Can Burmistrov or Esposito take advantage of Cormier’s tough break?
Of all the prospects the Thrashers have at their disposal, the one that I’ve felt had the best chance of cracking this fall’s roster was Patrice Cormier. The 20-year old forward came over to Atlanta last February along with Nic Bergfors and Johnny Oduya when Anssi Salmela and, and…snapping fingers… oh, who was that other guy we sent packing?
Oh yeah…Ilya Kovalchuk.
Anyway…
Cormier came to Thrasherville with some baggage in tow as he was currently serving a season-ending suspension. It came as a result of a vicious hit on Michael Tam during a QHJML game last January. Cormier is answering criminal charges for that incident. But even with that hanging over his head, Rick Dudley…then associate GM…still though highly enough of his on-ice talent to bring him on board.
Cormier impressed during prospect camp and last week put in solid performer at rookie camp. To many, his jump to the NHL rested simply on continuing his fine work during training camp. Unfortunately, that came to a grinding halt last Thursday when he suffered a broken foot during a 4 on 4 scrimmage, blocking a shot even though his team trailed 4-1 in the closing moments.
Bad break for Cormier? Yes, yes it is. But where one suffers a setback, another realizes an opportunity. This is the cold, hard realities of professional sports.
This brings us to another bright prospect in the Thrashers pipeline… Alexander Burmistrov. The Russian forward was selected by the Thrashers with their eighth-overall draft pick last June. Since then, I’ve spent the summer believing that this kid was destined for one more season with the Barrie Colts…even if for no other reason than that there simply would be no room at the Thrasherville Inn for him given the talent in house.
But that all changed Thursday.
Since Cormier isn’t going to be available on October 8, I don’t think it’s inconceivable that we could see the four starting centers suiting up as Antropov, Peverley, Burmistrov and Slater. Antropov and Peverley, in my opinion, are all but shoe-ins as your first and second line pivots. And although I think the team would like to give Slater more than fourth line minutes, he’s handled the centerman’s job there before and could do so again given the circumstances. This leaves the third line open for some competition.
Angelo Esposito has suffered two ACL tears in as many years. But he's showing no signs that it is bothering him now (AJC/Jason Getz)
Cormier’s injury aside, I’ve opined that I wanted to see how Burmie handled himself alongside NHL talent. Saturday was the first time we got to see that and to be honest I thought he did quite well. I’m sure he found out that he’s going to find less space to operate in and his reaction time has to be picked up at this level, but my initial review is nothing but positive.
Angelo Esposito is another one who could benefit from having one less prospect to compete with. I’ve watch him skate this summer and to be honest, he shows zero signs that he’s anything but recovered from his recent ACL tear. He’s quick on his skates and shows no visible signs that he’s nervous about cutting sharp.
The only real test remaining for Espo is how will it holds up during actual game conditions, and there is only one way to do that… play in games. The question I have is, outside of preseason matches, would the team want to have that test done at the NHL level or AHL? I would guess the latter.
Regardless, I’m pleased to see he’s progressed as well as he has.
Additional Observations From Training Camp
One player that really stood out to me as training camp got underway Saturday is Nigel Dawes, the 5’-8”, 195 lb forward who was signed recently to a two-way contract. Folks, don’t let his diminutive statue fool you. He’s like a fireplug on skates out there, using that low center of gravity to his advantage. And he isn’t afraid to go after the puck…and the opposition…in the corners.
Quick, crafty, and a “pest” for opposing defenseman. Those are words that come to mind watching Dawes.
Also, liked how Rich Peverley and Andrew Ladd worked together on the same line. If I hadn’t known any better I would swear these two have been linemates for some time now. The two hooked up on a goal that I hope we’ll see many times this season as the Pevs Dispenser dished a nifty pass over to Ladd who then beat Chris Mason.
Nigel Dawes scored 14 goals, 18 assists and was a +1 for Calgary last season (AP/Larry MacDougal)
Likewise, I was impressed with the pairing of Ron Hainsey and Dustin Byfuglien on defense. Buff looked at home on the blueline and the two seemed very comfortable with one another.
I’m wondering if this is simply a camp experiment or if there is more to it. I say that because coach Ramsay said a few weeks ago in a conversation with myself and Matt McConnell that he would like to get his guys together as quickly as possible. This, Ramsay explained, would allow them some time to gel during preseason. But given the amount of talent in camp he didn’t know if he could do so and still give some of the prospects a fair chance to prove themselves.
However, at the time he was responding to a question regarding the overall squad. Hainsey and Buff are two that have no question as to whether they’ll make the roster, so maybe Ramsay has some intention to keep them together.
And lastly, there’s Freddy Modin. Simply put, he looks ready for season already. All I could think to myself while watching him play was, “He’s gonna be 36-years of age on opening night…really”?
Liking that pickup even more right now.
Ring Around The Blogosphere
It’s been a while since we last took a trip around the hockey blogosphere, but here are a couple of entries that have caught my attention.
Razor Catch Prey of the The Blueland Chronicle takes a look back of the Kovalchuk contract controversy.
The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau has released his Eastern Conference predictions. So how does he feel about the Thrashers? Well, he likes the new GM and coach, but as for results, he’ll believe it when he sees it.
Our own Smoothie opines in his latest As The Birds Thrash blogthat Freddie “The Fly” Pettersson is not a “prospect” anymore. He firmly believes that he’s a ready for prime time player.
Daculafan takes issuewith those who question Akim Aliu’s character in his latest entry over at FanThrashtic.
And finally, we discussed Patrice Cormier and his outstanding legal situation resulting from the hit on an opponent. But Carl Danbury, known in these parts as “Red Light”, wants us to know there’s another side to the New Brunswick native.
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123 comments Add your comment
Matt
September 18th, 2010
9:07 pm
Ahem, Erste?
