Big man Fredrik Modin is headed to Atlanta to join the Thrashers and add even more size to what appears to be a large club next season. Modin split time last season with Columbus and Los Angeles to put up 11 points (5-6) and a -8 rating in 44 games, a far cry from the 54 points (31-23) and +5 rating in 77 games he tallied his last season in Tampa Bay ('05-'06). Modin saw a decline in Columbus during the '06-'07 season and hasn't played a full season since due to multiple injuries (knee, back, foot).Modin could prove to be a big part of a re-tooled offense that by the looks on paper is poised to physically dominate teams and still put the puck in the net. Players such as Modin, Dustin Byfuglien, Nik Antropov, Andrew Ladd, Eric Boulton, Chris Thorburn, and possibly Akim Aliu will be creating a large amount of room so forwards Bryan Little, Niclas Bergfors, Evander Kane, and Rich Peverley have time to make plays with much distraction presented to the opposition.
Modin made his name in the NHL with the Lightning playing in a top six forward role displaying a bold crease presence and deft hands around the net. His efforts resulted in Tampa Bay capturing the Stanley Cup in 2004 right before the NHL lockout started. His durability will keep him on the 3rd line but could prove to be a valuable asset in a limited role. This projects to be a much more suitable situation for his game than Columbus was in recent seasons.
-Dustin Lundberg
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