For those still hoping for Kovy to come back – We need to have a little chat
From the comments posted during the past few days, it looks as though most of us agree that Thrasherville A.K. (After Kovalchuk) is not as bad a place to reside as some had feared. In fact…life after Kovy isn’t so bad at all.
However, there have been some who have asked me, e-mailed me, texted and phoned me about the possibility of a Kovy-Thrashers reunion this summer. You tell me the organ-I-zation has the cap space…you remind me that Kovalchuk still has a home in here…you insist that it is still possible, still feasible that Ilya could be persuaded to “come home”. You’re still thinking about…chatting about…hoping for…wishing for…a possible Ilya Kovalchuk return.
And so, it is time we had a little intervention…a “come to Jee-zus meeting”, as it were.
slap…slap…
OK, now that I have your attention, let me introduce a new word into your vocabulary…
Stopit-forgiddaboutit-notgonnahappen-nowayinhell-donotdothistoyourselfanymore
Let’s look at this matter from two different angles…logic and emotion.
First, logic… logic that takes the form of dollars and cents.
I take you back to last summer when I opined that the Thrashers would probably allocate any increase in Kovy’s salary by simply moving the departing Slava Kozlov’s $3.6 million over to Ilya’s column. The combined salaries would equate to roughly the $10 million they offered to pay him over three, five or seven seasons. This way, they didn’t have to shuffle around other funds to pay for Kovy’s increase.
However, Kovy said “nyet” and was then shipped off to skate in the swamplands of New Jersey. As a product of that transaction, we now have Johnny Oduya’s $3 million to account for as well as whatever the team and Nic Bergfors settle on in order to re-ink that pending RFA. Last season he made just over $800,000 and I think the kid played well enough to expect some sort of raise, don’t you?
So as you can see, the money set aside for Kovalchuk’s “raise” has been reapportioned elsewhere…(for those of you from Hall County, that means, “The money done all been spent”).
Taking the monetary matter a little further… if you look at where the organization is right now in regards to players signed for next season, it is true that they have a great deal of cap-space to work with and, theoretically, they are one of the few teams that could actually handle a contract the size of which Ilya will again seek to obtain.
Those roster players currently with a contract for the 2010-11 campaign are Antropov, Kane, White, Reasoner, Thorburn, Peverley, Hainsey, Enstrom, Oduya, Bogosian and Valabik. Combined they have the Thrashers at a little over $28 million in cap.
So, that still leaves them with a lot of money to spend…right?
Uh-huh…
But do you also want to bring back Afinogenov…maybe even Kubina? How about Little, Slater, Bergie and Artyukhin…maybe even Armstrong if the price is right? Well if so… and if they came back at just their same salaries as last year… that alone would add another $12 mil or so to the budget, bringing it to about $40 mil.
But I’m gonna bet that players like Max, Slater, Little and Bergfors will be looking for some love via a salary bump…so maybe the number required to keep them is more like $15 or $16 million at a minimum. It probably could be higher, but I’m trying to keep this simple.
Now you are sitting close to the $44 million range. But we haven’t even begun to chat about paying a goalie or two…and last I checked, those are really good to have around on a hockey team.
Between Pavelec and Hedberg last season, the Thrashers spent a cool two and a half mil. So if you bring back Moose and Pavs, something Rick Dudley has stated he’s comfortable with, chances are good that right at about $3 mil minimum will be going out the door to pay for that goalie tandem…bringing the total to around the $47 million mark.
At this point, what you have on your team are two goalies, six defenders and twelve forwards. You still need to deal with a seventh blueliner, (maybe Pops or Schubie) and another couple forwards to give you some healthy scratches, (Boulton or MacArthur types)…and this doesn’t even bring in to the discussion what to do with the likes of Arturs Kulda, Spencer Machacek, etc.
So let’s say Dudley is thrifty enough to round out the remaining roster spending just another $3 million or so. That would mean the total is now closing in on $50 million.
And for that price, you pretty much get the same team that went 11-11-5 after Kovy was sent off to chase Lord Stanley’s Cup dressed up as a Devil. No upgrades.
I don’t know about you…but I want an upgrade or two.
Personally, what I would rather see Dudley do with that cash is try to bring in a quality starter between the pipes…one that can handle the load for another year or so before handing the job off to Opie full time. Also, a winger to replace Kozlov in the lineup would do the trick nicely too.
Regardless, I just don’t see how Kovalchuk’s desired salary can fit back in the system as far as the accounting department is concerned, even if he would entertain the notion of returning here.
Would you like to see Kovy back as a Thrasher?
- Sure! We could use the goals (8%, 16 Votes)
- No Way! He's gone and I'm over it (65%, 128 Votes)
- Only if he takes less than offered last winter (27%, 54 Votes)
Total Voters: 198
Loading ...And that brings us to the emotion aspect of why I don’t care to see it happen…even if the funds were made available. And the only way I can explain this is with the following analogy.
Ladies, please forgive me as this really is directed toward those in our midst who are of the male persuasion
I’m sure all of us have in our past that one girlfriend that could be classified as “high maintenance”. She was stunningly beautiful and equally as fun to be with. But this chick demanded attention 24/7…and we dropped much coin to keep this young gal happy and well attended.
Yeah…you remember her now, don’t you?
Anyway…something happened and the relationship went Tango Uniform. It could have been caused by any number of things really…you said the wrong thing…you didn’t say the right thing…you forgot her poodle’s birthday…you failed to remember the 7th month anniversary of the first time she allowed you to buy her a piece of jewelry…possibly you just ran out of money.
Maybe, after you’d searched the world over and thought you’d found true love, she met another and …pttthhh…she was gone.
But then, after a few months of time healing the wound, a buddy of yours informs you he’d run into [insert name of high-maintenance ex here] and she had asked about you…she seemed to miss ya, he says. He suggests that you call her up and seeing if the ‘ol flame could be re-kindled…wink-wink-nod-nod.
Now just after the painful breakup, you would have jumped on this chance as hard and fast as Rosie O’Donnell would an open buffet. But now…well, time has passed, you’ve met another cutie pie that is just as much fun to be with… if not more so…and money has somehow found a way to remain in your bank account. Spending time with her didn’t necessarily mean having to spend a pant-load of money on her…at least not every night.
That, plus everything in your little world didn’t have to revolve around whether or not what you did or didn’t do meant losing or keeping her. It was more an “us” thing…not just “her”. And besides…where did you really go in life with her around anyway?
So you thought about it, then handed over to your buddy the ex’s number and told him she likes red roses, dark chocolate, diamond bracelets, fancy cars, five-star restaurants, rock concerts and orchestra level seats at the opera…telling him to have a blast while the money holds out.
Yup, back then you realized that you were a better person without her and it just made no sense at all to go down that road again. You’d discovered that life after [insert name of high-maintenance ex here] not only wasn’t so bad at all…it was actually better.
Today…you can insert Ilya Kovalchuk in those brackets.
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150 comments Add your comment
LL
April 20th, 2010
11:05 pm
Those of us from Hall County are educated thank you.
Brendan
April 20th, 2010
11:16 pm
Still, I appreciate what Kovalchuk tried to do for this organization. He tried to FORCE THEM to make the team better. For that, I commend him. He said things like, “I think the fans of this city deserve to compete for the Stanley Cup.” He suggested the team sign more free agents. Okay, I’ll just stop there. He’s gone. He’s not coming back. And we shouldn’t blame him for that. He didn’t want to waste his PRIME years languishing in Atlanta, with an ownership group that couldn’t figure out it needed to fire a failing GM back in 2007. By 2010, Waddell was still here.
I’ll repeat one last time. You wouldn’t hire an arsonist to run the Fire Department. You wouldn’t hire a Priest to oversee an abortion clinic. And competent owners wouldn’t send a GM without a playoff win, in a decade’s worth of seasons, to renegotiate the contract of the “face of the franchise.” It’s not like Kovy could say, “Fire Waddell, then I’ll re-sign,” if he ever had intentions of re-signing.
All I ask, now, is for Dudley to have total oversight and total control over every, single roster decision, whether is who to pick at #8, who to trade at the draft, or which free agents to attempt to romance into Thrasher blue. I want change. And, god help us, maybe this GM can carve out AN IDENTITY for our franchise. That’s be niiiiice, and a ‘real change.’
Nutz
April 20th, 2010
11:22 pm
Sorry, I still have a hard time reading anything after organ-I-zation, seems like a slam to the hockey friends from the north
Brendan
April 20th, 2010
11:27 pm
Erat scores on the penalty shot! Nashville 4, Chicago 1. Niemi still looks a bit rattled. Nashville is going to take a 2-1 series lead.
