Friday night February 25, 2011 at Philips Arena – Be there Thrasherville
On Friday night February 25th, 2011 the Atlanta Thrashers will host the Florida Panthers in a Southeast Conference showdown. The scheduled start time for the game is the same as it is for all Friday home games in Atlanta and exactly one week from the posting of this blog, 7:30pm.
If you are a fan of the Thrashers…if you’re a fan of NHL hockey and support the league remaining in this city…. if you have been sickened by what the team’s current ownership has allowed this franchise to become…if you are mad as hell about what you’ve learned recently… then you need to be there.
In saying that, I’m looking at all of you out there in the blogosphere…all of you who frequent this online hockey forum as well as the one hosted by AJC Thrashers beat writer Chris Vivlamore. And that’s quite a lot of individuals, so I’m told.
I’m looking at those fans who normally make it to just a handful of games each season. I’m even looking at those who may make it to but one. If that’s the case…make next Friday that one.
Need a good deal on tickets? Well, simply click –>HERE<– and use promo code RAWHIDE.
I’m also looking at those of you who make it to almost each and every home game as well. Those would include season ticket holders, be it full or partial…my good friends up in The Nasty Nest… the fine people of The Smirkin’ Chicken…all those who frequent the Thrashers Message Boards…the boys at the The Blueland Chronicle as well as the many others who host their own independent Thrashers blogs…and last but certainly not least, the well over 800-member strong Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club.
Yes…I’m looking at all of you.
If you have the physical and financial means to do so…next Friday night, be there!
THEY POINTED THE FINGER AT YOU SO GIVE THEM ONE BACK
As you already know by now, just a few days ago Atlanta Spirit co-owner Michael Gearon pointed his finger at you, the fans of Atlanta Thrashers hockey. He pointed the finger at you citing your lack of attendance as one of the main reasons he and his fellow Atlanta Spirit partners may be forced to consider offers from those who may seek to relocate this franchise elsewhere. He did so just after we were given the good news of Dustin Byfuglien re-signing and just before the team went on a 3 game, week and a half long road trip.
Next Friday will be the first game played back at Philips Arena after he and his cohorts kicked us square in the teeth, gut…and other regions just south of there. As such, it will be the first time you can let Mr. Gearon and the rest of this cluster-flop of an ownership group know just what you think of them since this news story broke. In essence, this will be the first chance you get to shake your finger…whichever one you choose to display…right back at them all.
Really, this is the only way to let the Sucknificant Seven hear from you… seeing how none of them seem to possess the testicular fortitude to stand before you in a town hall meeting forum and answer your questions directly. Team President Don Waddell may at some time do so…say what you want about him but he’s at least been willing to show up and take the heat in person. However, don’t hold your collective breaths waiting for Gearon, Levenson or any other of the co-owners to man up and do so any time soon.
No, they won’t be there…but you should be.
FILL UP PHILIPS AND BE IN FULL VOICE
Yes, Philips Arena needs to be packed next Friday night…packed to the rafters. It should be filled with fans who are not only there to root for the hometown ice combatants, but also with fans who are willing to scream, chant and/or otherwise make it clear to the NHL world that it is not they who have cause this mess to proceed to this point. But rather, this is the direct result of what the owners have done to this organization since it purchased it seven years ago.
And I’m telling you folks…thousands of empty seats will not carry that message for you.
Also by packing out and rocking out Philips Arena Friday night, you can send a message to any would-be investor that this is what the place was like before the Great Octocluster ran it into the ground. And it could be like that again.
You not only need to be there for the game, but you need to show up well before the scheduled puck-drop time. You need to be outside of the arena and inside CNN Center with your signs displaying not only your love and support for the team, but also your feelings for this band of knuckleheads who have all but killed off this franchise.
I’m also guessing there will be a few members of the media there, both of the local and out-of-town variety. Given the events of this past week, I’m sure someone will want to gauge the mood of the fans here. So, you need to avail yourself to any reporter and any news cameraman there to express your thoughts to not only the NHL community around the North American continent, but the sports community in general as well. You need to have your faces in their cameras and your voices should set their audio equipment ablaze.
Now, I’m not saying to be offensive or vulgar in your demeanor…but do be loud, do be clear and do be passionate.
But most of all…do be there!
BOYCOTT THE BOYCOTT
To those of you out there who still hold to the belief that some sort of “boycott” is the best course of action, allow me say two things to you.
