Posted by: Robert on June 26, 2008 3:18PM EST Ben, any idea when next season's schedule will be released?

Posted by: Ben Wright on June 26, 2008 3:21PM EST Last year it came out on July 11. I would expect it to be released at about the same time this year.

Posted by: JB on June 26, 2008 3:25PM EST EJ Hradek and Don Legreca said on NHL Live today that the schedule should be out by July 9th. As for the cap, I see us spending at least 48 mil this summer.

Posted by: Libby on June 26, 2008 3:34PM EST When EJ and Don had a guy on the show today from USA Today, he discussed that no player wants to come to Atlanta. I feel very sad if this is so especially with our new coach.

Posted by: DMatos on June 26, 2008 4:10PM EST I would guess they'll spend closer to $41M, because that's all they have to spend. I have heard the same thing about players not wanting to play for Atlanta due to it's still yet to be resolved ownership issue. I hope that isn't the case, people still wanted to play for Buffalo when the League owned them, and Tampa this year, but who knows? Ben- Any idea on ticket specials or further discounted season tickets? Most of my section (310) didn't renew this coming year.

Posted by: Why? on June 26, 2008 4:35PM EST What is the point of having a cap if it continuosly goes up. Sooner or later the owners will stop making money and then we'll have another lock out. Somebody explain that to me.

Posted by: Ben Wright on June 26, 2008 4:56PM EST The cap is tied to league revenue. If revenue goes down so will the cap.

Posted by: Frank on June 26, 2008 9:54PM EST Don will find some players to come here but because of how bad things are he will have to massivly over pay with only 10-15 Million to play with he won't pick up a big name player but will have to sign some more White, Ruchin Holik, Klee type players. I wonder why Rechi was not resigned he may have wanted to play where the team had a shot at the play offs this year I hope it works out for him.

Posted by: Justin on June 26, 2008 11:34PM EST I've said it everywhere, but: I've noticed a lot of fans of better teams bashing the NHL for raising the cap and giving out pre-lockout+ salaries. I think this benefits us because if forces our team to get better.

Posted by: lordstan57 on June 27, 2008 1:01AM EST I suspect this correlation between ownership and the ability to obtain FA is vastly overestimated. I see all kinds of scenarios where a Plyr. could wind up in Atl; after all, there is a finite # of jobs in this league, and an awful lot of up and comers in this Division. Be the best, play the best. Spend wisely. Having said that, what about M. Rozsival, D-man w/ the Rags? I've seen the speculation w/ Liles, Campbell, Orpick..... no interest in Rozzy? Let's go shopping indeed. Having said that

Posted by: scott on June 27, 2008 5:41AM EST who is gonna step up next year?the thrashers are the only team with only 1 goal scorer over 20 goals ilya kovalchuk.also the thrahsers giving up the second most goals againist next to the lighting what type of defense help if any might they get?any thoughts on that?

Posted by: Mike on June 27, 2008 9:04AM EST I dont know if "going shopping" will actually help our team to the degree we need it to help. There is no center on the market that can possibly step up and play with ilya other than joe sakic and he is probably going to stay in colorado, other than that, on defence we HAVE TO focus on cambell or redden and another D man such as Rozzival, Orpicks, thouse guys. other than that we are going to give up just as many shots. NO MORE OF THE WHITE AND KLEE TYPES OF PICKUPS well said Frank And Please re-sign Recchi And show Bobby to the door

Posted by: Marcus on June 27, 2008 9:33AM EST This new cap is crazy, every UFA this summer will get more money than they should. Campbell shouldn't be getting any more than $6 mil in my mind and yet he's projected to get 7.5-8 mil. I would love to have him, but there are cheaper options out there like Kalinin and Hainsey. Don't sign Recchi unless he's the absolute best RW we can sign. He started to suck again near the end of last year... he was desperate for ice time when he came to Atlanta, and we saved his carreer and gave him what he wanted, but now he's going to test the market? Not too much respect from this guy, I don't see any reason to sign him. As Torterella said about Perrin last year, "[We] gave him every chance to play in this league and he wouldn't have made it elsewhere. F___ him." The Thrashers will definitely improve this summer, but I don't see them making the playoffs unless Anderson is able to get Exelby, Zhitnik, Kozlov, and White to start producing again. If we can get those guys going, we'll be a good team. If not, we won't make the playoffs. Ryder would be a good RW to sign. Anderson does well with pure offensive players like him. Kovalchuk-Little-Ryder Kozlov-Christensen-Armstrong Lavallee-Perrin-Thorburn Slater-White-Godard/Boulton Havelid-Enstrom Bogosian-Kalinin Valabik-Klee Zhitnik Lehtonen Hedberg The only thing is Kovalchuk hasn't played well with small linemates, and Little/Ryder are both small and they both play small.... some tough decisions this summer.

