The Senior Member Of Thrashers Blueline
On July 1 of this year, Garnet Exelby woke up as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers defense. As we all know, he went to sleep that night a Toronto Maple Leaf after playing in 357 games in Atlanta. At the time, that made him the defensive player with the most number of games played as a Thrasher among those who were currently on the roster. But, now that Garnet is no longer with the team, which defender currently on the roster has the most experience playing on Atlanta’s blueline?
Why, with 164 games played, it’s none other than Tobias Enstrom.
Tobias Enstrom has played in 164 with the Atlanta Thrashers (AP photo/Gregory Smith)
In two seasons played, the twenty five year old is yet to miss a start. He has ten goals as well as 60 assists and is a +9 during his career here so far…last season he was a +14.
The second most games played in Thrasher-blue among current defenders is Ron Hainsey, who played in 81 games last season. Third…Boris Valabik with 57 games, followed closely by Nathan Oystrick’s 53 starts with the team. Zach Bogosian has 47 games under his belt here in Thrasherville and then it falls off to Anssi Salmela with nine.
True, Pavel Kubina…traded in exchange for Exelby…does have 746 NHL games to his credit. 552 of those games were with Tampa Bay and the rest with the Leafs. So, clearly he’s the defender with the most overall experience. However, Toby is the one currently on the squad who’s played the most games with this team.
Now…why even make a point of this? Well, I think it says a lot about just how much this blueline has changed over the couple of seasons. Specifically, since the playoff team of 2007.
When the Thrashers ended the 2006-07 season with a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers in game four of the playoffs…sorry to re-open that old wound…the six defenders that took to the ice for Atlanta were Garnet Exelby, Alexei Zhitnik, Andy Sutton, Nic Havelid, Shane Hnidy and Greg DeVries, who scored a goal that night which actually put Atlanta up 2-1 in the second period.
When the Division Championship banner was raised the next fall, only three of the above-mentioned members of Atlanta’s defense remained…XLB, Zhitnik and Havelid. By the time that season ended, with a 4-1 win over the Bolts, only Havelid and Exelby remained as Zhitnik sat in the press box.
X and Havs started last October…only Garnet finished.
And then, the turnover cycle of the Thrashers defensive corps was then completed on July 1 of this summer with the XLB/Kubina deal…leaving young Toby Enstrom as the “Senior Member of the Thrashers Defensive Corps”.
Its Only Business
Atlanta Hawks beat writer Sekou Smith posted this interview with the Atlanta Spirit’s Michael Gearon, jr regarding this week’s court ruling and the relationship between Steve Belkin, himself and the other six partners.
It’s “business as usual”, the junior Gearon commented. “”Steve has actively participated in meetings that we’ve had, in which our [general managers] have made recommendations and there hasn’t been a situation where there was contention and we did not go in a direction our [general managers] wanted to go.”
Yup…just one big happy family.
Show Me The Money
According to the Falconer, Steve Belkin could be on the hook for $26 million in cash calls…his 30% share that’s been missed during the on-going legal battle between he and the remaining six members of the Atlanta Spirit, L.L.C.
Welcome back, Steve!
Last week I told you all about the Party Bus event on October 24 when San Jose comes to town. There is now a link to TJ’s site which gives contact information so you can procure your discount tickets to that game, get aboard the bus and be eligible for prizes including a ride on the Zamboni during intermission of that game.
So…here is the link. Hope to see ya there!
Also, Mark mentioned us holding a viewing party there for the November 25 game when the Thrashers travel to Detroit. That will be the night before Thanksgiving…so if you’re planning on being in town, mark you calendars and make plans to join the fun there.
