2002–03 Atlanta Thrashers season

National Hockey League team season March 2026 August 2023 NHL 2002–03 2002 Atlanta Thrashers 31–39–7–5 15–19–4–3 16–20–3–2 Southeast 3rd Eastern 11th 226 284 Don Waddell Curt Fraser (Oct-Dec)Don Waddell (Dec-Jan)Bob Hartley (Jan-Apr) Rotating (Oct-Jan)Shawn McEachern (Jan-Apr) Dany Heatley (Jan-Apr)Tony Hrkac (Jan-Apr)Vyacheslav Kozlov (Jan-Apr)Jeff Odgers (Jan-Apr) Philips Arena 13,476 Chicago WolvesGreenville Grrrowl Dany Heatley (41) Vyacheslav Kozlov (49) Dany Heatley (89) Jeff Odgers (171) Lubos Bartecko (+3) Pasi Nurminen (21) Pasi Nurminen (2.88) The 2002–03 Atlanta Thrashers season was the 21st season of play for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 22, 1979, and 28th season for the organization overall. The Thrashers placed third in the Southeast, and eleventh in the East to miss the playoffs. Offseason The Thrashers initially rotated the team captaincy among four players — Vyacheslav Kozlov, Uwe Krupp, Shawn McEachern, and Jeff Odgers.Thrashers to Rotate Team Captaincy Among Four Players http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e9238,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20021220122135/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e9238,00.html December 20, 2002 October 10, 2002 Regular season After a poor start to the season saw the Thrashers with the worst record in the league, head coach Curt Fraser was fired on December 26.Thrashers fire Fraser https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/12/26/Thrashers-fire-Fraser/57781040944714/ UPI November 22, 2022 December 26, 2002 Recently fired Colorado Avalanche head coach Bob Hartley was named his replacement on January 15.In Sports from United Press International https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/01/15/In-Sports-from-United-Press-International/75991042607104/ UPI November 22, 2022 January 15, 2003 The rotating captaincy was discontinued two days later when McEachern was named permanent captain.Atlanta Thrashers Name Shawn McEachern Team Captain Jeff Odgers, Dany Heatley, Yyacheslav Kozlov and Tony Hrkac Named Assistant Captains http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=f904b59e-4c81-4fdd-b76e-c6881a9dc107 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325163627/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=f904b59e-4c81-4fdd-b76e-c6881a9dc107 March 25, 2006 January 17, 2003 The Thrashers struggled defensively, allowing the most goals (284) and the most short-handed goals (14) of any team in the league.https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2003.html 2002-03 NHL Summary Final standings ATL ATL Schedule and results background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 5px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 5px solid; 2002–03 regular season2002-03 Atlanta Thrashers Schedule https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/ATL/2003_games.html Hockey-Reference.com November 22, 2022 y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; October: 0–8–1–1 (home: 0–3–0–1; road: 0–5–1–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |1||October 11, 2002||3–5 || align="left"| @ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) ||0–1–0–0 || 2002020014 L |- |2||October 12, 2002||4–5 OT|| align="left"| Florida Panthers (2002–03) ||0–1–0–1 || 2002020021 OTL |- |3||October 16, 2002||2–3 || align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) ||0–2–0–1 || 2002020044 L |- |4||October 18, 2002||5–8 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) ||0–3–0–1 || 2002020059 L |- |5||October 19, 2002||4–5 || align="left"| New York Islanders (2002–03) ||0–4–0–1 || 2002020066 L |- |6||October 21, 2002||2–3 || align="left"| @ Florida Panthers (2002–03) ||0–5–0–1 || 2002020079 L |- |7||October 23, 2002||1–2 || align="left"| New Jersey Devils (2002–03) ||0–6–0–1 || 2002020092 L |- |8||October 26, 2002||3–4 || align="left"| @ Boston Bruins (2002–03) ||0–7–0–1 || 2002020108 L |- |9||October 29, 2002||0–4 || align="left"| Los Angeles Kings (2002–03) ||0–8–0–1 || 2002020133 L |- |10||October 31, 2002||3–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) ||0–8–1–1 || 2002020145 T |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; November: 6–6–0–0 (home: 