Posted by: Michael on February 27, 2008 9:35AM EST It looks like DW has redeemed himself after paying too much for Tkachuk and Zhitnik last year. He was in a tough spot because every GM knew Hossa wouldn't sign here on July 1st and he did well under the circumstances.

Posted by: kovy17 on February 27, 2008 9:57AM EST just wish we had coburn! But i am happy with this trade

Posted by: dave on February 27, 2008 9:59AM EST DW did well with the new aqquisitions. High-regarded prospects are always a good thing down the road. Armstrong and Christensen should add some intensity and jump to this lineup which it desperatly needs. With more youth like these new guys with Little should add a big energy boost to a forward core that has been lacking energy horribly (prime example of last night... Little seemed like he was the only one moving) Only time will tell, but I agree that DW did well with what he had to work with.

Posted by: jane on February 27, 2008 10:20AM EST wow we got an awesome deal christensen is the shootout king!!!

Posted by: jane on February 27, 2008 10:27AM EST Christensen is the shootout out king!!!!!!! we did amazing in this trade.

Posted by: GaVaHokie on February 27, 2008 10:38AM EST Pittsburgh could have kept Christensen and Armstrong one more year, and traded them at next year's deadline... the harsh truth is, Pitt has to open it's wallet next season for Malkin, Staal and Fleury. And Crosby's $9 million kicks in next year. Right now, their team salary is still around $33 million. So this is the only time they could really afford a high-price rental like Hossa and make a legitimate run at the Cup. Kudos to both sides on this trade for recognizing their team landscapes.

Posted by: Paul Sieben on February 27, 2008 11:06AM EST I am sort of happy. I agree that we got some good talent back for Hossa, but I would have liked to see some DEFENSE. We are next to last in the ENTIRE NHL in terms of goals allowed and we go out and get forwards. I say Don deserves a C for this trade and not the A's everybody else is giving him. He didn't address the main need for this team.

Posted by: h on February 27, 2008 11:11AM EST Well, unfortunately there was no defense to be had. If you look at the trades, very few defensemen moved around. Certainly there was only one or two that could have helped. Unfortunately, after last night the Thrash are done this year unless they rip off about 7-8 in a row, which they won't do. So might as well look towards next year now. I'd really like to see Little, Haydar, Sterling and a defensemen or two get a strong look down the stretch. Truly no need to have Slater, Larsen or McCarthy on this roster. Those guys are not NHL players.

Posted by: Ben Wright on February 27, 2008 11:13AM EST Paul- If you look at the defensemen who were traded yesterday it's not as if Don Waddell missed out. Adam Foote and Hal Gill were the two biggest names traded. Foote would only go to Colorado and Gill, in my opinion, wouldn't have been a good fit. Thrashers fans didn't like Andy Sutton, and Hal Gill is from the same mold, except less physical.

Posted by: Howard on February 27, 2008 11:16AM EST Kiwi didn't take the penalty at the beginning of the 3rd, that was Zhitnik. Since we clearly don't have a shot at the playoffs, and we are paying the deadwood anyway, I believe it is time to let these old men golf and focus on the future. Let's sit Holik, Zhit, Klee, Slava, Slater and even Recchi (if he isn't willing to sign a one year extension at a reasonible salary) and start seeing how the young guys can do. While some of the folks above have contracts for next year, they clearly need some rest and need to get a message to refocus. Armstrong, Christensen, Pop, Kiwi, Stuart, Little, Sterling and Boris V. are the potential future. It would be nice to see want they have before we go into the draft. I am sure we will look bad at times over the last 18 games with these guys but it shouldn't be much worse then we looked over the last 2 weeks and it would give these guys division expousre.

Posted by: levi on February 27, 2008 11:43AM EST chiristensen is the shoot out king....

Posted by: gategirl on February 27, 2008 11:46AM EST Ben ---- What about Brian Campbell he is a huge D-man that would have been great on this team. He was clearly not happy about going to San Jose yesterday and he will probably not sign a contract with them. So he will be available in July and we need him.

Posted by: GaVaHokie on February 27, 2008 12:04PM EST Brian Campbell also cost San Jose a 1st round pick and Steve Bernier... for a rental player!! That's a steep price. Brad Stuart will be a rental in Detroit for a 2nd and 4th round pick. Adam Foote cost Colorado their 1st round pick. The price tag on defensemen was way too high. Waddell gets an A for this trade and for NOT over spending for defense.

Posted by: Mary on February 27, 2008 12:21PM EST I'm so looking forward to these 2 young forwards. I definatly can see winning 7-8 in a row. Go Thrashers.

Posted by: stevo on February 27, 2008 12:35PM EST Hossa was a great player but it is clear he wanted to be on a "made" team, I honestly feel this is a huge deal for the trashers. Who knows we might get him back come july.

Posted by: JSMoore on February 27, 2008 1:11PM EST Way do go Waddell! These additions should allow the Thrashers to play a bigger game -allow less, take more shots on goal. I look forward to seeing who DW will bring in come July 1. Dynamic forward, blueliner? Hopefully both. Folks, the Thrashers just got bigger, stronger, and gritter. If they gel quickly, they may just take the division.