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121 comments Add your comment
Brendan
August 21st, 2009
6:03 pm
In the end, (Head Coach) John Anderson will evaluate young Mr. Kane and decide what is best for him. (Though Don Waddell will certainly have some influence there, too.) Evander Kane just turned EIGHTEEN (18) on August 2nd. There’s no reason to “rush him” into the National Hockey League if he isn’t ready. I wouldn’t consider it a colossal failure if Kane played in Juniors next season. With or without the 9 game audition. But when he makes it to the NHL, he ought to play Top Six forward minutes, which is the role he is expected to play in the future. I can’t imagine that Kane will be a perennial 3rd line player. And if he is, the scouting Dept. of the Atlanta Thrashers and NHL Central Scouting has got some explaining to do. If he does play one season on the third line, it won’t be the end of the Universe as we once knew it. But it isn’t really, truly properly developing the player either. For purely selfish reasons, I’d like Evander Kane to have a real chance to win the Calder Trophy, whenever it is that he DOES make it to the NHL. And he won’t be doing that (winning “Rookie of the Year”) playing 3rd line minutes.
As for Jim Slater, he is what he is. I think he does an adequate job for what his role is. I’m not overly concerned about his cap hit. If he’s sligthly overpaid for his role and position, it’s not really an issue for a team $8-$10 million under the cap. Nor is it particularly an issue for a team that isn’t being projected into the playoffs, much less in Stanley Cup contention. IFFFFF the Atlanta Thrashers were 4:1 or 5:1 odds of winning the Cup, then yessssss … I’d be concerned that Jim Slater is our fourth line center. But we’re nowhere near that position or level of expectation. A fourth line center can be found in the 3rd or 4th round of the draft. Slater was pick #30 of the 1st round, in the 2002 draft. Picks #16-30 are “crapshoot” picks. Picks #31 and beyond are “shots in the dark.” Hockey drafts are far from an exact science. Martin Havlat was selected 26th in his year, and he is/was considered the PRIZE of the 1st round of the 1999 Entry Draft. Sometimes, that’s the way it goes.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 21st, 2009
6:13 pm
Nikita — I’m surprised on your 360 regarding Thorburn…if I recall correctly you were the primary defender of Thorburn (along with Klee) last year. I recall you stating that he had the talent to be on the top two lines, but wasn’t being given the opportunity. You also mentioned him not being a good fighter because he was miscast into the enforcer roles along the way, but wasn’t a natural fit (as evidenced by his poor fighting ability compared to true enforcers).
Please, correct me if I’m wrong.
Glovesave29
August 21st, 2009
6:33 pm
But Midfield, you are comparing Kozlov – who was likely signing his last contract, to a Kovy – who could play 10 more years. To move this one time is really no big deal, especially since Ilya has never moved teams before. I personally don’t think he would play in Russia, but I am pretty certain that the officals from the KHL would use the occasion of the Vancouver games to put a heckuva lot of pressure on him to return home. What if Russia wins the gold? What if he’s a national hero for scoring the winning goal? Can you not see how they could parlay this into a signing? I just feel we would be best served by having this taken care of prior to the Olympic break. This will also help EOB to save on medications due to the health issues my original question has caused him.
World Be Free
August 21st, 2009
6:50 pm
Ranallo, please, not Slater and Kovy in the same thought. I normally get your point, but not this time.
World Be Free
August 21st, 2009
7:04 pm
So Ranallo, what do you suggest we do at this point, stand pat?
I never touted Moore or Malholtra as impact players, just good, supportive depth like a lot of the other players that I being signed at this pint in the summer. The issue for me is Slater and that fact that both players would be an upgrade compared to Jimmy. Malholtra would come at a higher price and should be on the 3rd line. I really don’t care what his role was or how many shifts he played in Columbus. We look to upgrade our roster or stand pat with what we have.
Moore derailed himself when he overpriced his services to Toronto. He played well for the Leafs, but not well enough for them to pay him $3M/season. Rumors were he was still looking for big dollars this summer – he has Tanguay’s dollar disease.
We have no idea if Manny received an offer from Atlanta. Speculation is the 2 sides did more that talk. Whether Duds/Don still want to entertain his services is another matter.
Nikita
August 21st, 2009
7:16 pm
You’re correct, ranallo. Though I would characterize what I said slightly differently — my opinion was that under the right conditions, which were that he saw substantial development, he could play on a top line. For last year’s team. He didn’t develop, obviously, and I’m very disappointed with that. And I don’t think on this year’s team he’d have a shot above the third. Slater, if he had developed, could play on a top line based on speed. But Thorburn isn’t as fast or as talented in general — I think he needs to be in a slightly less brawly and slightly more nuanced position.
