Evander Kane And The “It” Factor
There is absolutely nothing more enjoyable than escaping the heat and humidity that accompanies mid-July in Georgia by gathering with fellow Thrashers fans inside of the Duluth Ice Forum for a little prospect development camp watching!
One of the things that really struck me right off the bat was the size of these kids out there. The organization has stocked the talent pond full of some big prospects indeed and I was very impressed with a few of the guys out there…specifically Paul Postma, Eric O’Dell and Jeremy Morin.
However, the one player that impressed me the most was the one I made the trek to Duluth to see… the 4th overall selection in last month’s draft, Evander Kane. Like you, I’ve read about his play…looked at the stats he’s put up with the WHL Vancouver Giants…seen the scouting reports. But none of that equals being able to put your eyes on the player for yourself and witness what all the hype is all about.
This kid has such a smooth skating ability and he’s got a wicked as hell wrister…a very quick release. Plus, he has no problems driving strong to the net. He certainly does have all the tools. But having the physical ability to play in the NHL is half the battle. One has to be ready to do this mentally as well…possessing the right attitude and presence.
As Don Waddell told Chris Vivlamore recently, “This will be a good week for us to spend with Evander because, I’ve always said, all of a sudden you hand these kids hundreds of thousands of dollars, is that too much for an 18-year-old player? There’s so much besides the hockey side that goes into [making an NHL roster]. We have to make sure that maturity-wise, he’s there also.”
Bogosian had this last summer. There was little doubt in the minds of those who watched him skate and play that he was ready to play up in the NHL and that placing him anywhere else was would be a disservice to him and the organization.
Kane seems to have this certain “something” as well. You can see it in his eyes as he goes about his work on the ice. It’s a confidence in his ability and a sureness in his movement.
After welcoming Evander to Atlanta and chatting with him briefly, I asked him, “Do you expect to play in Atlanta this fall”?
“Absolutely”, he responded with a smile on his face.
There was no hesitation…no hedging…no pondering. It also wasn’t a cocky or arrogant response…just a simple expression of the belief in himself, his ability and what he can do.
When discussing Kane’s presence on and off of the ice with radio voice of the Thrashers Dan Kamal simply nodded his head at me and said, “It’s what Darren Eliot calls the ‘it’ factor”.
The “it” factor… the intangible possession that sets some apart from the others. Some have it, some don’t, it’s not anything that can be schooled or coached… and it’s what can catapult a pretty good prospect into a very fine, if not great, player.
And Kane seems to possess “it”.
Almost as soon as Evander de-planed last week, he was being put in front of the Atlanta audience as he was interviewed on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta. He should get used to this type of activity because the Thrashers organization could…and should… use a kid like this to market their product. And he seems more than capable of such a task.
Again…that’s the “it” factor at work.
But the off-ice exposure and abilities have to be matched by the on-ice performance. He’s shown the ability to excel against his peers so far but his next big step will be in September when we get to see how he measures up to proven NHL players in training camp and the preseason. If he’s able to take full advantage of the opportunity afforded him there…and right now there is no reason for me to believe he won’t…then the next step will see how he fairs in his rookie NHL season.
And “it” will be exciting to watch.
Bloggers At The (Locker Room) Gate
Ben Wright and the Thrashers organization were kind enough to allow some of the local blogging community to join the media access session in the player’s locker room Saturday afternoon.
Personally, I just had a nice time chatting with some of these kids…many of whom are only a few month older than my oldest tax exemption. These prospects are being given the opportunity of a lifetime and how they respond and play will determine their future. Many simply commented on how the trainers and staff were working them hard and helping them in so many aspects of their game and how greatful they were for this chance to refine their skills in front of those who’s opinions mattered.
Now, because I have two teenage sons who played on the same team together…and I understand how bothers can be…I simply had to ask Vinny and Victor Saponari if, when playing against the other, they took a little more pleasure in a good, clean, open ice check against their brother.
“Oh yeah”, Victor replied, “Mostly we played together, but when we did play on opposite sides, you always want to make sure you win that battle”.
After responding much the same way his brother did, Vinny added, “We kind of push each other…prod each other along and try to get the best out of the other. It’s a good rivalry”.
Mom would be proud boys.
Some of the bloggers who were there have weighed in already with their stories and I’m happy to share them with you.
Laura of Wazzupwitchu says, Guys, quick, put on a towel“.
Here is the always educational Falconer’s chat with Ed Pasquale.