Posted by: Jason on February 27, 2008 1:33PM EST Anyone else think Armstrong has a funny looking nose???

Posted by: Ben Wright on February 27, 2008 2:22PM EST Fair point on Campbell, but I don't think the Thrashers could give up as much as San Jose to get him. Don wasn't looking for a rental. You never know what can happen in the summer though. Armstrong and Christensen are very affordable players and both are signed through next season. The Thrashers should be in a position to spend some serious money on free agents if the right players are available.

Posted by: from the north on February 27, 2008 2:36PM EST at least today you guys finally realized what you got. ugh.

Posted by: Dwight D on February 27, 2008 3:04PM EST i like the trade dw,i just wish they could get rid of zhit an slava, they both have have not earned there keep,this year,i like the size to,we need some more beef out there,go thrashers

Posted by: Kestrel on February 27, 2008 3:24PM EST As a Penguin Fan and a season ticket holder of the Baby Pens I'll try to let you know what you got in Colby and Erik. Colby is a great team player, leads the clubhouse, popular with fans. With the right linemates he can check and help get the puck to the front of the net. His scoring is ok but nothing spectacular. Will end up being on 3rd line unless you have someone he can work with on higher lines. Erik has a great shot. Heavy and quick, he can move the puck and is great one on one. The shootout ace. Pens tried to get him to be tougher in the corners and to play better defense. He is improving but not as good as he can be. Seems to get down on himself at times. Has tons of potential. I wish Pens played him more on Crosby line. Good trade for both teams if Pens can win now and get Hossa to sign.

Posted by: Courtney on February 27, 2008 3:35PM EST I am not a huge fan of Atlanta but I will admitt this trade worked out very well for Atlanta. What I think of the trade is that the GM of the penguins HAS LOST HIS MIND! not litterally but he should not have given up two players as good as army and eric. And their first round pic last year. thats giving up more than they got. Hossa is gud i guess, but he'll never be able to replace army. Armstrong was not a top line scorer but he scored a modest amount of goals and kept the team alive. For some reason i don't think that Hossa will be able to do that. Not a happy Penguins fan =[

Posted by: Dustin on February 27, 2008 3:40PM EST Neither of these guys are impact players. They're role players at best. Armstrong sorely lacks the offensive production of a first-round draft pick and Christensen STILL hasn't realized his offensive potential. Ya'll shouldn't be so quick to pass out A+++++ grades just yet. The only thing that makes this trade better than average, yeah that's right I said average, is the fact that Hossa was gone anyway and instead of losing him for a bag of pucks we got something in return. And I believe both players are under contact for next year at a reasonable price. But the fact doesn't change that we lost a player who has scored the 2nd most goals in the NHL (252) over the last 7 years (2nd only to Jerome Iginla's 271) and all we got out of it were two possible 2nd-line guys with minimal offensive production. If Hossa re-signs in PIT, this is an absolute highway robbery for the Penguins.

Posted by: sickofKNIGHTS! on February 27, 2008 4:15PM EST Dustin...Hossa wasn't staying here! Players of equal caliber weren't on the block. You can't look at a trade and say it's good if the talent swapped is even. And you can't say it's bad when you get players of a different role. We got the best deal that was going to be offered for him. If we didn't take it, like you said, we would've gotten nothing. It's a business. Be a passionate fan during the games but use some common sense when posting opinions about transactions.

Posted by: Soon to Be Ex Season Ticket Holder on February 27, 2008 4:16PM EST Wow, a lot of you are really drinking the Thrash coolade. I mean, the article writer has to absolutely bend over backwards trying to prove what a great move this was. Here's why it is not: We were not good before and now have only 1 star player. We needed more help, not less. That trade made us worse, even if the guys we got are ok. The two that can play are ham and eggers. Won't be much more--look at their stats. The prospects are just that, prospects. If you've been a season ticket holder for 8 years, or even 1, you should be disappointed. This team did not start yesterday and it is now long since the time we should be playoff consistent. We are not. And, we are not going in the right direction. AND, THEY JUST JACKED PRICES 13%. Who is happy that we are paying a lot more for a much worse team? Anyone? Bueller? Are we really better off without him? Agreeing with the trade means you agree with the premise that we stink and so this is the only option. DW FAILED TO BUILD A TEAM PRIOR TO THIS POINT and so our 2nd best player wants out. How does anyone praise that? How about pushing for more players so the Hossa's of the world want to stay and play here. I am tired of hearing "wait til next year" or "we are rebuilding". If this was any other major sport DW would be long gone and the city would be in an uproar for stinking as long as we have. We have one playoff season in 8. DW has not gotten it done and needs to go. Who cares if he "got value" for Hossa. The team is now worse, and we are not going in the right direction. If this was a playoff team (see DW interview on 680) then why trade Hossa? If not a playoff team, then how do you justify not getting another star in return so that during the offseason you don't need to acquire even more players to get close to being such. How can any of you be happy when we are still lightyears away from actual being relevant in this league is beyond me. If this were year 2, I would say 'ok', but we are at year 8 and it has to stop.

