NHL Draftapalooza 2009
At last…the 2009 NHL draft day is finally upon us. I went to bed early last night so that today would come sooner!
I’ll make my way to TJ’s at about 6-is or so and have had thoughts of updating from there as well…although that could prove difficult if I’m just having too good of a time.
However, as we wait for all the fun to begin…let me start the morning off with a question or two for you.
What team do you think will most likely be the first to trade their way up in the draft order? Me…I’ve got my eye on the Toronto Maple Leafs. I just think Brain Burke wants to make a major splash tonight…and he’d just love to get John Taveres into a Leafs jersey.
Also, what about Atlanta’s pair of picks in the second round. How likely is it that Waddell/Dudley use one of them…along with a current player…to land a top-four blueliner or a top-six forward? If I’m a betting man, I would wager that they will try and do just that.
Update – June 26 7:45 am: Per Chris Vivlamore…the Thrashers are eying centers at tonight’s draft.
Update – June 26 8:55am: I keep hearing stories of Brian Burke admitting that there has been an offer made that includes dealing Kaberle in order to move up from the 7th spot. But he’s denying Atlanta is that team…although he has spoken with Waddell about a possible deal.
Also…I heard on HTM that 25,000 fans are expected at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. WOW!
Update – June 26 1:35 pm: TSN is reporting that the salary cap will be going up by $100,000.
Update – June 26 8:00 pm: In case you haven’t heard … Don didn’t screw up and he did indeed pick Evander Kane!!!!
Update – June 26 11:40 pm: Just got back in from TJ’s…what an absolutely great draft party…so many people there! It was such a pleasure meeting all the readers who came out for the first time! More in th morning…I’m pooped!
Upadte – June 27 10:45 am: The Thrashers’ second-round pick is Carl Klinsberg, a 6′-3″ 205 pound left-winger from Sweden.
Update – June 27 11:15 am: With their second pick in the second round, (45th overall), Atlanta takes Jeremy Morin, a 6′-1″ 189 pound left winger who has played with team USA’s u-18 squad. He’s from Auburn, NY.
Update – June 27 11:30 am: The Thrashers have traded their 4th round, (95th overall), pick to L.A.
Update June 27 11:51 am: In the 4th round…first with 117th pick, Atlanta get’s a goalie…Edward Pasqual of Saginaw’s OHL team. Then with the 120th overall pick, Atlanta selects Ben Chairot of the Ontario League’s Guelph. He’s a 6′-2″ 211 pound defender.
Update June 27 12:03 pm: The Thrasher take another defender with their 5th-round pick, (125th overall). 6′-4″, 215 pound Cody Sol. He’s a teammate of Pasqual, the netminder we took in the 4th round.
Update June 27 12:34 pm: The 6th round pick by Atlanta is Jimmy Bubnick…a 6′-2″ 194-pound centerman who plays with Kamloop Blazers of the WHL.
Update June 27 12:50 pm: The Florida Panthers traded the negotiating rights for Jay Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold, a UFA, and a 2009 third-round draft pick…with the pick the Panthers chose right wing Josh Birkholz.
Update June 27 1:09 pm: With the 4th selection of the 7th round…185th overall…Levko Koper was the choice of the Thrashers. He’s a six-foot, 180-pound left wing from Edmonton, AB who is playing with Spokan of the WHL. The Thrashers also have the 22nd pick of this round.
Update June 27 1:37 pm: And with the 203rd and final pick for Atlanta, Don Waddell has chosen another left winger…Jordan Samuels-Thomas out of Hartford, CT. He’s 6′-3″, 198 pounds and plays for Waterloo of the USHL.
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158 comments Add your comment
dwayne
June 26th, 2009
7:17 am
Bill, DW hit the jackpot with ZB last year, lets hope DW and RD get it right this year too. Have a good time tonight, wish I could be there, but, as much I hate too, I got to go on a cruise, to the bahamas. bummer.
Supes
June 26th, 2009
7:25 am
I don’t care who it is we get at 4, as long as he turnes out to be as good as ZB like dwayne said it’ll be a good draft. Obviously center is our biggest need!
BG33Brown
June 26th, 2009
7:49 am
I just hope we stand pat at number 4. If reports are right, Kane or Scheen will look good in a Thrashers Uniform (Hopefully next year).
PUTTING ON THE FOIL
June 26th, 2009
7:52 am
Just sitting here wondering why I’m thinking optimistically that DW will get it right today. Fool me once, fool me twice, fool me ten times.
Thrasher_Ed
June 26th, 2009
7:55 am
What do you all think of the rumors about Tomas Kaberle and possibly Pavel Kubina to ATL from the Leafs? I am not sure I give up my #4 pick for that!
kracker
June 26th, 2009
8:00 am
hey hey hey…it’s draft day!
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
8:08 am
Stay at 4-Toronto is desperate to make a deal. Let it be with someone else.
Mr. Heat Miser
June 26th, 2009
8:13 am
With all the crap going on down in Tampon Bay the Lecavalier rumor mill is cranking up again.
Toby
June 26th, 2009
8:25 am
It’s Draft day!!! Yes!!! Let’s get this going… We don’t need another puck moving D…but…If Toronto offers #7 + Kaberle ($4.25) for #4…take it and run. He’s an all-star. Assuming Phoenix takes a D (Cowen or Kuklikov etc…) then we end up with either Schenn, Kane, or MPS. Here’s what TFP has on this…
The Atlanta Thrashers are believed to be among the teams interested in Toronto Maple Leafs All-Star defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
Five teams are believed to be interested in acquiring Kaberle, with one having stepped up with a “significant proposal,” Kaberle’s agent Rick Curran told TFP.
It’s uncertain if the Leafs plan on trading Kaberle, but it’s been widely reported that the Thrashers are one of the teams quite interested.
Thrashers GM Don Waddell confirmed having trade talks with Leafs GM Brian Burke about the fourth-overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, and it’s possible the two teams are discussing a large swap.
The Thrashers are also believed to be interested in another Leafs defenseman, Pavel Kubina.