TimmyF of Thrashing About has posted the first audio clip of the mostly civil “media scrum” around Kane, Paul Postma and Zach Redmond.
Big Shooter and Mortimer Peacock of the Blueland Chronicle chime in with comments from Saturday…and it looks like Big Shooter’s big day involved more than just hockey.
Aaron runs things at Blueland Outsider and here is his chat with John Albert, Atlanta’s 6th round pick in 2007.
Rose Collette posts her interview with goalkeeper Chris Carrozzi for the Thrashers411 blog and Lisa Lewis gives us a glimps into the future.
And finally…foocow shares his thoughts on prospect camp 2009.
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102 comments Add your comment
Glovesave29
July 14th, 2009
10:53 am
Sara – this is puzzling. A few weeks back I opined the league should offer cap relief to teams who are re-signing their own players with the goal to keep teams together longer and to develop a chemistry not only on the ice, but with the local community. If I recall correctly, you were dead set against my idea. Why the sudden change? I certainly never went as far a 20%. I said 5%, and limited the number of players who could qualify for this each season, and set limits as to how long (or short) the contracts would be to alleviate any possibility of abuse. I sent my idea off to several members of the hockey media, and had some spirited conversations with a few of them. Besides the fact some were stunned to find good hockey talk emminating from the south, most were quite pleased with my idea, and we made a few tweaks here and there…but the overall spirit of the idea was weel received. Most grew up in the pre- free agency period and were used to their favorite players sticking around for most of their careers. You were by far the most vocal critic of my plan, so the sudden u-turn leaves me scratching my head.
Brendan
July 14th, 2009
10:54 am
So, I guess nobody thinks Dudley would have slid right into the GM job in Chicago? Bah-dum-pum.
Brendan
July 14th, 2009
10:56 am
NHL.com has reported that Tallon is gone, alleging the “snafu” regarding 8 RFAs was the cause. Well, it wasn’t because Chicago had a disappointing season last year.
So, anyone want Dale Tallon as GM, here in Atlanta? He’s apparently available, and has shown he can work with Dudley in the past. What? I’m jus’ sayin’.
kracker
July 14th, 2009
11:17 am
It seems to me that any plan involving homegrown players and a cap discount will only come into play if a team is at or near the cap. What difference will it make if Kovalchuk is signed for $9M w/ a $7.2M cap hit if the team payroll is $8M below the cap?
Such a plan would only help a team with a drafted superstar that is able to spend to the cap, would it not? They would be able to spend more than 100% of the cap to build a competitive roster AND keep their big player. I don’t see Atlanta being that big money team.
Glovesave29
July 14th, 2009
11:25 am
Kracker, I never intended it to be for only the team that drafted him…if (for instance) Bouwmeester wants to stay in Calgary at the end of this contract, the Flames would be eligable for this. It helps the Flames (on this instance ONLY) get a 5% pay advantage over any competing team, thus giving Jay added incentive to stay in Calgary. I was not solely for cap relief, but for the ability for the hometown team to get the advantage over the poachers by giving 5% more in salary without the added 5% cap hit.
kracker
July 14th, 2009
11:47 am
Ok, that’s fine, it can be for any player and for 5% or 15% or whatever. Having a cap discount for any top player (with some limitations as you mentioned) will make it even more likely to favor the bigger spending teams since it will only matter if the team is at the cap limit. It won’t help the Thrashers, which was not necissarily your point, but it is my point. I’m not for any plan that will hurt my team.
GaVaHokie
July 14th, 2009
12:34 pm
kracker… anything interesting for Atlanta on Eklund’s latest rumor chart?
Tim
July 14th, 2009
12:52 pm
Wouldn’t it be easier if each team can tag a player as “franchise player” and get a discount on the cap if the team re-sign the said player? I, however, like the rules like they are right now. The cap is equal for everyone and everyone play with the same rules. If the team have a lower budget, so be it but at least, between the floor and the cap, the difference is not as high as it was prior to the current CBA when we look at the team with the lowest budget and the team with the highest budget.
As for Talon, sure he did a good job, but he also left no room on the team to sign “core” player such as Kane and Toews. And that’s UNGOOD.
Toby
July 14th, 2009
1:02 pm
On Cap Central, Chicago is listed as being $4.5 over the cap. Considering the Dudley factor, is this the opportunity we’ve been waiting for?
kracker
July 14th, 2009
1:06 pm
Nah, not much new from Eklund’s list. He still has Perrin at 55% for Atl!!…Biron at 25%. And all the same old guys he had on the chart weeks ago.
