Could Stempniak be heading to Thrasherville?
Craig Custance informed us recently that Thrashers GM Rick Dudley has “touched base” with the agent of Lee Stempniak. The 27-year right wing is still an unsigned UFA who is coming off a three-year contract that paid a total old $7.5 million.
So, is this a “where there is smoke, there is fire” situation? I mean, why would Dudley & Co. let something like this leak out if there wasn’t not any “there” there? And certainly general managers “touch base” with agents all the time…right?
Lee Stempniak, seen here in action against the Nashville Predators, scored 28 goals last season (AP/Frederick Breedon)
Adding some fuel to the flames of speculation is that the Thrashers are looking to replace the two-dozen or so goals that boarded a plane with with Maxim Afinogenov and flew off to Russia. So, it reasons that the 6’-0” 190 lb Stempniak could conceivably fill such a void.
Between Toronto and Phoenix last season he amassed 28 goals and 30 assists during a total of 80 games played. He had an EVEN +/- rating…-10 in 62 games with the Maple Leafs, +10 during 18 games played with the Coyotes. The season before that he had 14 goals, 30 assists and was a –12 while splitting time with the Leafs and St. Louis Blues.
Stempniak grew up in western New York, graduating from St. Francis High School in 2001. His parents insisted he attend college, so he went to Dartmouth where he majored in economics while playing hockey. In his four seasons with the Big Green he scored 63 goals and 88 assists in 135 ECAC games played.
In the summer of 2003 he was drafted 148th overall by the St. Louis Blues.
After four years of college hockey, Stempniak joined the Blues for the 2005-06 season. He was sent down to the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL around New Years, but returned to St. Louis a month later after the Blues traded away Doug Weight and Mike Sillanger. In his first game back, he scored the tying goal during regulation then the game-winning shootout goal in a 3-2 win over Calgary. He played in a total of 57 NHL games that year, scoring 14 goals and 27 assists.
The next season Stempniak played in all 82 games for St. Louis. That year he led the Blues with 27 goals while playing on a line with David Backes and Jay McClement.
Would you like to see Lee Stempniak signed by the Thrashers?
- Yes - Do it now! (81%, 185 Votes)
- No - We can do better (10%, 23 Votes)
- Feh...the roster is fine the way is (9%, 20 Votes)
Total Voters: 228
Loading ...In November of 2008 the Blues dealt Stempniak to Toronto in exchange for Alexander Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo. He played there for remainder of that season and into last year’s campaign, plying in 123 games for the Leafs, scoring 25 goals and 36 assists. He was traded by Toronto to Phoenix on March 3 of this year for Matt Jones and a pair of draft picks.
Stempniak didn’t exactly wander aimlessly in the desert, though, as he netted 14 goals and 4 assists. He earned NHL player of the month honors for the month of March. And last April he experienced the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in his career while with the Coyotes. He had 2 assists in the seven game series loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
For his career, he has 96 goals, 113 assists and is a –24 in 374 NHL games.
What would it cost to acquire Stempniak? As stated above, he is coming off a three-year $7.5 million. Last season he earned $3.5 mil, the season before that his salary was $2.5 mil and $1.5 mil in the first year of the contract.
According to CapGeek.com, the Thrashers are still about $20 million under the cap. So even if he commands similar compensation, Atlanta has more than enough room, (DUH5).
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227 comments Add your comment
kracker
August 24th, 2010
7:14 pm
Do it Duds!!!
World Be Free
August 24th, 2010
7:24 pm
I forgot he went to St. Francis High School or “Frannies” as we used to call them. My HS was 3 miles away from St. Francis but we never played them in hockey since they were in the Catholic Leagues. Great high school academically, though it didn’t have any girls. Just some history.
I don’t see him coming here; where you going to play him. He’ll get alotta money, too much to plunk him on the 3rd line. Phoenix is a good fit, especially when you consider most GMs are going to want to see him repeat last season to make sure 2009-2010 wasn’t a fluke. Six feet, one ninety isn’t exactly a power forward, no edge, spent too much time counting money at Dartmouth.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
7:29 pm
We will find a place for him. You never have enough power tools in the tool shed. 3yr $9 million would be good.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
7:30 pm
Rawhide Thank you for a new post.
Red Light
August 24th, 2010
7:30 pm
Thank you World Be Free. This guy isn’t a difference maker, never has been. Another contract year guy who has yet to get a contract. That tells me two things: he isn’t that valuable to most GMs around the league and he wants too much money.
He’s another Nelson Emerson type who had some very solid years in the league but couldn’t sustain it.
Passing on him with conviction!
World Be Free
August 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Red Light-right on – there’s not one thing about Stepniak’s game that stands out for me. I think he got into a good situation in Phoenix last season and potted alotta goals. He vanished in Tronna when they needed him most. Pass, get me another guy with an edge. Right on with the Nelson Emerson comparison. Those Franny guys were never tough anyhow, but it’s tough to rag on a Polish boy.
Lord Stanley, we would have better off giving dollars to Step’s former teammate, Matthew Lomabrdi who went to Nashville. Lombardi will turn out to be THE best UFA pickup this season. Good speed, hands and he will fit in perfectly in Nashville, another David Poile pickup. Nashville, budget team that always competes.
Rawhide
August 24th, 2010
7:46 pm
Rawhide Thank you for a new post.
Lord Stanley – Don’t mention it…
Smoothie
August 24th, 2010
7:48 pm
Giving up so soon on the Blue Crew piece? The boys were just gettin warmed up!
kracker
August 24th, 2010
7:52 pm
hmmmm We wanted Max back. We got Freddy Meyer. Where were we going to play Max? We want another 20 goal scorer. Stempniak can score 20 goals. duh
Having said that, he has to come at a reasonable price, something along what LS said above. If he wants like 4 years/$15M or more he will have to keep looking.
IDWT
ex-ex-STH
August 24th, 2010
7:57 pm
I don’t think Stemp is the answer. Like kracker said, we passed on Max, so why would we bring in this high $ forward?? Duds is setting up for a trade by stockpiling all these d-men. How about a Valabik, Meyer or Zuberov and Thorburn and a pick/prospect for Carter? Isn’t Philly up against the cap and I thought I heard a rumor about them moving Carter.
Budder
August 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
I agree with kracker…with as much cap space as ASG seems to have, and in a UFA year where pickings have been pretty meager, I’d like to see Stempniak here for $8M/2 yrs.
We gotta get somebody we can write in for twenty goals or better…
Budder
August 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
I sure like the way ex-ex-STH is thinking, though!
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
8:08 pm
okay so those who don’t like the Stemp idea, then who. Right now I think he is the best UFA option, but I have been known to be wrong.
Spud Webb
August 24th, 2010
8:14 pm
No on max and no on nak. I’ll pass on both also.
ex-ex-STH
August 24th, 2010
8:20 pm
Duds ain’t paying for a UFA. He’s trading for a high $ forward. There is plenty to offer!
Budder
August 24th, 2010
8:33 pm
I’ve always been a fan of Jeff Carter’s game, but reading what this Flyers blogger says of the matter, they would want an NHL-proven goaltender packaged with a middling winger and a 5-6 D-Man.
Dang – where’s Moose now?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/406031-philadelphia-flyers-trading-jeff-carter-would-be-a-gamble-at-best
ex-ex-STH
August 24th, 2010
8:38 pm
Then why not sign Niemi at $2.75, throw in a cheap 5-6 d-man, and a role player like Thorburn all for Carter??
World Be Free
August 24th, 2010
8:50 pm
Lord Stanley-I am not saying you are wrong. But I am concerned about the fact that he is still out there at this point and nobody has signed him for even one season. It’s alot like Max last year; we may be looking for the lightning in a bottle Max gave us last season. Stepniak is not that dynamic, you have to hope he gels with whoever he is paired with. That’s also alotta money for a budget team, especially when we are signing Little and hopefully Bergfors for less. Go out and pay a UFA more to come here, right after signing these guys? Commiting to stepniak also closes the door on a youngster who may just need a chance to kick the door in. So are we really ahead by keeping a hungry kid off the roster? If we are going to sign another forward, let it be a support player with grit, Asham was my choice, maybe Guerin.
I am sure Duds will know what to do and if he signs Stepniak then I am sure he has thought it through and feels good about him.
World Be Free
August 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Everybody else passed on Max too, even with his 24 goals and hustle in pocket. GMs have memories of Max figure skating in Buffalo for 3 entire seasons, while the ghost of Lee Stepniak sleep skated in Tronna for a season and one half.
Every team is carrying a contract they would like to dump cuz a player did not live to expectations. Explains why Max is back in the homeland and Lee is still waiting for his call.
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2010
9:07 pm
I think Stempie would be a great fit with Pevs and Kane on Line 2.
ex-ex-STH
August 24th, 2010
9:14 pm
GVH, then where do you put Ladd??
Hip Czech
August 24th, 2010
9:14 pm
I’m holding to the trade for a top 6 forward theory…still teams out there with cap issues. IF Kovalchuk winds up in NJ what do they have to move to fit him in? Patrick Elias?
Carter, Elias, Krejci (or to a lesser extent Bergeron) any of them would look just fine here.
Besides Eklund says Stempniak is re-signing with Phoenix, so that’s a sure thing, right?
TrueBlue
August 24th, 2010
9:16 pm
WBF makes a great point….We passed on Max for a good reason…He wanted a longer contract then Dudley was willing to offer. With Max’s history of injury and at times, un-inspired play, he was a no brainer for Dudley to pass.
Obviously, a lot of other GMs in the league felt the exact same way.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
9:22 pm
good point on prospects. I also would of liked asham. There is not much out there, and trading away are future whether f or d. However I am sure Duds will do whats best for the club.
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
ex-STH… Line 3 with Buff and Cormier.