1. With all due respect for you opinion, you’re dead wrong.
2. Regardless of No. 1, there is still a way for you to help the cause…assuming, that is, if you are truly a fan of the team and support NHL hockey in Atlanta.
Simply join the rest of us before the game in front of Philips Arena and in CNN Center. Be there to voice your distain for the current ownership group to the media. Then, when the rest of us head in to watch the game, you can head into Taco Mac to watch it while enjoying some wings and an adult beverage or two.
If you simply do that, it will not put one single dollar into the pockets of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
Maybe none of this will matter a hill of beans to those who make up the Atlanta Spirit, LLC, (Lies, Lawsuits and Contempt). Certainly if they have shown such distain for you over the course of the last several years, it’s not hard to think they won’t really give a damn now.
But one thing is for sure. If hockey fans across this great land of ours tune into NHL On The Fly next Friday night to watch highlights from around the league, and they see a vast sea of empty blue seats on a night it really, really mattered for fans to be there…then all that will do is feed right into the false stereotypes that the Atlanta market is not suited for the sport at this level.
It will also serve as more ammunition for Gearon, Levenson and the rest of the biggest abomination to ever own a professional sports franchise to use when trying to convince Gary Bettman that they have little choice but to consider selling to someone intent on relocating the franchise away from Atlanta. And you don’t want to help supply them with that ammunition, do you? No…I didn’t think so.
Friday night…February 25, 2011…Philips Arena…be there!
For Thrasherville!
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289 comments Add your comment
Bart
February 18th, 2011
10:57 pm
I’ll be there with my 6 since-day-one season tickets; and I’ll even use the bank to get 8 more to give to other friends to help fill the place. I’ll continue to support the NHL in this town to the bitter end (despite the miserable ownership efforts to do the same).
Geddy Lee
February 18th, 2011
10:57 pm
Nevermore shall I return
Escape these caves of ice….
Wait a minute. Who am I kidding? Of course I”ll be there. I love hockey!!!!
…..For I have dined on honeydew
And drank the milk of paradise….
Go Thrashers!
Alan R.
February 18th, 2011
11:00 pm
ZAvs – Tickets start at $17.
Ticket Deals for Fans
February 18th, 2011
11:04 pm
We can do this – we can pack the house: Ticket deals:
http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=64079
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:08 pm
Wow! Geddy Lee is a Thrasy fan! Awesome! Only one of my favorite bands of all time!
Thanks Alan R. much appreciated. How much for the tickets in Rawhide’s section? What is that, 203 or 204 or something?
Nick from winnipeg
February 18th, 2011
11:11 pm
Funny thing is you guys have like 200 actual fans… the rest are all people who were curious to see what ice looks like when it’s not in your drink. You guys are a bunch of zipperheads, better start cheering for nashville! A move to winnipeg is inevitable! Go jets 2011!
Alan R.
February 18th, 2011
11:13 pm
ZAvs – When I was looking earlier, they had some over there for $25.
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:15 pm
Nick, you sir are an idiot. There are probably more Canadians living in Atl than there are in all of Winnipeg. Wonder why that is……
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:18 pm
Thanks again Alan, much appreciated. Though I cannot go to the game (long drive from Denver) you will see why I asked here in a moment. And Nick, don’t you have to go do some ice fishing?
Hoof Arted
February 18th, 2011
11:23 pm
Nck from Weener-peg, funny thing is…..you are an ass clown.
kracker
February 18th, 2011
11:26 pm
Posted by Thrashy Thrashy:
You know, I never really thought about this until now, but…you can’t spell Sage without ASG.
Well played, sir!
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:28 pm
hockeymom92 I can’t make the game, but I would certainly be willing to help a true fan get a ticket if you would like to go. If you wanna go, lemme know. My “dumpster-use-this-address-to-sign-up-for-spam-crap-on-the-internet email is bacchus.winez AT gmail.com. The more bums in the seats the better! Totally serious.
And if anybody knows hockeymom92 make sure she gets this message in case she doesn’t check back on the postings.
Red Light
February 18th, 2011
11:28 pm
ZAvalanche, LAC, Sage of Bluesland.
I have a ticket, free of charge, for each of you to join the madness and yet not to subsidize the incompetence. Beers at Gorin’s prior to the game, and I’ll carry you to my seats if need be! Rawhide has my e-mail address, and it would be my pleasure to welcome you back to Blueland on this historic evening, even if it is just this once or for the last time for you both.