English Teacher
June 26th, 2009
8:27 am
Have fun at TJs! Were I not taking my son who really wants to go to Gillian’s and meet Bogo, I’d be there, too.
Wow, the draft already? Maybe this summer won’t be as interminable as the last.
PUTTING ON THE FOIL
June 26th, 2009
8:30 am
No way in hell I’d do that deal. Stay with Kane unless the deal is really sweet.
J.B.
June 26th, 2009
8:34 am
when my alarm clock went off early this morning, the first thing I heard was the “WOOOO Hooooo” of hash pipe playing on the radio. That’s got to be a good omen on draft day right? Here’s to hoping DW keeps the 4th pick though… Love to have the aforementioned leafs in thrasher blue, but not at that expense especially considering our ‘youth movement’…
B. Thenet
June 26th, 2009
8:36 am
I still doubt whether or not the first 3 picks go as planned, I have little faith in the abilities of the GMs in Long Island, Tampa, and Colorado. I think we may luck into Duchene, Tavares, or Hedman at #4.
PUTTING ON THE FOIL
June 26th, 2009
8:39 am
B. Thenet- Now that’s great thinking. The GM’s for those three clubs along with DW are at the top of the draft order for a reason.
Jimbo
June 26th, 2009
8:39 am
Defenseman hit their peak years in the 27-30 range. Kaberle is on the downside of that but still good. Getting him and #7 for #4 and a prospect is an OK deal.
Sean
June 26th, 2009
9:13 am
Unless DW wants to take Kaberle and trade him or another defenseman to another team who wants him, I don’t get it. How many quarterbacks does a team need? We already have Kovy, Enstrom, Hainsey, Bogosian and Salmella who can play the point.
I’m hoping we draft Kane. The kid is going to be a stud.
JB
June 26th, 2009
9:26 am
Rawhide, TSN is reporting that the MAJOR deal that the Leafs received was from Boston.
To Toronto:
Phil Kessel
To Boston:
#7
Tomas Kaberle
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282921
I honestly don’t think we need another offensive defenseman, we have enough at this point. I’d rather see us go after someone like a Mike Komisarek next Wednesday. As for the draft tonight, I don’t think we could go wrong with either one of Kane or Schenn.
BUT……..
What if the Isles take Duschene? Tampa undoubtedly take Victor Hedman at 2 regardless(unless they trade Lecavilier in which they’ll probably draft Tavaras.) So do you move up a spot with Colorado to take JT if he’s there?
RS
June 26th, 2009
9:27 am
For reasons unknown, Ilya Kovalchuk seems to hate Pavel Kubina’s guts. He was the player that Ilya boarded to get kicked out of the Olympic game in Torino. They also have gotten into it a couple of times in the NHL.
kracker
June 26th, 2009
9:28 am
Agree. If Kaberle comes here, somebody has to go, probably Hainsey. I don’t see anyone coveting Ron that much.
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
9:31 am
Prices are definitely getting steep… Phil Kessel for Kaberle AND the #7 pick.
I’d say Lehtonen or Pavelec to Colorado to swap picks… otherwise, I say we’re drafting at #4.
I would not give up the #4 pick AND a player for Phil Kessel, Jack Johnson or Cam Barker or whoever.
LAC
June 26th, 2009
9:38 am
I hope we do NOT trade with Toronto,we need to keep #4 and try to pull off something with Colorado to get #3, then we would have our malkin/crotchby combo here…
But to trade it to Toronto for an aging defensman or two NO NO NO !
dwayne
June 26th, 2009
9:39 am
draft at 4, that person would have some loyalty to the Thrashers. They would also know that Rick Dudley loves to rebuild, so they know by year 2(not DW’s 5 year plan)they will be in the playoffs and part of something special. I feel it in my bones!!!
I know some of you bloggers like to look stuff up, so, is there anyone in Chicago that might want to come to Atl. since RD is here. UFA’s? RFA’s??
Alan
June 26th, 2009
9:43 am
Why trade for Kaberle? We don’t need anymore offensive types here. We need defensive types. We are absolutely stacked with offensive D. As a matter of fact, the sheer idea that we would make a move for Kaberle is offensive.
Don’t screw up, D-Wad. I asked for snow on my birthday, and the heavens denied me. Now I’m asking for a one of either Kane, MPS, or Cowen to be drafted by this club.
Sara
June 26th, 2009
9:49 am
Now that Boston deal looks like an interesting wrinkle. Think about it…what is Burke’s desired end result? #1 overall draft pick. What was Waddell’s opine on that? He’d have a better shot at it if he was holding the #4.
That trade with Boston doesn’t net Burke a draft pick – in fact it costs him his 1st round pick. So unless he is willing to settle for Kessel instead of trying for JT, my hunch is he’s looking to flip Kessel for a pick higher than #7.
I hate the idea of trading the 4th overall pick. I also hate the idea of helping either Brian Burke or the Toronto Maple Leafs. I like the idea of Kessel but not at that price. There better be way way way more to that deal than just Kessel since we won’t be getting any kind of pick in the 1st round.
UGH…
Brian Burke
June 26th, 2009
9:51 am
I’m going to screw Donny boy again.
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
9:58 am
Sara… Toronto is worthless without their #7 pick. They’d have to find a way to get Kessel without giving up that #7 pick if they want to move up.
What are they going to do? Trade Kaberle for Kessel, then trade Kessel and Schenn for #2?
Tavares better be damn good to blow up your team like that.
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
9:59 am
Anyone who ends up with Kessel better be ready to sign him for $6 million a year.
Russian
June 26th, 2009
10:01 am
I will trade 4 pick for Kaberle + 7 pick. No question to ask. Also I like to get Kubina to Atlanta. He is home stay D-man.
Look what we can get if deal will done:
Toby – Bogus
Kaberle – Kubina (they know each other)
Hainsy – Boris
Ex is 7 D-man.
Oystrick is going to Chickago or trade
Salmanella is plaing to Chickago also.