Bill what kind of crowd showed up in Duluth? Would love to come, but it’s a long haul from Locust Grove.
Rawhide
September 18th, 2010
9:18 pm
Matt – Not a bad showing at all, really. Wasn’t “filled to capacity” but a good size crowd.
Smitty
September 18th, 2010
9:54 pm
I thought Espo looked pretty good on Friday. He showed me a little edge when he went after Aliu after Aliu stood him up with a good hit. Common sense prevailed after a little pushing and shoving. First impressions on Burmie is that he is not quite ready as Kane was last year. With the late signings I think this gives the young guys another year of jr or the AHL.
I always though the young guys should play as soon as possible. But with the obvious depth the Thrashers now have, the young guys can get some more seasoning. I do not think we had that luxury in the past.
Flagstaff
September 18th, 2010
11:12 pm
Pssh. 12th. Thanks, Adam.
Good blog, though, Bill. I couldn’t stay to watch as long as I would have liked, and I only got to see Group A practice. That being said, I have to agree about the chemistry which Ladd and Peverley seemed to have. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they wind up on the second line together.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2010
11:55 pm
Bill – as per usual (taking off my hat and bowing gracefully before you), I am humbled by your gracious gesture to link my latest blog entry to your esteemed column. Sounds like Ramsay, per his Q&A with C-Viv after practice, is also quite pleased with the hard-charging Swede, Fly Freddy P. And good to hear Dawes is already making his presence felt. Damn this is going to be fun!! Go Thrash!
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
12:53 am
What a good blog, Rawhide! Well, I want to put this out there for discussion. Are we talking about a 9-game audition? What? Huh? Well, the second Esposito or Burmistrov’s skate touches NHL ice for Game # 10, the clock starts ticking towards RFA eligibility. In the case of Esposito, I don’t think that’s all that much of a concern. In the case of Burmistrov, I think there’s a financial consideration to make.
Meaning what, exactly? Well, ask yourself this question, and please be HONEST, what would you rather prefer: Burmistrov, at age 20, in Year 3 of his capped 3-year deal … or age 21, of the same? Isn’t age 21, at the SAME PRICE, a little more enticing … especially when R.Stroz says the Atlanta Spirit, LLC songbird sings, “Cheap, cheap, cheap?” Again, that’s a FINANCIAL decision, not a HOCKEY decision. If it’s just about hockey, and Burmistrov earns a roster spot out of camp, then there’s nothing more to talk about. He’s on the team. And he’ll stay there for the rest of the season, barring something unforeseen. Then again, isn’t it an incontestable fact that every high-end 1st round Thrashers pick that has ever been RUSHED into the lineup … has suffered a rookie season injury? I’m not a fan of rushing prospects. I still see this season as Year Four of a 4-year building project. So Adam Proteau sees us 12th, in a regression from last year. I can’t say he’s completely offbase. Like Dudley, he wants to SEE IT, FIRST, before bestowing the glory upon them. Fair enough. I can see the Thrashers finishing anywhere between 8th and 12th. If we could know, as a certainty, that the Thrashers would finish outside of the playoffs, I’d rather start the Burmistrov RFA clock ticking in the 2011-12 season. As fans, however, there’s usually one thing that unites us all. We want to win. And we want to win now. So, if Burmistrov makes that happen for us, then “immediate gratification” comes into play. Sometimes, biting into that red bell pepper is a better choice … than lifting the lid on that sampler box of chocolates, to see what deliciousness awaits.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:49 am
**Friendly Reminder**: Your 2010-11 Atlanta Thrashers budget guesses are due at 11PM, on Monday night, the 20th of September. Just around the corner, really. We had to cut it off at somepoint. And, (other than R.Stroztradamus’ winning guess, which will be made on opening night, based off of the website http://www.capgeek.com,) the 20th of September, at 11PM, is that point of demarcation. I still CANNOT believe that my guess is still the highest one. I never would have believed … that my guess reflects the most amount of belief in the Thrashers ownership. The lowest guess, so far, is $45.1 million, by “Mikey.” The highest guess is made by “Brendan,” at $51.4 million. The purpose of the contest is to estimate how committed you think the Atlanta Spirit, LLC are … towards the Thrashers 2010-11 season. If you think they aren’t trying at all … then the lowest possible guess is $43.4 million, the FLOOR of the salary cap. If you think they’re “committed all the way,” then the highest possible guess is $59.4 million, which reflects the ceiling of the cap. The prediction closest to the actual Thrashers budget, as appearing at http://www.capgeek.com on date of the Thrashers 1st regular season game, will be the winner. No Atlanta Spirit employees are allowed to play. That’d be cheating. R.Stroztradamus will make the winning post after “puck drop” of the 1st regular season Thrashers game.
It’s all meant in good fun. So, if you’re enraged at this point, “Lighten up, Francis.”
Also, Thrasher point totals will come due at “puck drop” on the 1st game of the season as well. To get in on that action, you make a prediction first based on point totals, then “tie-breaker” criteria of finish within the Southeast Division, then Conference Rank. Here’s a sample guess. “89-points, 3rd in Southeast Division, 8th in the Conference.” The first set of tie-breaker criteria is the Southeast Division rank. The second set of tie-breaker criteria is the finish within the Eastern Conference. Last year’s winner was “Pam on Weck,” also known as “Paminski.” The 2009 winner was “Don,” via tie-breaker, over “Glovesave29.” Last year’s budget guess winner was LAC. Good luck to all. It’s prudent idea to delay your point totals guess until the preseason is over, when the roster is set. And all potential trades have concluded. You may change your guess … up until puck drop of the 1st game. After that, all guesses are closed, in fairness to everyone. (It never seems to stop people from trying to enter a guess at Christmas time!!) Best of luck to all the AJC posters in the annual point total contest.