Posted by: Marion Hossa on February 27, 2008 4:19PM EST I Am Happy to Play for Pittsburgh Penguins and Play with 2 Great Players Instead of Ilya who doesnt like to pass puck to me. Penguins have enough money to make me stay here I never like Atlanta and Cant wait until Pens open new Arena so I can score on break away with Armstrong hooking me like he play in Pittsburgh for last 3 years I just talk to Colby about trade and he cry all night like little baby about not being in room with Crosby anymore he say he do anything to stay in Pittsburgh All in all this is great deal for me i will stay and compete for cup with Penguins for next 10 years and come back to Phillips and score goal with only seconds on clock to make all you miss me. Dont hate player hate DW he trade me for Bum 1 and Bum 2. I promise to bring cup to Atlanta so all you can see and hold I promise i bring back cup to Atlanta so Kovy can see it every year we win in Pittsburgh maybe Colby bring you guys cup because he great Locker room guy and fan favorite and like to fight other team biggest guy and get beat up all the time and take stupid penalty all the time and play with best player in NHL and never score 50 points in a season maybe he make great linemate with Kovy. Lots of Pittsburgher cry about losing Colby but when we start winning they forget about him real fast when we win Cup I hear in Pittsburgh not everyone big fan of Colby anyway they say he had big nose that got checked into board lots and lots of time and nose get slashed alot so i think not everyone think he such good player after all. anyway this work out for everyone in the end Atlanta get 2 pieces of 5000 piece jigsaw now they have 5 pieces just 4995 pieces to go and they be great. Ill resign here and play for cup for next 10 season Lemieux have enough to get me to stay you all keep saying i want Detroit or New york then why didnt i go there they have better players than Colby .

Posted by: dave on February 27, 2008 4:21PM EST that is quite the rant there "soon to be ex STH" atlanta could do without a whiny, impatient STH such as yourself. If you are a true fan, you will encourage the rebuilding of a team that wants to be a force down the road. Ben wright didnt "bend over backwards" to write this review, he actually put direct links from direct HOCKEY ANALYSIS-ts (sp?). But of course, you as a STH know much better than a panel of hockey guru's.

Posted by: keep the faith on February 27, 2008 4:26PM EST In your haste to post on the message board you misspelled your name Marian. I know you are excited to get out of Atlanta, but settle down and spell your name correctly from now on.

Posted by: sickofKNIGHTS! on February 27, 2008 4:29PM EST WHY TRADE HIM?!?!?! Are you serious!?! He wasn't going to stay here anyway!! Wake up! You shouldn't pay for season tickets next year if you can't comprehend the game!

Posted by: Soon to Be Ex Season Ticket Holder on February 27, 2008 4:39PM EST dave- i must have missed the part where they said we got the pieces for a playoff run.... No one said we are ready to make a playoff run--this season or next. In fact, no one is even arguing that point because that is not the case no matter how much you like what we got in return. And, of course, that is my point. If you think I am impatient after waiting 'only' 8 years, that is your choice to make. But I think I have been more than patient. Someone has to be realistic and point out the pink elephant in the room. We were a not so good team that just lost one of its best players and did not get an equal player in return. Season ticket prices just went through the roof. The team has been in one postseason since year 1. I don't blame the website for trying to be positive, but it is ridiculous to not talk about the real issue-- we had a long way to go and it just got longer. Whether you are a STH, owner, or just a fan, you should be disappointed too.

Posted by: Luke on February 27, 2008 4:43PM EST It's good Hossa has gone to Pittsburgh... He hated Atlanta. The team got from what people I know in Pittsburgh some "good stuff". Hossa was poison to the locker room he didn't want to be here and the only good he did was score. He never played both sides of the puck. I hope the GM will sign these new guys (if they do what I've heard they can do). I think it was a good move and now Kovalchuk can step up and lead the team like we all know he can.

Posted by: Thrasher Fan on February 27, 2008 4:47PM EST I wonder if Kris Letang was available from the penguins instead of Cristensen i think that would have been better of a deal for us. Oh well i cant see why the Penguins would trade Armstrong when they knew the relationship he had with the city and Crosby. i mean he played with Crosby maybe he picked up some things from him and it will translate over to his game in Atlanta.

Posted by: Luke on February 27, 2008 4:49PM EST one bad thing about the trade though... They gave up Dupius and his speed

Posted by: jane on February 27, 2008 5:01PM EST Why do you think Letang would be better than Christensen?

Posted by: Jerry Pgh on February 27, 2008 5:01PM EST Just checking out some of the things the fans in Atlanta think of what happened yesterday. I think you guys got the better of all this in the long run you guys have a guy that gives 110% every night and that will bleed for you also a guy who is proven to be a shootout whiz and maybe with the chance given can turn into a definite 30 goal a season goal guy. Esposito has a huge upside and ever since dropping in the draft last season definitly has a chip on his shoulder to prove to the league he should have been number one. and a future #1. for a guy who was leaving anyway and not looking back and a good PK guy who will probably end up back in Atlanta after July this worked up well and freed up some money for better acquisitons in the offseason. i think this definitly is better for Atlanta in the long run.

