2009-2010 record: 35-34-13 (83 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: TBA
Alternate captains: Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey
3 Players to watch: With Ilya Kovalchuk traded last season, the go-to guy by default is Nik Antropov. He was a big benefactor of being Kovalchuk's linemate prior to the trade and led the team in points (67). The biggest acquisition in the offseason (both figuratively and literally) was Dustin Byfuglien, and he has a lot to prove. Yes, his playoff run showed what he can do, but how much of that was him and how much was being on the same line as players like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane? Improving on a career high in points (36) is a must if Atlanta intends to be a playoff contender. Bryan Little is Atlanta's best player that no one knows about. A 30 goal scorer last year, he won't compensate for Kovalchuk, but he is the best scoring threat the Thrashers have.
Things to look for: Atlanta has had a history of rushing its kids to the big leagues (Bogosian, Evander Kane, Little), but even with that, there are some rookies that could make the impact that Niclas Bergfors made when he came over in the Kovalchuk trade. One guy to look for is Patrice Cormier, who is best known for getting suspended last year for an elbow shot. Goaltending is another situation to look into, as Chris Mason is viewed as a stop gap until last year's incumbent Ondrej Pavalec gains some consistency. Even with Kovalchuk, the power play was in disarray. Without a major scoring threat, that does not figure to change anytime soon. However, with Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, the penalty killing figures to be better than middle of the pack.
Prediction: 10th in East
Song: Sodom-Nuclear Winter
Other than to fit with the Thrashers name, the potential for yet another long winter awaits the team. Despite the additions, until the team can find a cure for the power play woes and the goaltending can solidify itself, the Thrashers are expected to be playing golf come Spring.
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