Cornbread
September 19th, 2010
3:05 am
Esposito was my dark-horse pick over both Cormier and Burmistrov. It made more sense to me to bring Espo’s skill in over Cormier and his experience in over Burmistrov. The question was, is he healthy? It appears now he may very well be the 3rd line center with Slater slipping back to fourth and PK minutes. He’s put on good muscle and is better suited in that role than Burmi. He can also move to the second line if needed and that adds depth.
ben
September 19th, 2010
8:23 am
For at least a couple of years this is gonna be an AHL-like team. We might be the pirates of hockey. By that, I mean a team whose owners are trying to lose. Our best hope is that the team is sold and moved out of a place where no one wants to go.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
8:35 am
Rawhide, great seeing you Friday night as we tended to our other obligations. You should be very proud.
I think Burmie needs that “another year” in juniors. I am still concerned about his ability to handle the physical nature of the NHL game. Once he is up for 8 games, he cannot go back; I just think he needs a little more seasoning. Boy won’t it be something if Espo could make the move to the big club, when it look like his career was done after 2 knees. So much for questioning his heart, as so many did when he fell like a rock in the draft. Peter Sykora and Zach Parise fell abit too when they were drafted, if I remember correctly.
You may remember back a few weeks ago when the name Nigel Dawes came up as a possible signing. Dawes is a fringe player than made an impression on a few of us, enough to suggest the Thrashers pursue him. Either Duds is reading the blog (we hope) or we are starting to read the type of players he likes, either way Nigel is a Thrasher, one that will stay and contribute in ATL throughout the season. It’s the Rangers and Flames loss.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
9:02 am
I was hoping Buff would move to forward, sooner or later. But we could all be persuaded to keep him on defense, if Buff and Hainsey can become an assemblence of the shutdown pair of defenseman this team has never had. That’s a tall order to ask any defensive pair, especially since neither d-man has been considered shutdown during their careers. But if they click well together, you just never know what they could do as a defensive pair. They will be physical.
In a few weeks, I would like to go back to the blog you posted when several of our regular posters dissed the Modin signing. I think alot of our fellow posters are going to discover the value of Freddie Modin, as the season progresses.
Red Light
September 19th, 2010
9:14 am
Nice to see kracker, Zoomo and our gracious host yesterday at the Ice Forum. I had the opportunity to talk informally with Little, Pavelec and Dawes yesterday. Little said that moving back to center is a bit overwhelming because he has spent so much time on the wing. It looks as if Ramsay will try to keep him in the middle for the time being. Little said the responsibilities of a center are much more demanding and it’s more tiring because of those responsibilities. He told me he hasn’t played much at the pivot since playing there exclusively through Junior.
Pavelec is excited about the upcoming season, although he did say that all of the roster changes are tough to get used to. He got to Atlanta about four weeks ago after spending much of the summer at home in the Czech Republic. He said his relationship with Hedberg was very strong, but he likes Mason too and feels both of them will co-exist nicely as a tandem. I can’t help but feel that he recognizes the challenge of winning the No. 1 spot and wants to prove himself as the top netminder this year.
Nigel Dawes said that he is very excited to be in Atlanta and feels he will get an opportunity to prove his value to the team during the next few weeks. He said that the summer was very unsettling, not only to him, but many other veterans who played the waiting game looking for a contract. Interestingly, he said he and his agent never discussed what teams were interested in him because he didn’t want to get his hopes up. But, he is thrilled to have this opportunity and wants to show that he can be more consistent this season.
Freddy Pettersson is a very active player offensively, and as Rammer said, shoots from everywhere. Rammr wants pucks at the net from everywhere, anywhere and some of the drills the team went through yesterday proved that.
So, if you’re thinking about line-ups, put Antro, Pevs and Little at center for now, and if Little stays in the middle, that opens a spot for Pettersson, Modin or Dawes (not necessarily in that order). And by the way, Rissmiller was seen at center too, for those who suggested he wasn’t a center a month ago or so.
kracker
September 19th, 2010
10:52 am
Article: Kovalchuk mess truly a deal with the devil
By Kevin Paul Dupont
September 19, 2010
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/articles/2010/09/19/kovalchuk_mess_truly_a_deal_with_the_devil/?page=full
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
11:26 am
Red Light-sounds like we have plenty of talent here already; does this diminish the need to make another deal?
kracker
September 19th, 2010
11:45 am
tweet from Chris – ajcthrashers Nik Antopov and Angelo Esposito not skating today for Thrashers.
Thoughts, anyone? Is this a precaution since both are coming off injury rehab? Nic doesn’t really need to be out there today to be evaluated for other than his medical condition. Espo is in a bit different position since he is either vying for a spot on the team or making an impression for a callup during the season.
My take is that camp is crowded and there’s no reason to over-work either guy on sucessive days this early in camp. Yeah, I know there is a game Tuesday (!) but less than half of those in camp can dress for it. There is Tuesday’s game then three days to practice/evaluate and make early cuts, play again at home Friday and make more cuts on the weekend. Nic and Espo maybe dress for one of the first two games and then they play more heavily in the four games next week. The same goes for Slater, rest his wrist and play him after a week off.
EB
September 19th, 2010
12:42 pm
MUCH rather have Slater on the fourth line and NOT on any other line. I had hoped we were done with signing small guys like Dawes after we tried so hard this off season to limit how many small guys we have on each line to the ones we already had signed to deals. No matter how crafty he is, Dawes will be like all the other small guys we have had in the past, a liability with the puck. It’s just too easy to knock him off the puck, I’d much rather see Aliu, Esposito, and Stewart make the team over Dawes! We also have Rissmiller, Modin, and even Deveaux who could help with their size over Dawes as well. We have quite a few guys under 5-11 already, and we now have a good number of big guys to help protect them when they get smothered by our opponents, but I see no reason to add another 5-8 player. And boy it sure does suck to lose Cormier so soon, if the Thrashers didn’t have bad luck, they wouldn’t have any at all!!