4–3–0–0; road: 2–3–0–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |11||November 2, 2002||3–1 || align="left"| @ Florida Panthers (2002–03) ||1–8–1–1 || 2002020162 W |- |12||November 7, 2002||0–5 || align="left"| @ Chicago Blackhawks (2002–03) ||1–9–1–1 || 2002020194 L |- |13||November 9, 2002||6–4 || align="left"| @ Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) ||2–9–1–1 || 2002020203 W |- |14||November 11, 2002||2–1 || align="left"| Calgary Flames (2002–03) ||3–9–1–1 || 2002020218 W |- |15||November 13, 2002||3–2 OT|| align="left"| San Jose Sharks (2002–03) ||4–9–1–1 || 2002020233 W |- |16||November 15, 2002||1–5 || align="left"| Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03) ||4–10–1–1 || 2002020245 L |- |17||November 17, 2002||1–5 || align="left"| Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03) ||4–11–1–1 || 2002020263 L |- |18||November 19, 2002||4–3 OT|| align="left"| Florida Panthers (2002–03) ||5–11–1–1 || 2002020274 W |- |19||November 22, 2002||1–3 || align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) ||5–12–1–1 || 2002020293 L |- |20||November 23, 2002||3–6 || align="left"| @ Washington Capitals (2002–03) ||5–13–1–1 || 2002020303 L |- |21||November 26, 2002||2–3 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) ||5–14–1–1 || 2002020320 L |- |22||November 28, 2002||7–4 || align="left"| New York Rangers (2002–03) ||6–14–1–1 || 2002020333 W |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; December: 4–7–0–3 (home: 2–3–0–1; road: 2–4–0–2) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |23||December 1, 2002||5–4 || align="left"| Washington Capitals (2002–03) ||7–14–1–1 || 2002020359 W |- |24||December 5, 2002||3–4 OT|| align="left"| @ Boston Bruins (2002–03) ||7–14–1–2 || 2002020378 OTL |- |25||December 6, 2002||6–7 OT|| align="left"| @ Washington Capitals (2002–03) ||7–14–1–3 || 2002020387 OTL |- |26||December 8, 2002||0–3 || align="left"| Edmonton Oilers (2002–03) ||7–15–1–3 || 2002020406 L |- |27||December 11, 2002||2–4 || align="left"| @ Phoenix Coyotes (2002–03) ||7–16–1–3 || 2002020423 L |- |28||December 13, 2002||1–3 || align="left"| @ Dallas Stars (2002–03) ||7–17–1–3 || 2002020436 L |- |29||December 14, 2002||0–4 || align="left"| @ St. Louis Blues (2002–03) ||7–18–1–3 || 2002020445 L |- |30||December 16, 2002||1–0 || align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) ||8–18–1–3 || 2002020458 W |- |31||December 18, 2002||1–3 || align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) ||8–19–1–3 || 2002020471 L |- |32||December 20, 2002||2–3 OT|| align="left"| Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) ||8–19–1–4 || 2002020486 OTL |- |33||December 23, 2002||1–5 || align="left"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) ||8–20–1–4 || 2002020509 L |- |34||December 27, 2002||5–3 || align="left"| @ Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) ||9–20–1–4 || 2002020526 W |- |35||December 28, 2002||0–1 || align="left"| Boston Bruins (2002–03) ||9–21–1–4 || 2002020534 L |- |36||December 30, 2002||3–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) ||10–21–1–4 || 2002020551 W |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; January: 7–6–2–0 (home: 4–4–2–0; road: 3–2–0–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |37||January 2, 2003||1–8 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) ||10–22–1–4 || 2002020568 L |- |38||January 3, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| Pittsburgh Penguins (2002–03) ||10–23–1–4 || 2002020580 L |- |39||January 5, 2003||4–5 || align="left"| Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) ||10–24–1–4 || 2002020596 L |- |40||January 7, 2003||3–3 OT|| align="left"| Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) ||10–24–2–4 || 2002020608 T |- |41||January 9, 2003||3–2 OT|| align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) ||11–24–2–4 || 2002020619 W |- |42||January 11, 2003||3–7 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders (2002–03) ||11–25–2–4 || 2002020637 L |- |43||January 13, 2003||7–4 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) ||12–25–2–4 || 2002020651 W |- |44||January 15, 2003||1–0 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) ||13–25–2–4 || 2002020666 W |- |45||January 17, 2003||3–1 || align="left"| Boston Bruins (2002–03) ||14–25–2–4 || 2002020679 W |- |46||January 19, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| New York Islanders (2002–03) ||14–26–2–4 || 2002020694 L |- |47||January 21, 2003||8–4 || align="left"| St. Louis Blues (2002–03) ||15–26–2–4 || 2002020709 W |- |48||January 23, 2003||3–3 OT|| align="left"| Ottawa Senators (2002–03) ||15–26–3–4 || 2002020718 T |- |49||January 25, 2003||4–1 || align="left"| @ New York Rangers (2002–03) ||16–26–3–4 || 2002020732 W |- |50||January 28, 2003||5–2 || align="left"| New York Rangers (2002–03) ||17–26–3–4 || 2002020758 W |- |51||January 30, 2003||2–5 || align="left"| Toronto Maple Leafs (2002–03) ||17–27–3–4 || 2002020771 L |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; February: 4–5–2–0 (home: 1–2–1–0; road: 3–3–1–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |52||February 4, 2003||4–3 || align="left"| @ Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) ||18–27–3–4 || 2002020782 W |- |53||February 7, 2003||4–2 || align="left"| @ New Jersey Devils (2002–03) ||19–27–3–4 || 2002020805 W |- |54||February 8, 2003||1–3 || align="left"| @ Ottawa Senators (2002–03) ||19–28–3–4 || 2002020814 L |- |55||February 12, 2003||1–5 || align="left"| Washington Capitals (2002–03) ||19–29–3–4 || 2002020838 L |- |56||February 14, 2003||2–2 OT|| align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) ||19–29–4–4 || 2002020853 T |- |57||February 15, 2003||2–6 || align="left"| Detroit Red Wings (2002–03) ||19–30–4–4 || 2002020863 L |- |58||February 17, 2003||4–3 OT|| align="left"| Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) ||20–30–4–4 || 2002020873 W |- |59||February 19, 2003||0–2 || align="left"| @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) ||20–31–4–4 || 2002020889 L |- |60||February 23, 2003||3–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Edmonton Oilers (2002–03) ||20–31–5–4 || 2002020925 T |- |61||February 25, 2003||0–8 || align="left"| @ Vancouver Canucks (2002–03) ||20–32–5–4 || 2002020940 L |- |62||February 27, 2003||4–3 OT|| align="left"| @ Colorado Avalanche (2002–03) ||21–32–5–4 || 2002020954 W |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; March: 8–6–2–1 (home: 3–4–1–1; road: 5–2–1–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |63||March 1, 2003||1–4 || align="left"| @ Los Angeles Kings (2002–03) ||21–33–5–4 || 2002020961 L |- |64||March 2, 2003||4–1 || align="left"| @ Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002–03) ||22–33–5–4 || 2002020975 W |- |65||March 6, 2003||4–4 OT|| align="left"| @ Washington Capitals (2002–03) ||22–33–6–4 || 2002020996 T |- |66||March 7, 2003||1–2 || align="left"| Florida Panthers (2002–03) ||22–34–6–4 || 2002021006 L |- |67||March 9, 2003||4–6 || align="left"| Minnesota Wild (2002–03) ||22–35–6–4 || 2002021021 L |- |68||March 11, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| @ New Jersey Devils (2002–03) ||23–35–6–4 || 2002021036 W |- |69||March 13, 2003||2–4 || align="left"| Montreal Canadiens (2002–03) ||23–36–6–4 || 2002021051 L |- |70||March 15, 2003||5–3 || align="left"| Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) ||24–36–6–4 || 2002021066 W |- |71||March 17, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) ||25–36–6–4 || 2002021080 W |- |72||March 19, 2003||4–5 OT|| align="left"| Dallas Stars (2002–03) ||25–36–6–5 || 2002021093 OTL |- |73||March 21, 2003||1–5 || align="left"| Ottawa Senators (2002–03) ||25–37–6–5 || 2002021106 L |- |74||March 22, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| @ Columbus Blue Jackets (2002–03) ||26–37–6–5 || 2002021115 W |- |75||March 24, 2003||2–6 || align="left"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (2002–03) ||26–38–6–5 || 2002021129 L |- |76||March 26, 2003||5–1 || align="left"| Carolina Hurricanes (2002–03) ||27–38–6–5 || 2002021144 W |- |77||March 28, 2003||1–1 OT|| align="left"| New Jersey Devils (2002–03) ||27–38–7–5 || 2002021159 T |- |78||March 29, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| @ Nashville Predators (2002–03) ||28–38–7–5 || 2002021170 W |- |79||March 31, 2003||4–3 OT|| align="left"| @ New York Rangers (2002–03) ||29–38–7–5 || 2002021179 W |- y background:#fff; border-top:#00004d 2px solid; border-bottom:#FDB231 2px solid; April: 2–1–0–0 (home: 1–0–0–0; road: 1–1–0–0) Game Date Score Opponent Record Recap |- |80||April 2, 2003||3–4 || align="left"| @ Buffalo Sabres (2002–03) ||29–39–7–5 || 2002021193 L |- |81||April 5, 2003||3–2 || align="left"| @ New York Islanders (2002–03) ||30–39–7–5 || 2002021216 W |- |82||April 6, 2003||6–2 || align="left"| Tampa Bay Lightning (2002–03) ||31–39–7–5 || 2002021225 W |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win (2 points) 1px solid black W #fcc Loss (0 points) 1px solid black L #ffc Tie (1 point) 1px solid black T #fff Overtime loss (1 point) 1px solid black OTL Player statistics Scoring Position abbreviations: C = Center; D = Defense; G = Goaltender; LW = Left wing; RW = Right wing = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Thrashers only. = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Thrashers only. No. Jersey number Player Pos Position Regular season GP Games played G Goals A Assists Pts Points +/- Plus/minus PIM Penalties in minutes 15 Dany Heatley LW 77 41 48 89 −8 58 13 Vyacheslav Kozlov LW 79 21 49 70 −10 66 17 Ilya Kovalchuk LW 81 38 29 67 −24 57 9 Marc Savard C 57 16 31 47 −11 77 27 Patrik Stefan Patrik Štefan C 71 13 21 34 −10 12 38 Yannick Tremblay D 75 8 22 30 −27 32 19 Shawn McEachern RW 46 10 16 26 −27 28 12 Tony Hrkac C 80 9 17 26 −16 14 8 Frantisek Kaberle František Kaberle D 79 7 19 26 −19 32 25 Andy Sutton D 53 3 18 21 −8 114 23 Lubos Bartecko Ľuboš Bartečko LW 37 7 9 16 3 8 36 Daniel Tjarnqvist Daniel Tjärnqvist D 75 3 12 15 −20 26 37 Dan Snyder ice hockey C 36 10 4 14 −4 34 18 Brad Tapper RW 35 10 4 14 2 23 26 Pascal Rheaume Pascal Rhéaume C 56 4 9 13 −8 24 42 Richard Smehlik Richard Šmehlík D 43 2 9 11 −4 16 4 Chris Tamer D 72 1 9 10 −10 118 16 Jeff Cowan LW 66 3 5 8 −15 115 39 Per Svartvadet C 62 1 7 8 −11 8 3 Mark Hartigan C 23 5 2 7 −8 6 20 Jeff Odgers RW 74 2 4 6 −13 171 7 Chris Herperger C 27 4 1 5 −11 7 22 Kamil Piros Kamil Piroš C 3 3 2 5 4 2 43 Mike Weaver ice hockey D 40 0 5 5 −5 20 29 Kirill Safronov D 32 2 2 4 −10 14 31 Pasi Nurminen G 52 0 3 3 4 10 Yuri Butsayev LW 16 2 0 2 −5 8 50 Joe DiPenta D 3 1 1 2 3 0 2 Garnet Exelby D 15 0 2 2 0 41 14 Tomi Kallio LW 5 0 2 2 −2 4 6 Francis Lessard RW 18 0 2 2 1 61 45 Ben Simon LW 10 0 1 1 0 9 49 Zdenek Blatny Zdeněk Blatný LW 4 0 0 0 −1 0 35 Frederic Cassivi Frédéric Cassivi G 2 0 0 0 0 34 Byron Dafoe G 17 0 0 0 0 28 Jeff Farkas RW 3 0 0 0 −1 0 47 Kurtis Foster D 2 0 0 0 −2 0 41 Simon Gamache C 2 0 0 0 −1 2 33 Milan Hnilicka Milan Hnilička G 21 0 0 0 2 44 Uwe Krupp D 4 0 0 0 −2 10 11 J. P. Vigier RW 13 0 0 0 −13 4 Goaltending = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Thrashers only. No. Jersey number Player Regular season GP Games played W Wins L Losses T Ties SA Shots against GA Goals against GAA Goals against average SV% Save percentage SO Shutouts TOI Time on ice 31 Pasi Nurminen 52 21 19 5 1452 137 2.88 .906 2 2856 34 Byron Dafoe 17 5 11 1 472 65 4.36 .862 0 895 33 Milan Hnilicka 21 4 13 1 605 65 3.56 .893 0 1097 35 Frederic Cassivi 2 1 1 0 58 11 5.37 .810 0 123 Awards and records Awards TypeAward/honorRecipientRef League(in-season) NHL All-Star Game selection Dany HeatleyHeatley was voted the All-Star Game MVP.McCormack Kevin Heatley Steals The Show At NHL All-Star Game http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=8e96147f-40e9-4d1d-bb57-610d7ec4d2c6 Atlanta Thrashers December 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325165430/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=8e96147f-40e9-4d1d-bb57-610d7ec4d2c6 March 25, 2006 February 2, 20032003 NHL All-Star Game Rosters https://www.hockey-reference.com/allstar/NHL_2003_roster.html Hockey-Reference.com August 29, 2024 NHL Player of the Week Dany Heatley (March 31)Dany Heatley Named NHL Player Of The Week http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=b38b844c-d4e5-4a58-ad6a-6a7677a4e518 Atlanta Thrashers December 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325161524/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=b38b844c-d4e5-4a58-ad6a-6a7677a4e518 March 25, 2006 March 31, 2003 Team Community Service Award Chris TamerThrashers Present Gilner-Reeves Community Service Award to Defenseman Chris Tamer http://www.atlantathrashers.com/Community.aspx?Levels=5%7C7%7C0&CID01=af943d74-9580-44ca-b1e6-097d379fbf04 