Falconer,

Newbie here. We’ve been discussing the Toronto Sun article here at work, and on the AJC Thrashers blog which discusses the state of the NHL as well as the Thrash. The latest “rumors” being discussed include Bettman and the NHL stepping in once the case is over and trying to take steps to make this team relevant. One such step includes getting rid of DW. I think this is great, but sounds too good to be true. Thoughts?

I was listening to the Buck and Kincaid show today, and they were saying that if we don’t do well after the West Coast trip, then we are done. I agree. Falconer, I know you think that we have been out since Thanksgiving, but I think that there has been a slim chance still. But I think that if we lose 5-6 more, then we are done. Anyhow, they were alluding to some guys that will go. I believe that Christensen and Schneider will go. Not sure about Havelid or Perrin, but I know that their numbers are off, and they may go. Then again, Don Waddell has resigned Boulton and Hedberg, so maybe he will keep them. Who knows?

Buck and Kincaid then started to talk about the possibility of the team being up for sale, but it wouldn’t happen until after the court case is settled. They said that Atlanta Spirit is happy to keep the Hawks and the rights to the Bulb, but would probably sell the team. Maybe Belkin would buy it they said. I don’t know who will buy it, but I hope it is someone or a group of people that want to see an NHL team succeed in Atlanta. Or maybe they will be moved. I spoke to my ticket rep, and he said that Nashville and Phoenix are more likely to move. I don’t know about Nashville, but Phoenix is losing $30 mill a year right now, and I know that the owner has had the team up for sale at least since November.

If we are out of the playoffs, I wonder who Waddell will try to get? I say play Holzapfel and Machachek and Kulda, or Hoffman. Give them some experience, and let them get primed for making the team next year. I would rather have some hungry young guys than some aging ineffective veterans. Wouldn’t that be awesome if enough of our prospects would exceed what we have done with our prospects?!?!?

Falconer,
What do you think about the goalie situation? Would you go after one of the backups about to be up for free agency like Conklin or (not sure what his contract status is) Clemmensen, or some other backup. Or God forbid, Khabibulin? God I would love to have one of these guys!