The Thrashers have a major dilemma on the hands. Management doesn't care much to speak about it and the players certainly don't want to mention it. Weeks or even months could go by without addressing it; but at some point they are going to have to face reality.
The issue is Marian Hossa. One of the Thrasher's best players and a top 10 talent in the league is in the final year of his contract. If he makes it until next July 1st without a new deal, he'll become an unrestricted free agent and free to sign with another team without compensation for the Thrashers.
The Thrashers simply can't allow that to happen. It's not just that they can't allow him to sign with another team. Rather, they cannot allow it to even get that far. The Thrashers are not in the best financial shape. The lack of playoff success is hampering the Thrashers' cash flow. Right now they can't even afford to spend all the money allowable under the salary cap. Troubles within the ownership group are making it difficult to give out long-term contracts. If Hossa reaches free agency, he's going to have multiple suitors who can pay him far more than the Thrashers can offer and offer a longer contract (all contracts in the NHL are guaranteed).
Hossa and his agent aren't stupid. They see this golden opportunity coming. Hossa has said he is very excited to test the market. It's hard to blame him for wanting to get the most he can, while he can. Although some articles have made it sound like Hossa wants to be with a winning team, I don't believe his intention was to mean that Atlanta couldn't be that team. As long as Atlanta can make a competitive offer, I think he'd be willing to stay.
But Thrashers GM, Waddell, and company must do what is best for the franchise. They must work diligently to get a contract done before the trade deadline. The numbers for a reasonable contract should be fairly clear at this time with the likes of Briere, Heatley, Iginla, Thorton and other similar top 10 talent recently getting new contracts. The Thrashers must make there best offer sooner rather than later.
Whats the rush you say? Its the importance Hossa value represents to the franchise. Letting him walk away in free agency means they'll get nothing but the cap space to replace him.
The Thrashers simply aren't going to find an equal talent available next summer at a lesser price. So, if they can't re-sign him, they must get something in return via trade.
Assuming they make their best offer and Hossa refuses, the biggest obstacle to trading him may be ego and job security. Anything the Thrashers get in return, especially around the trade deadline, is going to be future prospects or draft picks. Those players will not help the Thrashers make the playoffs this year which may be necessary to save Waddell and Hartley's job. I think a deadline deal that only nets prospects is also going to be a hard sell to most Thrasher fans if they think the Thrashers are headed to the playoffs or on the cusp.
If was in their position, I'd be considering trading him sooner rather than later. That way they could get someone who could help them now and in the future. I don't want to see Hossa go as he's one of my favorite Thrashers and he has skills no other Thrasher has. However, I want what is best for the Thrashers in the long-term. That means either signing Hossa ASAP or sending him packing ASAP.