Atlanta Thrashers December 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325170302/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/Community.aspx?Levels=5%7C7%7C0&CID01=af943d74-9580-44ca-b1e6-097d379fbf04 March 25, 2006 March 28, 2003 Players' Player Award Jeff OdgersThrashers Forward Dany Heatley Wins Bud Light 3 Stars Award And Chevrolet MVP Award http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=4b4b0e76-a8ea-4d3a-87a0-56db0239b4ac Atlanta Thrashers December 22, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325165257/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=4b4b0e76-a8ea-4d3a-87a0-56db0239b4ac March 25, 2006 April 6, 2003 Team MVP Dany Heatley Three Stars of the Game Award Dany Heatley Milestones MilestonePlayerDateRef First game Simon Gamache March 7, 20032002-03 NHL Debuts https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2003_debut.html Hockey-Reference.com October 13, 2024 Garnet Exelby March 11, 2003 Zdenek Blatny March 19, 2003 Kurtis Foster March 31, 2003 Joe DiPenta April 2, 2003 Transactions The Thrashers were involved in the following transactions from June 14, 2002, the day after the deciding game of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final, through June 9, 2003, the day of the deciding game of the 2003 Stanley Cup Final.Hockey Transactions Search Results https://www.prosportstransactions.com/hockey/Search/SearchResults.php?Player=&Team=Thrashers&BeginDate=2002-06-14&EndDate=2003-06-09&PlayerMovementChkBx=yes&submit=Search&start=0 www.prosportstransactions.com December 1, 2022 Trades Date Details Ref 2002 06 22 To Atlanta ThrashersVancouver’s 3rd-round pick in 2002 NY Rangers’ 4th-round pick in 2003 To Florida PanthersFuture considerationsThe Thrashers promised not to pick defenseman Jay Bouwmeester with the second overall selection in the draft.THRASHERS PICK UP 10 PLAYERS IN DRAFT; ACQUIRE KOZLOV http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8302,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20021004082815/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8302,00.html October 4, 2002 June 23, 2002 To Atlanta ThrashersVyacheslav Kozlov 2nd-round pick in 2002 To Buffalo Sabres2nd-round pick in 2002 Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in 2002 To Atlanta ThrashersDetroit’s 1st-round pick in 2002 To Columbus Blue JacketsBuffalo’s 2nd-round pick in 2002 Detroit’s 3rd-round pick in 2002 2002 06 23 To Atlanta Thrashers 8th-round pick in 2002 7th-round pick in 2003 To San Jose Sharks New Jersey’s 7th-round pick in 2002 2002 06 29 To Atlanta ThrashersShawn McEachern 6th-round pick in 2004 To Ottawa SenatorsBrian PothierMcEachern traded to Thrashers https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/06/29/McEachern-traded-to-Thrashers/26941025391956/ UPI December 1, 2022 June 29, 2002 2002 10 04 To Atlanta ThrashersFuture considerations6th-round pick in 2003 To Dallas StarsStephane Robidas+SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4+ https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/10/04/SPORTS-TRANSACTIONS-FOR-FRIDAY-OCTOBER-4/2811033704000/ UPI December 1, 2022 October 4, 2002 Dallas Stars - Acquired defenseman Stephane Robidas from the Atlanta Thrashers for future considerations. 2002 11 15 To Atlanta ThrashersMarc Savard To Calgary FlamesRights to Ruslan ZainullinThrashers Acquire Forward Marc Savard from Calgary in Exchange for Forward Ruslan Zainullen http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=e5baf041-d5d4-4604-a636-1464b791fd36 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325163913/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=e5baf041-d5d4-4604-a636-1464b791fd36 March 25, 2006 November 15, 2002 2002 12 02 To Atlanta ThrashersChris Nielsen Petteri Nummelin To Columbus Blue JacketsTomi Kallio Pauli LevokariThrashers Acquire Chris Nielsen and Petteri Nummelin from Columbus in Exchange for Tomi Kallio and Pauli Levokari http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=d666a22f-7c3e-4585-b051-479a43540c28 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325165201/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=d666a22f-7c3e-4585-b051-479a43540c28 March 25, 2006 December 2, 2002 2003 01 20 To Atlanta ThrashersJeff Farkas To