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Hedberg's Thoughts On Staying And On Lehtonen
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
April 7, 2008 at
5:36PM EST
HTML clipboardIt's incredibly rare for a pending unrestricted free agent to publicly say
that they won't return to a team the following season, and none of the
Thrashers' potential free agents made that statement in Duluth yesterday as they
spoke to the media before leaving for the summer.
There are always lines to read between though.
General Manager Don Waddell, who made it clear that he would be perfectly
happy if he never had the title of head coach again, said that he has not told
any players that they will be back and has not told any that they won't be back.
Most free agents prefer not to tip their hand, which is likely why Bobby
Holik would only say that returning "is an option." Given how frustrated he
seemed to be with the way the season went it would be surprising if he had any
desire to come back to Atlanta.
Johan Hedberg, on the other hand, openly said that he wants to be back and
that he feels a responsibility to help turn the club around.
"I would really like to come back and they have an interest in bringing me
back," he told the media in Duluth on Sunday. "I'm pretty confident that we
should be able to get something done. From a personal standpoint I think it
would be very positive to come back and try to turn this thing around again and
make it right. You hate to leave like this. There's a lot of us that want to
come back and realize what our problems are and try to fix them. It feels like
preparation for next year has already started. The determination to come back
next year and make it better is definitely going to be there. It's going to be a
critical year for us as a franchise."
A large part of making it through that critical year will be getting solid
goaltending from Lehtonen and his would-be partner. Hedberg liked what he saw
from the young this season, even though Moose himself struggled.
"I think Kari played really well, especially down the stretch when he got
peppered on nights. Under these circumstances just looking at my numbers I know
these are by far the worst of my career. Compared to some of his numbers, it's
one of the best save percentages of his career. It's a symptom of playing really
good."
For the record, Kari's .916 save percentage was the best of
his NHL career, not counting his four-game stint at the tail end of the
2003-04 season when he posted two shutouts in four games to give himself a
stunning .953 save percentage, while Moose's .892 was his worst save percentage
ever.
Hedberg had nothing but praise for Lehtonen and how he handled the pressure
of the season and how he found a way to make games meaningful for himself even
after the Thrashers were eliminated from playoff contention..
"I think he did really well down the stretch. Even though the games didn't
mean anything, it's even harder to play sometimes. He was one of the few bright
spots there. It's something for him to build on and just keep doing the right
things all the time. He has tons of talent and he has a very bright future ahead
of him. It's all up to him what he wants to do with it."
Kari is also a free agent this summer, although he is restricted and can only
leave to play for another team if the Thrashers opt not to match an offer sheet.
Don Waddell has gone on the record saying that any offer sheet to Lehtonen will
be matched, so don't expect him to be going anywhere. Waddell said on Sunday
that he would not entertain trade offers for Lehtonen at this point and he
talked about the strides he has seen Kari make this season. The key for the
young goalie will be battling through bad games so that his off nights are still
better than average. If the defense gets an upgrade this summer as anticipated
Lehtonen's off nights should be fewer and farther between.
There's plenty more to share over the next week or so, so keep checking back.
And don't forget to tune in tonight for the Draft Lottery results. There's
nothing else going on in the sporting world tonight, is there?
(19) Comments
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Posted by: Steve on April 7, 2008 5:46PM EST
Ben,
Who do you think that DW and the owners will go after on defense? Any thoughts? What defensive prospects do you think they like too? Of course, everyone wants Stamkos.
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As I've said, I cannot comment on players who are currently under contract to other teams.
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Posted by: Anonymous on April 7, 2008 6:03PM EST
Ok. What about the plans for our prospects such as Valabik, Little, Sterling?
I am glad that Moose wants to stay, hopefully Kari will also sign a new deal.
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Posted by: kovy17 on April 7, 2008 8:23PM EST
looks like we have a new defensemen for next year. to bad we can get stamkos. Lighting should be good next year looking at their future roster. We should get a solid young defensemen i hope wadell makes the right moves this summer in the ufa market and fires himself
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Posted by: Steve on April 8, 2008 8:10AM EST
I am sure that Tampa Bay will pick Stamkos; we can get Doughty or Pietrangelo unless DW and the owners would rather get a forward.
