By Matt McConnell, TV Voice of the Thrashers
FOXSportsSouth.com
February 15, 2011
On Tuesday, the face of the franchise was instantly created when the Atlanta Thrashers announced the signing of Dustin Byfuglien to a five-year contract extension in one of the most significant steps in franchise history.
By being proactive in their desire to get him signed prior to the off-season, they've eliminated clouds of doubt. On the ice, they've locked up a key element to the team's power play at the young age of 25. Not only have they created their identity as an organization, they also locked up a fan favorite, the smiling 265 pound defenseman that's loaded with personality and charisma. To most fans, he's a smiling teddy bear whose goals celebrations have become part of the entertainment inside Philips Arena. To the opposition, he's a house on skates sporting a 100 MPH slapshot.
They've locked up their leader, a popular locker room figure with tremendous presence, a trait of this team that's been sorely lacking at times in the past.
But as important, they've shown the hockey world their seriousness level towards the future of the franchise and its commitment within the marketplace.
This contract shows ownership's willingness to commit dollars and to spend money when it makes sense. In this instance, it made sense 26 million times over (five years).
The Byfuglien contract illustrates general manager Rick Dudley's ability and willingness to get out in front of contract negotiations and make deals happen before the window of negotiation has all by closed. It gives him greater swagger and cache when trying to attract free agents down to Dixie this summer. Think about it. What free agent forward wouldn't welcome a chance to play on the power play with Byfuglien?
Suddenly, hockey's playing field is starting leveling out.
Dudley is allowed to go full tilt at making a deal or deals prior to the February 28th NHL trade deadline, not to mention a clearer picture of his depth chart on the blueline which may or may not factor into potential deals aimed at strengthening the team in the "here and now."
The Byfuglien contract sends a message to the hockey world that Atlanta's hockey future remains bright and that it's not the wasteland everyone makes it out to be. Atlanta is a world class city with great weather and great attractions. It's getting closer by the day to being a city with a consistently great hockey team.
The on-ice product team will be strengthened immediately through the contract. It allows Big Buff to concentrate on the most important part of the season which is right now, the stretch run towards a playoff berth. It gives the team inside the locker room renewed hope and a much needed lift at a critical time of the season when winning needs to take place now if the team has any shot at a playoff berth. The good fortunes of one player often forge a bond amongst the others inside the room, which creates unity among the ranks.
The fans receive yet another reason for optimism, a second thought when it comes to returning that two week old phone call from the sales representative that's been trying to get a commitment on playoff tickets and season seats, and your future entertainment dollars in this tough economy.
The Byfuglien contract puts Atlanta back in play, back in the headlines and back in the conversation.
