Yawn…

Like we didn’t see this coming. Step one of yet ANOTHER five year plan kicks off with the firing Head Coach John Anderson. The one bright spot in all of this is that FORMER GM Don Waddell has been mercifully moved to bean counter Team President.

Now, I never wish someone out of a job, especially considering today’s economy, but something had to be done.

At this point, how long can the Thrashers remain a viable team in Atlanta? I know at LEAST three people who claim that they are not purchasing season tickets this coming year. Personally, there is NO way I would invest dollars into a team that seems destined for disaster.  And for the record, I DO NOT place blame on the players. Every game I go to, I see the boys in blue skating their butts off trying to get a win. My wrath is aimed squarely at ownership and their lack of direction.

Here are Nick’s plans for rebuilding the Thrashers:

1. Tell the GM that the checkbook is open: This team has been cash-strapped for too long. The team, and the city need to know that ownership is fully committed to the franchise. Find QUALITY free-agents, and spend the cheddar to get them.
2. Keep your draft picks: This goes hand-in-hand with the first bullet point. We are becoming the Pittsburgh Pirates of the NHL, it’s time to keep our talent in house.
3. Keep the Team in Atlanta: Ownership should get on TV, radio,  web-casts, and any other mass-media outlet and scream to the heavens that they will not move this team.
4. Sell the team to Arthur Blank: Not only would he keep the team in Atlanta, but he would guarantee their success. He was willing to bid for an MLS team, maybe he’s willing to bid for an NHL team since the pro-soccer deal fell through.

The bottom line is this, hockey will always be a second-class citizen as long as this team doesn’t win. Put a winning product on the ice, and the people will come.