It is a perfect pair of D-man. I sick opf tired to see our D-men pulled out of crease easily. We need size.
JB
June 26th, 2009
10:01 am
It looks like we may be keeping the #4 just from my reading between the lines of what DW says here and Brian Burke seems to think that the Isles are taking Matt Duschene.
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip187306#clip187306
five_hole
June 26th, 2009
10:01 am
If we were going to make a trade and Phil Kessel is available; I’d rather get him than Kaberle. The kid is young, good and would give Kovy the player he’s looking to be paired with. And we have the cap space. The question is would the ASG be willing to pony up the bucks?
Won’t be at TJ’s but hope y’all have a great time.
Sara
June 26th, 2009
10:14 am
Hokie – there’s also speculation Burke would be content with the #4 to take the younger Schenn. So the question is, would Waddell feel Kessel is enough compensation for the #4 pick?
If choosing between who I’d rather get back in a trade, it’d be Kessel for sure – younger, more upshot, and we’d potentially be able to hold on to him longer. But I’m not digging the idea of just trading straight up for Kessel w/ the #4. Now if Burke can retain that 7th pick, well, then maybe I could see Kessel and the 7th for the 4th. Again, we’ve got some longevity potential with Kessel which makes that more palatable, but still must have that pick – a guy drafted this year will last longer than Kessel and cost a whole lot less (at least in the short term).
This day is going to be insane.
Sara
June 26th, 2009
10:16 am
JB I hope for Wang and Snow’s sakes Burke is wrong. Those 25,000 fans aren’t showing up to cheer the drafting of Duschene. It’s JT or someone’s going to get sacrificed to the hockey gods on Long Island.
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
10:21 am
Sara… I’d try to do a 3-way with Boston and Toronto. Otherwise, why wouldn’t we just deal with Boston directly for Kessel?
Atlanta gets Kessel and M. Stuart
Toronto gets #4 pick
Boston gets #7 and Kaberle
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
10:23 am
I’m just happy to see some pomp and circumstance around the NHL draft… 25,000 at Nassau… flying the #1 pick directly from Montreal to Long Island… you got Burke and Gainey trying to make a huge splash.
It’s going to be exciting!
I’m so happy it’s on Versus! (sarcasm)
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
10:31 am
Anybody know if this will be streamed anywhere on the ‘net?
Sara
June 26th, 2009
10:35 am
I agree – I think the only way to get Kessel would be a 3-way. I don’t think we would have anything Boston wanted (from a what-we’d-make-available standpoint). But I’d hold firm to getting a 1st rounder back out of any deal. Longevity IMO is crucial at this point. I want someone we can keep for a long time and while in that department Kessel > Kaberle, Player X drafted at #4 > Kessel.
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
10:49 am
I just don’t think it’s wise to have to overpay to have Kessel here. Nice player, but we can only have a couple of guys making 6mil a year on this team with this ownerships budget. Don’t give up the fourth pick at all, unless you move up or it’s a no brainer. And no thanks to Kaberle. No more offensive dmen needed right now unless Hainsey is moved.
With Hokie on Pavs, or a couple of picks to move up to number three.
Whhhhoooohooooo……Let the FUN or misery begin!!!!!
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
11:14 am
My apologies in advance for cross-blog posting, but I realized I put this on the wrong blog after I hit submit…
Outside of the top 15 picks, is there a particular player(s) that you are following in this draft?
Personally I’m following Palmieri and Klingberg in the mid to late first, and I’m also keeping an eye on goalies Bobkov and Lehner in the mid second round. I wouldn’t mind seeing a goalie drafted that early by the Thrashers, especially considering the pipeline will likely be thinned by one during this offseason.
Are there any prospects that jump out to you all, outside of the relative consensus players?
ROBO
June 26th, 2009
11:15 am
TRADE LETEMIN AND EXELBY…..TO THE AVALANCHE FOR #3…………….
dwayne
June 26th, 2009
11:16 am
i’ve hired 50 aspiring actors and actresses to wear Thrasher colors at the draft and chant “fire waddell”
LAC
June 26th, 2009
11:17 am
Watching recap of 2005 draft on NHL network,makes me vomit seeing us pass on Mark Staal and hear waddell say Alex Bourrett was “out” guy,
and it was an IMPORTANT draft for the team… Boy did waddell screw up or what ?
Let’s hope he does not screw up this year !
dwayne
June 26th, 2009
11:17 am
i’m sure the Avs will do that!!! lmao
Russian
June 26th, 2009
11:20 am
Everyone who is talking about Thrashers future, please think one more time.
Look what might Happened after this season if we will take young players and try to build a team.
1. We are missing PO again.
2. Kovy move to other team
3. We got very low points and finish a season as 3 or 4 of the end.
4. Phillips arena will be empty sits.
5. Owners will got more trouble with Budget and sale the team
6. Final Result – Thrashers will be somewhere in Canada or Las Vegas.
I am not Happy with this scenario.
Now look what is my idea. We are not take any young players on this year.
1. Don and Dudley MUST make a GREAT trades.
2. Bring First class players.
3. Team should play like a Champ.
4. Kovy will sign with a team before a All Star Games
5. They have to win at least SE Division or may be more.
6. They have to win first and second rounds PO.
After the season 2009/2010 Atlanta Thrashers will build reputation around the NHL. Players want to come here. We have to make big Splash on next season. This is a situation as DO or DIE hockey on Atlanta.
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
11:27 am
Ben Wright’s interview with DW about the draft, trades, and the prices for players he’s seeing is over at his blueland blog on his twitter link. Not sure why I can’t seem to get the link to stick here, but I think the majority of you know how to find it.
Most interesting note he says to Ben is the asking price in the trade market for dmen is a lot lower than for forwards. DW says he expects to make a trade in the next week, had a lot of interest in the first of the two second rounders, and expect to stay at four.
I would offer the Avs that 34th pick to move up if it’s that hot of a pick.
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
11:31 am
That’s very wishful thinking Russian! Can’t say I see the turn around that quick, but would love to see it.
dwayne
June 26th, 2009
11:32 am
Russian, great idea!!! Only if we had Detroits owner and Ken Holland for a GM.
