Will Todd White ‘be a big part of our future’?
The ‘buy out’ period in the NHL began this week. Teams have until June 30 to determine if any of the players currently under contract should be dropped from their payroll…paying them a portion of what that contract is worth and sending them on their way.
The last time the Thrashers used such an option was in the summer of 2008 when Alexei Zhitnik was bought out. This happened just days after then-general manager Don Waddell stated that the defenseman would “be a big part of our future”. Since then, the organization has spent the last two years paying him $1.16 million to not play for them. However, it opened up a roster spot for another defender to fill and freed up about two mil of cap space.
The current general manager, Rick Dudley, has indicated recently that he “doesn’t think it’s an option the team will use this season”. That may be so, but I can’t help but wonder if this topic might still come up between Dudley and [insert name of yet-to-be named new head coach here] if the new coach does arrive in Thrasherville by the end of the month.
Todd White, seen here in action against the Detroit Red Wings, has scored 43 goals, 91 assists and is a -32 during 221 games with the Thrashers (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Now if …even if just for grins and giggles…the pair do sit down and over a cup of coffee share thoughts on how to allocate the soon-to-be-freed up Zhitnik Buyout Fund, don’t you think they might at least breach the topic of moving that money over to the column of another player? Someone like …oh, I don’t know…let’s say, Todd White?
The 35-year old White will be entering into the last year of his four-year contract that pays $2.4 mil per season. He was brought in by Waddell in the summer of 2007…just after the organization had made it’s one-and-only showing in the playoffs…and was sold to us as the team’s top-line center, the man who would center Ilya Kovalchuk’s line.
His stats for the three seasons played here…43 goals, 91 assists and a –32 during 221 games. He followed up a 14 goal, 37-point 2007-08 season with a very impressive 22 goal, 73-point year…a career high in overall points. But then he dropped a 7 goal, 26 point steamer on the ice of Philips just last season.
Highlighting his efforts was a 34-game goalless drought that spanned from Halloween to January 12. During this time he dished out but 12 assist and was a –11. This caused his picture to be plastered on the milk carton labeled “Missing” for several weeks.
White was a –17 in the middle of March before doctoring that stat with a +6 over the last four games he suited up for. Fellow forwards Maxim Afinogenov and Rich Peverley finished –17 and –14 respectively, but they were at least contributing on the other end of the ice with 61 and 55 points.
Now honestly, I didn’t go into last fall with any expectations that we would see a return of the 2008-09 version of Todd White. But I must admit I wasn’t expecting the abysmal showing that we witnessed in 2009-10.
So, what was the difference between the two seasons for Whitey?
Well, the simple answer could be found with his power play production. In 2008-09 he amassed 12 goals and 22 assists while the Thrashers played a man-up. Why, he even tossed in a shorty to boot. Last season, 2 goals and 8 assists came while on the power play.
Also, one could credit the strong numbers put up in in 08-09 at least in part to the play of the men skating either side of him for much of that year…Bryan Little and Slava Kozlov. Little was playing in his first full season with the Thrashers and scored 31 goals and 20 assists in 79 games. Kozlov rebounded from a disappointing, injury-riddled 07-08 season to produce 26 goals and 50 assists while playing in all 82 games.
Not to be overlooked is White’s “soft” play on both ends of the ice, specifically in the defensive zone. Not just soft…but “Charmin soft”, as some have said.
However, IMHO, the reason for last year’s “drop-off” has more to do with the fact that the numbers put up two years ago were more an exception than the rule when it comes to Todd White. I mean, answer me this… if White does return next season, do you think it’s more likely that he’ll come close to his production of two seasons ago…or last season?
While I would be surprised if his numbers resembled anything close to last year’s, I’d be absolutely shocked if he put up the type of stats he did the season prior.
Outside of a buyout, are their any trade options out there for the Thrashers to deal away White? Oh sure… sure, I suppose. But if Dudley can net anything more than a year-old swimsuit calendar featuring the ice girls from the team Todd is shipped off to, I would consider it a steal for the Thrashers.
Actually, on second thought… if Duds were only to get that for Whitey from the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars or Chicago Blackhawks, that wouldn’t be half bad. Just sayin’…
ahem…moving right along…
I’m sure that there are those who might ague in defense of White, and they’ll no doubt point to that 2008-09 “career season” of his. “If he did it then”, one could explain, “Then it is possible he could do it again this year”.
