Atlanta Changes Paths and Patrice Cormier is Part of the Package

Now it's getting personal, as reported yesterday in Call Of the Wild, Atlanta Thrashers, parent club of the Chicago Wolves, have been unable to reach agreement with Ilya Kocalchuck. General Manager Don Waddell in his statement to the press said " Now we have to turn the page", turn the page, indeed.  In response to Kocalchuck nixing a reported $101 million dollar package Waddell has crafted a deal with the New Jersey Devils for Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cromier and a 2010 first round draft pick.

It is 19 year old Patrice Cromier that has a history worthy of note. On January 25th of this year the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League suspended Cormier for 20 games, ending his season.  The suspension was for an on ice elbowing incident on January 17th that left Mikael Tam of the Quebec Ramparts unconscious and convulsing on the ice . Tam was in hospital for two days and has not returned to play.

Patrice Cormier's response to the QMJHL's decision ? " I respect the decision of the QMJHL even if I find it too severe. I deeply regret the circumstances surroundings this event and I wish Mikael Tam a speedy and full recovery."  On Tuesday Cormier's team the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies announced that they would be filling an appeal of the suspension.

Caution both clips contain graphic material.

The first clip is of the January 17th incident. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgwCaxEB6-Y

This clip is of an incident in December involving an elbow to a Swede.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hzeOhL8_9g

In seasons past with blooming of spring flowers we have seen 19 year old prospects fresh from the Major Juniors filling out the ranks of the Wolves to get a chance to strut their stuff for Atlanta.  Players like Artus Kulda, Bryan Little and Angelo Esposito, will we see Patrice Cromier join this years spring bouquet ? Or will he be the Wolves nettle?