Posted by: dave on February 27, 2008 5:08PM EST ex STH- I can understand where you are coming from... a struggling team, a jack in prices, a non-equal trade, etc, etc. i get it. And I also understand how you feel, considering youve dropped a fair share of your own dough into this team already. however, coming in here ranting and raving against a panel of analysists, and the creater of this blog (ben wright) is the wrong thing to do. Why not wait until the off season (free agency) and see what the thrashers pick up? they will have a fair bit of $$$ to throw around, and I bet that they make some big-name aqquisitions after this season (like they have in the past). The organizatin isnt dumb, and they know they need. They did exaclty what they had intended to do : drop hossa for some youth, and a high draft pick in this years draft. DW executed this pretty damn well, with what he had to work with. Dropping dupuis ill admit is questionable, but it was obvioulsy a part of the deal that had to go down. All's im saying is, wait until the summer to make your decision on renewing your ST's. I bet anything the thrasher lineup next year will be way better than it is now, (it cant get much worse). just my .02

Posted by: jerry Pgh on February 27, 2008 5:12PM EST Also failed to mention that when DW gets fed up with taking guys who are in the twighlight of their careers. There may be some guys out there that are willing to come to Atlanta and stay. I really think once Holik Kozlov and Shitnik leave and they give some guys from Chicago a oppurtunity to play with Kovy they may be able to do what Pgh has done the last few years. Think of all the guys Pgh unloaded in the last 10yrs Jagr Straka Kovalev Zubov LeClair Recchi Palffy and dont forget about Lemieux retiring. This may be a step in the right direction just getting Armstrong could help to get one of those guys out of Atlanta Keep your heads up this could be the beginning of something great for you guys

Posted by: Thrasher Fan on February 27, 2008 5:17PM EST I think we needed to address defense first and have you seen this kid he is like 5 for 7 in Shootouts and has a nice shot a great rusher and 19 or 20 he is going to be great Pittsburgh has 2 great offensive dmen with Gonchar and Whitney i have seen Christensen and he only seems to play well in Shootouts i thought we could have a guy like letang to run the point.

Posted by: dave on February 27, 2008 5:25PM EST ex STH. I made an error in the "draft pick" comment. I meant to put a good young prospect. My bad.

Posted by: gopens on February 27, 2008 5:31PM EST shero is freakin idiot maybe i would have given up army and esposito but the is no(profane) wy that i wld have thrown Eric in there and especially not Eric and a first rounder. He is a moron it goes against his whole philosophy the only remedy as the great Mike Lange wuld say is if " Lord stanley will pour me the brandy" and we can drink it from the cup

Posted by: Bob on February 27, 2008 5:54PM EST I am surprised that we got as much as we did!! Everyone is keying on the loss of Hossa which was inevitable. I think losing Dupuis was more of an issue and a surprise. Hopefully we can get him back on July 1st !! The big key is the money that will open up on July 1st - no Hossa seven mill, no Rucchin two + mill, no Holik four + mill !! DW needs to shop well and use that extra first round draft pick as trade bait. Who knows, some current player(s) may be on the block as well! Numerous things can happen this summer, keep the faith!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on February 27, 2008 5:58PM EST Ex STH: STFU. Get out, if you have an attitude like that, no one wants you at Phillips Arena anyway. Take the money you're saving AND MOVE TO PITTSBURGH.

Posted by: Sigmund F. on February 27, 2008 6:13PM EST Thank you all for participating in my psychological experiment. I have concluded that approximately 7% of hockey fans are level-headed enough to be the general manager of a professional hockey team. Again, I am grateful to you all.

Posted by: colbyfan20 on February 27, 2008 6:17PM EST I think that atlanta is extremely lucky to get Erik and Colby. Although i still dont agree with the trade. I dont think that hossa can generate the enthusiasm with the rest of the penguins like colby did. Colby helped sidney crosby get alot of his goals. Erik is very good in shoot outs, but was never given a fair chance with the position that he played in pgh because he was always in sidney or malkins shadow. If there was anybody that should have been traded from pgh, it should have been jordan staal. I will always be a colby fan though.

Posted by: Josh on February 27, 2008 6:18PM EST After having time to reflect this, I think this was the best move for the team. I was use to the idea of hossa being gone. But not Dupuis. So it took some getting use to. Dupuis is the man, and now I have become a semi pens fan. Unless they play the thrashers. Im just happy I got to meet Dupuis before he was traded.