Posted by: h on June 27, 2008 10:45AM EST Marcus, I'll promise you that if that is the line-up, we go nowhere.....no Boulton, no Little on first line....must get a RFA or a UFA to play center....White or Slater should be no better than healthy scratches.....need one more scorer at least

Posted by: Mountainboy on June 27, 2008 10:56AM EST Marcus- Well put. Only things I disagree with are that I dont like Ryder personally and Ive read that Little is more likely to become a 2nd or 3rd line center (but I still think he could make the top line), but I like that lineup. Looks good to me, and one thing I noticed instantly is that you did not expect Valabik to be the teams best fighter. Its not always the prettiest part of the game, but because everyone does it, you need a guy on your team who can fight the other teams top-tier fighter, and dropping Boults in favor of letting Valabik and Thorburn and a couple others do that could be a very costly mistake in my opinion, for the guys who would ultimately be fighting for the team and for the guys who would be targeted. Imagine a knee-on-knee from someone like Ruutu only we didnt have ANYONE who wouldnt get killed by him, for instance Big Georges Laraque. While he wouldnt have to fight every night (and therefore some might argue that he wasnt "needed" every night, and therefore why pay for him? For the record, I disagree with that line of thinking: even if he isnt fighting every night, 1 Who is? and 2 Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it), I believe very strongly that someone like Boulton is needed in Atlanta. Especially with the number of top five draft picks we have, and the number of young guys in general on the roster.

Posted by: c on June 27, 2008 11:50AM EST Marcus I agree with most of what you said but I don't like the line-up. Imagine this : Kovalchuk-Little-Thorburn EX. Perrin Sterling-White-Dupuis Kozlov-Christensen-Armstrong Larsen-Slater-Boulton Campbell-Bogosian EX. Zihtnik Havelid-Enstrom Kwiatowski-Valabik Lehtonen Hedberg Now before everyone gets on my case think about this. Towards the end of the season Kovalchuk Holik and Thorburn were on the same line. Thorburn is big and fast and was willing to go into the corners and fight for the puck. When I watched Little he was always in the right position but a bigger defenceman would move him or get a stick in the lane. Sterling didn't know what was exppected of him when he came for training camp last year so he should do better this time around. Dupuis had a hell of a playoff run with Pittsburgh because he was with Crosby and Hossa, so if he continues to play like he did there he should easily get 20+ goals. The reason why Perrin is the extra man is because he can play anywhere. On D I put Kwiatowski and Valabik together is because they played well together in Chicago. I know that Kwiatowski is on the down side of his carrer but when you score 10 goals in the AHL playoffs that means something to me. They also combined for a +44 in the regular season. So chew on that for a little while.

Posted by: Marcus on June 27, 2008 12:00PM EST h- that's why I said we won't make the playoffs next year... Little does look like a second-line guy, but so does Christensen. Maybe you're right, Christensen has a little more offensive instinct than Little, but a line of Kovalchuk-Christensen-Ryder is extremely liable defensively. They would be a minus line for sure. Little is a 2-way player and can backcheck when Kovy isn't in the mood to do so. Mountainboy- I think keeping Boulton would be a good move as well. Having a heavyweight fighter in Valabik takes a lot of the pressure of Boults' shoulders and he wouldn't be expected to be the go-to guy when a fight breaks out. Boulton can play a high-energy, agitator/grinder game instead of designated fighter. Good point about Ruutu. Pittsburgh had an enforcer and a middleweight agitator, and now that we have Boris, we need the agitator. Boulton would be a good cheap option.

