Atlanta Thrashers Offseason Review:
It was an incredibly busy offseason for Thrashers management as ownership demanded improved and immediate results after 2 consecutive disappointing years in which the team missed the playoffs. A multitude of trades, draft picks, and signings brought about complete roster transformation that has an entire new look. Whether these moves bring about success or failure is yet to be determined, however. As attendance dwindles and rumors swell that ownership is looking for potential investors, the pressure is on GM, Blue Jay 22, and coach, Bob Hartley, to bring results and entertainment to the city of Atlanta, before it's too late.
Going into the draft, Atlanta made it clear to the league that they were looking to improve their center depth after forcing their fans to watch Bobby Holik center the 1st line for 2 consecutive years. After a series of moves, the Thrashers traded down to draft Braden Holtby 8th overall, only to later flip him the next day in a massive deal with the Detroit Red Wings that saw Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen return in exchange! GMs BJ and @Mr. Quacks had negotiated furiously throughout a 2 day process and were able to find a deal that both sides felt best suited their teams' interests and directions moving forward. Names like Roman Hamrlik, Matthew Lombardi, and PA Parenteau were also brought in via trade while Viktor Kozlov, Stephane Vellieux, Radek Martinek, Bret Hedican, and Robert Esche were signed in free agency.
With clear talent in the forward lines, questions and attention will be turned towards the defense and goaltending, as Paul Martin will look to anchor a defensive core that gave up over 300 goals last year. Will Andy Rodgers step up and play to his potential now that long time veteran Dmen Niclas Havelid has been traded? Can Nikolai Khabibulin find his old form again or will he crumble like the Bulin Wall? Only time will tell. Either way, no franchise and city is facing more pressure to deliver than Atlanta.
Atlanta Thrashers Lineup
Ilya Kovalchuk - Pavel Datsyuk - Corey Perry
Johan Franzen - Matthew Lombardi - Jason Blake
Sergei Samsonov - Tony Martensson - PA Parenteau
Stephane Veilleux - Viktor Kozlov - Sergei Brylin
Roman Hamrlik - Paul Martin
Andy Rodgers - Radek Martinek
Bret Hedican - Alexei Semenov
Nikolai Khabibulin
Robert Esche