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
Per Ben Wright… Thrashers invite Kyle McLaren to camp.
This is a guy I was screaming for years and years ago before San Jose picked him up.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
9:51 pm
where was he last year
Hip Czech
August 24th, 2010
9:57 pm
Wow…how many D men do we need? With McLaren apparently getting a tryout that makes about 47 defensemen for the 6th and 7th spots. Something hast to give.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
10:06 pm
The more competition for jobs the better. Just makes the team better
World Be Free
August 24th, 2010
10:20 pm
I always like Lyle Mac though he may just be a little long in the tooth to make a difference.
I think we all agree that Duds has another move up his sleeve. Step, Guerin, another? Summer used to be boring, not anymore!
HookyBob
August 24th, 2010
10:30 pm
Not sold on Stempniak,..but if Duds thinks he’ll fit I’m all for it. Duds seems to like more physical players, or at least a healthy mix, say 2 big or gritty guys, per forward line. We have Little signed, and are working on Bergfors, so slots for Stempniak may be limited.
The theory that Duds is stockpiling low $ players, be it depth or potential, to make a trade for a top 6, or even top 3, forward is very appealing to me. If not Carter, I’m still hopeful we can get Iggy.
Lord Stanley
August 24th, 2010
10:41 pm
what about getting parise if devils sign kovy?
Darkhorse
August 24th, 2010
11:01 pm
No thanks on Lee or any other remaining FA forward to fill the top six with. I just don’t see any upside to his game that’s going to help this current roster over the hump. Duds really needs to be patient and creative instead. Keep working on that short list of legit top three forwards he would like to have for the right price in a trade. As others above have echoed, there’s a good chance a nice player will become available that closer we get to camp and the cap has to be set on all teams.
Some may argue that bringing in a FA is cheaper, but if you’re settling for “best availible”, the next Todd White on a two or three year deal may be what we get. We have enough prospects in the pantry that if the right deal becomes available, make a trade for what you really want. No one here is crying over the assets we sent the other way this summer for what we received from the Bhawks, so another mid-range player or prospect and a pick of some type may get you a lot very soon.
Someone mentioned Patrik Elias earlier. He would be a fine fit here. Someone else mentioned Carter in Philly, but that the price may be too high. What Philly wants and what they can actually get for him are reasonable scenarios that may plague these cap strapped teams.
Hockey Biltong
August 24th, 2010
11:08 pm
back to the old blog, the partiers were always in the band. clarinets’ making out with the percussionists.
trumpeters snogging the string players, yeah the band will be a safe place…..lol
Darkhorse
August 24th, 2010
11:09 pm
Parise would be fantastic, but I would be shocked if Lou let him go. One reason I mentioned Elias is he has three more years left at 6mil a season. The cap hit is pretty big, but he’s more of a legit 6mil guy than most in the league and Lou may need to move him if the Kaptain returns. Sorry Lou, no one will want Rolston for over 5mil a season or Zubrus for 3.5 for the next three. So I thing you’re going to have to give up something you don’t want to part with to make it work.
The Joker
August 24th, 2010
11:20 pm
IDWT?
Isn’t Don Waddell Terrible?
SomaAtl95
August 25th, 2010
12:33 am
This summer seems different from summers past, its nice to look and see players that are actually excited to be here. Call me a sheep but I think our Shepard, the kind Mr Dudley, has finally led us to greener pastures. So far he has done much better than his buddy, D-Wad, and I for one think he has a trick or two up his sleeve before the season starts.
Have faith fellow Thrasher sheeple – we are at slightly different ground than we ever have been before – there are others who will say this is nothing but “more of the same” but living a life where you expect nothing but the worst all the time is not truly living life at all.
Brendan
August 25th, 2010
12:55 am
Hmmn. Interesting blog by Rawhide, and very intriguing comments by the regular posters. I have read them all. It’s an interesting mix. Here’s my take. If I’m Lee Stempniak, I tore it up in Phoenix after the trade. Why leave?? Seriously. Okay. Okay. I hear ya. “Brendan, are the Phoenix Coyotes, and their two playoff series wins in their entire 30-season history, the “sure fire” solution for a guy like Stempniak?” Heavy sigh. Well, all I can tell you is … despite a terrible ownership situation, with threat of relocation hanging over their heads, and Gretzky out of the picture, the last thing I thought I’d see … is the Phoenix Coyotes as the #4 seed, challenging for their division championship. And yet, that’s what happened. And had the Coyotes ‘dropped a few’ to the Kings and Preds down the stretch, they could have avoided # 5 Detroit in the opening round. I know. “Throwing games is unnatural. Not to mention, ‘wrong.’ Bygones. The Yotes gave the mighty Red Wings a pretty good series, nonetheless. So, back to Stempniak … if it was working, why change? The only answer I can really come up with is … if he believes the team is leaving … and prefers to avoid that possibility down the road, then that’d be a reason. If he feels the ownership isn’t committed enough, that’d be another reason. But are the Atlanta Thrashers the NEXT BEST option? Uhhh, answering truthfully, I wouldn’t think so. However, I do think Stempniak could get, perhaps, BETTER MINUTES here than on a contending team. That’d be a reason, not to mention the better money, to come to Thrasherville.
Now, I don’t think Dudley wants this guy. There, I said it. I think Dudley is a TRADER. Evidence certainly points to that. We’re the Atlanta Devil-Hawks. And I don’t think he’s done. Don’t look at Elias. Keep your eyes on Travis Zajac. He’s a contract we can afford, if the Devils pay Kovalchuk his market value. Trouble is, Lou will not move Zajac without it looking like he robbed us blind. But Lou must move players, if Kovy is to make $8 million or more. So, Dudley waits. And waits. And waits. And he’ll have to contemplate just how much and how badly he wants Zajac. I’m sure Lou would want to unload Rolston ($5 million) and/or Zubrus ($3.4 million for the next 3 years) instead. Elias, I believe, but won’t swear to, has a no trade clause. Elias costs, I imagine, around $5 million-a-year, for the next three years. At 34, that makes him 37 by the time the contract ends. Ummn, no. Rolston is 37 years old, if not older. I wouldn’t even take him as “sweetener.” Dainius Zubrus is 32, with three years left on his deal. Once again, that makes him 35 by the time the contract concludes. Is this how we get younger? Elias, Zubrus, and Rolston???? You gotta be kidding me. And those players cost good coin, no matter HOW MUCH cap space we have. Look folks, you can agree with me or not. But I’m telling you … that when player hits 34/35 years of age … they become highly susceptible to injury. They slow down, too. If we’re to trade with the Devils, we must look at 25-year old Travis Zajac. We’re weak up the middle. Zajac can help us. Lou doesn’t want to part with him. If we get Zajac, he’ll cost $3.5 million next year, $4.5 million the year after that, and $4.8 million in 2013. That’s roughly a $4.26 million cap hit. Travis Zajack is only 25 years of age. He’ll be a UFA in 2013, and potentially gone. So, with that in mind, how many draft picks and/or prospects are we willing to part with to make it happen, for only 3 years worth of service. Two and half, if we’re forced to “salvage him” at the 2013 trade deadline. I repeat, Lou won’t give ‘im up for a song, or simply because he has to, cap-wise. Sweet Lou is one of the best GM’s in the league … because even in these ‘pressure situations,’ where he might well be flush against the cap, he’ll find a way out, that still leaves the franchise in good shape for the coming years. Marty Brodeur can’t last forever. And when he’s gone, the Devils will need a suitable replacement. Unless Lou’s drafted a goalie, waiting in the wings, as the heir apparent, he’ll either have to trade for one … or pluck one off the free agent market. I don’t know if Lou would have any interest in Pavelec. But if he did, that makes things interesting. Jose Theodore, I notice, is still un-signed. Antii Niemi is without a team for next season. (Perhaps, Montreal is looking at him, with a risky situation with Carey Price and no Halak, and Auld as the backup.) Who knows? Maybe the Atlanta roster is set, and I’m just kidding myself. I do, so badly, want to believe that we’ll have a budget that reflects a serious effort at making the playoffs this year. And Sage is about to rip me for that comment.
Alan R.
August 25th, 2010
2:09 am
IDWT = Idiots Don’t Win Titles
Thrashers27
August 25th, 2010
2:19 am
Next time anybody starts feeling like the Thrashers are constantly an “also ran”, or “runner-up”, please refer to this “Little” tidbit…
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Mike-Augello/MISSED-JUST-BY-A-NOSE/120/29882
Sometimes we’re the dog that has his day.
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
5:50 am
Stanley-still don’t know how the Devs will fit Parise under the cap next season.
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
5:54 am
Biltong, that was good. Band is not always a safe haven when you gave 200+ kids, boys and girls. Chaperoning those kids on long trips turned out to be challenging.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
7:33 am
That is an interesting opinion piece about the drafting of Bryan Little, Thrashers27. It is having just such turns of events go in your favor more times than not that separate the competent franchises from those that flounder. Don Waddell gets the credit for a good selection on that pick.
Flames
August 25th, 2010
7:38 am
Patients my friends, Patients….Is this fun or what! I would love to get Carter From Philadelphia or Zajac or Parise from the New Jersey.
SomaAtl95-I truly loved your last blog. It’s time we all start living! This is going to be an exciting season for the Thrashers. The Players are actually excited about this team. I have spoken with several players over the past couple of days and they are just excited as we are.
I have said all along that I think a trade is in the works. I don’t think Duds is through. One of the players told me that Alex Burmistrov is the real deal. The Thrashers future is a bright one.