Flyers are up, 3-1, in the series. Last time that happened, it was the 2000 Conference Finals, and the Devils rallied to win the last three games, en route to winning the Stanley Cup over Dallas, on a Game Six overtime goal by Jason Arnott.
Penguins are up, 3-1. They won, 7-4. Ottawa CANNOT give up seven (7) goals in a “must win” game. There went the series. Pencil Pittsburgh into the next round. I think Pascal Leclaire might even start the next game.
Detroit won, 3-0, to even their series at 2-2. Classic Red Wings, in Hockeytown.
San Jose and Colorado at tied, 1-1, in the 2nd period. Avs lead the series, 2-1.
If the Sharks and Blackhawks, the #1 and #2 seeds, respectively, bow out, this would really open the door for the Red Wings to waltz right into the Cup Finals. Of course, they have to polish off the Coyotes first. And did you see the Staples Center in Los Angeles? That place looked happier than tax payers on the day the IRS was abolished. (Okay, that’s mostly wishful thinking.)
L.A. leads that series, 2-1, over Vancouver. What if Colorado, Nashville, LA, and Detroit all advanced? I think that nearly happened twice before, in 1998 and 2006, where mostly all of the lower seeded teams advanced.
jakass
April 20th, 2010
11:40 pm
Kovalchump. That’s all I have to say
Mr. Heat Miser
April 21st, 2010
12:00 am
Time to find a new “face of the franchise”. Or maybe not. Maybe just a captain that will take charge in the locker room. Maybe just a coach that can whip a team into shape. Maybe an ownershp that gives more than two cents about NHL hockey in Atlanta. Maybe………..
English Teacher
April 21st, 2010
12:43 am
I don’t want him back, even though there are three jerseys in my closet with his name on them. I honestly enjoyed watching J.P. Vigier playing more than I enjoyed watching Kovy. J.P. played like he had something to prove. This is a team sport. We don’t need a face. We need an attitude. Hard work and hustle trump flashy prima donnas. I just look at Philly, Phoenix, Nashville, and Colorado, and I don’t see focus on a superstar. Instead, the focus is on doing what it takes to win. That focus comes from the leadership of the coach and the captain.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
6:09 am
Ok, OK, forgot I even mentioned the possibility of Kovy coming back. Time to move forward, especially since I am pushing the Dudley regime as a new beginning. I am with you folks.
I still want to fly up north and punch Chico in the teeth. The guy who chastized Kovy so much is now his biggest supporter. Nobody else is getting the puck in New Jersey these days!
Hey Bill, thanks for mentioning about resigning “Arty”. Nobody else has been talking about his lately. As bad as MacArthur was, Arty was a nice surprise.
Lee
April 21st, 2010
6:51 am
I wouldn’t want Kovalchuk back if he was free! The noobies are already used to the new system and to put Kovalchuk into the system again would be a whole new transition. Kovy likes the city but not the team.
Sage of Bluesland
April 21st, 2010
7:01 am
While upset at first, I’m ok with Kovy being elsewhere now. It’s time to embark, again, on our new ten-year “Five-Year Plan” with “new” management at the helm…
(Oh wait, check that last part).
I think it’s moot anyway, as what glutton-for-punishment would ‘want’ to come back to a team still led by this ownership group and by Don Waddell? Haven’t the Thrashers taken enough from Ilya, as it were? Haven’t they grounded him down and crushed his competitive spirit enough?
Jethro
April 21st, 2010
7:06 am
Those of us from Hall County are educated thank you.
Thems peeple frum Hall county has uh infearioratee complex. They do have the right to be there.
Riceowls
April 21st, 2010
7:30 am
I couldn’t agree more. If we weren’t good enough for you then, you aren’t good enough for us now.
And the Hee Haw reference was priceless on a blog in a southern city.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
7:40 am
Kovy and the Thrashers-the divorce is final.
Rightshot
April 21st, 2010
7:42 am
LOVE the Hee Haw refrence!
No Kovy no way. The only way he comes back is as an ice dancer in a disney show. (I hear is figure eights are the best.)
As for the “face” of the francise, they were positioning Kane and Little as that at the end of the season. Most likely Kane will emerge as the “face”
DWTOO
April 21st, 2010
8:11 am
Thanks WBF we needed something to stir the pot. We’re getting a little stale. After all is said and done I don’t Kovy would come back, but, I’d leave the door open. If he would sign for what RD thinks is a fair number – fine. He’s an awesome talent.
And I don’t know why some of the bloggers are so anti Russian. Think Nik, Max, and the A-Train all play the game hard. Maybe they’re not the best “hitters”, but you can’t question their hustle.
Bluenote
April 21st, 2010
8:12 am
I’m still recovering from the Rosie O’Donnell at a buffet imagery. I saw her piling on the Lucky Charms. Don’t get too close children!
Nice girlfriend parable Rawhide.
Color me bitter. After getting the C last year Kovy finished the season playing like a captain and be a leader. It was his team….all he had to do was step up. Whatever happened at the negotiating table after Thanksgiving will be speculated about forever, but the short version is he quit…and failed be forthright about his intentions
This is unforgivable at our house.
Everyone brings joy to the world….some by their arrival, others by their departure. Better to get the goals from young guns with something to prove than one prima donna. Buh-buy prima donna! We’ll be Flyers fans for sure the rest of this series and joyful if they advance
Just guessing here, but I’d venture quitters and part-timers will not be on Dudley’s shopping list
Memo to Todd White: long-term purchases in Atlanta might not be a great idea
Matt
April 21st, 2010
8:17 am
It’s really looking like Kovy WON’T be getting his first playoff series win!! That would just be too, too sweet.
The look of frustration on Kovy’s face is simply priceless and the potential loss would have the added benefit of keeping our other first round pick from falling too far down.
Daculafan
April 21st, 2010
8:25 am
I don’t really want Kovy back…more than anything I’m hoping…nay…praying (though I know it is in vain) that NOBODY in the NHL offers him what he turned down here in February. I would like to see him here, more for emotional than business reasons.
The tail tucked between the legs, and he’d take our offer cause it’s the best he’s getting, only for Dudley to break him down like a shotgun and tell him that any offer from February is off the table.
Now…returning from La La Land….I know he’s gone…I’m glad he’s gone…I wish him luck and happiness and success (as long as it doesn’t come at our expense)
HookyBob
April 21st, 2010
8:33 am
While Kovy brought my butt outa the seat more than any other Thrasher,..I’d say no to his return. Looks like he may even be a pox on the Devils (or any team he plays for). Seems like the notion of “team” is much less when he is on it. Hardwork (ie backchecking) and discipline seem to take a back seat as well.
English Teacher says (OK writes) we need an attitude more than a face,..and I agree wholeheartedly. So with that in mind,…Is it too soon to name Kane our next Captain? OK, how about an “A” this year. Then work on signing him for the next 10 years. Yes I am enamored with the kid,..I see him as the next Iginla.
lola
April 21st, 2010
8:34 am
English Teacher: Ditto – This is a TEAM sport! We agree on JP Vigier as well. My first hockey game was in 2004 – and he was a standout player for me!
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
8:36 am
DWTOO-totally agree on the anti-Russian thing, Nik, Max, and the A-Train are all worth having on our team. Our Russians are worth having here long term.
Not sure I would leave the door open for Kovy at this point. It’s like the old girlfriend reference from yesterday, it’s never the same the 2nd time around. We also have to consider that Kovalchuk is our former captain. That’s the other element people have not taken into consideration; you really can’t bring him back unless you were to name Kovy captain-not gonna happen!
Duds is right-this team needs a new direction and new leadership. He’s looking for an Andreychuk-type leader for the room. Iginla is perfect, though I would consider Ethan Moreau from Edmonton as well.
Bluenote-I have been wondering about Todd White myself, thinking about his contract and the type of player Dudley likes-Todd ain’t it. You wonder if there is a spot for White on next year’s roster.
Rosie O and Rosanne Barr-both make me lose my cookies.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
8:47 am
Excellent Hee Haw reference!
Kovy’s going to LA to become a true diva… there’s no use in fighting about it on here.
It’ll be great seeing his wife get back in show business… I envision something like Maya Rudolph doing Donatella Versace.
http://www.indavideo.hu/video/Donatella_Versace
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
9:01 am
He’ll be great in La-La Land
J-man
April 21st, 2010
9:02 am
Yes Ice Man – You get it. I hope that many of the fans who do not get it will read your column, especially the end part. I’m a huge Kovy fan, but even I came to terms with the trade at the time it happened.