Recapping from Thrashers Have Talons blog, here are the top prospects in the draft that Falconer posted last month:
ISS has Dougherty ranked #3 overall. Here is their March Top 10.
1 C Stamkos, Steve
2 LW Filatov, Nikita
3 D Doughty, Drew
4 C Hodgson, Cody
5 D Pietrangelo, Alex
6 D Schenn, Luke
7 D Bogosian, Zach
8 C Wilson, Colin
9 LW Boedker, Mikkel
10 C Beach, Kyle
Hopefully, we get Doughty or Pietrangelo. We need defense to complement Havelid and Enstrom.
As far as Waddell firing himself or being fired, read this again: LEVINSON AND THE OWNERS LIKE WADDELL!! UNLESS HE RESIGNS, HE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE! Hopefully, Waddell, the owners, and others involved in the decisionmaking will listen to the season ticket holders and think more carefully about their trades and keep the ones that have produced well such as Moose and Kari, Havelid, Enstrom, Kovy, Perrin, Recchi, Christensen, Armstrong, Thorburn, maybe Slater, Little, Valabik (if they really develop him).
I think having a big defenseman like Valabik could be really good. If he can develop into a defenseman like Chara for Boston, he could be good. The only thing about the two defenseman is during the last game vs. Boston, JP and Darren Eliot commented that Chara used to get into too much penalty trouble because of his size and the fact that his contact can appear to be a foul. Chara had to learn to back off. If you think about the Washington game in which Valabik premiered, that is exactly what Washington did. They goaded Valabik into committing a foul. At the last game vs. Tampa Bay, Valabik was passing well and was skating ok. I think he just needs confidence, improve his skating ability, he could be really good. I think he could improve drastically. Hey, we endured a whole season with Exelby and Zhitnik, why not let him develop?!?
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Posted by: Sam on April 8, 2008 9:27AM EST
Is Johan Hedberg the ultimate in class or what? Man, these Swedes...Moose, Havelid and Toby...are so impressive, both on and off the ice. Let's build character on our team starting with the foundation of those three. Wow.
No wonder Moose has received the Player's Player Award 2 years in a row. He lifts up his competition and goaltending partner, Kari. He doesn't mention that he probably faced more shots this year and had less defensive help from his teammates than ever before...just solemnly accepts that his own numbers are low for him. That's leadership.
I like Holik, but his continuous harping on how much we suck is not leadership. Offer your team something more...not fantasy, but some direction. Another team will be better for taking Holik. But the Thrash need a new leader and new direction. And we're lucky Moose is interested in staying with this franchise.
Thank you, Moose.
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Posted by: Steve on April 8, 2008 9:49AM EST
I agree with you, Sam! Moose is awesome. I met him in person after a practice. He and Havelid were really nice.
So was Boulton. I hope they all stay! I agree about Holik. Obviously, you need a leader that is going to rally the troops; not cut them down! It doesn't work. I say Kovy or Recchi, if they resign him, are my two choices for Captain. Recchi because he has the experience and leadership and has won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes. He would be great with Armstrong and Christensen. Besides, if they develop Christensen as the faceoff guy, then we have someone to replace Holik for that asset.
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Posted by: Thomas D on April 8, 2008 12:27PM EST
Hedberg is trash he and his buddy Darren have taken shots at Kari all year tring to get Hedberg the starting job. Now Hedberg talks about what how Kari will one day be a good goalie this is crap. Hedberg is the worst starting goalie in the NHL 44th out of 44 in GAA and 42nd out of 44 in save % all while facing 4 less goals per game than Kari. DW is tring to save his own job this year so I can not see how he would risk it with a bad back up goalie that causes trouble for one of his few star players.
