night, “Waddell moves up” proclaiming he is a hero, and turns the GM reigns over to Dudley for the season.
2) If Kovy doesn’t re-sign by December 1, “Waddell moves up” soon after December 1, turns the GM reigns over to Dudley, and Dudley takes the hit for moving Kovy by the trade deadline.
Scapegoating and trying to save face are two of Waddell’s SOPs.
Rawhide
June 23rd, 2009
3:13 pm
RStroz, Hokie & Smoothie – Please be advised that any gambling winnings that come via this blog are subject to a 15% off-the-top gratuity to your blog host….ME.
Brendan – Maybe we have ouselves a new contest brewing…”Name the date and time that Dudley assumes the role of GM and Waddell get’s ‘Rich McKay-ed’ upstairs”???
R. Stroz
June 23rd, 2009
3:15 pm
We’re not gambling…we’re hypothesising with stimulus money.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
3:39 pm
Perhaps if we take actual monetary wagers, we can put the money in a “Save our Franchise, Stay Kovy Stay” sort of slush fund! Then the winner of the bet can get one of those nifty little zamboni rides Rawhide seems to have an inside track for.
And Rawhide, I will buy you a Diet Coke or soda of choice anytime you need it when I see you at Philips / Taco Mac during next season. God only knows you deserve it for your yeoman-like efforts maintaining this blog we are so addicted to!
The Real Politico
June 23rd, 2009
3:40 pm
In 11 years how many Thrashers’ coaches had NHL coaching experience? That’s how you determine whether owners are serious. It costs money to win. This team will never win with “penny wise-pound foolish’ management.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
3:42 pm
Good question GVH, does anyone know what the deal is with Hartley’s compensation, not to mention Mullin’s? I gotta think that Bernie is definitely off the books by now. Does anyone use Twitter? Get Custance to give you the scoop!
Watched the Kane “tribute” video again as well as his TSN interview / draft segment and I can’t help but love the kid. I’ll admit it, I am falling in “man-love” with Evander Kane and I will be crushed if he doesn’t get picked by Donnie Do Duds on Friday night!
Rawhide
June 23rd, 2009
3:54 pm
This just in….Yzerman, Hull, Robitaille, and Leetch have officially be named to the Hall of Fame.
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
4:08 pm
Gee, what a crappy list for the Hall of Fame… just kidding… that’s great!
GaVaHokie
June 23rd, 2009
4:10 pm
Smoothie… I guess you’re not interested in reading this then, are you?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/allan_muir/06/23/mock.draft/index.html?eref=T1
five_hole
June 23rd, 2009
4:24 pm
I agree with Rawhide’s assessment of the past year; I even consider trading for M. Schneider a win because he (a) tudored Bogosian and (b) we got to dump Klee and Larsen. However, as Shakespere said “The evil men do lives after them, the good is oft interred within their bones” or something like that.
Is that too highbrow for this blog?
I was just reading in the football column how Rich McKay drafted R. White and he’s considered the 4th most valuable player for his team. Even though McKay is considered a horrible drafter, he came up with one nugget. That’s sort of how I think of Waddell drafting Kovalchuk & Bogosian.
Rawhide
June 23rd, 2009
4:27 pm
Holy CRAP! Did five_hole just drop some Shakespere on us?
I feel all sophisticated and stuff now.
Smoothie
June 23rd, 2009
4:44 pm
Yes, I read it Hokie. I do not agree with Mr. Muir in the least. We need not anymore soft Euros. I care not how fast he doth fly upon the ice. Alas, I forsee a young man by the name of Kane bringing unto the Thrashers the consummate combination of grit, skill, eye to hand coordination and lastly, HEART!
Glovesave29
June 23rd, 2009
4:47 pm
Politico – 42 years ago the expansion St. Louis Blues hired a little known player personel manager from the Canadiens named Scotty Bowman – no coachinng experience. The man is a lagend. Their original coach lasted barely 4 months…he had a GREAT pedigree – Lynn Patrick (son of Lester, brother of Muzz and father to Craig – they are THE royal name in the NHL).
I certainly do not disagree that the ASG is cheap, but you cannot blame them for Fraser (original owner) and Hartley had experience. Anderson paid his dues in the minors and deserves the chance we are giving him now.
Glovesave29
June 23rd, 2009
5:07 pm
Rawhide – newly minted HHOF Luc Robitaille was a 9th round draft pick. The “experts” knocked his skating ability, ignoring the 155 goals for the Olympique in the QMJHL. 170 players taken before him – 82 never made it to the NHL, and another 30 played one season or less. Thats almost 2/3rds of those chosen before him that would have to be classified at a “bust” based on games played alone.
Brendan
June 23rd, 2009
6:13 pm
Speaking of contests, the deadline is June 30th, for when Kovy will sign his next contract. I think the earliest date was July 10, 2009. And the farthest was July 2, 2010. The two July 1, 2010 listed Kovy with a team other than Atlanta. Tick-Tock.
Are we doing the “Guess the Opening Night Budget” Contest this year? I only got three votes, including my own. It’s just that Waddell all but said it would be $45-$46, so … if he’s to be taken at his word, the contest is over before it begins. I think my guess was $48.5 million, on the wing-n-prayer hope that this ownership would at least ‘try’ to appease Kovalchuk. Of course, I don’t think the cap numbers have been officially released either. At issue is whether the players will take their 5% increase, making the cap essentially unchanged, or if they forego them, and the cap drops to around $54 million. If that’s the case, and Atlanta spends $48.5 million, this could get a whole lot more ‘competitive’ than it otherwise would have been. Here’s to the players REJECTING their 5% incentives!
frosty the snowman
June 23rd, 2009
7:05 pm
I think R.Stroz comment at 301pm should be added to the blogging hall of fame( t.m. poster Brendan)
five_hole
June 23rd, 2009
7:20 pm
Sorry Rawhide I forgot where I was. “Rubbin’ is Racin’”. Is that better?
Congrats to the HOFers. For years I absolutely hated Yzerman as “the enemy”, but I always loved to watch him play.
LAC
June 23rd, 2009
10:34 pm
I found this INTERESTING artical on tsn… WHY can the comissioner NOT step in on this sprit MESS ???? Please read this !!!!
Feuding Tampa Bay Lightning owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, as well as general manager Brian Lawton, met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in New York on Tuesday.
It was re-affirmed in the meeting that Lawton is making hockey decisions for the franchise and for any transactions that would require ownership approval, he is obliged to get approval from both Koules and Barrie.
In terms of the longer-term reationship between Koules and Barrie, who are at odds, it is believed Koules and Barrie have a few weeks to sort out their differences and either find a way to work together or buy one or the other out.
In any case, the situation is expected to be resolved one way or another by mid July.
LAC
June 24th, 2009
12:09 am
Just saw this pierre maguire IDIOT on NHL Network.
They are doing a rundown on the top draft picks.
They laud NYI/Tampa/Colorado and then mention Kane as #4,but not once
do they say the word ATLANTA. Then they go NUTS about LA and how this guy is going to light it up there and on and on… I thought ATLANTA was in the NHL, but on the nhl network they are NOT !!!
pierre mcguire you absolutely SUCK !
Tom Lysiak
June 24th, 2009
12:47 am
Rawhide, here is my theory on the Dudley hire (call me Captain Obvious, but I don’t believe I have seen this expressed quite this way here). Seems to me that DWad knows this is his last shot, and it could either be a homerun or strikeout. The team came together under a new coach late in the year. They got rid of some older players and went young. (So, the stage was set for good things to come.) The resident “superstar” has to be re-signed or traded at the deadline for the best possible deal. He has the 4th pick in the draft and has to make the right selection. He also can turn some other picks, players, prospects into a top-six player if the right deal comes along. The possibility exists that he could also land a very good player on the cheap from teams needing to dump salary. He knows the court battle could potentially end soon resulting in a buyout and possibly an infusion of cash via new ASG partners (which would help with free agents). Or, he could see the team sold to new owners who are serious about winning.
