Thrashers Extend Qualifying Offers To Three Players
Our old pal Craig Custance twittered …or is it twitted…or twittled…anyway, he informed us by way of “twitter” yesterday that the “Thrashers have made qualifying offers to at least three potential restricted free agents – Kari Lehtonen, Jim Slater and Colby Armstrong.”
This now leaves Jordan Lavallee, Scott Lehman, Grant Lewis, Chris Thorburn, Dan Turple and Boris Valabik as impending RFAs that the team will need to extend offers to.
However, as Ben Wright of the Blueland Blog writes, “The Thrashers have a lot of RFA’s and it won’t shock me if some of them don’t receive qualifying offers”.
If so…who amoung those renaining might be left out in the Thrashers’ plans for the future? Well, we’ll find out come Monday.
Would You Like To Play A Game?
Here’s a little activity to keep you busy today…you know, instead of actually working!
See if you can name this team I’m describing.
This NHL franchise finished a season with a record of 22 wins, 46 losses and 14 overtime losses…good enough for 58 points in the standings. They had the worst goals against average of 3.78, surrendering a league-high 316 goals for the season.
This team had the second worst penalty kill unit, (78.8%)… third worst shots on goal average, (28.8), fourth worst shots-against average, (33.2) and won only 45.9% of the faceoffs taken, an NHL low that season.
Although this team had a rookie phenom who scored 39 goals and 102 overall points, the second most productive skater only had 12 goals and 58 points. Their young goalkeeper that played in 50 games, starting 45, compiled a record of 13-27-6 with a 3.25 GAA and .898 SV%.
Name the team and season.
Hint: It’s not the Atlanta Thrashers.
Long Term Performance
Here is a very interesting piece done by timmyf of the Thrashing About blog titled “Long-Term Team Performance And The ‘5-Year Plan’”. Great work on the graph chart there Timmy…and a good write up too.
TJ’s Draft Party Update
For those of you choosing to enjoy the NHL Entry Draft Party with the gang and I over at TJ’s Friday night , I’ve been informed that my contact person at the Atlanta Spirit L.L.C. will be providing a few goodies to add to the prizes that’ll be raffled off. Those items include mini hockey sticks that have been signed by Garnet Exelby and Zach Bogosian as well as tickets to upcoming Thrashers games this season.
Tim and Mark Ecclestone have already graciously provided a prize package that includes four premium seats to a Thrashers game…and the lucky winner of that prize will also be treated to a ride on the Zamboni between periods of that game.
Oh…and that’s on top of the $1 draft beers that they’ll be serving up and the chance to meet new AJC Thrashers beat writer Chris Vivlamore as well chat with some of the former Atlanta Flames.
And if all that isn’t enough…it seems as though we are going to be graced by the presence of the entire Blueland Chronicle gang as announced here…and here…and even here.
Uh-huh, I know…I know.
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95 comments Add your comment
Hip Czech
June 25th, 2009
1:58 pm
Dwayne, gotta laugh at the Braves thing…that’s what I appreciate about (almost all) hockey fans…they ‘get it’. Problem with this world is everyone takes themselves too seriously and no one wants to take responsibilities for their actions (it’s too easy to sue someone instead).
I’m part Polish and I enjoy a good Polish joke as much (maybe more) than anyone. But try to take a jab at (fill in the ethnic/racial group name) and …
Off the soapbox and back to hockey…to answer my own question…it looks like Paul Coffey scored 29 goals as a 20 year old (man, and a MONSTROUS 138 point season a few seasons later!). If Bogosian can get to 20 this year he’d beat him.
Smoothie
June 25th, 2009
2:28 pm
Since when is the term “dude” a term of disrespect? What is your problem amigo, compadre, sir, jacka$$? YOU ARE WRONG and can’t handle it so I suggest you take your Slater laments somewhere else. I bet the Frogs in Montreal would love your insights on Habs In and Out or whatever the hell it is called.
Spud Webb
June 25th, 2009
2:52 pm
Hoffman was supposed to be up last year, broke his hand and we never saw him, correct? Man the season flew by.
I have to agree with LAC, though not as harsh, I don’t want slater on the team. I feel like we can upgrade there.
As far as bolts, I love the guy but lets sign Chris Neil. So keep either bolts or thorburn, line em up with Neil on the other wing.
All my opinions of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please offer boris his contract. Give him some more ice time.
Draft Kane, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck DW and try not to cleat yourself friday night. see you guys/girls at the draft!!
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
2:56 pm
I must agree with Bob and Sara regarding Gionta. He would be very welcome here because he plays bigger than he really is and has the talent to keep up with Kovalchuk. I would like to see him signed in Atlanta but I know not to get my hopes up.
Smoothie, dude, you’re arguing with a brick wall…don’t bother. He dislikes Slater but he wont justify why. There’s no convincing him otherwise no matter how convincing your argument might be.
five_hole
June 25th, 2009
3:00 pm
My guess is that we’ll be making qualifying offers to anyone the front office thinks has NHL value. Juest because they are made an offer doesn’t mean they’ll be with the team in the fall. For example, because we retained the rights to Lehtonen, we could trade him for other assets. Allowing him to walk away would mean we have nothing to show for him.
Nikita Thorburn may not win a large percentage of fights, but at least he has the cajones to mix it up; something most of the other members of the team are lacking. I’m not really a Thorburn fan, as I don’t think he has that much talent offensively or defensively.
Hip Czech & dwayne This is why in baseball they always post the 3rd K backwards, so as not to be confused with the Klan.
LAC Disagree with you dude on Slater. He’ll never be a 50 goal scorer, but the kid is f-a-s-t and I think he plays defense well. For a 4th line player, we could do worse.
Brendan
June 25th, 2009
3:01 pm
I think I agree with Alan’s 12:48 post. I want to retain LaVallee, Valabik, and Grant Lewis. I’d add Thorburn. We need grit. Turple hasn’t impressed me. Nor should he, as a former sixth round pick of the Thrashers, as part of the Brian Pothier deal with Ottawa, for Shawn MacEachern, way back when.
I want to retain Nathan Oystrick and Joey Crabb. Clay Wilson, I’m not too sure. C. Wilson was part of the Jason Williams trade, that brings us Pick #176 in the sixth round of this draft. If some GM is wanting some “throw away pick inducement” as sweetener, , those two sixth round picks we own would be the way to go. Waddell can still pick a defenseman with pick #184, as he is so apt to do, having done it with Garnett Exelby, Zach Redmond, and Toby Enstrom in the 7th round.
As for Jim Slater … well … what’s a 4th line center cost? My guess is $600,000 to $800,000, depending on NHL Tenure and draft position. As Slater is a former 1st round pick, who probably is good for 10 goals and 35-points, I’d say $770,000 feels right. So, for $770,000 … who are the Thrashers going to get that is better? If the answer is “no one,” then I don’t have a problem with Slater staying. I preach about drafting players and retaining them. Slater staying would achieve that. Slater is not a ‘God send’ player. But if you look past where he was drafted, and instead size up the roster for what it is, in another ‘building year,’ then Slater retention makes a lot of sense. If Slater leaves, I’m not gonna cry about it. I’ll wish him well. And surely won’t “boo” him upon his return to Philips Arena, in another team’s jersey.
Smoothie
June 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
Ranallo, I know, but I couldn’t help myself. Just felt like stirring the pot.
Spud, LAC and anyone else who dislikes Slater: I certainly realize Slater is far from perfect, but as a young player who has finally found his niche, I think the best is yet to come for him. Early on in his career, he was forced into a pressure-packed situation trying to center Hoslov. He wasn’t ready for that nor did he have the strength to stay on his skates. I think he has matured and grown into his role as this team’s 4th C. At $800-900 K, he’s not really overpriced. For comparison, Chris Neil, who is listed as a RW, was paid $1.2 M last year. And their PPG avg is just about identical with a slight edge to Neil. But Neil also has more years in the NHL.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
3:25 pm
This is why in baseball they always post the 3rd K backwards, so as not to be confused with the Klan.
The backwards Ks stand for a called third strike. It’s (or Kc) is how the strikeout is recorded in a score book. It has nothing at all to do with the potential KKK reference.