Posted by: Bill on February 27, 2008 6:33PM EST Great job by DW here...after this year the Thrash will save about $6 Million when Bobby Holik and Alexei Zhitnik see their contracts expire. Hopefully this is where we address the need for DEFENSE!!! I like the younger guys in Enstrom and Exelby, along with the solid veteran Nic Havelid. Klee is okay but I won't cry if he's gone....DW ought to go out and lure a TOP 2 defenseman to ATL; no more solid 3rd pair D guys to play 20+ minutes every night. Get Kari some help and this team is a 5-6 seed next season.

Posted by: DS on February 27, 2008 6:35PM EST Uh, Letang was very definitely NOT available. Sorry, but that wasn't happening, and anyway, you've already got Toby Enstrom (remember him?)- on top of which, you can't really build a D on two rooks. But you've definitely got a nice starting place for the future.

Posted by: lordstan57 on February 27, 2008 6:51PM EST I'm not impressed w/ these opines from this bunch. I've read them all, and for the most part they're vague as to why Pitts. was 'fleeced'. Was it because of the 'prospect' who dropped precipitously in value prior to the 07'draft? ( why?). How's about the 1st round pick, that could fall so low as to be considered a 2nd? Don't get me wrong, I value picks as much a the next guy, but let's maintain some perspective here. Having said that, I do believe these guys are an improvement over what we have now,BUT, that 's not saying so much as we really suck right now! What we accomplished here was this: We created cap room, got bigger, younger up front, and added youth. You could also argue that we acquired 'assets' to be used later. HOWEVER, we did absolutely NOTHING TO IMPROVE OUR BLUELINE!!!! Anybody watch that debacle in Mont-royal? No, this was a classic wait-and-see trade dependant upon EVEN MORE MOVES TO MADE LATER. As in THIS SEASON IS SHOT!!!! Despite Dw's claims to the contrary. IF he truly believes that we can 'make it up' or 'contend' w/ this 'D' then he is delusional!! I'm insulted by this contention, and am greatly disheartened by it. What it tells me is we're in for 'more of the same'. I don't like being 'snowed' by anyone! Nah, this trade screams 'give me another chance', 'I'll do better, I promise', 'Geez, be patient, you guys are in such a hurry! It's only been 8 yrs. I can't be expected to work miracles!'. 'We're still in it, we're not rebuilding'. Nonsense! Also, I've been on Pitts board to gauge their reaction to this as well. As you would expect, there is a variety of opinion. I came away with the folowing impression. "Army' was a fan fave, because he has a sense of humour, was best buddies w/ Sid, and would give 110% as well as delivering a big hit "on occasion' Take away the hit, and we have Dupe, Metro, Simmer, Perrin, etc. As for 'E.C.', sounds like they were more or less unimpressed w/ him. Although he was credited w/ having a wicked hard wrister(albeit off target more often than not). Sounds to me like he has trouble finishing EH??? Yeah, we need more of those. Both, are described as character guys, as in having a good work ethic. That's great!!! if you got some skill mixed in. This trade won't be assessed properly for several months yet. Our 'future' remains to be seen. What will we do with the added cap space, lack of premier center, 'D' ?? I don't see us making the PO's, and would really liked to have seen more guys moved out, and others up. Is Little going to stay for the duration? Stuart? maybe a look at Valabik? This season is over for the most part except for evaluating talent, and seasoning some of these boys for next year. So, wait, and see. See you at the rink!

Posted by: FantzyPantzy on February 27, 2008 6:57PM EST It's all fresh and it will come together. I have faith in the Thrashers...and they will make it work with or without Hossa. Confidence is the key and it will come. Stay loyal and cheer them on. The trades only mean new faces in a locker room along with attitude and a push for recognition. Once everyone knows their place and feels comfortable, they'll play a good game again.

Posted by: Malkin leads league in scoring on February 27, 2008 7:36PM EST a lot of folks in da Burg are upset that Colby is gone cause he was a chemistry guy in the locker room. Chemistry does not score goals MARIAN HOSSA scores Goals!!!! We will sign him and i bet Colby is back in Da Burg when his contract is up...if we want him then..

Posted by: pitt fan on February 27, 2008 9:00PM EST Coming from a person that watches the pens every chance i get, i think this is a good trade, sure they lost Armstrong, which i don't think sat well with anyone, since hes a fan favorite,but you have to remember that .. he was not that great of a player by any means, sure he was a nice guy, but he didnt do much offensively for the pens. Christensen, sure he was good at shootouts, but he never really performed up to his potential. Now with Hossa, sure its risky and, kind of out of whack with the whole Penguins idea of evolving with that they have..Although they do have a great chance at winning it all, if they don't, I would hope they have a game plan for him for next year. And anyone saying it should have been Stall traded instead...Never gonna happen, imagine him in a couple years, its going to be rediculous.

Posted by: Pens Fan from K town on February 27, 2008 9:33PM EST many may have not been paying close attention to the Pens this year. Though Erik and Colby are great players there stats havent been adding up as they did last year. Erik is one of the best in shoot outs but we also have Letang and Rutu that are great shoot out candidates. Not to mention Sid has had a few points in SO's. Colby hasnt really none much this year he was been out for many games due to injury and illness. The same with Erik. I think we made a great trade with getting Hossa we have a great team and many weapons to wins games.

