Tkachuk a Thrasher
Keith Tkachuk waived his no-trade clause yesterday and became an Atlanta Thrasher upon that decision.
The Atlanta Thrashers acquired the big winger for a collection of draft picks that included a 1st and 3rd rounder in this years NHL Entry Draft, and a 2nd rounder in the 2008 draft. The Thrashers also sent center Glen Metropolit. Furthermore, conditions attached to the trade are that if Tkachuk decides to sign with the Thrashers following the season, the St. Louis Blues will also receive a first round pick in 2008.
First thoughts on the deal. Outstanding move for the St. Louis Blues. Outstanding. Three high draft picks, with the possibility of a 4th? I would have jumped on that. Throw in forward Glen Metropolit, who is having a respectable year with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) and a +9 in 57 games played this year, I would say the Blues are the clear winners of this trade.
Tkachuk in 61 games this season has 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) and is a +3. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is already on the defensive about the deal as quoted in TSN.ca saying "Some people are going to say it's too much,'' ''You know what? Talk to me at the end of the year about it.''
I do think the Thrashers gave up too much for Tkachuk, but I smell desperation in this move. Earlier in the season, the Thrashers were boasting one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, now they are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether. Two points is all that separates them from the post season, and playing golf in April once again. Atlanta holds the 6th spot in the East with 72 points.
I now wonder what the St. Louis Blues will get in exchange for Bill Guerin. We'll know by tomorrow.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Boston 7:00 PM
Toronto at Montreal 7:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:00 PM
Light night, but good night. The Toronto / Habs game should be excellent. We should also witness the debut of Tkachuk with Atlanta, and the the late game between the West's big guns should be fun too! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Wow - testy, testy Mr. Waddell (thanks for pulling in that quote; hadn't seen it). I agree with you in thinking it's way too much for a rental player of Tkachuk's caliber but I don't blame Waddell for pulling the trigger regardless. If Atlanta doesn't make the playoffs - and there's no guarantee they will considering the way they've played of late - then that guy has to be replaced. Atlanta is desperate to reach the playoffs for the first time ever and they need that kind of success to help fill up the arena. They've got their big guns and now they need the supporting cast. Who knows, maybe Tkachuk will be the perfect fit? The price is high, but so is the cost of doing nothing if you're the Thrashers and Waddell. I don't think he could afford NOT to make this deal.
And speaking of deals for older rental dudes, TSN is linking Gary Roberts to Pittsburgh. I have very mixed feelings about this and have yet to hear the name of who might be going back to Florida in exchange. My guess would be Ryan Malone, but my bigger question is this: Gary Roberts??? He's the guy that will finish all of Crosby's passes??? I dunno. I have my doubts, but then I'm not a GM.
Exciting times ahead in the next 24hrs. Game on!
Posted by: Stache | February 26, 2007 04:00 PM
Yeah the Gary Roberts to Pittsburgh deal is odd. I'm not sure I'd get excited about that. Didn't the Penguins just rip off 14 games in a row while recording at least a point? Why does this team need tinkering? No one (aside from myself) saw this team making the playoffs when the season started, so I say let them ride it out. I think you and everyone else may be very pleasantly surprised at the results.
Posted by: Cap | February 26, 2007 11:32 PM
What the...NY Post is saying Jagr is available????? That can't be true, can it??
Posted by: Stache | February 27, 2007 10:05 AM
Thanks for the heads up Stache, I gave you full credit for unearthing that beauty. The Rangers must be throwing in the towel.
Posted by: Cap | February 27, 2007 10:49 AM