If there is one thing this team is aces at, it's breaking stellar young goalies. This probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but it still stings. And stinks.
By Craig Custance - Sporting News
Ondřeji , nepůjdeš prosim!Ondrej Pavelec, the top prospect in the Atlanta Thrashers organization, will not be reporting to the AHL his agent told Sporting News.
The 21-year old goalie was sent to the AHL's Chicago Wolves on Saturday by the team after seeing action in only two Thrashers preseason games. He started the first preseason game, earning the win, and came in relief of Johan Hedberg for the third period of Friday night's loss to Nashville. He allowed four goals in the period.
Allan Walsh, Pavelec's agent, said the Thrashers organization didn't keep promises given to the young goalie when he signed with the team, so he wants out.
"When Ondrej signed two years ago, [Thrashers GM Don Waddell] gave Ondrej his word. He sat there at the table and gave Ondrej his personal word that Ondrej would never be held back," Walsh told SN. "Last year he led Chicago to an American League championship. This year he played in the first exhibition game and then the third period on October 3 -- they threw him into the game cold in the third period. That is criminal mismanagement of a young goalie."
Walsh said he wouldn't have had a problem if Pavelec had been given an honest opportunity to make the team and gotten beaten out. But he said the young goalie was never given a fair chance to make the roster, something he said was part of the agreement with Atlanta.
"He will never be part of an organization that doesn't keep its word and treats players in this manner," Walsh said.
Walsh said Pavelec has options, including several interested teams in Russia or he would welcome a trade from the Thrashers.
"We're evaluating where his next step is," Walsh said. "He's most likely going to get on a plane and go home right now."
Waddell was not immediately available for comment.
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