Posted by: Marcus on June 27, 2008 12:15PM EST c- I don't think it's very realistic to think that Dupuis will be back next year. He was a utility player and can easily be replaced by younger guys (Lavallee, Stuart, etc) But you're on to something, how about Sterling-White-Lavallee for a third-line? Sterling and Lavallee are both gritty scorers, White would be more comfortable with a third-line role where he can play his 2-way game. Perrin is a utility guy, but if White isn't producing, I would throw Perrin in his spot. Thorburn on the top line is not the way to go. He's a good player, but he's not meant to play that position. His skills are best reserved for the 3rd or 4th line. Another option would be for Thorburn-White-Lavallee to play a pure checking-line game, but I don't think Anderson would assign lines specific roles like that. It's going to be interesting to see how our team shapes out....

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 3:25PM EST C, Dupuis is not going to come back to Atlanta; he wants a bigger contract and to play for a better team. He was a great two way winger, but did not score a lot. He would fit in Minnesota or any West Conference team that is more defensive minded. Also, having Havelid and Enstrom on your 2nd defensive line? Are you nuts? They are our best defenseman. They are 1st line, and are ready to play a lot of minutes to pick up the slack if anyone doesn't play well just like last season. I agree about Boulton and Valabik, but anyone can get into a lot of fights; you have to pick your moments. If our guys are fighting a lot, then you are a man short on a powerplay and need I remind anyone how bad we were on Penalty killing? Not smart. You want a defenseman who is tough, but can possess the puck and provide good outlet passing. Case in point, look at Exelby last season; he hit a lot , but his passes were not always good, and he didn't defend very well when the puck was in our end. About Little, he is just about ready for the NHL, but as a 2nd liner. Falconer, from Do Thrashers Have Talons?, said that he thinks he is better on a 2nd line if he were to start. I would agree based upon his play for us and the Wolves. Some of you are forgetting Haydar. Haydar had a great season in the AHL; if you are going to talk about Sterling, then include Haydar because his numbers were even better. Marcus, What is this crap about Perrin? Falconer and I both think that Perrin was a GREAT acquisition. He is really gritty and does not give up. Just because Tortorella said F___ him and that he didn't play well in Tampa, doesn't mean he can't and didn't play well here. He had some key goals in quite a few games last year, and I am glad he is staying. I think that they should try him on the 1st line and put Little on the 2nd line. Scott, I think that Armstrong or Christensen, Perrin or Recchi could have 20+ goals this year (that is if Recchi stays). Christensen and Armstrong played in the shadow of Crosby, Staal, Malkin, Sykora, etc. They didn't have a chance; now that they are in Atlanta, they might be able to produce. Also, Christensen was positioned at wing when he is really a better center. I would love to have a big name defenseman like Campbell, Kalinen, Roszival, Liles, Hainsey, Foote, etc. Not sure who we will get. I haven't heard the comments from Don La Greca and EJ Hradek, but I have seen that comment on the blogs before and I have seen one commentator who was really about to bash Atlanta because of the Zhitnik-Coburn trade; but that is Waddell not the team and not the coach. I think that if we assemble some good guys, then maybe that will change. I think that we didn't choose very wisely beyond Bogosian in picking in the Draft, and it is things like that where we are not respected. I don't know. It just seems that way. Anyhow, we will know something hopefully in the next few weeks. I really hope we get one or two good defenseman and a good center. I don't know. Just wishing we could right last season's wrongs.

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 3:41PM EST By the way, Conroy and Langkow were just resigned by Calgary; so you can forget about getting them. I had a feeling that was going to happen. They got rid of Tanguay which is what they really wanted to do; the fact that the rumors were pretty strong about that showed me that if he wasn't traded at the Deadline, he would be in the offseason. And there it is.

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 6:16PM EST What is the deal with Steve Rucchin? Why is he on the roster, but he is not playing? I keep asking that, and no one has an answer. Ben, Can you shed some light on this?

Posted by: c on June 27, 2008 6:23PM EST He is currently injured but he is still under contract by the Thrashers. So his salary hits th e cap too.

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 6:24PM EST Just saw an article in the Ottawa Sun: Tampa Bay is reoffering Dan Boyle as a free agent. He was signed before Trade Deadline, but new ownership has until July 1st to make a decision; Feaster is now looking to see how much interest is out there. I would not mind having Boyle. He may be 31, and was injured for more than 1/2 of last season, but if he is healthy, he would be great.

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 6:25PM EST What kind of injury does Rucchin have? Is he worth keeping?

