The Thrashers draft preview

By pbadmin
by Dan Perrault

The Thrashers have a very young and bright future. In the past two drafts, Atlanta was selecting very high in the first round. In 1999, they obtained Patrik Stefan, who jumped into the NHL pretty quickly, and last year, in the 2000 entry draft, Atlanta picked second and selected Dany Heatley. This year, the Thrashers have the top pick in the draft. What will they do? Trade it for some immediate help to the team? Or keep it and select someone who could be helpful in the future. Let’s take a look at some of the rumors that are going around on what the Thrashers will do in the next week or so.

Scenario 1: The Thrashers trade their first overall draft pick to the 2001 entry draft for a young goalie, which they need badly. The Montreal Canadiens are very interested in trading young goalie Jose Theodore for the first pick. The Canadiens have veteran goalie Jeff Hackett and promising goalie, Mathieu Garon. This could be the best possible scenario for the Thrashers who have a lot of young talent, but need a goalie.

Scenario 2: Mike Peca. Big trade talks in the last few days between Buffalo and Atlanta. Peca who hasn’t been getting along with the Buffalo organization, after many disputes over contract negotiations, could possibly make his way to the Thrashers, who are weak at center. Peca is a great defensive forward who plays with a lot of intensity in his game.

Scenario 3: The Thrashers keep the draft pick.

These three players are probably players the Thrashers are really looking at.

1) Ilya Kovalchuk – a big and fast 17-year-old with excellent hockey sense. Amazing puck control.

2) Jason Spezza

3) Pascal Leclaire – could be a smart pick since they need a goalie.

Many teams are willing to give up a lot for Spezza or Kovalchuk. The Thrashers already have excellent young talent. Simon Gamache was the top scorer of the QMJHL this year and Dany Heatley who was selected second overall last year.