Posted by: LL on July 2, 2008 9:24AM EST Not a bad list of names to choose from! It's not always the big names that make the perfect fit! Let's do some shopping today!

Posted by: Ben on July 2, 2008 9:24AM EST I would like to see a couple of guys: Centers: Jason Williams from Chicago Morrison, Brendan from Van I think both these guys would do great on the 1st line with Kolvy. Williams is a younger guy and I think he is getting pushed out of Chicago with the "younger" talent coming in. He is quick enough to keep up with Kolvy and powerful enough to crash the net. Morrisan if he can stay healthly would be like a Thachuck to Kolvy in my oppion ( feel free to disagree). He is a vertern who knows the game and is not afraid to step in and help out that line from the begining. Defense: Ron Hainsey from CLB Brooks Orpik from PIT both these guys for obvious reasons because I think that they are the best defenders left on the "board" Jason Smith from PHI He is a hard working defender 2nd line at best but a great shut down defender. (Again these are all my opinions and feel free to disagree I would like to hear other peoples thoughts on these players)

Posted by: EG on July 2, 2008 9:28AM EST Personally, I am bitter that we have done NOTHING to improve this team. I love the Thrash with all my heart, but at this rate, we are going to be bottom dwellers once again. I can't believe that no significant changes have been made. Sorry, had to get that off my chest...I promise to be more positive later.

Posted by: Mike on July 2, 2008 9:46AM EST Get Joe Sakic

Posted by: Michael on July 2, 2008 10:17AM EST Huselius would be a nice fit on a line with Kovy!!!

Posted by: deeply depressed on July 2, 2008 10:31AM EST It is really disappointing to think that next year we will put a worse product on the ice then last year...I love the young kids but we needed a kick in the pants..maybe Federov would come here to play with Kovy and maybe Oprick would consider being a #1 here but at the rate we are going we will be lucky to to get either without ridicously overpaying dooming the franchise yet again...

Posted by: jeff on July 2, 2008 10:43AM EST I agree with Michael...Huselius had a great year with Calgary on the Iginla line. What's to say he couldn't do the same with Kovy? Hainsey and Orpik are definitely the D-men to target, but Montador or Mara wouldn't be bad either. And there's still a good number of reliable centers/wingers left (Demitra, Bertuzzi, etc.). Don't lose hope yet, folks. I was frustrated as well last night with our inactivity (especially in contrast to Tampa's proactive wheelin' and dealin'), but this is a brand new day. Hopefully, we'll have something to be happy about by the end of business.

Posted by: chris on July 2, 2008 10:44AM EST marcel hossa!

Posted by: The Other J.B. on July 2, 2008 10:45AM EST Get Federov for Kovy. He may be old, but at least there wouldn' be any communication barriers. Actually, alot of the guys left are pretty aged. I'd still like to shoot for Orpik on D

Posted by: Justin on July 2, 2008 11:00AM EST Huselius has to be a target, as does Demitra, I think. For D, I still want Hainsey, though I hope we don't pay out a ridiculous salary to him. Will Popovic's agent even return Waddell's calls after being jerked around for the last two years?

Posted by: JW on July 2, 2008 11:13AM EST Depressing! The owners clearly want the ASG money to go the Hawks free agency! I swear we the fans need to write the NHL office and demand they sell the team to an NHL ownership group and not an NBA ownership group! ASG = PATHETIC Want a owner, go read the blog from the Caps owner! Tampa owners may be crazy, but they are getting fans exciting and are selling tickets!, Hell even Florida made a splash! ASG = PATHETIC!

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 11:19AM EST Again, people calling the ASG are morons. You don't have any idea how much money they offered, neither do I. A lot of players have...choices. They didn't choose Atlanta, would you? Obviously not, since you're still complaining about everything. JW, if you like the ownership for the Caps, go cheer for them. Otherwise, shove it. EG, same to you, go away and cheer for a team that aren't going to be bottom dwellers, if that's what you think that Thrashers will be.

