Atlanta Thrashers Franchise Profile:
Founded: 1999
Arena: Philips Arena
Stanley Cup: 0
Named for the state bird of Georgia, the Thrashers began play in 1999. The franchise had only marginal success on the ice in its first decade, with the team anchored by its one true elite player: forward Ilya Kovalchuk, drafted in 2001. The Thrashers made their first playoff appearance in 2007. But ownership issues and financial problems hindered the team's efforts to build a contender.
Atlanta Thrashers Retired Numbers:
None
Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Hall of Fame Members:
None
2009-10 Thrashers Season Preview:
Atlanta’s most significant off-season additions were two ex-Leafs: defenceman Pavel Kubina and winger Nik Antropov.
Both can play, but they aren’t exactly a ticket to glory.
As with most poor teams, the Thrashers best hope for improvement comes from the prospect pool. And that’s a long-term project.
2009 draft picks Angelo Esposito and Evander Kane are likely too young to play. But Zach Bogosian, a second-year defenceman, is more than ready for prime time.
A full year from Bogosian, whose rookie season was interrupted by injury, will be the biggest upgrade on this team.
Atlanta was awful defensively last year, so the improving blue line helps. But uncertainty prevails in net, where Kari Lehtonen always seems to be injured.
Up front, Ilya Kovalchuk continues scoring at an astonishing pace, given the players surrounding him.
Atlanta has little forward depth: even with surprising production from the likes of Todd White and Rich Peverly, the Thrashers couldn’t get over the playoff hump in 2009. And those guys aren’t likely to duplicate those numbers this year.
The biggest story in Atlanta this season will be whether Kovalchuk agrees to a new contract or opts for free agency in 2010.
Thrashers fans had better hope he’s an infinitely patient man.
Prediction: 13th in the East
