Is there a clear-cut candidate for Thrashers captain?
Last Tuesday I was enjoying the Thrashers opening preseason game with a small group of friends down in section 102. About halfway through the second period one of them, a good friend of mine name of Carl, leaned forward from his seat just behind me and asked, “So who do you think will be the Thrashers captain this year”?
Ron Hainsey celebrates after scoring the overtime winner against St. Louis last fall. Will the Thrashers lift him up as their team captain this season? (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Before I put any cerebral activity to his enquiry, “Ron Hainsey” spilled out of my mouth. He then looked at me as if I had three horns growing out of my head.
And I assure you… I only have two.
When asked why in the world I would think such a thing, I shrugged and replied that maybe it was because he seemed to have step up following the Kovalchuk trade last winter. He appeared to assume more of a leadership role in the absence of any real “captain”, both in practice and in games.
Also, I take into account Hainsey’s contract situation. He will be entering the third season with the team and he’s signed through the 2012-13 season. Since he’s slated to be around for a while, I thought it might be nice to have a captain for more than just a year or so.
But truth be told, I’m not totally sold on the thought of having Ron Hainsey wear the “C”. Clearly I’m not opposed to it, but I can’t honestly say that I think he…or anyone else for that matter…is a clear-cut, obvious, slam-dunk choice for the role.
But if not Hainsey, then who?
My friend’s first counter to my suggestion was that he wouldn’t mind seeing Rich Peverley as captain. He’s as hard working a player as we have on the team and last fall he even agreed to re-up for at least two more seasons.
About the only thing I could say against such a proposal is that the few times I have spoken to Peverley he seems to be very soft-spoken…not the type who would seek undo attention or spotlight. I don’t mean that in any negative manner mind you, but he didn’t strike me as the kind who would be among the first to get in someone’s face or call a player out in the locker room.
But again, that’s just a personal observation and if he were to assume the role, I would have no issue whatsoever with that.
Nik Antropov had an outstanding performance in his first season as a Thrasher. Should he be awarded the "C" in his second year? (AP)
Andrew Ladd was another name that got tossed into the mix. The former Blackhawks certainly brings to the table a great deal of “been there, done that, got my name on the Cup twice to show for it” type of experience. He’ll turn 25-years of age in December but already has six NHL campaigns under his belt.
As I nodded my head in approval of Ladd possibly taking on the captaincy, I also pointed out that he’s only under contract for one season, becoming an RFA again next summer.
“Yes”, my buddy replied, “But maybe we make him captain, tell him he’s the guy to help build this team around and use that as a way to possibly get him to sign a longer deal”.
Uh-huh…but I think we’ve seen that movie before here in Thrasherville and I don’t think the ending turned out very well. Coach Ramsay even addressed this issue Thursday night by saying he’s seen it tried and “failed miserably” in many places before.
Regardless, I’d certainly give Ladd consideration…if not for the “C”, then at least an “A”.
Another I think will be given consideration is Nik Antropov, who will be entering into his second season of a four-year contract. The 67-point showing last season was a career high and exceeded his previous best by 11 points. This can be attributed to dishing out 43 assists, 16 of which came before he scored his first goal a month and a half into the season.
Nik was brought in thanks in great part to the lobbying of the Thrashers most recent captain, but when Ilya Kovalchuk was dealt to the Devils Antropov certainly didn’t sulk about it. Instead he stepped his game up even more finishing with 11 goals and 14 assists before having t sit out the last two games of the year.
Who should be the Thrashers team captain?
- Nik Antropov (35%, 64 Votes)
- Ron Hainsey (23%, 42 Votes)
- Rich Peverley (11%, 21 Votes)
- Andrew Ladd (11%, 20 Votes)
- Zach Bogosian (5%, 9 Votes)
- Evander Kane (8%, 14 Votes)
- Someone else (7%, 15 Votes)
Total Voters: 185
Loading ...His +13 last season and +66 for his career also shows his willingness to play responsibly on the defensive side of the ice. That’s something you definitely want to see from the man wearing the “C”.