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Posted by: Anonymous on April 8, 2008 12:36PM EST
The top draft pick needs to be offense to address Hossa leaving the blue line can be rebuilt from free agents. And Zhednik needs to be brought back anda new partner signed for him as the number one line. I know the thrashers need a scape goat but this is the wrong guy. When he is out on the ice and given the time and a good partner he is the thrashers top defense man. Stop looking to lay blame and fix this putting him on wavers will only waste more money. But if the thrashers are going to place some one on waviers Larsen, Ex have earned that right. DW also should not pick up the Bolton or Pop both redundent and more talent needs to come on to this team. Mac should be resigned and Klee moved to the 7th D-man so that he is healthy all the time and we can get the most out of him.
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Posted by: h on April 8, 2008 1:53PM EST
Anonymous-
You must be joking...first, I assume you mean Zhitnik.......he was rock bottom horrible this year. Everyone he played with was worse of after playing with him.....he needs to go......whether for a bag of pucks or a few sticks......if we have to keep him, he should change his name to "healthy scratch".....I do agree that Larsen, Ex and Boulton should go. You can add Slater and Klee to that list too......Pop did fine this year and may work well with Valabik as the third pair, unless we have something better....he'll come cheap, which may be important if we go out and overspend on UFAs.....no matter who they pick with the top draft pick it needs to be the player most ready to play at the NHL level.....at whatever position that is......seems like it is either a defensemen or Filatov....
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Posted by: Steve on April 8, 2008 1:56PM EST
Anonymous,
You have got to be crazy about Zhitnik, not Zhednik. Zhednik plays for the Florida Panthers. Zhitnik is slow to the puck. He has been in the NHL for 15 seasons, and waits until near the end of the season to show he is worth playing. This is why Philly traded him, and he did this two seasons in a row for us. Klee was ok, McCarthy was ok too, but he has got to step it up. Larsen- I agree with you and Exelby too. Exelby may have another year on his contract though. Popovic was nothing great, but he didn't get to play much either. Boulton did, and he didn't do that much in terms of scoring. But, he was kind of the enforcer on the ice, and every team has one. But, Thorburn took over that role I thought. So, did Exelby. Thorburn is a forward, and he showed that, with the right line, he can score. Exelby was good last year, but this year, he and Zhitnik were terrible. It is a fact that when Havelid and Enstrom are back on defense, the +/- is better. Klee was the next best, and then Zhitnik and Exelby were the worst. Klee is slow, and with him, you know what you have. But he gets in there and you can tell by the way he plays, he gives 100 % every time he is on the ice. Exelby, by now, should know how to give better outlet passes. Zhitnik, should have known how to do that years ago. He is trying to play like a young defenseman, and he is just getting beat.
If you read about the Town Hall meeting for season ticket holders, you would have read that DW and the owners are going to get better defenseman. They said that this is their #1 priority. And, it should be! Havelid and Enstrom can't play the whole game. We need some other defenseman. We need a center too, but we really need defenseman more. It is a fact that Kari and Moose were shot on more than any other goalies in the NHL. That is happening because of POOR DEFENSE. Yes, I agree we need another forward, but I think that Armstrong, Christensen, and Little, if given the opportunity, could provide some good scoring. You have to remember that in Pittsburgh, Malkin and Crosby were the scoring machines up there and we haven't really seen what Christensen and Armstrong can really do yet. I would rather have 9 guys scoring 20-30 goals a piece and the Thrashers be in the playoffs than one guy like Kovy have 52 goals and us not make the playoffs. That is how your better teams in the West are getting there. San Jose has this situation; they have three guys with 23-27 goals. Same with Anaheim; three guys with 23-29 goals, but their defenses are awesome and their goal tending is top notch. That is what won the Stanley Cup last year, and probably will be what will win this year too.
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Posted by: Steve on April 8, 2008 2:01PM EST
H,
Filatov looks strong as a forward, but he looks like a good stiff wind could blow him over. I still say we try for Doughty or Pietrangelo. Young defenseman who are versatile. I would love it if we got a defenseman who would play like Green from Washington; more like a midfielder in soccer who plays great both ways. That is what I would want if I were DW and the owners.
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Posted by: Michael on April 8, 2008 5:31PM EST
Kari and Moose make a good duo and they are not the problem. The problem is a lack of "D" and 50 shots a game!
