Kari Lehtonen era comes to an end in Thrasherville
Tuesday night the Atlanta Thrashers shipped off Kari Lehtonen to the Dallas Stars in return for defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a fourth round draft pick.
Kari Lehtonen, seen here in action last spring against the Caps, was the Thrashers second overall pick in 2002 (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
With this deal, combined with the one that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey last week, the Thrashers have dumped quite a bit of salary of late. Lehtonen is scheduled to be an RFA this summer and is currently making $3 million…Vishnevskiy will be an RFA in 2011 and is being paid just under $850,000 per season.
Vishnevskiy was the 27th overall draft pick in the 2006 draft and has played in a total of 5 NHL games…two this season. He has two assists in those games…both coming last season and both on the power play. In between periods of the Stars game in Chicago, Craig Ludwig…a former NHL defenseman for Montreal and Stars… said that the Thrashers are getting an offensive-minded blueliner but needs some work on his play in the defensive zone.
Lehtonen departs Thrasherville having just returned to the club from his conditioning stint with the Wolves and has yet to play in the NHL since last spring. He compiled a career record of 94-83-17 in 204 games played in Atlanta…196 were starts…with a 2.87 GAA, .912 SV% and 14 shutouts.
So…unless there is another trade planned to bring in a proven number one goalie…it looks as though Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec will be the ones between the pipes as the Thrashers look to make any playoff push this season. To that point, Chris Vivlamore tweeted that Don Waddell told him, “They have proved to be capable of carrying the load”.
Ivan Vishnevskiy was a first-round draft pick in 2006 and has played in 5 NHL games (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
With Kari’s departure, the Thrashers have parted ways with all of their top pick in their first five drafts.
Patrick Stefan, the top pick in 1999, is no longer playing hockey and is a player agent living in California.
Dany Healey, pick second overall in 2000, was traded away in 2005 to Ottawa and now plays in San Jose.
Ilya Kovalchuk, 2001’s overall number one, was dealt away last week to New Jersey.
Kari Lehtonen, second overall in 2002, as we have discussed is off to the Big D.
Braydon Coburn, the eighth overall draft pick in 2003, was shipped off to Philadelphia in 2006 in exchange for Alexei Zhitnik.
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171 comments Add your comment
LAC
February 9th, 2010
11:04 pm
Gee Whiz another Russian who looks to not be much help anytime soon…
Just more of waddell Tornado destroying this team, we should have gotten more OFFENSE, but waddell knows what he is doing, building us a New CHEAP team… Next they will want the FANS to start playing and making them pay to play !!! What a concept, PLEASE Mr.Betteman Take over this MESS NOW !
Just a salary dump at it’s best ! How CHEAP are these clowns ?
2025
February 9th, 2010
11:04 pm
After breaking every goaltending record in the NHL, Kari Lehtonen is retiring. Lehtonen, who was initially pressed into service too early in his career by a struggling Atlanta hockey franchise, really turned things around after successful back surgery and a trade to the Dallas Stars. With the Stars, Lehtonen broke Marty Brodeur’s all time win record and once posted an unbelievable eighteen game shutout streak. Lehtonen led the Stars to six Stanley Cup titles in his fifteen year tenure. He will surely be remembered as the best goalie in NHL history.
Brendan
February 9th, 2010
11:10 pm
See Bob’s 8:53PM post. http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/02/09/bergfors-and-oduya-coping-with-%e2%80%98it-is-what-it-is%e2%80%99-situation/comment-page-1/#comment-20630. That’s right on the money.
And Rawhide stole my Thunder, as I was going to post that ALLL FIIIIIVE of this franchise’s 1st round picks are GONE, just GONE, by its 10th season. You tell me if Atlanta’s franchise knows what it’s doing.
1999: Patrik Stefan, traded to Dallas, for Niko Kapanen and Will O’Neill. I guess Will O’Neill is still here, right?
2000: Heatley, traded to Ottawa, for Hossa and DeVries. DeVries walked in free agency, I believe. Hossa = Daultan Leveille (#29 overall, 2008), Erik O’Dell (via Eric Christenson), Colby Armstrong (Stay tuned, dealin’ Don is about to part ways with him, too. As he should), and Angelo Esposito (the new Kari Lehtonen, Uwe Krupp and Jani Hurme of the organization).
2001: Ilya Kovalchuk, traded for Nik Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, 2010 2nd round pick (think #54 overall), and prospect Patrice Cormier
2002: Kari Lehtonen, traded for Ivan Vishnevski (sp?) and a 4th rounder
2003: Braydon Coburn, traded for Alexei Zhitnik
And can we project 2004’s: Boris Valabik for ?????
What was the purpose of these picks? I want an answer. No, I want a SERIOUS answer. Don’t say, “Don Waddell is like a mule with a spinning wheel. No one knows how he got it, and d*mned if he knows what to do with it.”
Folks, let Stendec have his fun. Part of me actually is hopeful that we’re now ‘turning the corner,’ but the other part of me thinks this. And this is straight from my heart. I thought it was the wrong move to pick Lehtonen in 2002. Not because we should have taken Cam Ward instead. If I posted that, I’d be lying. Kari Lehtonen was the top goaltender prospect of his draft year. No, my objection over his drafting was the requisite number of YEARS and YEARS and YEARS it would take to develop him. I felt thennnn, as I still do Nowwww, that we just didn’t have the TIIIIIME to wait for him to be ready.
Flash forward to 2010. Okayyyyyyyy, it’s 8 years later. We’re done INVESTING TIME in Kari’s development. I guess it’s time for some other organization to SWOOP IN and take him from us, with THEIR THANKS to Atlanta for developing him for them. Sheesh. I’m sorry, folks. Even if you believe Kari stinks. The handling of that 2002 draft stinks more. And don’t scream, “But Brendan, without that deal, we wouldn’t have Jim Slater, today. And Jim Slaters … they just don’t grow on trees. You can’t replace them.”
My gosh, what would it have cost to retain Lehtonen? $2 million? He’s back from the surgeries. He’s supposedly this high pedigree goalie. “Don found his man.” Is this, or is this NOT, an admission of FAILURE by Waddell, yet again, in his goaltender decision-making? Yes … or no.
It’s a “yes or no” answer. I can’t wait to hear Waddell’s take on this. When he traded Jason Williams, he said this, “I guess I can’t say we were entirely happy with the player, since we are trading him.” And Williams was merely a ‘try out’ free agent signing. Make no mistake about this, Don Waddell hung his hat on Kari Lehtonen. We were going to sink or swim with him. Guess which one we did?
Well, I’ll give you a hint. Zero playoff wins.
ben
February 9th, 2010
11:18 pm
I called it years ago with 32.
Brendan
February 9th, 2010
11:22 pm
Since Don Waddell is making all the moves Stendec wants, I’m anxious to hear what Stendec wants next? So, let’s hear it? Colby Armstrong traded? Pavelec traded? Kubina traded?
Stendec told us to send Siberian waste Ilya “bags are packed” Kovalchuk away. Done. Stendec told us to send that Finnish sieve out of town for a bag of pucks. Done. Actually, isn’t Stendec’s next target to send packaging, Bryan “Little to No Chance,” our 2006 draft pick? Heck, why not package him with Boris Valabik, so only Kane and Bogosian will be left of our 1st rounders?
Draft picks, pfft! Who nees them?? Let’s trade all our 2010 first round picks, too. They’re completely wasted in the hands of this organization. Maybe Brian Burke was on to something, with that Phil Kessel trade? Rubbin’ my chin….
Telfo
February 9th, 2010
11:23 pm
we got a very good prospect for an extreme injury risk that had no future on this team
Darren
February 9th, 2010
11:25 pm
Rawhide, any thoughts on which one of the Blackhawks you would want to have, and who you would be willing to give up, given Atlanta’s believed-to-be very talented group of prospects, and given that Chicago needs to move major salary in the off-season?
J (Z)
February 9th, 2010
11:27 pm
I’m fuming about this one. Why not let Kari play a few games to prove he’s capable? If he plays well we get something decent for him. If not, he signs really really really cheap next year.
Here’s our new defenseman…and his 1 career NHL goal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vVTTzTu0lw
Viking
February 9th, 2010
11:28 pm
I am quite unhappy. This better be a part of something bigger and involving a goalie or the ownership.
Pavelec is not ready and too good at making himself small. Needs a goalie coach.
Hedberg is great, but is getting older and should not play too many games in a row.
Don's Next 10 Year Plan
February 9th, 2010
11:29 pm
Well fans, we are building through the draft, making incremental progress, as the team is moving in the right direction and we are just a few players away from being serious Stanley Cup Contenders and, in a few years, I guarantee this team will make the playoffs.
Did I forget any?