Smoothie
September 19th, 2010
12:42 pm
Brendan – since the deadline is tomorrow and I’ll be golfing and carousing on my vacation, I’ll go ahead and submit a guess for the Opening Night Cap Hit.
I’m going to go with a relatively low figure of $47,250,019.
I think there will be some shuffling around when it comes to the roster, but I don’t expect any big move or trade until after the season starts. I think Rammer and Dudley will decide to see what they’ve got on the first road trip of the season before making any major moves.
To anyone who has posted a report from training camp and does so going forward, BIG, BIG THANKS!!
Go Thrashers!
Flagstaff
September 19th, 2010
12:49 pm
Just shooting in the dark here, but I will go with $46,999,999.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
12:54 pm
Brendan, Smoothie-you guys at the game Tuesday?
Anyone else making the preseason opener?
I know kracker is going to be there, would should establish a meeting point.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:12 pm
Smoothie, your buget guess is $19 more than Rawhide’s. Allrightee, then. It’s duly noted.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:14 pm
WBF, I will not be there. I may be at opening night, however.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:16 pm
Kracker, I think it’s just a precaution to sit them. The season is seven months long. And Atlanta must start well out of the gate, to be talking about the playoffs in March.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:27 pm
Red Light, nice player comment interviews. Good stuff.
Flagstaff, your guess is entered at $46,999,999. I think the Thrashers current budget is $46,466,666. If the budget doesn’t change, Flagstaff would be the winner.
Falcons up on the Cardinals, 7-0, in the 1st quarter.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
1:29 pm
I hope we delay on Burmistrov. But, if he makes it, and does well, then I can’t argue results.
kracker
September 19th, 2010
1:30 pm
Brendan, I will guess an even $50M.
Red Light
September 19th, 2010
1:40 pm
While small in stature, Dawes is very thick with great balance. He’s not easy to knock off the puck. Like Rawhide said, he’s like a fire hydrant.
Deal isn’t necessary, WBF, particularly as you suggest that Modin is ready for a nice rebound and at the current salary could be a huge steal. Questions remain but he’s skating well. Ladd is definitely a top-6 forward on this team and looked in mid-season form yesterday. Still concerned about goal scoring all the way around, but it’s so early it’s tough to project what the lines are going to be, I think we have to just wait and see. Eager has better hands than I expected.
kracker
September 19th, 2010
1:56 pm
I always shudder when I see the “fireplug” description that was used (by Waddell I think) to describe Alex Bourret. Bourret made Todd White look tough.
This is not to disparage Nigel Dawes.
Smoothie
September 19th, 2010
2:14 pm
Brendan – ooops, didn’t know Billy T already selected that amt. Can’t have that! I’ll go with $47,499,019 instead.
Thank you!
kracker
September 19th, 2010
2:23 pm
Pics from various training camps.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Scenes-From-Camps-Around-the-NHL/1/30234
kracker
September 19th, 2010
2:51 pm
tweet – ajcthrashers Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay says Bryan Little will move back to center. Rich Peverley playing right wing.
Interesting. Antro, Little, Slater at C Who will be the 4th? Kane, Burma?
Smoothie
September 19th, 2010
3:31 pm
Kane-Antro-Bergy
Bergy moves back to his natural position and Kane can play C if Antro needs a break. Antropov can play any fwd position depending on situation.
Laddy-Lits-Pevs
Looks like Rammer wants to get away from players on the off wing to cut down on turnovers. Get the puck deep at all costs and bang!
Modin-Burma/Espo-Freddy P
Rammer loves guys that shoot and hit and both Swedes fit that description. Both Espo and Burma can dish and backcheck. Slates can play 3rd line C as well.
Eager-Slates/Thor-Thor/Dawes
Size, speed, grit and hands on the 4th line. Can present mismatches against other 4th lines and headaches with relentless forecheck pressure. Rissmiler is 4th line C if Burma/Espo don’t eork out and Slates has to play 3rd.
Like it, lots of flexibility depending on opponent, situation, player slumps etc.
Can’t wait for Tues!
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
5:26 pm
Smoothie, your new guess is updated, at $47,499,019. Though, your other okay, since it did differ from Rawhide’s by $19. Speaking of identical picks, however, WBF and Kracker have both selected an even $50 million for the Thrashers salary cap budget this year. If it wins, you’ll share the honors.
The Falcons put a serious crunch on the Cardinals today, 41-7. The best play of the day, however, was the Arizona 80-yard TD run. Sadly, that means that play will get the highlights on SportsCenter.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
5:27 pm
Very happy to see Little back in the middle again.
Nate
September 19th, 2010
5:38 pm
Brendan – Put me down for $48.2 million in the payroll contest. I’ll get back to you on the points/standings after preseason.
Zoomo
September 19th, 2010
5:47 pm
Nice to see Rawhide, Kracker, and meet Red Light at yesterday’s session. We went back today for some late day action. I can’t add much to the loquacious blogging of Raswhide and Red Light. But, I have to agree that Ladd is a player. Seemed to mesh we’ll with Peverley.
I will say that in this year’s camp we have the greatest Thrasher hairdo of all time – that of Akim Aliu. We saw him shorts and a tee shirt after the B team left the ice…whoa…that do’s a masterpiece!
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
5:55 pm
Brendan, sorry you will not be there Tuesday, I will miss opening night. Red light, asgree on scoring concerns but I think our team D will be much better this season.
HookyBob
September 19th, 2010
6:05 pm
First things first,…Stroz,..we haven’t heard from ye,… in almost a week. I trust everything is OK?