Vancouver CanucksChris Herperger Chris NielsenThrashers Acquire Forward Jeff Farkas from Vancouver in Exchange for Forwards Chris Herperger, Chris Nielsen http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=ebf76bc9-8ea1-4066-b63c-e3ddeeeb50c2 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325161534/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=ebf76bc9-8ea1-4066-b63c-e3ddeeeb50c2 March 25, 2006 January 20, 2003 2003 02 24 To Atlanta ThrashersConditional draft pick in 2004 To New Jersey DevilsPascal RheaumeThrashers Trade Forward Pascal Rheaume to New Jersey in Exchange for a 2004 Conditional Draft Pick http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=b83d7f90-7352-47a5-8ec7-ff4f104ff870 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325161217/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=b83d7f90-7352-47a5-8ec7-ff4f104ff870 March 25, 2006 February 24, 2003 2003 03 10 To Atlanta Thrashers4th-round pick in 2003 To New Jersey DevilsRichard Smehlik Conditional draft pick in 2004Thrashers Trade Smehlik and a 2004 Draft Pick to New Jersey for Fourth-Round Selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft; Reassign Gamache to Chicago (AHL) http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=3a053b14-cc19-492e-9546-f223cb6816cd Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325164956/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=3a053b14-cc19-492e-9546-f223cb6816cd March 25, 2006 March 10, 2003 2003 03 11 To Atlanta ThrashersRights to Anthony Aquino To Dallas StarsDallas’ 6th-round pick in 2003 Future considerationsThrashers Acquire Forward Anthony Aquino From Dallas http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=09e5e38b-bec3-4548-ac32-8c3163aabbda Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325160956/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=09e5e38b-bec3-4548-ac32-8c3163aabbda March 25, 2006 March 11, 2003 Players acquired Date Player Former team Term Via Ref 2002 07 10 Richard Smehlik Buffalo Sabres Free agencyThrashers pick up Smehlik https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/thrashers-pick-up-smehlik-1.323463 CBC.ca December 1, 2022 July 10, 2002 2002 07 19 Uwe Krupp Detroit Red Wings Free agencyAtlanta Thrashers Sign Unrestricted Free Agent Defenseman Uwe Krupp http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8505,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20020806021717/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8505,00.html August 6, 2002 July 19, 2002 2002 07 23 Dallas Eakins Calgary Flames Free agencyThrashers Agree to Terms with Michael Garnett, Paul Flache and Dallas Eakins http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8530,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20020806022929/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8530,00.html August 6, 2002 July 23, 2002 2002 08 01 Chris Herperger Ottawa Senators Free agencyThrashers agree to terms with Kozlov, Kallio, Simon and unrestricted free agent Herperger http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8591,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20021019234859/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8591,00.html October 19, 2002 August 1, 2002 2002 10 04 Stephane Robidas Montreal Canadiens Waiver draft NO ACTIVITY WHATSOEVER FOR SABRES ON DRAFT DAY https://buffalonews.com/news/no-activity-whatsoever-for-sabres-on-draft-day/article_b8b7956b-b1b7-5e3c-af96-c81f336507e4.html Buffalo News November 30, 2022 October 5, 2002 2002 11 22 Byron Dafoe Boston Bruins Free agencyThrashers Sign Unrestricted Free Agent Goaltender Byron Dafoe http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=53925356-b16f-4387-9cb2-e9dd6e0cf9f0 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325165514/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=53925356-b16f-4387-9cb2-e9dd6e0cf9f0 March 25, 2006 November 22, 2002 2003 03 28 Brian Maloney Michigan State University (CCHA) Free agencyThrashers Agree to Terms with Michigan State University Forward Brian Maloney http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=aea83f11-4c5b-41f7-8680-79cd629399db Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325162014/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=aea83f11-4c5b-41f7-8680-79cd629399db