Bong Inhalers & Glue Sniffers
February 9th, 2010
11:31 pm
The Cup is ours with all these new prospects, but we must be patient and give them time to develop.
Rawhide
February 9th, 2010
11:32 pm
Rawhide, any thoughts on which one of the Blackhawks you would want to have, and who you would be willing to give up, given Atlanta’s believed-to-be very talented group of prospects, and given that Chicago needs to move major salary in the off-season?
Darren – Any trade package would need to include Sharp…put Army and some of these picks/prospects together and see what can get done.
I am quite unhappy. This better be a part of something bigger and involving a goalie or the ownership.
Viking – I have a gut feeling that more is on the way. I think Wadd-Dudley has cleared off the cap room and gathered items to put together a nice deal for “the big one” which might come right at the deadline next month.
At least…I hope so.
Buzz
February 9th, 2010
11:36 pm
The Thrashers need to dump Kubina, Hainsey, Armstrong, Antropov and Afinogenov. Then I will be happy.
Trade them all for YOUNGER players/draft picks and roll the dice. It can’t get much worse.
Kool-Aid Drinker
February 9th, 2010
11:36 pm
This is yet another great move by Don Waddell. He’s done a fantastic job over the last decade. Don has been a wonderful GM and I know he had this great trade in mind when he drafted Kari in 2002. Some say we should have selected Jay Bouwmeester with that pick, but look what we have now instead!
The Cup is ours!
Brendan
February 9th, 2010
11:37 pm
Wonder if Kari is going to sell his “custom-made” dream home? Or, if like Kovalchuk, he’ll continue to live here, while playing elsewhere.
If Kari hasn’t fully recovered, why did Dallas agree to the trade?
2011
February 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
The naming rights for the former Philips Arena have been purchased by vomit bag maker Throw Up, Inc.
The arena has been renamed Throw Up Here Arena.
Mike
February 9th, 2010
11:41 pm
Kari could very well stay healthy and have a long career in the NHL. If he does, great for him but right now, they have to deal with what they know and that is his medical history is not good. Obviously the front office is never going to make everyone happy with the trades they make. If they had traded Moose, people would have said he was the only one playing worth a damn and should have been kept. So, he trades a unreliable goalie and everyone still bitches. Dudley probably had input and getting a team’s #1 prospect is a good thing considering Kari hasn’t proven much since the surgeries.
Even though I would hate to see Colby go, what if they did trade the 4th round pick they just got with Colby to Chicago for Versteeg. We would probably have to throw in another prospect since Colby is a UFA, but maybe that is where Kozy comes into play. They can rejoin Hossa and make a run for it.
Then call up Joey Crabb and hopefully he can duplicate what he is doing in Chicago at the NHL level on a consistent basis.
Somaatl95
February 9th, 2010
11:41 pm
If what we have done in the past has not worked than what is the harm in trying something new? Kari wasn’t here when the season started and we saw amazing saves from Moose and Pavs. I’m curious how many of you would echo “Kari Down” each season and then be unhappy about this trade. Maybe we are trying to get costs down – then that would mean new ownership – and lots of folks would be happy about no longer having the ASG. Don’t get me wrong, I bitch, whine and complain about our team like everyone else on here seems to do, but I think getting rid of one of the most injury prone members of the team may be a very good thing. Our #17 Curse has been lifted. Now our #32 curse has also been lifted. As I said in a previous blog here look around – Dallas fans (and bloggers) are pissed at this trade – which works out well for us. The only real people that are negative (rather than on this blog) on losing Kari are the people on TSN.ca that enjoying always saying the nastiest stuff about Atlanta. F’ em!
JLH
February 9th, 2010
11:49 pm
I don’t understand the rush to get this done. Why not give Kari a chance to show us what he can do when fully healthly. I must believe that DW believes that Kari will never put in the work to realize his full potential, or maintain the focus necessary to be successful at the position.
Pavelec is not positionally sound and as Glovesave has pointed out many times, makes himself small and unable to quickly move from side to side by squatting on the tips of his skates. No one in the organization seems to be working with him on this.
Brendan
February 9th, 2010
11:53 pm
This trade proves how rudderless we’ve been at the GM position, all these years. “Brendan, ya think? You’ve just coming to this conclusion now??” Now, I came to that conclusion in 2002. And I was “late” to realizing it, after Audette, Brunette and Staios were lost for essentially nothing.
All throughout training camp … I waited for the owners to make a statement like, “This year, it’s playoffs, OR ELSE!” I never heard. I never heard any ultimatums on Waddell’s head. The only year I did … was 2007. I should have suspected something thennnnn. But really, the owners have been silent, deafeningly silent, all year long. Gee, wonder why?
Rawhide
February 9th, 2010
11:54 pm
While all this was diverting our attention…Boston, Tampa Bay, Carolina and the Islanders all won tonight. Thus, the Thrashers will take to the ice in Colorado three points out of a playoff spot…one point ahead of 12th place Florida…two points ahead of 13th place New York Islanders…and now only seven points ahead of 14th place Carolina.
The Lightning now occupies the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Buzzeng
February 9th, 2010
11:56 pm
If I’m Kari, and I went from a No.1 pick to be equal to an AHL’er and a 4th round pick, I’d feel really bad about myself… Hope they have a great conditioning coach in Dallas for his sake.
kracker
February 10th, 2010
12:01 am
Viking = I agree. So surely there has to be another goalie for Atlanta in the plan. The organization is desperate to make the playoffs. I can’t see them depending on a 22 yr old not-ready goalie and a 36 yr old bottom third at best goalie to get them to the playoffs. Love Moose and Pavs but neither can do the job, IMO, especially if you want to advance when/if you do get to the playoffs.
Sage of Bluesland
February 10th, 2010
12:04 am
Oh well, the long saga of the glass-groined wunderkind that Don Waddell took with the 2nd pick of the draft–and told us, “Just wait until he gets up to the parent club!”…
Key word: WAIT.
We’ve done nothing but wait. We’ve had very little success. Zero playoff wins. One playoff appearance. (Are those “facts” enough for your lamb-sized mind, Sheep-Badger Bob?! Please humor me on that score, Chief!)
Oh well, for the sheep out there: You are getting what you so justly deserve. You are. Enjoy it–and think of ol’ Sage when you buy that overpriced beer…and extortionistic hot dog…and the whipping which is administered to us by ‘real’ teams as their fans drown out the hopelessly optomistic Thrashers fans!
Like I’ve always asked–just remember where you heard all of it first…
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
12:06 am
*And Rawhide stole my Thunder, as I was going to post that ALLL FIIIIIVE of this franchise’s 1st round picks are GONE, just GONE, by its 10th season. You tell me if Atlanta’s franchise knows what it’s doing.*
Yeah, whatever. Two or three of those five I thoroughly understand. Really, I wish we had kept Kari and Coburn, but the rest of them NEEDED TO GO.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
12:10 am
The last time the Thrashers traded with the Stars we received Niko Kapenen for Patrick Stefan and Jaroslav Modry.
How well did that pan out?
Hockey Biltong
February 10th, 2010
12:16 am
New goalie and a bag of pucks, coming right up!!
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
12:19 am
Kari’s attitude was toxic as pointed out several times here.
How quickly we forget that Cristobal Huet was traded by MTL to CHI for a 6th round pick. Getting a high prospect AND a pick may end up being a brilliant move.
Moose needs to start Wed nite and then o Sat. Pavs, barring another trade, should be the back-up. I reckon the GM is banking on the 2.5 week layoff will do JCH much good for the homestretch.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
12:30 am
Lets compare lottery draft pick retention and the current league standings.
If memory serves me, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington have had about as many lottery picks as the Thrashers have had over the past decade.
Now lets compare the number of draft picks retained compared to league standings.
Of these four teams, which has had the worst lottery pick player retention rate, the Capitals, Penguins, Blackhawks, or Thrashers?
Now, lets compare recent playoff appearances and league standings.
It appears there is a positive correlation between retained lottery draft picks and league standings.
Houston, we have a problem.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
12:31 am
Sage – I don’t need their crappy hot dogs and overpriced beers. I got Chick Fil A, Gorins and my smuggled bourbon. We like hockey. Get over it. We’re not gonna boycott so give it a rest.
BTW, Stefan sucked. We were lucky to get (Olympian) Niko Kapanen and Modry for his sorry ass.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
12:35 am
Smoothie – At this rate, I’ll need some of that bourbon, and I haven’t had a drink in years.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
12:43 am
Stroz – no worries man, I’m here for you.
Can you imagine how much more bitching there would be if Moose had been traded?
GSUFan
February 10th, 2010
1:13 am
Waddell said the players didn’t trust Kari! Kari is a nice guy and a good goaltender, but he is plagued with injuries. I wish him all the best, and I hope he takes care of himself this time. However, if his past is any indicator of his future, he won’t. Kari is lucky that his career is not over because of his back injuries. That’s a lot of surgery to have in a year. I really hope he’s okay, and I do wish him luck in Dallas.
