February 7, 2008
Thrashers scouting Montreal TheFourthPeriod.com
The Marian Hossa rumors continue to heat up, as Montreal's La Presse is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have been scouting the Canadiens.
On Sunday, Thrashers GM/head coach Don Waddell took in the Canadiens' home game against the NY Rangers.
Waddell told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was merely on a scouting trip and wasn't specifically there to talk trade with Habs GM Bob Gainey.
However, La Presse reports Waddell's right hand man, Mark Dobson, the Thrashers' Director of Player Personnel, also attended Sunday's game.
In fact, Dobson and Thrashers pro scout Peter Mahovlich were in Montreal Tuesday for their game against the Ottawa Senators.
The paper notes that a Hossa trade to Montreal is not set in stone. Sources tell TFP the two sides are talking, but nothing appears imminent.
According to La Presse, Waddell is covering his bases and weighing his options. If he cannot sign Hossa to an extension before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, he'll have to explore trading him.
If Hossa is traded, the Thrashers would apparently want a young NHL-ready player and a first-round pick, however the team might be interested in one of Montreal's top defensive prospects, a source said.