As Brendan (I believe) would say, STOP. That is one heck of a list of things that, if they are done correctly, could turn this franchise around quickly. He needs someone competent to help him make the right decisions on all these things. He realizes it is too much for one decision maker if all are to be “wins”. If they are able to win on most of the calls, they are able to turn the team around and bask in the glory. DWad gets kicked upstairs, Dudley becomes the fulltime GM and they both get to stick around. If they fail on most of the calls, they are both gone anyway. If that theory is remotely correct, I credit DWad for seeing the writing on the wall and saving his own hide, and the team. Of course, I could simply be wrong and projecting what I would do if I were in DWad’s shoes right now…..
UpperDeck4Life
June 24th, 2009
1:13 am
Couple of interesting thoughts on DW and Dudley.
Back when DW was GM for San Diego of the IHL, his coach was Rick Dudley with a top scoring winger…..John Anderson. How’s that for convenience?
A couple of Stats on DW the GM:
On June 25, 1999, the NHL held an expansion draft for the Atlanta Thrashers. Waddell selected a total of 26 players. Of those 26, only 16 ever suited up for the Thrashers. Out of those original 26 picks, only 5 ever played more than 82 games for the franchise.
From the 1999 thru 2007 drafts, DW drafted a total of 82 players, 11 of which have played at least 82 NHL games, and 11 more who are already on their way to playing 82 or are viewed as prospects who will have decent NHL careers. That’s a little over a 25% success rate.
During the same time period the Red Wings, generally the consensus top organization in hockey has drafted 71 players. Of those players, 8 have played at least 82 NHL games, with another 10 on their way to playing 82 or are prospects who are considered to have decent NHL careers. The Wings have hit on about 25% of their picks as well.
The big difference, the Wings have only had 2 first round picks during this time and the Thrashers have had 9. Seems like once DW gets out of the first round, his picks are marginal at best. Now his drafting has gotten much better in the last 2-3 drafts, but those early years of poor drafting have really hurt the franchise.
Sage of Bluesland
June 24th, 2009
7:36 am
11 years…On our third “Five-Year Plan”…Still attempting to “Build through the draft!”…Playoff “guarantee” completely backfiring…First significant move was signing Damian Rhodes in order to make him the ‘cornerstone’ of the franchise…Had both max-cap and min-caps…One playoff appearance…Zero wins in playoff games…
(and away from the Thrashers organization, did absolutely nothing with TeamUSA hockey–the results there are equally abysmal…but I guess that’s the Thrashers’ ownership’s fault as well?)
Do you ever wonder why the Thrashers are in the position they are in?! I don’t.
Oh well, those who continue to subsidize this incompetence will get more bluster from our fraud of a GM…I hope you enjoy it; You’ve earned it!
Sara
June 24th, 2009
8:00 am
Hokie I asked Lyle Richardson at Spector’s about his take on the Dudley move and his comments, paraphrased, were that he might prefer the weather. :p But his real point was kinda similar to yours in that he opined Dudley may think he would have a better shot at getting a promotion in Atlanta than he would in Chicago, even if he hasn’t been assured of one.
Sage, you forgot to call us all “sheep.” You’re slipping dude.
Toby
June 24th, 2009
9:04 am
Two more days until the biggest week in Thrash history!!
Note to self: It’s impossible to get much work done when all you do is blog on AJC and hit the refresh tab on Hockey’s Future.
Glovesave29
June 24th, 2009
9:10 am
Ahhh, Sage – our fairweather fan – Will only be pulling for the team once they are winners again. We all hate the current state of affairs and want a winner, and most here want to see Waddell gone…but FANS pull for the team through thick and thin. Why don’t you go down to Sports Authority ang get yourself some jerseys for the Pens, Steelers and Phillies – then you can brag to all your friends (!) that all of YOUR teams are winners. Don’t forget to put the Wings, Giants and Red Sox jerseys away until they are champions again.
Spud Webb
June 24th, 2009
9:49 am
Yea, I’m also getting a man crush on Kane. Can’t wait to hear his name or DW bungle it!!! ahahahaha, Rawhide, my guess for DW to be OUT as GM and get promoted (throwing up NOW), November 1, 2009.
