Kulda should be in Atlanta this fall, but who else would, could, should?
During the course of the summer we’ve occasionally paused to examine just where the Atlanta Thrashers roster stood. Since we last performed such a review, we have learned of three players that will definitely not return to the lineup. Clarke MacArthur and his $2.4 million arbitration award was given a one-way ticket out of Thrasherville . Maxim Afinogenov left for the KHL, taking his 24 goals & 61 points with him. And Todd White was traded and he took his…well…he took his milk carton to Broadway.
So with that, let’s once again see where the Thrashers are in regards to on-ice personnel. But this time, we’ll concentrate on which prospects might have the best chance to make the NHL squad this fall.
Barring any other transactions, Hainsey, Enstrom, Oduya, Bogosian, Sopel and Valabikshould man the defensive corps. But that leaves one more to provide a healthy scratch in the press box. Conventional wisdom would point to Arturs Kulda to fit the bill, though some will be quick to add Paul Postma has a decent shot to make the team too. But given what Kulda showed in his few games up last winter and his play with the Wolves, Paul would really need to have a spectacular training camp/preseason to move past Arturs onthe depth chart.
In fact, I would even go so far to say that even if Rick Dudley were to pull off another deal to acquire another blueliner, Kulda probably wouldn’t be the odd man out, it might just be Boris Valabik who could be placed upon the trading blocks.
Up front… well, that’s where we could really see a battle for a couple open slots. Currently under contract are nine forwards who already have spots on the team…Antropov, Byfuglien, Kane, Ladd, Peverley, Slater, Boulton, Eager and Thorburn. Add in RFAs Little and Bergfors, whose contracts are still yet to be announced, and you have eleven of the twelve needed to ice four lines.
That would leave one more forward to dress and one or two more for healthy scratches.
Who do you think has the best shot at cracking the Thrashers lineup? (Pick three)
- A. Kulda (77%, 189 Votes)
- P. Postma (9%, 23 Votes)
- P. Cormier (72%, 178 Votes)
- S. Machacek (19%, 46 Votes)
- C. Klingberg (17%, 42 Votes)
- A. Stewart (2%, 5 Votes)
- F. Pettersson (12%, 29 Votes)
- A. Esposito (7%, 18 Votes)
- P. Rissmiller (10%, 24 Votes)
- A. Burmistrov (18%, 44 Votes)
Total Voters: 246
Loading ...Among the prospects who should have a legitimate shot at securing those spots are Patrice Cormier, Spencer Machacek, Carl Klingberg, Anthony Stewart, Fredrik Pettersson, Angelo Esposito and last June’s first round draft pick Alexander Burmistrov. Patrick Rissmiller, who was acquired in return for the milk carton, isn’t classified as a “prospect”, but we’ll lump him in as one who will be competing for a job on the NHL squad.
Of the candidates listed above, I would think Cormier enters into camp with the label of “His Job To Lose” affixed to his jersey. If he does make the team, I’d slide him between Eager and Bolts on the fourth line. Then the battle becomes which two forwards get to round out the roster.
Players like Machacek, Klingberg, and Pettersson would be considered chic picks here…certainly the look to factor into the Thrashers’ future. But unless they impress Dudley, Ramsay and Torchetti enough to displace one of the perceived starters on the team, I’d prefer to see them getting ice time with the Wolves…or Barrie in the case of Burmistrov… than observation time from the press box.
Rissmiller, on the other hand, is a good candidate for the role of 13th forward. He’s played in 182 NHL regular season games as well as 30 playoff games while with the Sharks. Plus, seeing that he’ll become 32 in October, it’s not like he requires much more “seasoning” on the farm. Anthony Stewart is a decent possibility here too given he has 105 NHL games under his belt.
And as for Esposito, well, let’s see how far his twice-torn ACL rehab has progress when training camp rolls around. I honestly have my doubts here…but Espo has youth and modern sports medicine on his side.
crossing fingers
Either way, that’s seven or so players that would be vying for two open spots…three if the team opts to keep 14 forwards. Combine that with Arturs Kulda who should be on the back line, and we could see a healthy dose of youth in the Thrashers lineup this October.
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159 comments Add your comment
J-man
August 13th, 2010
9:15 am
Brendan – I don’t think the return for Esposito would be very high. Considering that he’s coming off two ALC injuries and his brief AHL career has been incredibly underwhelming, I’m not seeing how any team would give up much for him. He’s too high risk. Many observers have stated that he completely lacks what it would take to remake himself into a 3rd line player just to get into the league (think Marty Reasoner who was also a 1st round pick in his day). If they are correct, then Esposito will be all or nothing. He’ll either be a valuable top 6 forward or he will never play a game in the NHL.