Posted by: Steve on June 27, 2008 6:33PM EST Also saw in Ottawa Sun that Ottawa may go after Roszival and take themselves out of Campbell sweepstakes. Also in Toronto Sun- Leafs may go after Sean Avery. They need an agitator, and they are looking for one now that Tucker and Belak are no longer there. Ray Emery has also had some offers too. Eddie O on NHL Live was also saying that Ryan Malone may end up in the midwest which would mean Chicago or Minnesota or Columbus or Detroit.

Posted by: Ben Wright on June 27, 2008 7:17PM EST Rucchin has been out since Feb. 2007 and the odds of him ever playing again are extremely slim. His contract expires on Monday. I'm not sure what you're talking about in the Ottawa Sun Steve but Dan Boyle has 5 years left on his contract and won't be a free agent any time soon. Ottawa doesn't have enough cap space after re-signing their restricted free agents to pursue anyone asking for $5 million or more.

Posted by: Steve on June 28, 2008 7:31AM EST Ben, Just telling you what I saw in the Ottawa Sun; with the new ownership, TB may be looking to trade Boyle, and it said that the Thrashers, along with 4 other teams, may be looking at him as a possible acquisition. Look on yesterday's Ottawa Sun articles. I am just reporting what I see.

Posted by: Steve on June 28, 2008 8:03AM EST Toronto is also looking to trade or let go defenseman, Bryan McCabe. Here is the link: http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/06/28/6011776-sun.html Also, Ottawa Sun reporting that they are not sure about Corey Stillman returning; it depends on how much money they have left after resigning Meszaros and Vermette, if they are resigned. Ottawa Sun is also reporting that the Hurricanes have 14 forwards, and may have to trade or let some go; among names mentioned were Justin Williams and Erik Cole. Also wondering what Ottawa wants to do with Mike Commodore too. He is a big defenseman! They liked him, but not sure if they are going to keep him. Ben, Here is the link about story on Dan Boyle: http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/06/27/6004741-sun.html

Posted by: scott on June 28, 2008 12:02PM EST i think even if the thrashers get some better defense it wont be enough to put them over the top.look at the capitals last year one of the biggest teams in size but not enough scoring thats y they got knocked out of the first round of the playoffs.hopefully we look to the future to make some runs deep in the playoofs in a couple of years.

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on June 29, 2008 1:53PM EST My lineup: Kovy-Thorburn-Huselius Kozzie-Little-Ryder Recchi-Brendan Morrison-Army Boulton-Perrin-Christensen Havelid-Enstrom Bogosian-Liles Klee-Kalinin Theres a chance that Huselius and Morrison come to ATL: http://thefourthperiod.com/freeagents/top30ufas.html

Posted by: JAmes_kovyboy on June 29, 2008 2:39PM EST ***Take out Kalinin and put Valabik***

Posted by: Steve on June 29, 2008 3:36PM EST Get real, james, Christensen is a center!! 4th line for Christensen?!?! You are on crack! They are not going to trade for this guy so he can be on the 4th line. We have to get Ryder, Morrison, and Huselius 1st. Same with Perrin. Why put him on the 4th line? Waste of his talent. And Kalinin? We don't have him yet either. Wait until we have these guys, and then speculate what lines you want.

Posted by: Marcus on June 30, 2008 1:13AM EST Steve, you're a moron. I was referring to Recchi. I assumed everyone in here has at least graduated middle school, but it may not be the case so I'll clarify for those of you like Steve who cannot read: Recchi was an NHL reject, no one wanted him in their system and we gave him a chance to prove himself and he was looking like a reborn player. He loses all of his credibility in his character when he says he wants to test free agency after all we did for him. We should show him the door and say "____ him" like Torterrella did for Perrin last year. Same situation, Perrin was given a shot at the NHL by the lightning, and he left them for more money. Nowhere did I say that Perrin was a bad pick up. We need to pick up Bertuzzi, and we'd have one of the scariest lines in the NHL: Kovalchuk-Christensen-Bertuzzi Bert would bang some heads in front of the net while Crusher sets up Ilya for the snipe. Pure sauce line. Next we should sign Ryder and have a Kozlov-Little-Ryder line for secondary scoring. Kozlov will have to produce. Third line: Thorburn-Perrin-Armstrong. VERY strong line that can add depth scoring and will be solid defensively. All are very good checkers. Fourth line: Sterling-White-Lavallee.....this line would kind of suck, but would add scoring.... but I think the fourth line would be better off w another FA on it, an agitator maybe: Tucker-White-Lavallee Defense. We definitely need a top guy like Campbell if we want to compete with the offense of the Lightning and the Caps. Campbell-Bogosian Enstrom-Havelid Valabik-Kalinin No holes there.

