TSN: Long Term Investment
Athens--On March 3rd, 2009 the Atlanta Thrashers made their first two big moves towards the re-build, or should I say, THE-build. First the Thrashers brought in, Franchise winger, Thomas Vanek(as shown above), and sterdy defensive defenseman, Henrik Tallinder, for crafty, Ilya Kovalchuk. The Thrashers had gotten several offers for Kovalchuk, but none were as good for the Thrashers as this one, as they get a young franchise player signed long-term, something they needed. A long term investment.
"It was sad to see Ilya go, but he wanted nothing to do with this hockey club anymore, and we couldn't do anything about it. We believe he played with his heart on his sleeve.....part of the time. He can be the best in the league, if he puts his mind to it, but he rarely did. I wish him the best in Buffalo, and I believe being surronded in such a great hockey atmosphere, and great players such as, Eric Staal, Patrice Bergeron, and Ryan Miller he will perform at a daily basis. I won't be surprised to see his name on the Art Ross trophy before he retires, but this was a trade that needed to be made. Vanek is a very skilled guy, who I think with Andy Mac, and James Neal, he can get the job done, with 90-95 points per season." says, coach Anderson.
The other deal, was a big one for the Atlanta franchise, as they traded away Todd White, Boris Valabik, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Eric Boulton, a 2nd round draft choice, and Leveille, for James Neal, and Matt Niskanen. The Thrashers intern GM, has had his eye on Niskanen, and Neal since before they started out on the Stars. Neal who is second in goals among Rookies with 22 this year,
"Is going to be the key to our offense in a few years..." according to the intern GM. Niskanen, who is a 30+ point defenseman in just his second year,
"Has all the tools to become a top 5 defenseman in the league one day. Zach, and Matt will be the next of Stevens, Niedermayer, as both are going to be the best in the business...." says coach Anderson. Atlanta has started up the re-build process with two huge moves, that may pay off greatly for them.