But…Thorburn may still develop somewhat, and his tryouts on higher lines have been relatively brief. I doubt Slater, with more time and more time on higher lines and special teams, will.
Midfield
August 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Glovesave, Russia winning the gold in the Olympics would be very cool for Kovy, without a doubt. But it would have no bearing on Kovy’s decision where to make his living – I am quite sure of that. In that regard, his family comes first and foremost.
Rawhide
August 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
Brendan – Excellent comments as per usual, professor. I certainly did not intend to give the impression that Kane was a 3rd line player for the future…just if he played this season up here.
Moving forward, looking to next season and beyond…Kozlov is in his last year of his current contract. Should the team decide not to re-sign him, then you have an open slot.
Certainly Kane’s future is as a top-six player…but this season it might just be a stretch for him to play there given his age and the personnel already in place there.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
WBF — I thought it was a silly statement to imply that Slater is evidence of the losses over the years while forgetting that Kovalchuk was on those same lineups. I’m not saying you’re hating on Kovalchuk, I just thought the line was silly.
How I feel about the possibility to upgrade is in line with Brendan’s above post. I think it’s too early to be adding “missing pieces” in quality checking depth, and should focus on solidifying the core of young players — re-signing people like Little, finding complimentary scorers like Antropov, and finding a potential top 2 replacement for Kovalchuk as a CYA if he doesn’t re-sign, someone like Zherdev (even with the baggage).
Once Atlanta is threatening to make the playoffs I’d agree to shift the focus on the checking/shutdown depth, but Atlanta isn’t at that point in my opinion (still a 10 seed at most, as I see it).
The Earl of Bud
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Rightshot, Rawhide, Brendan & anyone else reading, my problem with Kane on the 3rd line is that he is a top 6 talent and not really a checker. The reason I am open to the idea is that he dominated the juniors last year so much that I am open to the chance he get NHL exposure against top talent than go beat up on a bunch of teenagers. Most guys I think should go the Bryan Little route but if Kane can handle it (and it wouldn’t surprise me if he could) then let’s develop him this way. This is an exception to the rule but his talent provides for it to happen.
Can anyone tell me if it was Anderson who said this but I think he referred to him playing shorthanded and that would give him extra minutes. If he played 3rd line this year he can make an easy transition to Kozlov’s spot next year which I think is his to have with this club. And if he is on the team there’s nothing stopping Anderson from giving him some shifts here or there with the top lines occasionally. That would be invaluable.
WBF, I think you just have to realize that Antropov did not upgrade us from Slater, so neither will Malhotra if he signs here.
”This will also help EOB to save on medications due to the health issues my original question has caused him.”
Seriously Glovesave, it is August the league activity is dead and there is not much in hockey to think about. That is not a good time to put an idea like that in my head. I had to save myself by reading some Pat Kane jokes that some folks in Buffalo had.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
I get this feeling sometimes that EOB is from Buffalo…I don’t know why but I can’t shake that odd suspicion.
The Earl of Bud
August 21st, 2009
10:25 pm
ranallo10 (in AT) good one, haha. The Jay McKee and Rob Ray references I made today weren’t as bad as World Be Free’s “James Lofton to the Buffalo Bills” reference, but if only Pam on Weck, Smitty and some of the other WNYers were posting today it would be perfect.
On that note, here’s what the folks back home were saying today:
What’s the difference between Pat Kane and a canoe?
A canoe tips
What’s the difference between a caning and getting Kaned?
A caning just beats you, but if you get Kaned you can get nickeled and dimed to death
R. Stroz
August 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
EOB – You share those jokes with Capt. Caveman.