Whitey battled through a couple of injuries last season as well…in fact, he required surgery just after the season ended.” So how much did that calculate into his play?”, some may ask.
Should the Thrashers buy out Todd White?
- Yes: Try to trade him, waive him, then buy him out! (73%, 90 Votes)
- No: He's a quality player and will rebound from last year's off season! (6%, 7 Votes)
- Wait to see what the new coach has to say before taking Charmin off the shelf in Thrasherville (21%, 27 Votes)
Total Voters: 124
Loading ...Also, while his +/- numbers have been un-good here, it can be noted that for his career White is a +21. During his four season’s in Ottawa he was a +48.
But as I stated above, we’ve had three seasons in which to observe his play…and many feel that’s enough and it’s time to move on.
In closing, allow me to add this one other observation in fairness to Todd White. It is entirely possible that he is the victim of “perception” in these parts as much as anything else.
If there is such a thing as a “poster child” for the Don Waddell era as general manager, White very well might just be it. Waddell did not/could not re-sign a player like Eric Belanger in 2007 and was unable to procure a true top-line center during that offseason. So, the Thrashers dangled $9.6 million over four seasons to White, who was 32-years of age then. Who could blame him for taking the money?
looking around the blogosphere…Uh-huh, me either.
But he was viewed as the number-one center, and that can be argured as a bit unfair to man. He came here with that label hung around his neck and was not able to fulfill the expectation.
Plus, given the way the past three seasons have played out, there has been quite a bit of blame to toss around. Certainly Todd White’s gotten quite a bit of that blame splattered on him.
The question is, does he deserve the lion’s share of it.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
148 comments Add your comment
The Chamin Song
June 16th, 2010
1:17 pm
(To the Cadence of Are You Happy and You Know It)
If you get knocked off the puck,
You’re Todd White
If you can’t score a goal,
You’re Todd White
If you suck and you know it,
and every shift you show it,
If you’re hosing up the roster,
You’re Todd White
rob
June 16th, 2010
1:23 pm
I like the thought going on with the team, as far as some of the prospects and next season are looking. I think a lot of enthusiasm will be out there, and I think that is important. If the team is going to really change on the ice, we need a lot of younger guys who WANT to play hardnosed hockey. NOT someone who is just here for a paycheck. Put some excitement back in it. Kane showed how much we have missed that kind of reckless abandon, hit everything that moves, fast-paced hockey. We need the excitement that brings to get people back to the game here. Next season looks to me to be a start, guess we will have to wait and see though, huh?
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
1:23 pm
Kubina- a 3 year contract with a team option for a 4th year.
rob
June 16th, 2010
1:24 pm
Hip,
check out nittymaki’s record against everyone else other than us….he isn’t the answer.
rob
June 16th, 2010
1:32 pm
WBF,
I like the 4M part, and if he would go for 3 w/ option I might be OK with that. But I would more like a 2 year deal better. I know I know, won’t happen, but that is my thought on it.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
1:57 pm
rob-Sabres are rumored to be the team seriously looking at Kubina if he makes it to July 1.
J.B.
June 16th, 2010
2:08 pm
WBF ~ That’s what Eklund said so I wouldn’t put to much stock into the Kubina/Sabres connection
Alan R.
June 16th, 2010
2:15 pm
You mean more people are now taking Eklund’s rumors seriously? I think he’s only been correct three times since he and his merry band of “reliable sources” have come on the scene.
Rawhide
June 16th, 2010
3:06 pm
I’ve been informed that the NHL schedule is set to come out Tuesday at noon. If I’m not mistaken, I think that’s about a month earlier than usual.
kracker
June 16th, 2010
3:25 pm
Wings sign another Filppula. Note that he’s older, hmmm.
Eklund RT @robb_himself19: Detroit Red Wings sign Ilari Filppula to a 1 year $500,000 contract. He is the older brother of Valtteri Filppula.
Nikita (in PA)
June 16th, 2010
3:47 pm
*2nd line C and specialty teams???? That isn’t an easy task for someone on top of their game, let alone White.*
What are you talking about? Last year he sucked in general — but he actually did fairly well in his specialized roles and had a high FO %. And again, if it looks like we don’t need him when we’re getting ready to put the boys on the ice, we can waive him.
Now, he should never be in a shootout. But he’s decent in his role, and will be more decent with less ice time.
