It has been quite a long time since I've been able to blog, mostly because school has been chaotic. Now that I'm settled in and hockey season is upon us I can hopefully write a little bit more as far as the Thrashers go.
The Thrashers did lose their opening pre-season game. I could not watch it, being in Maine, but from listening to the Columbus radio feed I gathered that Little-Dawes-Pettersson line was the most effective. I like Pettersson's chances of making the team at this point; from all indications I've heard that he's been a real solid NHL player. He is a little older than many of the guys he's competing against, but that will only give them more time to develop.
The Thrashers also made some cuts in the wake of the game, most notably Paul Postma, Kyle McLaren, and Angelo Esposito. I'm surprised Esposito and Postma weren't kept around a little longer, if at the very least to see what they could bring to the table in a couple NHL games. I predicted McLaren would be offered a contract and I was wrong; I suppose there just weren't enough open spots to warrant giving McLaren an opportunity. It will still be very beneficial for Esposito and Postma to return to the minors and get things going in Chicago with the Wolves. I was a little surprise at first, but the move will give the more legitimate hopefuls more ice time without hindering the two youngsters development.
In another note, here is an interesting piece that had been posted on the Thrashers message boards about Alexander Burmistrov. I still think he'll get at least a shot at the big club this season, though again I've heard secondhand that his play hasn't been anything to write home about. Again, this is only from one pre-season game and a few scrimmages, but it is what it is. That being said, Craig Ramsay did note that Burmistrov's physical play has not really been an issue which was one of the main concerns about him in the first place.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thrashers Add Depth; A Good Idea?
The free agent market was slim pickings this off-season, at least on the offensive end of the spectrum, and the Thrashers did not get in on the Frolov and Ponikarovskys of the 2010 free agent class. They did, however, make subtle moves this week in adding Fredrik Modin to an $800,000 NHL contract and by adding Nigel Dawes to a two-way contract at league minimum.
While these are merely depth signings, the Modin signing has the potential to be a steal. Modin has a laser of a shot and could be a 20-goal scorer under one condition: he stays healthy. And that, my friends, has been quite the challenge for Modin, who hasn't played more than 50 games since 2006-2007 when he was in Columbus. He had 22 goals that season and has had eight 16+ goal seasons in the NHL. The drawback? Modin is turning 36 next month has played 23, 50, 24, and 20 games over the last four seasons respectively.
Secondly the team added Nigel Dawes, a smaller (5'9" 190) left wing. Dawes had 32 points (14 G, 18 A) last year in Calgary and has had success with the Rangers and Coyotes previously. Dawes in 25, however, and it seems to go against what Rick Dudley as been saying about letting the kids play. But are these two signings a hindrance to the kids playing or merely an intelligent back-up plan? Is it more beneficial to use a trial-by-fire method or groom the prospects we have?
It is widely believed Patrice Cormier, Spencer Machacek, and Alex Burmistrov have solid chances of cracking the Atlanta roster. Say hypothetically they make the team opening night...that leaves little extra space:
Antropov
Ladd
Kane
Little
Peverley
Bergfors (assuming he's resigned)
Modin
Slater
Boulton
Thorburn
Eager
Cormier
Burmistrov
Machacek
Dawes
Pettersson
That is 16 forwards by my count, not including Patrick Rissmiller and Angelo Esposito who have slim chances of making the squad. So is it more effective to let someone like Machacek play now or let Dawes play over him because he's better at this moment?
Dawes is likely a more effective NHL player at this point in time, merely because Machacek has played two NHL games to Dawes' 199. Say Dawes is the better player for sake of discussion; is it wiser to let the better player play, or the younger player who figures to be in the long term plans? Which is more beneficial now and which benefits down the road?
Machacek has proven himself at the AHL level, scoring 20+ goals in his first two pro years. He turns 22 next month. Dawes would appear to be the more beneficial choice at this point in time to play a bottom line role. But why should this bump Machacek to them minors again? He has to play in the NHL someday and now seems like as good of a time as any.
While it's tough to say, it could be more beneficial to guys like Cormier to take a step back to take two steps forward--play in the minors for a while to groom themselves to make a sure step into the NHL, rather than jumping in feet first. But would that jeopardize wins and losses this season? Is it wiser to play the kids and let them learn rather than playing role players like Dawes who don't figure into the long-term plans for the franchise?
It's a tough debate and will likely be answered within the next couple of weeks, but I suppose when it comes down to it you can never have enough depth.
What do you all think?
While these are merely depth signings, the Modin signing has the potential to be a steal. Modin has a laser of a shot and could be a 20-goal scorer under one condition: he stays healthy. And that, my friends, has been quite the challenge for Modin, who hasn't played more than 50 games since 2006-2007 when he was in Columbus. He had 22 goals that season and has had eight 16+ goal seasons in the NHL. The drawback? Modin is turning 36 next month has played 23, 50, 24, and 20 games over the last four seasons respectively.
