So last week, the Thrashers traded Ken Klee, Brad Larsen, and one of the babies (Chad Painchaud) to the Anaheim Ducks for Stanley Cup-winner, two-time All-Star, two-time Olympian, and flat-out ridiculous defenseman Mathieu Schneider. It came as a surprise to me and, at the same time, it wasn't that much of a shock. Everyone knew that Schneider was getting shipped, but I never expected him to end up in Atlanta. I especially didn't plan on sending Klee, Larsen, and Painchaud for him.
Really, three-for-one seems like a lot. And maybe it is. But we're talking about Mathieu Schneider for an aging defenseman who wasn't exactly the most mobile on the ice, an aging forward who really didn't belong on the team (because he rarely produced and was mildly effective on the penalty kill), and a prospect who may/may not pan out. I'm surprised that's all that we gave up for Schneids. I guess that Anaheim wanted Teemu Selanne that bad.
But back to the point. Blueland Blog's Ben Wright recently got together with Schneider and discussed some aspects of Schneid's game and his attitude toward the trade that sent him to the right (as opposed to left) coast. Apparently, he's liking what he's seen from the Thrashers defensive corps and that's nice. What really struck me, however, was the following comment:
Atlantathrashers.com: I'm sure Thrashers fans would be thrilled if you were able to start your career wearing 18 and end it in 18 if it meant you were staying here in Atlanta.
Schneider: "That would be tremendous. I would love to see that happen."
Throughout the entire feature, Schneider doesn't sound disappointed in the trade or the end result (i.e. ending up in Atlanta). Remember when Dan Boyle, upon hearing that he could've been on the waiver wire, commented that he'd rather get traded than getting picked off of the wire... by a team like Atlanta?
Take a page out of Mathieu Schneider's book, Danny B. Schneids is a class act and I'm thrilled to have someone like him on this team. Sure, the ownership may suck. And perhaps we don't have the best general manager in the league. But what remains is hockey and especially some respect for the players who play it. I'm hoping that Boyle doesn't disrespect the Thrash (though he did play for the Bolts, so the possibility is there), but when you put the Thrash down, you put the entire organization down, too. Because of the rivalry, I cannot stand the Bolts and that's because of what they represent (at least in the past) - leadership and their winning ways. They always created problems for us in the past, whether it be in "simple matchups" (like there is such a thing when each game against divisional opponents means something) or pushing for the playoffs. It's fun to go to Tampa/Atlanta games because there's a ton of tension there. But that doesn't mean I have zero respect for them.
Mathieu Schneider, welcome to Atlanta! We're thrilled to have you here and we cannot wait to see what you bring to the team in terms of production, leadership, and a fantastic teammate.
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