Winnipeg, MB -- After yet another dismal season in the American south the Atlanta Spirit ownership group decided to call it quits. Pending EHEC Board of Governors' approval the franchise will be sold to an excited group of owners in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Surprisingly, general manager Tom Kennish has been able retain his job even with new bosses. Kennish told the Free Press, "The performance of our scouts and their subsequent recommendations at the 2010 Entry Draft really saved my hide. They [ownership] have voiced their approval for the defensive pieces we have been able to put in place over the last twelve months."
In that time frame, the former Thrashers franchise was able to add Brandon Gormley [via the draft] and Alex Pietrangelo [via trade] to a defense whose only asset at the time was 2008 1st rounder Zach Bogosian. "A year ago at this time we added Rob Scuderi just to suit up a respectable team," quipped the general manager. Now the back end is loaded with three of the best young defenders playing today. Just days before the second draft of Kennish's tenure, the club added veteran Brian Rafalski to continue the groups' development. "Cam Barker was certainly in our sights," explained the frustrated ring leader. "Unfortunately, San Jose spoke with Mr. Femur first and struck a deal." In hindsight the *Jets* [City crosses fingers, taps toes] were happy to add a talented mentor to the roster.
While the defense supplies plenty of hope for the future in Winnipeg, there is still plenty of work yet to do with the forwards. On most nights coach Laviolette had the unenviable task of attempting to create one scoring line, let alone a defensively responsible one. Marc Savard had an admirable season even after receiving a huge contract that could have sidetracked lesser players. To a man, the franchise insists he was a good teammate and competed during a long, disheartening season. For that effort Mr. Savard has already been told to pack his bags this summer. And, no that final destination is not Winnipeg with the rest of the team. The playmaking center was shipped to Montreal for a younger winger, Bobby Ryan, and a couple of second round picks in a salary clearing move.
"From what I have heard from the league offices Marc won't have to wait much longer for his chance at vengeance," said the GM. [The WFP was able to confirm that Montreal will indeed be the franchise's first opponent in their first game in Winnipeg.] However, opening night is still a good three months away and there is that draft thing to worry about. Winnipeg's other blockbuster deal saw two former 1st round picks, Evander Kane and Derek Forbort, dealt to the left coast. Sources in Atlanta confirmed that both Kane and Forbort were highly thought of within the organization. That said, general manager Kennish felt this deal had to happen. "We just watched as Phoenix marched through the playoffs with a gritty, heavy hitting squad. Certainly, trends are fleeting, but I believe that system in the desert will have continued success." Thus the extra initiative to emulate the Coyotes and receive the final approval from San Jose.
With Couture firmly cemented as the club's forward building block eleven other spots still need to be filled. Every forward won't be as solid defensively as Jordan Staal or Shane Doan so the Winnipeg brass is hoping to pick those spots well. "We are excited with [Joe] Colborne's playmaking and prowess in the faceoff circle. Hopefully, with his size the checking and hitting will come as he fills out his body." Teemu Selanne also returns to Winnipeg for a victory lap as one of the few former Jets still in the league. Selanne is winding down his career, but even at this stage he's a nice option for a team lacking in the scoring department.
As for the draft, general manager Kennish has insisted all involved remain quiet. "We're telling anybody who calls to read whatever they want to believe from the rumors whispered in the media." The team hopes the open ended discussions will at the very least provide insight into future negotiations. All involved in the Winnipeg draft room were pleased to see the team win the lottery. "Some clubs laid down the "Welcome" mat late in the season for draft purposes," bemoaned Mr. Kennish. "Karma was a huge, well, you know what I mean, when those balls came out of the hopper."