Butts in the seats are vital. This is my challenge to you and I look forward to meeting you!
Red Light
February 18th, 2011
11:32 pm
Ah, don’t look now, but Kovy and Co. are only 8 points behind the Thrashers. Wouldn’t that be the ultimate downer if the Devils…? OK, lets not think about it!
Story
February 18th, 2011
11:35 pm
Well said. It’s put up or shut up time… Be there. Be Loud. Support Blueland! (So that hopefully the A.S. LLC can sell the thrashers to someone who cares and will keep both them and the Hawks in Atlanta!)
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:41 pm
Thanks RL, that would be awesome! But I live in Denver right now and doubt I will be able to make it out, unfortunately that is one hell of a long drive
. Damn I wish I could go! Always the chance of another interview in Atl though (crosses fingers). Don’t worry though, I will be at a local establishment being belligerent! I know hockeymom92 could use a ticket and I was going to help get her one if she wants it. We need that place ROCKING! Man I wish I could come and meet everybody (I met some of you, including Bill, during the playoffs at a bar in Buckhead) and get rowdy! Can’t wait to see the camera pan around a packed stadium!
Kovalchoke? Na, I wouldn’t worry about them because we are going on a tear here shortly and Brodeur is only going to be in a back up role for a while due to his knee (I hope – and he is still no Roy).
I very much appreciate the sentiment though, it will happen soon enough.
ZAvalanche
February 18th, 2011
11:48 pm
How pumped will Wheeler and Stuart be if they walk into a full house on the 25th? I want them to come out and not even be able to hear their introductions! Maybe Thrashy should buy some of those left over vevuzelas (sp) from the world cup?
Red Light
February 18th, 2011
11:55 pm
Big win for the Canes on Brind’amour’s night in Raleigh. One of the true noble men of the sport and a really nice guy. Never took a night off and worked his tail off even after the injury that left him a shadow of his former self on the ice.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
12:04 am
Always liked Brind’amour, solid guy, fantastic skill and a great leader. Looking at the standings for the East, I see no reason why Thrashy cannot make the post season. 2 pts behind the 8th. Yes, they have played more games than every team behind them and yes they have a seriously difficult schedule coming up. Time to test your metal and if you deserve to be there you will make it.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
12:08 am
On another note: with all of the player movement Boston has been up to (and I do not think they are done), they are looking like they could give Philly a pretty good run. That would be one hell of a series. Prediction: Vancouver vs Boston for the Cup. Right now I would put my $$ on the Canucks, but I will wait to see how the Bruins’ chemistry irons out with the new players. How nice would it be to be Vancouver and not have to make a single move trade-wise and still kick a$$?
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
12:13 am
Vancouver and their soft Swedes will fold up like lawn furniture in May. Canes now up by 4 after tonight’s win.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
12:23 am
Lawn furniture, lol! But I don’t RL, I get the “opportunity”, if you will, to see the ‘Nucks quite a bit and they are more physical than you think. Not the Sedins of course but it would be interesting to see blazing speed vs huge bodies.
Vancouver’s GF/GA differential is +57 while Boston’s is +41. Basically a draw in my opinion.
Luongo is posting a .925 save % while Thomas is trumping Luongo with a .938 SV%. Boston has better D and is more physical. Vancouver has more prolific scorers. It would be one hell of a match up and anybody who would bet on that series is either filthy rich or a dumba$$.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
1:21 am
Red Light, can you clarify something for me? Did Brian Burke just get back the 2011 1st round and conditional 2nd round pick that he gave up to get Kessel? If so, what a frekkin’ coup by Burke!! That’s probably a lottery draft pick, and high-end 2nd rounder!! Or, was the 1st rounder … that which traditionally belonged to Boston? Meaning? Well, let’s just say the Bruins win their 1st round series, and that means pick # 23 to # 26 in the Draft? Let’s just say the Bruins reach the CF, is that what “kicks in” the conditional 2nd rounder? And is THAAAAT the pick the Maple Leafs originally held, but traded to Boston for Kessell? Or, again, is that pick # 53 to # 56, that would traditionally belong to Boston, assuming the Bruins win a round of playoffs? Actually, if the Bruins went to the CF, then we’re talking about a 2nd rounder at # 57 or # 58.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
2:07 am
Tonight, Florida lost and Ottawa lost. So did the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks. And Chicago lost in regulation time … to the Columbus Blue Jackets. I’m sorry, but those teams really have to be thinking about strategically selling off assets. Ottawa still has some much more to deal. Red Light, your thoughts on Chris Philips? Or even Alfredsson?