Posted by: scott on June 30, 2008 3:38AM EST look out for the lighting. they aquired the rights to malone, roberts, and rolston. that would be one of the best line ups in the nhl if they could get those guys. there gonna go from the worst team to best team in the eastern confrence i bet.

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 7:06AM EST Marcus, You're a jacka__. First of all, I am not saying anything about Recchi. I was commenting on the fact that you did not have Perrin on the 1st or 2nd line. He is not a back up; we got him from Tampa, and he has produced effectively with either 6 or 8 shorthanded goals, and 12 overall, and about 31 assists. I may have only went to 8 games, but in every game I saw, he was a factor in all of them. Perrin is returning as far as I know, but Recchi is a free agent, and less likely to return, jacka___. And don't talk to me about not knowing anything. I at least check the stats about what I know before I say something!!!! So, who is the moron? I used to speculate about who we should get, and I may say who I would like, but you are projecting about Ryder and Kalinin as if we have them, you jerk. So, think before you type!!!! Even during the Trade Deadline, there was a lot of talk about Hossa going to Montreal, and it was pretty certain, and even a Canadian paper was reporting the rumor, but it fell through. Nobody even knew who we were trying to get from Montreal; it could have been Ryder, Streit, or Higgins, but none of those trades materialized. So, I leaned to be careful in what I say because you never know. So, think before you type!!!!

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 8:45AM EST All name calling aside, and speculation without any real people signed, here is what the Ottawa Sun is reporting this morning about the Thrashers' attempts to get Brian Campbell: The indications are the Rangers, Thrashers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins and Blackhawks are all going to make a pitch. And the Sharks can't be ruled out because Campbell feels a certain amount of loyalty toward them. A league source said Atlanta GM Don Waddell is so determined to bring Campbell into the fold that the Thrashers might be willing to table a five-year, $42-million US deal (that's $8.4 million a season). If you don't believe me, here is the link: http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/ 06/30/6023546-sun.html Again, nothing is for certain until Cambell decides, but the talk is that Waddell is offering big money to Campbell according to an NHL league source. Other rumors: http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/06/ 30/6023531-sun.html Bruce Garrioch reporting that the deal with Roberts and Malone was made yesterday, and is now final. Roberts was signed for 1 year, $2 Mill, and Malone, 7 years, 31.5 mill. They are looking to move Dan Boyle now for sure. Sundin may be signing with Montreal for 2 years, 15 mill. Another report says 2 years, 16 mill. He just got Canadian citizenship last year. But if the offer is right, he could go anywhere. There has been talk of interest by other teams such as the Rangers and the Red Wings, but only Montreal has secured rights to talk with him. But, if no one signs him today, then I think that he will be able to talk to anyone. He definitely is looking at all offers. I don't think he will play for anyone who is not in serious playoff contention. Thus, the Rangers, Red Wings, and Montreal make sense. Tampa Bay may be going after Meszaros too. Ottawa is also interested in Ty Conklin, Alex Auld, and Patrick Lalime. For my money, I would take Conklin; like Malkin, Conklin is also one of the big reasons