Look, the fact that he still has a home here means nothing. I have to choose my words carefully, but I will say that it’s very obvious to me that his supposed ties to Atlanta have been grossly exaggerated by a lot of people, including Waddell. In my opinion, Kovy thought that Atlanta was OK. I doubt that he loved it here, but I think the word “tolerated” might be more accurate. It’s obvious to me that his wife never liked living here. I really cannot imagine any circumstances short of Kovy getting 12 years at the max that would make her and him want to come back here. Every year within days of the regular season ending, Kovy and family are gone from Atlanta until training camp. Does that really sound like the actions of someone who loves playing in this city?
GaVaHokie – You’re probably pretty close to what’s going to happen. While my personal belief is that Kovy is KHL bound, LA is one of the very few NHL teams I think he would agree to play for. And I think you’re probably close to mark as to why. I also view all 3 New York area teams as possible candidates, even the Islanders.
TableHockey
April 21st, 2010
9:05 am
Ha – loved the Hee-Haw Reference Rawhide!
I fully agree on Kovy. If Rankin-Bass were to make a film of the 2010-2011 installment of the Thrashers the title would probably be “A year without a Superstar”.
Oh man – that begs to be photoshopped…
Dwayne
April 21st, 2010
9:05 am
Kane brings me out of my seat now…it hurt when he got hurt.
…. I think Kane will be on XM 204 today. Hope I can catch it. Go Flyers!!!
ThrashDawg
April 21st, 2010
9:18 am
Winning teams have leading players with CHARACTER!! Heater- NO, Hossa- NO, Kovy- NO. They all have talent, but without character they are not the stuff winning teams are made.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
9:18 am
Kane is certainly the face of this franchise, especially in the community… I was sold with this one video.
http://thrashers.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=656&id=63120
[insert name of high-maintenance ex here]
April 21st, 2010
9:23 am
Bill, I can’t believe you’re dragging our old relationship back in the spotlight.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
9:38 am
Bluenote: The term forthright and contract negotiations, intentions, etc. simply don’t mix. Kovalchuk was trying to placate the fans with those comments. He NEVER had any intention of signing any deal until July 1 IMO.
Thanks Bill for putting the subject to rest (hopefully) for now. Time to move on to much more important matters, like gauging the playoff performances of pending UFAs and RFAs.
A couple of questions for the masses:
• If I told you Marleau, Thornton and Heatley would have a total of four points through 4 games of the Avs-Sharks series, would you have guessed that the series was tied? Advantage: Sharks.
• The so-called leader extraordinaire, Jonathan Toews, has one assist , 5 shots and is -3 in 3 games against the Preds. Hossa has 12 shots, one assist and is -3 through 3 games. Duncan Keith is -4, has one assist and is averaging 28 minutes of ice time per game. So, can Barry Trotz coach or not?
• Which forward, who played in the Olympics, leads the Canucks in ice time with 24 minutes, is +3 with four assists in three games against the Kings? Nope, it’s not Henrik Sedin, it’s Ryan Kessler, the 25-year-old from Michigan, who was a restricted free agent until Vancouver gave him a six-year, $5 million per season extension in March. So, why can’t GMs renegotiate contracts during the season?
• And finally, Mikael Samuelsson, not Afinogenov, has proven to be the best FA signing from last summer. He has four goals, 1 assist and is + 4 in three playoff games after scoring 30 goals and adding 23 assists in the regular season (he missed 8 games, too). He signed a 3-year deal for a total of $7.5 million after making just $1.2 million per season in Detroit. He was snubbed by the Swedish Olympic team coach Gustafsson, who also left teammate Alex Edler off the roster. So, why can’t a former player agent (former clients include Holik, Pavel Bure, Mike Richter and Markus Naslund) be a good GM?
Zoomo
April 21st, 2010
9:38 am
Shuddering at all the love for JP Vigier. OK, he skated hard, but did he ever catch up to the puck?
Have to agree with English Teacher that the Philly/Phoenix/Colo/ Nashville models are where we are headed. Solid, hustling, good character players and lots of them. A better model than what we’ve had in the past.
For those of you that want Kovy back, please call his agent at BR5-49
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
9:40 am
The former agent: Mike Gillis, now the Canucks GM!
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
9:40 am
Sorry, I still have a hard time reading anything after organ-I-zation, seems like a slam to the hockey friends from the north
Nutz – Nah…more like just friendly ribbing.
Hey Bill, thanks for mentioning about resigning “Arty”. Nobody else has been talking about his lately. As bad as MacArthur was, Arty was a nice surprise
WBF – Certainly…like that kinda guy on our roster. Would take him if it were a choice between he and Bolts, (sorry lola).
For those of you that want Kovy back, please call his agent at BR5-49
Zoomo – HA!
Well played!
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
9:43 am
Red Light-great call on Mikael Samuelsson, I had him on my wish list last summer. He never recd enough credit in Detroit. They guy has an edge and a complete game, complimented Vancouver’s core very well this season. I think the Canucks tied him up for at least 2 seasons, good move on their part.
Iginla and Kane would make a great pair for the future of this team. We are back to Jerome again.
Savannah Blueland Fan
April 21st, 2010
10:11 am
Geez, that’s a lot of math in this column! Is it going to be on the test? Can we use our books? Mr. Tiller, I don’t feel so good….can I get a note to go to the school nurse?
Once a player is gone, I say they are gone and move on. I survived Tommy Glavine moving on and I am all the stronger for it (altho I never accepted Dale Murphy and have always resented Chipper Jones because of it….but I digress).
Anyway, somewhere in that cascade of numbers, I hope a big chunk of it goes to Bergfors because, once the shock wore off, I think we got the better end of the bargain.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
10:11 am
Bill–Bolts over Moreau or vice versa?
Not sure I’ll wait for Dud’s decision.
Alan R.
April 21st, 2010
10:11 am
Sports Illustrated has published a story seriously questioning the thoroughness of the NHLs and Washington Capitals investigations into steroid use.
rob
April 21st, 2010
10:13 am
Having NEVER EVER EVER had anything good to say about the Flyers, it is paining me to the nth degree to watch the Devils play them. I like Marty, but don’t want the QUITTER to win. Can’t bring myself to cheer for either, and I only hope that whoever wins gets destroyed in the next go around. I guess for our draft pick I’ll hope Jersy losses….UGH what a decision!!!!
No way in H.E.double hockey sticks Kovalsuc comes back here, he proved his character to the fans here and I hope it is an eye opening experience out there in the hockey world for him, go to the KHL for all I care they can have him.
Just my opinion.
LAC
April 21st, 2010
10:20 am
Need to point this out, if not already. If, Philadelphia beats NJ, then the NJ first-rounder goes to about 15-16, ten better than what was expected… That is NICE !
rob
April 21st, 2010
10:23 am
Rawhide,
the only part of next season that really has me worried is the comments about Pavs/Moose being the combo next year. I just don’t see Pavs being ready next year. I hope if it happens I am proven wrong but of all the things happening that worries me the most. The D will work itself out, enough young guys waiting in the wings, and after the UFA RFA signings 1 more winger will set it up. I see Arty moving up to the 3rd line and Kane into the top 2. Goalie has to anchor the team though, is Pavs ready for that role?
ChippersLoveChild
April 21st, 2010
10:29 am
If the price is right, anything is possible. I don’t want to give Kovy a max deal, but if his price were lower I’d certainly entertain the thought…. Kubina and Max said they wanted to come back.. I’d be shocked if they both did. I think, realistically, we will bring back Max, lose Kubina (too many prospects in the system), lose Armstrong, re-sign Slater, re-sign Bolts, lose Arty… then maybe sign Poni, and get a guy like Biron.. that is pretty much how we roll, nothing overly exciting, but nice smaller moves.
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
10:30 am
WBF – I would take Artyukhin ove Boulton if a choice was needed to be made between the two.
rob – I share your concerns regarding the goalie situation. I am not 100% sold on Opie yet. Moose is another story…what he did last season was great…but his age might be a concern.
I’ll be curious to see how Dudley deals with this situation.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
10:34 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3577/career;_ylt=AgxtH_kcP.BVdH6pwYF.vEhivLYF
Speaking of guys in Calgary (would love to have Iginla but don’t see how that would ever transpire), how about this guy as a 3rd line replacement of Colby Armstrong? Much cheaper at $1.2 M. Only has one year remaining but makes him a candidate for a salary shedding move.
Might buy us one year until Machacek or even Klingberg is ready to rock and roll at the NHL level. Although I think Spence should be able to keep up on the 4th line as a 13th forward at least.
