MVN - Most Valuable Network

Black Tuesday in Blueland?

At the beginning of the century the Thrashers were called “The Team that will be King” by many NHL experts. Dany Heatley and IIya Kovalchuk arrived in Atlanta. They were electric, limitlessly talented and provided the promising foundation for an organization for which the sky was the limit. The organization was young and vibrant. The team was wild. They made many mistakes but the potential for greatness was obvious. It was just a matter of time. Many transplanted Atlanta hockey fans became Thrasher fans and made the decision to stick with this team as it matured. We invested in our hockey club. The future was bright.

Seven years, one terrible car accident, many poor drafts, ill-advised trades and acquisitions later……

The minimum wage in the state of Georgia is $5.85 per hour. The minimum amount an NHL is allowed to spend on their roster in 2008-09 is about 41 million. The Thrashers current payroll is currently about 33 million or about $4.68 per hour. (Stretching this analogy to its outer limits) At this point the Atlanta Thrashers are violating labor laws and are not an NHL team by definition.

It’s free agent frenzy day in the NHL and as of 8:06 pm EDT, 42 players have been signed. Twenty two NHL teams have made moves. Some have completed as many as four signings. The biggest news out of Atlanta is that the Thrashers have lost their Captain, Bobby Holik. None of the massive available salary cap has been used to acquire a Defenceman, Forward, bag of pucks or even a new pair of blades for IIya Kovalchuk to wear when he skates out of Atlanta at top speed in two years.

At 5:40 Brian Campbell was signed to a multi-year deal with Chicago - Disappointment, he was our #1 target.

At 6:24 Brian Rolston was signed by the Devils - Further disappointment followed by a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. Rolston was the perfect complement/second weapon for the Thrasher offense and his price was reasonable.

At 7:37 Wade Redden was signed by Rangers - Anger has set in round these parts. Is our GM asleep or has this franchise conceded the upcoming season?

At 8:06 the Islanders signed Defenceman Mark Streit - As far as I can tell the D-man pool is now a puddle, shallow and uninviting except for some fella named Ron from Columbus.

Hossa, Sundin, and Jagr are all still available. Please raise your hand is you think the Thrashers are in the running for any of these superstars no matter how much green they throw in the ring. Go ahead, raise it up. Anyone? No hands can be seen, visible are only expressions of disgust and disappointment. Have Atlanta Thrasher fans once again been sold a bill of goods and let down by the management of our chronically underachieving, over-promising organization?

Or…..

Maybe this deafening silence is followed by a dramatic crescendo. The contracts secured by Redden, “Soupy” Campbell and Mark Streit seem excessive. Maybe, just maybe, Dan Boyle becomes a Thrasher in a trade. Perhaps our GM is wise to be patience and is ready to strike after buyer’s remorse sets in for teams who stretched their wallets wide in the feeding frenzy. Perhaps Don Waddell has 11th hour moves up his sleeve that will cause the Blueland faithful to cling to some hope for success in the near future. Maybe all is not lost and the sky will remain overhead.

Then again, maybe not….

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace

A new beginning for the Atlanta Thrashers

“The Stanley Cup is absolutely our goal. … Good isn’t good enough. Excellence is good enough.” - John Anderson, Thrashers Head Coach

Weeks of deafening silence and exhausting inactivity mercifully subsided on June 21, 2008. A new chapter in Thrasher history began this weekend with the hiring of John Anderson as Head Coach and the drafting of man-child D-man Zach Bogosian. Remember this date Thrasher fans because it will be mentioned as the day the Atlanta franchise turned the corner for years to come.

John Anderson - Opportunity of a lifetime

Coaching record - 587-326 with 34 ties, 28 overtime losses and 47 shootout losses in 15 seasons overall, 506-283-24-28-47 in 13 seasons with the Chicago Wolves

Coaching championships - 1997 Colonial Cup with Quad City of the Colonial Hockey League, 1998 and 2000 Turner Cups with Chicago of the International Hockey League, 2002 and 2008 Calder Cups with Chicago of the American Hockey League

NHL highlights- Five 30-goal seasons, led Toronto with 80 points in 1983, scored 282 goals with 349 assists for 631 points in 814 games

When asked about Anderson the first thing those closest to the Coach say is that he is a winner. His track record proves it. When it was finally officially announced that Anderson had the job, he first went back to his hotel room and cried. John then stated that he’d like to get to work immediately. A winner with hunger and passion? Not a bad combination.

This is a life-changing opportunity for Coach Anderson, his big chance. To say he is motivated to bring winning to Atlanta is a gross understatement. He has paid his dues both as a player and a Head Coach and now, at age 51, has the opportunity to bring his proven hockey philosophy to an NHL organization not familiar with a winning attitude or swagger. Success at this level will result in Anderson getting into a very small fraternity, the NHL Head Coach pool. If his tenure with the Thrashers brings about positive change and results he will most likely never have to except another job in the minors again. Winning in Atlanta means no more bus trips to the next game. It means no more nights in two-star hotels or meals ordered via the drive through window. It means status and respect. This man is motivated to produce immediate results.