R. Stroz
June 25th, 2009
3:45 pm
Does anyone know when the salary cap & floor numbers will be released?
Those numbers would have an effect on any possible trades that might go down tomorrow.
five_hole
June 25th, 2009
3:46 pm
ranallo10 (in AT) I’m enlightened. Of course, who can stand to watch baseball?
Hip Czech
June 25th, 2009
3:50 pm
Ranallo, that was in jest about the backwards K….just think of the promotions the Thrashers could do with a KKK line…
I agree that Slater as a 4th line Center/PK player at < 1 million is not awful. If he ever could hit the net consistently he would might become a 15-20 goal scorer, good for 2 or 3 shorties a year and 10-15 even strength goals.
Alan
June 25th, 2009
3:55 pm
Stroz, those numbers will be released no later than 30 June. I think that’s in the CBA, though I haven’t the time to sift through the document and take a gander..
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
4:00 pm
five_hole — Good point…the game goes by much quicker when you’re focused on keeping an accurate score sheet.
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
4:27 pm
Baseball is certainly one of the worst sports next to the one where you put a ball in a basket.
TSN is reporting a major offer has been made for Tomas Kaberle… don’t get your hopes up, it’s one of the teams in the Bouwmeester sweeps.
If I had to guess…Perhaps Philly or the NYR, assuming Burke respects Kaberle’s wishes to stay in the Eastern Conference.
Brian Burke
June 25th, 2009
4:34 pm
It’s time to screw somebody.
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
4:35 pm
What would make the most sense though is the LA Kings… Jack Johnson and the 5th pick for Tomas Kaberle and the 7th pick.
That allows Toronto to draft Brayden Schenn.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
4:45 pm
Kaberle’s good but that deal would be in Toronto’s favor in my opinion. Luke Schenn and Johnson is a helluva defense to build with. I think LA is crazy to give up on Johnson simply due to difficulty in contract negotiations.
Brian Burke
June 25th, 2009
4:45 pm
I floated that rumor to pull the suckers out. Donny, you listening.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
4:47 pm
Interested response to the story on TSN…”Prediction: Kabs and our 7th overall to Atlanta for their 4th overall pick and 2nd-4th round pick and possibly a prospect.”
I wouldn’t complain.
R. Stroz
June 25th, 2009
4:57 pm
ranallo10 – NO WAY! Kaberle is on a downhill slope.
Smitty
June 25th, 2009
5:37 pm
Just listened to Evander Kane on HNIC radio. One of the questions posed to him was what his reaction was to being cut for the under 20 Canadien team this past year. Obviously he was disappointed but when he was asked to rejoin the team in a checking role he jumped at the chance. The interviewers both rate him an excellent pick who could jump into the NHL immediately. He is good in the corners and usually comes out of the corners with the puck. They compared him to Brett Hull in being able to find the seams in a defense to get off a good shot.
I think this kid could fit right in on the first line. A solid 2 way player with a the grit to go to the net and fight in the corners. I think this kid could be a Bobby Clarke type of player.
Brendan
June 25th, 2009
5:42 pm
I like Kaberle, but I’m not giving up any lotter draft pick for him. Especially, ESPECIALLY … if Kaberle hasn’t expressed any interest in being here. And isn’t Frank Kaberle his brother? I would think Frank has told him everything he needs to know about Atlanta.
Anywho, I agree with Ranallo that the Kings would be UNWISE to move Jack Johnson over a “dollars and cents” negotiation. Now, if J. Johnson said, “I want out,” that’s different. It’d also be different if J. Johnson said, “Trade me to a lottery draft team.” Which I would likewise find unusual.
Brian Burke, please be kind. You and Don are allegedly “friends.” Do you have to screw a “friend?” Wait. Someone just handed me a memo. “T’ain’t no friends in business. Or on draft day.” Well, Waddell did Dudley a favor, back in 2002? Why can’t Burke toss us a bone. I want Luc Schenn, dagnabit!
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
6:14 pm
Stroz — I hear you, but he’s only 31 and had an abnormally short season this past year (a hand injury sidelined him for nearly 30 games). He’s still a 30 point producing defender for a bad team, and he would be a top 2 defender on this roster instantly.
