For some reason this item from Wednesday's paper didn't make it onto our web site, so for anyone from out of town, here is an interesting little nugget:

Coach John Tortorella wished Eric Perrin well but also said not to let the door hit him on the way out.

"He can kiss my (butt),'' Tortorella said.

Perrin, who in 2004 at age 29 got his first NHL opportunity with the Lightning, which got a recommendation from Perrin's college buddy Marty St. Louis, signed with the Thrashers as a free agent for two years, $1.5-million. That, apparently, was just $150,000 more than the contract offered by Tampa Bay, which also offered a three-year deal worth $1.575-million.

"This organization spent a lot of time with this guy, a lot of time,'' Tortorella said. "Eric Perrin did some really good things for us, and the ice time he got, he deserved, but every year it's nothing but a pain to sign him.''

Said Perrin: "I can imagine them, maybe, being upset, but to me it's nothing personal. You're grateful you get your first opportunity in the NHL, but a lot of things have happened since I've been with the organization.''

Perrin had 13 goals and 36 points in 82 games last season playing primarily on Brad Richards' line. He was slotted next season as a fourth-line center. He said the Thrashers told him he will start on the third line.

"That to me was important,'' Perrin said. "I don't think any hockey player would blame me for making that decision. It's not personal and it's nothing against the experience I had in Tampa because everybody knows how much I love playing there. ... But everybody could see the writing on the walls that I wasn't going to get those opportunities.''

Tortorella was not moved.

"I wish him well,'' he said, "but good riddance.''