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
7:40 am
Brendan, I like your thinking, but I don’t see us trading Pavs. I think Dudley has some faith in him and wants to keep him around for another year or two (hence his 2 year contract) and (hopefully) watch him blossom, especially with good tutalage from Mason and Malarchuck. Maybe he would trade Mason and sign another starter that’s still out there, but I don’t think it’s likely. I think Our goal tending is pretty set. We definitely have room for a top six forward, but don’t necessarily need one. We have something to talk about in August! =)
kracker
August 25th, 2010
7:44 am
That is some sweet music to hear, Flames!! The players are excited…there are more moves to come…our #1 pick is the real deal and perhaps will be ready to go this season, or for sure by next year. Drop the puck already!!!
IDWT
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
7:44 am
This may open a con of worms but…who do you think is more likely to make the team, Burmistrov or Cormier and why? I really like Burmistrov and don’t know much about Cormier.
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
7:46 am
IDWTWA: I Don’t Want To Wait Anymore! Start the Season!
kracker
August 25th, 2010
7:53 am
Brendan, Niemi was thought by some to be a possibility for here, making Pavs expendable id Dudley chose to go that way. But wouldn’t a GM just sign Niemi instead of trading assets for Pavs? Who knows, though, some GM may really favor Pavs over Niemi? Tthe Hawks apparently were not high enough on Niemi to fit him in for $2.75M.
If we are talking about moves that Dudley could still pull the trigger on, can anyone believe the coveted Byron Young is still on the table??
Flames
August 25th, 2010
7:54 am
Rhythmpenguin-I know that Duds is real high on Cormier. I think he will start the season in the ATL. I wouldn’t be surprise if Burmistrov is called up during the season. The kid is working his butt off. He looks great! I believe he will start the season in Chicago.
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
7:57 am
What make Cormier more ready? Is it age and/or experience?
kracker
August 25th, 2010
7:58 am
Ripe for the plucking?? from twitter…
capgeek The #canucks and #redwings lead the #nhl in players signed to one-way deals with 24 apiece. http://bit.ly/bCoEoR
capgeek After the Torres signing, the #nhl #canucks have 24 players on one-way contracts and are $3.6m over the cap http://bit.ly/cyEkBF
kracker
August 25th, 2010
8:03 am
Flames, I don’t think Burmistrov is eligible to go to Chicago, as he played in the CHL last season and is under age 20. Burma is like Bogo and Kane the last two seasons. He is an all or nothing player, he either makes the Thrashers during his 9 game tryout or he must go back to juniors for the entire season.
Flames
August 25th, 2010
8:08 am
Duds loves his size 6′2 -206 lbs. and his Grit. The kid is tough and will be able to hold his own in the NHL. He also has little more experience under his belt than Burmistrov (Drafted in 2008), not much more than Burmistrov. Cormier is a going to be a leader. He was Captain in the 2010 Junior Team Canada. Cormier will be given every chance to make the team.
Flames
August 25th, 2010
8:09 am
Kracker- I do believe you are right….
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
8:12 am
How about Bolts as a candidate for captain. He is a veteran has been with us for a few seasons, and is currently leading players in drills as they trickle into Atlanta.
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
8:14 am
My guess is that if Stempniak is signed here, Spencer Machacek’s chances of playing at the NHL level slims somewhat.
I would assume LS would joing Bergfors, Antropov, Peverley, Kane and Byfuglien as a top-sixer.
Little, Slater and Ladd on line three with Eager, Cormier and Boulton/Thorburn on line four. Maybe Rissmiller makes a 14th forward if the Thrashers wanna go with 2 forwards and a defenseman for healthy scratches.
That would leave the question…what to do with Machacek?
Given Dudley’s stated intention to play the young-uns, my guess is that he’s been in touch with Stempniak’s agent to see if he can pick him up on the cheap. If he can, OK. If not then no harm was done.
This may open a con of worms but…who do you think is more likely to make the team, Burmistrov or Cormier and why?
Rhythmpenguin - If given the choice between the two, I say Cormier makes the team. As has been stated previoulsy, Duds really likes this guy. Plus, given the time I saw the two at prospect camp, I do think PC is further along the development road than AB. But Burmistrov is really gonna be something down the road.
Flames
August 25th, 2010
8:18 am
I am a huge Boulton fan!!! I would love to see that happen, but I think he will be a healthy scratch during some of the games. You want your Captain on the ice all the time.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
8:25 am
Boults is a good possibility for the C…although he is forever on the edge of being displaced. I would really prefer to have the same captain for a few years.
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
8:26 am
Good thought Flames.
Yeah, Alex is going to be something. I can’t wait to see a team with him and Evander up front and Zach and Toby in the back!
kracker
August 25th, 2010
8:26 am
Yes, Flames is right on!
Badger Bob
August 25th, 2010
8:27 am
Hip Czech, re. number of D-men, part of the Thrashers good start last year was competition in camp for almost every role – Legace to push the goalies, Gratton to give Bolts and Thor something to worry about. That seems to be Duds style – keep everyone competing for their job. IDWT. And, yes, IDWTWA either!!
Red Light
August 25th, 2010
8:57 am
Like Flames said, Boulton won’t be the captain because your captain will be a healthy scratch too often during the season. Burmistrov cannot be sent to Chicago, unless it’s to the Blackhawks. He must play in Juniors for the entire season unless he makes the top club. Cormier will be Chicago bound if he doesn’t make the team here.
Unless I miss my guess, Antropov will be your captain. Dudley and Ramsay both said very complimentary things about him this summer and he’s a solid person off the ice too. With three years left on his contract, he makes the most sense of all. He’s a family man, which means his off-ice behavior likely will be more exemplary than most, and he doesn’t throw teammates under the bus without reason. He also performs. I’m no fan of Euro captains, but if Ladd had been inked to more than a one year deal, he would have been an excellent choice in my opinion, even though he hasn’t played one game yet. He learned from great leaders in his past: Brind’amour, Francis, Wesley, Toews, etc. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Sopel with an A.
Stempniak for $8 million over two years? No thank you.
Badger Bob
August 25th, 2010
9:18 am
I like ex-ex’s trade thoughts, but I’m not sure Philly is feeling the cap heat to the degree of moving Carter. RL, who do you like off other cap-strapped clubs, like the Roons and Nucks?
GaVaHokie
August 25th, 2010
9:23 am
re: Band Geeks… yes, I did forget about the bus trips, and the “hook ups” in the back of the charter bus. I myself had a thing for the flag corp girls, which in my High School were more popular than the cheerleaders.
Even worse scenario, you could have the daughter who hooks up with the Band Director… we had three girls that did “something” to become Drum Major… *shiver*
kracker
August 25th, 2010
9:34 am
[.....wondering if there are any openings for Band Director.....]
Buzilla in CT
August 25th, 2010
9:38 am
My brother in law went to Dartmouth and was good friends with this guy. I will tell him to put a good word in for the Thrash
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
10:09 am
GaVa-sounds like you and I have been in similar band situations, we both have stories. When I was in HS, our marching band had 35 members; in contract our son’s high school took 283 Cobb County kids to NY via bus for the Macy’s Parade in 2005. That’s alotta kids to keep track of!
Cormier – he’s a little older and bigger. I think Alex needs to gain 15-20 lbs in muscle before he hits the big time.
I think you captain has to be a top 6 forward or top 4 defenseman to be effective.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
10:12 am
twitter – TSNBobMcKenzie RFA Steve Downie has agreed to terms on two-year, $3.7M deal with Tampa. Cap hit is $1.85M.
More for the Bolts…
Old Time Hockey
August 25th, 2010
10:17 am
I still like Slater for captain.
Hokey Clisters
August 25th, 2010
10:19 am
Mr. Rawhides,
That’s a good question and I really don’t have an answer. It appears that I’m stumped on stemp. However if LS is signed then Burma’s chances for making team are gone.
lemon drop the gloves
August 25th, 2010
10:21 am
i agree with rawhide that duds is too smart to pay big bucks for stempniak at the expense of stunting the development of young players in system that are ready (machacek). this team is being built the right way and with room under the cap can afford to be patient and pluck the right player from a team with too many one-way deals or other cap issues. patience is a virtue duds-lots of movement to come in the next month.
DWTOO
August 25th, 2010
10:21 am
OK – Another Band Geek here. In the 70’s band had 250 or so members. Went to Macy’s, pro football games, Indy 500 (actually marched on the track). Also, was excused for a week of school for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the back of the charter bus. After that our group had our own personal chaparone on all trips. Good memories.
Are all Band Directors perverts? Our director always had his female pets. Just a creepy situation.
glovesave29
August 25th, 2010
10:38 am
Chicago just sent Christobal Huet to HC Fribourg-Gotteron in the Swiss league. They are now under the cap by just $1.5M, 21 players on the roster.
My gut says there is more to the Stempniak situation. No GM is going to go to a member of the media – on the record – just to say he made a phone call. I for one, have long wanted him here. I don’t hold against him that he was less than successful in Toronto. That team is a mess…he was a good contributor in both StL and PHX. Don’t go crazy – $4M / year, but I think an incentive laden contract of 2 years at $5.7M is doable. Again – we need to pay more here to attract the talent. If we build somthing here – that will change.
All about Slater for the “C”. No one works harder on the ice. Every time you see a story about the team in the community…theres Jim. He is a quality person. I cannot say if he’s a leader in the locker room, but on every other level, he’s hard not to like.
Joe Friday
August 25th, 2010
10:43 am
We need scoring, bring Stempniak. We need someone that can pot 25 goals and he would fill the bill. I don’t know who else is left with cap problems that we could expect to be able to trade with to acquire a top 6 guy, I’d be shocked to see Philly move Carter. NJ is going to work the Kovy deal to ensure they can keep Parise, Kovy has bought into the team there and wants to work it out so it’s a win win for all.
Yeah, uh, Burmistrov can’t play in Chicago. So Dudley is high on Cormier, eh? Thanks for letting us know!