Evander Kane…Zach Bogosian? Well, yeah and yeah. I certainly think the two have it in them to become captain at some point in their career, especially Kane. But I have an issue with “appointing” a player as team captain simply because of their potential. This is a something that should be earned based upon experience and respect, and the two young stars have but three total NHL campaigns between them.
Regardless of who ultimately gets to wear the “C” in Thrasherville this season, we may have to still wait a while to find out who that player is. I’ve heard Ramsay say he may opt to roll some “A”s out there and then make a decision. That’s was done here two years ago as you may recall, but back then it was all but a given that it was Kovalchuk who was going to get it. We then scratched our collective heads as to why it took half a season to do so.
But this time around is a bit different, I believe. The player who will be named Thrashers team captain will be the one who will have earned that honor…not just a star player who the franchise is attempting to bribe in order to lock him up long-term.
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94 comments Add your comment
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
1:45 pm
DWTOO – thanks man, I appreciate that! I try to stay balanced eventhough K-belle would tell you not so much during the game!! But after I step away and take a second look, I try to find the silver linings because pessimism for the sake of pessimism is just so, you know, pessimistic!! Perhaps I can have Sage on as my guest for point-counter-point if I were lucky enough to get the gig! LOL
alex
September 24th, 2010
2:12 pm
zubris not going to lead us to promise land, but if we dump to nj valabik and one of crowded 4 liners at least it’s win situation for atlanta, but this move still far short from making thrash compete for playoff spot.
if we swap berg. with zub. it’s terrible dw like move. i will lose all my respect for dud. end of story
Flames
September 24th, 2010
2:17 pm
Smoothie-You would be PERFECT for HockeyBuzz!
True Blue-I have to admit that Slater would be a good choice to have as Captain, but if the requirements for Captain is dedication, determination and hard work, plus is a presents in the locker room and will get in your face. Then you just described Eric Boulton. The entire team loves Boults. We all know that he couldn’t be Captain because of his playing time. He will be a healthy scratch for some games and you defiantly don’t want your Captain to be a healthy scratch. He is the most approachable and likable player on the team. I have never seen him say no to an autograph or a picture.
Joe Friday
September 24th, 2010
2:17 pm
“Buff is a good Captain”
Russian, he might be the worst choice in the current lineup to name Captain. He is notoriously lazy, doesn’t like working out, is prone to taking long stretches of games off, he disappeared last year for Chicago for quite a while, very confounding player. It’s why it’s even harder to imagine why they’d put him back at D after the one place that he excelled was in the playoffs at forward.
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
2:34 pm
Flames – THANKS! U guys are making me blush, stop it! I’m truly flattered and I would be honored to host you guys to even more blogging content over on Hockeybuzz. I’ll try not to step on Billy’s toes too much though…just a bit to keep him sharp!!
Joe F – speaking of not working out, has anyone seen Buf in his golf shirt on the team website?? Not to take pot shots but it wasn’t too flattering seeing his chesticles in a form-fitting shirt. Perhaps it was just a bad angle?? Not that I have a sharp eye for that sort of thing! LOL
Rawhide
September 24th, 2010
2:41 pm
Per Ben Wright tweet: “Full lineup for tomorrow night hasn’t been announced but Ladd, Modin and Byfuglien will make Thrashers debuts. Burmistrov will play too”
Per Dan Kamal tweet: “Pettersson & Burmistrov get their 2nd straight pre-season start tomorrow night vs. CAR. D-pairings are Toby-Bogey, Oduya-Buff, Welch-Sopel”
The blueline is one player shy of what we’ll probably see opening night, (Hainsey instead of Welch).
Smoothinator – You had better watch my toes, my friend!!
kracker
September 24th, 2010
2:44 pm
Ramsay is rolling out a few more players tomorrow night!
thrash0 RT@BenThrashers: Full lineup 4 tomorrow night hasn’t been announced but Ladd, Modin & Byfuglien will make #Thrashers debuts. Burmistrov too!
kracker
September 24th, 2010
2:45 pm
Love the twitter echo chamber! LOL
Rawhide
September 24th, 2010
2:46 pm
kracker - What?? I can’t hear you because of the echo in here….
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
2:56 pm
Rawhide – indeed, I shall be mindful of your toes! Lucky for you, I don’t have much of a foot fetish.
