Now Or Never: 2009-10 To Be a Turning Point For The Atlanta Thrashers

It's no surprise that the Atlanta Thrashers' management had to make moves this off-season.

The Thrashers have been cellar-dwellers for most of their history, having drafted in the top five the last two seasons and qualiying for the playoffs only once. They suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Rangers in 2007.

But there was a much bigger reason on why the Thrashers had to revamp their roster.

That reason is Ilya Kovalchuk.

The 26-year-old has been the face of the Atlanta franchise since breaking into the league in the 2001-02 season. He is the captain of the team and is regarded as one of the best pure snipers in the world today.

With the departure of Marian Hossa at the 2008 trade deadline, the Thrashers never accomodated their star forward in hopes of building a stronger offensive core. Instead, Kovalchuk spent the majority of last season on a line with Todd White and Vyacheslav Kozlov.

No disrespect intended, but White is not considered a legitimate first-liner and Kozlov—who is 37—is not getting any younger. Since coach John Anderson had little choice but to use those two on the top line with Kovalchuk, the Thrashers' depth was limited throughout the season.

Considering that team has been toiling for most of its existence and is in a very untraditional hockey market it hasn't been the easiest time for GM Don Waddell to attract free-agents with high value.

Most importantly, Waddell and the rest of the Thrashers' brass had to figure out an equation that would improve the team without removing any key assets—addition without subtraction.

Nik Antropov signed a four-year $16 million contract in July. Though the 6'6" Kazakhstani only posted 59 points last year—compared to White's 73—his addition to the Thrashers will provide balance and his big-body presence gives coach Anderson more variety when juggling lines.

Blueliner Garnet Exelby and checking forward Colin Stuart were deemed expendable adn were dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Pavel Kubina and minor-leaguer Tim Stapleton last month as well.

Kubina has been scrutinized for not living up to his annual $5 million salary, but has put up no fewer than 40 points in the last two campaigns and is also a free agent at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season.

We may also witness plenty of improvement from players who suited up in Atlanta last year.

Rich Peverley finished off the last half of the year with the Thrashers collecting 35 points in 39 games. Averaged over a full schedule, that point total would rise to 74.

Bryan Little could be pencilled in on the second line to start the season, but don't be surprised if he gets a little more time playing on the big unit. Little scored 31 goals in his sophomore year and is showing signs of being a dynamic centreman for years to come.

The one thing that many might underestimate would be Atlanta's defensive core.

Both Ron Hainsey and Tobias Enstrom were tremendous for the Thrashers and a big reason why their powerplay leapt to 11th from a dismal 23rd the previous year. With the addition of Kubina and healthy Zach Bogosian, the Thrashers their top-four will consist of defensemen who can handle the puck well.

The biggest question mark heading into this season will be whether goaltender Kari Lehtonen can elevate his game to a new level.

Lehtonen, 25, has been plagued by injuries over his young career and has only one 30-win campaign under his belt. If he can stay healthy he will only benefit from having the best defense the Thrashers have ever iced.

If the Thrashers can start where they finished off last season there is only room for optimism. Throughout the final months they compiled a record of 12-7, which included a season-high six-game winning streak.

Judging the moves made by Atlanta's management during the summer they appear to be the most improved on paper.

They have added a number of talented players to their roster and are still over $10 million under the salary cap. This could ultimately leave the door open to more potential moves before the season begins in October.

In the end, it will be the team's on-ice performance this season that will convince fans—and Kovalchuk—whether or not this will be a legitimate franchise for years to come.