Second, I was pleased when we signed Nigel Dawes. I’m of the opinion that short players have certian advantages, such as getting to loose pucks quicker, and other things “down low” that, if maximized, are valuable to the team. As for getting knocked off the puck easier, I disagree and point to Marty St Louis, and, for those old enough to remember, JP Parise. Nigel is a Manitoba (western Canada) developed hockey player so I have no concerns about his grit, toughness, hustle, and hockey smarts. Also encouraging to hear the word “crafty” (ie Marty St. Louis) associated with Dawes. I hope he not only makes the team, but contributes significantly.
I’m not sure why but I really like the idea of Pevs and Ladd playing together. If nothing else, I sense these are two smart, hard working players, who compilment each other well and, make each other more effective.
For those of us who stayed tuned alll summer,….training camp is upon us!!!! In Dudley and Ramsay I trust. Its the time of year to Believe in Blueland.
Thrashers27
September 19th, 2010
6:29 pm
HookyBob,
I’m not wanting to bust your chops at all, but I got a good laugh out of your theory about shorter players reaching the puck sooner…If Dawes and Valabik are trying to get to a puck that is on the ice, both of their sticks are at the same elevation, ice level. It’s not like they’re reaching for it with their hands.
Badger Bob
September 19th, 2010
6:34 pm
Brendan put me down for 49,706,166 (add Zajac, subtract one of our bottom 3 salaries). If I had three guesses and looking at the other cap crunch teams, you know I also like 50,566,666 (add Bergeron), and 48,816,666 is a long shot (Hagman). VAN only has Dmen to offer, and NYR has nothing to offer (or nothing they are willing to part with).
I will most certainly hold off on the points prediction until I see the final line up!
Viking
September 19th, 2010
6:49 pm
Brendan,
Budget: $47 688.00
92 points, 2nd in Division, 8th in Conference.
kracker
September 19th, 2010
6:59 pm
Brendan, since WBF already chose $50M, please change my figure to $49,804,723. The last 6 numbers were carefully chosen from Antro, Pevs ans Slates numbers.
kracker
September 19th, 2010
7:02 pm
Viking, that is a rather small budget! Even Stroz doesn’t think the owners are that cheap!
Viking
September 19th, 2010
7:33 pm
Kracker, my crystal ball does not see a big expense player in the near future. While I think they might be fairly happy what they got now to choose from, a medium rare player could be coming minus the cost of what we trade away.
According to Brendan, the budget is currently at $46 466 666, so I think a little more than a million more is going to be spent.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2010
9:11 pm
I like round numbers
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
9:17 pm
Viking, remember that the “authority” is not me, but rather http://www.capgeek.com. Then click on the Atlanta Thrashers. We’re using whatever figure appears at that website. For clarification, if you’re using, say … nhlhumbers.com, or some other hockey-related website to make a guess, you need to visit capgeek.com to make a guess in this contest. We’re crowning a winner according to the figure that’s listed there. For example, Rissmiller is listed against our cap. He might not make the team. At all. Not sure if Petterson is there. I don’t think Burmistrov, and what I suppose is his $3.75 million in bonuses is there yet. It would depend if he makes the team. And so forth. I can’t remember if Nigel Dawes is there or not.
Also, let’s not forget there’s an over/under contest going on for Freddy Modin. The bar was set by R.Stroz at 14 goals and 56 games played for the 2010-11 season. If you vote “under,” you’re voting for LESS than 14 goals and LESS than 56 games played. If you vote “over,” you expect Modin to pot 15 or more goals and play in 57 or more games this season for Atlanta. Actually, R.Stroz, did we specify if Modin’s games and goals must all be scored as a Thrasher? For example, if Atlanta trades Modin at the deadline, do the goals and games he gets and plays in count in our contest? I hadn’t thought of that yet. Please weigh-in, R.Stroz. I think Stroz meant, “as a Thrasher.” And what if Modin plays in 57 games, but only scores 9 goals? Is that a successful guess, or not? He did meet the games played requirement.
Viking, your budget guess of $47,688,000 is registered, along with your points totals contest at 92, 2nd in SE, and 8th in the Conference.
Kracker, your revised guess is duly noted at $49,804,723.
Badger Bob, your budget guess is recorded at $47,706,166.
Good luck. And remember, folks, the budget contest is all in good fun. Its purpose is to demonstrate how committed the Atlanta Spirit, LLC is … towards the advancement of the NHL franchise that they own and control. All 30 NHL teams are FORCED to operate within the parameters of $43.4 million to $59.4 million. Currently, the Thrashers are at $46,466,666 in cap hit, per capgeek.com.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
9:24 pm
Nate, your $48.2 million is also registered.
Curly
September 19th, 2010
9:59 pm
Rawhide – Great blog as usual. I read almost every one, but rarely post.
Brendon – I enjoy your contests. Note… last year I tied for first with Pam on Weck in the points contest with 83 but lost in the tiebreaker. I’ll wait a week or so with my guess this year. For the Cap Budget contest… please enroll me at $46,340,000. I don’t think Rissmiller and Meyer make the opening night roster. I will be pulling for Spencer M. and Freddie the Fly to make it.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
10:03 pm
Kracker, interesting article by Kevin Paul Dupont. He laid it on a little thick, not that it wasn’t worth reading. Dupont made it appear that the Devils also gave up a 2nd round pick, in addition to Cormier, Bergfors, Oduya, and a 1st rounder. I believe that the Thrashers and Devils merely swapped draft positions in the 2nd round, something actually benefitting New Jersey. In the end, I still don’t think the NHL fixed the problem of dollar cost averaging contracts. All they did was set a limitation of contracts past 40. And really, weren’t Kovy’s age 40-44 already set at the league minimum salary? $100 million over 15 years is an abberation of what Kovalchuk’s true market value is/would be. The way to fix everything is … whatever the player’s salary is … is what counts against the cap. Which is something Red Light’s been saying for quite a while now. Tavares’ RFA deal might wind up being 20 years. And the last two, paying him until he’s 42, would just be at the league minimum anyway. Ooooh, scaaary. What NHL franchise couldn’t afford the MINIMUM salary for such a player. Pfft. I think the NBA has a rule … that you can pay a player pretty much whatever you want, but the limit is 7 years.