I don’t understand where all these people who praise Kari’s talent were last season, or the season before. I seriously remember tons of people at Philips Arena using the phrase “Let-four-in” liberally to describe Kari.
Tony C.
February 10th, 2010
1:42 am
Eh.
We knew this was coming but seriously the only thing that gnaws at me is why the rush-do they know the guy is going to break like next week? I wonder who they plan on bringing in fr the rest of the season; DW’s remarks via Viv’s tweet sound ominous-kinda like the “Zhitnik is going to play a big role for this team”
Brendan
February 10th, 2010
2:36 am
Smoothie, I believe Montreal traded Huet to Washington for its 2nd round pick (previously acquired from Anaheim). For some reason, the Capitals didn’t keep Huet. (Probably because they had Simeon Varlamov in the wings.) I think Huet signed with the Blackhawks as a free agent.
That 2nd round pick the Habs got from the Capitals (for Huet) … wound up coming to Atlanta via the Matthieu Schneider trade at the deadline. Atlanta used the pick to select a player on the USA World Juniors team named Jeremy Morin, from Auburn, NY. He looks good!
Brendan
February 10th, 2010
2:38 am
Smoothie, I believe Montreal traded Huet to Washington for its 2nd round pick (previously acquired from Anaheim). The Capitals didn’t keep Huet. (Probably because they had Simeon Varlamov in the wings.) Huet signed with the Blackhawks as a free agent.
That second round pick the Habs got from the Capitals (for Huet) … wound up coming to Atlanta via the Matthieu Schneider trade at the deadline. Atlanta used the pick to select a player on the USA World Juniors team named Jeremy Morin, from Auburn, NY. He looks good!
Sharon
February 10th, 2010
3:01 am
As I was saying on Schultz’s blog…
Finally, we’re off the Kari-Go-Round!
Good riddance.
StateBird
February 10th, 2010
5:10 am
I wish someone could dig up those Home Depot “Building a Franchise” clips starring one Don Waddell.
Red Light
February 10th, 2010
7:26 am
Love the deal. Kari had plenty of chances to be a No. 1 goalie here and his chances were derailed by injuries and a suspect work ethic early on. Now, two surgeries this year and you get back a 22-year-old d-man and a pick in return, that’s not so bad if the d-man works out. Just wish one day that the backline will include a Canadian defenseman rather than the European Union-Hainsey now being employed. I still think Pavelec has promise with more experience, and you keep Moose, which is a popular move by all accounts.
But I wonder still how you can’t get an NHL player in return for a former No. 1? I guess because of what I said before: surgeries and a questionable work ethic.
Will Lehtonen ever regain the form he showed for that brief stretch a few years back?
GaVaHokie
February 10th, 2010
7:38 am
Wow, I stand corrected… That was a horrible return. I would have rolled the dice I think and played him a few games.
Another depth defenseman? Kulda, Postma, Oystrick, Welch, Lewis and now Vish.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
7:43 am
Kari was never committed to staying in shape, so it should be no surprise that he was constantly pulling muscles. I for one am tired of his act; it’s like Andruw Jones not being able to run out grounders. That always ticked me off.
This trade has Dudley’s finger prints all over it. I agree on the big picture review of the first 5 number one picks. But look back at all the teams in the NHL-how many of them still have their top picks from 5+ years ago in the organizations? I know our picks were high picks, but if we took Bouwmeester instead of Kari, do you think Jay would still be here?
I am not forgetting the last 10 years, but Dudley is here now. He is a proven builder, with a winning track record at all levels of professional hockey. I am not ready to dump cold water on his works, despite the other “players” on our management team. Dudley would not come to the Thrashers without the power to make things happen. He’s too competitive.
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
8:09 am
Agree with Waddell that you don’t want to make a change in net in the middle of a playoff run. Moose and Pavs are both playing well. Kari’s the odd man out here – for this season. Would’ve kept him on IR for the year and let him compete next season.
Also, there’s plenty of free agent goalies available every summer. Think we received more that we could have expected for him.
docsbro
February 10th, 2010
8:09 am
I think some of us might be missing the point. It is not that anyone is questioning the merit of these trades it is the fact that these trades HAD to be made. That these players either didn’t want to be here or that they just plain sucked. The point is that DWad chose these players and they are no longer here…what do we have to show for all these #1 picks…ZERO, ZILCH….NOTTA!!! Kari needed a new team as will Pavs in a couple of years as he has been thrown to the wolves BEFORE he was ready.
“New Direction” whoopee!! Here we go again. Why oh why can we not get a new Director for our “New Direction”. Does anyone out there truly believe that DWad can build a winner here. Can anyone really give a good solid defense of why he should keep his job. If you truly believe that he can run this Franchise…PLEASE convince me because I don’t think you can do it.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
8:16 am
I am not being delusional here folks. I know our track record has been horrible the last 10 years, but Dudley is here now. I am sticking with Duds until such time as I know he has little or no influence on the personnel decisions of this club.
But as previously noted, these are 2 major salary dumps. Do we have a salary addition coming up for the playoff run? What is our next move, surely there’s another one out there.
moriler
February 10th, 2010
8:24 am
Good deal, overall. I see a lot of the usual people here focused on the past and spouting the usual rhetoric: tell me, each of you, which goalie would you have traded instead of Kari, and why, and to whom for what? Are you willing to stand pat and say that Kari would’ve been our #1 goalie in the future? Leave out the noise, please, and just focus on the actual details of _this_ question, not what you would’ve done in the past. Given the _current_ situation, what would you do now?
See, it’s easy to say “We traded a #1 pick, another bad decision, it proves we suck”. But which is the worse decision — drafting a #1 pick incorrectly or failing to acknowledge the earlier mistake and getting out of it while the getting’s good? If we retain Kari and he gets injured again, his trade value declines to roughly a bag of _used_ pucks. And he had a bad habit of letting in one soft goal per game, despite having flashes of real brilliance. No, no, no. Get him gone NOW while he still has any value left — if I had to sit through one more episode of “Kariship Down” I’d want to boil some bunnies, especially if it comes with Pavelec as a backup instead of Hedberg.
I’m fine with this trade. Hedberg’s solid and he can help Pavelec get his mind right — unlike certain Finns, when Pavelec’s having an off game, his whole night stinks. That’s a much easier fix than “Oops, I let in a soft goal at a critical time despite playing my head off in the first period when it didn’t matter as much.” Dallas seems high on Visnevski, but I don’t know much about him other than that; if nothing else, the pick is good and this prospect can be trade-bait elsewhere (as others have noted, gee, we have a LOT of cap room now, i wonder how Chicago feels about this offseason?)
Russ
February 10th, 2010
8:25 am
I know some are saying that the Thrashers are putting themselves into a good position to take on salary that other teams like Chicago will have to dump in the off-season, but to me that does not seem like the best way to build or improve a team. I’m sure the Blackhawks would like to keep all their players if there was no salary cap, but because of the financial restraints they will have to give up some decent players. That being said, are they going to be looking to dump their star players/players playing well above their contract or players they deem to be the most expendable based on play commensurate to salary? In other words, while there may be nice players to be had, they will most likely be players that their previous team decided they were willing to cast-off. Sure, you can strike gold occasionally with cast-offs (Peverley), but those are few and far between. I don’t want the Thrashers chances to improve to be based on what they can gain from other teams’ salary dumps, but such is life as an Atlanta Thrasher fan.
moriler
February 10th, 2010
8:29 am
Oh, and you probably won’t see stendec ’til this afternoon — he’s out buying a mop to clean off his monitor.
MASHAPlayer7
February 10th, 2010
8:32 am
By no means am I giving Waddell a free pass when I say this…he certainly has made some blunders, but when you look at those 1st round picks now gone, most of the blame falls on the player. Drafting is part art-part science…Waddell basically took the higher ranked players on the board when Atlanta’s name was called to the podium…hindsight is always 20/20 when drafting.
I feel ASG and Waddell have let us fans down, but I feel more passionate that our “superstars” let us down. Heatley, Kovalchuk and Lehtnonen did not allow us to build the foundation we needed to have a solid franchise due to off-ice behavior and selfishness.