Red Light, Ladd is the likely candidate for captain, he’s everything you want a captain to be, leads by example. But Antropov fills that bill as well and will probably get the nod since he has the longer contract. Antroprov really impressed me last year after Kovy left, he filled that leadership void (like Kovy was any kind of a leader to begin with).
kracker
August 25th, 2010
10:44 am
Love Jimmy for the C. Like the guys said, he needs to play in all the games, not be a healthy scratch. So he will need to prove himself to Dud/Rammer/Torch in camp from Day One. I have to figure he is pretty good in the room. Isn’t he one of the longer tenured Thrashers players now?
I am getting a Slater jersey. It will have his first name (and mine) on the back.
SomaAtl95
August 25th, 2010
10:49 am
Thanks Flames
Its true – a life where you expect nothing but negativity really isn’t a life worth living. All the posters here have a lot of passion about their viewpoints and there is almost always a friendly debate that goes on – yet it has boiled over to “Don’t let your mouth (or in our case typing fingers) write a check your rear end cannot cash” over everything from time to time. (Lack of)Ownership, (Mis)Management, and players who made it clear they are here until something better comes along have been quite the cannon fodder for us all, along with the “Cheerleaders”, Scheduling and a bevy of other things that seem to fill the time between puck drops.
We all let our positive or negative views take over the fact that its a game we are watching. For most of us it is just a form of entertainment that we would love to see go all the way to June, and eventually it will happen. Give a room of chimps a typewriter and eventually they will start writing Shakespeare – give a room full of thrasher fans a decent set of “non-diva” players and they eventually will become winners. No matter what belief you subscribe to there is definitely a change in the air – to some of us it smells fresh and new, to others it smells like dung and is “more of the same” – but its a wonderful thing that this off season has been spent with you all, each and every day, talking about our common bond, uniting all types of people and viewpoints but we all talk about this sport that some of our northern friends go out of their way to tell us “Doesn’t belong here”
Stempniak could turn out to be a “Diamond in the rough” for us, or as I have said before Dudley may have a trick or two up his sleeve – one thing is for sure – this off season has been the most productive one in the history of our young franchise and hopefully we see the end of the “more of the same” mentality that seems to burden some of our less than enthusiastic posters. Just because we sign someone does not necessarily mean they will be here for the long haul. D-wad was not a “wheel and deal” type so lets see what Dudley does. New ground, new attitude – new results?
Chimp
August 25th, 2010
10:55 am
To be, or not to be…
GaVaHokie
August 25th, 2010
10:58 am
Another thing to consider with an All Star goal scorer (like Kovy) is how many times guys pass up a shot to feed pucks to him.
I’d rather have six 20 goal scorers than guys constantly feeding pucks to the 40 goal scorer.
A27
August 25th, 2010
10:58 am
I would like to see Lee Stempniak here…I think he would fit in well. Man, over on C-Viv blog there is a pretty nasty troll posting over there…I guess he really,really,really hates the Thrashers.
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
10:59 am
DWTOO-Macy’s is a once in a lifetime expoerience for all, had a great time marching through New York and seeing all those people. I can’t play an instrument but my kids could, I did not have the patience.
Joe, I just see issues with Stempniak’s overall play that makes me think he’s not worth the money he will get. Especially if he pulls his disappearing act like he did in that end in St. Louis and Tronna. Guys making big bucks need to make plays, especially when we will be under the cap-no room for errors. But if signs Stempniak here, I will be fine with it.
Grape Ape
August 25th, 2010
11:02 am
To be or not to be– that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And, by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep
No more – and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to – ‘tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep
To sleep, perchance to dream. Ay, there’s the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th’ oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely,
The pangs of disprized love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th’ unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.—Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered
kracker
August 25th, 2010
11:09 am
We have monkeys reciting Shakespeare….yep, it’s late August.
Brendan
August 25th, 2010
11:16 am
I think it’s too soon for Lou to trade for Pavelec. There’s no urgency for that move. But if Lou is in a “must shed payroll” situation after re-inking Kovalchuk, he’s got to move pieces and get something in return. I really don’t think Lamoriello has designs on Pavelec. Pavelec is not an established goalie.
I still say, Travis Zajac should be our target in any trade with the Devils.
Zombie Steve
August 25th, 2010
11:16 am
Sounds like the Bolts and the Thrashawks are going to have some nasty clashes this season. Get yo’ popcorn ready!
DWTOO
August 25th, 2010
11:18 am
A27- The bad news is the troll on C Viv’s blog is not even the least bit original or entertaining.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
11:41 am
ruh roh…the Kovalchuk Soggy Saga continues to stew…
mirtle Getting uglier. RT @dchesnokov: New Puck Daddy: Kovalchuk, Devils propose to Bettman, get jilted again http://yhoo.it/cSrzvA
GaVaHokie
August 25th, 2010
11:50 am
WBF… our band got an invite to do the Macy’s parade our senior year, but we also got invited to compete in Festival of States in Florida, which was a National Competition where they only chose one band from each state.
We had to choose between the two.
Kind of regret not doing the Macy’s parade, but we wanted to actually compete against the rest of the country.
Lord Stanley
August 25th, 2010
12:01 pm
Kovalchuk make this go away. Grossman your a joke, time to find a new profession.
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
12:07 pm
Regarding C-Viv’s little moron infestation today…he’s de-trolled the blog and sanitized it.
Viv’s blog now has a nice minty-fresh clean smell to it.
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
12:11 pm
GaVa-we competed 3 years at Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indy at the RCA Dome and finished in the top 5 all 3 times. Macy’s was wedged in these between my son’s jr and sr years. If you are a competitor, you need to compete-but Macy’s was a great time for the kids, parents too.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
12:13 pm
twitter – BenThrashers The NHL national TV schedule is being released in two hours. Have no idea of any Thrashers games will be on it.
Sure the Thrash will be on – as Penguin krill in the new rink. Maybe Caps kill, too, who knows…
It would be really nice to screw the NHL/VS schedulers out of their scarificial matchup!
kracker
August 25th, 2010
12:15 pm
Not only is it a scarified matchup, they want the Thrashers to be like sacrificial lambs, too.
Hokey P. Clisters
August 25th, 2010
12:21 pm
Once upon a midnight dreary
while I pondered weak and weary
over Grape Ape’s longwinded lore
came a rapping, then gently tapping,
at the bottom of my screen door
Twas just a possum and nothing more.
Lord Stanley
August 25th, 2010
12:28 pm
Thanks Rawhide
schroeder
August 25th, 2010
12:31 pm
Ahhh!!! my favorite…..Edgar Alan Troll!!!!
schroeder
August 25th, 2010
12:34 pm
“It was a slow week in Lake Wobegon,my hometown,out near the prarie….”
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
12:50 pm
Rawhide-sounds like the old blog friend returned, for a 1/2 day.
Troll
August 25th, 2010
12:56 pm
Today I achieved unprecedented levels of unverifiable productivity.
kracker
August 25th, 2010
1:00 pm
Be nice to me today. I am suffering from PMS.
Puck Missing Syndrome
GaVaHokie
August 25th, 2010
1:17 pm
Hmmm… I may have been blocked from Viv’s blog… my last few comments haven’t popped up.
Zombie Steve
August 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
Edgar Allen Troll…. lol!
kracker
August 25th, 2010
1:25 pm
GaVaHokie – Permanently in the spam filter!
Zombie Steve
August 25th, 2010
1:33 pm
FYI – there’s been an Eric Perrin sighting at the Ice Forum today
Your Mammy
August 25th, 2010
1:41 pm
I like this idea!!!!!..now.off the topic…I wish the NHL channel would air something else except endless reruns of playoffs past. Show practices, training camps live, street hockey…anything! Also, I wish they would air AHL or ECHL games instead of the endless loop of on the fly during hockey season.
schroeder
August 25th, 2010
1:41 pm
WOW,this is going to be a great year,someone actually recognized a Garrison Keillor reference!
SomaAtl95
August 25th, 2010
1:43 pm
Just a little over 1 month to go and it will be hockey season again!
GaVaHokie
August 25th, 2010
1:43 pm
Zombie… no worries, he’s just practicing with the team. He still has a house in Atlanta.
AtlFlamesFan
August 25th, 2010
1:46 pm
Kracker. Thanks for the Puckdaddy link (http://yhoo.it/cSrzvA). Great article. The last paragraph about still potential punishment to the Hawks over the Hossa deal was interesting. But since they already won the cup, wouldn’t that be like taking birth control pills after the baby was born?
Hockey Biltong
August 25th, 2010
1:57 pm
Get thee to a nunnery, for the Thrashers shall rule!!!!!!!!!
Hockey Biltong
August 25th, 2010
2:00 pm
I’m thinking we go above and beyond Stempniak at this point. There are bigger fish for the taking…
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
2:02 pm
Thrashers will have one game on Versus this season…April 7 in New York vs. the Rangers.
Rhythmpenguin
August 25th, 2010
2:06 pm
I love the poetry and Garrison Keillor reference and the idea of Jimmy with a “C”!
When I was in band in 8th grade (in Atlanta), in the percussion section, most of the guys never stopped talking about “hookin up with chicks.”
World Be Free
August 25th, 2010
2:24 pm
Rawhide-Thrash/Rangers game must have been scheduled for TV at the end of the season to see who “won” the Todd White trade. I think WE already have won, but that’s just me (and alotta other people).
kracker
August 25th, 2010
2:25 pm
Eklund — * He has told me that the best deal for Stempniak may indeed be coming from Long Island, however, the Canadiens, Thrashers, and Coyotes are all in on the goal scorer…
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
2:31 pm
Thrash/Rangers game must have been scheduled for TV at the end of the season to see who “won” the Todd White trade
WBF – Yes. And I’m hearing rumors that it will be sponsored by the American milk processors and dairy farmers….”Got Milk”? (r3)
Here is the entire Versus Channel hockey schedule.
