8 Seasons Later, Still No Defense

I like Don Waddell as a person and over the years I've defended him quite often. But the one thing that is hard to explain is how a former defenseman like Waddell continues to assemble a roster that is so weak in their own end.

Atlanta Thrashers History
1999-2000: 313 Goals Allowed (28th out of 28 teams)
2001-2001: 289 Goals Allowed (29th out of 30 teams)
2002-2002: 288 Goals Allowed (30th out of 30 teams)
2003-2004: 284 Goals Allowed (30th out of 30 teams)
2004-2005: 243 Goals Allowed (25th out of 30 teams)
2005-2006: NHL Lockout
2005-2006: 270 Goals Allowed (24th out of 30 teams)
2006-2007: 241 Goals Allowed (15th out of 30 teams)
2007-2008: 104 Goals Allowed (30th out of 30 teams)

Now the Thrashers were grossly outspend by other clubs prior to the lockout but that is no longer the case post-lockout. DW has had roughly the same amount to spend as other GMs in the league and with his money he has put together one club that was average defensively, one that in the bottom third and another that is on track to finish dead last. One acceptable defensive team in eight years is not a good return on investment.