Buffalo laid an EGG, as in a GOOSE egg, against the St. Louis Blues, at home. Ouch! See, those are the games that teams in a playoff push just cannot lose. What a missed opportunity for the Sabres to really be back into the hunt. St. Louis, God love ‘em, are not going to make the playoffs. That game … has to be a win.
The effect? Well, now Carolina’s win over the Flyers really has the ‘Canes entrenched into the 8th spot, for a while.
Ya know, through a decade, I’ve never heard the chant, “Fiiiire Wa-ddell” resonate through the arena. I think I’d rather enjoy that. He’s earned that, from fans. Seriously, why does that man always get a pass from the hockey fans at Philips Arena? In Washington, when Head Coach Glen Hanlon faltered, the fans serenaded him with a chorus of “Fiiire Hanlon!” And the next day, Hanlon was gone. And Bruce Boudreau was in. It’s been three division titles, and counting, for the Capitals. Although, how many of us would bet against TB winning the SE Division this year? At the # 2 seed, I honestly think the Lightning could have a very deep run, this year. If they draw the NYR at # 7, and then draw the NE Division Champ in the CSF, they could find themself in the CF with either Philly or Pittsburgh. Even if they lose, that’s a heckuva year for the Bolts, who many thought would not be a playoff team this season.
Final thought: The Atlanta Spirit, LLC has been less than desireable as hockey owners. And it’s easy to dislike them, distrust them, and laugh at how litigious they are, and deem them “pathetic” in terms of their ability to understand the dynamics of running an NHL franchise. But do we really want to antagonize a group of people who have the power to (1) extend Don Waddell’s contract, AGAIN, (2) sell the team to an entity that would relocate it, and (3) lower the budget even more for next year and/or not add anymore payroll this year? Or even worse (4) move assets like Kane or Bogosian or Burmistrov out of town? Now, I honestly think this ownership has come to deserve to public humiliation. But I want them to do the ‘right thing’ … and that’s sell the team to someone who will CARE for it and KEEP it here. But to do that, they must surrender some of the venue’s proceeds, otherwise … the next owner is just (1) an idiot who will quickly realize how badly he got fleeced, then hold a “firesale,” or (2) a corporation or billionaire looking to acquire an offset asset for tax relief. In short, someone who potentially CARES LESS about the Thrashers than the Spirit Group does. And there’s a ‘chilling’ thought for a cold, February day.
Where am I going with this? Maybe the signs shouldn’t be so much, “Spirit Group Sucks” “I hate you, Spirit Clowns,” and “FUBAS, ‘Nuff Said.” I don’t encourage a sign that reads, “I don’t brake for Bruce Levenson in the crosswalk.” Instead, signs like “Save our Thrashers!,” “Calling all billionaire hockey fans, we’re your market” or “Arthur Blank, Coca-Cola, think it over. Be our new owners!” might be a better way to go. I think those kinds of signs might resonate better in the Commissioner’s office, too. Gary Bettman is well aware that we hate the owners, and we don’t hold Don Waddell in much esteem, either. But what he doesn’t know … is if the ownership were changed, if the attendance situation would improve. The answer is, “yes.” New owners would at least be given a “grace period” before we hold them in something resembling equal contempt.
PeaceLoveAndThrashers
February 19th, 2011
3:33 am
I couldn’t imagine not being there. If there ever comes a time from October-April where I don’t lose my voice on a weekly basis, life just wouldn’t be the same. Being raised by hockey fans, and younger than most of Blueland’s inhabitants, I’ve had the opportunity to be a die-hard Thrasher fan,and nothing else, having no other team before them. With my life revolving around hockey, and me quite possibly being the Thrashers biggest fan on Earth, if they were to leave… my life might as well be over. Although our fan base is dwindling, the ones we have, or atleast myself, live and breathe hockey, and the Thrashers even more so. I’ve stuck with them through thick and thin, and it’s about time we get some superior leadership that will do the same. But, what bothers me the most is the fact that, although they’ve been trying to sell them for six years, it only gets blown this far our of proportion when we’re in the midst of our best season yet, and by far the best set of men on the ice. Especially those who WANT to be here, even after all this crap they’re put through. They need to give it up, and just leave them here. With the right ideas, I honestly believe we can revamp the fan base. Especially with how involved the players are in all sorts of things across Atlanta. The personalities of these men alone, on and off the ice, could pack the place if it were only more apparent to others…
Acer
February 19th, 2011
4:21 am
Be sure to look at the anti-Glazer campaign by Manchester United fans for inspirations! Fans vs. ownership.
scottbravesfan
February 19th, 2011
4:56 am
For real Atlanta SHOW UP TO THIS GAME!!!!!