Alan
June 24th, 2009
9:56 am
LAC, there’s a reason some of us who follow the Red Wings refer to Pierre Mcguire as “The Douche Canoe.”
Rawhide, re: DW ousted contest: 29 Sept 2009 and 1:30pm.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 24th, 2009
10:09 am
I had hoped that a team (not Atlanta hopefully) hired McGuire to be their new GM…then we’d not have to hear his “opinion”.
I’m finding myself more and more content with the thought that Kane will be drafted by Atlanta. I have said it prior but I have no problem if they were to drop back a few spots, but I will be a content fan knowing Kane is in the pipeline.
Based on the track record of Waddell and Co.’s drafting abilities, I wouldn’t mind seeing round 2 through round 7 picks traded (in one package) for a decent NHL player.
I can imagine Bettman announcing: “I have a trade to announce — The Atlanta Thrashers trade ALL of their picks to the Boston Bruins for the rights to Phil Kessel, Mark Stuart, and a Bruins bumper sticker”…I’d consider that a win for Atlanta even if Kessel didn’t re-sign.
Hockey Biltong
June 24th, 2009
10:38 am
Sage- “Get thee to a nunnery.”
Smoothie
June 24th, 2009
10:41 am
Ranallo, that’s pretty funny and sadly I agree with your sentiment. I’d rather trade all of our picks from Round 2 thru 7 for a couple of legit players who can contribute right away. As much as I don’t think Pavelec is quite ready (he’s only 21!) to challenge Kari or even Moose, I don’t really care to lose him in a trade with Colorado for someone like Milan Hejduk or Darcy Tucker (shudder)…not to say that will happen but Kevin Allen mentioned COL as a potential trade partner due to their goaltending issues.
Anyway, seems like Kessel could be a real possibility. How do you feel about his lack of size? I know that is sometimes over-hyped, but would you be concerned about a lack of size in our Top 6 with Kessel in the fold? Personally, I’m not sure as I realize our team speed would be second to none especially with Kane possibly replacing Kozlov on the 2nd line in a year perhaps.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 24th, 2009
10:52 am
I would not be concerned with Kessel on the top line, nor a supposed lack of size. Skill shines more than size, in my opinion, and with someone of Kessel’s caliber alongside Kovalchuk the top line would be fine without a 6′4 physical presence. A nice big top line power forward would be wonderful, but I don’t see it happening (nor do I see Kessel coming to Atlanta).
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
10:54 am
Smoothie… I wouldn’t call Svensson a “soft” Euro… he’s a big kid and knows how to force his way to the net. With his speed and size he can “shoulder” himself to the inside lane on defenders. He’s really strong on the puck ala. Hossa and Jagr… I gotta think this is your set up man for guys like Kovalchuk and Little.
I’m on the fence… i gotta think that MPS is the smarter choice, even though I like Evander Kane.
Waddell said outside the Top 3, there is one guy he’d “throw out on the ice” next year and see what he can do… I think that person is MPS.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
11:00 am
You gotta think… in the World Juniors, Kane barely made the roster and played well enough to move up from the Checking line to a scoring line… but MPS flat out stole the show in Juniors. Arguably the best player in the entire tournament according to most critics.
Smoothie
June 24th, 2009
11:09 am
GVH, news to me as I’ve read that the biggest knock on MPS is his questionable ability to finish due to a lack of strength on the puck. If true, sounds like the 2nd coming of Maxim Afinogenov! No thanks.
I think it’s a credit to Kane that he managed to impress coaches, scouts etc with his play as a “checking” forward in the World Jrs. Apparently, Pat Quinn was so impressed with Kane that his minutes increased consistently throughout the round robin play. He scored some clutch goals and managed to increase his stock enough to be rated as one of the Top 3 North American skaters.
I’m not saying MPS is not going to be a good player, but there isn’t even any guarantee that he will choose to play in the NHL as there are worries he may stay in Sweden one more year. EK has dreamed of playing in the NHL and I have no doubt he will work his tail off to make it to the “show” by the start of the 2010 season.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
11:32 am
Smoothie… Noooo, much better than Afinogenov. Not even close.