March 25, 2006 March 28, 2003 Players lost Date Player New team ViaIn parentheses is the player's free agency group on July 1 if applicable.NHL FREE-AGENT LIST https://www.heraldextra.com/sports/2002/jul/02/nhl/ Daily Herald November 25, 2022 July 2, 2002 Ref 2002 07 01 Damian Rhodes BuyoutThe buyout was later cancelled with Atlanta being held liable for Rhodes’ full 2002–03 salary since Rhodes was unable to pass a physical with another NHL team.Damian Rhodes: News, Stats, Game Logs RotoWire https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/player/damian-rhodes-708 www.rotowire.com April 16, 2023 October 3, 2002 The failure of Rhodes to pass a physical with another NHL club has left Atlanta liable for his full $2.7 million salary this season. As a result, he's back on the Atlanta roster, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Atlanta first loaned Rhodes to the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters and later in the season re-assigned him to the ECHL’s Greenville Grrrowl.LOCK MONSTERS LOANED GOALTENDER DAMIAN RHODES http://www.lockmonsters.com:80/home_popupgs/rhodes.html Lowell Lock Monsters December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20030224150915/http://www.lockmonsters.com:80/home_popupgs/rhodes.html February 24, 2003 December 14, 2002Veteran Goaltender Damian Rhodes Assigned To Greenville Grrrowl http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=7b0e91fd-346e-493d-890d-9a1c5d66be14 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325170504/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=7b0e91fd-346e-493d-890d-9a1c5d66be14 March 25, 2006 February 20, 2003 Thrashers buy out Damian Rhodes https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/thrashers-buy-out-damian-rhodes-1.355631 CBC.ca December 1, 2022 July 4, 2002 2002 07 17 Todd Reirden Anaheim Mighty Ducks Free agency (UFA) SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 17+ https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/07/18/SPORTS-TRANSACTIONS-FOR-WEDNESDAY-JULY-17/1341026964800/ UPI December 1, 2022 July 18, 2002 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim -- Agreed to terms on two-year contracts with defenseman Todd Reirden and center Jason Krog. 2002 08 05 Bryan Adams Detroit Red Wings Free agency (VI) Sports transactions https://www.deseret.com/2002/8/6/19670183/sports-transactions Deseret News December 1, 2022 August 6, 2002 DETROIT RED WINGS—Signed LW Bryan Adams 2002 08 21 Scott Fankhouser Reading Royals (ECHL) Free agency (VI) Royals Sign Goaltender https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/royals-sign-goaltender/n-1973816 OurSports Central December 1, 2022 August 21, 2002 2002 08 30 Adam Burt Retirement (III) b/burtad01 Adam Burt, retrieved December 1, 2002 N/A Jeff Dessner Iserlohn Roosters (DEL) Free agency (UFA) 86875 Jeff Dessner, retrieved December 1, 2022 2003 04 27 Uwe Krupp Retirement k/kruppuw01 Uwe Krupp, retrieved December 1, 2002 2003 06 08 Norm Maracle Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RSL) Free agencyНовости / Пресса • ХК Металлург Магнитогорск http://www.metallurg.ru/news/?id=7150 Metallurg Magnitogorsk December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20030705115040/http://www.metallurg.ru/news/?id=7150 July 5, 2003 June 8, 2003 ru Signings Date Player Term Contract type Ref 2002 06 27 Jeff Cowan Re-signing Thrashers re-sign Cowan, Sutton https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/06/27/Thrashers-re-sign-Cowan-Sutton/33591025201839/ UPI December 1, 2022 June 27, 2002 Andy Sutton Re-signing 2002 07 11 Pauli Levokari Entry-level +SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 11+ https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/07/11/SPORTS-TRANSACTIONS-FOR-THURSDAY-JULY-11/9451026360000/ UPI December 1, 2022 July 11, 2002 Atlanta Thrashers -- Agreed to terms with defenseman Pauli Levokari. 