Sharon
February 19th, 2011
5:35 am
My best friend and I will be going to every game that we possibly can. And we’ll round up as many friends as we can. And we’ll be cheering as loudly as we can!
Sage and LAC, I really hope that you’ll come. We would love to meet our most vocal fans
Puckhead
February 19th, 2011
6:59 am
We arrest the stupid bird and plead for people to wake up and buy tickets. Owner say we’re going sell the team and screw the fans – please buy tickets. Sounds like a broken record to me. One game with a crowd energy that is not sustainable (until the team actually starts winning) will mean nothing to real investors. They read real numbers and make their decision from one based in reality.
We complain that no one wantts to play here and then trade a great team guy that loves Atlanta – genius.
Blueland Buddha
February 19th, 2011
7:23 am
Going to be there and be there early!
Spud Webb
February 19th, 2011
8:33 am
We’ll be there, barring a baby popping out. Great job Bill.
How about a walk out??? 10 minutes left in the second period???
Spud Webb
February 19th, 2011
8:34 am
Puckhead, with all due respect I disagree. 1 game will show a lot, it will show that we CAN come, but at this point choose not to due to the tragedy that has occured over the last 10 years.
ThrashDawg
February 19th, 2011
8:35 am
Me and ThrashDawg Jr. will be there!
Spud Webb
February 19th, 2011
8:35 am
Sharon, no way Sage and LAC will be there!! Too much effort required!
EA
February 19th, 2011
8:57 am
You can’t keep a guy just because he loves Atlanta. Dudley’s argument was that 3 small centers are not working. No way is he giving up Burmistrov or Little. You can’t trade Slater when he is out with a concussion. I will do my best to be there Friday, BUT, we need to be there more than just one night. I already have tickets for Sunday. We have to show a potential investor, if there is one, that we have a dedicated fan base. Perhaps one could consider it an investment in the future, not in the current owner’s pocket.
AtlFlamesFan
February 19th, 2011
9:02 am
@Puckhead
I agree with Spud Webb (how in the world were you able to jump so high?). Filling the building to the rafters this Friday will send a message to Gary Bettmen that there is a fan base here.
Fan from Carolina
February 19th, 2011
9:02 am
Brendan, yeah the Buffalo loss is staggering and Carolina looks good to go right now. Also good post about possible playoff scenarios involving the Lightning. Now they just picked up Eric Brewer from the Blues for basically nothing. He waived his ‘no trade’ clause to go to Tampa, giving up his ‘C’ in the process. Impressive, but necessary after the schooling by the Red Wings the other night.
English Teacher
February 19th, 2011
9:12 am
I’m going to have to sit this one out, I’m afraid. I’m taking my oldest tax deduction to Savannah to check out the art college down there.
I agree completely with the “Boycott the Boycott” strategy. To sit out would simply justify the ridiculous notion put forth by Gearon that poor fan attendance is to blame for the team’s woes. He’s got it backwards; the team’s woes are to blame for poor fan attendance. I find it ironic that these clowns want to call themselves owners but they don’t take ownership of the problems they have created for this franchise.
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
9:20 am
The St. Louis Blues made their second major deal in less than 24 hours when they dealt former No. 1 overall pick Erik Johnson to Colorado early Saturday.
Hours after sending captain Eric Brewer to Tampa Bay for junior defenseman Brock Beukeboom and a draft pick, the Blues dealt Erik Johnson, also a defenseman, to the Avs along with forward Jay McClement and a first-round pick for rookie defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, third-year forward Chris Stewart and a second-round pick. Very interesting deal between Western Conference foes.
glovesave29
February 19th, 2011
9:21 am
I’ll be there and hit the taco mac early to get my vocal chords properly lubricated.
glovesave29
February 19th, 2011
9:23 am
RL – Blues are screwed. They ran a promotions of 1/2 priced season tickets, then the second half payment was due when they made the playoffs. Not looking good for them now, and now they are selling off their future.