Joe Friday
August 13th, 2010
9:17 am
Little, Antro, Bergfors
Kane, Peverly, Buff
Ladd, Espo, Mach
Eager, Slater, Thorburn
Boults, Rissmiller
Hainsey, Oduya
Enstrom, Bogosian
Valabik, Sopel
Kulda
Man, that’s kind of depressing to look at, let’s hope there’s still some moves to be made, we need some proven scoring.
But even if that’s what we go with, what the heck, at least it’ll be better than watching Kovy and Max do their figure 8s in the neutral zone instead of playing at both ends. I’d rather watch lunch pail guys work hard and lose than pansies cherry pick and get blown out.
J.B.
August 13th, 2010
9:35 am
just taking the temperature of the population here… do y’all think dudley is done making moves? seems like if he planned to grab another goal scorer (which I think he should), he’d have done it by now. if he’s waiting for prices to drop to a new low, i think we’re there.
rob
August 13th, 2010
9:35 am
Sage,
only thing embarrassing here is your complete inability to get over it. If this affects you to this extent, life must be a bowl of cherries for you my friend. Enough of that.
Trading Hainsey for Campbell wouldn’t be paying $2.whateverM a season for him, it would be paying $7+M a season for him. He ain’t worth it! Why compound one mistake with another, bigger one? If we fall into a can’t resist situation to trade UP, OK…otherwise, let’s stand pat and see what we have before making more issues. Thorn had a lot of PK time, sure, but I see Kane getting a lions share this year. My knock on Thorn is I see him miss a ton of decent chances where the puck should have been in the net…and that is why he is where he is. And while Ladd didnt have much PK in Chi, I believe that is because they had so many offensive threats who were not a defensive liabilty they could play who would capitalize on short handed chances. I dont want Riss in the lineup, he doesnt have what it takes, and I would rather give a younger guy some time up here. They can only get so much time in minors, before it’s a career there. Some will say they would rather have them playing down there than sitting here, and for the under 20 year olds that may be true. After that though, even as the “fill-in” you are practicing with the team here and that will expose them to the speed and higher skill level that they just won’t see in the AHL.
Kulda, Cormier, Pettersson, maybe Mach
SomaAtl95
August 13th, 2010
9:36 am
Re: Sage’s rant: Imagine it is 1990 and a long suffering team fires its latest coach. The GM decides that it is his turn to try and manage the team. A new GM is brought in. Young talent is drafted – and yet there are people who read the paper and complain about how this team will never win and as long as ownership keeps making boneheaded decisions they will never get anywhere, etc etc etc.
That manager’s name: Bobby Cox. And yes, even though ownership made a lot of blunders in the previous decades he didn’t offload the team until AFTER their long string of success started.
The point is to never assume that a team that is making positive moves will continue to suck. All it takes is the right coaching, young talent to mold and finding a way to win. This is the year the Thrashers make the biggest dent in the NHL that they ever have. Naysayers and Fairweather fans will be following the Thrashers by the end of this season. It may not happen but I’d much rather say “This is our year” than saying “They’re going to suck again!”
Re: Players – I’d like to see Cormier and Burmistrov playing this year. I think if developed correctly Burmistrov could be a very fast and unpredictable scorer, like a mix of Kovy and Mad max. We already know that PC can hit, even if it was the horrible hit he landed that got him into trouble. We don’t need a “Matt Cooke” type player but it would be nice to make any team that faces us scared of all defensive lines. I keep sayin it (and quoting Joe Friday), but I want our black and blue birds to make their opponents black and blue when they leave the ice.
Just my 2 ¢
rob
August 13th, 2010
9:41 am
JF,
Would Boris/Sopel together be a good pairing? I liked Hainsey/Oduya, but I think Toby/Bogo and Boris/Sopel will be better paired another way unless Kulda pushes Boris to 7?
Joe Friday
August 13th, 2010
9:49 am
“Would Boris/Sopel together be a good pairing?”
Tweedledee and Tweedledum! Neither one can move a puck up ice. In my perfect scenario, you want a stay at home guy (Sopel and Boris both are) paired with a offensive dman. Sopel is a stay at home guy all day long, and Boris is an offensive dman, but I mean he’s offensive when he’s out there, pee u!
We need a #1 shut down dman, Brendan, so while I like Campbell’s game and he was integral in the ‘Hawks offense, we can’t pay $7m for a guy who can’t eat 30 minutes a night against opposing team’s #1 line.
“But I fired a 79 today at Heritage and all you naysayers can suck it.”
So what’d you shoot on the back? You’re nuts. I put my skirt on and staying in my air conditioned office and skipped our weekly 4pm Thursday tee times, my wife ran into some of the boys at the local watering hole later last night and said they looked like a bunch of drowned rats, too freakin hot for me, Sally.