Toby
June 26th, 2009
11:35 am
If you get a chance, check out the interview with Dub on the main site (Falconer has the link too). It sounds like good news… it sounds like we draft Kane and don’t make any moves until day 2.
He says that we won’t trade an 18 year old piece for a 30 year old one.
kracker
June 26th, 2009
11:37 am
EK: * The Oilers are closing in on dealing for the #4 overall.
Toby
June 26th, 2009
11:39 am
waste of time (e5)
Spud Webb
June 26th, 2009
11:55 am
Sara, you’re EXACTLY right, the isles fans are going to go nuts if Tavaras isn’t taken. They will have flashbacks of Milbury running that team into the ground!!! ahahahhahahahah, I hope it happens!!!!!
Chris Vivlamore
June 26th, 2009
11:58 am
Sorry to invade Rawhide’s blog, but I just got a report from Montreal. No serious trade talks, just some kicking of the tires, is what I’m told.
Rawhide
June 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
No prob, Chris…pop in anytime!
kracker
June 26th, 2009
12:06 pm
Now I’m even more of a nerd. I signed up for a twitter account to follow draft “reports.”
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
12:09 pm
Yes kracker, yes you are.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott-nhl-draft26-2009jun26,0,6999847.column
Apparently LA has spoken about the #4 pick…I wonder what they offered just to get a chance to draft Schenn?
Rawhide
June 26th, 2009
12:30 pm
kracker – I signed up for a twitter account to follow draft “reports.”
OK then…you get to sit next to me tonight!
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
12:31 pm
We do not need any more defenseman, unless his name in Bouwmeester.
This club needs an impact center and Toronto does not have one to give. Stick with the plan and don’t fall for the temptation of dealing with Brian Burke. Burke is more desperate than we are! He has to make a splash here to satisfy the loonies in Toronto.
Kracker-what does Edmonton have to offer for #4?
You can get help in the UFA market.
Rawhide
June 26th, 2009
12:46 pm
The cap will remain at about the same level it was last season.
Smitty
June 26th, 2009
12:49 pm
Other than Thachuk what older player has helped the Thrashers on a short term basis? Our young guys came through the end of last year. It seems to me the plan is to go with the young guys. Hopefully Kovy will see the progress and re-up.
I have said before this is the most important summer in Thrasher history. It would appear ASG thinks along those lines due to Dudley coming on board. Build through the draft, develop the kids and then add some not too old veterans. I am as impatient as anyone here for a winning team, but I think maybe the Thrasher higher ups are finally getting the picture.
I cannot remember any draft with this much anticipation. Hope I can make it to TJ’s.
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
12:55 pm
Here’s another name to toss out there, one that could help the Thrashers right now-Olli Jokinen.
Olli is available. Calgary has no hope of keeping their current UFA’s or obtaining new ones, unless they move salary.
Olli has 1 more year on his current contract. He would be a great dance partner for Kovy, good penalty killer.
I have not read this anywhere, other than knowing he is available.
What do you think folks?
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
1 year of Jokinen is not worth it, in my opinion. He has no reason to stay in Atlanta and would almost assuredly test the UFA waters. I wouldn’t make such a move for anything more than a second round pick.
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
1:06 pm
Exactly-I was thinking our 2nd – second round pick, the one from Montreal. Jokinen would be a hit with Kovy, might want to resign. He’s had some tough times in Phoenix and Calgary, not sure his stature is the same as it was 1-2 years ago.
and he’s a no. 1 center-all for a 2nd round pick.
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
Grant Stevenson has signed to play in the Swiss League next campaign.
http://www.dobberhockey.com/content/view/2038/1/
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
1:12 pm
I doubt he would re-sign, and I also doubt that a second round pick would get him (I’m sure other teams would offer more), but I wouldn’t complain if they brought Jokinen to Atlanta.
R. Stroz
June 26th, 2009
1:54 pm
tsn link on cap figures for next season.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282925
Text:
On a day when the biggest decisions appear to be made on the floor of the 2009 NHL Draft, the National Hockey League is expected to finalize their salary cap for the 2009-2010 season.
NHLPA executive-director Paul Kelly has confirmed to TSN that the salary cap will be set at a maximum of $56.8-million, with the minimum being $40.8-million. The move represents an increase of $100,000 from last year’s totals.
Both the NHL and the NHLPA confirmed the players have voted to apply the five percent inflator, which allowed the salary cap for next season to rise slightly.
The league has been telling general managers and owners that the cap number could be $57.1-million, up a few hundred thousand from last season’s maximum of $56.7-million.
Since it was introduced, the NHL salary cap has risen each year, starting from the original $39-million set at the end of the NHL Lockout.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
2:06 pm
Well it’s official, $40.8M is my vote for next season’s opening night salary.
h
June 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
Not that his posts mean crap, but this is from an Ek posting 2 hours ago. See below.
* The Oilers are closing in on dealing for the #4 overall.
I find it interesting that Waddell has talked so much about keeping this pick, which leads me to believe he may be shopping it for a great offer….only a few hours away.
R. Stroz
June 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
ranallo10 – According to Ben Wright, the draft will be streamlined on atlantatharshers.com
R. Stroz
June 26th, 2009
2:11 pm
Remember my axiom, NEVER TRUST WADDELL!
Beevis (or is it Butthead)
June 26th, 2009
2:12 pm
He he, he he, Sara said “3-way”. He, he, he he.
R. Stroz
June 26th, 2009
2:34 pm
Everyone, go on the Falconer’s blog and look at the 6th and 7th picture down for a good laugh.
http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/
Alan
June 26th, 2009
2:51 pm
I’m not sure how anyone missed that version of the logo. It’s been around for a while now.
Daniel
June 26th, 2009
3:08 pm
I think Tavares will be drafted in the first 10 but unfortunately he can’t skate. But then either could Gretzky.