Also, here are the games scheduled to be aired on NBC. Note that the Penguins vs. Thrashers game on April 10 is an option.
Red Light
August 25th, 2010
3:02 pm
Again, a captain has to be a guy that plays a lot of minutes. Slater doesn’t qualify.
Badger Bob:
I like Zajac too. Nice kid. Great year in 2009-10. Please get me David Kreji from the Bruins. Love this kid but I doubt he’s available. Bieksa from Canucks, but maybe just a flavor of the month kind of guy but seems very solid. Underrated Cory Sarich and UFA Nigel Dawes from the Flames. Staal or Dubinsky from the Rangers.
Caps have 15 games and the Pens have 16 games scheduled for National TV on Versus and NBC. Go figure!
Red Light
August 25th, 2010
3:05 pm
Chicago and the Rangers have 16 and Philly has 14 on NBC and Versus.
glovesave29
August 25th, 2010
3:09 pm
Sportnet is reporting that Willie Mitchell was signed by the Kings.
Lord Stanley
August 25th, 2010
3:10 pm
We deserve more than 1 natl tv game or is there one on NBC
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
3:15 pm
Lord Stanley – The NBC game on the last day of the season is an option. The network can pick it up if they choose depending on which team(s) playing that afternoon are still battling for a playoff spot or position.
Tom
August 25th, 2010
3:20 pm
Who did Garrison Keillor play for again?
Lord Stanley
August 25th, 2010
3:23 pm
well hopefully pittsburgh will be eliminated by then
kracker
August 25th, 2010
3:48 pm
I would rather play and eliminate the Pens.
schroeder
August 25th, 2010
4:33 pm
Tom-I believe it was the Lake Wobegon wippetts
lola
August 25th, 2010
4:36 pm
I may be a little late for those who blogged before but: For those who want BOULTON for Captain — I’m all in! I’m ready to add it to my jersey!
Adam
August 25th, 2010
4:57 pm
Is it just me or does anyone else have a problem with Chicago sending Huet overseas to get under the cap? While I’m a big Blackhawks fan, after the Thrashers of course, I just don’t like this.
Isn’t this just another from of salary cap circumvention? If these type of transactions are allowed then what is there to stop any of the big market teams from inking outrageous contracts to lock up a players only to ship them off when they tire of his presence?
Red Light
August 25th, 2010
5:12 pm
Adam:
I tweeted the same exact sentiments the other day: “So, the #Blackhawks can circumvent the cap by loaning Huet to Fribourg, but the #Devils can’t by paying Kovy to play when he’s 44? Logical?”
R. Stroz
August 25th, 2010
5:22 pm
Red Light – Looks like the Blackhawks are getting “Original Six” treatment based on the Hossa contract and Huet shuffle.
Flagstaff
August 25th, 2010
5:52 pm
Hainsey is my pick as most likely to be captain.
Badger Bob
August 25th, 2010
6:00 pm
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th’ oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely…
The proud man’s contumely? What does contumely mean… let’s see.. “con·tu·me·ly/kənˈt(y)o͞oməlē/ Noun: Insolent or insulting language or treatment”
So Shakespeare is saying one of the real pains in the butt of this life is insulting language from an arrogant twit? Who knew he too had to put up with posts from Sagebrush?
Joe Friday
August 25th, 2010
6:02 pm
“So, the #Blackhawks can circumvent the cap by loaning Huet to Fribourg, but the #Devils can’t by paying Kovy to play when he’s 44? Logical?”
Nope, it most certainly is not. Nothing the NHL is doing with these contracts is logical. It’s farcical, but certainly not logical, par for the course for the NHL front office, however.
Badger Bob
August 25th, 2010
6:04 pm
And Antro for El Capitán, for length of contract and downright responsible play.
Brendan
August 25th, 2010
6:25 pm
Joe Friday, but what if Huet doesn’t want to play there? I mean, he’s under contract to the NHL. How is there a way out of that? By this logic, we could have “loaned” Todd White out to some team in Sweden or Swizerland? And it wouldn’t have counted against our cap???
Badger Bob
August 25th, 2010
6:43 pm
Brendan, depends on whether White’s contract was two-way or not. Huet could have been moved to the minors because of his two-way contract, so Chicago always had that option with him. I guess loaning him saves them some $$$.
rob
August 25th, 2010
6:47 pm
Antropov will have the C, unless he would rather someone else have it. It is his for the taking IMO
ex-ex-STH
August 25th, 2010
8:16 pm
I’m sure Duds is keeping an eye on Boston as a trade partner. They need a d-man and have to get under the cap by possibly moving Krejgi(sp?) or Bergeron. They will never be able to move Ryder for his money. Zajac will come here if Kovy signs with the Devils and I’ll still bring up Philly’s Carter (and $5mil/yr) in a move. Duds is waiting for the BIG trade (as Brenden said … he a TRADER). Stempniak is not coming here – Niemi will be signed as a UFA before Stemp so we have more trade bait in goalie with ANY one of Mason, Pavs or Niemi. A BIG, Big move is yet to come!! Duds is the MAN!!
Rawhide
August 25th, 2010
9:45 pm
Former Thrasher Colin Stuart signs one-year deal with Buffalo Sabres.
Brendan
August 25th, 2010
10:17 pm
Nice story for Colin Stuart, Rawhide. He was once in Toronto, maybe he found a house in Southern Ontario or Western New York? Segue, whatever you do, Buffalo Sabres fans of this blog, do NOT put on the NHL Network right now. It’s Game Six of the 1999 Finals. It was called a goal, and that’s final. There’s no point in forever living in the past; it cannot be undone.
SomaAtl95
August 25th, 2010
11:54 pm
http://xmhomeice.com/audio/NHL%20Team%20Previews%202010/Atlanta%20Thrashers%20Team%20Preview%20on%20NHL%20Home%20Ice%20(Recorded%20Aug%202010).MP3
Interviewed Ramsay, was the start of XM Center Ice team previews for the upcoming season. Its free, 45 minutes long, and so far pretty interesting
Just felt like sharing with you all if you guys already had not heard it.
Hockey Biltong
August 26th, 2010
12:28 am
Lake Woebegone Walleyes…..
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
5:42 am
Brendan, alotta current and former NHL players and coaches from Southern Ontario live in Western New York, alot cheaper than Ontario. Good for Stuart, he will replace some of the old retreads the Sabres had.
I saw Game 6 Dallas-Buffalo was on, decided not to watch. FYI-I don;t buy any of the Brett Hull feet-in-the-crease garbage. If the Sabres didin’t want Hull in the crease for 1/2 hour they should have knock him on his ass.
Red Light-nice call on Cory Sarich, big fan of “Sardo” since his BUF days, played well in TB and Calgary. They may need to move him cuz the Flames need to make a move.
ex-ex//I don’t see the Broones moving Krecji, Bergeron for sure becuase they won’t be able to afford him next season. Bergerson is one of my favorites in the entire league, as long as his head injuries don’t re-occur.
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
7:05 am
Like Bergeron too. Does all things well.
Sara
August 26th, 2010
7:27 am
Huet does not have a two-way contract; it’s one way. A player doesn’t have to have a two-way to get demoted – the only thing that prevents that is a NMC. The difference is that the Blackhawks have to pay Huet his full salary regardless of where he plays. ie, a player on a two-way contract would get paid based on a $500,000 salary when called up to the NHL club, but paid based on a $50,000 salary while with the AHL affiliate. Huet will get paid $5.625M by the Blackhawks no matter where he plays. He will also have to clear waivers to get to either the AHL or the Swiss team.
There’s also no way Atlanta Spirit would have loaned out Todd White because they would have still been on the hook for his salary. The Euro teams will pay a fee to the NHL clubs for the players but those amounts are generally very small compared to the actual salary. Short of trading him, it would have been cheaper to buy him out.
There’s precedent for renting NHL players to Euro teams, which is why the NHL will let this pass. But there is no question this is purely a cap-related move. If it was only about Huet not fitting into their plans anymore, they could have bought him out and saved cash – something the Blackhawks in theory should be interested in since they lost money this year. However a buyout would leave money counting against the cap, and since that is their bigger problem, they’ll pull this maneuver instead.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this addressed in the next CBA negotiations. Easiest solution for the League would be to set a limit on the cap relief a team can get by demoting/renting a player on a one-way contract, say $2M. That amount covers the typical demotions you see (4th liners, 6/7th d-men) but would catch teams that are trying to move big salaries purely for cap relief. Throw in an exception clause for players sent down for rehab assignments and call it a day.
Rhythmpenguin
August 26th, 2010
7:41 am
Thanks for the link SomaAtl95.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
7:59 am
Red Light-Bergeron has been my type of player since he broke in, good at so many things. The only issue I have is with the head injuries. Aside from the head, he is the kind of player I would give a 5 year deal to, he just does nto have any holes in his game. Tough, good skater, plays special teams and is a good faceoff man.
Dwayne
August 26th, 2010
8:25 am
WBF and Red Light..Maybe with a more physical team, other teams will not be so anxious to smash Bergeron, or any other Thrasher into the boards.
Hockey Biltong
August 26th, 2010
8:31 am
Wayne, True Dat…..
WBF, wouldn’t Krecji be nice?!?!?!?
I would have liked Horton too, but he was not being traded in our division….
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
8:34 am
Good points Sara. Also of note, is that he is still under contract with the Hawks, which means if their needs change due to injuries or defections, he can return once his loan term is up. Huet has nothing to lose. He was born just three hours away from Fribourg, is getting paid an NHL salary, plays a shorter schedule in the Swiss League with not nearly as much pressure, and is still a darn good goaltender coming off a so-so year. Has Huet been making $3 million rather than $5.625 million, no one would have been nearly as negative about his play. His contract was the only thing that was a negative in many people’s minds.