Secondly the team added Nigel Dawes, a smaller (5'9" 190) left wing. Dawes had 32 points (14 G, 18 A) last year in Calgary and has had success with the Rangers and Coyotes previously. Dawes in 25, however, and it seems to go against what Rick Dudley as been saying about letting the kids play. But are these two signings a hindrance to the kids playing or merely an intelligent back-up plan? Is it more beneficial to use a trial-by-fire method or groom the prospects we have?
It is widely believed Patrice Cormier, Spencer Machacek, and Alex Burmistrov have solid chances of cracking the Atlanta roster. Say hypothetically they make the team opening night...that leaves little extra space:
Antropov
Ladd
Kane
Little
Peverley
Bergfors (assuming he's resigned)
Modin
Slater
Boulton
Thorburn
Eager
Cormier
Burmistrov
Machacek
Dawes
Pettersson
That is 16 forwards by my count, not including Patrick Rissmiller and Angelo Esposito who have slim chances of making the squad. So is it more effective to let someone like Machacek play now or let Dawes play over him because he's better at this moment?
Dawes is likely a more effective NHL player at this point in time, merely because Machacek has played two NHL games to Dawes' 199. Say Dawes is the better player for sake of discussion; is it wiser to let the better player play, or the younger player who figures to be in the long term plans? Which is more beneficial now and which benefits down the road?
Machacek has proven himself at the AHL level, scoring 20+ goals in his first two pro years. He turns 22 next month. Dawes would appear to be the more beneficial choice at this point in time to play a bottom line role. But why should this bump Machacek to them minors again? He has to play in the NHL someday and now seems like as good of a time as any.
While it's tough to say, it could be more beneficial to guys like Cormier to take a step back to take two steps forward--play in the minors for a while to groom themselves to make a sure step into the NHL, rather than jumping in feet first. But would that jeopardize wins and losses this season? Is it wiser to play the kids and let them learn rather than playing role players like Dawes who don't figure into the long-term plans for the franchise?
It's a tough debate and will likely be answered within the next couple of weeks, but I suppose when it comes down to it you can never have enough depth.
What do you all think?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Five Bold Training Camp Predictions
Well, the dog days of summer are nearing an end and training camp begins next week...next week! The doldrums of summer are nearing an end which is great news to any hockey-starved fan. This training camp promises to be an interesting one for Thrashers fans, with so many young prospects chomping at the bit to make the NHL club and with so many new faces. But what lies ahead in training camp? Thrash Compactor attempts to make some bold, possibly farfetched, and in some cases unlikely predicitons. And here goes:
1. Alexander Burmistrov makes the team out of camp
Rick Dudley has said since Draft day that Burmistrov has NHL capabilities but the only thing plaguing him is his weight. Burmistrov is short by NHL standards these days (5'11") but is shifty. And after being drafted at around 160 pounds, Burmistrov is in Atlanta at over 175, a reasonable weight for a speedy, 5'11" center. Burmistrov will have to show he can win faceoffs and be defensively responsible, but he has dazzling skills and Rick Dudley has said he will give Burmistrov every chance to succeed. Whether or not he stays past his nine games in the regular season remains to be seen, but Thrashers brass will give Burmistrov an opportunity to prove his worth in the NHL.
2. Kyle McLaren earns a contract.
McLaren is touted as having NHL skills and an unlucky injury history. Rick Dudley has also stated you can never have too many defenseman and has backed this talk up by signing some 476 of them. But McLaren is a dark horse here, having not played in the NHL since 2008. McLaren, when healthy, is a defensive defenseman who hits hard and blocks a ton of shots, something that could be helpful in front of young goaltender Ondrej Pavelec. While McLaren may not necessarily earn an NHL deal, a two-way deal is very likely and the Thrashers have reaped the rewards of signing tryout guys before. See: Max Afinogenov. Who? Just the Thrashers 2nd leading scorer last year who came in on a pro tryout.
3. Ron Hainsey will be named captain.
While I've stated that I believe Evander Kane should be captain, it is still likely he's too young. Hainsey has three years left on his contract, which would make Kane 22 when the contract is up. Honestly, I can't see Hainsey sticking around after the three years for a few reasons; namely money and the fact that three years from now the Thrashers should have an experienced Bogosian, Kulda, Enstrom, and Paul Postma on the blueline, leaving little space for Hainsey. Assuming that, age 22 would be a brilliant age for Kane to step in and take the captaincy over for years to come while he develops into the star he is projected to be. Hainsey is outspoken and American, a solid spokesperson for the team until Kane is ready for the role.