Zach Bogosian - skilled nastiness

“He’s a man,”. “He’s a very physical guy. When you shake his hand, you know.” - Don Waddell

Somebody check this guy’s birth certificate. This can’t possibly be a a 17 year-old. At age seventeen human males are gawky, unsure, and have a deer in the headlights demeanor. Not Zach. Zach is a nearly finished product physically and mentally who carries himself with the confidence of a veteran. Oh, he can play a little too. Viewing video of him can really make you smile if you’re a citizen of Blueland. He has soft hands, quick feet, a sound mind and the ability to knock opponents silly.

Hanging around with the likes of Scott Stevens, (Mentor), Bobby Orr, (Agent), and Ray Bourke, (Coach), doesn’t hurt. Zach compares his approach to that of Chris Chelios. I think this Chelios fella has won a Cup or two.

The bottom line is what Bogosian brings to Philips arena is a driven nastiness and will to win that is sorely needed. The Thrashers got tougher this weekend. Maybe we need to change to black uniforms.

Don Waddell and the Atlanta Spirit - A chance for redemption

Don Waddell has been called everything but a Presbyterian since the Thrashers lost to the Rangers in four straight in the opening round of the playoffs in 2006-07. Some of his high draft picks have disappeared into the abyss. A few of his trades have damaged the organization. (see Coburn). It’s been a rough ride with Don driving in Atlanta but now he has a chance to right the ship.

The great thing about the masses is that they love a comeback. Americans will generally offer a second chance to those who admit the err of their ways with humility and dedicate themselves to change. (See Pete Rose, Rocky, the Reverend Falwell, etc.) Don has done this and Don is a very easy guy to root for. The results over the next couple years will determine if Waddell is given the opportunity to work in hockey for the rest of career. He has to be driven by fear at this point. Fear is the great motivator.

The Atlanta Spirit - learning to play with their toys

Let’s face it, what we have here is a pack of rich guys who thought it would be cool to own a couple major sports franchises and an arena. They painfully have found out that their toy is difficult to operate without any real experience. The ASG is beaten up, ridiculed, humbled and desperate. They have realized, after much squirming, that they don’t know how to do this. Might they ask for some help at this point? An Advisor of two perhaps? We shall see, but again this might be their last chance to turn this organization around. The alternative is financial hardship and despair. The worst thing that can be perpetrated upon the affluent is demotion to the middle-class. These boys are motivated to right this ship.

Thrasher Fans - the few, the strong, the wounded

We’ve heard the promises, we’ve felt the sting of failure, we’ve had snow kicked in our faces from established NHL clubs. We’ve also experienced glimpses of greatness over the past few years. Blueland has roared and it was intoxicating. We are chasing that high. We’ve had a nibble of success, just enough to hook us. Some of us have had to leave, recover, the pain was just too great. But most stayed, revolted with vigor, but remained nonetheless. We’re still here because we want it, just one time. The thought and vision of a CUP being raised in our building by our boys sends chills through our wounded beings. One time. The hair on our arms stands at attention. We want it bad and will endure this rebuilding again because we are addicts, plain and simple.

So we are off on the journey again and hope springs eternal. Next up, a crucial two months of off-season acquisitions that will make or break the Thrash in the short-term.

Ain’t this fun…..

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace

New faces - coming soon to Blueland

It’s that time of year again. It’s time for the powers that be to roll the dice and decide which embryonic hockey stud will lead us into the future. The current class of future stars was born in or around 1990. Most have completely missed the 1980’s. This crop of prospects have never donned a pair of parachute pants or a net shirt. They had not had the pleasure of attending a Wang Chung concert. The kids, whose lives will change dramatically after being drafted into the NHL this weekend, consider Nirvana and Pearl Jam classic rock.

Over the next few days the future, direction and commitment to winning of the Thrashers organization will also be defined. With the number three pick in the draft, Atlanta has the opportunity to add an impact player who should see significant NHL ice time in 2008-09. We’ll discuss our options in a moment.

The interview process for Head Coach is also nearing completion. General Manager Don Waddell has stated that a Coach will be in place by the draft which begins this Friday evening. It’s Wednesday. Tick, tick, tock. The decisions made in the next few days coupled with the quality of the upcoming off-season acquisitions will quite simply make or break the club’s ability to compete in the immediate future. No pressure Don!

The 2008 draft class has been called “good” overall. A handful of players have been saddled with the dreaded, “can’t miss” label. Remember Patticake Stephen folks? He was a #1 overall, can’t miss pick. As we have painfully learned in Atlanta, there is no such thing as a sure thing. Below are our options for our first selection. Remember, stars are not always found in round one but talking about the 3rd round is considerably less exciting.

Steve Stamkos - certain #1 pick and franchise player. Forget about him, unless we trade up.