And I agree on Kane… BRAVO for making an impression at the Juniors and making the most of the opportunity… but Svensson was an absolute balls-out “Showstopper”.
Still, I’m happy with either one.
dwayne
June 24th, 2009
11:39 am
I heard Kane was not a popular person in the club house…any one hear this? One persons opinion doesn’t mean much, but…it was out there.
Here is my conspiracy theory….Majority of scouts say Kane is a solid 4rth pick, hoping the Thrasher idiots (not Dudley) pick him. Leaving a MUCH better player to fall at least one spot. Now, I do not hear alot of positives about the Thrasher organ-I-zation as a whole, All Kovy chatter is about how quickly he is getting out of town. I listen to XM 204 everyday going to and from work…1 hr and 30 mins total. Not alot of chatter about us. I wonder, if say Toronto had the 4rth pick, Tavares, Hedman, Duchene and say for the sake of a name MPS was a lock at 4, and with Atlanta picking 5th, every “expert” would still say Kane was the 5th best pick, even if he wasn’t. You follow me?
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 24th, 2009
11:46 am
Seeing that Allan Muir has Paajarvi-Svensson as the number 4 pick and Kane at number 7, I’d say your conspiracy theory has yet to infiltrate SI.com.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
12:06 pm
Majority of scouts say Kane is a solid 4rth pick, hoping the Thrasher idiots (not Dudley) pick him.
Oh, cool… Dudley gets a “pass” as the new guy…. interesting.
Smoothie
June 24th, 2009
12:07 pm
GVH, I see that MPS scored 12 pts in 6 games at the World Jrs including 6 goals so perhaps the finishing knock against him is an unfair assessment considering he is playing against much older players in the SEL. Looks like he does fine against his peers when given the chance. Perhaps MPS is the right choice for us at # 4, but my gut feeling (thanks to what I’ve read, seen and heard from EK in his interviews) tells me Kane is the guy we need on this team. And those that argue that he hasn’t filled out his frame yet need to examine this photo closely: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&assetType=image&ep=2&p=evander%20kane&src=standard#
(see row three for “guns are legal on the Kane Train” picture)
dwayne
June 24th, 2009
12:13 pm
With the 4rth pick….
Kimelman has Kane
Holland has Schenn
Roark has Duchene
Since Dudley just got aboard, how much input will he have.
dwayne
June 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
I give him a pass because he just got here. You know as well as I do that don the dud will blame the new guy for every mistake. You know, kinda like Joe Dirt got blamed for the oil spill.
dwayne
June 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
lifes a garden, dig it.
Oliver Stone
June 24th, 2009
12:18 pm
Watch it with the conspiracy theories dwayne, you’re workin’ my side of the street there buddy!
dwayne
June 24th, 2009
12:21 pm
i’m honered Ollie.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
Smoothie… I don’t wanna sit around all day looking at 18-year old boys with their shirts off, but Svensson has 20 lb’s on Kane, I’m sure a summer with Ray Bear and he’ll have considerable “guns” himself.
Again, I’ll be happy with either one… I’m leaning away from Schenn in the last 24 hours.
Tier One… Tavares, Hedman, Duchene
Tier Two… Kane, MPS
Tier Three… Schenn, Cowen, Larssen
myra-gales
June 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
Rawhide. What is up with this? Stumbled across it on Twitter. Is this our Stendec? Sounds like him. Very unStendic statement! Anyone heard from him lately?
Does this pass NSA scrutiny? If so. To my pals on Thrasher blog: Kari Lehtonen still greastest NHL goaltender to ever suit up. No doubt!
Joe Dirt
June 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
Hokie – You wanna see my guns, I’ll take my shurt off forya.
joe dirt
June 24th, 2009
1:17 pm
these guns are how i get the chickies
Joe Dirt
June 24th, 2009
1:48 pm
Looks like stendec was ubducted by aliuns, guess they broughtum back.
http://twitter.com/stendek_
Rawhide
June 24th, 2009
2:00 pm
Myra-Gales – shrugs…I dunno. But the name isn’t really a “common” one.