Joe Friday
April 21st, 2010
10:42 am
Kovalchuk is signing in LA. Good riddance, I agree that we need a team with character and spread the wealth around, not build around one guy.
Loved the games last night, even if my Hawks got beat. They are really missing Campbell and the goaltending is subpar.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
10:42 am
Need to point this out, if not already. If, Philadelphia beats NJ, then the NJ first-rounder goes to about 15-16, ten better than what was expected… That is NICE !
Not sure if it will be that low based on seeding going into the playoffs, NJ was a division winner… but it won’t be any higher than #23… if Pittsburgh had won the division AND the Devils lost the first round, it certainly would have been a 15-20 range.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
10:43 am
Not so LAC. The following teams, if eliminated will pick prior to the Devils.
Montreal 88
Boston 91
Ottawa 94
Colorado 95
Buffalo 100
Nashville 100
Los Angeles 101
Detroit 102
But, you’re right that it could be higher than anticipated!
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
10:47 am
Correction… no higher than #22… the 8 teams that lose the first round will be shuffled into the 15-22 draft spots and (correct me if I’m wrong) will be based on regular season records.
So, we’re also hoping for a few top seeded upsets… SJ, Chi, Was, PHO, Van upsets would bring that pick down to #17.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/standings/?show=league
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
10:48 am
… and by higher, I mean lower.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
10:50 am
On goaltending… I’m all for going after Nabokov.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
10:52 am
Smoothie???
An undrafted player with a career high of 40 points (same as Army) with six games of playoff experience? True, you can get him cheaper but he has never played a full season due to injury, suspension, etc.
Like your train of thought, but not sure about him!
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
10:55 am
Red Light – I’m trying to be realistic. At least he maintained his production in only 67 games as opposed to “shredded cheese” man, who made a 3 game cameo in the spring in which he scored 6 goals. Other than that, and some above average defense, he was underwhelming.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
10:59 am
PS – If we hope to re-up Fins & Kubina, after giving raises to all our RFA (the MacArthur trade is really going to look bad in hindsight because he is going to cost us precious dollars that should be going to other FA resources such as a better goalie), then we must target players such as Glencross for the 3rd line. We probably can’t afford Raffi Torres and after him, there aren’t a lot of UFA’s worth writing home about. Oh yeah, Malhotra already turned us down (supposedly) and I can’t see him coming to ATL from a “Cup contender”.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
10:59 am
LAC-so giddy about the possibility of Kovy be out of the playoffs early that I forgot about the #1 pick we are getting from the Devils.
Bill-problem is I want Arty and Bolts. I think complictaed each other in the lineup pretty well after arty came on board.
Joe Friday-that’s what Chicago gets for overpaying their skaters. the miss Campbell’s puck movement; they may have to try and dump his salary this summer to afford a #1 goalie.
Nabakov for sure, but we need to make sure we do not overpay him. Don’t know how that’s done (Dud’s job again).
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
11:01 am
That’s complimented each other, not complicated each other-guess I better egt back to work
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
11:03 am
I’m not advocating Army, I’m saying neither. Frankly, I’d take Nigel Dawes off Calgary at $850k because he can skate, check and give you an occasional goal and he’s younger than both of the others. He, too, hasn’t played a full season, but he’s 25. Comparatively speaking, wouldn’t you rather give the kids (if ready) time on the 3rd line than sign one of these guys instead?
Alan R.
April 21st, 2010
11:07 am
On goaltending… I’m all for going after Nabokov.
Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass. I’d sooner hand the reins to Pavelec, or someone from the Wolves.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
11:17 am
Dudley’s not going to sign a goaltender for $6 million plus. PIPE DREAM!
Joe Friday
April 21st, 2010
11:22 am
If we go with the same goaltending tandem and they don’t seriously upgrade there, then it’s Unleash The GroundHog Day. Biggest change this club needs, and has needed every single year, is a true, proven #1
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
11:22 am
Red – that’s a tough question, but for the same reason you would prefer Dawes is the reason CGY will likely prefer Dawes and re-sign him. Since he’s only under contract for one year, and seeing as how CGY could benefit from a young D-man prospect, I could see us working a deal with them for a player like Glencross. Personally, I’d rather have Higgins as a potential reclamation project but I don’t see us spending that kind of coin. I’m totally open to suggestions as I’m just trying to spark conversation. Not sure Machacek is the answer right now. But I feel pretty certain C-Mac isn’t either.
Spud Webb
April 21st, 2010
11:24 am
My top “resigning” list…
1. Kubina, pay him 3 mill, lets do this first.
2. Little, still developing, responsible player.
3. Artyukhin, loved what he showed here in the ATL, keep him please.
4. Bergfors, let him develop and let us hope we don’t hinder him.
5. Slater, showed me enough (yes, I’m the slater hater) this season to say “I’ll do whatever it takes”.
All just my opinion. I’m not even going to put the name of the guy who we traded on this blog. His time is done here. Move on with the future please.
Alan R.
April 21st, 2010
11:31 am
I agree with you, Joe. However, handing the keys to Nabokov isn’t going to work. It’s not working in San Jose, at least.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
11:36 am
Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass. I’d sooner hand the reins to Pavelec, or someone from the Wolves.
Why? Are you basing it on Nabokov’s current slump since the Olympic break?
I still consider him amongst the tops in the league.
Joe Friday
April 21st, 2010
11:40 am
“I still consider him amongst the tops in the league.”
Yep, he kept them in last night’s game and gave them a chance to win
Alan R.
April 21st, 2010
11:43 am
Nabokov was shaky, even before the Olympics. No thanks. If I wanted shaky, I’d keep the tandem we have now.
Think outside the box.
R. Stroz
April 21st, 2010
11:47 am
I’m just happy that Kovy, for the first time since November, is helping the Thrashers.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
11:49 am
Spud – good list of priorities, but I’m afraid it may take between $4 and 4.5 M to sign Kubina, depending on the length of contract.
Dwayne
April 21st, 2010
11:53 am
The quicker Chicago gets knocked out, the quicker we will know John Torchetti is our coach. Maybe Stepane Waite comes with him and we don’t worry AS MUCH about Opie. Moose, if he comes back, is a proven # 2 and a great guy. I feel the key is Kubina, or an equal replacement and Bogo, he must have a solid year. I’ll take a 2-1 win anyday over a 5-4 loss. No Kovy !!!
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
11:55 am
Smoothie… I can’t see Kubina accepting “Ron Hainsey” money. I’d say he stays in the $5 million range.
kracker
April 21st, 2010
11:55 am
Heat Miser, I want the new face of this franchise to be a W with a big number under it.
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
11:57 am
Evgeni Nabakov? Gimme some of that action…right now! Yes he’ll be 35 this summer, but he still brings it.
In the last four seasons he is 156-65-30 with a 2.33 GAA. .914 SV% and 23 shutouts.
His playoff numbers this season after 4 games played…2.12 GAA and .913 SV%. He lost 6-5 in game 3 against the Avs, but in the other three games he has allowed but 4 goals on 81 shots, (.951 SV%). Last night he was fantastic, stopping 33 of 34 during 70+ minutes of play.
As for the “post-Olympic slump”…true mid March was rough for him, but Nabokov finished the regular season 7-1-1 allowing 20 goals on 273 shots faced, (.927 SV%).
If that’s a slump…gimme some of that.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
11:59 am
GVH – his age should be used to discount his next contract irrespective of what Ron Hainsey makes. He’s not exactly fleet of foot. If he balks, then let him walk. Or find someone more desperate than us for defense, if that exists, and trade Ron Hainsey for a forward that can bolster our 2nd line.
J.B.
April 21st, 2010
12:03 pm
I’m just happy that Kovy, for the first time since November, is helping the Thrashers.
BEST BLOG COMMENT EVER STROZ
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
Stroz-I missed your one-liners and that one is so true.
I would take Nabakov tomorrow. That was before Bill’s “numbers”. Nabakov is not the problem in San Jose.
Dwayne-Comcast Chicago had Torchetti on TV last night right ebfore the start of the 3rd period of the NSH-CHI game. He looks head coach ready, but I hope Duds gives Ramsay an interview as well. I am a big Rammer fan and not because he’s a former Sabre.
Spud-no Max? Never thought I’d advocate for Jimmy wither, but he earned it last season.
Red Light and Smoothie on Nigel Dawes. Now there’s another player the Rangers gave up on. Sather must be getting senile or something. R-L, I think we need to cut ties with Army, he just doesn’t do anything for me on a consistent basis. Dudley and the new coach won’t stand for him disappearing for 3-4 games at a time.
