Thrashers goalie prospect Ondrej Pavelec won't report to AHL , says agent

Thrashers goaltending prospect Ondrej Pavelec won't report to the Chicago Wolves of the American League, his agent told Sporting News Saturday.

"When Ondrej signed two years ago, (Thrashers GM Don Waddell) gave Ondrej his word," Allan Walsh, Pavelec's agent, told Sporting News. "He sat there at the table and gave Ondrej his personal word that Ondrej would never be held back. Last year he led Chicago to an American League championship. This year he played in the first exhibition game and then the third period on October 3 - they threw him into the game cold in the third period. That is criminal mismanagement of a young goalie."

Pavelec, 21, was cut by the Thrashers and assigned to the Wolves Saturday. His agent said his client was never given a fair shake at making the team.

"He will never be part of an organization that doesn't keep its word and treats players in this manner," said Walsh.

Atlanta has Kari Lehtonen and Johan Hedberg as goalies ahead of Pavelec on the depth chart.

Walsh said Pavelec, a native of the Czech Republic, has options to play in Russia or would welcome a trade to another NHL team.

"We're evaluating where his next step is," Walsh said. "He's most likely going to get on a plane and go home right now."