A Preview of the 2009-10 Atlanta Thrashers

Over the next 30 days, I will be previewing all 30 NHL clubs.  I will be looking at their available salary cap room. The additions and deletions from the 08/09 roster and where I think they will stack up in their division and conference for the 09/10 season.  Let's get a move on with the Atlanta Thrashers, Southeast Division, Eastern Conference.

The Atlanta Thrashers currently have 19 players under one-way contracts. Two goaltenders, five defensemen and 12 forwards.  The salary cap hit for these 19 players is $43.6 million.  Add to that the two-way contracts of prospects, Bryan Little, Andrew Stewart, Nathan Oystrick and Zach Bogosian.  The current Thrashers salary cap hit sits at $49.0 million, giving the Thrashers alot of space under the salary cap but given the uncertainity of their ownwership situation and the market in Atlanta.  Don't look for the Thrashers to make any more significant moves before the season starts.

Significant Additions:

Nik Antropov, signed a four year $16.25 million UFA contract. Pavel Kubina, acquired via trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Significant Deletions:

Eric Perrin, became a UFA.  Colin Stuart and Garnet Exelby traded to Toronto for Kubina.

Restricted Free Agents still to Sign:

Jordan LaVallee.

Prospects that Impressed in 08/09:

Zach Bogosian: After a up and down rookie campaign, that seen Bogosian play 47 games with Thrashers.  This third overall draft pick in the 08 draft should be on the big roster at the start of the Season.

Bryan Little: Little is entering his third season but second as a full-time player.  The 4th leading scorer on the Thrashers will be looking to build on his numbers of 08/09 and will be given the opportunity to push for the number one center position.

Prospects to watch in 09/10:

Evander Kane: The fouth overall pick in June's draft, may start the season with the big club.  He will be given opportunity to stick with the Thrashers but it may be too soon for the Vancouver Giant forward.  I foresee him spending another year in the WHL and helping to lead the Canadian National team at the WJC in December and January.

Angelo Esposito: After being drafted by the Penguins and being traded to the Thrashers in the Marian Hossa deal during the 07-08 season.  It is time for the former first overall draft pick to take it to the next step.  His skills would help a team that should offensively challenged.

Spencer Machacek: After getting a two game call-up at the end of last season. Machacek, is entering his second professional season.  He will get a serious look at training camp and along with his former junior teammate, Evander Kane.  He may get a solid look on the second line with Kane and either Little or Todd White.

Recap of 08/09:

The Atlanta Thrashers are coming off a disappointing season that saw the club finish 4th in the Southeast Division and 13th overall in the Eastern Conference.  The Thrashers missed the playoffs by 17 points and finished below .500 for the seventh time in 9th seasons.

Outlook for 09/10:

Strengths: The Thrashers have one of the most talented players in the NHL. Ilya Kovalchuk will be looking for an outstanding season because he will become an UFA at the end of the 09/10 season. Kari Lehtonen is looking for some help in front of him.  The 25 year-old goaltender is talented but with the gaping holes in front of him, it could be a long season again for team number one goaltender.

Weaknesses: The Thrashers, unforunately have alot of holes in their roster.  After Kovalchuk and 37 year-old, Vyacheslav Kozlov, there is a big drop off in offensive output.  The Thrashers defense is built with guys that on any other team would be considered depth players.  Kubina and Hainsey will be asked to lead a young defense core that lacks experience but has up-side.

Prediction:  I foresee the Thrashers finishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and last in the Southeast Division.  With the improvements in Tampa Bay and the high likelihood of Kovalchuk and Kozlov both being dealt before the trade deadline, if an extension can not be reached with both of them. It will be a very long winter in Atlanta.

On Monday Aug. 3, I will be reviewing the Boston Bruins as I continue around the NHL in 30 days.