Ice dog
July 14th, 2009
1:22 pm
“So, anyone want Dale Tallon as GM, here in Atlanta? He’s apparently available, and has shown he can work with Dudley in the past. What? I’m jus’ sayin’.”
Tallon isn’t available. He was demoted to another role in the organization so he is still with the Blackhawks.
It does make it kind of interesting that Waddell was aware of all this and plucked Dudley.
Smoothie
July 14th, 2009
1:24 pm
Toby, you may be on to something as the Blackhawks would certainly be a good trade partner. I’m not so sure they are feeling all that great about their back-up goalie situation as Antti Niemi has only 3 games of NHL experience and some very un-inspiring numbers in the AHL. Certainly not nearly as impressive as say, Ondrej Pavelec!
A swap in which we took Sharp along with either Kopecky or Ladd (PK specialist everyone!) for Pavelec, White and a prospect would help the Hawks free up around $1.5 M to get them $3 M or so below the cap.
Don’t forget their is a bonus cushion up to 7.5% of the cap max of $56.8 M to help them out so they are still under the cap by $1.4 M. But I’m sure they would appreciate the additional breathing room.
Hell, if they want even more room, trade them Pavelec, Oystrick or Lewis, Krog (who’s quite familiar with Chicago I might add!) and a forward prospect for Sharp and Ladd. That would free up $3 M + for Toews’ or Kane’s raise.
Wow, they are in some serious trouble thanks to the Campbell, Huet and now Hossa deals. Yikes!
Hossa for Pavelec straight up??
Smoothie
July 14th, 2009
1:34 pm
Why in the hell did Chicago sign John Madden for $2.5 M? Don’t they have Toews, Sharp, Bolland and Burish as their 4 centers?
Brendan
July 14th, 2009
1:50 pm
I think Chicago would first and foremost try to move Campbell. But, that’s a bad contract. Yes, I do think Campbell is a decent player, but I just don’t like the price tag. They’d probably ask for Valabik, who is also very familiar with Chicago.
Brendan
July 14th, 2009
1:52 pm
Ice Dog, wouldn’t a phone call asking permission to talk to Tallon be all it took to make him available?
Ice dog
July 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
Brendan, why not just call Toronto and ask for permission to talk to Brian Burke? Or we can call Detroit and ask for permission to talk to Ken Holland? Why stop there, let’s ask for permission to talk to everyone in the leage. All it takes is a phone call. Fact is all these guys (Tallon included) are under contract. If Chicago didn’t want him around they would have fired him. He is still under contract though so that makes him UNavailable.
Alan
July 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Remind me why we would want to talk to Tallon in the first place?
Ice dog
July 14th, 2009
3:05 pm
“Remind me why we would want to talk to Tallon in the first place?”
Apparantley we have a ton of cap space to burn up 0)
Joshgekko
July 14th, 2009
3:21 pm
Ice dog, The other guys you mention are still GM’s. I think there is a rather large difference between them and a guy that was just demoted. Not that I want him here, just saying your comparison is apples to oranges.
Ice dog
July 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
Joshgekko, my point is that he is still under contract and that means something. Chicago held onto him for a reason otherwise they would have just fired him. Although with all the young RFA players we have now we may want to make that phone call soon and get Tallon here quickly.
Brendan
July 14th, 2009
5:07 pm
So, Chicago’s position is that they don’t want Tallon as THEIR GM, but DAMNED if they’ll let him pursue some opportunity to be someone ELSE’s GM? (While clearing his salary off their books.) Nice guys in that Blackhawk organization. Push him out of the GM chair, but won’t release him GM duties elsewhere in the league. Now look, obviously, Tallon must want to remain on, or he’d resign at this point. My only point, and HEAVEN HELP ME for having made it, apparently, is if we asked for permission to speak to him, a former GM, not a current one, would Chicago really stand in the way, citing contractual rights? The way, that sayyyy, Toronto would if we asked for Brian Burke’s services? A CURRENT, ACTIVE GM, not recently demoted or looking for work.
On second thought, nevermind. I’m filing this under, “Oy gavult.”
Joshgekko
July 14th, 2009
5:19 pm
Ice dog: Yes, but their reasoning could be simple. Like the fact that they are going to pay him whether or not they keep him on board so why not hold on to him. If he were to take a job elsewhere they would be relieved of his salary. I think the main reason you don’t see this with head coaches is that you either coach the team or not. On the office side of it there are any number of positions or roles that an outcast GM can fill while they pay out their contract.