Looks like the line-up for tomorrow night will feature some veterans getting their first taste of action. Me likey as I intend to make the trek down to the Bulb for some pre-season hockey indulgence.
I am particularly intrigued by the reunion of Bogey and Tobey. I have a sneaking suspicion that Enstrom will be better than ever this year. And obviously we should all be looking forward to a bigger, stronger, ticked-off Zach Bogosian.
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
2:56 pm
Damn blog monster got me again! I promise I didn’t say a cuss-word this time. Mama don’t hit me!
World Be Free
September 24th, 2010
2:57 pm
Zubrus is another guy who has to be kicked in the backside on occasion. I doubt Dudley would want him here, but you never know. We have alotta cap space, the question is-will this remain “space” or will we get an NHL body for the money?
A27
September 24th, 2010
3:05 pm
Smoothie you would be great over on Hockeybuzz. It would nice to have a voice over there for better or worse. As far as a the Captain is concerned either Slater or Hainsey.
Red Light
September 24th, 2010
3:20 pm
Why is it when a NHL player’s career begins the descent that they become attractive to some fans?
27 points in 51 games last year, 38 and 40 points the two years before and he has never won a thing. Plus, his contract reads $3.4 million for two more years after this season. Plus, you bail another Eastern foe out of its cap troubles. No, thank you!
Whose next? Daymond Langkow?
Red Light
September 24th, 2010
3:26 pm
Zubrus reference above. Ooops.
As far as Smoothie is concerned, the only good thing to come out of upstate NY is Interstate 90.
JK Smooth Spark!
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
3:29 pm
Don’t think anyone here is saying they want Zubrus. Think we are just saying we could understand Dudley trading for him, as long as he sheds some fat like Boris or someone of his ilk. Personally, I only like the name, Dainus Zubrus…rolls off the tongue! Judging by the reaction of some, we should trade Pavs to NJ for Moose, straight up! LOL
A27 – thank you kind sir. Interacting with you fine folks here on Bill’s blog has certainly made me a more knowledgeable and informed fan!! Hope someone who loves the Thrashers gets to represent the cause over there. Now if only Eklund we’re reading this thread!!
Joe Friday
September 24th, 2010
3:33 pm
“anyone seen Buf in his golf shirt on the team website?? Not to take pot shots but it wasn’t too flattering seeing his chesticles in a form-fitting shirt.”
Yep, those are man boobs. He’s not exactly a workout machine, keep an eye on him tomorrow night, he’ll be huffing and puffing on his way back to the bench after shifts.
Zubrus? Please. No way . . .
Red Light
September 24th, 2010
3:34 pm
So, if you had to pull one player off a cap-close team, who would it be?
Choose from Rangers, Devils, Canucks, Flames, Bruins, Leafs, Flyers, Red Wings and Sens!
Joe Friday
September 24th, 2010
3:35 pm
Oh, and smart move disassociating yourself from Eklund, Rawhide. You lay down with dogs and all . . . just say no, Smoothie. Write your own blog (or mabye you do, just advertise it better)
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
3:53 pm
R/L – very funny! I think you would have to say I-87 is better since it gets you the hell out of NY!! Great scenic highway, but expensive with the tolls! And we think we have it bad with GA-400. Actually, Saratoga Race Course is certainly thing in upstate NY for sure, no contest. I do miss Saratoga in the summer time!
Joe F – hopefully Kaner’s and Bogey’s workout addiction will rub off on Big Buf so he doesn’t become Big Fluff! I’ll give him some time to get in better shape, but sometimes things come too easy to people. If Rammer can’t squeeze more out of him then I don’t know who will.
And yes Joe, I do have my own blog which is linked to this one on the right. I post links from time to time, but hate using Bill’s blog to pimp my own stuff….all of the time!! Lucky for me, the blogging family seems pretty friendly and non-threatened by other bloggers’ presence and Bill kindly pimps me from time to time on zee tweety box. I always return in kind by linking to his eminence. I should pimp him more on twitter but he’s already famous!! And I have few followers! LOL
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
3:54 pm
*certainly THE BEST thing in upstate NY
Geez, guess I got a little excited about the August “place to be!”