Brendan
August 13th, 2010
9:51 am
Allright, I’m gonna work on the negativity angle, then. I didn’t think I was coming across “negative,” but since 3 or more posters do perceive that in my posts, it’s probably there more than I thought. I try to be accurate, as much as possible. And I’m one who, generally-speaking, doesn’t ’sugarcoat’ the past. It is what it is. But I’m purposefully trying to be negative.
When you ask yourself this question, “Do you like this ownership?” What is your answer. And be honest. See, ‘cuz I’d like new ownership better than the prospect of this one getting better.
Brendan
August 13th, 2010
9:53 am
Make that, “not purposefully” trying to be negative.
Zim
August 13th, 2010
9:53 am
WBF – How valuable Chris Thorburn may be to the Thrashers does depend on how the coaching staff envisions his role on the roster. At 6-3, 230 pounds with above average skating ability and a long reach, Thorburn is a prototypical up-ice forechecker. Will Ramsay see him as such? I guess in a month or two we’ll know…
Value in the bottom six is not easy to assess. My personal opinion is that the new NHL has pressed the need for multidimensional players throughout the roster and especially in the bottom six. Thorburn’s ability to jump on the PK makes him more valuable than most fourth line options (the same goes for Jim Slater as a bottom six center, Evander Kane as a rookie last year, or potentially Spencer Machacek as a rookie this season).
Thorburn was the only skater in the entire NHL that eclipsed 165 minutes (173) on the PK while averaging less than ten minutes in total ice time. Chris’ three short-handed goals in 2009-10 (third most in the NHL) even make him a threat offensively while down a man.
While I agree that fourth line players do not make up the core of a team in terms of talent, the role that guys like Boulton, Eager, Slater, and Thorburn are vital to the success of a hockey club over a full slate of 82 games; especially when one or two of those players can step in with a solid body on the PK or in the faceoff circle.
RE: Valabik
A decision regarding Valabik’s future and/or role on the NHL squad may not have to come as early as training camp. Boris had his ACL reconstruction on February 12. Generally, ACL surgery takes between 6-8 months to recover full strength in the knee.
If Valabik’s rehabilitation is ahead of schedule, then Boris could be at full strength right about now. This would give him time to get into ‘hockey shape’ before training camp in September. However, as a player with a significant injury history (ankle twice, ACL, and shoulder), the Thrashers may prolong Valabik’s rehab in order to ensure his health.
If Boris is on the long end of recovery time, then his ACL won’t regain full strength until October. If this turns out to be the case, then Boris will probably need a conditioning stint in the AHL potentially making a return as late as November.
Remember that Valabik cannot be returned to the AHL without clearing waivers so if Boris doesn’t fit into the plans then a trade could be a possibility.
Red Light
August 13th, 2010
9:56 am
SomaATL95
In 1990 the Braves finished in last place in the NL West, so going by your philosophy, the year of the Thrashers will come in 2011-12, not this year! And lets not forget that from 1990 to 1991, the Braves added Pendleton, Belliard, Nixon, Hunter, Bream, Stanton, Deion and Berenguer to the team. So, to your point, more moves are coming!
rob
August 13th, 2010
10:01 am
Zim,
I like Thorburn’s intensity, and while his 3 shortys may have been high, he should have had more. Many times did I catch myself jumping up for what I thought was a sure goal he had only to watch it not go in. Not knocking him, there was an article back around the end of the season where he even said he needed to improve his offensive abilities, so I think even he knows he’s gotta step it up. With the young guys that will be in camp, I think everyone’s going to have to play hard for their spot.
World Be Free
August 13th, 2010
10:08 am
Zim-I have no issue with Thiorny, I like ANY player with an edge. His edge and hustle have kept in the NHL. Maybe that is what kept him here over Arty, his ability to kill penalties, take the body and fight on occasion. But he has been here for awhile, I think the Thorny we see today is the best we will see. So at what point do you take the roster spot and bring in one of the youngsters, which is the subject of this particular blog. Take the Braves, at what point to you sit Troy Glaus and give Freddie Freeman a chance? You have to open spots for your youngsters; if you don’t then what motivates these players? I just look at Thorny as a 4th liner who has given his best. Can other players do what he did last year?
All aspects of our game have to get better if we are going to make the playoffs, this includes better penalty killing. Or on the flip side, will Rammer make Thorny a better penalty killer? Maybe I am wrong here.