Last I remember hearing from him was last week sometime on this blog.
FED UP
June 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
Waddellsworth brought in Dudley so he has a new scapegoat when the Trashers don’t make the playoffs, AGAIN. (brokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecordbrokenrecord)
Toby
June 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
Dudley was supposed to be on NHL Live today, but never made it on : (
Viking
June 24th, 2009
2:07 pm
Smoothie: About MPS, from what I can gather from Swedish media, the only concern about MPS is his defensive skills (which could be improved upon), and not what you in a generalizing way call being a “Euro Softie”. However, I am sure his offensive will be something astonishing – and I am hoping to see him in a Thrashers uniform breaking for the goal or serving Kovy one of his delicatessen pucks…
Midfield
June 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
I think by this day and age the perception of European players being softies is kind of outdated, don’t you? I mean, there are some, but, come on, even in the Cup finals, would you call Holmstrom, Kronwall and Malkin softies?
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
Last I looked Briere was Canadian…and I’m not sure if you can get much softer than him.
Jimbo
June 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
One minor issue went unnoticed in the press release about Dudley’s hiring. In addition to nondescript functions that Don has given him, he will be a back-up Zamboni driver and play Thrash at kids functions.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
I think MPS in Anderson’s transition, fast-break offense could be a thing of beauty. As long as guys like Kovy and Little are finishing what he “serves up”.
“Delicatessen” is right… effortless hands.
Smoothie
June 24th, 2009
3:30 pm
Jeez guys, a little bit touchy are we? I apologize for over-generalizing, but I was doing it more to highlight Evander’s penchant for playing with an edge (see his PIM’s in his first full year of WHL) rather than trying to indict a whole continent of hockey players. However, while I wasn’t trying to trash European hockey players, I certainly wasn’t trying to be politically correct either.
Smoothie
June 24th, 2009
3:33 pm
http://twitter.com/CraigCustance
We may not have him as our beat writer anymore, but he’s still looking out for the Thrash! God love him.
five_hole
June 24th, 2009
3:39 pm
“… I don’t wanna sit around all day looking at 18-year old boys with their shirts off” – GaVaHokie – Do you like Gladiator movies? You ever seen a grown man naked? Have you ever been in a… in a Turkish prison?
TableHockey
June 24th, 2009
3:53 pm
I think it has to be Kane – I can’t imagine the ASG passing up on the opportunity to market to african-americans with him. That segment represents a lot of new tickets sold if they are successful.
Seems like a no-brainer.
The only question is if something goes strange in R3 – would they take Kane and that marketing opportunity over Duchene if her were available?
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
3:53 pm
Smoothie… we’re not doggin’ on you… just making conversation.
Thanks for the tip on Custance’s Twitter… latest headline..
Thrashers have made qualifying offers to at least three potential restricted free agents – Kari Lehtonen, Jim Slater and Colby Armstrong.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
Still doesn’t mean that Kari can’t be traded, it just means we can hold his rights past July 1st… so don’t look too much into it.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
4:18 pm
Latest from Eklund…
*Gionta. The Devils are out from all indications…The Sabres and Thrashers are in…
five_hole… Airplane, classic.
Tony C.
June 24th, 2009
4:34 pm
Gionta? great. Sing it! All together now… La-la, la-la-la-laaaa! La, la-la-la-laaaa!
BLUELAND: The Smurfiness Continues….
Not knocking the guys skill here, folks…but “physically imposing” he ain’t. Again, to be clear, I’d be happy to see him sign here-I would just hope we then deal for some size.
Rawhide
June 24th, 2009
4:39 pm
So far we’ve had movie references from “This is Spinal Tipe” via the blog title…”Joe Dirt” and “Airplane”. Plus a guest appearance from Oliver Stone.
Excellent!
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
4:41 pm
Not to mention Shakespeare and Smurfs.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
4:45 pm
Kozlov White and Gionta could be a good line… Kovalchuk Peverley and Little on the top.
…eh.
GaVaHokie
June 24th, 2009
4:56 pm
Okay… according to Andy Strickland, this would be the first legitimate offer for a Top 10 pick I’ve seen so far.