4. Dustin Byfuglien will remain at forward.
I understand that Rick Dudley seems to have an infatuation with Byfuglien playing defense, but it simply doesn't make sense with the current Thrashers roster. Enstrom, Hainsey, Sopel, Oduya, Bogosian, Kulda, and Valabik are all NHL defenseman, so unless one is moved Byfuglien will remain at forward. The Thrashers need goals anyways. Out of the entire roster, there has only been one player who had one 30-goal season, which was Bryan Little in 2008-2009. There are players with 30-goal potential, but Byfuglien opening space for guys like Little and Bergfors to work their magic is too tempting to pass up. Byfuglien could play 'D' in emergency situations throughout the season, but I think Byfuglien makes way more sense up front.
5. Patrice Cormier doesn't make the team out of camp.
Rick Dudley has talked Cormier up like no tomorrow, but let's face the facts: Cormier has played nine competitive hockey games since January and had a total of 0 points in those games. If Burmistrov makes the team out of camp I would expect Cormier to start the season in the AHL while the team feels out Burmistrov. If Burmistrov goes back to Barrie after nine games, Cormier would simply slide into the 4th line spot and whoever was centering the fourth line--possibly Slater--could slide into the 3rd line spot. The bottom line? It's hard to envision Cormier starting the season in the NHL with so little playing time in the last 9 months. Cormier will likely get a plethora of NHL playing time this season, but it may not be in October.
What do you think? Any other bold moves for the Thrashers? Discuss away.
TC
1. Alexander Burmistrov makes the team out of camp
Rick Dudley has said since Draft day that Burmistrov has NHL capabilities but the only thing plaguing him is his weight. Burmistrov is short by NHL standards these days (5'11") but is shifty. And after being drafted at around 160 pounds, Burmistrov is in Atlanta at over 175, a reasonable weight for a speedy, 5'11" center. Burmistrov will have to show he can win faceoffs and be defensively responsible, but he has dazzling skills and Rick Dudley has said he will give Burmistrov every chance to succeed. Whether or not he stays past his nine games in the regular season remains to be seen, but Thrashers brass will give Burmistrov an opportunity to prove his worth in the NHL.
2. Kyle McLaren earns a contract.
McLaren is touted as having NHL skills and an unlucky injury history. Rick Dudley has also stated you can never have too many defenseman and has backed this talk up by signing some 476 of them. But McLaren is a dark horse here, having not played in the NHL since 2008. McLaren, when healthy, is a defensive defenseman who hits hard and blocks a ton of shots, something that could be helpful in front of young goaltender Ondrej Pavelec. While McLaren may not necessarily earn an NHL deal, a two-way deal is very likely and the Thrashers have reaped the rewards of signing tryout guys before. See: Max Afinogenov. Who? Just the Thrashers 2nd leading scorer last year who came in on a pro tryout.
3. Ron Hainsey will be named captain.
While I've stated that I believe Evander Kane should be captain, it is still likely he's too young. Hainsey has three years left on his contract, which would make Kane 22 when the contract is up. Honestly, I can't see Hainsey sticking around after the three years for a few reasons; namely money and the fact that three years from now the Thrashers should have an experienced Bogosian, Kulda, Enstrom, and Paul Postma on the blueline, leaving little space for Hainsey. Assuming that, age 22 would be a brilliant age for Kane to step in and take the captaincy over for years to come while he develops into the star he is projected to be. Hainsey is outspoken and American, a solid spokesperson for the team until Kane is ready for the role.
4. Dustin Byfuglien will remain at forward.
I understand that Rick Dudley seems to have an infatuation with Byfuglien playing defense, but it simply doesn't make sense with the current Thrashers roster. Enstrom, Hainsey, Sopel, Oduya, Bogosian, Kulda, and Valabik are all NHL defenseman, so unless one is moved Byfuglien will remain at forward. The Thrashers need goals anyways. Out of the entire roster, there has only been one player who had one 30-goal season, which was Bryan Little in 2008-2009. There are players with 30-goal potential, but Byfuglien opening space for guys like Little and Bergfors to work their magic is too tempting to pass up. Byfuglien could play 'D' in emergency situations throughout the season, but I think Byfuglien makes way more sense up front.
5. Patrice Cormier doesn't make the team out of camp.
Rick Dudley has talked Cormier up like no tomorrow, but let's face the facts: Cormier has played nine competitive hockey games since January and had a total of 0 points in those games. If Burmistrov makes the team out of camp I would expect Cormier to start the season in the AHL while the team feels out Burmistrov. If Burmistrov goes back to Barrie after nine games, Cormier would simply slide into the 4th line spot and whoever was centering the fourth line--possibly Slater--could slide into the 3rd line spot. The bottom line? It's hard to envision Cormier starting the season in the NHL with so little playing time in the last 9 months. Cormier will likely get a plethora of NHL playing time this season, but it may not be in October.
What do you think? Any other bold moves for the Thrashers? Discuss away.
TC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)