Curly
September 19th, 2010
10:12 pm
Brendan – I Agree. The yearly cap hit should be whatever the salary is that year. No chance for any cap circumvention with this principle.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
10:13 pm
Curly, thanks. Best of luck to you again in both contests. Your budget guess is noted at $46,340,000. Tie-breakers are important in the point totals contest. In some years, we had 5 or more posters with the same point total guess. So, those tie-breakers do come into play. I flirted with adding a third tie-breaker of “Thrasher wins,” but decided against it. If we get absolutely identical picks, we’ll just have multiple winners.
Brendan
September 19th, 2010
10:20 pm
Curly, if the NHL adopted that change in the CBA, that the actual player salary were the actual CAP HIT, I’d support allowing teams to pay a player more than 20% of the cap limit, if they want. But that’s just not prudent strategy. Imagine if the AS, LLC tried to pull a Joe Johnson with Kovalchuk. Namely, that they’d pay him $15 million-a-year, lets just say, to retain him. Well, that’s more than the 20% maximum salary that’s permitted under the current CBA. I’d allow teams to do that, if they wanted. But the salary, ALL of it, would count against the team cap.
Derrick
September 19th, 2010
11:14 pm
Smoothie, I love your line pairings! If that’s the lineup we see on opening night then I must say I would be very happy. I really think Burmistrov and Pettersson could make some magic together and Modin should be able to take full advantage of the kids’ creativity and passing skills to score quite a few goals off one-timers with his huge shot.
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
7:34 am
We made the headlines on NHL.com two days in a row! Someone at NHL.com must have made a mistake…or we are getting better. http://www.nhl.com/
Dwayne
September 20th, 2010
8:08 am
$47,192,516.032…
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
8:37 am
$47,500,000.00
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
8:50 am
Does any one know what happened to Evgeny Artyukhin?
Adam
September 20th, 2010
8:59 am
Brendan - Put me down for $49,423,333
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
9:02 am
Here is a link to an article about us on NHL.com: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=537373&navid=DL|NHL|home
Adam
September 20th, 2010
9:10 am
Rhythmpenguin - As far as I can tell he’s in limbo. No contract in the NHL or KHL and no camp invite anywhere.
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
9:26 am
Wonder why? Didn’t we trade for him?
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
9:38 am
I’m still sticking with no Center prospects… Thorburn moves to Center and a Winger prospect makes the team… I’ll say Petersson, but he’ll have a tough camp battle with Anthony Stewart.
Kane Antro Berg
Ladd Little Pevs
Dawes Thorsy Petersson
Eager Slates Modin
Boulton
TableHockey
September 20th, 2010
10:26 am
You guys may have heard this already but Chris Viv is reporting that Buf rolled his ankle and is out of practice and Espo is out with a hip injury. He mentioned an MRI but didn’t say which is getting the MRI or of both are.
Diego from Lilburn
September 20th, 2010
10:35 am
My guess is $48,320,000. I don’t see the ASG stretching much from here.
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
10:59 am
I think the roster is set, so I’ll say the salary is $46,466,666.
I’ll put our point total at 92 pts… 2nd in the SE, 7th in the Conference.
Derrick
September 20th, 2010
11:06 am
49,732,952
94 pts 2nd in SE 6th in conference
Dwayne
September 20th, 2010
11:11 am
Did anyone ever watch the Gong Show?
Red Light
September 20th, 2010
11:14 am
Question…
If Eric Belanger is coming off a career high in points (15 goals, 26 assists) and last season was his first ever over 40 points, then why does he agree to take a $1 million pay cut to sign with Phoenix? It also was his first season since his second season in LA where he was on the plus side. And, before you say that he was with Washington and anyone can get points there, much of his point gathering was in Minnesota before the trade.
He is the 12th highest paid forward on the Coyotes roster, behind even Prucha, Fiddler and Pyatt, and it’s not like the Yotes were up against the cap. Dig deep for the answer boys, it might not be as obvious as you think!
Rhythmpenguin
September 20th, 2010
11:25 am
Put me at 93 points, 2nd in the SE, 8th in the conference.
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
11:37 am
Red Light… to me, it seems like Bellanger is a dick.
Derrick
September 20th, 2010
11:39 am
On second thought change it to 96 points instead of 94 but same result in the division and conference.
Zombie Steve
September 20th, 2010
11:51 am
Preseason snuck up on me!! It’s tomorrow!!!!
Zombie Steve
September 20th, 2010
11:52 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJChh7ghGnE
World Be Free
September 20th, 2010
11:57 am
Red Light-Belanger had little choice. My understanding is that he thought he had a deal with the Caps several weeks ago, then it fell through. By the time his deal collapsed, all the buying teams had done their shopping. Belanger was the guy I wanted here, but he’s in the desert instead.
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
12:09 pm
According to Viv’s twitter… Ian McKenzie left today with his bag and sticks. Could be first day of cuts.
World Be Free
September 20th, 2010
12:21 pm
Dwayne-sure did
Tom
September 20th, 2010
12:57 pm
Brendan,
Put me down for $47,759,997 . I used Wal*Mart Pricing as the team is always looking for a discount.
I am betting we are a very surprising team with lots of 3 point games. The Thrashers will end up with 97 points, 5th in the East.
Thanks!