Daniel ………………. Toronto
GaVaHokie
June 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
Andy Strickland is reporting that Colorado is shopping Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan.
Tony C.
June 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
I’d send them a 2nd-round pick and Sterling NOW if I got Jokinen.
StateBird
June 26th, 2009
3:45 pm
Russian is right. Unfortunately we have neither the brains (DW) nor the budget (ASG) to execute his plan.
jc
June 26th, 2009
4:52 pm
Does not matter about the Thrashers…….Red Wings are best team bottom Line.
Tony C.
June 26th, 2009
4:55 pm
and that logo is the ugliest thing in Thrasher-ville since they let stendec audition for the blue-crew(e)
Patrick
June 26th, 2009
5:28 pm
TSN is reporting on it’s Draft blog that the Thrash are making the 4th pick available, and the Oilers have interest.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282946
You need flash player, but click the blog thing where it says and you’ll see.
Sage of Bluesland
June 26th, 2009
6:42 pm
Our bumbling little fraud of a GM has been burned far too many times for him to even begin wheeling-and-dealing…Simply look at our record of futility over the past decade under his “leadership”.
Hey, Hey, Lambchops–it’s the annual Don Waddell-Draft Lottery day!!! His bluster and empty promises make me keep my wallet closed…
Jared
June 26th, 2009
6:53 pm
My god you’re a broken record dude.
Matt
June 26th, 2009
7:14 pm
To be a “Sage” don’t you actually have to be right?
(insert favorite “flaming” troll response here)
Personally, I don’t think that DW has done a good job either, but give it a rest as he is clearly not going anywhere anytime soon. I saw enough at the end of the season to give me hope and actually spent my money on a game. After all, if we lose this franchise, we ain’t getting another one.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
There’s a shocker…
Glovesave29
June 26th, 2009
7:19 pm
Ah, give it up Sage. We’re kinda sick of hearing the same thing from you over and over.
TSN is reporting that Chris Pronger is now a Flyer
Tom
June 26th, 2009
7:28 pm
Wow Pronger and Coburn. Think we could have gotten Pronger for our #1 and Koslov. or Little?
Dudley
June 26th, 2009
7:34 pm
No Don I don’t think you can draft Patrik Stefan again.
DON WADDELL
June 26th, 2009
7:35 pm
WHAT?!?!?!? I CAN’T DRAFT PATRIK? DARN!
Pen
June 26th, 2009
7:37 pm
Pen
June 26th, 2009
7:40 pm
WE’RE UP! COME ON TRADE OR KANE!
Pen
June 26th, 2009
7:52 pm
KANE!
LAC
June 26th, 2009
7:54 pm
Thank GOD,waddell kept the pick and picked Kane… Finally a decent move by waddell !
bigjohnthrashfan
June 26th, 2009
7:54 pm
Yes! Thrashers draft Citizen Kane!!!
StateBird
June 26th, 2009
7:57 pm
Relief …. DW got it right.
PUTTING ON THE FOIL
June 26th, 2009
7:58 pm
Now that that’s out of the way, lets find us a RWer.
Buzzeng
June 26th, 2009
7:59 pm
I was too afraid to type it for fear it would come true… but who would have been completely shcoked to hear “The Thrashers have traded Pick #4 to Ottawa for Dany Heatley!” *shudder*
Chris
June 26th, 2009
8:05 pm
I am doing standing backflips over this!
Pete
June 26th, 2009
8:07 pm
Right Heatley with out a contract. That would not surprise me.
It looks like Atlanta could have traded down and still had Kane
Rawhide
June 26th, 2009
9:18 pm
Greeting from TJ’s where the 65+ in the party room are very happy indeed with the selection of Kane.
Most here also think that Philly gave up waaaaay too much for Pronger.
Bob
June 26th, 2009
10:00 pm
Yeah, but Philly is stout on the blueline now (don’t they have Timmonen?) and they have firepower up front already, Pens have a challenger not only in-state, but for the Conference
Ice Meister
June 26th, 2009
10:21 pm
Philly’s biggest problem now is the cap. They are way over the max on the cap. Now is the time to sloop in and grab a player that could help us without giving up anything. Philly has to make a move because they MUST get under the cap.
We can talk about the past all we want, but it is time to look forward. If you don’t look to the future, you are just wasting your time.
Sara
June 26th, 2009
10:26 pm
Well if there was any doubt about Waddell’s intentions, the “KANE” already sewn onto the jersey should put that to rest.
So excited.
That Pronger trade is insane.
August
June 26th, 2009
10:33 pm
I personally prefer the old J.R. line: “Through hellfire and brimstone, it’s Kane!”
World Be Free
June 26th, 2009
10:50 pm
Pronger has 1 year left on his current contract and Philly has no REAL goalie.
Mr. Heat Miser
June 26th, 2009
11:03 pm
Dang Philly gave up the moon. And Anderson will be raising Kane.
Darkhorse
June 26th, 2009
11:14 pm
Philly really Zhitniked on themselves. Two first round picks and a conditional 3rd plus two current roster players? For a somewhat older guy with a year left on his deal…Cup or bust next year Philly.
Kane pick was solid. Curious where he will fit best once he’s ready to be here.
R. Stroz
June 26th, 2009
11:40 pm
Landon Ferraro made it through the first round of the draft without being picked. I wonder if it had anything to do with his wardrobe.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
11:47 pm
Sara — Did you notice that many of the players drafted in the first 15 had their name on the uniform. I’d bet they have two or three uniforms printed up in anticipation of the person they will be drafting. I think it was last season or the one prior where some of the uniforms had what appeared to be velcro on the back for the name plate, which looked tacky.
I’m pretty sure Paajarvi-Svensson’s uniform already had his name (Paajarvi) on it, and he dropped lower than the “experts” predicted. Though all signs pointed to Kane being the Thrashers pick there’s no way in hell they only brought one uniform with Kane’s name on it while risking handing Tavares/Duchene/Hedman a uniform without a name (if one of the unlikely scenarios had unfolded).