SomaAtl95
August 13th, 2010
10:10 am
Gotcha RL, just trying to drive the point across that moves made in 1990 were viewed as “more of the same” of a continually bottom dwelling team. A bottom dwelling team that won their division for the next 14 years. Cox was brought in to a bunch of fans wondering just how long he would be the skipper, basically saying the Braves are going to suck no matter who coaches the team and the talent will not be developed correctly and the Braves will always suck… much like the way Sage rips on the Thrashers. That was 20 years ago and even though the Braves are not the team they were there was a time when this city (and the whole southeast) pretty much assumed the Braves were going to win their division. I guess I was just trying to point out that clueless ownership can prevail when they bring on people who make the right mix of brains, power and talent – and I think this is the year of the Thrash.
I fully believe we can be the NHL powerhouse that Washington tries to be. Its just going to take the correct mix.
These days ANYTHING is possible.
Joe Friday
August 13th, 2010
10:17 am
“I didn’t think I was coming across “negative,” ”
You’re not, by any stretch of imagination. It’s just that some folks feel that to be a “real fan” (wtf?) you have to see puppies and sunshine in everything, no matter the facts. As Jack Nicholson once famously said “you can’t handle the truth!”
ChippersLoveChild
August 13th, 2010
10:35 am
Off topic, but a few days ago on Twitter they were discussing the four faces of the Thrasers Mount Rushmore or whatever they were calling it…. Who are your four players?
As for the blog I’d say Kulda needs to make the team. He played too well when he was here for me to think he shouldn’t.. and ideally he would have had any minutes they gave to Chelios last year, still don’t understand that move at all…. for the forwards I went with Cormier and Machacek.
GaVaHokie
August 13th, 2010
10:35 am
Joe… Re Valabik/Sopel… that’s why I’m keen on Postma over Kulda, with Boris as the 7th.
Re: Sage… I still find it odd he follows a team he’s never liked and thinks will never change.
GaVaHokie
August 13th, 2010
10:41 am
Chipper… for those not fully aware, its in reference to Puck Daddy’s ongoing article “Mt. Puckmore” and a lot of them have been scars on the organization too, ie: Daigle in Ottawa.
I said Stefan, Heatley, Hossa and Kovy. First draft pick, first blockbuster trade, first Superstar.
Some had Coaches and GM’s… so I would also say Waddell, Hartley, Heater, Kovy.
Red Light
August 13th, 2010
10:49 am
I like what Thorburn does on the ice because he is a versatile role player: fight, kill penalties, score an occasional goal and play well defensively. Is he an NHL lifer in that role? Probably not, but he can play. Is he expendable at some point? Absolutely. WBF is right on: he’s not part of the core.
Other keen observations today: DWTOO about Kulda; J-man on Esposito and Rissmiller; Zim on Valabik and Joe Friday about it being too hot for golf and Brendan. As for Smoothie, he’s digressing again!
Esposito will not make the team out of camp, possibly ever. He’s a less enthusiastic version of Burmistrov with not nearly as much upside. I’ve been told that he peaked at 16.
Machacek could crack the top six someday, but he’s more likely a responsible two-way forward or third-line type. Cormier’s game translates to the NHL. Initially, he’ll be slotted into the checking line center role, key face-off guy, penalty killer, in-your-face disturber and then could develop the offensive portion of his game with more experience. Postma is likely a year away, as he still isn’t solid defensively yet. Another year in the AHL or a mid-season call-up.
None of the young kids are going to stay up here unless Ramsay intends to play them 10 minutes per night or more. Time and experience is too valuable to sit them in the press box on a nightly basis. The press box is reserved for veterans with one-way contracts like Boulton, Rissmiller, Valabik, etc.
And, we do get it Sage! The past 10 years was deplorable and like you, we’re all hoping for better things to come. None of us liked the “promotion” and we all hope the personnel matters are left to others. Does that mean we can’t try to enjoy what we’ve got heading into the new season? I don’t think the off-season moves categorically mean that this team is 15-20 points better than last year, but when I watched the prospects this summer in comparison to previous years, there is much more depth than ever and no Lane Mansons on the ice. Personally, I’m not sold on the Extreme Makeover yet and have No Reservations that this team couldn’t finish in 9th or 10th again. There are some holes, no question about it (playmaking forwards for one), the Eastern Conference looks to be a wide-open race but this team still has a ways to go to catch the Caps in the SE.
But, we know you know and enjoy hockey, and so you don’t have to “subsidize” the organization, you pick the game and I’ll give you a ticket or two. Spud Webb could use the company in my seats!
Zim
August 13th, 2010
10:54 am
WBF – I’d agree with opening a roster spot in the top nine for a young player or prospect (which is what I think will happen on the third line RW), but the fourth line is a different animal. In my opinion, the only Thrasher prospect that could potentially bring a better fourth line skill set than Thorburn is Patrice Cormier.
Machacek might start off there, but his success at the NHL level is likely as a third liner. Carl Klingberg has Colby Armstrong-like utility potential as a middle six winger (second or third line) and the sample size is too small to gauge how Fredrik Pettersson will best be utilized.
