The Thrashers, through thick and thin (and there portends to be more “thin” this year than “thick”) have had an excellent offense. Left wing Slava Kozlov has eleven 20-goal seasons under his belt. This is the last year of his deal in Atlanta, and one wonders whether it’s the end of the line, although Kozlov clearly has another two or three seasons in his tank. Fellow Russian and Sabre castoff Maxim Afinogenov was invited to training camp on a tryout basis in hopes of resurrecting his career.

The whole equation boils down to the success of Ilya Kovalchuk, who enters the last year of his deal earning $7.5M. The fact that he’s only appeared in four playoff games in his seven seasons is on everyone’s mind. Will Waddell trade Kovalchuk to a playoff contending team at the deadline? Can he sign his sniper to an extension?

Part of the answer lies with right wing Nik Antropov (28 goals), who comes over from the Rangers via free agency, seeking to become the big wing who finally replaces Marian Hossa. But is Antropov going to become as dominant a talent as Hossa? It seems unlikely. Another piece from the Hossa deal, Colby Armstrong, represents another offensive bright spot, his 22 goals last season was a career high. Journeyman Todd White chipped in 22 as well, and Rich Peverley was a great late-season addition, with 13 goals in 39 games with Atlanta.

2008-09 was a huge year for Bryan Little. Little, who turns 22 in November, scored 31 goals last season and as he enters his third campaign, will feel the pressure to repeat his output. Center Angelo Esposito will likely make his long-anticipated NHL debut this season, three years after being involved in the Hossa deal. First round pick (6th overall) Evander Kane will get a look-see, but likely will head back to juniors (Vancouver, WHL).

While the Thrashers had the ninth rated offense (and 11th-rated power play), its defense and penalty killing both ranked next to last.

Defensively, the club welcomes Pavel Kubina, whose 6’4”, 244-lb is needed, as his offensive prowess (14 goals in 08-09). Tobias Enstrom is capable, Zach Bogosian enters his second NHL season, and Ron Hainsey needs to improve on his six goals from last season after signing through 2012-13 for $22.5M. The absence of grit on the blueline is the club’s undoing.

After being drafted second overall in 2002, Kari Lehtonen has struggled to find consistency, but then again, so have the Thrashers. GM Don Waddell signed Lehtonen to a one-year (read: “Make or Break”) deal, recognizing that it would be foolhardy to dispense with the youngster. (Remember, Cup champ Marc-Andre Fleury, drafted first overall in 2003 by the Penguins, struggled on bad clubs too)