Red Light
September 24th, 2010
4:10 pm
Very sad to not have made it to the Springs and the track this summer. It ranks a close second to any hockey arena as my favorite place to be, which in itself is a mighty sad commentary about my life!
English Teacher
September 24th, 2010
4:25 pm
Undue. Sorry. I am what I am.
English Teacher
September 24th, 2010
4:33 pm
By that I mean you should have hit “undo” after you typed “undo” and then replaced it with “undue.”
Zim
September 24th, 2010
4:37 pm
RE: Zubrus
All offseason long, Rick Dudley’s managerial approach has been to refrain from saddling the Atlanta Thrashers organization with irresponsible contracts. Dudley’s mantra this summer has been (paraphrasing) ‘I’m not going to take on a contract if I don’t believe that player would clear waivers.’
Now, Dainius Zubrus might not clear waivers, but he’s still a 32-year old center in obvious decline. Zubrus has a point per game average of 0.44 over the past three years. A big body, Zubrus is huge at 6-5, 225 pounds, but Dainius has always come up short in the playoffs. Zubrus has just one playoff goal in his last 32 postseason games and just three points in his last 17 postseason appearances.
To top it off, Zubrus is inconsistent with his effort on a nightly basis and is coming off a season where he missed 30 games due to a leg injury.
Zubrus’ contract is for $3.4 million (cap hit of $3.4 million) for 2010-11 and 2011-12.
I know that nobody here is clamoring for Zubrus, but looking at the details, I’d be extremely surprised if Dudley even raised an eyebrow at the mention of his availability. Good luck unloading him New Jersey.
A27
September 24th, 2010
4:46 pm
I say no to Zubrus coming here….but then again consider the source. If Eklund says it then its not happening…he’s probably going to the Wild.
Red Light
September 24th, 2010
4:53 pm
As we’ve discussed before, but themes seem to recur…
So, I’ll answer my own question: If the Bruins were interested in keeping Seguin on the roster and Bergeron was up for grabs, he’d be my top choice (they’re not giving up Kreci), but otherwise I’d go for Bieksa for one year at $3.5 million from the Canucks. Despite missing 27 regular season games, he had 22 points and 8 in 12 playoff games. If I couldn’t get those two, I wouldn’t make a move to add to the roster at this point.
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
4:56 pm
R/L – didn’t realize you tried to get back to the Spa every summer…very cool indeed. One of the single prettiest places I can think of, but again, like you said, sad commentary right? LOL I know Santa Anita is supposed to be the prettiest, and I hope to see for myself, but there is just something about Saratoga. Just don’t know why they didn’t make the meet go deep into September for the foliage and such. But alas, the attendance would probably suck after Labor Day.
Worry not folks, I doubt Dainus is going to be looking for real estate off of Sugarloaf Pkway in Duluth anytime soon. There could still be a trade, but it’s gonna have to be a really sweet deal for the Thrashers. We are in a position of strength and should play it as such. Don’t let me down Duds!
Smoothie
September 24th, 2010
4:57 pm
Bergeron for sure R/L, but I can’t think of any other realistic choices. Realism aside, Kesler, Kesler and then Kesler!!!
kracker
September 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
Bergeron: Isn’t Savard having a reoccurance of post-concussion syndrome symptoms? (Is that commonly referred to as PCS?) So I have some concern about Bergeron. He isn’t signed beyond this season but still… He is probably too good not to take the chance on.
Brendan
September 24th, 2010
6:26 pm
Billy Joel sang, “Captain Jack will get you high, tonight.” We don’t have a Jack on the team, however. But we do have a “Zach.” It’s a bit soon for Bogosian, though.
I like Joe Friday’s thinking here. My 1st choice is Nik Antropov. My 2nd choice is Andrew Ladd. I voted for Antropov. If I got a 3rd choice … I think I might go with Byfuglien. Down the road, I like Zach Bogosian and maybe Evander Kane.
Rawhide
September 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
Damien Cox believes the Thrashers are the best bet in East to make the jump to the playoffs.
cousin Eddie
September 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
Jeremy Morin player of the game versus Detroit. A goal and an assist I think.