2002 07 18 Pascal Rheaume Re-signing Thrashers re-sign Rheaume, 2 others https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/07/18/Thrashers-re-sign-Rheaume-2-others/2161026964800/ UPI December 1, 2022 July 18, 2002 Brad Tapper Re-signing Mike Weaver Re-signing 2002 07 23 Paul Flache Entry-level Michael Garnett Entry-level 2002 07 25 Patrik Stefan 2-year Re-signing Thrashers re-sign restricted free agent forward Patrik Stefan http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8544,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20020802063425/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8544,00.html August 2, 2002 July 25, 2002 2002 08 01 Tomi Kallio Re-signing Vyacheslav Kozlov 1-year Re-signing Ben Simon Re-signing 2002 08 08 Yannick Tremblay Re-signing Thrashers Agree To Terms With Defenseman Tremblay http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8676,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20020811161503/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8676,00.html August 11, 2002 August 8, 2002 2002 08 09 Mark Hartigan Re-signing +SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 9+ https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/10/SPORTS-TRANSACTIONS-FOR-FRIDAY-AUGUST-9/2101028952000/ UPI December 1, 2022 August 10, 2002 Atlanta Thrashers -- Agreed to terms with restricted free agent center Mark Hartigan. 2002 08 19 Francis Lessard Re-signing +SPORTS TRANSACTIONS FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 19+ https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/SPORTS-TRANSACTIONS-FOR-MONDAY-AUGUST-19/1721029729600/ UPI December 1, 2022 August 19, 2002 Atlanta Thrashers - Re-signed defenseman Francis Lessard. 2002 08 27 Dan Snyder Re-signing Thrashers sign two https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/08/27/Thrashers-sign-two/57811030469677/ UPI December 1, 2022 August 27, 2002 Daniel Tjarnqvist Re-signing 2002 09 10 Yuri Butsayev Re-signing Thrashers Agree to Terms with Restricted Free Agent Forward Yuri Butsayev http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8834,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20021220121323/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8834,00.html December 20, 2002 September 10, 2002 2002 09 11 Milan Hnilicka Re-signing Thrashers Re-Sign Restricted Free Agent Goaltender Milan Hnilicka http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8849,00.html Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20020916201125/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View/0,8874,7%7c0%7c0%5e8849,00.html September 16, 2002 September 11, 2002 2003 03 11 Shawn McEachern multi-year Extension Thrashers Agree to Terms With Forward Shawn McEachern http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=98bcf5d0-c52c-41e3-9f67-211cfdcb72fc Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325170053/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=98bcf5d0-c52c-41e3-9f67-211cfdcb72fc March 25, 2006 March 11, 2003 2003 06 04 Kari Lehtonen Entry-level Thrashers Agree To Terms With Goaltender Kari Lehtonen http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=db646057-44ed-408a-9a81-14802a88cad8 Atlanta Thrashers December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20060325163728/http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=db646057-44ed-408a-9a81-14802a88cad8 March 25, 2006 June 4, 2003 Draft picks Atlanta's draft picks at the 2002 NHL entry draft held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario.2002 NHL Entry Draft Picks at hockeydb.com https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2002e.html hockeyDB.com December 23, 2022 Round # Player Nationality College/Junior/Club team (League)12Kari LehtonenJokerit (Finland)130Jim SlaterMichigan State University (CCHA)4116Patrick DwyerWestern Michigan University (CCHA)4124Lane MansonMoose Jaw Warriors (WHL)5144Paul FlacheBrampton Battalion (OHL)6167Brad SchellSpokane Chiefs (WHL)7198Nathan OystrickNorthern Michigan University (CCHA)8230Colton FretterChatham Maroons (WOHL)8236Tyler BoldtKamloops Blazers (WHL)8257Pauli LevokariHIFK (Finland) Notes References Atlanta Thrashers 2002-03 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0017902003.html www.hockeydb.com December 12, 2022 2002-03 Atlanta Thrashers Roster and Statistics https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/ATL/2003.html Hockey-Reference.com December 12, 2022 Atlanta Thrashers seasons, 2002-03 Category:Atlanta Thrashers seasons Atlanta Thrashers Atlanta Thrashers Category:2002 in Atlanta Category:2003 in Atlanta