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
9:38 am
Brendan: The Leafs only get the Bruins No 1, not their own previously dealt No. 1, and the Flyers No. 1 pick for Versteeg. But, two first-round picks, no matter where they fall, are certainly better than none, particularly in a draft that is said to be more balanced than in some previous years. Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Burke use them to move back into the top 10 on draft day if he found someone he really likes.
With only two games before next Friday Feb. 25, the Thrashers are guaranteed to return home in no better position than 9th through 61 games when facing the Panthers. Conceivably, if things go wrong and they lose twice, they could be as low as 11th.
Team Games Played Current Point Total Upcoming Games thru 2-24-11
Rangers 60/66 Flyers, at Canes
Hurricanes 59/64 Devils, Rangers
Sabres 57/60 Caps, Thrashers
Thrashers 59/60 at Oilers, at Sabres
Maple Leafs 58/56 Senators, Isles, at Canadiens
Panthers 57/55 at Lightning, at Isles, at Sens
Devils 58/52 at Canes, at Stars
LAC
February 19th, 2011
9:41 am
Bill, If you boycott the boycott, you are allowing them to bully the fans, get away with lies and then they make the fans look like it is all the fans fault. Right ?
This plan plays right into their warped little mindless minds. Then they can do what they always do, place blame on another person or group to avoid looking like the bad guy. But how on earth they look anything but is way beyond me.
While I do not want the NHL to leave Atlanta a second time… Where are comments of support from the “mayor” or even Arthur Blank, he has one bird already, why not another, but HE must make the call, and I have heard zip from Arthur Blank concerning the Thrashers.
I will not give in to these little lying brats for a second, after that sniviling gearon ’s comments last week, having the utter gall to blame the FANS ! I will stay away until a new owner comes in and if the team leaves, well so be it. I love the game, but there is just so much a person can stomach from these liars.
Lastly, WHY is Everyone addressing gearon as MR. ? He does not deserve one ounce of respect form any sports fan, I would prefer AH.gearon, much more fitting for sure !
Sage your comments please !
Puckhead
February 19th, 2011
9:47 am
You can’t show up for just one game it means zip unless you repeat it for all remaining games – without wins the crowd is unsustainable. I say this as a loyal STH. One night is a start but does not get it donelong term.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
9:51 am
Hmm, just saw the Avs -StL trade this AM. Johnson should turn into a top D man in his time, he was the overall pick in 2006 – hope that works out. McClement is a good penalty killer but I have to say, Stewart was a pretty special player, fast and tenacious. Started the year blazing he broke his hand. But we have all been b!tching about our defense so I guess you have to plug the holes. And when we get Flash and Mueller back next year we won’t miss Stewy. Not what I was hoping to see this AM.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
9:56 am
All I can say is ‘guarded optimism’. Thats all. Dammit, Stewart was a special player, very special. Grrrr – bad mood commences……
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
10:03 am
I think it’s a great move by the Blues. Johnson is an under performing former No. 1 overall pick at this point. Yes, he’s only 22, but to get a kid like Stweart, you have to give up something. Shattenkirk will learn to play better defense, but he’s already a good puck mover and PP guy. They lose a first rounder but get back a second rounder the same year in which the Avs use the 1st pick.
Red Light
February 19th, 2011
10:05 am
McClement is an excellent third-line center, but he, Stewart and Johnson have expiring contracts after next season. Shattenkirk is in his first season of an entry level deal.
ZAvalanche
February 19th, 2011
10:47 am
RL, yes, great move by StL, thinking it is not so great for us. Stewart played hard every shift. Shatt, meh, clumsy much of the time and LOTS of turnovers. Shatt won’t be missed at all, but I have already about 5 buddies call me up this AM and they are NOT pleased about losing Stewy – really not pleased. So at this point nothing I can do about it, hope Johnson turns out – I think he will. And now I am hoping StL finishes above the bottom 10 in the league so we can use that first rounder this draft, else we will have to wait till 2012 to use it. If we get it this year that is 2 first rounders and as Borat would say “I liiike”.
Brendan
February 19th, 2011
10:54 am
Red Light, why did the Blues ’sour’ on Erik Johnson? They give up the former 1st overall pick, plus a 1st rounder, and McClemment … just to get Shattenkirk, a 2nd rounder, and middling Chris Stewart? Ummn. Were the Blues “drunk” when they made this deal?