Kovalchuk Rumblings

[Sweaty Eddie]

TheFourthPeriod.com
According to the Ottawa Sun, a number of NHL GMs are talking about the Atlanta Thrashers, who might be willing to make a major trade this season.

The paper reports talk within the league claims Thrashers superstar Ilya Kovalchuk might become available.

Kovalchuk, 25, has one-year remaining on his contract, beyond this season, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009-10 season.

[matty b]

I dont see why Atlanta would even consider trading Kovy, they dont have to much else down there, unless they are planning on a rebuild.

[Nick Kypreos]

In b4 Kovalchuk to Toronto???
I highly doubt the Thrashers will let him go unless its another Heatley for Hossa type mega-trade.

[Sweaty Eddie]

Toronto should be all over this. Fi I was Cliff flecher id be wheelin n dealin doin whatever I can. The leafs need some scoring badly

[Bud McLeaf]

Toronto should be all over this. Fi I was Cliff flecher id be wheelin n dealin doin whatever I can. The leafs need some scoring badly

[matty b]

I feel bad for Kovy. I always wonder what he'd be like on a team where the seats are jam packed every night and the team gives him something to work with. Like gaoltending. I hope the same doesnt happen with Ovy but Washington seems to be doing ok right now. It just seems like Atlanta dont care anymore, maybe they have a hard time getting players to come to the Thrashers? but they have the same problems every year, like goaltending.

[McLovin]

the Trashers suck every year no matter whos on their team.

[Bud McLeaf]

[matty b]

/\

Didnt they get smoked in the first round?

[Nick Kypreos]

Brian Little and Brett Sterling are pretty good, and young too plus they took Zach Bogosian 3rd overall last year. Maybe they are after a draft pick, ther'ye in a good position to rebuild and Could pick up a pretty high one with Kovalchuk. That wouldn't be a bad move.

EDIT

Toronto should be all over this. Fi I was Cliff flecher id be wheelin n dealin doin whatever I can. The leafs need some scoring badly

[Bud McLeaf]

Kovalchuk to Leafs 'a wild rumour'
Kevin McGran, The Toronto Star
Published: Sunday, November 02, 2008

Despite rumours to the contrary, Cliff Fletcher flatly denies the Maple Leafs are pursuing Atlanta Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk.

"I can absolutely tell you there has been no conversations about any player with Atlanta, let alone the player you mentioned," said Fletcher.

Kovalchuk, one of the few pure snipers in the NHL, sounds as if he wants out of Atlanta. Russian newspaper Sports Express Daily said the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens were the front-runners for his services.

"The start of the season could have been better," Kovalchuk said. "Atlanta lacks stability to win (more) often. One match we play well, another only start well. And we must play on the same high level for all 60 minutes."

Thrashers GM Don Waddell said he was aware of the story but called it "a wild rumour. I have no interest in trading Ilya."

Kovlachuk also said he'd rather play in a full arena than in front of the sparse crowds Atlanta has been drawing. The Thrashers are 28th in home attendance, with an average of 13,795 a game.

"Empty stands influence the mood of course," Kovalchuk said. "But not everything depends on us. There is an economic crisis in the country and people think how they can survive in the current situation and not about sport. But if we start winning the stands will fill up."

Sports Express said Fletcher approached Waddell at the recent league meetings in Chicago.

"I might have said hello to Don," said Fletcher. "But I haven't really talked to him in months."

Fletcher said he doesn't expect trade talk to heat up until December. "It's not like trades are happening around us. Usually you get to the 20-, 25-game mark before trades start happening."
The Toronto Star

[McLovin]

Interesting concept BUT.....What do the leafs have to give in return? Atlanta isnt going to let him go for cheap and Id rather the leafs hold on to their first rounder. (see sig pl0x)

[Bud McLeaf]

Mos Def. The only thing I can think of that the Thrashers might, MIGHT be interested in is a deal involving Justin Pogge but he hasn't been to strong in the AHL since joining and its tough to tell how goalies will turn out. (See: Andrew Raycroft). That being said, its a long shot, a very long shot and wed still ahve to give up a high pick and / or someone like Antropov if the Thrashers were even remotely interested.
I dont know how these rumors start.

[matty b]

No way Justin Pogge! Hes loosing his mind on the Marlies, same thing they were worried would happen to Schenn if they sent him back. He needs to play in the NHL, he'd be a million times better. I can see an injury happening to Toskala, forcing Pogge into the lineup where he'll win the roll, then trade off Toskala, hes probably got the best value on the team besides Kaberle.

[Sweaty Eddie]

No way Justin Pogge! Hes loosing his mind on the Marlies, same thing they were worried would happen to Schenn if they sent him back. He needs to play in the NHL, he'd be a million times better. I can see an injury happening to Toskala, forcing Pogge into the lineup where he'll win the roll, then trade off Toskala, hes probably got the best value on the team besides Kaberle.

Or a million times worse. No matter how many trades you guys can come up with, remember there will be a Leafs first rounder going back. The only way Atlanta trades is for a #1.

[Nick Kypreos]

Jesus.....I cant believe the amount of rumors swirling around the Leafs and Kovy right now including sending Kaberle on his merry way.
Not gunna happen ppl! He may not want to stay in Toronto at the end of the year, then the Leafs are royally screwed, especially if they give up a #1 for him.

[Bud McLeaf]

Pretty sure that draft pick would be conditional.

[1967]

I can't take anymore of these stupid rumors!
It dont matter who may be on the trading block, be it Datsyuk, Thornton, Phaneuf, there will always be a chance theyre coming to Toronto.
NO, KOVALCHUK IS NOT GOING TO BE A LEAF!

[matty b]

Kaberle and a first rounder say otherwise..