Bergeron is a classic worker with talent. He forechecks very well. Has great vision and hands. Can skate and can find the net. He’s not getting five years from me World Be Free because of his concussion history, but I’d sure grab him now and extend him for another three years. Not sure I like the price tag, but if he’d accept a three-year extension for $12 million, I’d do the deal today.
I assume Bruins want prospects or picks in return. Don’t think they’d want any roster players unless making less than $1.5 million.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
8:52 am
Biltong, I think Horton is the wild card in Boston. If he clinks, the Broones will be a force, another scorer when they need one. If he plays like he did on FLA, the Broones will have an anchor they won’t be able to cast off. Horton’s rep means this is crucial for his career.
Dwayne-totally agree on a physical team, that’s always my theme. But when you have had a bad concussion, all it takes is the right hit, not necessarily the dirty one to set you back. As a player, it’s always in your head that it could happen again. Example-Tim Connolly
Like to have Krecji but I do not believe Boston will make him available, at least to a team in the East.
glovesave29
August 26th, 2010
9:04 am
Ugh…Donald Fehr accepted the job to lead the NHLPA. Lockout – here we come!
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
9:09 am
Dwayne, World et al
In recent years, outside of Thorburn, Boulton and the occasional roaming out of position hit on a small opposing player by Exelby, the Thrashers forwards for the most part were pansies. To no fault of their own, it simply wasn’t their game. Now, you have a forward unit that includes guys who are willing to lay the lumber frequently. As World Be Free so aptly said, guys on the other teams are going to have to have their head on a swivel, and that helps take them off their game to do what they do best.
It is a much more imposing unit and while the rules these days have a tendency to protect players, there still is that threat that they’re going to be run, and run hard. That’s why I advocate having a guy like Ladd playing with Antro and Bergfors. A guy like Byfguglien playing with Pevs and Little. You do that, and other teams can’t focus on disrupting the more talented guys and that provides more space for them. Kane is so multi-faceted that you can play him in several roles, despite his youth, because he’ll hit you, blow by you and go to the net. In contrast, you also can throw Eager, Kane and Byfuglien out on the same line from time to time, forecheck, bang and disrupt the opponents offensive flow. As time passes, and Burmistrov finds his place on the roster, I’d love to see him playing with Kane, Bergfors or Little. If speed kills, that line should be able to do some damage.
With one more top-6 forward, Ramsay will have plenty of options with lines, and that makes this team much more dangerous than it has ever been. But, I still think it will take the acquisition of one more playmaker until Burmistrov is truly ready. Despite that fact, the new era of a rough and tumble pack of forwards is now upon us, and if nothing else, that spirited play should get our adrenaline flowing more so that at any time during the past decade.
Sage of Bluesland
August 26th, 2010
9:41 am
“…D-wad was not a “wheel and deal” type so lets see what Dudley does….”
Sure he was. You must not remember his first NHL draft as our fearless leader? Teams–and real GMs–were falling all over themselves in offering our little fraud of a GM all types of low draft picks to keep us from raiding their roster in the expansion draft.
Based on his comments at the time, our blustering little idiot of a GM felt like the “belle of the ball”! Too bad all he had, at the end of the day, was a bag of magic beans. That’s all these ‘extra’ picks were worth in the hands of he and his staff….
The blustering clown noted the next year at not having as much activity in the trading department…Ya’ think?! After all they gave you was the SCRAPS off of their tables, they were done with dealing with you! Donny still probably doesn’t think he was used-and-abused…This was when Donny used to talk to the media much more–before he realized how constantly he sticks his oafish foot in his big mouth!
Just as with the clown who thought the Braves’ turnaround beginning in the mid- to late-80s was due to “good drafting” and a few “lucky breaks”…Nope, it was ALL due to ownership. Ownership commited to winning.
We don’t have that. Period. Stop the fantasy, please.
Long-term prediction: three or four years from now, Don Waddell will be back as GM of this forlorn franchise.
Nothing like the combination of longevity and incompetence….and there will be a new ‘wave’ of sheep to educate unwillingly…Oh well, I’ve done it before–I’ll do it again….
(I just wish I had a spweadsheet to keep track of these timeless posts, posters, and posers…)
Oh, and I think ‘Flames’ is nothing more than a closet-Waddellite….Blustering sunshine with little substance…I’m still analyzing–but have some serious doubts…
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
9:50 am
I haven’t chimed in on Stempniak save for the poll. I see I’m one of 17 or 18 people who don’t really want Lee S coming to ATL via UFA contract. I don’t think his style of play fits in with what Dudley is trying to build. Now I understand he has decent hands and provides a good level of skill for the PP, but I think we need to give our young guys the ice time to help them grow into their expanded roles as players who are counted on for more offensive production.
I would actually prefer that we wait longer and perhaps even consider an offer sheet for either Peter Mueller (we need a bona fide top 6 C so we can move Antropov back to the wing IMO) or James Neal just because I like how he plays and Dallas may not have the money to match right now. If we decide to wait and see what happens with some of the salary cap-strapped teams, then Bergeron in BOS would be a very nice target.
Oh yeah, thank you again oh sagacious Sage of Contumely (copyright Shakespeare)…you are such a breath of polluted air. Don’t know how I would function without your perspicacious insights and courage in your hatred of Don Waddell.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
9:51 am
Whooopsie! Oh Trixie my dearest Trixie! I’m stuck in the Sagebrush residue that is dripping from the blog filter…please release me!
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
9:55 am
R/L – great post at 9:09 am sir! Could not agree more.
Too bad Sage had to go and piss right into my cornflakes after that.
kracker
August 26th, 2010
10:02 am
That is what Sage does best….or at all. Baaaa!
glovesave29
August 26th, 2010
10:03 am
RL – good call. Duds is setting us up as an old school team. Big and tough up the middle and have playmakers on the wings. I will look forward to the D pairings to see if Rammer REALLY goes back in times and plays a defensive minded bruiser next to a more offensively minded D who can move the transition game.
Ah Sage…must be in a bad mood as his mom must have rejected his oedipal overtures!
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
10:05 am
Sage-sorry but I just skip over your posts when I see them, nothing personal. Give us something new to disgust, stop trying to be the Nostradamus of hockey.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
10:20 am
g/s29 – OMG! “Oedipal overtures”!! That is supremely sublime. First reference to Oedipus I’ve seen since 1998 I think. May I have permission to borrow that at some point for my blog??
WBF – right on brother, but sometimes reading his trip is good for a laugh or if you just want to elevate your blood pressure for no good reason. It’s nice to have someone onto whom I can direct my ire. No use in directing it at Don Waddell cuz he ain’t in charge!! LOL
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
10:21 am
*tripe
But if you didn’t know I was talking about Sage’s tripe, then you probably haven’t been paying close attention!
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
10:21 am
TY Smoothie, GS29
“Nostradamus of hockey”
I thought R.Stroz was our resident seer.
SomaAtl95
August 26th, 2010
10:27 am
Sorry Sage, forgot to mention I have “Seeple Pride” since you chose to retort against me again.
baaahhhhhhh, BBaaaahhhhhhhhhh, BBBAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
and to think I was sticking up for you on C-vivs blog yesterday… sigh…
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
10:30 am
If we as fans are “sheeple”, then Sage must be the Don Quixote of protestation…he doth tilt at windmills in his verbal “jihad” of the ASG and Don Waddell. Tell us something we don’t know for once!
kracker
August 26th, 2010
10:33 am
“Nostradamus of hockey” – Isn’t that title already taken by Eklund. Besides, Sage already has his title – “Sheeper of Blueland”
GaVaHokie
August 26th, 2010
10:36 am
Teams–and real GMs–were falling all over themselves in offering our little fraud of a GM all types of low draft picks to keep us from raiding their roster in the expansion draft.
Kind of hard to “raid rosters” when the budget was $16 million.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_team_payrolls_in_the_NHL
The “Five Year Plan” to slowly build through the draft was GM speak for, “We’re building through the draft because ownership won’t spend money on free agents.”
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
10:43 am
Thanks be to the administrative wizard known as Ms. Trixie for releasing my post from blog-atory!!
DWTOO
August 26th, 2010
10:45 am
If we’re the sheep is Sage the Shepard? Or worse?
After reading the various synopis(s)of the team and the opinions of the Power Play guys on XM this should be a hard hitting team, hopefully reminiscent of the Flames. This should be in line with the team that Tim E. described (what the early Thrashers should have looked like) one sunday afternoon to a group that gathered at TJ’s as several of us will recall. That team never came to pass, but, think we have it now. We’re probably borderline playoffs, but, at least we should three periods of exciting hockey – not two periods of going thru the motions and one period of frantic play.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
10:48 am
GVH – no to mention Hokie the ownership was completely different in those first 4 years. It’s just a shame that the ASG had to go and wasted $120 M on JJ after years of court wrangling with Belkin over the decision to bring in JJ to begin with. In this economic climate, I just don’t know who is going to feel comfortable investing in a hockey team right now, which is bad news for the Stars, Carolina and of course, us.
But dontcha’ just love how Sage takes credit for the decline in season tkts when the economy for the last 2 years has been almost as bad as it was when Woodrow Wilson was president?? Yeah, Waddell made his share of mistakes since the 2007 season, but I personally feel as though the Hossa situation coupled with the collapse of the economy had as much to do (if not more) with this team’s recent slumping over the last 2 years. Had Hossa been more committed to staying here, there’s no telling what might have happened with not only Kovy, but perhaps the direction of the team.
J-man
August 26th, 2010
10:57 am
If you want Stempniak, then who do you drop to the 3rd line to make room for him? Because I’m not seeing the logic in signing him to be a 3rd liner.
Antropov? No way.
Bergfors? Again – no way.
Byfuglien? Isn’t he supposed to be the power forward we have always wanted?
Little – Maybe, but say goodbye to any chance at a productive season.
Kane – Really, another year on the 3rd line? I’m not seeing it.
Ladd – Well, I guess that would be one way to ensure him not wanting to stay here after his contract runs out in the summer of 2011.
Peverley – Are we already looking to make him a 3rd line grinder?
So that’s 7 guys who are all potential top 6 forwards. One guy in my list won’t be a top 6 forward already, so I’m not seeing how adding a high risk, very inconsistent forward to the mix to push yet another guy down to the 3rd line makes the team better.
Sage of Bluesland
August 26th, 2010
10:58 am
“…Yeah, Waddell made his share of mistakes since the 2007 season, but I personally feel as though the Hossa situation coupled with the collapse of the economy had as much to do (if not more) with this team’s recent slumping over the last 2 years….”
Oh my goodness. This is comedy-gold right here, folks. Where to start…where to start…
Sometimes silence is better–as the ridiculousness is apparent for all to see.
Wow.
(Oh, and I wouldn’t say that I “take credit” for the decline in sales–another ridiculous stretch…I encourage–and will continue to encourage folks to not subsidize incompetence, but I think people are smarter than to listen to the organization–and your–buffoonish sunshine…Nope, this isn’t a ‘me’ thing at all–it’s a collective decision which is the correct one!)
GaVaHokie
August 26th, 2010
11:02 am
Smoothie… you can find any reason to support the way you feel… hell, I’m going to blame it on the beer prices.
There’s nothing Sage says that doesn’t have a counter argument… there’s nothing you and I say that doesn’t have a counter argument. It’s just mindless banter. Much easier to just discuss what you like and don’t like about the current team.
So… on the topic of Captaincy… I would normally say Antropov is a prime candidate, but besides being a good presence in the locker room and on the ice, you have to be a good ambassador to the local media and get fans pumped up. And for that, I’ll go with Ron Hainsey.
Antropov is kind of weak in that regard…
http://thrashers.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=656&id=74604
kracker
August 26th, 2010
11:06 am
Guerin not returning to Pens. Any interest??
Tweet – BenThrashers What do you think Thrashers fans- hypothetically speaking could Bill Guerin add something to a very young ATL lineup?
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
11:06 am
GaVaHokie:
Leaders don’t have to be media spokespeople. In fact, I would say Hainsey’s zeal for the microphone plays against him as a captain candidate.
GaVaHokie
August 26th, 2010
11:07 am
J-man… I think you roll three solid lines… Line 2 and 3 get swapped based on the game and what’s “clicking” that night.
Kane Antro Bergs
Little Pevs Stempie
Ladd Cormier Byfuglien
Eager Slater Boults/Thorsy
GaVaHokie
August 26th, 2010
11:09 am
Red Light… Scott Mellanby was great at both locker room and media. Same with Ferraro.
While Hainsey ain’t perfect, he’s the closest I see on the current roster.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
11:10 am
Moving Little to the 3rd line with Slater and Ladd might not be a bad way to get him jump-started this season. Along with PP time. That is if he isn’t reunited with Antro & Bergie with whom he gelled nicely.
Ladd & Little have enough skill to be a real pain in the arse for other teams’ less skilled and slower 3rd lines. Obviously match-ups would dictate that they play a lot against other team’s 1st lines, especially on the road, but a trio of Slates, Lits & Ladd would certainly have some good counter-punch. I don’t reckon a lot of 1st lines will enjoy playing against Slater & Ladd who are not afraid to throw the body. And Little is one of the best back-checking terrors we have.
That way we can set up Kaner to be successful with Big Buf out there to protect him. I like the fact that Pevs and Kaner showed some good chemistry at the Worlds and I think throwing Buf into the mix could make our 2nd line scary good. But that means we would need a center for the top line. Enter Peter Mueller.
Send an offer sheet his way and set this team up for the future with Mueller and Burmistrov the two centers of the future. We’re stocked with prospects on D and with Kaner, Lits, Bergie, Buff and Pevs still relatively young, we would be set for years in our Top 6 even if Antropov’s hip causes him to fade quicker than hoped (not that I think that will happen), but in 3 years our Top 9 could consist of the following: Kaner-Burmie-Antro // Bergy-Mueller-Buff/Lits // Laddy-Lits-Klingy/Buff…or something like that.
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
11:14 am
Ferraro and Mellanby were good with the media, but they reluctantly participated, didn’t seek it until late in their careers when they had to think about life off the ice.
Sage of Bluesland
August 26th, 2010
11:17 am
“Smoothie… you can find any reason to support the way you feel… hell, I’m going to blame it on the beer prices….”
(That’s a ‘nice’ way of saying, from one compadre-in-thought to another, stop saying ridiculous things…comedy-gold, folks!)
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
11:18 am
Sage must be a radical LW Democrat because he doesn’t actually counter-argue, he just pokes fun at people for having a different opinion. He might as well be Al Gore taking credit for being the beacon of reason and wisdom that he really isn’t.
Hokie – like you said, there are arguments and counter-args for everything. But my bigger point is that it’s never as simple as it may seem and there are always layers and layers of complexity when it comes to running a business, especially a sports team when the assets are so unpredictable. Sage thinks he has it all figured out, but he doesn’t.
glovesave29
August 26th, 2010
11:31 am
“Sometimes silence is better–as the ridiculousness is apparent for all to see”
Really Sage – how about taking your own advice?
JUST KIDDING SAGE
August 26th, 2010
11:31 am
Funny Smoothie, but I see Sage as more of a radical member of some Militia group waiting for a Muslim invasion and a cellar stocked with canned food items and a cache of automatic weapons!
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
11:57 am
J-Man right on, who driops down and you are not going to pay a 3rd liner the kind of money it will take to get Stempniak here.
kracker-talked about Guerin the other day, I would take him anyday.
No question
GaVa-the team (and the game for that matter) is missing guys like Mellanby and Ray, good in both the room and with the media. Maybe Hainsey can be the guy or Pevs. Can’t be Jimmy, he’s not a heart of the team player. Bogo maybe in 2 years.
kracker
August 26th, 2010
11:57 am
“…..and a cellar stocked with canned food items…..” – SPAM!!
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
12:06 pm
Call me crazy or just a little nuts-but here is another player that is available that would bring all of the winning intangibles to the Thrashers- Jere Lehtinen why?
One of the best 2 way players of the past decade, near the end of the line in his career. Can you think of a better on-ice coach for the young students we have coming up? A tutor for players like Little and Bergfors? A player who played alot like Craig Ramsay during his career? Think about it, it probably will not happen, but…..
Alan R.
August 26th, 2010
12:07 pm
I see Sage more as a member of counterintelligence, because he’s always here, trying to counter intelligence.
kracker
August 26th, 2010
12:09 pm
Dids wanted his veteran leader. Guerin or Lehtinen would fit that. Can we work them in??
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
12:15 pm
alan R-I was think similar, but in his case it’s lack of intelligence.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
12:25 pm
kracker-two guys with winning attitudes that can bring intangibles to our team. Ray Ferrero was much the same, Mellanby too. Natural leaders, especially when it is clear that this team is missing a true leader. When the captain is not obvious, you have a problem and I think Dudley knows that.
Grit, leadership, toughness, guys you can count on when you are protecting a one goal lead-Lee Stempniak does not posses any of these traits.
rob
August 26th, 2010
12:26 pm
Sage is a Hawks/basketball fan. Mad at the fact the owners can’t spend all of their money on B-ball. Probably has spreadsheets plastered all over his moms basement showing how much money hockey takes away from the Hawks. And with his infatuation of sheep I believe he must have faux sheepskin seat covers in his moms car for when he uses it and a comforter as well.
I seem to recall a post some time ago where he threatened to cheer for another team. Too bad that, just like all of DumbWad’s 5year plans, it never happened.
Cliff Fletcher
August 26th, 2010
12:33 pm
rob-cheer from his basement?
Who will hear him?
Lord Stanley
August 26th, 2010
1:48 pm
any worthy news to report regarding Thrash of Kovy soap opera
kracker
August 26th, 2010
1:53 pm
This doesn’t sound good…
ajcthrashers Dudley says Thrashers, RFA Niclas Bergfors remain a ways apart in contract negotiations. Currrently, not close on “value of player.”
Lord Stanley
August 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
RUT RORGE!!!!!!!!!!!! sounds familiar
kracker
August 26th, 2010
1:59 pm
Still, Bergfors is RFA, where can he go? Holdout? Trade? I figure they will get it done.
Zombie Steve
August 26th, 2010
2:10 pm
I’d prefer Antropov at C…. I’ve never been too impressed with Ron “Hollywood” Hainsey.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
2:16 pm
I reckon Bergy’s agent is just dipping the proverbial toe in the water. What’s it been? Two days? They’ve probably barely broken the ice on negotiations. I’m thinking Bergfors’ agent surmises he’s worth closer to $2.5 – $3 M per year for a 3-yr deal where as Dudley is probably pushing a structure similar to Little’s where the money escalates. That gap can be closed rather easily.
I too like Antropov for captain. He seems to have the respect of everyone on the team, he’s very even-keeled, been through the wars of ten seasons, and can back up his talk with his play. But really he’s a quiet lead by example kind of guy that would be a good counter to the more fiery Alternates: Hainsey, Bogosian and say Slater?
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
2:17 pm
I’d rather they hash out the value when he is an RFA when the player has little options. Goods news is the term was not mentioned as an issue. Term is more of a problem than money-just look at the Bobby Ryan and Cary Pirce situations.
