Atlanta, GA --
Today at a press conference attended by GM Love, coach Bob Hartley and newly signed all-star d-man Rob Blake. The press conference was a much anticipated intorduction of Blake to the Thrashers community and media. Everybody was all smiles.
"I am thrilled to be a Thrashers", said Rob Blake with a huge smile onhis face after pulling on his new organizations jersey. "I want to thank the Thrashers organization for placing so much faith in me and I hope I meet and pass all their expectations".
Blake, who signed a 3 year deal with the team, will be the lone star on the Thrashers solid but not stand out defense.
"We have one of the best offensive teams in the league, everyone knew that, but what hurt us last year was defense. We have a very solid core with guys like MacInnis, Sydor, McGillis, Mironov and now Ragnarsson but Blake takes us into the elite d-men groups in the league. With him we feel that we are an automatic contender for the championship every year." stated Bob Hartley. "He better be prepared to play some big minutes though."
With the UFA list growing thinner as every day passes they Thrashers have still yet to sign a top goalie. There are two that seem to make the most sense. Bringing back Hasek is a possibility because GM Love has let it be know that he was thrilled with Hasek's play last season. However there are rumors flying around that Love is pushing very hard for Pheonix netminder Dwayne Roloson.
"It is no suprise we are interested in his services. We think he is the best goalie available and a top 5 in the league. We feel with him we would be a great team. I hope with the signings of Ragnarsson and Blake, that Dwayne will realize our seriousness about winning this year and the next couple." GM Love told reporters at the press conference today.
Only time will tell what happens next, but one thing is for sure, the Thrashers just got a whole lot better.