I have no doubt that the Atlanta Thrashers are actively (even desperately) seeking a trade for LW sniper Ilya Kovalchuck.
With negotiations for re-signing Kovalchuk to a long-term deal hitting a “snag,” Thrashers GM Don Waddell must surely be looking for an exit strategy if his LW super star cannot be signed in the coming weeks.
To delay, at this point, would be to Atlanta's peril.
After all, the Thrashers need to look no further than their Southeast Division rivals in the Florida Panthers to see how disastrous a prolonged negotiation can play out with a player who will undoubtedly be the most sought-after free agent in the 2010 UFA market.
Jay Bouwmeester. Remember him?
The Panthers could not get Bouwmeester signed to a long-term extension last season as the trade deadline approached, then found themselves in a weakened position to negotiate a trade when the low-ball offers came pouring in at the deadline.
Ultimately, the Panthers held onto Bouwmeester in hopes of making the playoffs (they didn’t) and when they could not arrive at an off-season deal to keep Bouwmeester in Florida as the UFA signing perio ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Ronnybrook
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