Posted by: Pens Fan in cincy on February 28, 2008 1:26AM EST First, Hossa to the Pens is what we have always wanted, a winger for Sid. With the Malkin/Sykora/Malone line on fire, the Crosby/Hossa/Roberts line will present 2 lines capable of scoring at any given moment. Good trade for the Penguins IF, and only IF, we can resign Hossa for a paycut to about 6 mil. As for Atlanta, i have to admit you got the better deal in this one. To get such a return on 2 players who were gone at seasons end anyhow, i congratulate the front office of the Thrashers. Colby brings a gritty never quit attitude, a great locker room prescence and morale boost, with a decent scoring touch. EC has a ton of potential, the only knocks on him is his inconsictency and handling of the tough physical play in the playoffs. He has a great shot and is one of the best in the shootout in the NHL. Under the right circumstances i could see him scoring 25 or more goals a season. Angelo Esposito is what i will be paying attention to the most, if he lives up to the hype he got 2 years ago, i will regret this trade for a long, long, time. To end up with 3 first round picks (colby,esposito, and the 2008 pick) along with a shootout sniper.......... for 2 players who were out of town anyhow is a great job by the organization. So dangit Thrasher fans who hate this trade, wake up, you won this one hands down!

Posted by: lordstan57 on February 28, 2008 1:42AM EST I'll be brief! THIS trade does NOT MAKE US BETTER!!!!

Posted by: richard on February 28, 2008 3:32AM EST im verry happy abouth the trade i see many time esposito play its verry good player and armstrong Christensen good luck don you make a good trade

Posted by: Ron Boone on February 28, 2008 6:43AM EST As long as DUMB don waddell is GM and These clown CHEAP A$$ owners Atlanta will NEVER be a winner. The owners are NO good for this team, a bunch of IDIOTS who know or care anything about NHL hockey. Then they LIE to everyone about being serious at winning The Stanley Cup. Until we get a real OWNER, and a GM who knows NHL hockey, we are stuck as a lower tier teamwith no chance for a championship, because these punk owners are The Cheapest in The NHL, Hoss wanted out because of their cheap act... Who will be next ?????

Posted by: weiner on February 28, 2008 8:01AM EST this was n a good trade, the thrashers suck, so does srmstrong and christensen, youll find that out when you see them play, and how much of a mediocore impact theyll make.

Posted by: Soon to Be Ex Season Ticket Holder on February 28, 2008 8:52AM EST dave- I hear ya. After I get done throwing my tantrum, I will sit likely by and watch to see what they do this summer. They have the opportunity to make some changes based upon the collective bargaining chips they have now mustered in picks, midlevel players and (expected) cap room. I just hope they do something with them. (and, for the record, I was not trying to say the analysts were wrong--just saying when all is said and done, on the whole i am disappointed with the way the team is being run). LordStanley57-amen. The trade did not make us better. Though, I do think we have the possibility to jump up tremendously in the offseason. BUT, that will require DW to actually address the needs you and others have pointed out. As that has not happened before, my optimism is a bit short right now. I hate the fact that we now have that much farther to go. (I was hoping we would add to Kovy/Hossa, not start over with just Kovy again). Here's to hoping DW and management turn over a new leaf this year.

Posted by: GoThrashers Go! on February 28, 2008 10:39AM EST If there is no "I" in T-E-A-M, then a team isn't made of one player. Here's the NEWS out of PITTSBURGH for all you FAIR WEATHER FANS. You know who you are. The ones who thought Hossa was interested in resigning and that DW failed to do his job. The ones who thought we would make a run to the Cup this season minus necessary core players. "Penguins Notebook: HOSSA SAYS HE'S NOT THINKING ABOUT NEXT CONTRACT NOW Thursday, February 28, 2008 By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette BOSTON -- Marian Hossa is being paid $7 million this season. He might make more when he signs his next contract. But Hossa, the all-star right winger the Penguins acquired shortly before the trade deadline Tuesday, said yesterday money won't necessarily be the only factor that determines where he'll play next season. If so, that could enhance the Penguins' chances of re-signing him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, especially if Hossa enjoys playing for them and he and the team have success during the stretch drive and playoffs. "It's not strictly money, but to tell you the truth, right now, I'M NOT EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT (signing a new contract)," he said after his first practice with the Penguins. "Right now, my main focus for these [first] few days is on my game and helping the team. "After I see if I fit on this hockey club, then we can think about the future, talk about the contract." According to Hossa's agent, Ritch Winter, "It's TOO EARLY to be thinking about a new contract." IT'S ONE THING TO LIKE A PLAYER, AND ANOTHER TO BE A FAN. You'd whine if Hossa left, refusing to resign, July 1 - when (supposedly) "your" team would be left with nothing. You might not like what went down, but you SEE what the new players bring BEFORE opening your festering gob. And for what it is worth, I'll miss seeing Hossa zipping down open ice in Blue. Go Thrashers!

