Atlanta Thrashers Offseason Recap:
After another disappointing finish, big changes were made once again to a roster that was not able to compete in the fiercely competitive East. This offseason was headlined by a massive deal with the Nashville Predators that saw a lot of talent switch sides. Thanks are in order to the GMs of the Predators, Blue Jackets, Sharks, Maple Leafs, Islanders, and Hurricanes as well as the agents, slaves, and commish team for processing our roster moves and handling the Thrashers crazy offseason. After having no draft picks in the last draft and giving out quality young talent once again, ownership is expecting results from management and the team now...especially as rumors swirl that the current Thrashers ownership group have narrowed the final potential buyers to True North Sports & Entertainment, Mikhail Prokhorov, and a third unknown buyer. Congrats to captain, Ilya Kovalchuk, on winning the Art Ross. Hopefully a playoff spot this year boosts his chances in the Hart race after last year's 3rd place finish as well.
Thrashers Pre-UFA Roster
Ilya Kovalchuk - Pavel Datsyuk - Alexander Radulov
Johan Franzen - Matthew Lombardi - PA Parenteau
xxxxxx - Tony Martensson - Nikolai Kulimen
Leo Komarov - Kyle Chipchura - Trent Hunter
Ex: Stephane Veilleux
Tomas Kaberle - Paul Martin
Ossi Vaananen - Ilya Nikulin
Ron Hainsey - Denis Grebeshkov
Pekka Rinne
xxxx
Could look for support on defense or maybe in the bottom 9 in FA with our limited cap space. Will also look for a backup G to our new goalie, Pekka Rinne.