Don Waddell
July 14th, 2009
6:57 pm
He won’t make the team. He’s not ready. Besides, we have Jimmy Slater up here. We don’t need this kid.
HookyBob
July 14th, 2009
7:02 pm
Hey, if the Balckhawks are potential trading partners,..are any bloggers here interested in us making deal for Dustin Byfuglien?
He’s a 6′-3″, 245 lbs +/-, 24 year old right wing. He would make us still bigger, younger,……and much grittier. From what I saw in the playoffs,..he goes to the net,…and then some.
Tom
July 14th, 2009
7:04 pm
Speaking of Patrick Sharp, he was in Peachtree City this weekend. Could that be telling us something? I doubt it but it is fun to speculate…
Smoothie
July 14th, 2009
10:08 pm
Tom, was he spotted with Duds taking a tour of homes in one of America’s ten most desirable places to live (see yahoo.com)!? Ha ha let the rumors begin. Quick somebody call Lyle Richardson!!
Smoothie
July 14th, 2009
10:15 pm
Hooky Bob,
Byfuglien would certainly add to our “beef quotient” but I don’t think he’d be on the block due to his age. I just hope Bowman doesn’t try to convince DW to take on BC’s albatross of a contract since we targeted him in FA last year. Then again, Kubina would be a favorable exchange due to the 1 year left on his deal. Speaking of which, would be nice to actually see a quote from him saying how excited he is to play with such a dynamic group of young D-men.
Dale Tallon
July 14th, 2009
11:04 pm
@Ice dog dung, I’ll talk to whomever I want to.
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 15th, 2009
4:36 am
If Atlanta were to pursue people with current NHL franchises that aren’t GMs I’d hope they pursue Nonis (Toronto) and Yzerman (Detroit). Tallon would be a waste of time, in my opinion.
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
8:13 am
If Tallon was so great, they wouldn’t need Scotty Bowman as an advisor.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
9:28 am
Patrick Sharp is on the trade block, with Toronto allegedly leading the charge.
Of course, Toronto is always allegedly leading the charge when it comes to trades.
If it weren’t for Dale Tallon and his failure to manage a salary cap, Sharp and possibly other players wouldn’t be on the trade block. They’ve got to do something so they can re-sign Kane and Toews next season.
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
9:49 am
Great article Alan.. thanks!
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
9:54 am
It’s weird… I’ve never really put down Gary Bettman, but it’s crazy how many ownership issues are going on around the league. Bettman is the one approving these owners… and the one guy who has gobs of cash, Balsillie, is rejected.
Take for instance, this situation… http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284672
Ice dog
July 15th, 2009
9:55 am
“@Ice dog dung, I’ll talk to whomever I want to.”
Hey Dale, forget about who you want to talk to. Your problem is that the only person that wants to talk to you is Brendan. LMAO.
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
9:57 am
Latest from Eklund… I’d be all for this… Dominic Moore would be great in an Anderson offense.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Morning-Quick-Hits-MaxMoore-Perin-Tanguay-Nichol-Backman-Murphy/1/22140
Toby
July 15th, 2009
10:12 am
Not sure where Moore would fit unless we get rid of Slater.
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
10:33 am
GaVaHokie – I’m keeping that dollar warm every evening about two hours after dinner. It’s really warm a few hours after leaving the Mexican restaurant.
Smoothie – Enjoyed running into you and the “boss.” I think there is a Beyonce song you may want to listen to concerning the boss. You aren’t going to find many chicks willing to go a hockey prospect camp as a date.
Goose – I enjoyed your insight on the players at prospect camp. For a youngster, you have a pretty good eye for spotting talent.
JLH – Props to you for spending so much time with your son. He’s a good youngster.
On a different subject, and I know many of you are against the idea, but, I would like to see the Thrashers sign a one year deal with Afinogenov to see if a change of scenary would do “Crazy Legs” some good.
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
10:36 am
I kinda like Dominic Moore. But … I’m still looking at Mike Grier and Marcel Goc, lest they be taken. Tell ya who I’m not looking at? Dale Tallon. Would I take Tallon over Waddell? YES! But he’s not my personal choice to fill the void at the GM position. Sheesh. I would have wanted Chuck Fletcher. (And his Dad, too!) Absent that, Jacques Lemaire, now Head Coach of the Devils. Absent that, I’d want Doug Risebrough, who … I think … is available. Absent that, how ’bout Dave Nonis? Here, here! Joe Sakic just retired, right? Would he like to be a GM? I’d at least talk to him.