If Jordan LaVallee were still in the system, I’d love for him to get a shot over Thorburn, but I just don’t see anybody in the system that can bring the value that Thorburn does for a fourth line roster spot.
Alan R.
August 13th, 2010
10:55 am
Alan R., we’re talkin’ about how to make the team better. I’m open to all sorts of ideas
The post preceding mine above started off innocently enough, but instantly fell into the “let’s see how many first rounders we’ve sent away.” I had to stop reading.
I know this team has a pretty crappy history. I’m pretty certain all of us here know. Do we really need to be reminded of that? Yeah, this is the offseason. Really slow and a crappy time to be a fan. I implore you, don’t make it any worse of a time than it already is.
Alan R.
August 13th, 2010
10:59 am
It’s just that some folks feel that to be a “real fan” (wtf?) you have to see puppies and sunshine in everything
If you’re referring to me, you might want to reassess your statement, or just take the blinders off. As others would tell you, that is not how I am.
Also, what is this “Real Fan” garbage, anyway? Go ahead. I’ll wait while you make something up.
Sage of Bluesland
August 13th, 2010
11:08 am
“…The point is to never assume that a team that is making positive moves will continue to suck. All it takes is the right coaching, young talent to mold and finding a way to win….”
You’re so incredibly wrong about the history of the Braves’ rising that it’s not even funny. I WAS there and the key to it all was the mid-1980s, when OWNERSHIP determined that they would revamp the minor leagues once and for all–and build the right way, with the proper funding.
Yes, that meant Ted Turner getting out of the decision-making process and getting Bobby Cox here as the GM (with Chuck Tanner as the coach). Yes, that meant Ted Turner witnessing years of pitiful on-field products while the minors re-tooled.
Yes, I was there–and yes, I knew what was going on. The timetable took a little longer than Tanner’s optimistic predictions–but the young core was apparent to all.
What’s the real point that you cannot grasp and thus the comparison is laughably ignorant: OWNERSHIP. Let me spell that out in capital letters so you can see it again: OWNERSHIP.
Get it? Feel like drawing some more comparisons? Please, I need the laugh…
Sage of Bluesland
August 13th, 2010
11:12 am
…Oh, and did I mention the next most important thing: FUNDING.
Commitment by OWNERSHIP with FUNDING.
Get it?
Now compare the learned stewardship of Ted Turner with the cluster that is the ASG!
Compare the GM abilities of Cox/Schuerholz with Waddell!
Get it?
Look no further than the very top of the organization to see what the future (and present) holds…
(silly flag-wavers…all of their delusional dreams built on such obviously flawed ‘hope’…)
Smoothie
August 13th, 2010
11:33 am
Interesting, now that Sage can’t continually whip-up on ol’ bumbling Donnie, he has decided that he’s just going to rail on our pathetic ownership group, which could be aptly referred to as a “mutant slob-child of corporate synergy” (courtest of Mortimer Peacock of the Blueland Chronicle), because he must direct his incessant negativity towards something, someone. What is the point? You’re not only preaching to the choir, you just sound like a whiny, petulant child who doesn’t get his way after being spoiled for 10 years as a pre-teen.
Bugger off!
“So what’d you shoot on the back? You’re nuts. I put my skirt on and staying in my air conditioned office and skipped our weekly 4pm Thursday tee times”
Joe, indeed it was a steamy, hot round of golf, but we were lucky in the fact that we had to play the little-played Tradition side, more target golf than the other two nines, where there was significant shade on just about every tee box save for the first hole. Perhaps the fact that my hands weren’t covered in sweat helped me keep from losing control of the driver.
Keep it in the fairway on that nine and you’ve got many looks from 130 yards and in. Fun little nine. Just wish I hadn’t pushed my drive OB on 8 and made dbl bogey, otherwise I might have shot par on that side. Oh well, there’s always the next round. Hey, fancy that! Forward positive thinking! Cue Sage to crap on my golf game / addiction next! Can’t wait.
Oh yeah, where do you and your wife play? Live on a course?
Smoothie
August 13th, 2010
11:35 am
Darn this spam filter! Guess Trixie doesn’t like golf much!
Dearest Trixie, would you please rescue my lengthy “digression” on the vagaries of golf and Sage’s whiny diatribes.
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
August 13th, 2010
11:42 am
…taking time out from filing nails…
Mr. Smoothie – There…done.
…returning to filing nails…
Red Light
August 13th, 2010
11:44 am
There really is not much disparity in being acutely optimistic and belligerently pessimistic, as neither viewpoint is realistic.
Continue…
rob
August 13th, 2010
11:56 am
I think secretly Sage goes to every game……and cheers for the other team.