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Posted by: Mountainboy on April 8, 2008 9:35PM EST
Michael-
EXACTLY. Thats the big problem in my opinion. Moose and Kari are good and great goalies. “Every shot you dont take doesnt go in." I mean come on, if youre facing more than forty shots on a routine basis, there isnt enough time in a game to get your own shots in. Yeah we need better defense. Anyone who really tries to argue that is a little misguided. This group of Dmen might work somewhere else, but this setup isnt going to cut it.
While our defense isnt great, I also think that another problem is a lack of forechecking. How often can we say we pinned the other team down in their zone for more than a couple shots? While Boulton may have the offensive capability of a newt in some eyes, he does have a pretty good drive to the net and his line usually seems to have a fairly solid forecheck. As I recall, he was the screen on LaVallee's goal. Granted, the man isnt going to put up numbers like Kovy, but as Steve mentioned, hes an enforcer (although I do agree Thorburn has helped a bit) and Boults can be a decent force when he goes to the net.
To me, this team has two REAL problems in the right-now. (with JUST players) First, defense, obviously. We all know it. Things on the Thrashers' blueline have been less than satisfactory for some time. That needs to be addressed. Second, general toughness. Im not talking about going out and signing all the toughest NHLers, or even getting another big-name pugilist. I mean not being afraid to play the body, go into high-traffic areas, take a hit to make a good pass or shot, CLEAR THE FRIGGIN CREASE, things like that. The goalie cant be expected to earn a clean sheet if he cant see half the game for the other team’s screens. I hate to say this, but watch the Canes. Theyll take some bumps to get things done, and theyll give a bump or two of their own. Im not saying adopt the Canes' system. Im saying tell our boys not to play so softly. Doesnt have to be a huge hit every shift or a fight every game, no way. I just wish our guys would quit playing like theyre scared. Kovy, Boults, Thorburn, Perrin, Recchi, Holik, Mac, Army, and a couple others dont play like theyre scared. Thats just the first few that came to mind. But geez, isnt it time they played like they got em?
Ill stick around, but it kinda bothered me to watch the guys play softly so many games this season, or not show enough grit during the game. I do NOT want to see fifty roughing/cross checking/etc. penalties a game next season, but I think Id rather see a few more penalties for good hard play than 40+ shots against. If I had to lose a game, Id at least like to be able to say to myself that it wasnt because I was out-hustled or because I let the opposition walk in on my goalie or take so many shots on him.
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Posted by: Anonymous on April 8, 2008 11:09PM EST
Call me crazy, but for some reason I keep thinking the Thrashers have 2 first round picks this year, am I right or way off?
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Posted by: John on April 9, 2008 12:43AM EST
You're right, we picked up Pittsburgh's pick in the Hossa trade, but the way they finished the season, it'll be a pretty late pick.
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Posted by: Steve on April 9, 2008 9:37AM EST
Mountain boy,
I agree. Not only did the Canes play like that, but look at Washington. Darren Reid and Gary Green are commenting on the forechecking of Washington. Look at where they are now. They won the division and we are out!
Thomas,
Where do you get that about Hedberg? I have not seen or heard anything like that. Darren Eliot is not that way either; he commented that Kari should not be so critical of the players and be so negative once that I know of. Hedberg knows he is the back up, and is content with that role; THAT IS WHAT I HAVE SEEN. You don't get the player's player award for being divisive on a team. As far as I can see, Hedberg is a class act! I don't agree with you. Kari probably needs to work on his rebound control, and can always improve, but everyone, including the owners and DW, acknowledge that we need to improve the defense. When I say we need to improve the defense, I mean everyone other than Havelid and Enstrom all the time. McCarthy and Klee are ok, but if we can get some defenseman that are faster and even more productive, then we should go after them. McCarthy and Klee each had a goal and 5 or 6 assists a piece. +/- and blocked shots are the stats you really need to look at for defenseman. Klee is -5; McCarthy was -23. But Klee and McCarthy played with a lot of grit. They were busting their buts to help the goalies. Exelby had 2 goals and 7 assists, and was -21. But he didn't do much good outlet passing and he hit a lot. But the biggest criticism is that he was not effective back on defense to help the goalie. Same with Zhitnik. Zhitnik had 3 goals and 5 assists, and was -8. But he didn't play from March 7th until the end of the season, and he was a healthy scratch. Wonder why? Because he was too slow to the puck, and arrived back by the goal too late too many times. If you have been watching the blogs, everyone was commenting on how slow Zhitnik was this season. DW and the owners finally listened to us.