Duds has got to figure out what he’s going to do with MacArthur. Keep or deal? Most of the guys mentioned around here recently are 3rd liners. Dudley is looking for top 6 forwards. Dawes is more like a 4th liner.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
Rawhide… by slump, I was more referencing his confidence. I think he was a little shaky with the early Russia exit in the Olympics. Which is why I’m hoping San Jose makes a bad decision and let him walk. Few teams will be able to offer the $5 million plus salary he’ll require… if you want to put Kovy and Kozy money somewhere. There it is.
Smoothie… don’t think age will be a factor in Kubina… if he were 36 maybe… but his TOI will be a huge sticking point. I don’t think you can let him walk.
http://tsn.ca/NHL/teams/statistics/?hubname=nhl-thrashers
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
Smoothie… I meant for that link to be sorted by ATOI.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
Why, after the year he had in Atlanta, would Kubina sign for less money than he was making last year? He’s only 33 years old (same birthdate as Kovy BTW), had better stats than his career averages for the third straight year, has been told that the Thrashers want him back.
Comparing him to other veteran defensemen similar in age like Chara, who makes $7.5 million, Kim Johnsson, $5.3 million, Raflaski, $6 million, Visnovsky, $4.6 million, Souray $4.5 million, McCabe, $4.15 million, Zidlicky, $4 million, and Markov and Hamrlik both signed for more than $5 million, why would he or his agent accept less than he made last year?
The answer: they wouldn’t! They’re not taking less than they made last year for the length of the contract.
drajax
April 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
when Kovy left I was pleased to see the team could win without him and I was not interested in resigning him. But watching him play for the Devils, I’ve been impressed all over again and working with your analogy, maybe the team realizes it can stand on its own now and force the star to bend to play a more team game and maybe that dazzling star sees the error of his ways. I would definitely welcome him back if the price was reasonable. Considering how much we got from the Devils I’s even say a kind word about management.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
12:24 pm
Anyone see Brodeur’s “save” last night? Even the Flyers fans were “ooohhhing”.
Eklund’s latest post is about Kovalchuk; some pretty amusing responses. I normally don’t read Eklund, but the subject matter was what we are conversing about today.
“His numbers speak for themself”. Response-Not a a “team” they don’t!
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
World: Dawes can play the third line, but I agree the Thrashers have enough of those types. I’d prefer him over the other two for sure, but not now.
Sather has become the village idiot. He has done less with more money than any GM in recent history. Dolan doesn’t have any pressure to win because the building remains at 95 percent capacity or better and the local/regional TV contract is huge because of the number of viewers in the NY/NJ Metro area. It’s mind boggling he keeps both Sather and Tortorella on board. They should have gotten Don Maloney when they had the chance and hired Davidson as president rather than let him walk to St. Louis. Hindsight!
Cornbread
April 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
Kovalchuk is gone and good riddance. He is the reason the Thrashers are not in the playoffs. The team’s Captain quit in December. I became a fan of Kovy’s when he was given the C. He changed, or so I thought, and matured into a leader. When he came back from his injury this season he was fired up and he fired up the team. Then the prima donna in him returned when he didn’t get his way with his contract, coach, team whatever…
I’m fortunate to play hockey with many hockey insiders, former pros, and junior players. Some played in the NHL and in the Summer I still lace ‘em up with current NHL, AHL, and ECHL players. Most of these guys are US and Canadian hard working charachter types and can’t stand Kovalchuk and those like him. They know he is uncoachable and a cancer in the locker room. A lot of talk was made that the Devils got the better deal in this trade. I don’t think so and nor do some of his fellow pros.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
I guess my point is that most of those vet D-men are already overpaid. At some point that trend will have to stop or else everyone is going to be in cap hell. The problem with paying for guys based on past performance is they typically don’t maintain that level of performance beyond the age of 33 / 34. They might have alternating good years or one good year out of 3, but I don’t see paying Kubina $5 M or more unless you are going to designate him the #1 PP QB. Otherwise, you’re paying too much for a “shut-down” D-man. Let him walk then and get Seidenberg or someone of his ilk (Hamhuis?) to replace him. We’ve got too many puck movers and it seems a bit silly to pay Kubina $5 M or more when you’ve got other pressing needs as well. Offer him an extra year and see if he’ll bite on 4 yrs / $17 M or $17.5 M.
DWTOO
April 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Why would Kubina take less money after the year he had? Highly doubtful. Give him the money he deserves. He’s easily the best we have and it would be detrimental to have him walk.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
Red-JD and Don are too smart for Dolan. I could not believe Sather signed Redden to a long term big dollar deal. I think I’ll hold off talking more about who we need to get a coach and get closer to the draft.
Cornbread-I could not have said it better. Your team captain can never quit and Kovy did. Mr. First Class Organization is getting closer to his tee time. You can’t bring your former captain back.
No Patrick Marleau talks either please. He’s one of the reasons San Jose is fading, again.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
1:17 pm
DWTOO – by that logic, Toby should hold out until Duds agrees to renegotiate his contract for $6 M / year.
Guys, it’s very rare that a guy continues to excel or maintain his level of play (Rafalski, Lidstrom, Pronger are exceptions, not rules) after the age of 33 / 34. Looking at some of the names Red Light threw out, it is fairly common for their numbers to nose-dive after signing their big contract and turning 31. Now because Visnovsky, Souray, and half the Top 2 D-men in the league are overpaid, Kubina is probably “worth” $5 M / year. But if you’re a team that doesn’t plan on spending $56-57 M this season, can you really afford that again? I suppose if you “stand pat” and ony re-sign Kubina, Max, Arty and your RFA’s, then you can probably do all that and stay right around $52 – 53M. The bigger question is if this roster at the status quo less Colby Armstrong is capable of making the playoffs. I’m not so sure it is. Wouldn’t that $5 M + make more sense going to a veteran goalie who typically doesn’t tail off until 37 or 38 as opposed to an aging D-man?
Dwayne
April 21st, 2010
1:22 pm
WBF…I am all for interviewing 4 or 5 potential coaches, remember what happened when Georgia was looking for a DC??? They all stayed at the school they were coaching at and got big fat raises.
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
1:29 pm
Hokie – Gotcha!
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
1:38 pm
I’m not advocating signing Kubina to a high-dollar, long-term deal either. I suggest a max of three years, hopefully two, to add stability that he brought. But, I’m not opposed to going in an entirely different direction either as Smoothie suggests. But, I do believe that even considering a $5 million plus contract for anyone, and I mean anyone, for this Thrashers team with a term longer than three years is counter-intuitive to the whole premise of getting younger, faster and becoming more team-oriented.
Now, if you’re going to provide me a Shea Weber type, then I’d re-think the term and the per-year money. I just think you’re going to see the Nashville code of a lot of guys making mid-level contracts rather than ponying up big dollars.
I think the real genius in today’s salary-cap wars are those GMs that can project and sign guys that can do similar things to those so-called proven NHL stars or contributors. That my friends is what we all must hope for from Dudley, rather than gnashing our teeth about those who got away, or left, or those we think can be signed.
Carry on…
kracker
April 21st, 2010
1:39 pm
Sign Moose as coach-player if the Thrash can afford to cary 3 tenders which perhaps they can do if Duds can make a cheap acquisition. Either a vet trying for a comeback (ala Legace) or a young goalie Dudley may have his eye on.
For the skaters, we have a few clues. Dudley saying he wants to resign our UFAs and RFAs is good but it is an expected statement. The FAs will certainly want to know who will be coaching the team, assuming they don’t already know (I’m referring to Torchetti here.) Dudley should know who is ready (or not) on the Wolves. He already said he wants to find an older mentor/leader and get some help at fwd, which could be the same player. In those 200 games he watched in the last year, he surely found some young talent he likes.
This off-season should be interesting and quite excited for Thrashers fans.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
kracker-I agree, it will be exciting for once.
Dwayne-One of the real positives of this situation is that it seems this progression to GM was planned several monthes ago. I believe he wanted to give Anderson a chance, I think Dudley had his eye on a few potential candidates. 4-5 candidates is a possibility, but I think it will be more like 3 max. Torchetti, Ramsay, maybe Lever or another.
Smoothie
April 21st, 2010
1:52 pm
Red Light – agreed on what you wrote about the dilemma faced by a team that cannot afford to be cap-competitive in this era. Who knows? Perhaps we’ll end up with tons more dough if we can get a Russian oil magnate to invest in the ASG?