Dwayne
September 20th, 2010
1:10 pm
Thank You WBF, my guess on dollars spent…47,192,516.32 The last 5 numerals. Gong show prize money. Another failed attempt. I guess J P Morgan just bashed the gong one more time. Bring on Gene Gene The Dancing machine.
World Be Free
September 20th, 2010
1:49 pm
Dwayne-classic show, wish we had access for reruns.
Jay P-that chick is old now, but I guess that show was about 30 years ago.
Joe Friday
September 20th, 2010
2:02 pm
The Gong Show, what was that host’s name (the short white guy with the fro?). Classic inane TV
Buf probably rolled it skating back on D, I am telling you, he is a horrible skater and will be a liability for us at D
Rawhide
September 20th, 2010
2:05 pm
The Gong Show, what was that host’s name (the short white guy with the fro?). Classic inane TV
Joe Friday – Chuck Barris, I believe.
Everyone – Per Ben Wright, here is tomorrow’s possible lineup:
Kane-Burmistrov-Stewart
Dawes-Little-Pettersson
Paquette-Holzapfel-Aliu
Eager-Rissmiller-Machachek
Hainsey-Sifers
Kulda-Meyer
Valabik-Zubarev
Pavelec
MacIntyre
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
2:06 pm
Joe… his name was Chuck Barris.
kracker
September 20th, 2010
2:07 pm
The Gong Show, Dwayne?! Sure…I knew the Blogmaster reminded me of someone! Chuck Barris!
Rawhide
September 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
kracker - Thanks…thanks a pant-load!
kracker
September 20th, 2010
2:18 pm
Sure! And how about lola for Juicy J.P. Morgan
That was a great show…for about 35 years ago!
kracker
September 20th, 2010
2:25 pm
Wow, only two forwards and two d-men from last years regulars!
We certainly aren’t playing a team half-full of NHLers to go for a home pre-season win!
Mikey
September 20th, 2010
2:31 pm
kracker, if the BlogMaster was in charge of the gong show he would have been whacking that gong everytime Todd White touched the puck last season!
DWTOO
September 20th, 2010
2:52 pm
The Gong Show – the anti American Idol! One of the many ways I idled away the time between classes in the 70’s. And J P Morgan was fine!
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
2:53 pm
I think Sifers and Holzapfel get cut after tomorrow’s game. Paquette and Aliu will get some time with Little at some point in the game.
I’ll predict Paquette puts in a “Joey Crabb” worthy preseason performance.
Thrashers27
September 20th, 2010
2:58 pm
Honestly, I think that pre-season lineup actually has more talent than some of the starting lineups from the first few years of the team’s existence.
Red Light
September 20th, 2010
3:02 pm
Well, I guess Belanger could be a pain in the neck and was left few options once the Washington deal fell through, but neither constitute the answer I am looking for. Just think about why guys like Belanger, Modin, Halpern, Pisani, Brunstrom Mara, Mayers and Bergfors etc., are accepting these type of deals. It could be because they simply love hockey and didn’t want to miss the season, or there could be another reason altogether. C’mon conspiracy theorists…
Dwayne
September 20th, 2010
3:06 pm
Unknown Comic:Hey Chuckie Chuckie, you got a very striking face….
Chuck: I do?
Unknown Comic: Yea, how many times you been struck there?
Dwayne
September 20th, 2010
3:08 pm
Unknown Comic: Chuckie, Chuckie, I know your not two faced.
Chuck: Oh really? Why?
Unknown Comic: Because if you was, you wouldn’t be wearing that one.
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
3:20 pm
Dwayne, you’re registered at $47,192.516.32. Way to be precise!
Rhythmpenguin, you’re registered at $47.5 million, with 93-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference.
Adam: You’re registered at $49,423,333.
Diego from Lilburn: !Hola, hombre! ?Que tal? Estas enregistrado con $48,320,000.
GaVaHokie: You’re in at $46,466,666, with 92-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference.
Derrick: You’re hooked up at $49,732,952, with 96-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 6th in the Conference.
Tom: You’re in at $47,759,997 in the budget contest. You’re in with a partial points guess of 97-points, NO SE Division designation, (and really, that’s the 1st set of “tie-breaker” criteria), and 5th in the Conference. (If you could indicate a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place SE division finish, it would give your guess a better chance to win.)
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
3:27 pm
Re: Belanger. Well, Waddell did reference the “HBK line” as one that wasn’t firing during the 2007 playoffs. Although, Waddell quickly defended Hossa, saying “Hossa played well.” When I heard those comments, I immediately thought, “Well, Kozlov won’t be back.” But he was! With a 3-year deal, that included that dreaded no trade clause. God, I’m so happy to be rid of it! And, of course, Belanger. Well, Belanger “didn’t feel like being blamed.” So, he signed a 3-year deal with Minnesota, I think. I doubt we’d see Belanger back in Atlanta, barring a substantial change in ownership. If he’s a begger, however, he shouldn’t be a chooser. He should take NHL work where he can find it, and be glad for it.
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
3:27 pm
Brendan… actually, bump me up to $47,466,666. I have a feeling we might have to sign McLaren at $1 million, as I’m hearing Valabik is not playing well so far in camp.
Thrashers27
September 20th, 2010
3:30 pm
Bob, I’d like to bid $1.
Alright, throw me in at $48,350,000 for opening night.
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
3:36 pm
Thrashers27: You’re ina t $48.35 million. Good luck, sir. Hokie’s got it won, though. Maybe. We’ll see.
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
Okay, GaVaHokie changed his pick, and he’s now in at $47,466,666. Shame about Valabik. But roster spots are earned, not given based off draft position. I continue to hope Boris will be NHL-ready and able to improve from last season, when he was hurt.
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
3:39 pm
Red Light, it’s still amazing to me that Jim Slater earns more than Nik Bergfors. Then again, Slater has NHL tenure over Bergfors.
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
3:51 pm
Brendan – $48,888,080.
