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As teams determine which players to retain -- and which ones they want to sign via free agency -- ESPN.com looks at the Thrashers. We briefly review '99-00 and Atlanta's inaugural season in the NHL. Then, there's the question of how much better the Thrashers expect to be in 2000-2001.

Season Review: Thrashing for respectability

	Rhodes

The first season for an expansion team is always going to be rough. Young talent, mixed with a smattering of veterans and castaways always makes for an interesting 82-game docket.

The Thrashers' season was no surprise. There were some bright spots, and a lot of holes. The two biggest trouble spots were the team's offense and goaltending. Atlanta barely averaged two goals per game, and totaled 24 fewer goals than the team with the next fewest and 108 less than league-leading Detroit. The Thrashers expected Damian Rhodes and Norm Maracle to develop into a decent tandem, but the team ended up using five goalies over the course of the season, and the team averages were a 3.78 GAA and .877 save percentage. That doesn't translate into wins.

Ray Ferraro had flirted with retirement, but a two-year commitment from the Thrashers convinced him to come on board, and the franchise should be thankful. Ferraro (19-25-44) was solid all year, although he's not a great finisher, and provided good leadership and mentoring. Andrew Brunette lead the team with 23 goals and 50 points, and Donald Audette had 11 points in the 14 games after being acquired from the Kings.

On the youth front, Hnat Domenichelli showed some promise, while 1999 top pick Patrik Stefan -- zero points in March and April -- showed he's got some work to do before he begins to fulfill expectations.

Open Market: Thrashers still in motion
The Thrashers have made a smattering of minor signings as well as locking up Audette, a former 30-goal scorer who could be a solid boost for the team's struggling offense. Adam Burt will help anchor a relatively weak defense and give some guidance to young Czech talent Petr Buzek.

	FREE AGENCY
	Key unsigned free agents: Petr Buzek, Hnat Domenichelli, Steve Guolla, Steve Guolla, Yannick Tremblay, Johan Garpenlov, Maxim Galanov Signings/offseason acquisitions: Donald Audette, David Harlock, Andreas Karlsson, Sean McCann, Adam Burt, Denny Lambert, Norm Maracle, Shean Donovan

But there's much to be done. As is often the case with young teams, there remains a slew of unsigned restricted free agents. Most don't have tremendous leverage. Maracle was the only player to file for arbitration, but he signed on Wednesday, July 26. Buzek represented the team at the All-Star Game, so it's unclear what range of years and salary he'll demand.

Don't expect the Thrashers do be aggressive in the open market. They're a few years from having that avenue be relevant. The Thrashers need talent at all positions, so they'll be bargain hunting, and during the season, don't be surprised if players like Ferraro or Brunette go to playoff teams at the trade deadline. That's usually the best time to stock up on young talent, and perhaps Atlanta can pick up a good prospect on defense.

How to improve: Keep rolling out four lines
A year of losing can be tough on the psyche, but things won't be too much better for Atlanta. Hopefully, they can win a few more close games, especially at home to keep the fans interested. Just playing and giving the young talent a lot of ice time will make this team better.

Stefan must make a big jump next season. He has to fight through checks and work to create space and time for himself. With Audette, Ferraro and Brunette, there is a pretty good corps of forwards to help Stefan and Dominichelli along.

Defensively, Atlanta needs to improve, but a lot of that involves the offense sustaining pressure at the other end of the ice. Constant pressure in the defensive zone can wear down a team, although Rhodes and Maracle should play better.

Don't expect too much, but winning more than 14 games is virtually guaranteed.

Brian A. Shactman is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com.