NHL 2010 Outlook: Atlanta Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers have had one of the most important offseasons in their history this summer.  

After seeing their former captain, Ilya Kovalchuk, traded to the New Jersey Devils for Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier and New Jersey's first-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Thrashers faithful are hoping that their team can perform much better and make the playoffs for the second time in their history. 

However, with no proven NHL scorer with 30 goals or more from last season on the team, their style of play must change and they must be a more defensive-minded club in order to become a playoff contender.

The Thrashers went in the right direction in their trades with Chicago before the draft: they traded the Devils first-round pick to Chicago along with a second-round pick, two forwards and an Atlanta prospect for Dustin Byfuglien, Ben Eager, Brent Sopel and a Chicago prospect; they acquired Andrew Ladd in a separate deal.  

Those moves are what they need in order to get the right pieces to make a playoff run, even though Byfuglien's role will be to give the Thrashers some net presence instead of being a real defensive-minded forward. The signing of Chris Mason to battle Ondrej Pavelec in goal could help them fill their defensive void as well. 

On the other side, Alexander Burmistrov and a more seasoned Evander Kane will certainly help their offensive prowess as a team, and if Atlanta's coaches can put their pieces together in the correct way—and that is a big if—they could be ready to win a couple of playoff games... provided they make the postseason first.

Pre-season Pick: Fifth in the Southeast.

Playoff Chances: Slim.