the Pens did well last year in Fleury's stead until Fleury came back. LW Darcy Tucker has been approached by the following teams: Columbus, New Jersey, Chicago, the Rangers and Flames have all made calls to Sosa (Tucker's agent). Why is Tucker such a big deal? The Toronto Sun reports why: http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/ 06/29/6017311-sun.html McCabe is going to be offered in a trade too. McCabe is one of Toronto's defenseman. He didn't play too well last year. Tucker's numbers were not great either, but he offers a lot, and when you play for a team that is disappointing like Toronto, maybe the change of location would be better. Calgary might be looking to get Tucker as they have tried to get him before, but they will only get him if they don't have to pay him more than 1 mill; if he wants more, then the deal with Calgary won't happen because Calgary has very little room under the salary cap after their recent signings of Langkow and Conroy and their trades for Camalleri and the loss of Tanguay. Detroit Free Press is reporting that, like I said earlier, that of the two best forwards to go after, Sundin makes more sense because they can get him maybe for 1 year vs. signing Hossa for a long term deal. Hossa turned down $7 mill last weekend from the Pens; the reporter in this article said that Hossa may be looking to go to the Sharks, Rangers, or the Red Wings. With this article in mind, I could see him going to either NY or SJ because they are playoff contenders and they can offer the big money right now. Detroit could, but as this article stated, Zetterburg and Franzen are up for new contracts next year, and they are going to get big raises, I am sure. They may get better contracts this year; who knows? This article is in the Detroit Free Press: http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ 20080630/SPORTS05/80630013/1053 San Jose Mercury News: Campbell undecided; Marleau is probably going to stay despite rumors of trades. Ryan Clowe said that he is going to stay, but he doesn't know yet for how many years, and for how much. But San Jose has not signed Center Marcel Goc or defenseman Christian Erhoff. Goc was a 1st round pick, but his numbers are disappointing: 8 pts this season (5G, 3 A); last season, 13 points (5G, 8A). Erhoff would be nice; last 3 seasons, +/- = 10, 8, 9. Points= 23 (5G, 18A in 05-06; 10G, 23A in 06-07; 1G, 22A in 07-08) His goal scoring is not great, but assist numbers are better. His +/- rating is consistently good, and that with his assists is what is attractive to me. He would be a good acquisition. He will be 26 in a week, and he would be a good defenseman I am sure anywhere he goes. Anyhow, tomorrow starts free agency, so I am sure the blogs and the news are going to be exciting; last year, 24 players were traded the 1st day, and 89 were traded overall last season, so anything can happen to change teams fortunes. One last note, it is interesting to see the perception of what teams are looking to be contenders and what teams APPEAR to be out of contention. For instance, the Pens were in the Cup Finals, but may appear to not be a contender because they are going to lose quite a few key players such as Hossa, Roberts, and Malone. We don't know about Orpik or Laraque or others yet. If Ty Conklin goes too, that may also hurt them. Tampa Bay has really made some aggressive moves, and may really be in strong contention next year. As for LA and Calgary, the two other teams who have traded aggressively, they may also improve. Then again, Detroit, who has not traded anyone yet, is still the team to beat. So, anything can happen. We will know a lot more tomorrow.