Posted by: Already an Ex STH on February 28, 2008 1:27PM EST I dropped my tickets last year after they gave up the future for the present. To give up all the young guys we did last year to make the playoffs was a huge mistake. It was an effort to keep jobs and that was all. Great, we made the playoffs and got to lose 2 more times on home ice. Nice. This year I'm actually thinking about coming back because they finally did the right thing. They took a guy that is -14 and producing half the points he should be that will not resign with us, not that we have the 9 + million a year to do that anyway and got two NHL ready players. Yes they are role players, but they do fill roles that are needed on this team and any other team that wants to win. They are both young, have one more year on their contracts, then go into RESTRICTED free agency which means the Thrashers still have some control of their future. Add to that the prospect and the pick and you got 4 players (potentially) for one subpar player that has had no impact on the success of the team all year that will simply be gone at the end of the season. I wish DW had traded Holik, Zhitnik, Slava and all the other “veteran” aka Old folks and got more picks and prospects. At least then we would have some money to spend in free agency this summer and could build a real team that could actually be effective in the post season in a few years. He obviously failed to build the team correctly the first time, I only hope he gets it right this time or gets out of the way and they get someone else in here to do it right. Of course with this ownership don’t be surprised to be cheering on the Kansas City Thrashers in a few years.

Posted by: Playoffs or Bust on February 28, 2008 1:30PM EST Let's get real here for a second. Hossa was the best player on this team, by a MILE. Yeah, I love Kovi and he's more fun to watch, BUT, Hossa is by far the more complete player. And as a lifelong hockey fan and season ticket holder from day one, one of the few joys I had was watching Hossa perform. He does EVERYTHING you can ask an elite player to do. "Daddy" Frantisek Hossa created a masterpiece of a player who was not appreciated here in Atlanta. Most of the "fans" would rather watch Kovi lose the puck at the Blue Line four or five times during a power play. In Pittsburgh Hossa will get the respect he deserves and he will thrive. As for the money, don't worry about it. He has plenty of money, he wants a Cup. Yes, the new guys are young and very skilled, but if you think we're heading deep into the playoffs in the next two years, you are on CRACK. Our defense plays like Zhit and until you can stop giving up 40 zillion shots a game, you don't become a serious contender. Case in point--look at the shots in the 3rd quarter vs. Montreal.

Posted by: Bust in Playoffs on February 28, 2008 2:32PM EST Three years as a STH and I'm outahere. Taking the family skiing next year instead. We'll catch Darren and JP (if they're still here). Maybe Hossa's right. It's great to be on a "professional team" now - nuff said.