Posted by: jeff on July 2, 2008 11:22AM EST JW - You may be right, but your post is a little late. That was last night's bitchfest. Save it for tonight if the Thrashers still don't make a move by the end of today. Believe me, I will voice my displeasure to the ownership if they don't come through in the next day or two. Today is another day of shopping, where we can hopefully pick up some good product.

Posted by: deeply depressed on July 2, 2008 11:27AM EST Oh come people now is the time to write ownership and voice your complaints. The city is not the problem, the team is not the problem it is the commitment level and the recruiting tactics used to get players. If it is DW's fault then it is the ownerships groups fault. I agree today is another day but if I was ownership or DW I would be talking about what they are trying to do versus letting time go by while we fans continue to boil over with anger.

Posted by: JW on July 2, 2008 11:50AM EST It's never to late to put pressure on this ownership group, Jeff. But. your point is well taken. Clearly my decision to not renew my season tickets and give that money to charity was the right one!

Posted by: Sam on July 2, 2008 11:51AM EST I admire your resiliency, Ben Wright. OK, other-Ben, I agree with your choice of D-Men. Orpik would have been a top choice of mine anyway. Big fish to catch, though. I am certain we're not the only ones try to land him, but we'll see. Maybe Colby and Army will have some influence over their former teammate. I also like Jason Smith from Philly. He's older, but he's a character guy, he had decent numbers last season and I think he'd be an upgrade for us over last season's roster. Huselius is too big a risk, IMO. Not worth it. He's so incredibly inconsistent. Demetra's old...in the twilight of his career. He'd be a disappointment for me. Now, Federov might just be a decent idea. Not a great catch, but he seemed to work well on Washington's PP in the post-season. Brendon Morrison wouldn't be a great catch, either since he's older and often injured. But (sadly), both of them would be considered upgrades for us. I don't think Boults has been re-signed, but I'd like that move. Even re-signing Pops wouldn't be too bad. I'd take him over McCarthy. But, let's still try to aim a little higher than last year's recycled players. Its only day 2 of the free agent frenzy. Maybe a desperate Don would even try to make a bold RFA offer. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Ask Kevin Lowe (who's happily still employed and kicking a$$ for the Oilers this summer.)

Posted by: jeff on July 2, 2008 11:55AM EST I can't argue with you there, deeply depressed. BUT, I'm tired of the bitching and moaning for now. This thread was intended to discuss the merits of the available FAs and which ones we would like to see on our team. Sure, some good ones got away yesterday, but there are still a few gems left in the bunch. Let's write our letters of discontent to DW and the ASG, but let's be heard on who we value among the FAs. Let's keep to the topic here...Ben asked who we would like to see from the list. I'll second Jason Williams.

Posted by: Southeast on July 2, 2008 11:55AM EST And we are waiting for???? 11:46AM Carolina Hurricanes sign RFA defenceman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract worth $12 million. 11:13AM Carolina Hurricanes sign UFA defenceman Josef Melichar to a one-year contract worth $1 million. 10:20AM Tampa Bay Lightning re-sign RFA defenceman Janne Niskala, to a one-year deal. 9:18AM Tampa Bay Lightning re-sign RFA forward Ryan Craig to a two-year contract worth $1.575-million

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on July 2, 2008 12:15PM EST I hope we get out of FA like this Kovy-Demitra-Huselius Kozlov-Morrison-Satan Perrin-Christensen-Armstrong Boulton-Slater-Thorburn Enstrom-Havelid Bogosian-Hainsey Exelby-Klee

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on July 2, 2008 12:29PM EST The only team that did nothing except re-signing their #2 goalie is...the Thrashers... who did what in the East: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=2744 West: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=1046

Posted by: keep the faith on July 2, 2008 12:34PM EST I'm very disappointed with no signings yesterday. The only way I will be happy today is if BOTH Hainsey AND Orpik sign. Of course, I am quite certain neither will sign with Atlanta but I can hope right?