Brendan
August 22nd, 2009
4:12 am
Rawhide, you know me. I love the PROACTIVE talk. You’ve mentioned Kozlov. Normally, I’d be trumpeting the idea of offering “Top Six” Thrasher forwards some PROACTIVE deal to keep them in place, and to continue the team chemistry, moving forward. But not this time. And no, it’s not just because of his AGE. (He is closer to 40 than 30. But I digress.) If Kozlov is to stayyyy, I jolly well want him to EARRRRRRN his next contract. I want him to play like a player in his CONTRACT YEAR, Jeff Blauser-style. I’ll admit something here. I respect Slava Kozlov. He was arguably “Captain” material. And he’s a premier shootout specialist, to be sure. So I’m a bit frustrated at how to properly couch these upcoming remarks, but here goes. At times, I’ve been flustered watching Kozlov. (Oh here it is! I can hear it now! I’m a rabid RUSSIAN-HATER!!!) There were times when I felt he disappeared. For a while. I found myself thinking, “Hey, where’s Slava Kozlov been tonight? And for that matter, for the past several games.” Be honest now, so did you (bloggers). Most noticeably, Kozlov appeared absent during the 2007 playoffs. That “HBK” line (Hossa, Belanger, Kozlov) didn’t produce well. Even the normally ‘player friendly’ Waddell commented that several key veteran players disappointed him during those playoffs, and in one quote, he mentioned Kozlov, specifically, while DEFENDING Hossa’s lackluster performance. In any event, THAT offseason of 2007, Kozlov trapsed off to Dallas, to interview with the Stars Organization about a UFA contract. Kozlov, I suspect, had ZERO INTENTIONS of actually signing there. It was just a ploy to help Donnie remember when he left his checkbook. To the tune of roughly $3.75 million per season cap hit, I believe. On the one hand, of course Kozlov was FREE TO PURSUE all of his available options. At the best price he could garner. No one can begrudge him that. He’d EARNED THE RIGHT to choose where he plays his hockey, based on his age and tenure in the league. On the other hand, he wanted to stay in Atlanta. He wanted to be a part of the process for the coming years. Point of FACT, he signed a 3-year deal, with a very pronounced NO TRADE CLAUSE. And he got angered at the suggestion that the Thrashers be able to “rent him” or trade him, stating, “I just re-signed here. I don’t want to be traded.” Or words to this effect. Okay, look. That’s his right. If Atlanta didn’t want to agree to the NTC, they didn’t have to offer him that. Or re-sign him. At the price he said he’s worth. But they did. Over. End of story. Bygones. As fans, we’re frustrated, sometimes, by that. We see trade opportunities, like moving an aging vet, for a coveted pick or two, or a prospect, or even a young, nearly equally skilled player. And we want the GM to pull the trigger on the deal. I repeat, “NTC.” If the Thrashers are not within striking distance of the playoffs at the deadline this year, you’ll hear “NTC” mentioned again, in regards to Slava Kozlov. Makes ya want to do cartwheels, doesn’t it?
If this is Slava Kozlov’s LAST SEASON in Atlanta, I’m not going to cry about it. There, I said it. I hope Kozlov has a whiz bang season, hitting all sorts of benchmarks. I hope he has a CAREER BEST type season. And I hope he finds a team willing to sign him in the Summer of 2010. When I see Kozlov, I think Jeff Blauser (Braves Baseball reference). Rightly or wrongly. And there it is. For a team that is building, I think we can find a younger LW to play 2nd line minutes in the 2010-11 season. If Kozzie were WILLING to take a paycut, that might change things, for me. If he were willing to have a diminished role in his final contract, that might change things for me. I doubt Kozlov really wants to sign some 1-year deal in FREE AGENCY. Depending on how long he actually wants to play, that’s how many years he’ll look for, in my opinion, this time around. If he wants to play until he’s 40, that’s what he’ll seek, especially if he has a CAREER YEAR for Atlanta, in 2010.
I wish I could say that I have some supreme confidence in Brett Sterling as the Kozlov replacement, at 2nd line LW, but I don’t. If the top six forwards cannot be found among the crop of Thrasher prospects in the farm system, then there’s always free agency. And clearly, young Citizen Kane will take his place among somewhere among the Top Six forwards. Maybe even top line minutes, at some point. While I don’t like overpaying players, and free agency usually causes that, at least a UFA that comes to Atlanta did so out of his own FREE WILL. Nobody put a gun to Ron Hainsey’s head. Nobody jammed a glock in Todd White’s short ribs, while at the ATM. These players AGREED to 4 and 5 year deals to play here. We’ll find somebody. Maybe not a Tier I guy. But we’ll find somebody willing to come, to play those minutes.