*White / Armstrong. Similar money I believe. Lot of hype when they got here about being key factors. Both flops.*
Dude, really? Army’s a decade younger and a foot taller — He’s never put up the kind of numbers that are average for White. And I bet we’d keep Army if he’d stay.
*Look at Pevs.*
It’s funny you mention Pevs. He’s one of the few people this year with a worse +/- than White.
*Let another team claim White and show us wrong.*
Mmmmkay. But if we buy him out, no one can do that.
In an unrelated note: Georges Laraque — bought out!
Todd White
June 16th, 2010
4:01 pm
Nikita loves me.
Brendan
June 16th, 2010
4:13 pm
I’m fine with the $4 million part, for Kubina. I’m not so fine with the 4-years part. At 36 or 37, at $4 million, we won’t be able to offload that contract.
rob
June 16th, 2010
4:42 pm
“And Todd White’s not going below the 3rd. My guess would be 2nd and special teams”
So being a 2nd line C and PK/FO specialist is gonna be a decrease in ice time? A decrease in ice time is going to be 4th line with some time at 3rd, and we have enough 3rd and 4th liners IMO. What does Armstrong’s height/age have to do with it? Both are making similar amounts with similar expectations from them, and BOTH have been flops. This isn’t open to interpretation it’s fact. They had potential and haven’t lived up to it. As next year will be rebuilding anyway, how about making it worthwhile instead of letting White “hang on”. It will allow the youngsters to play and gain experience now.
Can’t defend Pevs +/-. As for the PK, here is your group….: Reasoner/Thorburn and Pevs/Kane.
No need for Todd White on “special teams”
rob
June 16th, 2010
4:45 pm
brendan,
exactly, if he wants 4 yrs, I say we let someone else have that issue…
kracker
June 16th, 2010
4:46 pm
Eklund, fwiw
I have to tell you, this Draft is looking more and more like a trade deadline….
….* Word is the Canadiens are listening to offers on both goalies right now, but the better offers are for Carey Price. I am talking to a source and may get some clues as to what those offers are by days end or tomorrow morning.
I doubt we’re in it but who knows.
kracker
June 16th, 2010
4:53 pm
Unless traded, if White is getting paid he will play. If he shows he’s of little value to the team then you send him down, waive him or he’s press box emergency insurance.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
5:14 pm
JB/Alan R.-yeah I must be bored if I am even reading Eklund.
Eklund’s Buffalo buddy Garth has the Sabres interested in Brian Campbell. Sabres won’t pay Campbell at $5M/year for 5 yrs so why would they consider Campbell’s current contract? I knew you educated bloggers would call me on this one. Hope Kubina isn’t truly lookng for 4 years, cause I don’t think anyone will give him that.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2010
5:19 pm
If y’all are thirsting for scuttlebutt, and Eklund has frustrated you one too many times, then head over to my blog for some carefully constructed innuendo: http://thrashingbirds.blogspot.com/2010/06/whats-up-with-thrashers-coaching-search.html
Nikita (in PA)
June 16th, 2010
5:32 pm
*So being a 2nd line C and PK/FO specialist is gonna be a decrease in ice time?*
TW played on the PP and PK. He also pulled more or less full ice time on his line. As an alternate in all of those roles he’ll play less minutes.
*What does Armstrong’s height/age have to do with it?*
White and Army aren’t at the same point in their careers, they don’t have the same capabilities — basically, comparing them is comparing apples to oranges or gangly young bruisers to middle-aged finesse players. Army still has plenty of potential, but has stalled out — whereas White is more or less what he appears to be.
*Both are making similar amounts with similar expectations from them, and BOTH have been flops.*
Really? a guy with 56 points is a flop?
Further, letting Todd White go at this point is just stupid. We have no idea how he’ll perform, and we’re on the hook for his salary. If he performs on average for his career (which, looking back on his career patterns, seems likely), or better, he’ll exceed the value we pay for him. If he underperforms, we waive him and he either is an asset for the Wolves or gets picked up by someone else. But if we buy him out, we’re just downgrading an asset with no return other than roster space that we haven’t demonstrated a need for.
*As next year will be rebuilding anyway, how about making it worthwhile instead of letting White “hang on”. It will allow the youngsters to play and gain experience now.*
Well, heck. Why not just quit negotiating with people like Max Afinigenov and bring up every greenhorn on the farm?