Posted by: The Other J.B. on July 2, 2008 12:45PM EST Hossa to the Red Wings

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 12:46PM EST I'd like Morrison at C and Huselius at RW. Orpick as the shut down D and Hainsey as the puck mover. Getting two out of the four will be a success for DW in my book. Maybe even make a move for RFA Jay Bouwmeester if we can't get Hainsey.

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on July 2, 2008 12:52PM EST Hossa 1 year 7.4 M with Red Wings I hope this starts the day of big signings, epescially the Thrashers

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 1:00PM EST I think Hossa's signing will kick-start the signings for the rest of the forwards too, but it will make it harder for us to get one. The major "Hossa players" like Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Montreal and the rest will now turn their attention guys like Huselius. It will also make it harder for us to get Orpick since Pittsburgh knows it won't be spending $7-8MM on Hossa. It's time to get creative with our offers to the remaining UFA's. My wife mkes some great BBQ so tell Don to throw in a pulled pork BBQ dinner for up to two players once a month during the season. :)

Posted by: Mike on July 2, 2008 1:04PM EST We can always sign Federov to play Defence, He played D for a couple of years, im sure.

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 1:06PM EST Don won't be able to sign any of the big remaining players because the only reson they want to talk to Atlanta is to drive up the price on a new contract NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY FOR THE DON WADDELL ATLANTA THRASHERS AND WITH GOOD RESON. Don will over way over pay on some losers

Posted by: Steve on July 2, 2008 1:09PM EST I like Demitra at center, Hainsey and Brooks Orpik on defense. If we want to get a winger, I say get Marcus Naslund or Kristian Huselius. I don't know if Naslund would come here, but who knows. Not surprised that Hossa went to Detroit. He wants to be a part of a Stanley Cup Winner. He couldn't have picked better. The one year makes sense because the Wings have to re up for Zetterberg and either Datsyuk or another high profile player. I can't remember who it was, but the Detroit Free Press was talking about it the other day. So, if Hossa goes there, I wonder if Sundin still can go and if they would still want him. Is Filippula resigned? I thought he already was. And Jiri Hudler too? I think that both have been resigned.

Posted by: Jim on July 2, 2008 1:25PM EST Good for Hossa he deserves a chanse at the cup He is a good guy and a great player I hope it works out for him. It is sad that in this town people boo former players and not the guy who ran them offf

Posted by: Spector's Update on July 2, 2008 1:27PM EST For anyone that listened to or reads Spector's rumors chat. He basically confirmed that Atlanta is not getting any bites as no UFA wants to play in this city. As we know Campbell was offered more money, but at this time no rumors about any other UFA's as they are not talking to ATL.

Posted by: Barry on July 2, 2008 1:36PM EST Sean Avery to Dallas Stars for 4 years. At least we don't have to worry about his antics 4 times a year.

Posted by: gategirl on July 2, 2008 1:39PM EST Donnie better open the sleeve and start doing some magic tricks real soon because it is not looking good

Posted by: Thrasher Teeth Gnasher on July 2, 2008 1:40PM EST Forgive me for not being an expert on the CBA, but: doesn't it make perfect sense to pitch an offer to RFA Jay Bouwmeester? He's a budding star D-man who is terrific in both ends and plays ridiculous minutes. I know FLA can match, but unless I'm missing something, we have a chance to wound a division rival either by plucking a young star or wrecking their cap space. The only drawback is other teams could do that to our RFA. And considering this seldom seems to happen, maybe - not necessarily suggesting collusion - there's some kind of "gentleman's agreement" that prevents this scenario. Why not make a play for Bouwmeester? Am I missing something?

