Does anyone remember what a Don Waddell team looks like? Yeah, neither do I. One of the biggest criticisms of the former General Manager’s “strategy” is that it was disorganized and lacked direction. Instead of building around their numerous acquired stars, they surround them with mediocrity. They would throw a flurry of grinders on the ice and hope that some stick.
If early moves are any indication, the same cannot be said about new team architect Rick Dudley. In just a few months, he has made some really BIG changes.
The team changed direction during his first Summer with the organization last year, beginning with drafting physical winger Evander Kane with the 4th overall pick, and signing 6’6” behemoth forward Nikolai Antropov. Although he was officially just an associate general manager, his influence should not be overlooked. Waddell credits Dudley with orchestrating the draft (one of his touted strengths) and Dudley’s love for Antropov is well documented (he attempted to trade for the Russian during his tenure in Tampa Bay… for future All-Star Vincent Lecavalier).
Although the team missed the playoffs yet again this season, these two acquisitions were two bright spots. Evander Kane made the team out of camp and provided the team consistent two-way play, while Antropov had a career year of 67 points and smart defensive play.
Dudley was also involved in negotiating the return in the notorious Kovalchuk trade. The two biggest pieces were swedish winger Nicklas Bergfors and big, physical center prospect Patrice Cormier. Bergfors played well for the Thrasher the remainder of the season, but the most intriguing player might be Patrice Cormier, who Dudley believes will be on next year’s roster. In fact, Dudley seems to have an unhealthy obsession with the kid. The young Captain Canada was suspended from his junior league for a large bulk of the season after he delivered a viciously dirty elbow to the head of Mikael Tam. This was after two other questionable elbowing incidents playing in the World Juniors.
Rick Dudley traded for two more skaters this July, Stanley Cup winning power forwards Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd. Byfuglien was an especially vital piece for their success, using his huge body frame to wear down defenders and grind pucks from corners.
Notice a trend here? The roster is full of giants. They may not all be huge hitters, but they all use their bodies effectively in protecting the puck. We’ll see if this is a continuing trend, but one thing is for sure: the new Thrashers team will be a very different, more intimidating team than the one a couple seasons ago.