Oh, yeah. because until we have better options we do need dependable, established players.
Nikita (in PA)
June 16th, 2010
5:34 pm
Sorry — that’d be 71 points. On average he puts in 30-40.
*It will allow the youngsters to play and gain experience now.*
Yeah, that Chelios kid is just EPIC.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2010
5:44 pm
Who had 56 points for the Thrashers last year? Pevs had 55 and was saddled with having to play with Kozlov and White too often. Last year Pevs was a +16 playing with Kozlov & Army. This past season, Pevs had a revolving door of line-mates but it did not help him at all to play several games with both Kozlov and White. If White can come back from injury and put up 35-40 points, that’d be great…for another team!
We better hope to get at least 30-40 points from the likes of Clarke MacArthur who is younger, faster and has better hands. If Kaner can crack 50 points with top 6 minutes and Bergfors continues to build on his rookie season of 21 goals, then why would we really need Todd White? Thorbs, Reasoner, Slater, Pevs & Kane should be able to handle the bulk of PK minutes. Hopefully a player like Pettersson can do that as well so Kane can focus more on the PP.
I highly doubt that White can produce his avg playing 3rd or 4th line minutes. He would need 2nd line minutes and for that he is too much of a potential liability. C-Mac will earn the minutes over White if we are foolish enough to not bring in a UFA winger.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2010
6:06 pm
WBF – What is it that your son says about having an argument with someone on a blog?
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2010
6:07 pm
Oh, yeah. because until we have better options we do need dependable, established players.
Nikita – Are you related to Waddell?
You’d make a great minor league GM.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
7:02 pm
Stroz- “Dad, arguing with someone on a blog is like being in the Special Olympics-even if you win, you’re still a retard”.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
7:10 pm
Smoothie-I sure hope MacArthur contributes more this coming seasson than he did last season. He does have pretty good hands, better than what we saw last season after the trade.
I still believe, as you do that Dudley wants both Rammer and Torchetti, the trick is how you do it.
Smoothie
June 16th, 2010
7:16 pm
WBF – indeed! On the same page again I see. And thanx 4 stopping by ATBT!
If C-Mac gets the vote of confidence he needs, I think he can pot 20-22 goals. Problem is: is he 2nd line material and will he get more than a 1 year tender to prove it?
rob
June 16th, 2010
7:21 pm
ouch! cant be part of the octotards so I will stop when I’m ahead, or behind. Nik, I respectfully agree to disagree, and will gladly cheer for the Thrashers with you and promise to cheer loud if Todd White plays and scores, even if it’s only 7 or so times! Sorry couldn’t resist that one.
World Be Free
June 16th, 2010
7:34 pm
Smoothie-I’ll be back too.
The General (Clarke) needs to play with the right linemates. He’s not big, real fast or very mean so he needs someone to open space for him. My Buffalo buddies keep calling him and AHL-caliber player and he has some tendencies that support that statement. Torchetti or Ramsay, both will help him.
Dwayne
June 16th, 2010
7:42 pm
I’m telling yall, White will get 50 points with the Thrashers. I also said he will equal he 73 he got the year before. oh well… That Charmin song should be nominated for blog song of the year.
Alan R.
June 16th, 2010
7:56 pm
Well, heck. Why not just quit negotiating with people like Max Afinigenov and bring up every greenhorn on the farm?
Afinogenov is an asset, while White is a liability.
Bad example.
R. Stroz
June 16th, 2010
10:25 pm
That Charmin song should be nominated for blog song of the year.
Dwayne – I agree, that artist is a genius.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2010
7:47 am
Lou Lam stated last night that he has no intention of trading Martin Brodeur to anyone. Who would play goalie for NJ if they traded Broduer? Why would Lou want to help the Capitals? Why would Lou trade for a moody player like Semin, other than trying to keep Kovy? Parise and Semin trying to get mega contracts at the same time (next season)? So much for the Semin to New Jersey rumors.
Smoothie
June 17th, 2010
9:59 am
Wow, quiet day today. Where is everyone? Home in bed resting up for a full day of US Open golf!!? Uhh, didn’t think so. Not much going on obviously so I think I’ll go work on my very own mock draft. Anyone here think Neiderreiter will be available at # 8?
jimbo
June 17th, 2010
9:59 am
Charmin in a lightning rod for fan frustration. Unfortunately, he is the personification of “lack of grit”. He gets knocked around and rather than retaliate or get feisty, he folds up his tent. I hope that our new coach changes the face of the Thrash to a “don’t mess with us” image. Whitey simple does not fit.
kracker
June 17th, 2010
10:03 am
Thanks for reminding me about the Open, Smoothie! Anyone think that former #1 player will make the cut??