Posted by: gategirl on July 2, 2008 1:43PM EST bouwmeester is gone

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 1:51PM EST Signing an RFA also entails giving up draft picks. You can find the info at http://www.nhlscap.com/faq.htm The current expected RFA compensation table for 2008-09 is: Amount Compensation Due $863,156 or less None $863,156 - $1,307,811 3rd round pick $1,307,811 - $2,615,623 2nd round pick $2,615,623 - $3,923,434 1st and 3rd round pick $3,923,434 - $5,231,246 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick $5,231,246 - $6,539,061 Two 1st's, one 2nd, one 3rd round pick $6,539,061 or more Four 1st round picks

Posted by: Ed Pollock on July 2, 2008 1:55PM EST Ben, Could you maybe place a call to Don W. and find out what the strategy is for this team? Did he just strike out? What are your thoughts?

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 2:02PM EST gategirl: Why do you say Bouwmeester is gone? I know they have made him a qualifying offer of $2,250,000 but nothing has been signed. Did I miss something? Worst case is we up the offer and make Florida pay more to keep him. Offer him up to $3.9 and it costs us a 1st and 3rd next year if he accepts and Florida doesn't match. I think he's worth it, especially when comparing to what this year's UFA D-men have been getting.

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 2:10PM EST DW - call up Miroslav Satan and promise him a Charlie Daniels concert at Stone Mountain welcoming him to Atlanta..."The Devil went down to Georgia" plaing loudly with laser lights on the Rock. That's something no other team can offer. Come on people, let's get creative. We're stressing out too much. Have a little fun.

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on July 2, 2008 2:17PM EST The only arguably positive move that we did this offseason is Buyout Zhitnik

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 2:18PM EST hey we still got MOOOOOOOOSE!

Posted by: Larry on July 2, 2008 2:21PM EST I would buy a Satan Jersey in a heartbeat!!!!!! I'd catch hell, (not literally) but it would be fun as hell too.

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 2:22PM EST Drafting Bogosian - positive Hiring John Anderson - positive Tendering Kari a qualifying offer - positive Making a serious play for the likes of Brian Campbell - positive (even if we didn't get him DW took a strong shot at bringing us a #1 D-man) It's not over yet. There will be more positives to come.

Posted by: Will on July 2, 2008 2:37PM EST Oh really? Is DW waiting for the frogs to fly before he gets up off his BUTT and signs a couple of players?

Posted by: Peter on July 2, 2008 2:38PM EST What is left that he can get to many big players are still out there it is like when a guy dosn't go in the draft in the round they project some tinmes they start to fall because everyone thinks something is wrong. Well Atlanta has been falling for a while and no one wants to be the first to sign here and admit that their career is over.

Posted by: Thrasher Teeth Gnasher on July 2, 2008 2:40PM EST @S CUP Great info - thanks. Bouwmeester is probably worth the picks. Philosophically I don't like sacrificing picks but this regime's scouting/draft record is spotty. This franchise desperately needs to swap its potential energy for a sure thing. Snagging a rising star like Bouwmeester, who addresses several needs, would be a step in the right direction.

Posted by: Joe Some on July 2, 2008 2:44PM EST It's one thing to be below salary cap but if I understand correctly, we are probably 14 million below league required minimum team salary before signing Lehtonen. By the way, with his inability to stay healthy for a season, why is evrybody so excited and sure he's the long term goalie? I give him every benefit of the doubt considering he faced the most shots in the league but he's unproven as far as I'm concerned. This was not a great year for UFA's so maybe they are cashing in next year for the "Next" Sidney Crosby in the draft.

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 2:45PM EST This team has no chance next year so why give up a draft pick that will be in the top 5 again

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 2:58PM EST So one more time why did they cut Zhitnik so that the thrashers would not go over the cap? I seem to rmember that Zhitnik's side of the story was more like Kozlov's and Holik's and the thrasher could barely win a game with out him but still here we are this guy has no idea what is going on.

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 3:01PM EST I just looked at the "who's left" list. We can still get Chuck Norris!