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 26th, 2009
11:58 pm
On second look Paajarvi, Kadri, and Cowen all had their name on the uniforms of the team who drafted them…this when Cowen was projected in the top 7 (Ottawa tried to swap with Toronto to acquire Kadri), Toronto looked for every way imaginable to move higher in the draft, and Paajarvi went to Edmonton well after many people expected him to be drafted (McGuire noted he’d be a slider once Dallas made their pick).
It’s possible all of them got lucky and got “the guy they wanted all along” (though the recording of Murray offering to swap picks with Burke said otherwise), but it’s much more likely they came prepared to have their picks name on the uniform if possible.
Rawhide
June 27th, 2009
12:21 am
Sara – Indeed. Philly gave up a ton!
I’m looking at a few new posters up above there…very nice to have you reading and contributing!
Also, to all of you who came out to TJ’s tonight for the draft party there…thank you so much for making it a great night. We packed out that party room, eh? It was a pleasure meeting all those new folks who showed up as well as seeing the regular gang as well.
I hope to see ya all again there when we do some Thrashers viewing parties!!!
Sharon
June 27th, 2009
2:26 am
I’m very happy with the Kane pick!
Philly, what the heck?
Stamkos deja vu
June 27th, 2009
6:11 am
It seems Kane has many of the physical shortcomings that Stamkos had in Tampa last year, meaning he needs some pounds basically. I believe he will grow into the NHL as long as the Atlanta coaches don’t pull a Melrose on him. If he can blossom in the 2nd half of the season with Kovy, like Stamkos did with Marty St Louis last year, it would be a superb pick.
World Be Free
June 27th, 2009
8:23 am
Only the top 3 picks were considered elite. 4-10 and maybe lower may yield excceptional players, 3rd liners or even busts. Kane seems to have all the qualities of a second or maybe even first line NHL center. I think he will “will” has way to success, maybe greatness.
Now time for round 2-and wee who we can get in the #2 spot.
Can anyone figure out Minnesota? They have had like no picks over the past 5 years. Their have very few prospects in the system and they are about to lose their best player.
Folks say the Thrashers have been a mess, for obvious reasons. But there are other teams like Colorado, Minnesota and a few others that are actually worse off than the Thrashers right now.
Darkhorse-good man! They Shitniked themselves big time! The Philly fans were on Hockey Buzz last night defending the trade. Wow!
Rightshot
June 27th, 2009
8:49 am
Wonderful pick, couldn’t be happier. Congrats to Don for getting this one right. Now if we can just get Landon Ferraro for a little depth on the right.
Tom Lysiak
June 27th, 2009
9:07 am
Great pick.
I’d be very happy with either Ferraro or Drew Shore with the next one.
GaVaHokie
June 27th, 2009
9:16 am
Philly needed a shake-up… Pronger is a difference maker… if they can get him extended, I think they can easily win a Cup in the next few years… Carter and Richards are only going to get better.
GaVaHokie
June 27th, 2009
9:25 am
Now, as for today… I like Jeremy Morin, Mikko Koskinen and Brian Domoulin.
I was hoping Paradis would drop to the 2nd Round, but Carolina snatched him. As McGuire said, “he can shoot a puck through a wall”
And, how does Buffalo always manage to find impact players in the 1st round, regardless of where they pick? Last year, Tyler Ennis… this year, Zack Kassian.
Brendan
June 27th, 2009
9:30 am
But, we’re all forgetting the most important question: “What does LAUREN PRONGER think of Philadelphia? Will she be “too cold?” I hear it can be chilly in Philly. Brrrrr. Luckily, Chris can afford the keep the house like the tropics. Then again, maybe Lauren will just stay in Anaheim where she likes it, while Chris travels for 9 months.
Philly gave up too much, UNLESS they have an agreement in place that Pronger re-signs on July 1, with a proactive contract.
Brian Burke
June 27th, 2009
9:32 am
Another day, another chance to screw Donny boy.
So who’s going to be my victim today?
Brendan
June 27th, 2009
9:33 am
“Welcome Citizen Kane, to Blueland!” I think Waddell did the smartest thing he could. As I’ve said, I liked Schenn all along. But hey, how much difference is there? If Kane is a fine success in Atlanta, what does it really matter what Schenn, MPS, Cowen or others do? If Kane FLOPS in Atlanta, that’s where can put on our “20/20 hindsight” glasses and second-guess this selection. For my $0.02, Kane was a fairly consensus pick. I’m pleased Atlanta didn’t do anything foolish with this pick.
LAC
June 27th, 2009
9:47 am
Brenden, I agree 100% !!!!
R. Stroz
June 27th, 2009
10:31 am
Looks like the Red Wings picked up on Ferraro still being around. My choice for the second round was the same as the Red Wings, maybe I should be a scout.
Sage of Bluesland
June 27th, 2009
10:40 am
Kane was consensus–at least he’s not a Finn teen who is years away from being able to contribute…(and whose conditioning is a question-mark)…
Wait, now, where have I heard that before?
At least bumbling Donny wasn’t wheeling-and-dealing with our pick, being best buddies with other GMs…Heaven knows he did wonders with Team USA hockey–not maybe he can “focus” his meager efforts on the Atlanta Thrashers…
B. Thenet
June 27th, 2009
10:41 am
I really like what the Thrashers have done in the 2nd round. Klingberg is tough, Morin could be a steal.
Billsen
June 27th, 2009
11:07 am
Hey Sage, how about shutting up – DW is doing very well with this draft thus far. Both of the 2nd round picks were terrific. Klingberg has a ton of grit and at 6′3″, 205#, I expect him to be a banger on a 3rd line, and probably have some offensive upside. Morin, being part of the USA dev program is in decent shape, and has a wicked shot. He’s a sniper. His skating is a weakness, but hopefully that could improve.
Sage of Bluesland
June 27th, 2009
11:29 am
Yeah, Billsen, I’m sure those 2nd rounders will join the rest of the “Legends of Blueland”…
Get real–you’re trumpeting 2nd round picks! How desperate and hilarious at the same time!!!