Nikita Filatov - Russian, highly skilled, two-way player, a leader, exciting, could be another Kovy, Datsyuk or Semin. He is a very, very risky pick. The process of getting someone from Russian is time intensive, expensive and not a sure thing. I’m pretty sure Mr. Kovalchuk would be interested in playing with him and may have some input on Friday. My opinion is pass on the enticingly talented play-maker but Filatov is a tempting selection if he is available. Step away from the young Russian, Don!

Which brings us to the most likely candidates. They are all highly touted D-men:

Drew Doughty - Six foot, 220 lbs - He brings high hockey IQ, size, speed, poise, and a substantial amount of international experience for a 19 year-old. If he is available, The Thrashers will probably select him. If he is not, which is probable, it gets interesting.

Alex Pietrangelo - Alex has been compared to Chris Pronger. He is tall at 6′3” and still growing. He has poise, solid instincts and has been universally described as an extraordinary talent. It’s going to be hard to pass on him.

Zach Bogosian - Zach is a little nastier, very talented, a little more mature than Alex and a fierce competitor. He has been judged to be the most NHL ready Defenseman.

This is very difficult, but my pick is Pietrangelo by a nose but all defensive options are exciting. If the Thrashers choose anyone that I have not mentioned with the number three pick in the draft, there may be multiple suicides or a stampede at the Thrasher draft party on Friday.

As for the Coaching position, it seems to me that the three leading contenders are Chicago Wolves Head Coach John Anderson, Thrashers Associate Coach Brad McCrimmon and Tampa Assistant Coach Mike Sullivan. My vote, which counts for less than nothing, is for Anderson. He has won four Calder Cups with the Wolves, is hungry, a little cocky and charismatic. The Thrashers need a fresh face and an injection of exuberance and Anderson can provide it.

And finally, the Thrashers resigned Goalie Johan “Moose” Hedberg to a multi-year extension. If this move is any indication of how productive the off-season will be, I am feeling very optimistic. Moose is universally admired by his teammates, considered one of the hardest workers in hockey and brings much needed leadership to the young Thrasher Netminders. Oh, and he can stop a puck as well.

I’ll be back this weekend to break down the young talent that will be joining us in Blueland and hopefully discuss our new Coach. If you’re a Thrasher fan, send defensive thoughts in the general direction of Mr. Waddell. Please Don, no more prospects that are described as “projects”.

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace

Who will lead the Thrashers?

The grass is sizzling, withering and quickly turning brown. The pavement is searing, slowly melting all Goodyear products that dare tread upon it. The AC is cranking at full capacity. It’s Serengeti hot in Atlanta. Maybe a discussion about something cool would help. Perhaps an activity that involves frozen water?

I’m back. I may be a bit premature but I just can’t stay away any longer. The chatter about potential coaches, draft picks and acquisitions has begun. Besides, there just isn’t much else going on around here with any entertainment value. The Braves have been mildly disappointing thus far and except for Chippers’ quest for .400, there isn’t much local sports excitement. I tried to improve my golf game in the off-season. That hasn’t worked out. I’ve read a couple books. I’m bored, so…

Let’s get into it.

The Atlanta Thrashers organization has reached a critical point in its history. One season after making our first post-season appearance, the Thrash unraveled and took a giant step backwards. The team had no chemistry and showed little heart when adversity presented itself during the 2007-08 season. The competence and leadership ability of our GM/Coach, Don Waddell and the Atlanta Spirit ownership group was questioned vehemently by the media and hockey community. Season ticket holders revolted. The folks in the Nasty Nest became reserved and timid. Cats and dogs befriended, etc.

Now hear this, forget about last year. There is no value in rehashing it. Tuck any memories of last season away in that shady, secluded part of brain that also stores the memory of what you really did at that bachelor party and what really happened at your high school prom. Forget 2008. Maybe we could hire a hypnotist to perform a mass memory erasure ceremony before the opener in October.

The future starts with the hiring of our next Coach which has been promised to happen before the draft next week. Here are the current candidates:

The Contenders….

Brad McCrimmon — McCrimmon has been intimately involved with the team for four seasons. His responsibilities increased last season after Hartley’s firing. McCrimmon ran practices last year and has 18 years experience as a D-man in the NHL which brings him credibility. He is universally respected by current Thrasher players.

John Anderson — Anderson has been very successful as coach of the Wolves, the Thrashers’ American Hockey League affiliate. He led Chicago to league championships in 1998, 2000 and 2002, and the Wolves lead this year’s Calder Cup Finals series 3-2.

Paul Maurice — Coach Maurice is also young at age 41. He coached the Maple Leafs the past two seasons. We’ll try not and hold that against him.Joel Quenneville — He has spent the past three seasons as coach of the Avalanche and also coached the St. Louis Blues for eight seasons. He does not have a record of success in the playoffs but does have a tendency to get his teams into the post-season.

John Tortorella — Fired as Tampa Bay’s coach last week. He’s won a Cup for the Lightning and knows the Southeast division. He also has a temper and is a dictator which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Next up, the draft. I’ll cover that soon.

Last item - There are quite a few Thrasher sites out there and I want this site to be the best for fans of the club. What would keep you coming back to this site at least weekly? Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please leave me a comment.

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace