Comments on: The Senior Member Of Thrashers Blueline http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/ A fan’s perspective on the Atlanta Thrashers, with a dose of humor and a hint of irreverence Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:25:09 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Rawhide http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8895 Rawhide Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:27:00 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8895 <strong>Adam</strong> - Just as you predicted...<a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/23/peverleys-play-dispensed-doubts/" rel="nofollow">here it is</a>. Adam – Just as you predicted…here it is.

]]> By: Smitty http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8894 Smitty Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:14:44 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8894 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 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

]]> By: Adam http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8893 Adam Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:46:53 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8893 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. 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.

]]> By: Brendan http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8891 Brendan Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:36:47 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8891 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. 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.

]]> By: Rawhide http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8890 Rawhide Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:43:56 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8890 <strong>LAC</strong> - 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. 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.

]]> By: LAC http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8889 LAC Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:45:05 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8889 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, 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 !

]]> By: Rawhide http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8888 Rawhide Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:19:28 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8888 <strong>Brendan</strong> - <a href="http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Bill-Tiller/Kozlovs-Biggest-Assist-In-Atlanta-May-Come-Next-Summer/127/21280" rel="nofollow">As I have opined before</a>, 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. 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.

]]> By: Brendan http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8887 Brendan Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:12:58 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8887 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 <strong> in his CONTRACT YEAR, Jeff Blauser-style.</strong> 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. <strong>For a while.</strong> 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, 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.

]]> By: R. Stroz http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8886 R. Stroz Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:23:26 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8886 EOB - You share those jokes with Capt. Caveman. EOB – You share those jokes with Capt. Caveman.

]]> By: The Earl of Bud http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/08/20/the-senior-member-of-thrashers-blueline/comment-page-3/#comment-8885 The Earl of Bud Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:25:57 +0000 http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/?p=3389#comment-8885 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: <strong>What's the difference between Pat Kane and a canoe?</strong> <em>A canoe tips</em> <strong>What's the difference between a caning and getting Kaned?</strong> <em>A caning just beats you, but if you get Kaned you can get nickeled and dimed to death</em> 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

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