2nd place S.E.
7th in conference.
Modin – under
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
3:53 pm
Chuck Barris – woot, woot.
Diego from Lilburn
September 20th, 2010
3:57 pm
Brendan – ¡Muchas Gracias!
GaVaHokie
September 20th, 2010
4:05 pm
Brendan… what was the Modin over/under again?
Darkhorse
September 20th, 2010
4:16 pm
Is Boris fully healed from last season’s injury?
kracker
September 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
Thr Gong Show: We can’t leaave out Gene Gene the Dancing Machine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACpNVD5GMUw
lola
September 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Mr. Kracker: Thank you for the honorable mention! Nice to see you Saturday!
Joe Friday
September 20th, 2010
4:42 pm
Chuck Barris, that’s it! My Mom used to yell at me whenever she caught me with that show on “turn that garbage off and do your homework!”
“or there could be another reason altogether.”
impending lockout coming and structuring contracts to allow for the new lower cap, The Donald Fehr writing is on the wall . . .
World Be Free
September 20th, 2010
4:57 pm
Chuck Barris for supposed govt agent
World Be Free
September 20th, 2010
4:57 pm
Chuck Barris THE supposed govt agent
Red Light
September 20th, 2010
5:04 pm
Very, very good Joe Friday…
The NHLPA and the agents may be plotting the strategy that includes that dreaded word: collusion!
• 297 one-year contracts were issued during the off season, and only 43 of those were $1 million or more.
• 105 two-year contracts issued this summer, with none other than Pavel Kubina getting the largest two-year deal of $3.85 million per year, a $1.15 million pay cut.
• Just 37 three-year or longer contracts (16 for d-men) were issued this summer. Only two contracts signed within the past 9 months (Kovy at 25th and Semin at 46th) are among the top 50 in terms of cap hit in the league.
Patrick O’Sullivan, who averaged 16 goals and 27 assists during the last three full seasons, had his contract bought out, signed for additional $600,000 by the Canes, making his compensation $997,917 this year, a cut of $1.927 million this year (or $991,666 if you include next year’s buyout figure). While he was -35 last season in Edmonton, four of the nine worst plus/minus ratings belonged Oilers in 2009-10. His deal is a two-way contract.
Now, there has been talk of O’Sullivan’s father being a royal pain in the butt, yet I’m sure there are several teams that could have used him. Heck, he’s only 24 and had 53 points in LA in 2007-08.
Red Light
September 20th, 2010
5:08 pm
So, perhaps the agents and the NHLPA had an unofficial mandate that said…”you sign” and we’ll use your deal as evidence.
Or, it just could be coincidence that so many teams were up against the Cap that it was a market correction after all the nonsense that occurred from 2006-07 through April 2009.
Comments? Choices?
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
5:10 pm
Brendan – - 92 points, I forgot…
kracker
September 20th, 2010
5:15 pm
I just saw this, World Be Free:
I know kracker is going to be there, would should establish a meeting point.
I will be in the food court early. Bill has my cell number, get it from him if you can. I leave work 4 to 4:30 and drive to Chamblee Station, so I will have time to kill. Food court @ Gorin’s is the usual meeting point.
kracker
September 20th, 2010
5:20 pm
Thank you lola! It was nice to see you, too. Come on down tomorrow if you can.
Red Light
September 20th, 2010
5:35 pm
Calling Brendan!
What’s the lowest point total chosen, and what’s the highest point total chosen so far?
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
5:44 pm
Somebody had 43,000.00!!!lol
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
5:47 pm
Viking
September 19th, 2010
6:49 pm
Brendan,
Budget: $47 688.00
92 points, 2nd in Division, 8th in Conference.
Hockey Biltong
September 20th, 2010
5:48 pm
sorry Viking, I couldn’t resist…
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
5:52 pm
Red Light, let me get back to you on that one. Off the top of my head, the lowest was “East Point Bob,” at 60-points. The highest, I can’t really remember. I want to say it was 113-points? I forgot who submitted it. When I get home, I’ll look it up.
Thrashers27, I’ve got you registered at $48.35 million.
HockeyBiltong: I’ve got you at $48,888,080 in the budget contest, and 92-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference, for the points totals contest. Plus, I have you registered for “under” with respect to the R.Stroz prompted over/under poll for Freddy Modin.
Hokie: The bar was set by R.Stroz, for Modin, at 14 goals and 56 games played.
R. Stroz
September 20th, 2010
6:34 pm
HookyBob – I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Lately, I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time taking care of two elderly parents. No one ever informed me of the downside of being an only child.
Brendan – The Modin over/under is based on his “Thrasher” days.
Good thing the preseason game wasn’t tonight. The folks driving in from Gwinnett would be, in the words of Joe Bob Friday, polyscrewed.
Twisted Wrister
September 20th, 2010
6:34 pm
Are those lines subject to change?
Rawhide
September 20th, 2010
7:11 pm
It’s almost time to head down to Philips again and get Tangled Up in Blue(land).
Brendan
September 20th, 2010
9:32 pm
Red Light, the lowest guess was indeed East Point Bob, at 60-points. The highest point total guess was James Brown (J.B.), at 103-points. The lowest budget guess was $45.1 million, by “Mikey.” The highest guess has been by, well, me. “Brendan” submitted a guess of $51.4 million. I could never have guessed that I’m the one who possess the most confidence that the AS,LLC is actually trying to make the playoffs this year. This contest does reflect the level of confidence you have in the ownership. A low guess means, “I don’t think they much care.” A higher guess means, “I think they’re really trying to achieve something.”
The Modin contest is 14 goals and 56 games played, and, per R.Stroz, they must be played and SCORED as a Thrasher. If Modin plays games or scores goals as a member of another NHL team, they DO NOT COUNT in the over/under contest. That is all.