Game Plans for the Thrashers, Red Wings and Lightning

Mark Easson

13 years ago

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley expects to be involved with trade talks. He could be after another forward. “We think we put a couple of pieces in place so we are not looking for quite as much as we were,” Dudley said. “If we could make a deal to get another Blake Wheeler-type player, we would do that.”

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: “I’ve talked to a few managers, but nothing really is going on,” Holland said. “We made a conscious decision last summer to go to the cap to put ourselves in the situation we’re in, where we’ve had more depth over 82 games, versus keeping cap space and using it at the deadline.” Holland added that they’ll see if there is anything to upgrade the backend of their roster, but he’s comfortable with doing nothing.

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: “To be very vague, I think I have an idea of what most teams are looking for as to whether they are any kind of a fit for what I’m looking to add or what I can offer anybody else in exchange,” Yzerman said. “I have an understanding of the teams that may be a fit for something, but I don’t have any expectations that I’m planning to do this or that.” Yzerman has already addressed 2 needs by bringing in a goalie and 2 defenseman since the beginning of the season, and Ryan Malone is expected back before the end of the season. Yzerman has no intention of giving up a top draft pick or prospect for an impact player and feels they have some good forward depth in the minors if they need a callup.