Posted by: Dannielle from the 'Burgh on February 28, 2008 4:46PM EST Congrats, Atlanta! I have no idea what Don Waddel did to Ray Shero (drugged him, perhaps?) but you guys truly got a wonderful bargain. You were losing Hossa. That much was utterly evident. Considering you would have gotten nothing for Hossa after the trade deadline, Blueland made the trade of the year. For those who do not know and want a preview on your new players, here are summaries of each one. Colby Armstrong: A locker room and fan favorite, Colby Armstrong was the heart of the Pens. Ryan Whitney, when asked who was the glue that held the Penguins together, answered, "Colby Armstrong. [Everyone else is n]ot even close." Notice that Whit did not mention the witty Maxime Talbot, reassuring Sergei Gonchar, or uber-talented Sidney "Captain" Crosby. Nope. Everyone's favorite hard-hitting winger took the prize. Obviously, Colby has great personality, and often volunteered his time helping the Pittsburgh community. But enough of that. Talent-wise, Colby can definitely score goals when called upon. Though some people seem to forget, the NHL is not composed of 60 goal-scorers- and it should stay that way. Teams need balance. Offensive defensemen can provide more deadly game-winners and power play goals than forwards, and defensive forwards can block potentially game-wrecking shots. Those players can provide the depth and versatility Cup teams need. When Colby is not scoring, he is dishing out deadly checks. Never have I seen the guy do less than try his hardest every second of every shift. Though his name does not flash up on the scoreboard as much as Evgeni Malkin's, he is always productive and makes very few major mistakes. The Thrashers will be blessed with the depth and talent he will provide, and perhaps he can pull both your team and your city together, just as he did for us. By the way, Sidney Crosby's road roomate and bestest buddy was also his linemate. They converged on quite a few pretty goals (ahem, Winter Classic, ahem). While some people feel he should have been scoring around 50 goals a year simply because he was playing with Sidney, I disagree. The lack of such statistics really has little to do with Colby himself. Besides; Evgeni Malkin managed to turn Ryan Malone into one ridiculously fearsome goal scorer. Sidney seemingly does not have the same magic. Maybe the world should stop picking on Colby and reconsider who the NHL's best player really is. Erik Christensen: One of my top five NHL players, Erik should be known as Mr. Goals. This kid was not kidding when he said his goal as a child was to score goals as well as Gretzky so he shot hundreds of pucks a week. I doubt he will have over 800 goals in his career, but the ones he does score should live eternally in highlight reels. For a great example, look at his last Pittsburgh Game :(. His shootout goal was extraordinary, and his regular goal was from a seemingly impossible angle. When playing against a defensive team, Erik is invaluable. Kovi will get singled out and shut down. Erik was gracefully skate across the ice and score from an astoundingly difficult angle. This guy is seriously good, one of the best I have seen. You now have THE shootout wizard as well as an all-around good guy and good player. I attended a Penguins practice this season and saw Erik leave (or attempt to) in his car. One woman waved, begging for an autograph, and he relented. Stopping his car, Erik signed multiple items, wished the woman Merry Christmas (it was 26 December), and found a massive crowd of children waiting. He wound up parking his car and signing for roughly two hours. No one else stayed for more than a few minutes. Sidney Crosby snuck out through a secret exit. Sergei Gonchar nearly ran over toddlers. Erik makes a sincere effort to please everyone around him, and I am sure he will please you. By the way, some people argue that Christensen is not aggressive enough. I suppose he heard some of this criticism, because he is checking like a mad man. Honestly, people who continue to pout about this issue have never seen him live. Angelo Esposito: I cannot tell you how much this trilingual kid has impressed me. I knew he was good, I knew it was unfair and unjustified that he fell so low in the draft, but I was unprepared for Espo: live. I went to a day of Penguins Training Camp this summer. Esposito, who had only been skating for about a week after a summer-long injury, proved to be the best skater I have ever seen. Watch him in action and I guarantee your law will drop. Angelo's skating is the most graceful, fluid motion I have ever witnessed. The fact that he only started hockey after years of figure skating created that glorious skating ability and did nothing, whatsoever to hinder his miraculous puck handling skills. Angelo performed MUCH better at camp than Adam Hall and Jordan Staal, certainly! He has been losing confidence over his fall from grace- he trudged to the locker room like he was mouting the gallows- but definitely feels he has something to prove. When he explodes onto the ice, be prepared to scatter, 'cause once this kid starts, he never stops. First Round Draft Pick: First-round pick in a deep draft. What else can I say? I understand that Hossa and Dupuis are great players, but I simply cannot abide this trade. We were already fretting about affording Malkin, Crosby, Gonchar, Fleury, etc. Hossa is way too expensive for a team that is working on a new arena, anyhow. He may stay, he may not, but I still do not think that disturbing team chemisty (the Pens are a young team composed mostly of Penguins draft picks who are not used to having friends, particualry Colby-esque friends, suddenly traded) is a good move. Sidney may admire Hossa, but I doubt he is particularly enthused about playing with the guy who took his best friend's spot. Remember, ladies and gents; Sidney Crosby looked like a lesser, much smaller version of Eric Lindros, the Eric Peagram of the hockey universe, in the beginning of his rookie season. Only after Colby Armstrong began to play did Crosby perk up and start to become the superstar he is. One last remark; the Penguins brought in Petr Sykora specifically to get Sidney a steady winger. Sykora was a disappointment, scoring very little, until he found chemistry with Geno. What if he had not? Where would the Pens be now? And what if Marian Hossa and Crosby prove a bust as well? So, once again, congrats, Blueland. Please give some love to Colby and Erik (and Angelo in the future) and enjoy them play. Before you doubt Waddel, think about it. (W)Hossa made a bad trade, here?

Posted by: Valerie on February 28, 2008 7:00PM EST Those of you who are complaining about loosing Hossa can cram it in your pie hole. Remember-he wasn't intending to stay with atlanta anyways. I saw Colby and Erik play in person last year at Pittsgurgh and are two truely talented individuals. After the game in the parking lots, fans waited and both took time to stop and sign autographs, unlike Hossa, whom I ran into in the Hyatt lobby in Buffalo this year. I was in the elevator with Dupuis with a Thrashers Jersey and he made no reference to it and got out of the elevator so fast almost as to avoid my daughter and I asking for an autograph. All around this is an awesome deal and I welcome and look forward to Atlanta plays out the rest of the season and playoffs with Colby and Erik on the team. I am flying tgo Atlanta for a game in April and am now looking forward to more than last week. GO THRASHERS!!!!

Posted by: Don Waddell on February 29, 2008 4:18PM EST I'm glad that Hossa is gone. The trade I made got me all the players I need. When these players become good, I'll trade them for the future. That means we'll never get good and always suck!

Posted by: Mike on March 1, 2008 8:47AM EST You'll love Armstrong, a good player, and can energize a arena with a big hit. Christensen always seemed like he was on the verge of breaking out and will do that with the increased ice time. Congratulations on a good haul. As it stands now, thrasher's got the better deal, but if the Pens can resign Hossa then it will be a push in my opinion.

Posted by: julie on March 3, 2008 5:33PM EST Atlanta did get the best deal. Christensen with ice time is going to shine and Armstrong is definatly a physical player with a lot of talent. Go Thrashers!!!

Posted by: david on March 4, 2008 5:00AM EST This was a very good trade for Pittsburgh and will become outstanding when Hossa signs long-term.