There are plenty of talents to be drafted from 4-7, but none are going to impact the roster immediately like Kaberle would. That being said, I can’t imagine Atlanta has the best offer on the table for Kaberle.
LAC
June 25th, 2009
8:45 pm
Stroz is 100% correct, this would be a BAD trade !!!!!!!
Sara
June 25th, 2009
8:48 pm
No way is Kaberle worth the trading down to 7th, plus another pick plus a prospect. That’s assinine. I wouldn’t help Brian Burke one f’in iota.
BTW, I was reading earlier that Red Line is projecting Kane as a LW and not as a C. Anyone else seen/heard anything else on this issue?
And in the meantime, I’ll continue to watch all this surreal coverage about Michael Jackson…unbelievable.
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
8:57 pm
It’s not a bad trade if you still get Kane or MPS at #7, which is still very possible.
Isles-Tavares
Bolts-Hedman
Avs-Duchene
Leafs-Schenn
Kings-MPS
Yotes-Cowen
Thrash-Kane
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
9:02 pm
We were going to spend a #2 for a Defender anyway… we’d be getting an All Star Defender for a Thrashers budget price.
If we still get Kane or MPS at #7, what’s the difference? Who cares about prospects? Who do you want Burke… Lewis? Lehman? Sterling?… Enjoy!
Smoothie
June 25th, 2009
9:02 pm
According to Ben Wright, EK is comfortable playing all forward positions (Kane said so in his interview) but did play LW this past season with the Couv in WHL.more importantly, is he scrappy and savvy enough to play 4th line mins and some limited PK?
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
With that said… I’d still rather have Cam Barker, but I couldn’t imagine the price for a RFA right now, if that’s the price for Kaberle.
GaVaHokie
June 25th, 2009
9:07 pm
I’d be curious what kind of swap we could make with Phoenix for Jovocop.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
9:50 pm
I just realized Kaberle is only signed for two years…that’d be the main concern I’d have with the aforementioned deal. He’s an All-Star who would be waiving his no trade clause if he was traded to Atlanta (i.e., he’d be fine with playing in Atlanta instead of Toronto). I’ll take a top 4 All-Star defender over a “draft and hope” any day.
However, I’m getting caught in the realm of useless dreaming, because I can’t imagine Atlanta would be able to beat other packages offered up for Kaberle and the 7 pick.
Sara
June 25th, 2009
10:13 pm
Hokie – while we certainly would still get a good player at 7, there’s a difference to me between just getting a good player and getting what you need and what fits best. This is a long-term decision at this point – the core is still being assembled. We have the best chance to get the right piece at #4 versus taking whatever everyone else has left at #7. I think, particularly in terms of a d-man, there are other avenues open to us that wouldn’t involve giving anything up.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 25th, 2009
10:21 pm
I think, particularly in terms of a d-man, there are other avenues open to us that wouldn’t involve giving anything up.
Like who? What top pairing All Star defenseman is realistically available that doesn’t cost Atlanta a player or pick?
As for your response about #4 vs. #7, are you confident that the difference between Kane, Schenn, Paajarvi-Svensson, and Cowan is so great that one MUST take the best of the 4? Personally I’m not, which means the difference between getting the “right” to draft Kane at #4 is theoretically worse than being “stuck” with Cowan or Paajarvi-Svensson at #7 PLUS getting a player like Kaberle for two years.
There is no more of a guarantee that Kane is a long term solution than another top 10 draft pick is. I like what I’ve read and seen of Kane, and I’ll be happy when he’s drafted, but I will definitely be keeping an eye on any potential move made in those top 7 picks and think “what if” with regards to the Thrashers.
Hockey Biltong
June 25th, 2009
10:47 pm
You want a boring professional drinking sport??? Try unlimited overs cricket.. It can go for days and you can get absolutely soused!!
Now as far as Slater is concerned; he has improved, especially last year.He used to break away with the puck, take it to the net and get stuffed. Now he has actually shown enough calm and improved stick handling to score. It’s true, I’ve seen it first hand. Is he perfect?? No. Will he continue to get better? Probably… what do you want for the money we spend on him??? He plays all out and with a big heart, of which not all his teammates do. He fits in J.Andersons system.
