The Atlanta Thrashers went to great lengths to find some talent to add to their roster, and came up with ex-Leaf defenseman, Karel Pilar.The fact that the Thrashers are bringing in a player that hasn't played in the NHL since 2004 is not unusual. What makes this signing strange is Pilar's past history of viral myopathy, a serious condition that looked to have possibly ended his hockey playing days when it was diagnosed.
The Thrashers certainly hope that this is going to be a Hollywood ending, because it involves serious injury risk to Pilar. I seriously hope we don't see another Jiri Fischer-type incident.
Although Pilar has overcome his condition (twice), he has played only 16 games in the past two seasons (split between the AHL and Czech Republic). Perhaps the Thrashers have information that would deem Pilar to be 'safe', and hope that the Czech defenseman can help them improve on their putrid Goals Against statistics.
For fantasy leaguers, Pilar is just not worth the huge amount of risk involved, even with his offensive potential. While Pilar will have a chance for some primo Power Play time with the Thrashers, he has played so little pro hockey the past two years, that it's unlikely he'll be able to jump right into the fray and start racking up points.
Still, keep an eye on Pilar during the pre-season. If it appears that Pilar's health is holding up and he's getting good ice time, he may very well be a reserve spot.