Anyway, I could live with Kubina at $5 M for two years, but no more! I love Pasha but we can’t afford more than 2 yrs unless it is a $5M, $5M, $3.5M declining amt deal that is so common these days.
lilibeter
April 21st, 2010
1:52 pm
Rawhide…kudos for managing to work a Hee-Haw reference into a Southern hockey team’s blog. Nice!
With regard to Kovalchuk, I personally prefer the identity the Thrashers were developing A.K. much more than the one we had prior to his departure. Hockey is a team sport, and for all that may have been good about Kovy, his presence consistently detracted from the Thrashers melding as a team. As a fan of the sport, I would rather watch a true TEAM full of pretty-good-to-very-good players than watch purported “team” that consists of a superstar and the servants who exist only to feed him.
Dwayne
April 21st, 2010
1:54 pm
WBF…..We have been used and abused for far too long. Hope Dudley can fix that.
Jeff97
April 21st, 2010
1:56 pm
Rawhide. – I really think the changes we make or the players we re-assign are going to depend a lot upon who we hire as coach. If we hire hire the ‘Hawks assistant Torchetti, like many think we will, I can see us trying to acquire a few of the ‘Hawks players as they have cap issues and will not be able to afford some of them this summer. not too mention the familiarity with the coach and GM. I personally think we let Army walk, i think he will command too much and did not give us enough last season. I am also in agreement that we go out and get a goalie like Nabokov from SJ for a few seasons and let him play next to Pavs. We also need to get a few playoff tested veterans on this team. We did not have enough leaders on this team and that needs to be addressed during the offseason. Any thoughts on getting Jerome Iginla? I heard he might get moved. He certainly would fille the void at center and captain. You could give up the 1st rounder we got from NJ and another player like Little.
R. Stroz
April 21st, 2010
2:25 pm
Thanks J.B.
For the first time in my life, I’m pulling for the Flyers. Then again, how could anyone cheer for a bunch of Devils if you’re Baptist.
Hokey Clisters
April 21st, 2010
2:28 pm
Mr. Rawhides, you have besmurched the proud folks of Hall county. While I am not a Hallamite myself, my friend Elrod is from Hall county. Elrod is quite stupified by your brazen and outlandish remarks.
Hall county has many things to be proud of….many folks do not know that Hall county is famous. Remember the old line “Don’t count your chickens till they hatch?” Well our fine friends in Hall county have a more famous saying: “Don’t count your chickens – or you’ll never stop counting.”
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
2:29 pm
Any thoughts on getting Jerome Iginla? I heard he might get moved. He certainly would fille the void at center and captain. You could give up the 1st rounder we got from NJ and another player like Little.
Jeff97 - Yeah…I’d do that. Consider JI is a known commodity and has 3 more years left on a contract that pays $7-mil per. Little was streaky last season and it might take … oh…A Million-five to two mil to re-sign here. If one were to make that deal, then really it’s only costing us $5 – 5.5 million more than we would otherwie be spending. Plus, like I said, Iginla’s a proven player. Who knows what might happen with that 1st rounder gained from NJ…and how long it might take to get him ready for NHL action.
Hall county has many things to be proud of….many folks do not know that Hall county is famous. Remember the old line “Don’t count your chickens till they hatch?” Well our fine friends in Hall county have a more famous saying: “Don’t count your chickens – or you’ll never stop counting.”
Hokey Clisters – I lived in Gwinnett County growing up…we used to hate it when the wind blew from the Northeast given all those chicken coups up there!
Ricky Barnes
April 21st, 2010
2:29 pm
What in tarnation is all ‘dis here bad talk ’bout Hall countay!
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
2:55 pm
Remember Dwayne- “In Dudley We Trust”
J.B.
April 21st, 2010
2:56 pm
does iggy have a dreaded ntc?
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
April 21st, 2010
3:03 pm
100th!! – giggle
Lee
April 21st, 2010
3:13 pm
Kevin Gibson from the Atlanta Spirit called me today….and will probably be calling you too any minute now. But anywayz…..he wanted to see “How the game waaaay back when against the Rangers went. Yep…the 5-2 loss…I think you already know how the game went. And you are calling me why?? Oh, yeah…to sell tickets. Mhmm…not happening.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
3:14 pm
While we have a break in the blog action… I’d like to point out again that we might be staring at a possible #17 pick from NJ… wouldn’t that be ironic? Kovalchuk?… #17?
Ilya Kovalchuk for Johnny Oduya, Nicolas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, and a #17 pick… not to mention that #17 will be chosen by one of the best talent evaluators in the league, Rick Dudley.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
3:47 pm
Iggy does have a NTC
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
3:49 pm
GaVa-don’t forget about Ansi Salmonella
Smitty
April 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
Forget Kovy. Thrashers did everything they could (at least this past year) to try to keep him.
Has anyone read or heard how Cormier is doing with the Wolves?
Jeff97
April 21st, 2010
4:02 pm
For those keeping Score – Heatley Sharks are tied 2-2 in their series, Kovy’s Devils are down 3-1 and Hossa’s Blackhawks are down 2-1 in their series. I really dont want to see one or both of any of them make it to the finals.
Russian
April 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
If Kovy will not come back to Atlanta WHO IS GOING TO SCORE????
Kovy is Scoring Mashine. He can score 40-50 goals for the season. Look at the Atlanta Thrashers Stats:
Antro is first of the list – 24 Goals
Then Max -24
Pever – 22
Berg – 21
And Then 16, 15 and etc…
Please do not tell me that Ingila will come here and play for us. We lost our Reputation long time ago. If Kovy is very Expensive for us we have to find at least player who can score 35-40 goals.
rebo
April 21st, 2010
4:06 pm
The problem with the girlfriend analogy is that we haven’t yet found that cutie pie to replace the high maintenance hottie. Sure we have some decent looking friends who provide the occasional benefit but at the end of the day, we’re leafing through the SI Swimsuit edition, pining for the days when a good looking chick would even talk to us.
GaVaHokie
April 21st, 2010
4:14 pm
The problem with the girlfriend analogy is that we haven’t yet found that cutie pie to replace the high maintenance hottie. Sure we have some decent looking friends who provide the occasional benefit but at the end of the day, we’re leafing through the SI Swimsuit edition, pining for the days when a good looking chick would even talk to us.
haha… was it Sixteen Candles this line is from?
“Nobody likes me.”
“I like you.”
“Nobody ‘good’ likes me.”
Rawhide
April 21st, 2010
4:18 pm
rebo – HA-HA!
Hokey Clisters
April 21st, 2010
4:21 pm
You best get head out of these lurid and suggestive analogies or you’ll been living in a trailer down by the river…….in Hall county.
LAC
April 21st, 2010
4:32 pm
I read where the final drafting position would be determaned by playoff finish.
So I have to assume, upon reading this, if NJ is first-out, so to speak, they would fall in position
number 15. I am not saying I am 100% correct, but go back and check the draft order on the NHL site and I believe they state the playoff finish is what places the playoff teams in drafting order.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
4:35 pm
Here’s a little interesting reading I dug up this afternoon. In nepotism we trust?
May 12, 1996: By Tim Turner of The Orlando Sentinel
Rivalry Much Thicker Than Ice
The Ties Of Solar Bears Gm Don Waddell And Vipers Gm/coach Rick Dudley Go Back A Way.
Going into Monday night’s Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Orlando Solar Bears and the Detroit Vipers have played each other 13 times this season. Orlando leads the series, 2-1, and if it goes to a full seven games, their number of meetings could reach 17.
The games only add more layers to this rivalry. From the front offices down to the ice, there is no escaping the ties existing between the teams.
For starters, Orlando General Manager Don Waddell and Detroit GM/coach Rick Dudley are best friends. Their relationship goes back to 1987 when Dudley coached the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League.
During that season, Dudley’s assistant coach, Frank Perkins, died. Not only did he need an assistant coach, the team was already searching for a defenseman. After his IHL career, Waddell had retired to a port-a-let business in Toledo, Ohio.
At Dudley’s request, Waddell came out of retirement. He played the last 12 games of the 1987 season and helped lead the Generals to the 1988 Turner Cup Finals, where they lost to Salt Lake City.
When Dudley left Flint two months later to coach the Los Angeles Kings’ affiliate in New Haven, Conn., of the American Hockey League, Waddell, then 29, took over as Flint coach and GM.
Dudley went on to become the coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 1988-92. Waddell left Flint in 1990 to get the expansion San Diego Gulls franchise off the ground.
After serving as GM/coach for the 1991-92 season, Waddell hired Dudley. Dudley guided the Gulls to a 62-victory season (an all-time hockey record that was tied this season by the Detroit Red Wings). The Gulls went to the Turner Cup Finals that season but lost to the Fort Wayne Komets.
