Thrashers let MacArthur walk
The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have refused to match an arbitrator’s award of $2.4 million to left-winger Clarke MacArthur. The refusal to match the reward means that MacArthur is now a free agent, and can sign with any team of his choosing.
Clarke MacArthur
MacArthur began his professional career with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. He spent four years with the Tigers recording an impressive 30 goals and 44 assists, for 74 points in his final season with the club.
He was drafted 74th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2003 National Hockey League entry draft. After being drafted he was sent to the Sabres American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans, where the spent the entire season. In his first season with the Americans he notched 53 points in just 66 games. Because of his success in the AHL MacArthur split the next two seasons between the Americans and the Sabres, playing very well for the AHL affiliate.
MacArthur joined Buffalo permanently registering 31 points in his first full season with the club in 2008-09.
Last season he preformed well over the first 60 games, tallying 26 points before he was traded to the Thrashers at the deadline, in exchange for a third and fourth round draft pick.
MacArthur played 21 games for Atlanta but managed only nine points.
What this Means for the Thrashers
For the Thrashers the loss is very minimal, MacArthur only ever played 21 games with the franchise and his nine point total with the club will not leave a major offensive hole. In addition the salary awarded to the Alberta native was way too high for a player of his caliber.
The only problem that MacArthur leaves behind is a roster spot on offence. The Thrashers still need to sign four major restricted free agents, and if they fail to keep any of these players they may be looking for MacArthur’s services.
Nevertheless, the acquisition of Andrew Ladd and Ben Eager should offset the loss of MacArthur, who did not produce enough offensively for the Thrashers to keep him.
MacArthur’s Perspective
For MacArthur this is not good news, as he has not made a big enough name for himself in the NHL to warrant any long term contract. The number awarded to him by the arbitrator was very generous and was by far the best offer he was going to get. Furthermore, the Thrashers look to be an up and coming young squad, a team that the 25 year-old may have been able to play a large role on, further in the future.
MacArthur is now left with the tough task of negotiating an NHL contract that would see him remain as an everyday roster player with a brand new team.
Who could MacArthur Sign With?
There are not a lot of suitors around the league for a player of MacArthur’s Ilk. The best possibility lies with a team looking to add some depth to their line-up but do not have a great deal of cap space with which to work.
Chicago Blackhawks
For the Blackhawks who only have 17 NHL players under contract, MacArthur could offer a cheap solution to their third or fourth line, perhaps even as an up-and-down player between their AHL affiliate.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is another team that may be looking for some more depth but does not have the cash to sign a more high profile forward. However, MacArthur may have to split time between the NHL and AHL franchises.
New York Rangers
The Rangers could also be interested in signing him to a short term contract. New York is very weak up front, and although MacArthur does not bring a great deal of scoring punch, he does have more experience then most of their forwards.
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