So there, now that I’ve said all that he will be traded….lol
fritz
June 25th, 2009
10:50 pm
Forget Kaberle! We need to move up one spot and draft Duchene, if he is available at #3. Duchene is the prize of this draft.
Smoothie
June 25th, 2009
10:54 pm
Now that the Hawks have selected Jeff Teague to back-up the alledged new PG Jamal Crawford, we can begin to guess that the ASG is not inclined to overpay for Mike Bibby to play in a reserve role. Now, hopefully for the Thrashers sake, they will let Flip Murray walk and find a cheaper option to replace him so there is a bit more coin available to sign FA and titillate Kovy with a sizable raise after July 1. Fingers are crossed. Goodbye half-white, half-black PG and hello half-white, half-black new Center Evander Kane!
Beavis
June 25th, 2009
11:00 pm
heh-heh….Smoothie said “tit”.
R. Stroz
June 25th, 2009
11:05 pm
Smoothie – Good analysis. If nothing else, the Hawks draft pick tonight puts the Hawks in a better negotiating position in regards to Bibby. If the Hawks can re-sign Bibby for 6 to 7 million less than his current 15 million/year, those funds could be used for the Thrashers payroll.
Lets see what happens.
Smoothie
June 25th, 2009
11:33 pm
Yeah Stroz, twill be very interesting to see what happens in both NBA and NHL FA. I hope at the very least Bibby will “settle” for 6 or 7 M if they don’t cut him loose in favor of signing a cheaper option G who can play some point and shoot the ball (think Rafer Alston mold). Would be nice to have enough dough to woo Brian Gionta
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
12:02 am
I’m suprised we have not seen some trades start to go down as of yet. Not picks, but clearing cap space type of moves.
I’m more for trading up to the 3rd pick if the Avs are willing and exploring better options through trade with later round picks and prospects in the system(Pavs). I see the reasoning for getting Kaberle and the 7th for the 4th, but I wouldn’t do the deal and would not give up anything more than the 4th pick for that proposed deal.
What are the Hawks fans thinking about their new(er) GM after this draft? Is the honeymoon over for Sund after tonight, or are they loving getting Crawford to play guard? I wonder if Dudley if screaming to Don not to taint the meat before he puts it on the grill? No stupid moves tomorrow DON!!! OK?
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
7:57 am
I believe we need to just stay at #4 and take Kane. There are plenty of good (nor great) UFA defenseman available this year that will not cost us anything. Stay at #4 and take the guy we want and need instead of hoping he’s there at #7.
The thing about this draft is that the top 3 players are clearly better than the rest. There isn’t much difference between 4 and 10. Having said that, Kane is the best of what is available 4-10. So why mess around.
Grabovski is a one dimensional player – if aquired, we would be looking to dump him in 2 years anyhow. If you want that kind of player, just sign Afinaganov on July 1.
Don’t take Toronto’s garbage. Burke is desperate to make a move to stir up Leafs’ fans.
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
7:59 am
Darkhorse, I agree, but the Avs want a proven #1 golaie to move up to the 3rd spot. Not sure Pav’s potential is enough to get the 3rd pick.
If it was, I would make that trade for sure. I said that a month ago, but many people on this blog shot me down.
Tom Lysiak
June 26th, 2009
8:38 am
World, I could not agree more. Burke is being a bully telling everyone he is getting Tavares and he needs to move up to have the slightest chance. I get the visual of him treating Don like Jim Carey did that blind kid in “Dumb and Dumber”. Selling him a dead bird….
Kaberle is a great player, but no way worth a lottery pick at his age and contract status. Go with Kane!
Thrasher Blue
June 26th, 2009
8:46 pm
Thorburn is a must re-sign. He gives it his all on every shift, will fight anyone (Chara fight), and chips in a few goals. You have to accept him for who he is – a 4th liner with toughness.
Guys like Boulton are being phased out of the league. If fighting is all you bring to the table, then your time in the NHL is near up (Mike Hoffman – no chance).
Tiago
June 27th, 2009
12:36 pm
As I said other day: Atlanta chose Kane. Fabulous!