Former Thrashers beat writer John Manasso has been busy churning out content for NHL.com  and two of his latest features should be interesting for most Thrashers fans.

The first is a feature on prospect Angelo Esposito and how he is willing to adapt his game to earn a spot with the Thrashers. The former junior star had two knee surgeries in the span of a year but is back at full strength and ready to prove he still has what it takes.

The second story is about former Thrashers strength and conditioning coach Ray Bear who left the team to work for the US Army where he will be in charge of physical training for troops. Ray Bear was a pleasure to work with and will be missed this season, though new strength and conditioning coach Barry Brennan comes in with a great reputation among players as well.

Rich Peverley has quietly become one of the leaders on the Thrashers roster and now that he’s back in town getting ready for training camp ThrashersTV had a chance to catch up with him. Hear what he had to say about playing for Team Canada, his friend Chris Mason, and the changes that were made to the team.

And if you missed it yesterday, here is a video of Evander Kane talking about his summer:

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether or not NHL teams should give credentials to bloggers who are not affiliated with larger media outlets and Greg Wyshynski from Yahoo!’s Puck Daddy sparked more discussion today by commenting on recent NHL proposals for log credential guidelines.

Before I began working for the Thrashers I had a hockey blog of my own (it’s long since gone) so I can see the issue from both the team and blogger sides. Without taking sides I posed the following question on Twitter for bloggers to respond to:

“If you had game day/night locker room access what would you do with it?”

Here are some of the responses which came from bloggers and non-bloggers alike from a variety of media markets:

• Use it exactly like a columnist. More feature-based and column pieces, maybe more in-depth analysis based work. MSM (main stream media) is the best at providing game stories, the context and other layers are what blogs do best. Access could help that.
• I’d rather have access to coaches than players. But since you asked: bloggers lack context/background. Being there helps. Even if I can’t write about it, noticing Bogosian favoring his wrist or seeing how guys act off-ice could help us understand.
• Talking to coaches at morning skate would be valuable in getting ready to cover the game. Talking to players afterwards gives more depth to a recap piece on the game, and I would use that to improve my coverage.
• I’d look for reportable things about the players that the media doesn’t tell us–the real player behind the milquetoast quotes
• Inside access should be reserved for paid-professionals only. Giving an amateur journalist access to professional content is a slap in the face of media ethics. No problem putting credentialed bloggers in the press box, but giving them the same access Vivlamore gets? Doesn’t seem right.
• Probably do Q&A, though I’d be worried my questions passed muster.
• I would ask players of their health, mentality, and expectations for the match; possibly their “keys to the game”. Post game, inquire their aspects of how they played, felt on their specific lines w/ teammates, injuries, preparation ahead.

Whether they’re credentialed or not, the trick for any blog is to find an angle that sets them apart from everyone else, whether it’s using humor, stats, good sources, or something else.

If you have a Thrashers blog and want to be added to our blog roll please let me know. With the way the media is changing you never know what could be in store for bloggers down the road.

The NHL national TV schedule is out and unlike last season the Thrashers are guaranteed to make an appearance on Versus.

The NHL’s American cable TV partner will carry the April 7 contest between the Thrashers and Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York.

On top of that, the Thrashers’ home finale is currently listed as one of four options for NBC to carry on their flex schedule on April 10. Just like last season the Thrashers wrap up at home versus Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, so it could be a compelling game for a national TV audience, but there will be stiff competition. The other three games NBC has the option to carry that day are Boston at New Jersey, Detroit at Chicago, and Dallas at Minnesota. All things considered it’s hard to imagine NBC carrying anything other than the red Wings at the Blackhawks on the last day of the season.

The Thrashers will also have seven games televised from coast to coast in Canada. All four games versus Montreal will be on RDS as well as a game versus Ottawa (Dec. 13) and two games will be carried on the Canadian arm of the NHL Network. Those games are Oct. 12 when the Thrashers visit LA and Atlanta at Carolina on Jan. 9.

No word yet on when the local TV schedule will be unveiled but traditionally it’s in early September. Last year it was released on September 4.

6-4, 215 lb forward Patrick Rissmiller was acquired from the New York Rangers on August 1 in the Todd White trade (along with Donald Brashear who was then bought out) and after spending the last two season in the AHL he’s anxious to prove he can still play in the NHL like he did for the San Jose Sharks from 2005-08.

Here is what he had to say about the opportunity he has in Atlanta:

On being traded to Atlanta:

“I’m excited for the opportunity and I’ve been looking forward to coming down early to get acquainted with some of the guys and make sure I’m ready to play when camp opens so I can take advantage of this opportunity.”

On the chance to get back to the NHL after two seasons with the AHL Hartford Wolfpack:

“Things didn’t work out when I signed in New York but I’ve been hoping for another chance and this is it. I’m motivated, I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s nice to get down here and skate. It kind of gets the ball rolling.”

On his style of play when he was with the Sharks:

“In San Jose I was a checking line forward. I killed penalties and was a physical defensive forward who was responsible in my own end and chipped in on offense (seven goals and 22 points in 2006-07). I think I can contribute even more on offense but I’m a defense first guy who’s accountable. I want my coaches to trust me and I want to put in some goals when I can.”

On if he knows any other players on the roster:

“Just Boults a little bit from our agent, but other than that I don’t kno wanyone. I’ve played against a couple guys over the years and know them a little bit through passing, but other than that it’s a new group of guys for me. Everyone has been in the same boat at some point though, so it’s easy to get to know guys.”

On when he got to Atlanta:

“I got in yesterday. I was supposed to come in Sunday night but there was bad weather in New York so I came in early yesterday morning. I skated for the first time today and now it’s just three more weeks until camp. I’m excited.”