Rawhide
August 22nd, 2009
9:19 am
Brendan – As I have opined before, my belief is that Kozlov will not be re-signed next summer…regardless of how well he may or may not play this season. If the Thrashers are able to re-sign Kovy, then Kozlov’s $3.66 mil will simply e transferred over to the Captain’s ledger. That is how they’ll play for Ilya’s raise.
Then, next season…Kane could slip into Kozlov’s spot as a top-six forward.
LAC
August 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
Rawhide, Off topic here, but your thoughts on this…
Every year we play three Western teams home/home.
Would if be a good idea, or bad, to say once every 5 or 10 years play our nearest neighbor Nashville, 3 home/3 road ? Just think it would be nice to do that, even once, if the teams and the league approve.
Would make some nice CLOSE roadtrips !
Thanks !
Rawhide
August 22nd, 2009
1:43 pm
LAC – Personally, I would love to see that type of scheduling with the Thrashers and Preds. From my home in northern Cobb County, it’s only about a 3-1/2 hour trip.
I also think it would be great to have Nashville a part of the SE Division, making it a true regional division. Washington would have to go to the Atlantic or Northeast…meaning one team would then also have to be moved, so I don’t see it happening unless a team like Florida moved out west.
Even if that did happen, there would be many who would argue that Columbus would come east given the fact that they are in the eastern time zone and Nashville is in the central…lots of logistical issues as you can see working against Nashville and Atlanta being in the same division.
However, back to your point…yes, I would love to see us be able to play them more often.
Brendan
August 22nd, 2009
3:36 pm
Rawhide, that was a good read over at your Hockeybuzz blog. I hope everyone read it. It’s worth revisiting if, like me, you missed it the first time, back in May. Kovalchuk has to get paid. And paid properly. And if Kovy’s contract has to be tacked on to Kovalchuk’s present salary, so be it. Truthfully, Kozlov should be pursuing his options with a team that is closer to winning a Stanley Cup. If he WANTS to stay here, I think that’s great. At a discount and diminished role. Kozlov just isn’t part of Atlanta’s long range future, in my opinion. It would be “nice” if he’d allow Atlanta to trade him at the deadline, if that sort of thing looks like an intelligent move for Atlanta to make, at that juncture in the season. But, again, that’s Slava’s call to make. He does own that NTC. And he doesn’t have to waive it. Mats Sundin didn’t waive it. Toronto fans still haven’t forgiven him for it.
Adam
August 23rd, 2009
10:46 am
I have a feeling that RH is going to have another blog up shortly but I’ll post this anyway.
I hear many people say that going back to juniors is best for Evander Kane. Other than ice time there is really nothing more for him to do there. Given that there are a certain few players that have the skill set and mental toughness at his age to play at the NHL level, even if not at top 6 minutes, wouldn’t it best serve him to start here now? Having full time access to the Thrasher training staff, practicing with the team and the tutelage of not only veteran players but the recent experience on the other younger players like Bogo & Toby are all things he can’t get back in juniors. At game time, again while not top six minutes, playing on the 3rd line and on the 2nd line PP & PK lines will give him the level of experience he can get nowhere else. Hey if he’s not ready after preseason by all means send him back after his 9 regular season games but if he is even remotely ready and barring any other signings I think having him here is the best option for him and the team.
Smitty
August 23rd, 2009
12:14 pm
I agree Adam. In addition they can try to match his line with either one of our top 2 defense pairings while he gets his feet wet. I know that will not always be possible but it is another way of helping him to develop on the NHL level. But I think the most important reasons (pardon the pun) is that he will be skating with Reasoner and Colby. Both are defensive minded players and both are good leaders and examples. Colby can help keep everyone honest if the opposition tries to get out of hand with Kane
Rawhide
August 23rd, 2009
12:27 pm
Adam – Just as you predicted…here it is.