Let’s review:
Patrick Stefan (1999) – arguably one of the worst draft talent pools ever – Stefan was never a quality NHL player. SYNOPSIS: BAD LUCK
Dany Heatley (2000)- we all know the story…but that tragic car accident fueled the trade of Heatley. That was Heatley’s responsibility to be a good citizen off the ice, but hey, he was just a dumb kid who made a tragic mistake. SYNOPSIS: PLAYER ACCOUNTABILITY
Ilya Kovalchuk (2001)- Great one-dimensional player. The face of the franchise. But he was lazy, never back-checked and played down to the level of his teammates. Definitely not captain material. It was his right to move on, but if Kovalchuk put in an effort and was more like Alex Ovechkin – then maybe we’re singing a different tune. SYNOPSIS: PLAYER ACCOUNTABILITY
Kari (2002) – Talented, but injury prone. Another player with off-ice issues…well known that he liked the parties and never took pride in conditioning. It wasn’t dumb luck he was injured..it was the player’s responsibility to be a professional, not some wunderkind amateur. SYNOPSIS: PLAYER ACCOUNTABILITY
Braydon Coburn (2003): Do I need to talk about this one? SYNOPSIS: WORST TRADE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
moriler
February 10th, 2010
8:32 am
Russ: Actually, sometimes a single near-star player is the best way for a team to dump salary fast — someone who is worth close to what they’re paying for him, but what they’re paying is simply too much overall. Remember, Dudley has a major role in player evaluations right now. We won’t be seeing any Zhitniks coming our way (or if we do, we can start up the “Fire Dudley” chant).
So no, we won’t get Toews or Kane from Chicago. But Barker or Sharp, maybe. Not so bad, especially when you’ve got the cap room to spare for awhile.
* Disclaimer: Have not researched contract length/current cap hit for either of the above, just the most common names I’ve heard tossed around.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
8:36 am
Russ – that’s a good and valid question w/r/t CHI and their impending salary dump, but take a closer look and you’ll see that they will have no choice but to give up good players as the most expensive, other than Huet, are tied up by L.T. contracts. Combine that with the fact that Dudley probably helped draft these young players in CHI and this xould have a really good ending for the Thrash.
Brendan – thanks for the correction. There was another goalie traded for a 6th pick but he mustve been a true back-up goalie.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
8:40 am
The truth has finally come out, stendec is actually Waddell after hanging out with Levenson.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
8:42 am
I have said this before-go back and look at some of the players taken high in every draft and you will see busts. Whether the player was a reach, a bad fit for the team or a player that was not prepared to make a commitment, busts are going to happen when you are picking 18 year old kids.
How many teams are at fault for NOT picking Tyler Myers last season? Myers lasted until the 13th pick, a pick Buffalo traded up for. 18 months later, he’s close to being a breakout star. And the players taken ahead of Myers?
Heck, there were busts in the 70’s when the NHL drafted 20 year olds, before the WHA forced the league to lower the draft age to 18.
jimbo
February 10th, 2010
8:53 am
Brendan and others- how easy it is to bash a selection made many years ago once you have the benefit of hindsight. Cam Ward over Kari back then? Yeah right! Donnie Brilliance started with the right approach build from the goal out. Rhodes, Maracle, Dafoe, Lethtonen. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a feel for what it really takes to succeed. Not only outward flash but desire, heart, the willingness to sacrifice, etc. And, he had no contingency plan when all of his choices flopped. He’s got a management style that some would call “Random Access”. Deal with only those issues that come six inches from your nose. Until we get real professionalism and capability at the top, we are destined for mediocrity at best.
GaVaHokie
February 10th, 2010
9:04 am
WBF… I think Myers dropped because he was going through growth spurts and teams were worried about how that might effect a guy who was already huge… but yes, I think the Islanders and Blue Jackets may already regret not picking him.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:10 am
I don’t have a big problem with this deal. I hate the fact that it turns out we “wasted” a 2nd overall pick on a goalie that never really panned out, even though he has all the “potential” in the world.
But we’ve freed up a pant-load of cap space in which to go shopping before the trade dealine…I only hope D-Wad intends to use that to bring in players that can assist in a playoff push.
Plus, sometimes a team has to simply get off the merry-go-’round with a player like Kari. After a while it just gets frustrating knowing he cannot be counted on to be healthy enough to be there for you on a consistent basis.
Also…I like that Waddell is concentrating on bringing in defensive players. Maybe this is a Dudley effect?
As for Vish…he is a prospect. He can be afforded time to develop. With Kari, 7-1/2 years was enough. Given that the team is down to only 6 D-men, I’ll be interested to see if the Thrashers elect to keep Vish with the team as the 7th defender…or send him to Chicago and call up a blueliner there, maybe Kulda.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
9:11 am
GaVa-he sure did look like Ichabod Crane, didn’t he?
You just don’t know how some of these guys are going to pan out.
MASHAPlayer7
February 10th, 2010
9:14 am
Rawhide – Vish was sent to Chicago, per Vilamore’s tweet last night.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
9:20 am
jimbo – Brendan didn’t want to draft Lehtonen way back when. So, its not hindsight on his part, it’s actually foresight.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
9:21 am
I’m tired of seeing people concentrate on the negative. Particularly Schultz, who is remarkably stubborn about negativity despite having the access to have a pretty accurate view.
Schroeder
February 10th, 2010
9:22 am
For all of you who thought that #32 would be in a Thrasher uniform this year,It was not going to happen!The reality is,over the years Kari has always come to camp overweight and unconditioned.Coaches and “mgt” finally said enough is enough.If MOOSE and Pavs had both had 4.5 ga and .800 save %,He may have been given a shot. I don’t blame them,I would not keep paying this guy millions to watch him get fatter and underachieve every year,his work ethic tells me that he is still so immature,I’m sure that his rehab regimin consisted of partyin w/ his dudes and drinking till all hours,sleeping till noon and then going to a skate around before having his 8th meal of the day before 6 hours of World Of Warcraft till his buds come back to start all over again.I hope he grows up in Dallas,and realizes that God gave him a gift and he is just pissin it away.A prospect and a pick for this punk? Dudley should go looking for wallets later today or I need to have him pick my lottery #’s.Say what you will but this is a steal!Do I think what we have will get us into the playoffs,nah! Would I love to have Halak,Absolutely!!!!!I hope Dudley has something in the works for a scoring forward(Poni?)and a goaltender(Halak or Price)Time will tell.
Russ
February 10th, 2010
9:23 am
moriler/Smoothie – I did preface my comments with the fact that Chicago will have to give up some decent players…but my point was that Chicago will review their roster and the ones they will let go are the ones they decide are most expendable based on salary (i.e. most overpaid or closest to being overpaid in their opinion). Mostly, I am just completely frustrated with this fanchise’s complete lack of progress in 10 years. You don’t see the Detroits and New Jerseys of the world looking forward to other teams’ salary dumps as their way to maintain their consistently excellent on-ice product. I know comparing Atlanta to these teams is not fair, but that is the point, for obvious reasons as a Thrasher fan I would like the team to be comparable to those types of organizations by now. Along those same lines, I am sick of seeing our first round picks contribute the the NHL club the year after they were drafted. Sure, it is exciting to see Bogosian and Kane contribute right away, but by now I would have hoped the teams’ draft position and depth would mean our first round picks would have no chance in hell of making the NHL roster for 2-3 years. Continuing with the theme of frustration, I don’t like the fact that the Thrashers have become such an unattractive destination for UFA’s that they have to pay a player that would be most teams 4th or 5th best d-man (Hainsey) $4.5 mil. just to meet the floor of the salary cap.
As I said with the Kovy trade, I am not disappointed with what the Thrashers got for Kari either. I am just disappointed that the situation has come to where most players want out of Atlanta first chance they get.
Sorry for the rant, I will go seek therapy now.
Stan Drulia
February 10th, 2010
9:24 am
I’m glad Lehtonen is gone. Always wanted him to be great but never thought he could actually do it. I have heard stories about his poor attitude and you can see that he isn’t in the best of shape for a millionaire athlete. I’m pretty sure that if someone was willing to pay me like $30,000 per game – I would be willing to hit the gym on a daily basis and at least LOOK like a professional.
And remember when he dyed his hair blue for the playoffs??!!!!?????
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:35 am
Rawhide – Vish was sent to Chicago, per Vilamore’s tweet last night
MASHAPlayer7 – Thanks for the let-know…I missed that.
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
9:36 am
Poster ToxostomaRufum gave a good synopsis of Kari to the Dallas fans on their message boards last night:
http://fans.stars.nhl.com/sreply/483372/t/Kari-Lehtonen-to-Dallas.html
Not that any of us need a Kari recap, but one thing had me feeling deja vu – Kari’s partying problems. I recall Calgary sending away a party problem child in 1988, a kid with plenty of potential but a disasterous combination with Mike “Always Ready for a Good Binge” Vernon. They excised that potential tumor… named Brett Hull. Dallas may be just the fix for Kari.
And Sage, thank you for your invaluable insights that all the rest of us had missed. 1 playoff, zero wins – wow, I didn’t know that, you research hound!