Try again…
Sara
June 27th, 2009
12:02 pm
Yeah our second second round pick is so pathetic that USA Today chose to interview him two days before the entry draft…
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/checking/2009-06-24-jeremy-morin-q-and-a_N.htm?csp=34
I’m liking this kid already.
Sara
June 27th, 2009
12:04 pm
Klingberg certainly looks promising as well…any guy that gets called a pain in the butt in his scouting report is my kinda player.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9791&lang=en
Sage of Bluesland
June 27th, 2009
12:06 pm
Well, that seals the deal right there…Since USAToday interviewed him, he must be a budding superstar!
(Psst…Don’t tell all the other teams which passed on him that USAToday interviewed him…)
Do you even hear yourselves sometimes?!
Rawhide
June 27th, 2009
12:12 pm
Hi everyone…when the youngest tax exemption and I got home from TJ’s late last night, we walked by several jugs of deck cleaner in the garage. So…guess what I’m doing today.
Anyway, I’m ducking in and out and checking the wire regarding what the Thrashers are doing today and updating the post above.
Also…I had the pleasure of meeting several very nice families at the party last night. It was wonderful to see people bringing their kids to the event. One such young-un in 9-year old Carmen who writes he own blog and she has shared it with me. Here’s the linky-link.
Not bad…when this get’s too much for me to do, I think I’ve found my successor, eh?
LAC
June 27th, 2009
12:18 pm
Good second round picks from what I see, Hate to admit it, but waddell has done a good job this draft, he resisted temptation and delivered some solid young players !
Now… If we can get a top line scorer and stay at home dman, we should be better next season…. Playoffs…. Doubtful for several more years.
But at least some improvement… Oh Sage, I understand you, but give it a rest for now, plenty of time to bash waddell later.
Sara
June 27th, 2009
12:28 pm
Do you even bother to think sometimes?!? By all means, take out your obsessive hatred of Don Waddell on a couple of 18 year old kids who obviously are no-talent hacks since they were drafted by the Thrashers.
You, sir, redefine pathetic in all new low ways every time you post.
Wayne from AL
June 27th, 2009
12:31 pm
Sorry, but I’m not buying what DW has done after the first round…drafting TWO LW’s in Round Two when defensemen have really been our biggest need since Day One?
Adam Dunn
June 27th, 2009
1:01 pm
Kane will play Left Wing on the 2nd line with Whitey and Little on RW
Kovy, Pevs, and free agent rw will be top line…
Rawhide
June 27th, 2009
1:02 pm
The Florida Panthers traded their Jay Bouwmeester’s negotiating rights to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Jordan Leopold, a UFA, and a 2009 third-round draft pick…with the pick the Panthers chose right wing Josh Birkholz.
Alan
June 27th, 2009
1:06 pm
drafting TWO LW’s in Round Two when defensemen have really been our biggest need since Day One?
It’s a little something called “keeping the system stocked.” It’s a unique strategy that has been employed by 29 other teams in the league for the past nine drafts. The strategy is like this: by keeping young budding players in the system in positions we may need to fill in the near future, the transition will be relatively painless when an old player is traded, not re-signed, waived, or bought out. The younger player can then come in and make an immediate impact.
Darkhorse
June 27th, 2009
1:25 pm
In case anyone missed Brian Duff of TSN interview DW about his picks and stuff a few minutes ago, this was the highlights DonnyBoy mentioned-
-Thrilled to have Kane. Had some opportunities to trade the pick, but Kane was a far better choice for the franchise than “a 30something year old player”. Kaberle, amoung others, I bet he was refering to.
-Had both the second round picks listed in the first round on their list. Very happy to have both fall to them.
-Mentioned Kari and his injuries, but also talked that he was going to be “the guy” going forward. Also mentioned Hedburg and Pavs. Saying he felt good about the organizations goalie depth right now and glad to have all three guys. **I still think either Pavs or Kari is gone soon.
-Said he felt very comfotable with the current talks he’s had with Kovy and his agent, and feels a long term deal will be worked out with the team.
-Said he expects/hopes to add a top six forward and a top four dman through trade and free agency over the next few weeks. Also quickly quipped they only need to add a few pieces to the roster, as he feels really good about how the guys stepped up when Kovy was named captain and Pevs arrived. **So looks like we know our roster for next year, outside of the two top end guys he hopes to bring in.
Hope I covered it all….
Billsen
June 27th, 2009
1:27 pm
Sage -
I’m trying to figure out how you get internet access under that bridge you live under…. Clearly your interest isn’t in the Thrashers – it seems to be in posting gibberish which offers no insight nor value to the rest of us. In the future, why not buy yourself a dartboard and toss your “bon mots” at a photo of DW, and leave the intelligent hockey talk to the grown ups.
Hockey Biltong
June 27th, 2009
1:40 pm
ahh yes, the saga of blue cheese, has spouted off some mouldy spores once again…lmao…multi-faceted is just not what we have in this poster is it???????
Kane will do nicely, and I look forward to some interesting trades for our D and O…
Alan
June 27th, 2009
1:43 pm
Good to see we didn’t draft anyone shorter than 6ft.
World Be Free
June 27th, 2009
1:54 pm
Hokie-Sabres’ fans are nuts over Kassian, the fans’ choice for sure. Darcy Regier takes more crap in Buffalo than DW does in Atlanta. This draft, I think both GMs got it right.
Ok folks, Bouwmeester to Calgary and the Flames are cap stressed. Time to swoop in and pickup a center to relieve the Flames of their excess cap?
Daymond Langkow or Jokinen? If we want to get better, then now is the time. I believe we have an extra pick next year from Montreal-time to use that pick with other assets.
World Be Free
June 27th, 2009
1:58 pm
Thanks Darkhorse, I missed that. I have been painting all morning, trying to get it in before the heat kicks in.
Got some cold beer and cigars for later.