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 3:11PM EST Please don't start with the chuck Noris jokes they never end

Posted by: jwolf on July 2, 2008 3:21PM EST bout to throw up

Posted by: Joe Some on July 2, 2008 3:39PM EST Just to follow up, league minimum salary per team this season is $40.7 million, Cap maximum is $56.7 million. Atlanta has the most money available at $27 million, followed by Columbus and Los Angeles. I guess they don't read the blogs, the NHL Arena or any other fan sites where their fan base express opinions or wishes. Hope we have a franchise in 3 years.

Posted by: Larry on July 2, 2008 3:43PM EST Thrasher fans rejoice…Ron Hainsey has signed with Atlanta for $4.5 million per season over 5 years, good deal for a guy really coming into his own. from http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/

Posted by: Anonymous on July 2, 2008 3:43PM EST Ron Hainsey just resigned to the blue jackets

Posted by: Barry on July 2, 2008 3:44PM EST We'll probably lose this franchise after this year when Kovy is gone and Thrashers have to be relocated like the Flames.

Posted by: The Other J.B. on July 2, 2008 3:45PM EST From Faceoffcircle.net... *Thrasher fans rejoice…Ron Hainsey has signed with Atlanta for $4.5 million per season over 5 years, good deal for a guy really coming into his own.*

Posted by: larry on July 2, 2008 3:48PM EST i have 2 sites saying that Hainsey is a thrasher now. and one saying that he resigned with the jackets. lol.

Posted by: Dustin on July 2, 2008 3:49PM EST We got Hainsey!! I'm really happy about this signing :) 3:38PM Atlanta Thrashers sign UFA defenceman Ron Hainsey to a five-year, $22.5 million contract.

Posted by: larry on July 2, 2008 3:50PM EST http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/signings_2008/ maybe they are wrong lol... saying that the jackets still have the man

Posted by: Ben on July 2, 2008 3:50PM EST WE DID IT WE DID IT Atlanta Thrashers sign UFA defenceman Ron Hainsey to a five-year, $22.5 million contract. IT IS A START

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 3:51PM EST Perhaps Hainsey was hoping no one noticed he signed with both and could pull in 2 paychecks.

Posted by: Brett on July 2, 2008 3:51PM EST Atlanta Thrashers sign UFA defenceman Ron Hainsey to a five-year, $22.5 million contract. tsn.ca

Posted by: jeff on July 2, 2008 4:00PM EST Finally! we signed someone. Ron Hainsey D from Columbus. 5 years at 22.5 million. not flashy, but a definite upgrade from some of the other scrubs that we had last year.

Posted by: S CUP on July 2, 2008 4:02PM EST Sportsnet ticker shows Hainsey re-signed but posts a wire report that he signed with the Thrashers. It's a good signing for us and perhaps the first of several. He fits with Anderson's penchant to have D-men who can puch it up the ice if the opportunity presents itself. I'd still like to see us bring in a shut down D-man to pair with one of the more offensive-minded D-men and a 1st/2nd line center like Morrison.

Posted by: Thrasher Teeth Gnasher on July 2, 2008 4:35PM EST I like the Hainsey signing. It should mute the overblown carping that nobody would sign with ATL. Money still talks in some circles. What's interesting is that Hainsey signed here apparently sight unseen - according to his player profile on Yahoo! Sports, he's never played a single career game at Philips Arena. Anyway, lots to like here - 6'3"/211, 27 yrs old, only 25 PIM in 78 games last year. Stat quirk: 16 of his 20 career goals have come on the PP, FWIW.

Posted by: Sam on July 2, 2008 4:37PM EST Orpik and a center, either Morrison or Federov. Or, wow us with a big RFA offer to Detroit for Filppula since they just spent over $7mil on Hossa.

Posted by: Sam on July 2, 2008 4:40PM EST Hainsey's an American who's been in our US system going back to his under-17 playing days. He and Don may know each other through USA Hockey. And then we have SCOUTS who see these guys FOR Don. : )