Red Light
February 10th, 2010
9:39 am
Love a challenge and R Stroz’s comment about lottery pick retention enticed me to look it up. I broke down the draft into two phases: a) Picks 1-5 which are actually considered the “lottery” picks in the NHL and b) Picks 6-14, which are the slots for non-playoff teams as well. I think you’ll find the results very interesting. Note: Lupul is with the club that drafted him, but was dealt twice in the interim, so he doesn’t count.
Overall Picks 1-5
Currently retained by club that drafted the player
2005 Crosby, Ryan, Price
2004 Ovechkin, Malkin, Barker
2003 Fleury, E. Staal, Horton, Vanek
2002 Nash
2001 Spezza, Weiss
2000 DiPietro, Klesla
1999 H. Sedin, D. Sedin
Overall Picks 6-14
Currently retained by club that drafted the player
2005 Setoguchi, Bourdon, Kopitar, M. Staal
2004 Olesz, A. Picard, Valabik, Stafford
2003 Suter, A. Kostitsyn, Carter, D. Borwn, B.Seabrook
2002 PM Bouchard, Nystrom, Semin
2001 Koivu, Hamhuis, Hemsky
2000 None
1999 None
Enjoy!
Alan R.
February 10th, 2010
9:42 am
Some folks seem to have some crazy ideas, here.
First of all, our return is very good for what is considered a buyer’s market with goaltenders. We stole Dallas’ top D prospect and a 4th 2010 for a goalie with an injury rap sheet as long as he is wide. Citing the own-goal video, while depressingly amusing, one thing should be considered: Old news island. Young players make mistakes. Hopefully he got his “I wonder what it feels like to score against your own team?” feeling out of his system.
(Sorry… I had to go there!)
Second, no, there will not be another goalie coming back, nor should there be. They’ve said countless times that they can’t carry three goalies. The organization has basically sent the message of “In Pavs We Trust” to the young goalie. The team likes him. Management likes him. He’s gonna be rode til the wheels fall off. Unfortunately, those wheels can fall off at any time. But at least he hasn’t been … err… uhh.. erm … I’m not going to jinx it, but you all know what I’m thinking.
Third, expect more trades. It’s very likely this was just a salary dump. I can see Armstrong being moved. However, I can’t see Kubina being moved if the organization is serious about putting together a playoff run. Unless, of course, Kubina’s agent says no to any deal Waddell approaches him with during the Olympic break.
Just a few thoughts. Carry on with the bashing of our new D-man who remains unproven.
Hockey Biltong
February 10th, 2010
9:48 am
BTW.,Vish was the top defensive scorer for the Dallas farm team. Who are third in the standings, while the Chicago Wolves are fourth. Putting Vish with the Wolves is going to make everyone that much more competitive….. a good thing for our system, imho.
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
9:50 am
Boy, am I a sucker. I have a Hossa jersey, 2 kovy’s, Vick, kerney, my kids have 2 letemin’s. yard Sale or should I just burn em?
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:53 am
These are dark days people. Dark days.
WTF is up with that trade? We are screwed. Prison screwed.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Boy, am I a sucker. I have a Hossa jersey, 2 kovy’s, Vick, kerney, my kids have 2 letemin’s. yard Sale or should I just burn em?
Hollywould – Ummmm….You wouldn’t by chance happen to have a Todd White jersey, would you?
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Thrasher fans have exchanged their blue flags for white flags.
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Hollywould…I have a Holik, Hossa, and Kovy…all autographed. Touche!
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:55 am
When is brown paper bag night? I might fly down for that one
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Rawhide, that is one I had no intention of buying unless I drank twelve 8 dollar beers. nevermind, couldn’t afford it.
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Have a signed Stefan stick – never used.
Thrashers Yard Sale
February 10th, 2010
10:02 am
For Sale By Owner: Hockey Memorabilia
Seldom- or never-worn Thrashers game jerseys in impeccable condition. All top 50 picks in NHL draft. No reasonable offer refused. Contact Brendan for details.
Libor Usturnul
Luke Sellars
Ilya Nikulin
Grant Lewis
Chad Denny
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
10:04 am
So that is price tag for Kari huh? That has to be a confidence booster. A used bag of pucks and diaper filled with indian food.
what a steal for us!
drajax
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
The team no longer needed Kari and it would have been a distraction for this weeks games which are too important…plus there’s nothing wrong with the team with one of the worst shots against statistics stock piling defensemen. I’ve noticed a trend arising about getting rid of Armstrong. I’d like to know why?
Paminski
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
The Kari trade makes me nervous, mostly because depending on Pavs makes me nervous. Hedberg is dependable though not the best. Who’s next?
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
Let’s have a giant yard sale/ we could probably make gas money.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
10:21 am
Heh. Let’s see. I don’t have any jerseys, but I do have Heatley and Holik bobbleheads and Kovy and Kari statue thingies, plus an Eric Perrin stick.
…but I also have signed Slater and Thorburn pucks.
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:23 am
Nikita, trade all jerseys for Slater signed puck. Wait, did I just hear that Slater just got traded? Never Mind
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
10:23 am
The 21 players remaining in the Thrashers lockerroom have been given their vote of confidence. Pavs and Moose have been re-affirmed. Now it’s time for them to go out and make a statement tonite. Unfortunately, a lot of the teams they are battling for the # 8 seed won last night. They need to follow suit. And for the love of God, can Montreal please take a week off so everyone can catch up to their games played? Why do they have 3 or 4 games more than everyone else? BS.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
10:24 am
Rawhide, that is one I had no intention of buying unless I drank twelve 8 dollar beers. nevermind, couldn’t afford it.
Hollywould - Damn!
I’ve noticed a trend arising about getting rid of Armstrong. I’d like to know why?
drajax – Because of his pending UFA status this summer and that many think he’s too slow for Anderson’s system. I like the guy…think he brings a lot of effort and grit to the team. But his days may be numbered here.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
10:28 am
Nice breakdown Red Light. FYI-I generally do not buy jerseys with a current player’s name on the back, for fear of jinxing the player and my investment. I do have a Mickey Mantle #7 Yankees jersey, becuase the Mick is the Mick.
Hey Biltong-how much for the red Kovy jersey?
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:37 am
Amazing how many players selected early are no longer with their original clubs for the period 2000 – 2004. Not that this validates our esteemed GM, but, it does show that our favorite columnist, Mr. Schultz, should do a little research.
Red Light – if you haven’t posted this on his blog please do. I quit reading it since nothing worthwhile is ever posted there. Almost like his columns (except for the interview with Gary B.).
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:39 am
Oh and somewhere I have a jersey signed by both Petr Buzek and Patrick Stefan. Will trade for prospects and draft picks.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
10:42 am
Rumors are surfacing that Mad Max wants out.
http://twitter.com/Falconer18
drajax
February 10th, 2010
10:42 am
Rawhide: I agree with you regarding Armstrong. I think the team needs several more players with his attitude and determination. He appears ready to play everyday and will stick up for his teamates. He should be signed, as should Slater.
Tim
February 10th, 2010
10:46 am
The inmates are running the asylum! The players don’t have confidence in Kari… so what. Goalie confidence ebbs and flows inside of one game as the goalie shows what he’s got that night.
Kari is on a completely different level talent-wise from either of our current options. If, as has been reported, they have found and repaired what is likely the long-time source for Kari’s physical issues… it could literally explain EVERY SINGLE INJURY HE’S EVER HAD. I know it sounds like a stretch. However, it is simple to logically explain the anatomical, physiological and psychological chain of events that can lead from pain and dysfunction in the mid/upper back to groin pulls etc.
I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 12 years and an elite competitive athlete most of my life. I’ve actually had a conversation with a client who is an orthopedist and a Thrasher fan… he agrees with my logic.If I can explain this with those minimal credentials, why has the medical/training staff with the Thrashers not been able to convince the coaching staff that he might be worth a look?
I’l tell you why… DW told the whole world that the players have no confidence in him. Wow! I bet you Kari starting begging for a trade after that.
PS. Stendec – I’m sorry Kari stole your puppy and ran over your lollipop.
Russian
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
**to R.Stroz**
Not Good News.
I really hope that max will get contract with Atlanta for 2-3 years. But if he wants out, let him go and bring someone from Chickago.
Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
“With Kari’s departure, the Thrashers have parted ways with all of their top pick in their first five drafts.”
But, but, but in the early years when Brendan and I and others were telling everyone that Waddell was incompetent and didn’t know what he was doing, there were all these fans that told us that no, Waddell building the club the right way, through the draft!!! You mean they were wrong? lol. I hold those fans accountable for enabling ownership to keep Waddell in place for all these years, which has led us to the sad state of affairs we sit in.
All, you need to step back and see the forest, the trees are getting in your way: There are some things here you need to figure out. First, forget about taking Sharp or anyone away from Chicago. Chicago is definitely one of the top 4 clubs in the NHL this year and they have a legitimate chance at the Cup. There is NO WAY they are trading anyone off of their club, if anything, they may make a move to bring someone in to bolster their lineup.