Alan R.
June 17th, 2010
10:19 am
Home in bed resting up for a full day of US Open golf!!?
I’d rather watch the grass grow.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2010
10:23 am
Smoothie… hard to say about Neiderreiter… I’m thinking before #8. The Top 10 is going to be very unpredictable. I’m coming around to your line of thinking on Skinner.
I think I’ve narrowed our pick down to Johansen or Skinner. I think Etem drops to the teens and becomes a steal for someone like Anaheim.
Saw an expert say recently that “Skinner is not far off from Seguin and Hall.” I don’t see how we can pass up a guy who’s scoring 50 goals along side one of our top prospects (Morin). His skating still makes me nervous though.
World Be Free
June 17th, 2010
10:25 am
jimbo-especially when White makes $2.4M/year. Torchetti and/or Ramsay will ask more of White than he can give on the physical side.
Smoothie, just hoping the rumor mill gets going with some good juice about what might happen at the draft. The UFA pool is pretty shallow. Some teams that have trouble attracting UFAs under any conditions may be looking to trade, avoid the UFA rush and rejection. I am still on the Josh Harding kick, though I thing Dudely has other ideas.
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2010
10:27 am
Here’s a 2010 Thrashers Draft perspective from Hockeysfuture.com…
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/12211/thrashers2010_draft_preview/
GaVaHokie
June 17th, 2010
10:42 am
If you get 10 minutes today, here’s a great video of Jeremy Morin, Jeff Skinner and Ed Pasquale game action…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USw4BjQ59AY
Smoothie
June 17th, 2010
10:47 am
Thanks Hokie! I think you have to give a long look to Jeff Skinner for the reasons you mention, but I don’t like the fact that CSS still has him projected as the 34th best player. Perhaps he is being viewed much the same way as Morin was due to his skating. If Dudley and Co. view Evander Kane as a future C, then perhaps we give stronger consideration to Emerson Etem to be his speedy compliment on the wing. I think it’s one of 5 players: Nino, RyJo, Etem, Connolly and Skinner as darkhorse.
Alan – if you like watching grass grow, there’s always the World Cup!
Put that in your vuvuzela and play it!!
rob
June 17th, 2010
10:55 am
I’d rather wait for Todd White to score his next goal, or wait for Toby Enstrom to shoot the freakin puck, then watch golf. Play golf, OK, accepted practice for hockey players in summer, but watch golf?!?! UGH!!
Alan R.
June 17th, 2010
11:11 am
Never said I like it, Smoothie. Just that if given the option of golf and grass, I’ll take the grass any day.
Smoothie
June 17th, 2010
11:15 am
Y’all don’t actually think I’m naive enough to think many of you like watching golf? You’re hockey fans for Christ’s sake! I just happen to love it and find the US Open to be the most compelling golf tourney in the world with the Masters a close second. It’s quite fun watching amazingly good golfers suffer such stress and failure as they do at the US Open. If nothing else, the last 3 majors helps fill the void during a hockey-less summer!
R. Stroz
June 17th, 2010
11:15 am
I’d rather wait for Todd White to score his next goal, or wait for Toby Enstrom to shoot the freakin puck,
I’m still waiting for Waddell to sign or re-sign a top-tier UFA.
Happy Gilmore
June 17th, 2010
11:16 am
Golf Sucks.
Alan R.
June 17th, 2010
11:34 am
Smoothie, make these golf tournaments more like Caddyshack, and you’ll be able to count me as a fan!
kracker
June 17th, 2010
11:53 am
Any major is good, Smoothie. Seeing Mick blast it out of the trees off the pine straw to within 4 feet at 13 was simply great. He missed the eagle putt but that shot propelled him to his 3rd green jacket.
Smoothie
June 17th, 2010
12:02 pm
Hokie – Morin and Skinner look pretty darn good in those YT videos. Skinner’s skating looks fine. In fact, I think he grew up figure skating a bit as his sisters got into it at an early age. Perhaps scouts are a bit concerned by his Skinner’s stature?