It’s amazing, astounding … that a passing “quip” like “Tallon might be available” is taken so utterly seriously by some. Yes, Tallon bungled that RFA situation. And now, they’re in cap trouble. But I can’t honestly say that, under the Tallon Administration, things got worse for Chicago. They just came off a CF berth. Where’s our CF berth? I’m NOT AFTER Dale Tallon. Though, I do think he could find work again, in the NHL, in the future. But I think he’s going to stay with Chicago. But I digress.
Mike Smith and Bob Pulford are the guys who drafted depth into Chicago’s lineup. Under Tallon’s watch, they landed “no brainer” selections like Toewz, Kane, and Kyle Beach. Wow-ee. Yes, those are great players or potentially great players, but Tallon did nothing outside of the “consensus” picks, at his draft position. And Campbell’s contract is his doing. No thanks to Waddell.
(Here it comes. YOU WANT TALLON. AND YOU KNOW YOU DO!! I repeat, “Oy Gavult.”)
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
10:40 am
Stroz… perhaps I can get that $1 in two rolls of pennies then… actually, that conjures up even worse images.
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
10:43 am
R.Stroz, one-year is all I’d be willing to give. It’d be one thing if Kovalchuk asked for Afinogenov. If we pick him up, he could be on waivers by Thanksgiving. And, it’d have to be “nice low number,” too.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
10:45 am
Tallon can’t handle a salary cap, so how can anyone expect him to handle our internal cap? Sorry, I see no legitimate reason for us to go after Tallon, even if we’re speaking hypothetically. I would definitely have to talk to Yzerman and Nonis before ever considering a Tallon, Riseborough, or Lemaire. Just my opinion, though. I’d take Hartley before ever considering those three.
Whether you want Tallon or not, Brendan, isn’t something I’m going to say. I don’t believe you want him. However, with all the hypothetical speaking that goes on it would be no surprise to see people who’ve made that sort of connection.
Ice dog
July 15th, 2009
10:57 am
Stroz, forget that Afinogenov can’t finish, has crazy legs, or has been on the trading block for two years now with no takers. Stay away from him because he is injured all the time. The last year he played over 60 games was the 2005-06 season. Last year even when he wasn’t injured the Sabres still wouldn’t play him in certain back to back games because his body needed it. Give a chance to one of the Wolves instead, Max is probably going to the KHL.
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
11:04 am
GaVaHokie – Man you really DROPPED a funny on that one.
Brendan – If Kovy asked for Crazy Legs, and we’ll probably never know if he has, I’d be in favor of a one year Jason Williams style contract.
kracker – Sorry to leave you out of the prospect camp role call earlier. Next time, if you get an opportunity, come on over and give me your insights. I couldn’t in good conscious leave the conversation I was in when you arrived.
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
11:22 am
I hear Doug MacLean is available? (I’m dying to see what comes of this. Will people laugh, like they should, or let’s see if we can have another Tallon-like discussion.)
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
11:45 am
Stroz — indeed sir, I’m a very lucky man to have a woman in my life that LOVES hockey. The best part is that my 1 yr anniversary practically falls on Opening Night and she’s HAPPY about that!
While the Dale Tallon story is indeed quite interesting and soap operatic (see Havlat’s and Allan Walsh’s tweets re: the situation), why are we even discussing him as a potential GM? We already have our successor in Rick Dudley? What we should be discussing is whether Duds can take advantage of those old ties (although it may be tougher now that Tallon has been deposed) to the Hawks to see about working a deal that will make this team better now.
Who doesn’t think Patrick Sharp would be an upgrade over Todd White? Wouldn’t a lot of you rather have a locked-up Cam Barker with upside than a temporary 1 year stop-over fix named Pavel Kubina? The possibilities for a deal are endless and we have the goaltending depth, and perhaps organizational depth in the form of prospects, to possibly intrigue the Chicago brass into making a deal.
Rawhide
July 15th, 2009
11:54 am
The Thrashers’ schedule will be released later in the day…but I have gotten a sneak peek at it and here are some of the highlights!
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
11:59 am
Thrashers will host the Lightning in their 2009-10 season opener at Philips Arena on Oct. 3 at 7pm.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
12:11 pm
A Friday night start at 7 pm…thanks a lot ASG!!! Idiots.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
12:12 pm
Nope, I’m the idiot. Should’ve checked the calendar. That’s a Sat night start…Blueland should be a-rockin’!
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
10:37 pm
100th