Second, Waddell and ownership are in full salary dump mode. The reason they moved Kari so quickly was simple. They didn’t want to continue having to pay him during the Olympic break. And that’s idiotic. The guy was a #2 overall, the only high pick you had left after Kovy left, and you don’t keep him and try to see if he can finally stay healthy after the back was supposedly fixed? This was a pure salary dump, don’t sugar coat it, it is what it is. lol
There are one of two things going on. Either the owners are clearing the roster of high priced contracts in order to facilitate an impending sale of the team (please Lord, please let that be true! and don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere, they’d stay in Phillips) or they are losing so much money they are just dumping salary. And this may be what it is. Notice Waddell’s comments last week “Dudley thinks the lineup as it is can make the playoffs”. Also, “Pavs and Moose are getting the job done” (uh, no they’re not).
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
Alan R – yes, the own-goal hype has been way over-hyped. How about the fact that he was even on the ice for Dallas in the last minute down by one goal? Seems like Dallas thought he has some potential. Some have compared it to Steve Smith’s own-goal. Though Smith’s was 1,000 times more devastating, he went on to play 747 more NHL games (351 points, +106).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DbP7wqCwq8
Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:51 am
Oh, by the way. I’m sure Armstrong is gone next, but they’ll keep Afinogenov as they’re only paying him $800k. Kubina will probably be moved as well (that’s why Oduya was brought in).
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
10:55 am
The Thrasher have PPDS, premature payroll dump syndrome.
Tim
February 10th, 2010
10:58 am
I was glad to see Sir-Drifts-Alot get traded. He was not worth anything close to the $ he turned down… and he didn’t have enough heart to be captain.
This trade makes me angry!
If indeed, as has been suggested, this is just a salary-dump move… I am now very concerned for the future of this franchise.
Mike
February 10th, 2010
11:01 am
Bob…the reason Chicago may trade a player is due to cap reasons. They want to bring on some veterans for the playoff run, but doing so may be difficult with their cap situation. Plus, getting rid of some salary now gives them the rooom to sign some of their UFAs/RFAs before the season ends.
I would hate to see Colby go as we are thin on wingers, now and in our system. We have good depth at D so I can see Kubina leaving as his trade value may be pretty high.
I am looking forward to watching the game tonight. Hoping to see the same effort as the last two games. If so, we may actually be able to sneak some points out of Colorado.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:05 am
If Finny wants out, then fine. Flip him to somebody for a 2nd round pick. I’m tired of his silly cross-ice passes and drop passes at the blueline when he’d be better off using his speed to drive to the outside. He’s taking minutes away from Kane on the Top 6 and regardless of what happens on the ice, it is more important for Kane to get the experience now. Do not trade Kubina unless he wants out. That remains to be seen. Last time I checked, he’s still playing hard and giving up the body when his goalie is in trouble. Whether the ASG is dumping salary remains to be seen. If Kubina is dealt before the Olympic break, then sound the alarm.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
11:06 am
Ok, lets test everyone’s GM acumen.
Which player gets dealt next, when, and why?
My money is on Armstrong, as a payroll dump before the Olympics.
Kubina will follow as a payroll dump as well.
And before the official trade deadline in March, Afinogenov gets moved.
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
11:16 am
I hope for his sake, Afinogenov has done enough this year to get a contract somewhere else. In my opinion, he should be damned grateful we gave him a tryout and then signed him during camp last year. Not very professional to publicly ‘want out’ already, which I think means he’s bitching and moaning because his buddy ilya got traded. He should at least have the decency to act like a team player until his contract us up at the end of the season. I’m a big fan of the russian players, but these guys are really starting to pizz me off…
Russian
February 10th, 2010
11:18 am
**to R.Stroz**
OK You are saying that:
1. Army will be gone. I am fine with this move. I hope we get Prospect or First pick will be great.
2. Kubina is second. It will be sucks. He is good D-man
3. Max is moving also. I do not like this idea.
What is about Slava? I like to move him ASAP. He is getting….. almost $4.0 mln.
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
11:21 am
Afinogenov next soley because of the ‘wanting out’ rumor.
Kevin Allen nailed it with Army. He’ll get dealt a few minutes before the deadline when his value is at the absolute highest. We all but know teams will be on the phone with DW bidding against one another for him.
I thought I heard DW was planning on speaking to Kubina’s agent about an extension now that Kovalchuk has been resolved?
I think picks and prospects will be dealt a good bit as parts of packages to other teams too.
Russ
February 10th, 2010
11:26 am
I would hope after the Kovy trade was completed that DW turned his focus to Armstrong and Kubina. He needs to gauge whether they have any desire to sign here (hopefully his gauge is working better than when assessing Kovy). If they do he needs to get them signed to extensions ASAP. They are both solid players in the roles they fill. Being proactive and getting a couple of solid veterans to re-sign here would go a long way in restoring confidence in the organization. Unfortunately, they would be the exception if they had any desire to stay.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:34 am
Per Darren Dreger of TSN: “Interest picking up in Ponikarovsky…as many as 10 teams inquiring. Likely March 3rd trade. At least 2nd rounder in return.”
3:37 PM Feb 5th from mobile web
I hope to hell we are one of the interested 10. His salary is only $2.5 M so he is very affordable at the deadline. His career avgs are 20-22 G, 25-26 A and he’s typically a plus player between +5 and +15. And fancy this, he’s a LW!?
Poni – Antro – Bergie
Kaner – Pevs – Little (sianorah Max!)
Slater – Reasy – Thorbs
shoot it
February 10th, 2010
11:35 am
Waddell is a true innovator in hockey. He is now preparing a team that will skate 2 forwards and 3 defensemen…
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
11:37 am
Smoothie – Also worth noting that Ponikarovsky is very good friends and former roomate of Nik Antropov. I’m really hoping we get him. I know we had scouts watching Toronto the other night… but 14 other teams did too.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:38 am
Afinogenov is not going anywhere unless we can get a replacement before or at the deadline. He’s only making $800 K so why trade him unless you can’t get a replacement like Ponikarovsky? Max has no incentive to tank if he doesn’t get his way. The only way to drive up his value on the free market is to play well down the stretch no matter who he is playing for.
1) Army – gone at the deadline like KA says; hopefully for a 2nd rounder
2) Finny – if we are buyers, hopefully after we get Poni; if we are sellers, he’s gone the same day as Army
3) Kubes – last resort if a) his agent says “piss off” and b) we don’t get at least 3 points in the next 3 games.
I’m not convinced this past week was the beginning of a salary dump. If Kubina goes before Friday at 3 pm, then I’ll jump on the bandwagon.
Alan R.
February 10th, 2010
11:43 am
Stroz,
Armstrong? Gone.
Kubina? If contract extension talks sour, gone.
Afinogenov? Stays. Cheap and efficient? Why, again, do we get rid of him?
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
11:58 am
You guys are all looking at fire sale mode, but I am not so convinced. I know Dudley talked last Friday about the future, but I am not so sure all the guys mentioned today will be gone on March 3rd.
Max wants out? I think J.B. put it best, but I’ll say it as well. Nobody wanted to give Max a TRYOUT, much less a contract and significant ice time. He dug his big hole in Buffalo and Atlanta gave him a chance to climb out and reestablish his NHL reputation.
If Max truly wants out, I can go back to my numerous anti-Max postings of 2009 and tell you folks “I told you so” about Max.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
12:06 pm
Why get rid of Finny? Terrible defensive play, and a reported bad attitude. But he is cheap and we don’t own him at the end of the season. So, if we can get more for him than we pay him, I say trade him — otherwise keep him till he expires.
I really, sincerely, do not want to see Kubina gone. He is desperately needed.
Army…maybe. He is one of few Thrasher players who came in playing like Anderson wants, which is to say consistently moving into the offensive zone.
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
12:16 pm
Some think it’s a salary dump because we trade a player who turns down the 2nd most lucritive contract in NHL history and then trade a third goalie who had used up all his chances with this organization? Octocluster is a mess and I wouldn’t put anything past them, but to conclude it is a salary dump from these two moves is sketchy.
My (ever rosy) take is that this is “we’re moving anyone who has indicated in the past they don’t want to be here”. Kovy, obviously. Kari, as demonstrated through his lack of commitment to conditioning. Army qualifies with his 1 yr RFA contract (which was the right move for his career), so he’s unfortunately gone. But I’ll join the salary dump / abandoned hope for this year posters if Kubina moves.
I want to keep Finny, but do worry about his attitude (see reaction to Bogo collision in Washington).