Posted by: Marcus on June 30, 2008 9:23AM EST Steve, I should have known that "what is this crap about Perrin" really meant "Perrin should play in Christensen's spot on the top line." I think everyone with any sense would agree with me that Perrin fits the profile for a third-line center perfectly. Christensen or Little, scorers not grinders, would be wasted in a checking role. Perrin is our best defensive forward, so having him playing on the checking line would be completely acceptable. Putting him on the second line would be asking too much from the guy. If we have Perrin centering the second line, we're in for another 07-08 type season... I'm pretty sure I thought before I typed this, but you can be the judge of that once again. 8.4 mil for 5 seasons is entirely too much for Campbell.

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 9:28AM EST I just saw this entry on Do Thrashers Have Talons?. I looked it up on RDS and here it is!!! As a Thrashers' fan, I am really excited about this one: TSN and RDS are both reporting that Alexei Zhitnik's contract will probably be bough out for 1/3 this year- $1.2 mill this year, and 1.2 mill next year. Here it is in French from RDS: Les Thrashers d’Atlanta ont quant à eux placé le nom du défenseur Alexei Zhitnik au ballottage. Le vétéran de 15 saisons avait été acquis des Flyers de Philadelphie en retour de l’arrière Braydon Coburn le 24 février 2007. Au ballotage means "on waivers" Here is the link: http://www.rds.ca/hockey/ chroniques/254632.html Additional deals/trades I forgot to mention: Liles resigned for 4 yrs. and little over 4 mill/yr. and Foote for 2 yrs., 6 mill resigned with Colorado, but defenseman Jeff Finger is still available. The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Jarret Stoll and defenceman Matt Greene. Remember, there are still other defenseman that are good that are available; the main ones mentioned on TSN were: Roszival, NYR; Streit from the Canadiens; Redden from the Senators; Hainsey from Columbus Blue Jackets. This is on TSN today: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 9:41AM EST Marcus, No, you are assuming that is what I meant about Perrin. And you know what assuming makes you! To be truthful, who really knows what line he will be on as that is up to the coach, and it will really be determined after all trades are done, and if they get another center. So, really, it is too early to say what line he should be on! If we trade for a center or another winger, then all of the lines will change. I am sure that Kovy will stay on the 1st line though. The rest will depend on who they have and whose chemistry works best. You have to admit that is what will happen. We won't really know until after camp or preseason. I don't think he would be on the 4th line, but you never know. If he is, I will be surprised. What do you mean about last season? He played well for us. He can't play well on the 1st line as Kovy probably needs a big center and a real fast one too. I think Perrin is pretty fast, but not he is not very big, as he is 5'9. But, he had the 3rd highest number of points. He had 31 assists. I would love it if he had more goals, but Falconer and I both think that he did a good job last year. And the reason I mention Falconer is that he researches a lot of what he writes, and I think he knows more than I do and definitely more than you do about hockey!!! And even, then, many teams will change their lines some in certain games or with certain teams to get the most effective line against who the other team puts out on defense. The Pens had to do this when playing the Red Wings in the Cup Finals. As far as Campbell being paid $8.4 mill per year, who knows? But the Thrashers have $21.7 mill to spend on free agents right now, and it would be foolish if we don't spend money to get one or two quality defenseman and/or 1 or 2 forwards which I hope includes a top line center. We have the money to spend! So, we should spend it! If you don't believe me on the numbers, go to the link that Ben made for "Do the Thrashers Have Large Talons?", and read what he says about how much the Thrashers have to spend. Falconer is well read, and he thinks and reads before he posts.

Posted by: c on June 30, 2008 9:47AM EST Tampa Bay just recieved the rights to Brian Rolston. They are getting really good real fast. DW you better step up!!!!!!

Posted by: Marcus on June 30, 2008 11:20AM EST Steve, I'm not sure if I was making the assumptions, it was you who was. You assumed that putting Perrin on the third line meant I didn't think he was a good player. Perrin's a hard worker and has some natural talent, but not enough to be a playmaking center on the top line. He's a natural third-line guy and that's it. I'm willing to bet you a case of Molsons that Perrin will play on the third line in the fall (unless he is traded, but I highly doubt it). You down? Campbell at 8.5mil for 5 years is foolish. What will Toby, Christensen, Little, Kovalchuk, Pavalec be asking once they're R/UFAs? I'd rather not have a 34 yr old Soupman eating up all our money for the younger rising stars. Go after Hainsey and Kalinin instead, I would only spend that kind of money on 100pt players or +45 guys like Lidstrom. Falconer sounds like a cool guy. I envy those with the talent of thinking and reading before posting.

Posted by: Anonymous on June 30, 2008 2:43PM EST http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242073&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Posted by: Anonymous on June 30, 2008 4:32PM EST So if only they could buy out Klee, Exelby, White, and Larsen and spend a little money the thrashers might have a chance at 3rd place in the south east. On the current course the thrashers will be in last place next year.

Posted by: Mike on June 30, 2008 4:47PM EST Why is tampa bying up all these right, they wont sign these players, no $, there being retarded

