This is disheartening, scary news for Thrashers fans wanting to see the team stay in Atlanta. While none of this is necessarily new news, it is alarming to hear Michael Gearon, Atlanta Spirit co-owner, speak so openly about the team moving. With seemingly little backing from Gary Bettman and the rest of the NHL, the situation is tenuous.
Gearon's whining in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution does come off as extremely mis-guided; an owner who has been part of a conglomerate that has lied to fans and done nothing to deserve their support is now in the press begging for fans to show up at the games. This would be a much easier to pill to swallow had ownership made a consistent effort from day one to build a winning hockey team. This has not been the case, however, and fans are rightfully upset.
The only way to solve the matter is to find a wealthy investor or a new owner entirely to take control out of Gearon and other co-owner Bruce Levenson's hands. The two are businessmen, not hockey people, and it shows through their handling of the franchise. This is obviously much easier said than done, but a public outcry is one of the most necessary aspects.
The more positive buzz the team can get, the better; but some of it needs to be a voicing of support from Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, among other figureheads, to generate some positive press. The Thrashers have been a vortex of negativity since their inception, and a positive outcry of support, including increased attendance, is pretty much the last leg the city has to stand on.
If the Thrashers are going to stick around much longer, it's up to the fans to get out and show they want them to stay.
BOGOSIAN ON THE BLOCK?
Thrashers General Manager Rick Dudley has been working the phones, according to several interviews, but has not found a deal that works in the short and long term. The hot rumor in the hockey world right now is Zach Bogosian, which is idiotic on many levels.
First off, Bogosian is 20-years-old. And while I'm not exactly envisioning a Braydon Coburn situation, there is still tremendous upside to Bogosian's game and it's way too early to be throwing in the towel. If the Thrashers intend to trade Bogosian
which, like I said, is a foolish notion, then they would need to get a bona fide 25-30 goal scorer who is still at restricted free agent status.Bogosian was plagued by injuries last season and inconsistent play this year, but seems to have turned a corner in the last two weeks. Bogosian still has top-pairing potential and at this point Ron Hainsey and Brent Sopel, despite offering diminished returns as opposed to Bogosian, would make more sense on the trading block. Hainsey is unlikely to be moved due to his contractual burden, but if you're Rick Dudley it's certainly worth looking into.
BYFUGLIEN INKS FOR FIVE YEARS
Dustin Byfuglien's re-signing is important for the franchise on so many levels. Firstly, Byfuglien is locked up for five years and is entering his prime as one of the most dynamic defensemen in the NHL. It also sends a message to other free agents that Atlanta can be a desirable place to play, with a player of Byfuglien's caliber agreeing to stay put for the next half of a decade.
While the price may have been slightly high, Byfuglien's value to the Thrashers is immeasurable. And now he and Toby Enstrom can continue to be Atlanta's top pairing on defense for the next two years, at least. This should also set up Andrew Ladd's extension who will probably be around the 4 year/$16 million range.
More to come in the next few days as the deadline looms...
TC
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