Breaking Down Thrashers Jetting off to Winnipeg

As per unreliable sources on twitter and then a glance at TSN.ca's homepage, the Atlanta Thrashers are on their way to Winnipeg. A deal was reached on Monday and report spouted out today that the two sides had agreed on a deal to sell the Thrashers to True North Sports. True North Sports have plans to move the Thrashers to Manitoba for this upcoming season.

Southern Routes
This means now there will be seven Canadian teams. The Winnipeg "Thrashers" will continue to play in the Southeast Division. The NHL apparently was not prepared for the move. This means the awful travel schedule will undoubtedly be the ultimate test for this young team.

Team Outlook
Evander Kane and Bryan Little are the future on Offense, while Tobias Enstrom and Zack Bogosian make up the blueline, and Pavelec looks to be setting into an all star role in net. Andrew Ladd was awarded with the captain's "C" last season, in only his 1st in Atlanta.He was acquired in the deal that also brought Dustin Byfugien to the Thrashers.

The offense could use some big names up front to compliment Nik Antropov and Bryan Little. While the blueline needs to be geared a tad more towards defense and protecting Pavalec. Good news, Winnipeg has over 23 million in cap space. Bad news, their is no word on the budget has been set at.

Stirring the Pot
With a few top tier goalies set to become free agents, Winnipeg could send Pavelec packing in a deal to ring-in a top offense man or two. As offensive hep has to be a top concern heading into a "first season." Fans like goals, so a top line forward seems appropriate as no one can be TOO excited about a rebuilding team.

What about Phoenix?
So now what's going to happen to that struggling team over in Glendale, Arizona?
Luckily earlier this month Glandale approved another 25 million to keep the Yotes in Phoenix for another year. But after that is clearly unknown. Their "homeland" was just abducted and now there are not many options left. Calling Jim Balsillie, NHL?