Russ
August 26th, 2010
2:20 pm
According to C-Viv, Dudley has said there is a good chance Buff moves back to defense this season. This team gets close to being half way decent and then does a stupid move like this. If motivated, Buff is a difference maker at forward. He is a bottom pairing/fill-in type player on defense.
kracker
August 26th, 2010
2:48 pm
Captain: My 1st choice is Hainsey. But Antro is good too, I am just prefering a NA for captain. Slater I like also. But he, like Bogo, may need to concentrate on his game. What about Sopel? Is he captain material?
Buff on D: A chicago person posted that Buff does not skate backwards nearly well enough not to be a liability as a defenseman.
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
2:52 pm
One thing going against the negotiations with Bergfors can be simply traced to the three-year, $9.25 million contract that countryman Hornqvist just signed with Nashville Tuesday. And, he most certainly does have an option, and that is to sign an offer sheet with another club who wishes to part with the compensation (doubtful) required or playing in Europe (also doubtful).
glovesave29
August 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
Power forwards are hard to find…that we now have one and are considering moving him back to D is a bit perplexing.
Bergfors will sign. He is an RFA. How many offer sheets have been given out this summer? One! This is just part of the negotiation process. He should bring in just a tad under what Bryan got.
Kracker – can I have something without so much SPAM in it? I will take The Sage Special – SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, sheep, SPAM, hot air and SPAM.
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
2:55 pm
kracker: Understood about the NA option, and I agree, except the NAs are too young or inexperienced.
I guess he can only play in Europe if he is granted the ability to do so.
kracker
August 26th, 2010
3:06 pm
I think you have it, glovesave. Though I think Sage serves up a lot more hot air in his dishes.
C Viv has a new blog RE Buff on defense.
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
3:12 pm
R/L – couldn’t he easily sign to play in Russia as there is no transfer agreement precluding him from doing so with the KHL?
I would think it’s doubtful, but you’re right, that Hornqvist contract really messed up the market for Bergfors relative to Little. Now Bergy is comparing himself to a countryman as opposed to a teammate.
As for Buffy playing D. Big mistake in my opinion. Only if necc or in other words, if we are besieged by injuries.
Joe Friday
August 26th, 2010
3:29 pm
“If motivated, Buff is a difference maker at forward. He is a bottom pairing/fill-in type player on defense.”
Bingo, Russ. The Hawks were completely stacked at D and at forward but they needed some size up front to make run for Kaner and Toews, but Big Buf was also a liability on D as he can’t skate worth a crap, so that’s how the Buf experiment at forward happened. We are not stacked at forward and he doesn’t improve our D, so it’s perplexing why Dudley would want him back there.
Duds has given me his first “Waddell moment” today with this noise about Bergfors and now Big Buf. Disconcerting news, to say the least, on both fronts.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
3:30 pm
I believe anyone on a one year deal should be excempt from any discussions about being our captain for the upcoming season-so Sopel is out. Captaincy should be a long term commitment, even in today’s NHL.
Buff on defense-let the guys talk about it all they want, but in the end Buff will be a forward. The image of Buff creaming Chris Pronger goes through my head. Good at least that Dudley is talking about possibilities and giving the fans something to agree or disagree on.
Bergfors-I think the Hornqvist contract will get Bergie’s negotiations moving forward-I hope at least
Smoothie
August 26th, 2010
3:45 pm
WBF – how so? Hornqvist was overpaid. In my mind, this gives his agent more leverage and more reason to push for more comp. Hornqvist, like Little, has more of a track record, but considering PH only has one 30-goal season, I’m not sure why Nashville was so quick to give him $3.25 M per season. But hey, what the hell do I know!?
Russ
August 26th, 2010
3:50 pm
JF – I don’t understand why Dudley has any say in where Buff is going to play anyway? Same with DW for years. I remember him always talking about this player or that player will make our team this season. Shouldn’t decisions like what position a player is going to play and who makes the team be up to the coach? I hope so and I hope with regards to Buff that Ramsay sees much more clearly than Dudley.
Zombie Steve
August 26th, 2010
3:55 pm
This think Dud’s is just playing the hand that the Octodouches dealt him….there’s only so many times that him and Torch can jump the General Lee over the canyon before Boss Wad catches them…
kracker
August 26th, 2010
3:57 pm
In C Viv’s blog he quoted Duds as saying Buff on D or O was up to Ramsay.
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
4:12 pm
Here’s why they overpaid for Horqvist…
Since the resumption of the NHL after the lockout, there have been an average of (36) 30-goal scorers per year in the entire league (see below). Add that to the fact that the Predators have been punchless with only four players notching 30 goals or more since the 2005-06 season and the answer is quite clear.
Preds leading goal scorers
2010 Hornqvist 30 (no one else scored more than 21)
2009 Arnott 33
2008 Dumont 29
2007 Arnott, Legwand 27
2006 Kariya, Sullivan 31
30 goal scorers in the NHL
2010 24
2009 39
2008 28
2007 42
2006 47
Red Light
August 26th, 2010
4:17 pm
In case you’re wondering, since the 2005-06 season, only Kovalchuk, Hossa and Little have had 30-plus goal seasons.
Sara
August 26th, 2010
6:11 pm
I remember when the Little deal was announced Dudley said Bergfors’ agent had asked to postpone negotiations until more RFAs signed contracts to give them a better feel for the market. And now he’s been handed exactly what he wants. That IMO is one of the biggest problems with player compensation – all it takes is one desperate/retarded GM handing out an out-of-bounds contract and it skews (and screws) the marketplace. Even if 28 other GMs wouldn’t give Bergie more than an average of $2.5M a year for 3 years (as an example), when that 29th guy will give him $3.5M instead, that’s what the agent is going to gun for, leaving the 30th GM (the one actually trying to sign the guy) in a crap position.
I would also put forth that the ENORMOUS amount of available cap space can’t be helping matters either. If I’m an agent, it’s one thing if a GM is looking for a lower number because of cap restrictions, but another altogether if you are trying to come in on the low side because the owners are a bunch of broke-ass tightwads.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
6:19 pm
Smoothie-I just think that the closer we get to camp, Bergie will sign. If Europe or Russia was an option, he would have taken it by now. Hashville this Horvquist is the real deal, I do too. Maybe this will get negotiations going. who knows.
Brendan
August 26th, 2010
6:37 pm
Bergie may just wind up signing his 10% raise and play out the year. But, if he doesn’t want to be in Atlanta, I think the GM should try to trade him, provided that suitable replacement is found.
World Be Free
August 26th, 2010
7:16 pm
Have welost faith in Dudley? IDWT – remember guys, it will be allright.
Let the man do his thing.
Lord Stanley
August 26th, 2010
7:29 pm
All will be fine. If we cant sign Berg, then we will trade him for good assets. No worries
Hockey Biltong
August 26th, 2010
9:44 pm
Bleeet bleet…omg, flystrike!!!
Hokie P. Clisters
August 26th, 2010
10:04 pm
Bergie is trying to pull a “Kovy” on us. Maybe he should wait till he pots 30 goals a year before going off the deep end.
Remember that Lou had issues with Bergie’s inconsistent play. He should be looking for a fair deal that is equal to his performance rather than pie in the sky dollars. The kid is still learning the ropes of being an everday NHL player. He’s got alot of upside but so does Little. Notice how Bryan’s contract process was rather quick and quite.
It’s no wonder that Duds is sounding off about it.
Lord Stanley
August 26th, 2010
10:32 pm
hope he doesn’t have kchoke’s agent
Brendan
August 26th, 2010
10:34 pm
Hokie P. Clisters, Bergie’s agent might be trying to pull that age ol’ trick of saying, “Well, it doesn’t matter where he is in terms of NHL rank, or compared to other forwards. What matters is that he’s on the Thrashers leaderboard. Therefore, his importance to the team should be “about equal,” financially, to those who hold similar positions with THEIR RESPECTIVE teams.” I’ve never really thought that argument was truly valid. I mean, what if J.P. Vigier were the 4th highest point producing forward on the Thrashers? Should that mean he should be paid $3.75 million-a-year? Pfft. Yeah, right. League minimum, or close to it, is the appropriate pay for a J.P. Vigier-type. Berfors isn’t an elite player. But, he is a skilled player. And he is important to the Thrashers for the upcoming season. If he’d prefer to play in Europe next season, or holdout until December 1, 2010, that’s his call to make. But Atlanta holds the cards. I repeat, if Bergfors doesn’t want to play here, we shouldn’t FORCE him. We should trade him, for suitable replacement.
Sparky (Smoothie)
August 26th, 2010
10:41 pm
The kid has scored 7 goals for us! His agent needs to get off his high horse. Or else we can offer him Thorburn money since he scored 7 goals two seasons ago. Take your 2 year deal worth $4.8 – $5 M and go out and prove that you’re worth more. The money will come if you pot 25+ goals over the next two years kids. C’mon Bergie! We wanna love ya! Love us back man.
SomaAtl95
August 26th, 2010
11:10 pm
Duds should say to Bergie the following “Here is our offer. It is what it is” Sound familiar? I am sure there are players on other teams looking to go somewhere where they get more playing time and the chance to be a difference maker – we can always trade him for a player that wants to be here – people can snicker and laugh (or call me an idiot or sheep) but I know there are players in the NHL unhappy with their current role in their respective teams.
Hokie P. Clisters
August 26th, 2010
11:30 pm
Good point Brendan, but I don’t see Duds giving him that kind of money. Looks like suitable replacement will be the answer.
Rawhide
August 26th, 2010
11:36 pm
So, could Byfuglien back on blueline be bad news for Kulda?
AZ-Dawg
August 29th, 2010
7:36 pm
The word/rumor here in AZ this afternoon is Stempniak will resign with the Coyotes tomorrow (Monday), sounds like a 2 year deal, amount unknown.