On a different note, nhl.com has an article on the importance of goalie coaches, and given that we are bringing in Mason and have youthful Pavs, anyone feel it is detrimental not having one here? If we only contract people to come in when needed as I believe was said before, does anyone know if the person(s) have been chosen or announced? I did hear Mason in his interview say he coaches some during the off season but also that a player doesn’t neccesarily make the best coach. Maybe they think he can coach Pavs???? Maybe we could get Vivs to see if no one knows….or perhaps even Flames?
GS (and other goalies),
thoughts or concerns you see with this?
SomaAtl95
August 13th, 2010
11:57 am
Wow. After a year I finally feel like I belong here. Sage has torn me a new one. Took you long enough. I guess I let out a sheeple “baaahhhhhh” loudly enough to earn your scorn.
You weren’t the only person watching the Braves back in their (really) bad days, and you aren’t the only person who hasn’t been happy with the way the Thrashers have been run. You know what buddy? If you call yourself a hockey fan then STFU and enjoy hockey here. The Oilers and Leafs stunk it up last season – they still have loyal fans through thick and thin. If you want Atlanta to keep their team (and don’t have anything even REMOTELY POSITIVE to say) then just don’t say anything at all! Call everyone here sheep, sheeple, idiots, tards, whatever, it just makes you look like the fat girl at the dance who doesn’t put out so she is going home to complain about how boys are evil and ugly and just want one thing – just not from her. In the past year I’ve tried to take a “Can’t we all just get along” but now that I am one of the “lucky” people to earn your scorn I politely ask that you remain under the bridge with the trolls who say “Atlanta has a hockey team?”
The rest of us “Sheep” will be rooting for our team. You’re subsidizing hate – which must make you Canadian. Why don’t you start adding “Eh?” to your rants about how awful hockey is in “Non traditional markets”
I’ve had my say buddy. Have a great life.
BAAAAAAAAAAAAA! BAAAAAAAAA!!! BAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! – Sheeple Pride!
BlueSpark
August 13th, 2010
12:00 pm
Sage, you do understand that NOTHING you write here about ownership will have ANY AFFECT whatsoever, don’t you? So why not relent? You’re like stendec’s less-retarded cousin.
World Be Free
August 13th, 2010
12:15 pm
Zim- good points in your posts-you are a hard presser like Thorny.
Frankly guys, I think Doris’ days are done here. I just don’t see enough in his play that makes him a regular NHL defenseman. I think Smoothie talked about his balance some time ago-he looks like he’s ready to fall over at times-that’s a big “timber”! A guy that big should be a physical presence and/or a shutdown defenseman if he’s going to stay in the league. I know he is relatively young, but I just don’t see the need to waste alotta time on Valabik. If we lose him in waivers going back to the AHL, oh well.
Sage-the team is what it is from top to bottom. I think we have all determined the root causes of the last 10 seasons-they are all pretty clear. If you don’t like it, you can continue to stay home in protest, while most of us prepare to attend games this season.
I am subsidizing my love for hockey.
Zombie Steve
August 13th, 2010
12:41 pm
Same old song and dance with Sage…. every board needs at least one good Negative Nancy, right??
Diego from Lilburn
August 13th, 2010
12:45 pm
I’m with Zim on Thorburn. You keep him because of what he’s good at – PK, short-handed goals, willingness to fight, low salary hit.
If Dudley said, “Hey, anybody who doesn’t want to be here I can find them a new home.” then he might have a line out his door that goes from the offices, through the locker room, and out onto the ice in Duluth. Part of being a professional athlete is giving 100% where you get traded. Hossa couldn’t do it and it showed. Colby couldn’t do it and it showed. I’m sure there are others. I’m not always happy at my job but I don’t sabotage my team for it.
Hokie P. Clisters
August 13th, 2010
12:52 pm
Kovy asks: Can I subsidize my circumvented cap for a finnish goalie, 13,548 sheep, new ownership, and a magical spreadsheet?
Joe Friday
August 13th, 2010
12:53 pm
“I said Stefan, Heatley, Hossa and Kovy. First draft pick, first blockbuster trade, first Superstar.”
Ditto, got to be them.
“you pick the game and I’ll give you a ticket or two. Spud Webb could use the company in my seats!”
What am I, chopped liver? You know the wifey and I love us some club seats, I’ll even pay ya (or let you invite me to Hawk’s Ridge, I’m just that kind of guy).
“Also, what is this “Real Fan” garbage, anyway? Go ahead. I’ll wait while you make something up.”
Settle down, Sparky. That’s an old storyline on this blog and the preceding message board threads, probably predates you and it was not directed at you. There were some that I haven’t seen in a while that kept coming on here (I personally think they were team ticket reps/shills) constantly saying “if you’re a real fan, you’ll buy tix no matter what” “real fans don’t talk bad about their team” and other mindless tripe.
