Tonight... the Southeast Division

My original plan was to talk about the Northeast Divisions Offseason score card tonight but that Khabibulin news item from earlier in the day sort of scrambled my eggs a bit. Best laid blog plans right? That same rumor took the Central, and Pacific Divisions out of play. The Northwest is right out as well because I have this sneaking suspicion that neither Calgary nor Vancouver are done yet . So, by default, tonight we discuss the Southeast. Not generally viewed as a hotbed of hockey, it was however, a division that was very active this offseason. I'm going to go team by team tonight because... frankly... my other posts look like novels.

First off we've got...

The Atlanta Thrashers
Its starting to look like the reason they wear that big "Atlanta" on their home jerseys is so the kids can look at their left arm and know whether they are playing with the big club or still languishing in the minors. It probably gets a little confusing with all the back and forth.

The Thrashers made two fantasy relevant moves this offseason. Number one was the aquisition of Jason Williams. Williams, only 27, had been awaiting a breakout year for some time. He still is, but last year he had a break out half year. In 43 games on what in retrospect was a LOADED Blackhawks team Williams managed 36 points. A quick glance at Atlanta's roster says that it will be either Williams or last seasons late addition , Colby Armstrong who will be playing to Mr. Kovalchuk's right.

Now I generally like to tell people to draft the talented guys, rather then the guys that play on a line with the talented guys (which is not to say I haven't occassionally ridden Mr. Cheechoo for all that he's worth). To that end I would be hoping that Williams gets to share the ice time with Kovalchuk. He's got more of the tools, at least at this point, and could see his points reach the high 60's if he spends any significant time with Ilya next season. I think Williams remains fantasy relevant no matter which line he is on next year, but Armstrong only becomes relevant if he plays with Kovalchuk. So keep an eye on this as we head into training camp.

Ron Hainsey was Atlanta's other significant aquisition this offseason. When Atlanta lost the Campbell sweepstakes they went to their second option. That's not to say that Hainsey is on Brian Campbell's level... hell he might not be on Tobias Enstrom's level, but another 30 point plus campaign from Hainsey would not be unheard of. I wouldn't expect much of an upgrade over his current point totals as Atlanta's powerplay is going to stuggle to find its groove starting the season without Hossa, but he should be serviceable on most fantasy teams. Enstrom has more upside though in my view.