Word is Phoenix turned down an offer from Toronto that would have sent Ed Jovanovski and the 6th overall pick to the Leafs for Kaberle. I hear Phoenix didn’t want to give up the pick.
Tomas Kaberle for the 6th pick AND Ed Jovonovski?! That’s not even to swap places, that’s flat out taking the 6th pick… I think he’s overvaluing Kaberle just a little bit.
LAC
June 24th, 2009
5:06 pm
On NHL live today on NHL network what a JOKE tandem they had, this STUPID girl from MSG and some idiot from Nesen,they were too enamered
with each other to interview Rick Dudley, saying “We missed Rick Dudley,we’ll call him back later this week.”
If I were Dudley I would say SCREW YOU !!!!! This channel has ZERO respect for The Atlanta Thrashers !
Brendan
June 24th, 2009
5:54 pm
No wonder Phoenix turned that down. I like Kaberle. But he’s not worth the 6th overall pick. The teams drafting tomorrow will own these players’ rights for many, many years to come. I’m not even going to look at how many years left Kaberle has on his deal.
So, Gionta, eh? I’m intrigued. Oh wait, it’s Eklund. Nevermind.
Did Custance happen to mention if contract talks were ongoing with category VI UFA’s like Crabb and Oystrick? It’d be nice to at least keep them in the system, if it’s at all possible.
Tony C.
June 24th, 2009
6:46 pm
Yeah I liked Oysterick’s game…man was he horrible the first time I saw him in a Thrasher’s sweater, but last season-what was the word bandied about “Oysterick’s been a revaltion”…I’d agree. But I dunno if the choice came down to Oysterick or Salmela, I think I’d take Salmela.
R. Stroz
June 24th, 2009
7:49 pm
Actually, Crabb, Oystrick, AND Clay Wilson(the player the Thrashers received when Jason “Creme Puff” Williams was traded) are VI UFA’s.
World Be Free
June 24th, 2009
8:03 pm
Gotta stick with Antropov. Gionta is too small.
R. Stroz
June 24th, 2009
8:51 pm
If the Thrashers are going to bring in another undersized forward, I’d rather give Sterling a chance than a 30 year old like Gionta who will eat up alot of salary space.
Sara
June 24th, 2009
9:57 pm
I’d take Gionta over Sterling. He can play bigger than he is, he’ll crash the net (concept!) and he’s put up over 50 pts in the last 3 out of 4 seasons on NJ of all teams. He’s also a natural RW, versus Sterling who isn’t. And Sterling isn’t a proven commodity. While I’d like to see this team get bigger and grittier, in terms of facing the reality of beggars can’t be choosers, if Gionta is willing to come here, I’d be more than happy to have him.
Bob
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
I’d take Gionta in a heartbeat, but Brendan’s right, so meh.
“and play Thrash at kids functions”
ha!
R. Stroz
June 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
Bob & Sara agreed on something. It must be cold somewhere special.
Alan
June 24th, 2009
10:31 pm
Tomas Kaberle for the 6th pick AND Ed Jovonovski?!
Brian Burke must be a regular poster on the HFboards trade forum.
Brendan
June 24th, 2009
11:32 pm
Brian Burke’s interview on the “Hodge Stove League,” on the NHL Network, has been repeated several times now. But each time I see it, I pick up on something new that he said. One of the things that piqued my curiosity was this nugget, “Forget about trades. No one can make IMPACT trades anymore. Not with the cap.” Or words to this effect. I’m not sure I agree with that. I still think it’s possible to move a Top 4 defender for a Top six forward, so that each team gets what they NEED. (Wasn’t that R. Whitney for Kris Kunitz?, someone might say. Remember, you can’t hear me. I’m inside parenthesis. Ask your English teacher. Focus on the concept, not the players as you read.) To me, that’s the hallmark of a GOOD trade. It benefits both teams. When the cap was $39 million, and Boston traded Joe Thornton for Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and Marco Sturm, we all thought this might be “the new NHL kind of trade.” If the cap had stayed at $39 million, perhaps it might have been. But the cap grew so large that $40.7 million became the floor. Would the Bruins have pulled the trigger on that Thornton deal if the cap were $56.7 million, back in 2005? I suppose if you believe that they thought Thornton was “The Problem,” then yes. Maybe they’d still do it. But I digress.