“I think what that tells you is that the two of us together, we come up with a pretty good combination,” Waddell said. “Rick is one of my better friends in hockey. He’s become a close friend outside the game also. And he and I are just night and day difference (in temperament). I think that’s why we work so well together.
“He gets excited with his team and the other team, and that’s just his style. He’s been successful with it. I’m more of a laid-back guy. I approach and handle situations different from what he might.”
Dudley, not wanting to put pressure on his players with the coach and GM on the bench, leaves the game-day coaching in the hands of associate head coach Steve Ludzik. Ludzik and Orlando coach Curt Fraser were teammates with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1980.
Viper left wing Clark Donatelli played with Fraser with the Minnesota North Stars. Fraser played against defenseman Lee Norwood when Norwood was with the St. Louis Blues and coached Vipers right wing Dan Kesa last season at Syracuse of the AHL.
The ties fuel a very competitive series.
“The closeness of friends helps this become that much more of a rivalry,” Waddell said.
“I think regardless of how it comes out, we’ll be good friends. I’d like to sit up on that first tee this year during the off-season and be able to brag that we beat them in the conference semifinals.”
LAC
April 21st, 2010
4:40 pm
Checked and picks 1-14 are set, with the rest of the draft positions blank, which means playoff position will count as pick position. So the second round pick could be better too, the one we swapped with them.
Scotty
April 21st, 2010
4:42 pm
“You best get head out of these lurid and suggestive analogies or you’ll been living in a trailer down by the river…….in Hall county”
Otherwise known as the Hall County Arts and Culture Center.
Russ
April 21st, 2010
4:45 pm
I’m going to throw out a trade proposal, then you can all tell me why each team wouldn’t do it. I know one reason would be because teams don’t like to trade within the division (which if you have confidence in what you are doing has never made sense to me).
The Thrashers should offer the #8 pick, next year’s first round pick, and Pavelec to Carolina for Cam Ward. Ward is a proven #1 goalie (especially a big game goalie) entering the prime of his career and he is locked up for the next six seasons at a cap hit of $6.3 mil. I don’t know if his contract extension included a NTC or not, but if not I think this would be a good trade for the Thrashers. IMO priority #1 this offseason should be to get a proven starting goalie, which this franchise has lacked since its’ inception. I know Dudley has stated he would be comfortable going with the same goalie rotation as last season, but I am hoping that is just because he doesn’t want to come out and say “Pavelec is still way too inconsistent to be counted on and Moose played over his head last season in comparison to the rest of his career and figures to only go downhill considering his age”.
Anyway, I’ll be interested to see what you other closet GM’s have to say.
glovesave29
April 21st, 2010
4:46 pm
Iggy has a NTC, but has been saying in the press he will drop it if he is no longer wanted there.
Do ya think it will cost us Little? Yeah, he had a bad season, but still has a ton of potential…not really wanting to give up on him just yet. Realize we have to give something to get something of value in return…What about a sign and trade with Armstrong in addition to the Devils #1 and our #2 next year?
I am going to be part of the loyal opposition, and still want Kovy back. He’s not going to get the kind of $$$ we once offered. His value is diminished should Philly finish them off. If it is all about money, who moves to LA where everything costs 4X more? The simple fact is that we have no one who is a pure goal scorer. We all like the scrappy, hard working team, but even those need someone who can put the biscuit in the basket with regularity. Iggy would be great setting up the play, getting in the crease and causing havoc and clogging up the middle to support the forecheck.
Nabokov – NO WAY. Not after his “I am not playing in the Olympics unless I am the starter” stance. And we are calling Kovy selfish? He’s gonna ask for 3-4 years, Pavs needs another year as a backup – which is why ya keep Moose, and get a good goalie coach. And again – Mooses’ the glue on this team, a tireless worker – a true team guy.
SBF – didn’t catch the logic behind Dale Murphy not liking Chipper…he was traded to Philly in 1990 to make room for David Justice. Chipper didn’t come up until 1993.
Red Light
April 21st, 2010
4:48 pm
Jim Rutherford might trade Eric Staal before he’d deal Cam Ward. No way, no how! It would be akin to the Devils trading Marty Brodeur in 1998!
Russ
April 21st, 2010
5:00 pm
Red Light – Thanks for the comment and that’s why I have Atlanta having to offer up a lot to have a chance to get him. Anyway, slow day and was just throwing something out there.
R. Stroz
April 21st, 2010
5:18 pm
I am going to be part of the loyal opposition, and still want Kovy back.
Everyone – Call me crazy, I’ve been called worse, but I’m with glovesave29 on this one.
Lee
April 21st, 2010
6:16 pm
I know! I’ll nominate my neighbor for 2011 swimsuit! HAHA NO!
Lee
April 21st, 2010
6:23 pm
Over the years, you vote:
Type 1 for – http://www.newstoob.com/media/images/2010/02/20100210-bar-refaeli-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-past-001.jpg
Type 2 for – http://bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/08_marisa-miller_01.jpg
Type 3 for – http://newsroom.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/brooklyn_decker_cover.jpg
Type 4 for – http://www.jetstreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/sports-illustrated-swimsuit.jpg
Type 5 for – other
Hokey Clisters
April 21st, 2010
6:29 pm
Breaking News Alert: My friend Elrod has just released a formal statement in regards to Mr. Rawhide’s reference to Hall County
Elrod says (and I quote):
I’m proud to be a citizen of Hall County
A place where even red-necks have a ball
We still eat fried chicken down at the Walmart
And ole Rawhide still makes fun of us all
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
8:26 pm
Lee, type 1.
Well, just in case anyone’s actually interested, tonight’s Caps-Habs game features Varlie vs. young CAREY PRICE. If you are a Thrasher fan interested in Price, you may want to tune in to your Center Ice channels. It’s # 783 on Comcast. Washington 1, Montreal 1, with 6:00 left in the 2nd.
The Sabres are up, 2-0, on Boston, thanks to a 2nd period goal by Steve Montador. There are 7:34 left in the 2nd period. This is a “must win” game for Buffalo.
Lee
April 21st, 2010
8:30 pm
Haha….ok..
Noooww. Back to hockey, I forgot this wasn’t a swimsuit blog. Don’t like Boston much, they’ve gotten in out way too much this year…so GO SABRES!
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
8:36 pm
Simeon Varlamov has made three (3) spectacular glove saves for the Capitals in the 2nd stanza. Right now, I have to give the edge to Montreal in this game. And the scoreboard does reflect that, as the Habs lead, 2-1. It was Brian Gionta with the goal, for Montreal. And Montreal is going to the PP, with 1:55 left in the 2nd period. They’re going to get the chance to take a 2-goal lead into the 3rd period, if they can convert here.
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
8:39 pm
Instead, it’s a shorty!!! Mike Knuble tallies for the Capitals, with 6.3 seconds left in the 2nd period 2-2!!
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
8:44 pm
No, it wasn’t Carey Price’s fault. The Habs got caught pressing and gave up a 2-on-1, that was converted perfectly. I don’t fault Price on this goal.
The Sabres-Bruins has now reached intermission, with Buffalo still leading, 2-0. I don’t want enrage any Sabre fans, but if they don’t come away with a win, tonight, with a two goal lead here in Boston to tie up the series, they’ll go home to Buffalo facing ELIMINATION, down 3-1 in the series. Buffalo HAS TO WIN this game. No excuses. Excuses and $1.50 buys you a cup of coffee at Denny’s.
Hokey P. Clisters
April 21st, 2010
9:44 pm
I totally agrees with Rawhide on Kovy. Too much water under the bridge. My estimation is that the water has now flooded its banks and ripped the dadgum bridge away. Could we strike an elaborate deal to get him back? I’m afraid the “devil” would be in the details.
By the way, I used my formal name for this response. The P stands for Pokey………….
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
9:55 pm
Bruins scored two in the 3rd period to force overtime in Boston. The Sabres had a PP, but could only manage to ring it off the post. There’s 13:00 left in the first overtime. Sabres fans must be sweating bullets. They’re staring 3-1, right in the face.
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
9:57 pm
Bruins just blew a glorious scoring chance. They also managed to get a shorthanded breakaway opportunity during the Sabres PP. Boston has to be shaking their heads; they’ve had such great chances. What an overtime!!!!
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
10:02 pm
Washington owned the 3rd period, to defeat Montreal, 6-3. It was tied, 2-2, after two periods. Could tonight have been the very last time that Montreal fans will see Carey Price wearing “les bleus, blancs, et rouges?”