“Oh yeah, where do you and your wife play? Live on a course?”
What is this, crap on Joe Friday day? Play with my wife? No sir, boys golf together, I am not retired yet (I guess we’ll go golfing together then). Last nite I went home and the wifey went out with the girls and found the boys (who surely ripped me a new one for playing Mr. Mom at home while she went out).
Re. the Braves, I do remember the new regime coming in (Schuerholtz) and he brought in Pendleton, and we rolled our eyes, but then voila, like a great chef it all came together. It’s one of the reasons why I railed for years that nothing would change here until the GM changed. At least we got 1/2 way there and it already shows. New owners and we’ll get all the way there. Do not give up hope, but keep the blinders off as well, there’s still plenty of mess in the Spirit Squad’s offices, but the hockey guys closest to the ice got a lot better (Dudley and coaches) and the lineup has some coherence to it.
Zim
August 13th, 2010
1:00 pm
WBF – You and I are just at opposite ends this round, eh?
I’m one of the (few?) people that felt Boris turned a corner in his 27 games with Atlanta last season. Valabik was a +2 last season with an even or better rating in 24 games while never accumulating multiple minuses (only -1) in the other three contests.
Valabik also did a commendable job staying out of the penalty box with ’stupid’ or ‘lazy’ penalties. Of his 36 PIM, 20 minutes came on four fighting majors and six minutes on three roughing penalties (which aren’t good, but aren’t always bad either). Valabik had six technical infractions.
We can debate whether or not Boris Valabik will be a building block for the Thrashers franchise all afternoon, but there is no way to find out until he hits the ice again. However, putting a former first round draft pick with NHL-level physical attributes (size, strength) on waivers is poor asset management. Valabik most definitely would be claimed.
If Atlanta was able to get trade value out of former first round draft busts Patrik Stefan and Alex Bourret, then certainly Dudley could find a suitor for Valabik. The man traded an injured Todd White coming off his worse season in a decade! Running the risk of losing Boris to waivers would be irresponsible asset management.
World Be Free
August 13th, 2010
1:01 pm
In a sense, Dudley had his choice of Thorny and Armstrong and he choice Thorburn. Some may argue that Armstrong wanted out and there’s enough evidence to support this statement. But I also don’t remember hearing Dudley trying that hard to keep Army.
So Armstrong does to Tronna, a city that has no love for guys who don’t play every night. Can’t wait till Don Cherry drops the “floater” tag on Armstrong when we disappears for 5-6 games like he did here when he should have been playing for a contract!
TableHockey
August 13th, 2010
1:10 pm
yeah WBF – perhaps Armstrong should have called Exelby before excepting that offer from the Leafs.
GaVaHokie
August 13th, 2010
1:19 pm
I do have to say, changing directions, Waddell had an exciting brand of hockey, although highly unsuccessful. Dudley, on the other hand, while it should be successful, has built a somewhat boring brand of hockey.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the changes. But, there were stretches last year where Bruins hockey was some of the most boring hockey on television. Anyone who suffered through having Wheeler, Ryder and Sturm on there Fantasy Rosters can probably attest.
schroeder
August 13th, 2010
1:21 pm
I am personally ambivilent towards Thorburn,I think his ability to kill penalties and his grit is cancelled by his lack of offensive ability.I would have resigned R2 and put him on the 4th line. My real issue is with Doris, a defenseman needs to know how to skate. I truly believe that Waddell got tired of hearing about his love of smurfs and decided to draft a 6′ 7″ pylon regardless of his ability. He has had ample time to get to the NHL level based on being drafted in the 1st rnd. He still plays a “clutch&grab”type game and that is because he does not possess the skating ability to stay in front of faster skaters and position himself properly.It would not hurt my feelings to see a pkg of Thorburn and Valabik and maybe a pick to NJ for Zajac once the K-puke disaster is over. If he cannot skate by himself without breaking his own ankle or damage it to the extent of requiring surgery,then I sure don’t want him skating on even 3rd d-pairings. One last thing SAGE,one word to you THORAZINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TableHockey
August 13th, 2010
1:21 pm
Zim – I wouldn’t mind the Thrasher’s giving Valabik more time to develop before pulling the trigger on a trade. I thought he was definitely playing his best hockey right before his injury. I would hate to look like the Islanders and give up on a big D man (Chara in their case) because development was too slow.
In fairness though I do see a slight risk in how injury prone he is. If he got hurt again next season for an extended period his trade value plummets.
GaVaHokie
August 13th, 2010
1:22 pm
… This will be the first year since year one that the team won’t have any kind of “razzle dazzle”. What I always called “the dog and pony” show.