Wayne from AL
June 27th, 2009
2:04 pm
Alan:
You didn’t have to be sarcastic about my last post; my point was that forwards literally grow off of trees compared to finding quality D-men. Our weakness over the years is finding people who can play D, keeping the opponents to only one shot in our zone, instead of sustained forechecks and puck possession, which I see night in and night out on the Thrashers. Wouldn’t you like to see someone replace Exelby, like, RIGHT NOW? Let’s face it, this franchise has NEVER had a Rod Langway-type D-man.
Christy
June 27th, 2009
2:20 pm
NHL website has a video with Klingberg and Morin, speaking to reporters. Klingberg has a good sense of humor. only a couple of minutes long – worth the view.
h
June 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Wayne-See Falconers post on picking forwards vs. d-men and when they should be drafted. Almost like DW followed that advice pretty darn well.
Alan
June 27th, 2009
2:21 pm
Wouldn’t you like to see someone replace Exelby, like, RIGHT NOW?
Of course. There is free agency coming up for that sort of thing.
You don’t get players to replace other players “RIGHT NOW” in the second round. Second through seventh round guys are guys who go back to juniors and easily spend a year or two in the minors before getting a sniff. It’s ridiculous to think either of those LWs will make the team this year.
Alan
June 27th, 2009
2:26 pm
I typed up a short post, but it appears to have gone to Blog Purgatory™.
Meanwhile, basically in my post, I stated:
Free agency is the place to pick up immediate help. The forwards drafted in the second round won’t sniff the NHL this year, nor will anyone drafted in later rounds in this draft. Only the top five (and, really, the top three are shoe-ins) have any semblance of a guarantee to see the NHL past the 10 game mark this year.
Sage of Bluesland
June 27th, 2009
2:28 pm
The sheep need to stop whining and put their Patrik Stefan and Petr Buzek jerseys back on–and keep on deluding themselves…
Blustering on 2nd round picks–when a very low percentage of them even pan out. Thus, the “Legends of Blueland” in the back of your wittle game-day bookwet…
It does make me laugh, though, so keep up the banter!
(I just wish we would have drafted another glass-groined Finnish teen–and then print those playoff tickets, baby! Now where did I put that Per Svartvadet jersey…)
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
June 27th, 2009
2:29 pm
Mr. Alan, Your 2:21 pm post has been freed from Blog Purgatory™.
B. Thenet
June 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
Wayne from AL:
I think the main reason you saw us take so many F’s early is based on our current D situation in the NHL and farm system.
Every NHL defenseman we have is under the age of 28. Most of them are under the age of 24. We also have some pretty solid prospects like Kulda, Lewis, Redmond, and Postma. Plus we have a guy like Wilson who is a solid AHL/NHL tweener.
Our needs at the NHL and farm system are potential Top 6 forwards, and overall team toughness/grit and size. I think we addressed them very well today.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 27th, 2009
3:00 pm
Wayne — One of the constant knocks on Atlanta’s farm system is quality depth at the forward position. There is a queue of defenders at the moment but relatively less NHL potential forwards…which is likely why Atlanta is stocking the system with a few forwards so early on.
I think Klingberg is a great addition, as he was on my short list for the second round picks…the other two players I was following (Lehner and Bobkov) went to Ottawa (46th, right after Atlanta) and to Anaheim (76th).
Thrashy Thrashy
June 27th, 2009
3:49 pm
Thanks for the heads up on that, Christy.
All we have to do isclick on the “Draft Coverage: 2nd Round Picks” link.
LAC
June 27th, 2009
4:10 pm
A couple interesting items about our draft…
First no trades which for waddell is a bit out of step from the past, but a good move this time.
Second, Not ONE player was under six feet, GOOD move, more like Cliff
Fletcher would have done…
Overall, on of the best draft’s we have had in a LONG time, let’s ALL hope it proves to be productive !!!!
TableHockey
June 27th, 2009
4:45 pm
Hey Rawhide -
Thanks for putting the viewing party together – it was a great time. It was good to meet you and some of the others from the blog.
I think TJ’s will be a great location for some viewing parties.
Rawhide
June 27th, 2009
5:21 pm
TableHockey – Absolutely…the pleasure was all mine! What a great turnout to, eh?
We’ve held many Thrashers Viewing Parties at many places over the last couple of years, but once we started going to TJ’s last winter…I know that it was the best place to gather for such events. Tim is always a fantastic host and has he and I are working on some pretty cool ideas for this coming season.
I also want to thank Karin Beckman of the Atlanta Spirit who supplied me with so many of the great prizes that were raffled off.
I suggest that we make TJ’s the site of Rawhide’s Draftapalooza 2010…what do ya’ll think?
Rogie
June 27th, 2009
5:26 pm
“Let’s face it, this franchise has NEVER had a Rod Langway-type D-man.”
Very true about your point. But even Rod Langway was acquired by the Caps in a trade from MTL. I think that beyond the first round of the draft is somewhat of a crapshoot. It’s hard to know which of these kids will develop and which ones will not. So, I don’t blame the franchise for trying to project the best talent, regardless of position. Besides, few of these kids will be NHL-ready for several years. Maybe they will be trade-bait for a defenseman somewhere down the line.
Alan
June 27th, 2009
6:03 pm
LAC, Waddell actually traded twice, but it wasn’t for players.
First, he traded the #95 (high fourth round) pick for #117, #120 and #203 (two lower fourths, one high fifth) picks. He then traded pick #177 (late sixth round) to Chicago for a fifth round pick. Given that which we acquired with #117and #120, and the fact he flipped a sixth for a fifth, I’d say he did some pretty good trades.
Alan
June 27th, 2009
6:04 pm
Er, that should read “middle seventh” not “high fifth.” The heat is messing with my head.
ranallo10 (in AT)
June 27th, 2009
6:41 pm
Damn…Brian Boyle was traded to the New York Rangers for a third round pick in 2010. I had hoped he would be pursued by Atlanta due to his size, even though he’s still a project.
World Be Free
June 28th, 2009
6:33 pm
There’s talk in Dallas of going after Pavs, if the Stars do not sign “The Monster” from Sweden. Dallas needs someone to eventually take Marty Turco’s place.