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
10:18 pm
We’re headed to double overtime in Boston. Anybody want to try to pick the goal scorer? R.Stroz, you’re the Nostradamus of the blog. Pick me a goal scorer.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
10:28 pm
Sabres blowing it again-this has been going on for 40 years-since the first Nixon administration!
The Beatles still had a faint heart beat as a group. “Patton” was released. And the sabres were starting their traditional swoon when the games meant something. And so it goes.
LAC-I hope Philly can overcome Gagne and Carter’s injuries to close out the series. Tough injuries at a crucial time.
HookyBob
April 21st, 2010
10:32 pm
I second JB’s motion (nomination) for Stroz’s “best blog ever.” Ironic how Kovy is helping us more, as a member of another team, while playing his usual game. Russian:… Kovy does score a lot,..but many are on the PP. Since he has a negative +/- that tells me we get scored on more at full strength (when he is on the ice) than we score. Ungood.
I’m pulling for Philly (swallow hard). Yes, if Kovy doesn’t really step it up, and the Devils advance, his stock will plummet faster than the NYSE back in the fall of 2008. I’m so glad we divested of Kovy when his stock was worth a lot (Oduya, Berfors, Cormier, etc). Hard to believe it is Sweet Lou who might have “de ja vu all over again” stockwise. My bet is that Kovy doesn’t get a good enough offer in the NHL and ends up in the KHL.
Swallowing hard again,…did I just give DW a backhanded compliment?
Getting Iggy would be a dream come true. Let me list the benefits 1) Scoring, leadership, attitude, work ethic & grit (that is really 5 reasons folks),…2) Role model / mentor for Evander (the real deal) Kane. 3)Something tells me he would be a real draw here in Atlanta, a hockey hinterland. What more could you want in a hockey player? This is one of those things that would be too good to be true. (Besides Todd White would have to give up his #12.)
Second on my wish list would be either Carey Price or Jarislov Halleck, whichever one the snow farmers (TM Bob) will deal/opt out on. If not one of these guys,… I think I’d go looking for some Finnish goalie. No offense Mr Stendec,..I just think Finland produces a lot of 1st rate goalies (Kipper, Nittimaki, Rask, Renne, etc), and we might find a sleeper. They produce a lot of tough goalies too. Anyone remember our first Finnish goalie? I still remember Pasi Nermenen going toe to toe with the Oilers Ty Conklin. I’d trade my Steffan #13 jersey in a heartbeat for a Pasi.
Finally, any chance we keep Kozlov as our “shoot-out” coach? If he’d get us 6 or so more points a season it would be worth it.
World Be Free
April 21st, 2010
10:36 pm
Red Light-nice piece on the ties that bind. The business is like that, people helping each out along the way. I think Don needed “help” more than Duds. Wish we had some video of Don as a player, now that would be entertaining.
Stroz-I was with you on brining Kovy back at first. But the more I thought about what went down this year, the more NOW I say no. He shoulda said he wanted to leave and we could have picked up assets for him early in the season. The drama dragged on most of the season.
Plus, he was your captain. if you bring him back, do you make him captain again! ? No, no and no, name a new captain from your younger players. You can’t have a former captain in your lineup with a new captain at the helm.
It’s like being married, getting divorced, remarried and keeping your ex-wife in the basement. Kovy is not a leader.
R. Stroztradamus
April 21st, 2010
10:54 pm
Brendan – I just arrived home, however, I predict Satan will score the winning goal for Boston.
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
11:22 pm
R.Stroztradamus, you did it again! Unbelievable!! How do you do it???
Brendan
April 21st, 2010
11:27 pm
Anyone know if Miroslav is married?
If he isn’t, I could see this scenario. A daughter turns to her father, “Please, Dad. Answer the door and let my new boyfriend in.” The father opens the door. “Hello there, son. My daughter’s inside. Say, I didn’t catch your name.” He replies, “Miroslav, but you can call me Miro.” “Miro, eh?,” says the father, rubbin’ his chin. “What’s your last name?” “Satan.” The father perks up, and calls for his wife. “Honey! You may well have been right all along. Our daughter just might be the ‘Bride of Satan.’”
HookyBob
April 21st, 2010
11:32 pm
So,if the current trend continues we are looking at (smacking forehead with kuckles,… to knock on wood) the Caps and Philly in round 2 (and the Pens vs Boston). I’m thinking the Caps and Phily woudl be a some great hockey (even if it ends in sweep).
Out west,..rather soon to tell,..but I think Brendan might get his Preds and Yotes match-up. I would much rather see that as the conference final. Not sure who needs to win this round for that to happen though.
Strozadamus,…the legend grows! Tell me who will we draft this year?
World Be Free
April 22nd, 2010
7:20 am
To follow up last night’s comments.
If you ever want to know why Sabres’ fans are such a deranged bunch, just watch a replay of last night’s game against the Brunes,. Yet another season of high expectations and low results with half the team not showing up for a crucial game.
I predict that Ryan Miller, once day will pull a Dom Hasek. He’ll walk into Sabres’ management and ask to be traded to a team that has a hope of winning a Stanley Cup. Miller will go to Detroit and win his Cup just like Hasek.
Now you know why I have hope as a Thrashers’ fan-because there is no hope in Sabre land.
Red Light
April 22nd, 2010
7:38 am
Not sure that dropping two one-goal games, one in 2OT, without two important players qualifies as a complete failure in Buffalo. In fact, last night’s first overtime was 20 minutes of fantastic hockey World Be Free. Disappointing yes, but certainly not a complete mail-in failure ala the Habs’ third period. All Eastern Conference series stand at 3-1, while all Western series stand at 2-2, except for Nashville, which can go up 3-1 tonight at home.
I think San Jose will win tonight and the Hawks better come up with a big effort or they’ll be staring at elimination Saturday on NBC.
World Be Free
April 22nd, 2010
7:49 am
Red Light, Sabres have had the lead in all 4 games and they are down 3-1 in the series. Had a 2 goal game going into the 3rd period last night and blew it again. Same old act we have seen for years.
Lindy for 14 seasons is called “stability”; I call it apathy.
Dwayne
April 22nd, 2010
8:38 am
I.D.W.T.
W.W.D.D?
Joe Friday
April 22nd, 2010
9:08 am
“Call me crazy”
Ok, you’re crazy! Kovy will never sign here and he’s not a guy you build a club around. Pass, pass, pass.
Spud Webb
April 22nd, 2010
9:27 am
WBF……same old story. Tough to watch for sure!! Gonna be the end for some of those guys, stafford gone, Pominville gone, possibly Tallinder.
The sabres have more talent in the AHL, but those guys are literally TINY. Need some beef!!!
Also on the Max re-signing. We’ve all gone over this before. Sure he scored 24 goals, good for him. He’s proven he derserves to be in this league. For me, I’ll take the hard working, never a shift off guys. Max still has his lapses, his cherry picking…his “i’m not interested tonight” nights. Just my opinion but let him go. Not interested at all. If he doesnt score, he’s not doing anything. I’m fairly certain back-checking isn’t in his dictionary!!!!!!!!!!!
World Be Free
April 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
Spud-I think the house is split on Max-I will defer to Duds. I did not want him here to beghin with, but he sure surpised me. I do want him back, but I am worried about what will happen when he’s no longer playing for a contract as he did last year. He took alotta paid time off in Buffalo.
Sabres’ problems are Darcy Regier and the legoin of smurfs he has collect, except for Zach Kassian who’s an animal. As my buddies stated last night, people will be satisfied enough to keep the status quo because they made the playoffs. I say BFD!
And to think that some people call Thrashers’ fans sheep!
R. Stroz
April 22nd, 2010
10:15 am
Thanks Joe Bob Friday, I needed confirmation.
It’s not pass, pass, pass.
It’s screen the goalie and shoot, shoot, shoot.
Rawhide
April 22nd, 2010
11:17 am
Wow…almost 150 comments in less than a day and a half since this blog went live. Now some may say I am “misinformed” about certain matters, but I don’t think it’s too difficult to find good, quality Thrashers discussion…or playoff chat as well.
Nope, not to difficult at all…It’s found right here on the AJC.com sports page by way of your comments. You guys provide some of the best, most informative, most entertaining Thrashers/NHL Playoff coverage found anywhere in Thrasherville.
For that, I think you deserve a new blog to continue your discussions…so here ya go, have at it.
Chris16
April 22nd, 2010
9:36 pm
Bye Kovy, He is never coming back to Atlanta, I will add to the list Hossa, Savard, Heathly all will never play here PERIOD. Back Kovy and the Devils He did not help them at all to win one playoff game.