Wayne stuck in AL
September 24th, 2010
10:36 pm
“Damien Cox believes the Thrashers are the best bet in East to make the jump to the playoffs.”
I don’t believe it…a Toronto writer says something complimentary about the Thrashers without the usual insults about attendance, contraction, etc….
Brendan
September 24th, 2010
11:19 pm
I’ve been trying to figure out which of last year’s playoff teams won’t make it back in next year. There’s only one immediate team that comes to mind for me, Montreal. But, maybe Ottawa won’t make it back? I didn’t think the Sens would be a playoff team, last year, that’s for sure, after the Heatley trade. I’m not sure Cheechoo is even still in the league. Boston, for as deep as they are, may not have Savard … and may have to make salary cap concessions … and may not have fully recovered from being the 1st team in 35 years to blow a 3-0 series lead in the playoffs. They could be golfing this year.
Honestly, when I look at the Northeast division, I’m utterly lost about what to think will happen. Will Buffalo repeat atop the division? They lost Tallinder and Lydman, who had been part of the CF years. Who did they get? I’m drawing a blank. Was it the Sabres that got Shaone Morrison? I look at Ottawa, and I’m not filled with confidence. They were the # 5 seed last year. Can they win the division? I look at Boston, and I’m not absolutely sure they’ll be back in the playoffs, much less win the division. I look at the Leafs, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be 14th in the Conference. And that leaves Montreal, whose goaltending issues I think will sink them. So, who wins that division? Somebody has to.
World Be Free
September 25th, 2010
4:52 am
Zim-good that you brought up Zubrus’ size, 6-4 or 6-5.
What scares me about him is that he doesn’t play big, at all-never has.
Decline for sure, Sabres fans were laughing hard when Lou gave him the bog contract to come to NJ. Those kinds of deals are what has gotten Lou in his current jam.
Tony C
September 25th, 2010
6:33 am
If Hainsey gets the C and plays the whole preseason like he did Tuesday I will puke, and not buy STHs or in fact any tickets from the box office or ticketpimpster. Strictly bandidos outside the arena for me.
Don’t get me wrong, Hainsey can be a fine player but the performance I saw Tuesday is not what you want representing you NHL club.
WBF(from last blog)-I would definitely not put Petersson out there for a full season without someone on his line with express orders to maul whoever thinks they can lean on the guy.-Maybe that’s why we’re seeing the Thorburn @ pivot experiment… which IMO has a higher chance for success than putting fat@ss on defense. That’s right, I called him fat@ss. Granted, you will see me run if/when we meet and he takes umbrage with that remark, but wow, we traded a pretty darn good shooter in Morin PLUS a 1st round pick for this guy-then he wants to play D (which creates problems-good problems to have but I don’t like the idea of trading a Postma away because fat@ss doesn’t want to skate too much) and he shows up way out of shape (again). I realize the guy has oodles of talent and God-given size, but as I know too well-ability without desire or direction isn’t terribly useful. Thorburn may not have been blessed with gifts of a similar caliber, but the guy works his tail off-I won’t be surprised if he performs very capably as a bottom-6 center.
Red Light
September 25th, 2010
9:40 am
It’s all about matching players that can utilize their skills and complement their linemates. Thorburn is one of my favorites on the team because not only does he work hard, he tries to make the most of his talents and he’s a very nice guy. If he can play center, he creates space for others. If he can play center, he learned a lot from Reasoner last year, he can be a shutdown defender with more experience. If he can play center, that frees up others more suited for staying on the wing.
My concern is that these experiments, Buff on D, Little at center, etc., that this team will take some time to gel. And, you know what that means…looking up in the standings for three months if not for the entire year. This team’s best hope is trying to pin the tail on the 7th- or 8th-place donkey, essentially that means more patience is required. But, as long as we view it that way, there’s less chance for disappointment.
Scoring is a concern, but defense, special teams and everything else should fall into place within the first 90 days.
Brendan… Senators are the ones that could fall out of the playoffs this year. Perhaps the Sabres, but you still have the Miller factor, and the Habs. Boston might run away with the NE like they did two years ago.
World Be Free
September 25th, 2010
2:46 pm
Tony C-don’t know what it will take to keep Petterson upright all season. He needs to play woth a playmaker if his game is going to happen. So putting him with a thug who can’t skate may not work. We will see.
