The Atlanta Thrashers are on the verge of trading captain Ilya Kovalchuk.
Thrashers GM Don Waddell told Kovalchuk of his decision this morning after the team's practice.
"It certainly appears to be the direction the club is moving in," Thrashers GM Jay Grossman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Ilya's disappointed. But we appreciate the fact there they've been honest about what their plans are."
While a deal is not imminent, several reports claim the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers are among the teams interested in Kovalchuk.
Kovalchuk, 26, is in the final year of his current contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Journal-Constitution reports the Thrashers could deal him by Friday, before the club's next game against the Washington Capitals. The paper also claims Kovalchuk is seeking near the league maximum on a new salary over a 10-12 year deal.
Sources close to the situation have told TFP the Thrashers have presented multiple five- to seven-year offers that would make Kovalchuk the highest paid player in the NHL, but would not go beyond that term.
