Should Kulda Be Called Up?

by The Falconer on Apr 2, 2009 5:27 AM EDT Comment 5 comments

Ben Wright reports that the Thrashers Arturs Kulda and other prospecs are unlikely to be called up even though the Thrashers have three call ups available. The Wolves are now 5 points out the playoffs with just a handful of games remaing. They are rather unlikely to qualify for the post-season.

So here is the question, what is in the best interests of the Atlanta Thrashers? What would best accelerate the development of their NHL prospects?

For my money, I think Arturs Kulda would be better off dressing for the remaining games. I think Kulda would benefit from seeing the speed, intensity and competitiveness that the NHL level requires.

Which is better for Kulda--defending Alexandre Giroux in the AHL--or defending against Alexander Ovechkin in the NHL? I think the latter is a better option. Getting a taste of the big leagues might encourage Kulda to redouble his off-season preparation for next fall's NHL training camp.

I think it's nice that the Thrashers are helping the Wolves by keeping their best prospects down on the farm--but how often has Chicago bent over backwards to dress our prospects when they had healthy AHL veterans? The answer is very rarely.

The Wolves have always done whatever helps the Wolves first and foremost (which is their prerogative). The Thrashers should do what benefits the Thrashers--and that means calling up Kulda. Keeping him in Chicago is letting the tail wag the dog in my opinion.

0 recs | Comment 5 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

While it would be good for a greater number of our prospects to get playoff experience, even if it is in the AHL, I agree that the Wolves are pretty much out of it for the playoffs. Their only hope is the fact the AHL has a little quirk in their playoff format where if the 5th place team in West division has a better record than the 4th place team in the North the 5th place team will take the place of the North’s 4th place team and begin the playoffs in the North Divisional. As it is they’re still the same 5 points back of the 4th place team in the North with only 5 games to play.
That being said, unless the wheels come completely off the Wolves the next game or two, I’d still stand pat and leave them in the A. The playoff push is a valuable experience in itself, and IMO a better experience for most of the prospects now than the reduced time they’d get up here, plus there is that slim chance they will make the playoffs with a swing game against Rockford the last game of their season.
I’d rather see the chemistry the Thrashers have right now stay in tact and keep this spoiler role going by keeping FLA out of the playoffs and giving the guys with us now and potentially next year, something to build off of.

by BK31 on Apr 2, 2009 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Southeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Washington Japers' Rink	82	54	15	13	121
Atlanta Bird Watchers Anonymous	82	35	34	13	83
Carolina Canes Country	82	35	37	10	80
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	82	34	36	12	80
Florida Litter Box Cats	82	32	37	13	77

(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)

Thrashers Schedule

Next 5 Games

Columbus The Cannon	Tue 09/21	7:00 PM EDT
Carolina Canes Country	Sat 09/25	7:00 PM EDT
@ Nashville On the Forecheck	Mon 09/27	8:00 PM EDT
Nashville On the Forecheck	Wed 09/29	7:00 PM EDT
@ Carolina Canes Country	Fri 10/01	1:30 PM EDT

Last 5 Games

Pittsburgh PensBurgh	Sat 04/10	W 1 - 0
@ Washington Japers' Rink	Fri 04/09	L 2 - 5
New Jersey In Lou We Trust	Tue 04/06	L 0 - 3
@ Pittsburgh PensBurgh	Sat 04/03	OT - L 3 - 4
@ Washington Japers' Rink	Thu 04/01	L 1 - 2

Bird Watchers Anonymous: An SB Nation Community

Network Bar

Bird Watchers Anonymous -

An unofficial Atlanta Thrashers blog