Burke said, “I’ve lost the element of surprise. They now know I’m coming.” I thought about that. It didn’t prevent the Islanders from gift wrapping Luc Schenn for them, at CONSENSUS pick at #5 overall, at the cost of the Isles choice of Toronto’s 2nd rounder that year and a 3rd rounder in 2009, or a 3rd rounder last year and a 2nd rounder in 2009. I forgot which option the Isles chose. Time will tell if those 2nd and 3rd rounders were indeed “throw away” picks they sacrificed at the expense of a high-end blueliner prospect, or if they actually blossom into complimentary pieces for their ultimate draft selection of Josh Bailey at #9. Who I thought was an appropriate selection for pick #9 in the draft. Would I have picked Josh Bailey at #5? No. I believed that thennnn, as I still believe it now. (And I’m still inclined to believe that defense wins championships in hockey, even in the “new” NHL. Even though there’s evidence that points to the contrary.)
It makes me think, though, if Kane really is the best possible pick at #4, why trade it? Make the pick. Brian Burke also said, “My scouts earn their pay in June. They worked all year for it.” Well, I don’t doubt, for one split second, that even Atlanta’s scouts have done more evaluating of this year’s draft class than we (bloggers) have.
I checked with Rawhide, this blog DOESN’T have a travel budget for scouting. So, I would hope … ESPECIALLY with the addition of Dudley, that their homework is complete. If it’s really Kane … who is the best selection, and a MISTAKE NOT TO SELECT HIM, then that’s what they’ll do, I plead. I can’t tell you that Kane is the best choice. I don’t think it’s that cut and dry. He ‘may’ be. I don’t know that. But THOSE SCOUTS should. They get PAID to know.
PJ?? Are you up in this house?? Can you craft a Draft Day prayer for the Thrashers? I ask PJ, because if the PRAYER is left up to me, it’d sound something like this. “Dear God. Please don’t let us (bleep) it up. Amen.”
R. Stroz
June 25th, 2009
12:01 am
Brendan – The word you’re looking for is “flub” it up.
Brendan
June 25th, 2009
1:06 am
Yes, that will do nicely, R.Stroz.
Tom Lysiak
June 25th, 2009
5:23 am
Don, please don’t trade this pick unless….
This is a great position to be sitting in. Say you assume what the “experts” say is correct and the class of the draft is Tavares, Hedman, Duchene. Say you assume there are no surprises in the actual selections other than the order they are chosen. You get to choose from every amateur player in the world not named Tavares, Hedman or Duchene.
Everyone knows that drafting players is an inexact science. There is no such thing as a “can’t miss” because of the human element involved. But, GM’s who have the guts to make that call live for picks like this. GM’s who have scouting departments with proven track records live for this pick. They know that one player who is sitting just below the annointed three. They somehow know the three who have separated themselves from the pack is really four, before “the dropoff”. Someone out there has a very clear evaluation and reason why Kane, MPS, Schenn or whoever is “the guy”.
These are the GM’s who scare me. They are circling the water, just waiting for the right time to strike. The type of GM who would say, “Don, we’ll give you Kaberle and our 7th for your 4th”. Unless someone like Lombardi says, “Don, we’ll give you Jack Johnson or Kopitar and our 5th pick for the 4th pick”, you say no thanks. It has to be a deal like that where everyone says “that was a no-brainer and too good to pass up”.
Otherwise, you better have done your due diligence and are truly prepared to make the right call. Hopefully, Dudley brings that insight and ability with him since the existing group scares the bejesus out of me….
dwayne
June 25th, 2009
6:19 am
LAC…I waited for that interview too….just strengthens my point that we/us/Thrashers get no ink/airtime/respect, what ever you wanna call it. I’m starting to like MPS more and more.
B. Thenet
June 25th, 2009
7:52 am
Gionta is small, but he also can pull Top 6 minutes AND kills penalties.
Not a bad combo