Sheeple Pride
August 13th, 2010
1:27 pm
Baaahhhhhhhh! Bahhhhhhhh!!! BAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAAAAA, BAAAAA ber ann…..
DWTOO
August 13th, 2010
1:38 pm
This is probably Valabik’s put up/shut up year. He probably has one more chance to prove he can play at this level. He has been an enigma – sometimes he’ll make a play and in the next minute looks like he plays on the same Lower A team I did.
Tom Lysiak
August 13th, 2010
2:39 pm
There should be at least three givens that never really require repeating on this blog (yet they constantly are by the same folks): 1) The owners are a huge part of the problem (care more about the Hawks, cheap, broke, inept, etc.); 2) Don Waddell had more than ample time to build a great organization and he did not (bad draft picks, some good draft picks, bad trades, some good trades, bad coaching choices, etc); 3) some players don’t want to play here, even after landing here not by choice.
Reality sucks, but here it is: 1) ASG still owns the team and even though they supposedly had partners coming in, they will own the team for the forseeable future. All this whining and bad-mouthing has not and will not make that change. Even they know how they are viewed and they don’t care what you think. 2) DW makes killer money running this franchise and is apparently untouchable. Again, all this whining and bad-mouthing has not and apparently will not make that change. He sure doesn’t care what you think. 3) This is PROFESSIONAL hockey. It is big-boy land. If you want to play professional sports, you will follow your contract wherever it goes. Or, go home and suck your thumb. Whether you want to be here (or anywhere else) should be irrelevant if you are a paid professional. If you choose to mail it in here or in another city, then you deal with the fallout (see S. Kozlov). Some like Colby end up making out after leaving, but will he mail it in there when he sees the bad things about playing there? These guys make enough money to either be set for life or at least live very, very well. Professional sports requires you to go where your talent can be utilized and compensated accordingly. Chipper Jones seems to prefer living on his ranch in Texas, but guess what? Playing baseball in Atlanta bought him that ranch. I don’t give a $#%^ whether a player wants to play here. He can honor the contract like a professional or get a job at a Burger King in the city he prefers living in.
I personally can’t wait for October 8th to “subsidize the futility” with a cold beer. See, I’m going there to watch the game and support the team that has the Thrashers logo on the jersey. I’ll have a great time doing it and could care less what “the boycotters” think. See ya there Sage.
Dale Rolfe
August 13th, 2010
2:40 pm
Valabik is just a stronger version of Todd Reirden.
Uwe Krupp
August 13th, 2010
2:41 pm
Valabik is just a left-handed, younger version of me.
Sage of Bluesland
August 13th, 2010
2:42 pm
“…Sage-the team is what it is from top to bottom. I think we have all determined the root causes of the last 10 seasons-they are all pretty clear. If you don’t like it, you can continue to stay home in protest, while most of us prepare to attend games this season.
I am subsidizing my love for hockey.”
But what I simply don’t understand is this is precisely what enables the ownership to continue with their ways; I wouldn’t change a thing, either, if I had paying customers who were just happy to be there while I counted my money!
I can understand what you’re saying–and at least you’re civil and comprehensible in it–but I just don’t agree with it.
However, I will continue to encourage others to stop putting money in places it doesn’t belong (at least my judgment on that point). I have done it many times and I HAVE had an impact, I can assure you.
I want a team to be proud of; I want truth, honesty, and accountability; I want to know precisely what the ownership’s plan is, be it happy-to-be-in-the-league to win-a-title-or-be-fired. As a (formerly) paying consumer, I don’t just want them, I demand them. I AM (well, was) the customer.
If you (all) like embarrassment and incompetence, then feel free to pay for it…I’ll choose to laugh at you when you complain, especially when you wonder aloud ‘why is it like this?’ or ‘why do I subject myself to this treatment’…I especially enjoy that, too! Heaven knows, with the folks and their hopes/dreams/fantasies around here, I have no shortage of material to work with and laugh at…
I actually believe in putting action into words–and not just following along like a lemming…It’s the ONLY thing which will get ownership’s attention. Cut the funds and watch how fast the change occurs.
And, if this ownership group just pays lip-service to winning the title, then we have a right to know this. If they sell to cut their losses, then I say good riddance. If the team moves, life WILL go on…So be it.
Not another dollar for incompetence. The folks who have ALL the power in the entire equation walk around saying ‘woe is me’…Yet, they can force the very change they want–but refuse to suffer short-term sacrifice for the longer-term good. That is a sheep, by its very definition.
I’ll never understand or support that mindset.
Red Light
August 13th, 2010
2:44 pm
Thank you Tom Lysiak. A perfect dose of realism!
Joe Friday…your lovely wife can have a ticket anytime, you however, must pay for yours!