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
12:16 pm
Posted this on Chris’ blog as well…
Apparently all our pending UFA’s are in high demand. According to thefourthperiod.com, ATL is getting alot of calls from teams interested in a number of players…
Spud Webb
February 10th, 2010
12:17 pm
ahahahahhaahhahahahahhaha…”said that the Thrashers are getting an offensive-minded blueliner but needs some work on his play in the defensive zone”. Wow, we got a dman who cant play D, what a return for us. GREAT job don. ahhahahhahahahhahahhahahhahahahhahahhahahhahahhahahahhaahahhahhahahahhahahhahahhahahhahah
Spud Webb
February 10th, 2010
12:21 pm
True JB and for virtually nothing you can get these players.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
12:25 pm
J.B.-I was just reading that as well on TFP.
I have post caught between 2 universes that doubts we’d be sellers. Now I am not so sure, who knows.
Pittsburgh Pirate Fan
February 10th, 2010
12:33 pm
10 years later and the Thrashers are STILL an expansion team?!
We can’t make it with out own first round picks, maybe we can with other team’s first picks (Ivan and Bergfors).
Whisky – Tango – Foxtrot
Ten Years After – without Alvin Lee
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
12:54 pm
Sellers in the sense we’re unloading UFA’s early, but not an all out firesale or blowing up of the roster. We’re not trading for rentals according to DW. Assuming we get 2 of the next three, I’d still say buyers for sure.
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
1:04 pm
Badger Bob –
I want to keep Finny, but do worry about his attitude (see reaction to Bogo collision in Washington).
What was this all about? I haven’t heard anything on this… anyone care to enlighten me?
Dwayne
February 10th, 2010
1:16 pm
YEAH, there is a game tonite!!!!! This drivel is getting stale. But stew-pit me, I still read it. Love the kool-aid…..Go Thrashers!!!
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
1:32 pm
I’m in the same boat Dwayne.
I get sick of it sometimes, but I CAN’T LOOK AWAY!!!!!
I could have worse habits I suppose…
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
1:40 pm
Would be nice if our beat writer would be kind enough to get out of bed and give us a morning skate report. But alas, I guess there’s not much else to report. I would like it if he would ask JA who would get the call if another D-man, shudders, goes down? Kulda? Oystie? Who?
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
1:48 pm
Why aren’t any of the GMs interested in Todd White?
Charmin could get on a roll.
Red Light
February 10th, 2010
1:55 pm
Smoothie: It’s Mountain time and I doubt the Thrashers are even off the ice yet. Give him a little slack, he might have been discussing the trap with Anderson, and that could take 15 to 20 seconds.
Spanky Von Hockeystick
February 10th, 2010
2:02 pm
Kari always looked out of shape for a pro athlete. Consistency? None. He is technically great but seems to have no drive. Perhaps this will wake him up and make him work hard. Sometimes that is just what a kid needs.
Mrs. Zoomo
February 10th, 2010
2:08 pm
I wasn’t surprised by this trade and like it – Kari is too injury prone.
Dwayne
February 10th, 2010
2:17 pm
Bad habits…, thank God yall cant see me picking my nose while I type with my clean finger.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
2:17 pm
Red Light – LOL. Fair enough, just figured the Thrashers might request to be on the ice first because they normally don’t screw with their east coast time in terms of getting up and working. I thought I recall JA attributing their success on the WC last year to that reason.
Oh well, he did tweet a few mins ago that Hedberg would be in goal. At least JA realizes Moose should play 2 of 3 on this trip.
Stay Thirsty My Friends
February 10th, 2010
2:24 pm
Per Kamal on twitter – Kozlov is your only scratch tonight. Thrashers are carrying six D at the moment.
raindawg722
February 10th, 2010
2:36 pm
World Be Free, your faith in Dudley has one fatal flaw: the very real possibility that Waddell has given him cooties.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
2:41 pm
Rain-let’s hope not, Duds is a good man.
Ronald McDonald
February 10th, 2010
2:45 pm
The HamBurglar has left the building.
Hockey Biltong
February 10th, 2010
2:55 pm
Kings, Flames,Wings and Bruins, per Kevin Allen, have been speaking with ATL.
Draw your own conclusions, and I’m sure you will!!!
Hockey Biltong
February 10th, 2010
2:56 pm
“Moriarty? What’s with the negative vibes????”
NASCAR Dave
February 10th, 2010
2:59 pm
They have to clear LOTS and LOTS of Salary off the books to make room for all those Washed Up Has-Been Free Agents Ole Donnie Boy’s gonna OVERPAY to bring here, because we all know nobody WANTS to come here unless they are OVERPAID, which is the only option a guy like Donnie Boy has… These players aren’t stupid, they see Waddell’s Track record…
Rockem Sockem Thrasher
February 10th, 2010
3:15 pm
Looks like Vishnevskiy has been assigned to Chicago.
http://theahl.com/vishnevskiy-traded-to-atlanta-assigned-to-chicago-p140644
Matt
February 10th, 2010
3:16 pm
Negative “waves” Moriarty, always with the negative “waves”.
“Kelly’s Heroes” may be the most awesome war movie ever filmed.
Moriarty on this blog = “Sten” bag, Tumbling “Sage” brush, and “Formula One” Dave
Crap Game
February 10th, 2010
3:29 pm
Matt: Waddell is actually Oddball
“We see our role as essentially defensive in nature. While our opponents are advancing so fast and everyone’s knocking themselves out to be heroes, we are holding ourselves in reserve…but for 1.6 million dollars, we could become heroes for three days.
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
3:33 pm
JR, re: Finny, sure I’m reading way too much into one little thing, but then that’s what posters do, right? Bogo and Max collided (Bogo steamrolled him a bit) in front of the Caps net. Max goes down and is very slow getting out of the zone. On replay, it shows him slamming the door at the bench more pissed than I’ve ever seen him. The anger doesn’t seem to be over an injury since he didn’t miss a shift. I only noticed because I was watching for signs of him being peeved at Kovy’s departure. He looked fine in the FLA game, though, so it may be nothing.
I’d certainly think we hold Max and Kubes so long as their attitude is good. They are motivated to impress as UFAs
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
3:37 pm
Per Craig Custance’s twitter page:
Waddell said ATL isn’t in full sell mode: “We’re not looking to move UFAs out for the sake they’re UFAs. We’re trying to win also.”
Interpretation of Waddellspeak:
1) We are in sell mode, just not every player on the team.
2) We are moving the pending UFAs with any contract cost of substance.
3) Of course we want to win, but the playoffs aren’t likely
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
3:39 pm
I like Max. I think he’s been a great addition to the team. If it was nothing then I’ll retract my prediction of him going next. If he can handle Kovy being on another team, then I have no problem with him staying a thrasher at all. (This revelation renders all my previous posts null and void). You know, I thought he was actually closer to Kozzy, even living with him after he got the contract from Atlanta…
Pittsburgh Pirate Fan
February 10th, 2010
4:54 pm
Matt-Better than “Dirty Dozen”?
And yes, Waddell is Odd Ball (Donald Sutherland) for sure!
Mr. Heat Miser
February 10th, 2010
5:02 pm
I think DW as “Crap Game” has a better ring
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
5:13 pm
Does anyone have a good link to the prospects available in 2010 entry draft?
I have an idea we are looking at a lottery pick again after the salary dump is completed.
Red Light
February 10th, 2010
6:31 pm
Try this Stroz
http://www.thescoutingreport.org
JR
February 10th, 2010
6:39 pm
has max actually said anything about wanting out?
NASCAR Dave
February 10th, 2010
6:40 pm
Thanks for the Link, RED LIGHT.
Obviously, we need to trade up and get that #1 Pick and get TAYLOR HALL, if we don’t rightfully “earn” the Number 1 Pick after the Firesale…
Matt
February 10th, 2010
7:11 pm
Crap Game – “If I hear any more threats against Captain Maitland’s (Don Waddell’s) life, if I hear any more wild talk about going down to headquarters and killing the General (The Octocluster), or “ravishing” (word changed to protect the innocent) the nurses at the field hospital, I’m going to strangle the guy with my bare hands! You understand that?”
Yung JB from MTL
February 10th, 2010
7:25 pm
GAMEE TONITE!
we really need some offence, Ponikarovsky will be the BEST addition ever (after Pevs). I remember watching Habs games and seeing him and Antro play like brothers. I would keep Kubina, trade Kozlov and White (same package or two different retarded teams wanting them).
Army has two choices
a)Great attitude, plays hard, never quits and is a great 3rd liner with Kane and Slater.
b)We just have too much 3rd-4th liners in Chi-town (Cormier,Crabb, Machachek,etc)
Just asking you guys. What ever happened to Esposito, Lasu, Paquette and Leveillé
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
8:22 pm
What if Todd White is the next trade?