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 5:45PM EST Marcus, I do think before I post, you jack__!! Second, on Campbell, that is the going rate 7-8 mill from the Thrashers, San Jose, etc. You don't believe me? Read other papers- Ottawa Sun, Toronto Sun, San Jose Mercury News. Ottawa and San Jose are two big teams as well as others that are vying for him. So, I do think before I post, moron. I read. Do you? For 5 years, where do you get that? I haven't seen that number of years. I have seen Hossa wanting the same amount or more, and I have seen 5 or 6 years for the length of his contract too, but I think people are guessing on the length of the contract. I am sure that the Thrashers will offer Kovy a lot of money to stay as he is probably the franchise player. So, when it is time, I am sure that will be a no-brainer. The owners will offer whatever it takes to keep him, you can be sure of that. Same with Enstrom. Why are you making such a big deal about Little, Christensen, and Pavelec? They are good, but Little and Pavelec have not proven enough in the NHL. They have played more for Chicago in the AHL than they have in Atlanta on the NHL level. Christensen has been in the NHL, but he needs to improve his stats if he is going to earn the big money, and he hasn't had the opportunity to do that yet. If he stays healthy, then he will hopefully prove to the Thrashers his value. He was injured the last 20 games for us, and could not finish the season to prove enough to me and others yet. He played in Pittsburgh behind bigger scorers, and has not had the numbers yet to prove that he is worth the big money. If you READ HIS PLAYER STATS, you will find that his highest number of points is 33 (18G, 15 A); he had 24 points this past season. NOT WORTH BIG MONEY YET!!! I think he has great potential, but noT like $5+ million a year contract. If you think that they have, you are a moron, and quit talking out of your a___!!! As far as Perrin goes, fine he is not a first line center, but 2nd or 3rd line maybe. Perrin had 12 G, 31A and Christensen had 11 G, 13A, White had 14 G, 23 A about the same numbers. The only other center is Slater who had 13 points (8G, 5A). Now, Perrin has the most points, but White has the most goals. Now, what do you say to that? Perrin finished the season stronger than White. Christensen was injured the last 20 games, and we didn't get to see what he could really do. So, if you go by stats this far, Perrin wins with points and momentum. Most of White's goals were scored early in the season; he scored 10 goals very early, and then fizzled from what I remember. I think it is going to depend on if we get a center in the trades, but I say he is a 2nd line center now, unless something happens to prove otherwise. Now, after all of that, if you still think that he is a 3rd or 4th line center, then you are an idiot!!!!! Now, look at Campbell's numbers, and remember, he is a defenseman! He had 62 points this past season, 8G and 54 A. He was -1 for Buffalo, but +9 for the Sharks. That is awesome for a defenseman!!! He is ranked as the top free agent defenseman right now, and rightfully so!!! If you compare his numbers to Lidstrom, Lidstrom had 70 points (10G, 60 A) and was +40 because he is playing for Detroit; Campbell played for Buffalo. Very clear difference between Detroit's offense and defense vs. Buffalo's. But for being on those two teams for Campbell, that is pretty close in points, but not plus/minus. Plus/minus is one of those stats that is dependent upon you and others on the ice at the time of scores for and against your team. Detroit was number one in fewest goals or points allowed. Montreal had the number one PP for most of the season, not Detroit. But the point I am making is that you are wrong about Campbell; HE IS WORTH THE MONEY OR IT WOULDN'T BE OFFERED TO HIM!!! Now, is that proof enough that I read and think before I post?!?!? I am backing up my claims with stats!! So, where is your proof?!?! Last, if you want to make a bet, I don't bet alcohol because I don't drink. I would bet tickets or a Thrashers t-shirt though.

Posted by: scott on June 30, 2008 7:01PM EST i heard theres a chance hossa might go to the minnesota wild to pair up with marian gaborik.the wild have alot of slovokian players.good for him i hope that works out maybe.

Posted by: Marcus on June 30, 2008 7:29PM EST I'm done arguing with this childish bandwagoning tool.

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 8:53PM EST Good, Marcus, I feel the same way! You just have nothing left to say because you are wrong, but you won't admit it. Anyhow, I am done with this too.

Posted by: Steve on June 30, 2008 8:57PM EST By the way, Marcus, you were saying earlier that Recchi was a reject; okay!!! Nah, he's not going to the Hall of Fame. He has more than 500 goals. And he is a reject!! You are the biggest f______in idiot I have seen on this blog! If you address me in the future, I will just ignore you because you just make no sense and have no facts to back up anything you say. You are just plain IGNORANT which doesn't mean stupid; it means you are uninformed. But maybe it's more than that!!! LOL!

Posted by: Steve on July 1, 2008 6:34AM EST Scott, Hossa could go anywhere; but he wants to get the most money with a contender for the playoffs or the Cup Finals. He knows that Pittsburgh is losing a lot of guys and the chances of them going back to the Cup Finals are lower; remember, his dad was a hockey coach, and Hossa has learned how to read team situations pretty well. Look at why he went to Pitttsburgh over Montreal; it was a very smart move for him. He was so close to signing with Montreal, but at the last minute, something changed, and he went to Pittsburgh. Not sure he would go to Minnesota because they are more defensive minded under Jacques Lemaire. My money is on San Jose, Detroit, or the Rangers. If there is anyone else, I would be surprised. Some of the NHL Live guys have spoken of Boston too.