Every game, the Thrasher were outshot by a minimum of 10-15 shots; sometimes 20-30 shots. Both goalies were probably facing 35-45 shots while opposing goalies might average 17-25 shots from our forwards. One thing I heard on NHL Network is that if your goalie is facing 38 to 45 shots, you will not win very often and your goalies are going to be worn out. Eventually, some of those goals are going to get by, and that is what happened. I remember when we were up 3-1 on Washington, and we were playing well. All of a sudden, Washington scored 3 unanswered goals and they won 4-3. It was horrible. Kari remarked on how we could play so good and so bad in the same game. I agree; our guys have to be tough the entire game. They have to have a great attitude all game. They have to be hungry!!!
We have to adopt a forecheckig aggressive team. This is why I say we keep Boulton and Thorburn. Both of them forecheck. I say that Valabik could be valuable for this too, but he will need to learn some self control too just as Chara had to do in Boston. Again, we need a defenseman who can contribute like Green in Washington and Lidstrom in Detroit. Someone who can play both ends of the ice. Green had 18 goals and 38 assists. Lidstrom had 10 goals and 60 assists. Enstrom was the closest player to do this. Enstrom had 5 goals and 33 assists. If we had another defenseman who could do this and maybe more, that would be awesome. Havelid was in the top 5 defenseman for blocked shots. I like what Havelid does. We need him. Either Klee and McCarthy step it up, or maybe we trade for them as well. McCarthy improved and Klee was steady, but we have to make our defense tough. That is what these Western teams do, and they are stronger than Eastern teams. Again, look at Anaheim; they don't have a lot of goals, but they are strong on defense with guys like Niedermayer, Pronger (who is dirty but effective), Schneider, Huskins, Beauchemin, and Bergeron.
We do need a center that can play well on that Kovy line. I say let Recchi, Armstrong, and Christensen or Little play a line together and bring these guys along. Maybe even Lavallee too. We have talent, but they need to be developed. If we do get a center, we need someone who is going to step in and work with KOvy stride for stride. Kovy has been asking for that, and management needs to do it. Look at Semin and Backstrom with Ovechkin. That line is effective, and they are getting the job done. This is why they are where they are. Even if Kovy has more goals, we need a center who can score almost as many or at least 25-35 goals like Semin did this season. White started out well, but then was in a scoring drought for a long time. If he was DW's solution, then he fell short. Anyhow, got to go. This is what I say, and I am sticking to it.
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Posted by: Anonymous on April 9, 2008 10:38AM EST
Atlanta has the talent already. Young players like Christensen, Armstrong, Little, and lets not forget Colin Stuart, lets build around what we already have. If Moose should go give his position to Pavelec, even though I think Hedberg will be come back strong next season. I guess my point that I am trying to make is that we have a Championship team, we just have to get everyone on the same page.
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Posted by: Steve on April 10, 2008 8:31AM EST
Anonymous,
No, we don't. We will have a championship team when we get to the playoffs, and we advance to the Championship.
Have you not been reading the blogs? WE NEED DEFENSE AND A CENTER THAT IS GOING TO COMPLEMENT KOVALCHUK.
Maybe Armstrong, Christensen, Little or some other prospect or UFA or RFA fills that role next season.
As far as defense goes, Havelid and Enstrom played very well. Klee and McCarthy did pretty well, but obviously not well enough to help the goalies. The goalies had way too many shots they faced. Kari and Moose can only do so much! How do you not see this? Zhitnik and Exelby just were just not effective enough! They are both nice guys; I met them both, but nice guys don't help you win! I think Pavelec has a bright future, but he won't play more unless Hedberg or Kari go to another team or get injured like last season's injury to Kari.
It is defense that we need the most!! Until we address that need first, we will have no chance at a Championship!
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