JR
February 10th, 2010
8:31 pm
seriously, who would want him?
ben
February 10th, 2010
9:46 pm
IK’s new team got a point tonight.
ben
February 10th, 2010
9:47 pm
Todd White wanters = nonexistant
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
10:38 pm
So many missed opportunities, damn. Including an overturned goal. But prolly the right call. Playing so well but only up 2 to 1, deserve more.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
10:43 pm
Definitely. And boy, does the officiating suck. The call aginst Slater was probably a dive, but the interference call on Todd White when he wasn’t even touching the goalie is absolute b.s.
That said, this is a good test game. The Avs are a much more competitive team than the Panthers.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:03 pm
Antropov from Little and bergfors!! 3 to 1 now. Great BACKCHECK and hustle by Little and Bergie. C’mon boys.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:22 pm
Damn it! Got the 2 goal lead and relaxed. Gotta keep skating!!
Yung JB from MTL
February 10th, 2010
11:34 pm
damn poor defense on that goal… Enstrom just got out of the way and bogosian couldnt hit… COME ON ! good game well played, until they got the lead… tough luck
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:35 pm
What a pathetic choke on defense by Bogo and Toby in the OT off the faceoff!! Great effort wasted. Jeezus. Guess you could call incremental progress as they played hard for 50 mins. WTF?
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
11:35 pm
Bogosian may have talent , but he is just plain STUPID.
Send Bogo to Chicago for an education with Chelios.
Stay Thirsty My Friends
February 10th, 2010
11:36 pm
What a kick in the nuts – we had a nice 3-1 lead on the road and to let it slip by is inexcusable. Bogo was horrible on that last goal. The only semi-good thing is we at least got 1 point.
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
11:42 pm
NJ, get used to reading this in your papers:
“I did not think this was Ilya’s best game,” Lemaire said. “I think he looked a little tired — maybe the travel got to him.” Kovalchuk has two assists, 23 shots and a minus-2 rating in four games with the Devils.
Brendan
February 10th, 2010
11:46 pm
Do you think Ron Hainsey is embarrased yet? That overtime winning goal by Colorado was the dictionary definition of whack-a-mole defense. (Copyright, Poster Sara, all rights reserved.)
While, at moments like these, people will scream, “Trade Hainsey.” I don’t know that is the solution. Though, it is tempting.
Hainsey has three years left on his deal, at $4.5 million apiece.
Tony C.
February 10th, 2010
11:50 pm
WHAT
THE !^@K!!??!?!?!?!?!!?!????
Beyond inexcusable.
Clinic on how not to play “D”
I can’t believe Coach was out taking an interview less than 10min. after that goal.
I know it’s not his style to single out guys, but wow-maybe he’s giving them the silent treatment before he comes and rips them a new @sshole.
Seriously, that was the worst.
Hockey Biltong
February 11th, 2010
12:08 am
MATT Thanks ! i knew it was something like that…..
Smoothie
February 11th, 2010
12:11 am
Hainsey wasn’t on the ice in OT. That goal was on Bogo.
Time to call up Kulda and put the fear of God in Bogosian! Or just trade everyone.
Damn, why am I so gullible as to think these guys might give us reason to hope?
R. Stroz
February 11th, 2010
12:16 am
Time to call up Kulda and put the fear of God in Bogosian!
AMEN, and maybe, Chelios can teach him how to use the apparatus located between his two ears. After that, Chelios can teach him how to move his feet instead of lounging while players skate by him.
Brendan
February 11th, 2010
12:22 am
Jimbo, of course it’s easy to evaluate drafts with benefit of hindsight. Luckily for me, I was here and on record thennnnn … as saying, “Why are we drafting a goalie here, at #2 overall? Let’s go get one from free agency instead, so we don’t have to spend YEARS and YEARS and YEARS developing him?”
But hey, I can see Waddell’s point, too. If he really, truly believed, as he CLAIMED, that Kari was going to be the goalie who ’stole playoff series for us,’ then he’s got to pull the trigger. Was Kari the top rated goaltender prospect of his draft class? Yes. Unanimously. Kari was the pony to bet on, per the scouts. My point is this. I didn’t think we had the time to burn, back then, to wait for Kari to be ready. I thought we had to select either Nash or Bouwmeester.
But, I also don’t possess all the facts. Giving Waddell the benefit of the doubt, what he if went to ownership and asked to claim Curtis Joseph off of waivers in 2002, for $8 million-per-season, with two more years left at that price? What if ownership said, “No Don, you want a goalie, draft one.” In that situation, Waddell’s hands are tied, and he simply must pick a goalie, for ownership is too cheap to let him pluck one from free agency or off of the waiver wire.
But if the decision was uniquely and exclusively Waddell’s, then yes … I do blame him. And I do question his judgement at that moment of the franchise history. Remember, he had Heatley, Stefan and Kovalchuk already. He also had Ferraro. And he could have kept Audette and Brunette, Donovan and Staios earlier, to really be building something. Instead, we had “zero sum” economics at play. Where players weren’t being added. They were merely being replaced. And that’s not how you build something. Not really.
R. Stroz
February 11th, 2010
12:22 am
Also, Bergie looks good so far.
However, if we don’t have someone in Chicago that could be more productive than Todd “Insert name used to descibe Bucky Dent” White, our farm system sucks.
stendec
February 11th, 2010
12:33 am
Morning Bill.
Who were those heartless losers who showed up for the third period/overtime? What did they do to the team which competed so valiantly for the first 40 minutes?
Team will not recover from this wholesale giveup debacle.
Few Thrasher losses have hit me in the gut more than this ultimate choke job in Colorado last night. I was ready to proclaim this victory the start of a strong push toward the playoffs. It was the death kneel instead. I was never prouder of the Thrashers as I was over the first two periods. They hustled, played defense, played aggressive, played physical and looked like a playoff team. Then they simply quit. Packed up the gear. Went into serious do not give a shet pre Olympic mode. This was such an extreme disappointment. How much confidence did – DID – I have in this group? So much so that I considered a 3-1 lead after two periods a lock with Johan Moose Hedberg in net. No gag job here with Pavs on the bench and Kari Lehtonen in Texas. Fooled my a$$ big time. New guys played a defensive system in New Jersey? Have not played a damn lick of defense in Atlanta. I do not know who the sons of betches were that watched passively as a player skated between them to net the overtime winner but they should be benched. That was beyond embarrassing. I do not absolve Moose of his share of the responsibility. Two if not three goals were of the marshmallow variety. Completely unacceptable during a time when every point is so damn critical. You let me down big fellow. Used to it from other Thrashers but not from you. Oh well. Play a few more close ones quitters then hit the links when the playoffs get underway. The more things change…++STENDEC++ Spare me about the point bullset. This was a defeat!
Smoothie
February 11th, 2010
12:35 am
I like what I’m seeing from Bergie as well. How can you not? All 3 seem to complement each other well. But we got nothing from the 2nd line. At this point, I’d rather see Kane or Army instead of White. Call up Crabb to take Army’s spot on the 3rd line and make Kozlov and White arm wrestle for a spot on the 4th line.
Brendan
February 11th, 2010
12:49 am
R.Stroz, my guess is Armstrong. I think he wants out. If the Thrashers are suffering from PPDS, then his is another contract to move to save money during the Olympic break. I wish Colby well.
Bob is right about Max. His salary is such a pittance that it’s not worth trying to save anything on his deal.
If it had been up to me, I would have moved Moose. Hear me out, okay? He’s a 37 year old career backup. He’s not the future. And his trade value, for whatever it’s worth, is at its highest point RIGHT NOW. Think “should have traded Todd White while the market was still good.” That applies here, to Moose. Especially if it’s true that the “firesale” is on. Firesaling the team means they’re not trying for the playoffs. Well, we don’t really know that just yet. But we’ll know it soon. If there is a firesale, then Moose has to be a part of it.
R.Stroz, if I’m permitted one “off the board” trade, I’m going with Nik Antropov. Antro signed here to be Ilya’s center for the next three years, plus this one. That’s over now. He *may* approach Waddell extremely privately to inquire, “Don, if your shopping players, I’m fine with a trade.” The risk there, for Antropov, is not knowing where he’d be going, with 3 years left on his deal. What if it’s Phoenix??? Is Phoenix where Antropov wants to go?? I couldn’t tell ya. Though, the Coyotes are in playoff position, and don’t appear to be folding their tent this year.
While I’m still “off the board,” R.Stroz, Ron Hainsey could be a piece that is moved. After tonight’s whack-a-mole performance in overtime, he seems to have mentally checked out. Someone has to remind him the Olympic break isn’t here just yet.
Kubina simply must be moved, if there’s a “firesale.” If Kubina wants to stay, NOWWWWWW is the time to renegotiate the contract. I doubt he wants to stay. If he does, would he be willing to accept $3.5 million? He makes $5.0 million now. And Hainsey makes $4.5 million. I think Kubina’s better than Hainsey.