Red Light-Sabres aren’t much better than last season when they won the divison. Tyler Ennis may be the rookie of the year for the Sabres this year, he’s real good. But most other teams in the division got better over the summer, so we will see if they can maintain their spot from last season.
BackCheck
September 25th, 2010
6:15 pm
As a Ducks fan I like the Thrashers chances of making the playoffs. Let all the love go south to Yzerman and the Bolts. Nothing wrong with staying under the radar.
glovesave29
September 25th, 2010
7:40 pm
It’s Duds job to take ADVANTAGE of a team in a salary cap crunch…not to help them out. No way to Zubrus. I think NJ Lou is going to find out the market has changed – just ask Burke who wanted a kings ransom for Kaberle, and there were no takers that me his desires. Lou is going to have to give up something he does not want to to meet that league mandated deadline.
I hope Ramsay is smart enough to stay out of the decision as to who will wear the C. I’d prefer to hear that the team took a private vote. We will never know who is the true leader in the locker room until such a choice is make in that fashion.
Found it funny to hear Burke complaining that he must bury an overpaid / underachieving player in the minors, and that the trading team cannot accept some of the salary of the player being traded away to another team. In my eyes, that would undo everything that the league locked the players out for. I would create a greater disparity between the well financed teams and the frugal ones. Why should there be way for teams to get out of a bad decision? I personally think players that a buried in the minors or sent to Europe SHOULD count against their salary cap. No one held a gun to their heads to offer such silly contracts.
Brendan
September 25th, 2010
11:25 pm
Totally agree with the Glovesave29 post @ 7:40PM. I still say … the actual salary should be the cap hit. That would stop all the contract fraud.
Brendan
September 25th, 2010
11:56 pm
Red Light, if the Sens (5), Habs (8), and Sabres (3) all fell out of the playoff picture, that would sure open things up in the East for a couple of teams. The “trendy” pick is TB, which acquired Simon Gagne and Dan Ellis, to complement Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, V. Hedman, and Steven Stamkos (50-goal scorer). It’s new ownership. I could see that, possibly. All I know about Carolina tells me they’re way up one year, then out of the playoffs the next, then right back in the thick of things. So, I wouldn’t be suprised to see Carolina back in the playoffs. And that leaves # 8 slot to be competed for between Montreal, the NY Rangers, Ottawa, Buffalo and the Thrashers. If Atlanta gets, through vast defensive improvement, that would mean the Southeast Division sent four (4) teams to the playoffs, as I presumed the Capitals will repeat atop the SE division for the fourth straight year.
Buffalo lost Tallinder and Lydman, who were both part of their back-to-back CF runs in 2006 and 2007. They got Shaone Morrison, I think? Can Miller carry the Sabres to the postseason? Will Vanek earn his $7+ million this year? Can Derek Roy be a major force? Will the population of Pomminville dwindle? Ottawa lost Volcheknov and Matt Cullen, but they brought in Sergei Gonchar. Is Spezza happy, or not? Does Alfie still have his game? In Montreal, can Carey Price and Alex Auld really be the tandem that gets the Habs back to the CF? Will it even get them back into the playoffs? That Northeast Division is totally up for grabs. Maybe Boston will win it. But the Bruins have salary cap concessions yet to be made. And will Savard play for Boston this season? Will they, instead, try for the longterm injury clause of salary cap relief? Toronto, I would think, will finish 14th. Maybe 13th.
Red Light, do you like the division champs to be 1. Washington, 2. Pittsburgh, 3. Boston? With NJ and Philly somewhere between 4th and 5th?
Nikita (in PA)
September 26th, 2010
12:24 am
My vote goes to Antropov. His work ethic and talent are great, and he’s modest and humorous.
I vote against Peverly and Hainsey. Hainsey, because I think he’s not consistent enough, and Peverly because he struggled a lot last season.
On the other hand, if the duty of the captain is to buy the beer as was stated by someone a few years ago, then by all means make it Eric Boulton.
In a totally related note, anybody looking forward to NHL11? I love how in 09 and 10 they pronounce Boulton’s name as “Bolt-on!”