The latest on Alex Tanguay, Ilya Kovalchuk, Nik Zherdev and Matt Smaby.

ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun reports the Phoenix Coyotes are one of the teams speaking with UFA Alex Tanguay, whom LeBrun considers the best forward still available on the free agent market. A source however said there's a difference between the Coyotes speaking with Tanguay and signing him.

AJC.COM: Mark Bradley reports this summer's off-season moves by Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell are being done solely to impress winger Ilya Kovalchuk into re-signing with the club. Kovalchuk is eligible for UFA status next summer.  Waddell said he's had some good discussions with Kovalchuk's agent and suggested the next six weeks could be a timetable for talks about a contract extension to begin in earnest.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: If Kovalchuk isn't re-signed by the fall we can expect the trade rumors to start in earnest. Kovalchuk however might want to see how well the team performs with their new additions before committing himself to a long-term deal with the Thrashers.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are likely done with winger Nik Zherdev, who filed this week for salary arbitration. It's believed Zherdev is seeking a new contract worth $4.5 million and the club could walk away from any arbitration award worth more than $3.25 million. Brooks also suggests it could open up a second look at Dany Heatley, and the club has held talks with Dallas regarding Brad Richards and San Jose regarding Patrick Marleau but at this time there's no indication either player will be dealt. The Rangers are also believed interested in free agents Saku Koivu and Sergei Zubov.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: The Rangers would have to move considerable salary to afford Heatley, Richards or Marleau. They stand a better chance of landing Koivu or Zubov than in landing those other three.

TAMPABAY.COM: Damian Cristodero reports the agent for defenseman Matt Smaby is seeking a one-or-two year, one-way contract from the Lightning. Smaby filed for salary arbitration but GM Brian Lawton is confident the issue can be resolved before the arbitration hearing.